Key West to allow residents restricted access to parks and beaches
Officials in Key West, Florida have reopened all beaches and parks to residents with some restrictions.Beginning Monday April 27th, Key West residents will be able to take walks and exercise at parks and beaches while still practicing social distancing.“We hope that by easing some restrictions on public spaces our residents can enjoy the natural environment Key West has to offer,” City Manager Greg Veliz said.While the parks and beaches will be reopened, playgrounds and water features will still remain off limits to the public.The city says their next step will be to open up some nonessential businesses but that timeline will be entirely based on Florida’s stay-at-home order being lifted.
Clouds hang over PNC Park during a rain delay before a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Oakland Athletics in Pittsburgh Tuesday, July 9, 2013. The Athletics won 2-1. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) by Will GravesAP Sports WriterPITTSBURGH (AP) – Dan Straily pitched two-hit ball into the seventh inning, Brandon Moss hit a two-run homer and the Oakland Athletics beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Tuesday night.Straily (6-2) struck out seven and walked three in 6 1-3 innings for his second straight strong outing. Grant Balfour worked the ninth to remain perfect in 24 save chances this season. The A’s have won 10 of 13.Gerrit Cole (4-2) lost his second consecutive decision despite working seven innings for the first time in his four-week major league career. Cole allowed five hits, struck out four and walked two. Andrew McCutchen strikes out against Oakland Athletics closer pitcher Grant Balfour during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh Tuesday, July 9, 2013. The Athletics won 2-1. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)After the start was delayed 1 hour, 42 minutes, Pedro Alvarez hit his 23rd home run but Pittsburgh matched a season high with its fourth straight loss.Straily has struggled starting on four days’ rest during his brief major league career, coming in 0-3 with a 7.16 ERA when not given at least five days between starts.Yet the rookie had no issues dealing with Pittsburgh’s suddenly punchless offense. The Pirates have scored just six runs during a 2-6 slump that has dropped them behind first-place St. Louis in the heated NL Central race.Alvarez provided Pittsburgh’s lone run with a 448-foot drive to the bushes in center leading off the second. The home run made him just the third player in team history to reach 23 homers before the All-Star break, joining Ralph Kiner and Willie Stargell.In a way, Alvarez is having the type of season the franchise once envisioned for Moss. The first baseman spent parts of three seasons with the Pirates between 2008-10, with Pittsburgh hoping his raw left-handed power would help him pound balls off – or over – the Clemente Wall in right field.It never really happened. Moss hit all of 13 homers in 195 games for the Pirates before eventually making his way to Oakland, where he’s become a key cog in one of baseball’s biggest surprises.Moss provided a glimpse of what could have been in Pittsburgh in the fourth when Cole wobbled for the briefest of moments. The right-hander had retired nine straight when John Jaso stepped to the plate. The Pirates swung the defense to the right only to have Jaso smack a double down the left-field line. The ball would have been playable if Alvarez was in his normal position at third base. Instead, he was 40 feet away as the ball rolled into the outfield.One pitch later, Moss gave the A’s the lead, sending a changeup into the second row in right to give Straily all the backing he needed.The Pirates didn’t get a runner to third base over the final six innings. Their best chance to tie the game came in the seventh when Alvarez led off with a walk and moved to second on Russell Martin’s sacrifice bunt. Oakland reliever Sean Doolittle replaced Straily and struck out pinch-hitter Gaby Sanchez before getting Jordy Mercer to pop up to first.Jose Tabata led off the ninth with a single off Balfour, but Andrew McCutchen and Alvarez struck out before Martin grounded out meekly to first as Balfour extended his club record for consecutive save chances converted to 42, dating to last season.NOTES: The start of the game was pushed back due to the potential of inclement weather. While lightning flashed several times during the 1:42 delay, it never actually rained. … Oakland LF Yoenis Cespedes was selected to the American League team for the Home Run Derby next Monday night in New York. Cespedes, who has 15 home runs this season, is the first A’s player to be chosen for the Home Run Derby since Jason Giambi in 2001. … McCutchen went 0 for 3, ending his 10-game hitting streak. … The series wraps up on Wednesday when Pittsburgh LHP Francisco Liriano (8-3, 2.20 ERA) faces Oakland LHP Tommy Milone (8-7, 4.11). … Hall of Fame golfer Arnold Palmer, who grew up in Latrobe, about 45 minutes east of Pittsburgh, was in attendance.
Story by John Burton – Photos by Tina ColellaFlooding from Tuesday’s nor’easter that hit all the shore communities in Monmouth County was what those who live and travel through the area have come to know all too well: portions of roads were closed and you proceed through the water at your own and your vehicles’ risk.Sea Bright of course, had the most damage.Nearby Rumson, Oceanport, Monmouth Beach and Long Branch also suffered extreme flooding in some areas, re-routing traffic and rescuing drivers in flooded vehicles.Sea Bright Office of Emergency Management Director C. Read Murphy said of this storm, “This was a little bit stronger than a lot of the nor’easters but a short duration.”And during that brief but heavy storm, some of the borough streets prone to flooding, had as much as two-to-four feet of standing water on them for parts of Tuesday and into late Wednesday morning, he said, extending through three high tides.The areas that had the deepest flooding were some side streets on the borough’s very northern and southern end facing the Shrewsbury River and a portion of Ocean Avenue/state Highway 36, according to Murphy.Oceanport – Monmouth Boulevard“We had some significant flooding in low lying areas similar to other municipalities,” said Borough Administrator/Clerk Thomas Rogers. “The low lying areas are in the south of the borough and requires us to close roadways and detour traffic during the high tides.”“When the tides receded, the roads cleared,” he said. “Today (Wednesday) there was some ponding on some properties. It’s a normal occurrence during a soaking rain.”Oceanport had some significant flooding in the marine area and Monmouth Beach had some flooding on both the Shrewsbury River west end of the borough and some along Ocean Avenue as well.“We had some flooding throughout the town but no major catastrophes,” John O. Bennett III, Oceanport Borough Administrator.The borough closed the usual streets that usually flood Oceanport Ave., Arnold St., and Bridgewaters Drive.“The old borough hall was shown to be unacceptable again,” he said referring to the former borough hall that floods just about during every storm.He confirmed again it would be a problem to retain the existing building,Once the waters receded by 11:30 a.m. Tuesday “everything worked out fine,” Bennett said.Susan Howard, mayor of Monmouth Beach, said, “the water was really high especially along Oceanport Avenue.”“The water was almost level with the tops of the bulkheads,” she said. “But all of us who live here know which way to drive out.”No homes were reported flooded, however, she said.A couple of days prior to Monday night’s and Tuesday’s storm had strong northeast winds, which Murphy said, “exacerbated the water situation,” contributing to the flooding.This is a common occurrence during high tides and storms and borough residents have come to adapt to it, he noted. However, “The biggest problem were people driving thorough the water,” he observed, “and cars breaking down.”That happened to four vehicles, requiring borough employees to haul them out in Sea Bright alone.
There’s a new sheriff in town patrolling the ice surface at the NDCC Arena.Instead of a shiny badge this sheriff wears a “C” on his jersey.His name is Colton Schell and promises bigger and better times ahead for the Green and White on his watch.“I feel this year will be a lot better than last year,” the 20-year-old New Westminster native said prior to stepping onto the ice this week.“I feel we’re going to be better a lot sooner than last year and challenge for the division because so far everyone’s getting along . . . we’re all friends and we all are eager to put in the hard work to be successful.”This is Schell’s third go-around with the Leafs. That veteran leadership played a big part in No. 18 getting the “C” on his jersey prior to the start of the current campaign.“We’re happy with Colton being our captain and we think he’s going to be a great leader,” Leaf skipper Frank Maida told The Nelson Daily.“This is (Schell’s) third season here, and being 20 (years old) and wanting to come back as a 20-year-old and Colton being a leader off the ice helped us make the final decision.”Fans have seen the Leaf franchise take a slide the past few seasons back to number 3 in the hotly contested Neil Murdoch Division behind Castlegar and Beaver Valley.During that period Nelson failed to get out of the first round of the playoffs, losing to both the Rebels and Hawks. A reason for the drop after Nelson dominated not only the division but also the league in the latter years of the last decade has been the lack of stability behind the bench.The unsteadiness at the coaching ranks only led to a less than cohesive dressing room.“We all have to come to the rink ready to play, not only in games but also at practice during the week,” Schell explained. “There was a lot of joking around in between periods and a lot of drama off the ice that affected the team.”“That has to, and has already, change this season,” added Schell, finishing the last season with 23 goals and 42 assists in 48 games.Schell also proved to be a feisty player, accumulating 92 minutes in penalties.Of course two games doesn’t make a season for any team.Especially when the team plays a four-game exhibition season that the coaching staff uses to get a good look a rookies on the team.“I feel we’re going to be better sooner than later,” Schell said, after Nelson opened the season gaining one of a possible four points during a two-game set against Castlegar – playing to a 5-5 tie Friday and losing 1-0 Saturday in the Sunflower City.“We’re starting the season with everyone getting along with each other really well. We all talk and there’s no little groups like there was last year which I feel is a must to have success in any league.”Those idiosyncrasies every player brings to the rink has will be put to the test when Nelson plays the next three games on the road, beginning Thursday in Grand Forks against the new-and-improved Bruins.After going through the entire season with only one victory, the Bruins got that monkey off their back on opening weekend after surprising the Beaver Valley Nitehawks 3-2 in overtime.No doubt the new sheriff of the Leafs has already told his mates to be ready.ICE CHIPS: The Leafs had left-winger Brendan Colter in camp on a tryout basis. Princeton Posse released the 6-foot winger after Colter scored nine times in 39 games for the Okanagan Division squad. No word from the coaching staff if Colter will see any action this weekend. . . .Coach Maida was non-committal on the injured players, including two defencemen, Blake Arcuri and Andy Miller. All players are listed as day-to-day. . . . Nelson travels to Creston Saturday and Beaver Valley September 28 before returning home to face the defending KIJHL champs Saturday, September 29.
Almazan vows to comeback stronger after finals heartbreak Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Michael Porter Jr. stays patient as playing time increases Murray has said that the North Koreans’ hard-hitting style would make them suited to be her fourth line, a group of players who are typically asked to provide strong physical play in short bursts while giving their teammates with greater scoring responsibilities a chance to rest.Murray, who examined the North Koreans first hand during an event in Gangneung last year, has identified five players as memorable, but among them, only forwards Jong Su Hyon and Kim Hyang Mi made the trip for the Olympics.The unified Korean team will open their group action against Switzerland on Feb. 10. It will then face Sweden on Feb. 12 and Japan on Feb. 14. What draws attention is its Japan match, as many in both Koreas still harbor bitter resentment against Japan’s 35-year colonial rule that ended in 1945, three years before two different governments were formally established on the Korean Peninsula.Conservatives in Seoul have held a series of small-scale rallies in recent days. On Monday, activists burned Kim’s photo and a North Korean flag as the head of the North’s popular girl band passed by them during a visit to the capital. North Korea responded Tuesday by warning similar actions could disrupt ongoing reconciliation efforts.South Korean officials hope an Olympic-inspired mood of detente would serve as a stepping stone to the resumption of diplomatic talks that could slow down North Korea’s nuclear advancement. North Korea, however, has insisted it won’t discuss its nuclear program during its ongoing talks with South Korea, and some experts warn that tensions could flare again after the Olympics.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue is BWAA 2019 Fight of the Year The North Koreans traveled on to a national athletes’ village in southern South Korea, where they were welcomed by their South Korean teammates and Canadian coach Sarah Murray, who presented them flower bouquets in an outdoor welcoming ceremony.“I sincerely welcome your arrival,” Lee Jae-kun, head of the athletes’ village, told the North Koreans after they got off a bus.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkPark Chol Ho, a North Korean coach who arrived with the 12 athletes and two support staff, told reporters that he’s happy to team up with South Koreans. “I’m very pleased with the fact that North and South are united as one to participate in (the Olympics). I expect we’ll see good results if we unite our efforts … though we don’t have much time,” he said.The Korean players later shouted “We are one!” and took a group photo. North and South Korean players plan to practice separately for several days as Murray needs time to learn about the North Koreans. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. North Korean women’s ice hockey players arrive at the South Korea’s national training center, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, in Jincheon, South Korea. Twelve North Korean female hockey players have crossed the border into South Korea to form the rivals’ first-ever Olympic team during next month’s Pyeongchang Winter Games. (Song Kyung-Seok/Pool Photo via AP)SEOUL, South Korea — Female hockey players from the rival Koreas were paired up with each other Thursday to form their first-ever Olympic squad during next month’s Pyeongchang Winter Games, as their countries press ahead with rare reconciliation steps following a period of nuclear tensions.A dozen North Korean hockey players wearing white-and-red winter parkas crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea earlier Thursday, as about 30-40 conservative activists shouted anti-Pyongyang slogans at a nearby border area.ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Newsome sets focus on helping Bolts open new PBA season on right track View comments The players were sharing the same locker room and the lockers of the North Korean players were deliberately placed between those of their South Korean teammates so that they could become close quickly, according to Yonhap news agency.The Koreas fielded a single team to major sports events only twice, both in 1991. One event was the world table tennis championships and the other soccer’s World Youth Championship. But this is the first time they’ve assembled a single team for the Olympics.The Koreas explored how to cooperate in the Olympics after the North’s leader Kim Jong Un abruptly said in his New Year’s address that he was willing to send an Olympic delegation. As part of the rapprochement deals, the Koreas also agreed for their athletes to march together under a single flag during the Feb. 9 opening ceremony. Some experts say North Korea may want to use improved ties with the South as a way to weaken U.S.-led international sanctions.The International Olympic Committee has allowed 22 North Korean athletes, including the 12 hockey players, to compete in Pyeongchang in exceptional entries given to the North, which initially had none for the games. The 10 others will compete in figure skating, short track speed skating, Alpine skiing and cross-country skiing. They will come to South Korea on Feb. 1.The joint hockey team deal has triggered a backlash in South Korea, with a survey showing about 70 percent of respondents opposing the idea because it would deprive South Korean players of playing time. The IOC-brokered agreement requires at least three North Korean players to suit up for each game, meaning that three from South Korea’s original roster cannot play in those games.ADVERTISEMENT Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours MOST READ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson D-League: Zark’s-Lyceum destroys AMA by 24 OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson
Sometimes the most exciting weekend activities are visits to places that are off limits to the mind. That makes the journey all the more fascinating; especially to places we don’t get to visit often. Bomi Lake is situated in the middle of the surrounding mountains and is about 300 feet deep. The area was once an iron ore mine owned by the Liberia Mining Company, which finally closed down in the late 1970s due to the reduction of iron ore on the world market.After we passed Tubmanburg, the capital city of Bomi County, the LIB Life team had to stop and ask for directions, as the road leading to the lake has no signs directing travelers on their expedition. The road from Tubmanburg to Bomi Lake is not that long but is a very rough, uphill terrain. It is recommended that a sport-utility or higher-built vehicle be used when accessing the lake. The lake is a regular hangout spot for many youth living in Tubmanburg. On the way up the mountain, there are groups of them going and coming from the place, and can readily give directions on the right way. It only took us a few minutes before we parked in front of our destination: a calm, beautiful lake with an amazing history.As we drove through the rock, the spectacular view revealed itself in the sun’s reflection on top of the water, giving it the blue surface from whence its name is derived. When our LIB Life team drove further down to the mouth of the lake, I noticed that the iron ore mining operations had left large cascading platforms on the mountains, but that was not all. I was surprised to find that the water had risen to the extent that it covered the vast hole left behind. I began to wonder where the water came from to fill the crater, since it is not linked to any flowing water sources. When I asked one of the boys who were taking care of the area to show me where the water came from, he pointed his finger directly up a mountain far above the lake in front of me. It became clear to me that the waters sprang from there and ran down into the crater. Indeed, the mark indicating the water’s origin and trail was clear. On that particular day, however, I saw no water running down into the crater, and I again asked why. He explained to me that we are in the dry season; but that when the rains arrive, the water will flow again. Whether rain or shine, however, the lake never rises above its banks, nor does it run dry.It was not just the color of the water that fascinated me but also its warmth, purity, and the incredible beauty of the entire environment. The singing of the weaver birds from their nest-covered trees rendered my mind stress free like never before and the cool air gave me a warm sense of relaxation. The site would be wonderful for a hotel or casino, and of course water sports. The water level is absolutely stable, making it a fantastic scuba diving spot. There is ample flat ground around the lake for picnics and other group or more private activities. The lake is managed by the office of the Mayor of Tubmanburg, which is responsible to keep it clean and safe. There is a cost to enter the facility: approximately L$100 per person and US$5 for vehicles. From the trip, I came away with the overwhelming conclusion that if Bomi Lake is properly taken care of, it definitely has the potential to rival any world-class tourist destination.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
The organizing committee of the Brownie J. Samukai Sports Tournament has disclosed plan to honor several community members on Friday, November 14, after the closing ceremony of the tournament was disrupted by a heavy downpour of rain last Sunday.The Brownie J. Samukai Tournament, which ended Saturday, November 11, featured kickball and football teams from 18 communities in Electoral District # 11.The month long tournament was sponsored by Uncle Zah Laundry and Monrovia Liquor Store. Darmawolor Community captured the trophy after defeating 1407 Block B Community in the grand football final, while Gayedukpaye Community lifted the kickball trophy. In a previous match, the organizing committee of the tournament defeated officers of the Liberia National Police assigned at Zone 4 in a spectacular soccer encounter.Mass Solo, head of the organizing committee said the Brownie J. Samukai tournament was a non-political undertaking to unite the people of Electoral District # 11.Solo disclosed that the tournament achieved its objective because thousands of community members were attracted to the games. Defense Minister Samukai lauded the communities for accepting to participate in the tournament and disclosed that first and second place winners would be awarded L$100, 000 and L$50, 000 respectively.Amid the intermittent applauses, Minister Samukai announced that the first and second winners of the kickball game would receive L$50, 000 and L$25, 000 respectively. He also plans to sponsor another tournament for children in the district. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
0Shares0000Former head coach Zdravko Logarusic had applied for the job.PHOTO/Raymond MakhayaNAIROBI, Kenya, July 5 – Former Gor Mahia head coach Zdravko Logarusic had expressed interest in returning to the team, but the club’s management has not considered him as they narrow down their search for a new boss to two foreign coaches.The Croatian, who coached the record 15-time Kenyan Premier League champions from 2012 to 2013, had expressed interest in returning to the club he helped to the GOtv Shield and KPL Top 8 titles in his debut season, having left Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko. Gor have now whittled down their search from the initial applicant list of 12 to two, former Simba SC head coach Briton Dylan Kerr and Italian Stephano Maccoppi, who is the immediate former head coach of Romanian second tier side Ceahlăul Piatra Neamt.“We will contact both of them today, listen to their terms and lay out what we have to offer. We will then weigh both and whoever we will agree terms with should be the new head coach. This should happen by latest Thursday and by our next league match, the new man should be here,” Gor Mahia deputy Secretary General Ronald Ngala has told Capital Sport.Briton Dylan Kerr has previously managed Tanzania giants Simba SC.PHOTO/courtesyEnglishman Kerr, 50, is a former Leeds United and Reading FC defender and he coached Tanzanian giants Simba in 2015 before parting ways and starting work back at his native England as the Chesterfield FC Under-18 coach.He has also managed Vietnamese top tier side Hải Phòng. Previously, Kerr worked as part of the technical team at the Vietnamese National Team for the Suzuki Cup and Asian Games, assisting the technical bench and heading the Fitness program.His biggest managerial success was leading Hải Phòng to the Veitnamese FA Cup title in his debut season in 2014.Italian Maccoppi will be making his first sojourn to Africa, if he is successfully picked as the new man at the helm of K’Ogalo.The 55-year old former defender has spent most of his coaching time in Switzerland, having worked as an assistant coach at FC Sion, a top Swiss side in 2014.Italian Stephano Maccoppi, who is the immediate former head coach of Romanian second tier side Ceahlăul Piatra Neamt. PHOTO/courtesyHe has previously been head coach at fourth tier side FC Bellinzona, third tier side FC La Chaux-De-Fonds, Yverdon Sport and fifth tier side FC Locarno.K’Ogalo has not had an Italian manager in the recent past while if Kerr is successful, he will be the third Englishman to work at the club with Bobby Williamson and Frank Nuttall having previously held the post.Club legend Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has been holding forte at the club since the departure of Brazilian Jose Marcelo Ferreira who asked for termination of his contract to join Albanian top tier side KF Tirana.In the league, Otieno has seen the side pick only a point from two games with a loss at the hands of Sofapaka and a draw with Ulinzi Stars last weekend.He has been successful in Cup competitions, leading the side to a 3-1 win over Nairobi Water in the GOtv Shield first round and triumph at the SportPesa Super Cup in Tanzania.Former head coach Zdravko Logarusic had applied for the job.PHOTO/Raymond MakhayaMeanwhile, the club will be shifting their attention to the history making tie against English Premier League side Everton FC next week Thursday at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.Gor will depart the country on Monday with their entire 28-man squad ahead of the duel against Ronald Koeman’s men.“It is a very huge opportunity for the club to play against an EPL opponent. These are players they are used to seeing on TV but getting to actually play against them is a huge privilege. We will go there to compete fully and hope we can win,” Ngala said ahead of the trip.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
0Shares0000Van Dijk made a winning return to Southampton as Liverpool swatted aside the toothless Saints © AFP / Adrian DENNISSOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom, Feb 11 – Virgil van Dijk celebrated his first Premier League win as the world’s most expensive defender on his return to Southampton as Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah ensured Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners at St Mary’s on Sunday.Van Dijk was jeered by the home support following his £75 million move to Anfield last month, but got his revenge by shutting out a toothless Saints side who drop into the relegation zone. By contrast, Liverpool moved back above Tottenham into third and to within two points of bitter rivals Manchester United in second following the Red Devils’ defeat at Newcastle earlier on Sunday.In a recurring theme of Liverpool’s season, Jurgen Klopp’s men made a fast start by scoring inside 10 minutes for the ninth time this campaign.Van Dijk began the move as he cut out a cross with his head before Liverpool ‘keeper Loris Karius freed another former Southampton player, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.His pass to Salah was turned inside by the Egyptian for Firmino to apply the finishing touch for his 20th goal of the season.Southampton responded well to going behind, but lacked a clinical touch as their wait for a first home league win since November continued.Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had the hosts’ best chance for an instant reply when he fired too close to Karius at the back post.The German goalkeeper was then put to work by headers from Guido Carrillo and twice by James Ward-Prowse but wasn’t unduly troubled.And Liverpool showed why the sides are battling at different ends of the table with a stunning move to double their lead three minutes before half-time.Salah slotted in his 22nd league goal of the campaign © AFP / Adrian DENNISFirmino returned the favour from the first goal with an audacious backheel into Salah’s path and he slotted the ball into the bottom corner for his 22nd league goal of the campaign to close back to within one of Harry Kane in the golden boot race.Salah missed a huge chance to move level with the Englishman when he side-footed into the side-netting with the goal at his mercy after Alex McCarthy had saved Firmino’s initial effort 20 minutes from time.Van Dijk had been subjected to criticism following shock defeats by Swansea and West Brom and conceding a last-gasp penalty as Spurs snatched a draw at Anfield in his previous three outings.But the former Saints captain will scarcely have had an easier 90 minutes at St Mary’s as Southampton failed to muster any danger after the break.More of Liverpool’s former Southampton contingent, Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana, should have rubbed salt in the home side’s wounds when they both fired wide when clean through.However, the visitors were able to coast through the final stages with Firmino and Salah even replaced in perfect preparation for their return to Champions League action at Porto in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Wednesday.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
0Shares0000Eyes for goal: Al Ahly’s Walid Azaro celebrates his goal © AFP / SALAH HABIBIJOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Aug 18 – Title-holders Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Al Ahly of Egypt ground out 1-0 victories Friday to reach the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.A sizzling Anas el Asbahi shot on 56 minutes earned Wydad maximum points against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in a cagey Casablanca clash of few scoring opportunities. Walid Azaro struck after 32 minutes as Ahly made it three away Champions League victories in a row over Esperance of Tunisia in Rades.Elsewhere, Horoya of Guinea beat Port of Togo 2-1 in Conakry and TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo fought back to force a 1-1 draw at Entente Setif of Algeria.Wydad, who beat Ahly 2-1 on aggregate in the 2017 final, also clinched first place in Group C, which means they will face a group runner-up away and at home in the quarter-finals.The defending champions barely tested Sundowns’ Ugandan goalkeeper Denis Onyango until El Asbahi unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box that flew into the corner of the net.Sundowns were equally ineffective in attack until the closing stages when they forced a number of corners and Venezuelan Jose Ali Meza wasted a good chance by shooting weakly.The South African side must now defeat second-place Horoya in Pretoria on August 28 to finish runners-up on the head-to-head rule having drawn 2-2 in Conakry during May.Mandela Ocansey gave the Guinean outfit an early lead over Port, Ablamvi Djadja levelled soon after half-time and Bolaji Sakin netted the 58th-minute winner.Ahly continued their Champions League dominance of Esperance in Tunisia thanks to Moroccan Azaro, whose goal continued a turnaround under recently hired coach Patrice Carteron.When the Frenchman took charge, the ‘Cairo Red Devils’ were bottom of Group A with just one point following a shock loss in Uganda against Kampala Capital City Authority.But back-to-back victories over Township Rollers of Botswana and the triumph at already-qualified Esperance have lifted Ahly to the top of the table.If Ahly beat Kampala in Egypt this month, they are guaranteed to win the group while seeking a record-extending ninth Champions League (formerly African Cup of Champions Clubs) title.A second successive away match in Algeria brought another draw for five-time champions Mazembe, who appear the strongest title contenders this season from outside north Africa.Mohamed Islam Bakir put twice African title-holders Setif ahead just before the hour and Zambian Kabaso Chongo equalised 14 minutes from time.Mazembe are sure to win Group B and 1976 African champions Mouloudia Alger are likely to join them in the September 3 quarter-finals draw.Mouloudia, away to winless Difaa el Jadida of Morocco, are among eight clubs who will be in action Saturday.0Shares0000(Visited 2 times, 1 visits today)