Morocco battle back to beat Togo at Cup of Nations (Read full details)

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Morocco's midfielder Romain Saiss (2nd-L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Morocco and Togo in Oyem on January 20, 2017.
ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP

Togo's forward Emmanuel Adebayor heads the ball during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Morocco and Togo in Oyem on January 20, 2017.
ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP

Morocco's forward Aziz Bouhaddouz (2nd-L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Morocco and Togo in Oyem on January 20, 2017.
ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP

Herve Renard’s Morocco came roaring back from behind to beat Togo 3-1 in Oyem on Friday and breathe life into their Africa Cup of Nations bid.

In front of a sparse crowd, Mathieu Dossevi had given Togo an early lead in northern Gabon, but goals from Aziz Bouhaddouz and Romain Saiss had the Atlas Lions in front before the midway point in the first half.

Substitute Youssef En-nesyri then smashed in a third goal in the second half as Morocco bounced from back their opening defeat to DR Congo to go second in Group C.

They are a point behind DR Congo and one ahead of the Ivory Coast, who they face in their final group game in Oyem next Tuesday. DR Congo and the Ivorians, the reigning champions, drew 2-2 earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Adebayor’s Togo prop up the section with just one point, and must win against DR Congo in Port-Gentil in their last match if they are to stay alive.

Renard, who led the Ivory Coast to glory at the Cup of Nations two years ago and also guided Zambia to the title in Gabon in 2012, was staring at the prospect of an ignominious early exit as Morocco fell behind inside five minutes.

Togo broke downfield and Floyd Ayite slid in Dossevi, who guided a low shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

However, Morocco’s reply was swift as they drew level in the 14th minute, Togo ‘keeper Kossi Agassa coming and missing a corner and St Pauli forward Bouhaddouz heading in at the back post.

It was from another set-piece that Morocco took the lead as Faycal Fajr whipped in a free-kick from wide on the left and midfielder Saiss, who plays his club football in England, headed home.

Captain Adebayor was Togo’s most likely source of an equalising goal but he was denied a quick leveller by the goalkeeper and also headed a Dossevi cross over early in the second half.

With Claude Le Roy’s side forced to push men forward as they chased the game, Morocco put the outcome beyond doubt in the 72nd minute.

Not long on from the bench, Malaga’s En-nesyri tried his luck on his left foot from 25 yards and the ball bounced in front of Agassa on its way in as Morocco secured the most convincing win of the tournament so far.

Morocco battle back to beat Togo at Cup of Nations

Milan sign Deulofeu on loan from Everton (Read full details)

The 22-year-old former Barcelona player has played just 13 times for Everton this season, failing to convince Dutch manager Ronald Koeman of his ability.

Spanish winger Gerard Deulofeu moved from Everton to AC Milan on loan until the end of the season on Friday, the Italian giants announced on Twitter.

The 22-year-old former Barcelona player has played just 13 times for Everton this season, failing to convince Dutch manager Ronald Koeman of his ability.

Deulofeu joined Everton on loan in 2014 before making the move permanent a year later.

Milan sign Deulofeu on loan from Everton

Mexican drug lord ‘El Chapo’ pleads not guilty in US (Read full details)

This handout picture released by the Mexican Interior Ministry on January 19, 2017 shows Joaquin Guzman Loera aka "El Chapo" Guzman (C) escorted in Ciudad Juarez by the Mexican police as he is extradited to the United States. Mexican drug baron Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, one of the world's most notorious criminals, was extradited to the United States on January 19, 2017 to face charges. – Pixelation of faces was done by the Mexican Interior Ministry<br />HO / INTERIOR MINISTRY OF MEXICO / AFP

Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, one of the world’s most notorious criminals, pleaded not guilty Friday to multiple drug trafficking, firearms and conspiracy charges in a US court.

The 59-year-old drug baron, who has twice escaped from jail in Mexico, appeared in the packed federal court room in Brooklyn dressed in blue prison scrubs and looking tired, just hours after his extradition to New York.

Guzman spoke softly, addressing Magistrate Judge James Orenstein in Spanish as “yes, sir” and speaking through an interpreter, said an AFP reporter.

He entered the not guilty plea after being slapped with a sweeping 17-count indictment, which include charges of leading a continuing criminal enterprise for alleged drug trafficking from late 1989 to September 2014.

If found guilty, he stands to spend the rest of his life behind bars in a maximum security US prison, but it remains unclear how soon a trial can begin.

Orenstein set February 3 for the next hearing in the case, which he described as complex. Any trial is expected to last weeks and involve many witnesses.

Mexican drug lord ‘El Chapo’ pleads not guilty in US

The Biography Of Alexx Ekubo [Age, Life Profile & Net Worth]

Alex Ekubo-Okwaraeke(born April 10, 1986) also known as Alexx Ekubo, is a Nigerian actor and model. He was first runner up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. He won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the Weekend Getaway.

Alexx Ekubo is a native of Arochukwu, Abia State. He attended the Federal Government College Daura, Katsina State. He studied Law at the University of Calabar and later got a diploma in Mass Communication from Calabar Polytechnic.

Ekubo’s film debut was a minor role in Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen’s Sinners in the House (2005); his first major role was in Ladies Men several years later.

• An Uzomedia Biography

Pope Francis calls on Trump to help poor and outcasts (Read full details)

Pope Francis<br />/ AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO

Pope Francis congratulated US President Donald Trump on his inauguration Friday, urging the new president to keep fighting for the poor at a time of “grave humanitarian crises.”

Francis offered his “cordial good wishes” and hoped Trump would be granted “wisdom and strength in the exercise” of his office.

But the pontiff struck a cautionary chord in his message to Trump, imploring the former reality TV star to continue to help those who suffer the most.

“At a time when our human family is beset by grave humanitarian crises demanding farsighted and united political responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by the rich spiritual and ethical values that have shaped the history of the American people and your nation’s commitment to the advancement of human dignity and freedom worldwide,” wrote Francis.

“Under your leadership, may America’s stature continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need who, like Lazarus, stand before our door.”

Earlier in Washington, Trump had placed his left hand on a bible used by Abraham Lincoln and recited the US presidential oath.

But in his inauguration speech, Trump gave little indication his thoughts matched the Pope’s as he vowed to put “only America first” and make the country “rich again”.

Pope Francis calls on Trump to help poor and outcasts

Jammeh finally agrees to step down (Read full details)

Long-term Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh has finally agreed to step down as the president of the West African country, paving way for the internationally recognised president Adama Barrow to take over the reins.

Barrow was sworn in on Thursday at the Gambian embassy in Dakar, Senegal after Jammeh refused to recognise the result of the election that terminated his 22-year hold on power.

Jammeh finally agrees to step down

Actor Alexx Ekubo Shares Throwback Photo

This is just one of actor Alexx Ekubo throwback picture, he shared this photo yesterday.

These Educative, Entertaining And Inspirational Pictures Will Blow Your Mind – 46

These are just pictures but they tell stories that will either Educate, Entertain or Motivate you…

Chelsea won’t dwell on Costa, Spurs plan City misery (Read full details)

Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa / AFP PHOTO / LINDSEY PARNABY /

Chelsea will bid to put the Diego Costa crisis behind them when the Premier League leaders host Hull, while title chasing Tottenham aim to maintain their hot streak at troubled Manchester City on Saturday.

Blues striker Costa reportedly clashed with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte last week over the club’s treatment of his back injury.

Amid reports that Costa was also the subject of a lucrative offer from Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian, Conte kept his players focused as they crushed Leicester 3-0 last weekend despite the absence of the Spain striker.

With Chelsea refusing to consider selling their leading scorer, Conte appears to have smoothed any troubled waters and Costa returned to full training this week.

Conte has refused to acknowledge there was even a dispute with Costa, but it will be instructive to see if he restores the notoriously volatile star to his starting line-up with so much at stake in the title race.

“Yes, I think the player wants to stay at Chelsea. This idea (to move) is far from his mind,” Conte said on Friday when asked if Costa was available to face Hull.

“Diego is a good player. He’s a good person. Now he’s only focused on Chelsea.

“I’m sure about his commitment, his will to fight with this team to try to win the title.”

In the unlikely event of a Chelsea slip, second-placed Tottenham could close the seven-point gap on their London rivals when they travel to Eastlands.

City’s 4-0 thrashing at Everton last Sunday was the heaviest league loss of Pep Guardiola’s glittering managerial career and left them languishing 10 points behind Chelsea after a second defeat in their last three league games.

That prompted Guardiola to write off City’s title hopes and led critics to question whether the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona chief can succeed in England.

Tottenham pose another threat to Guardiola’s equilibrium after reeling off a six-game winning run.

– ‘Intense’ –
But Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, who handed Guardiola his first defeat as City boss in October, is certain his rival will eventually make his mark.

“Guardiola is one of the best managers. It is difficult to come to a new club and bring a new philosophy but he is doing very well. I am sure he will be a success,” Pochettino said.

With his squad short on energy and inspiration in recent weeks, Guardiola could freshen up his attack by giving a debut to teenage Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus, who officially completed his move from Palmeiras this week.

“I’ve watched the Premier League and I noticed it’s very hard, intense style of play,” Jesus said.

“I hope to adapt as quickly as possible in the first contact I have with the game.”

Liverpool striker Divock Origi has challenged his team-mates to keep the pressure on Chelsea when they host relegation-threatened Swansea.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are seven points behind Chelsea in third place after losing ground in the title race following a frustrating 1-1 draw at bitter rivals Manchester United last weekend.

But Origi is convinced Liverpool can still win a first title since 1990.

“I think it’s very tight above us at the moment, but you just have to look at it game by game,” Origi said.

“There are still a lot of big games, important games, so we have to stay together and finish well.”

Manchester United’s visit to Stoke offers the chance to exorcise some bad memories as Jose Mourinho’s side target a push towards the top four.

United’s lowest point of last season came in this fixture when, amid fevered speculation about Louis van Gaal’s future as manager, they performed woefully and slipped to a 2-0 Boxing Day defeat.

United have made slow progress since Mourinho replaced Van Gaal in the close-season, but a 12-match unbeaten run in the league has moved them within four points of the Champions League places.

“Stoke have got some very good players and we know it’s probably not the same going there now as it was seven or eight years ago,” United midfielder Michael Carrick said.

Fourth-placed Arsenal, eight points behind Chelsea, have no margin for error against Burnley.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Bournemouth v Watford, Crystal Palace v Everton, Liverpool v Swansea (1230 GMT), Manchester City v Tottenham (1730 GMT), Middlesbrough v West Ham, Stoke v Manchester United, West Brom v Sunderland

Sunday

Arsenal v Burnley (1415 GMT), Chelsea v Hull (1630 GMT), Southampton v Leicester (1200 GMT)

Chelsea won’t dwell on Costa, Spurs plan City misery

Gerrard returns to Liverpool as academy coach (Read full details)

The 36-year-old, who made 710 appearances for Liverpool before joining the Galaxy in 2015, will take up a full-time role at the Reds' Kirkby youth complex from February.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard will return to coach at their academy next month, the Premier League outfit said on Friday.

Gerrard had been widely tipped to join the Anfield coaching staff following his decision to leave LA Galaxy after 18 months with the MLS team.

The 36-year-old, who made 710 appearances for Liverpool before joining the Galaxy in 2015, will take up a full-time role at the Reds’ Kirkby youth complex from February.

Merseyside-born Gerrard spent 17 years with Liverpool having graduated from the academy, captaining his hometown team to Champions League glory in 2005 and FA Cup success a year later.

“It feels like completing the circle; returning to the place where professionally it all began. However, this isn’t a decision based on emotion – it’s about what I can offer and contribute to Liverpool,” said Gerrard, who also won the UEFA Cup and three League Cups in his glittering Liverpool career.

“I don’t think I need to explain to people what this football club means to me, but when I knew coming back was a serious option I wanted to make sure it was a substantive role and a role in which I could really help the organisation.

“Meeting with (academy director) Alex Inglethorpe, seeing the work they are currently doing and want to do in the future at Kirkby, it just felt right. The right option at the right time, for all parties involved.

“This gives me a great opportunity to learn and develop as a coach, while at the same time offering my knowledge, ideas and experience to the young players at an important period of their development.”

– -Apprenticeship –
Gerrard has been keen to go into coaching since hanging up his boots and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has always appeared open to his returning to Anfield in some capacity.

The former England midfielder had been spotted at several matches involving his old club recently and, after turning down the chance to move into management with third tier Milton Keynes Dons in November, Gerrard has opted to start his coaching apprenticeship in familiar surroundings.

Inglethorpe believes Gerrard’s appointment will prove hugely beneficial for all parties.

“If I was to pick one individual who embodies the characteristics and values we are looking to instil into our organisation at Kirkby it would be Steven Gerrard,” he said.

“For him to have been so enthusiastic about being part of what we are looking to do is simply great news for everyone connected to the club.

“I don’t think it would surprise anyone to know that Steven has had a host of great options, in terms of what to do next in his career, including playing, management and coaching.

“But it’s been evident from the first meeting with him that his heart and head belongs here.

“He has shown great humility in making it clear from the outset he wants a role where he can contribute to Liverpool; it’s typical of him that his priority has been defining the role so it helps the club, ahead of himself.

“He has expressed a desire to learn from us and manage a young team. The benefits to us will be immense.”

Gerrard returns to Liverpool as academy coach

Champions Ivory Coast hit back to hold DR Congo (Read full details)

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Ivory Coast's midfielder Franck Kessie (C) challenges Democratic Republic of the Congo's midfielder Merveille Bokadi and Democratic Republic of the Congo's defender Chancel Mbemba (R) during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo in Oyem on January 20, 2017.
ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP

Ivory Coast's midfielder Serey Die (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo in Oyem on January 20, 2017.
ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP

Democratic Republic of the Congo's players acknowledge supporters during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo in Oyem on January 20, 2017.
ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP

Defending champions the Ivory Coast had to come from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo Friday in a lively Africa Cup of Nations clash.

The result in the northern Gabonese town of Oyem kept the vibrant Congolese top of Group C with four points from two matches followed by the Ivorians with two.

Togo have one point and Morocco, their opponents later Friday in the second match of a double-header, are pointless.

Another defeat for Morocco, guided by twice Cup of Nations-winning coach Herve Renard, and they will be eliminated having gone down by a lone goal to DR Congo four days ago.

Neeskens Kebano and Junior Kabananga scored for the Congolese while Wilfried Bony and captain Geoffrey Serey Die got the Ivorian goals.

The fixture had a history of goals with four previous Cup of Nations meetings delivering 13, including four when the Ivory Coast won a semi-final 3-1 two years ago.

It was no surprise, then, that a lively first half in which both sides were committed to attack ended 2-1 in favour of the Congolese.

After only one goal in the opening two matches in Oyem, this was a welcome change for spectators seeking goalmouth excitement.

Kebano put twice champions DR Congo ahead on nine minutes with a sizzling shot across goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo into the far corner of the net.

The goal stemmed from a throw-in to Kabananga, who pushed it back to Kebano, whose first name stems from the respect his father had for former Dutch star Johan Neeskens.

DR Congo were looking sharper than the title-holders until recalled Bony began to make an impact from midway through the half with his aerial strength.

He nodded narrowly wide on 22 minutes and soon after equalised with a powerful glancing header past goalkeeper Ley Matampi following a corner.

The teams remained level for only three minutes, though, before Kabananga put the Congolese ahead again with his second goal of the tournament.

Unmarked at the far post, he soared to powerfully nod a cross past Gbohouo, who plays his club football in DR Congo with six-time African champions TP Mazembe.

Ivory Coast equalised again midway through the second half with a deflected shot from Serey Die leaving Matampi stranded.

Substitute Salomon Kalou thought he had snatched a stoppage-time winner for the Ivorians, but was correctly ruled offside.

Champions Ivory Coast hit back to hold DR Congo

Obama out, Trump in: American presidential inauguration in pictures (Read full details)

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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today's inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States. Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (L) takes the oath of office as his wife Karen Pence looks on, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today's inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/AFP

Vice President Mike Pence, President-elect Donald Trump President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on the podium before Trump's swearing in ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Paul J. Richards

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) speaks to Vice President-elect Mike Pence on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today's inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States. Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP

US President-elect Donald Trump gestures before being sworn in as President on January 20, 2017 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. / AFP PHOTO / Mark RALSTON

US President Barack Obama(R) and First Lady Michelle Obama(L) welcome Preisdent-elect Donald Trump(2nd-R) and his wife Melania to the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

US President Barack Obama(R) and First Lady Michelle Obama(L) welcome Preisdent-elect Donald Trump(2nd-R) and his wife Melania to the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

US Vice President Joe Biden(R)and his wife Jill(2nd-R) welcome Vice-president elect Mike Pence(L) and his wife Karen to the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

US President Barack Obama departs the Oval Office for the last time as president, at the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

Donald Trump (L) is sworn in as the 45th US president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in front of the Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Timothy A. CLARY

President-elect Donald Trump(C)is greeted by US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama(L) as he arrives at the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

US President Barack Obama walks through the colonnade as he departs the Oval Office for the last time as president, at the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

US Vice President Joe Biden(R)and his wife Jill(2nd-R) welcome Vice-president elect Mike Pence(L) and his wife Karen to the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

US President Barack Obama is seen in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC prior to departing for the last time as president January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

President-elect Donald Trump(C)is greeted by US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama(L) as he arrives at the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

US President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as President on January 20, 2017 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. / AFP PHOTO / Mark RALSTON

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today's inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States. Alex Wong/Getty Images/AFP

Protesters display anti-Trump placards as they wait to get to the National Mall for the inaugration of US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2107.

Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States Friday — capping his improbable journey to the White House and beginning a four-year term that promises to shake up Washington and the world. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD

Donald Trump became the 45th president of United States on Friday, ushering in a new political era that is cheered and feared in equal measure.

The 70-year-old Republican billionaire placed his left hand on a bible used by Abraham Lincoln and recited the 35-word oath spoken since George Washington, and then launched into a much-anticipated inaugural address.

“We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people,” Trump told a crowd of hundreds of thousands massed on the National Mall.

See the gallery above for pictures from the inauguration.

Obama out, Trump in: American presidential inauguration in pictures