Every Friday, I pick for you the best or most exciting games not to be missed in the world of soccer each weekend. From derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, relegation six-pointers to world-class players facing each other, or other fascinating tactical battles, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
This week, we take you to England, Italy, Spain, France, Scotland and Morocco for some big derbies, a potential managerial debut on a big bench, a massive return and a knockout game!
French Ligue 1Matchday 17
Kickoff: Sunday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. GMT
Table of Contents
For the first time as the end of the 1970s, we have a Paris derby in the French top flight!
Sunday sees local rivals Paris Saint-Germain and paris Football Club face each other for the first time this season. Their two stadiums are only a few yards from each other, on the west side of the French capital and this time, they’ll meet at the Parc des Princes.
The European champions were not crowned winter champions,as is usual,as Lens are the league leaders at the moment, but PSG need to start 2026 with a bang like they did with 2025, when their second half of the season was so much better than the first half of it. Luis Enrique has everyone available for this game, apart from Ashraf Hakimi who is away at AFCON with Morocco. It is indeed still a massive boost as it has been so rare so far thisWhy Barcelona has been the right place for Marcus Rashford
Shaka Hislop and Steve Nicol talk about Marcus RashfordS evolution at Barcelona compared to when he was at Manchester United.
We’re also starting 2026 in LaLiga with a huge Barcelona derby.
Espanyol are having a great season.They are fifth in the table after 10 wins, three draws and only four losses — easily the biggest surprise of the LaLiga season. No one really saw such success coming from a team that finished 14th last season.
They don’t score many goals, only 22 in their 17 games so far, but have a good defense, fourth-best in the league this season — better than Barcelona for example.They finished 2025 with five straight wins in the league too, and beat Atletico Madrid at home earlier in the season (2-1). For the first time in a very long time, they will not feel like complete underdogs against their arch rivals. Milla pears their top goal scorer with six goals this season,will lead the line.
For Barça,this is a tricky game to start the year. Hansi Flick and his team are on a formidable run of eight league wins in a row, which saw them surge from five points behind Cameroon and South Africa Clash in Round of 16 AFCON Match
Cameroon and South Africa are set to face off in a highly anticipated Round of 16 match at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This encounter promises to be a tightly contested battle between two teams with a history of success in the tournament. Cameroon, the 2017 AFCON champions, boasts a squad featuring Premier League talent, while South Africa aims to continue their impressive run in the competition.Team Overviews
Cameroon:
The Indomitable Lions enter the match with a squad bolstered by players like Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion and Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford ESPN. Cameroon finished second in Group C, securing their place in the knockout stages. They are known for their physical strength and attacking prowess.
South Africa:
Bafana Bafana qualified for the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, finishing behind Mali and Namibia in Group E. South Africa has shown resilience and tactical flexibility throughout the tournament, and will be looking to upset the 2017 champions.
Key Players to Watch
* cameroon:
* Bryan Mbeumo: The Brentford forward is a key attacking threat for Cameroon, known for his pace and finishing ability.
* Carlos Baleba: A dynamic midfielder, Baleba provides energy and defensive solidity to the cameroonian midfield.
* South Africa:
* Percy Tau: A seasoned veteran and captain, Tau is a creative force and a constant threat to opposing defenses.
* Evidence Makgopa: The orlando Pirates striker has been in good form, providing a goal-scoring threat for Bafana Bafana.
Match Prediction
This match is expected to be a closely fought contest. Both teams possess quality players and are capable of causing problems for their opponents. Given the potential for a cagey affair, a draw within regulation time seems likely.
Prediction: South Africa 1, Cameroon 1, with cameroon advancing on penalties.
AFCON 2024: key Takeaways
* Cameroon’s pedigree: As the 2017 champions, Cameroon has a proven track record in the AFCON tournament.
* South Africa’s resilience: Bafana Bafana have demonstrated their ability to compete against strong opposition.
* Potential for penalties: The evenly matched nature of the two teams suggests the game could go to a penalty shootout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where will the cameroon vs. south Africa match be played?
A: The match will be played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire CAF Online.
Q: When will the match take place?
A: the match is scheduled for January 30, 2024.
Q: What is the head-to-head record between Cameroon and South Africa?
A: Historically, Cameroon has had the upper hand in matches against South Africa, but recent encounters have been competitive.
This Round of 16 clash promises to be a thrilling encounter,setting the stage for an exciting knockout stage in the 2024 AFCON tournament. The winner will advance to the quarter-finals, continuing their quest for continental glory.
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