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Mass evacuations as southern China braces for strongest storm of the year

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China's meteorological agency has issued strong warnings about Super Typhoon Ragasa

China has evacuated hundreds of thousands of people and ordered at least 10 cities to close schools and some businesses as the strongest storm of the year bears down on its southern coast.

Hong Kong has upgraded its typhoon warning to eight – just two levels below the maximum – ahead of the arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa.

The storm is expected to make landfall in China’s Guangdong province on Wednesday, where some 370,000 people have been evacuated so far, as authorities warn of a “catastrophic” situation.

Ragasa has been dubbed the “King of Storms” by China’s meteorological agency and is expected to move towards northern Vietnam in the coming days, potentially affecting millions.

On Tuesday, supermarket shelves in Hong Kong were wiped empty of fresh bread, vegetables, meat and instant noodles as residents prepared to hunker down.

Hong Kong International Airport said it expected “significant disruption to flight operations” from 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT) on Tuesday until the next day.

More than 500 Cathay Pacific flights are expected to be cancelled, while Hong Kong Airlines said it would stop all departures from the city.

In cities across southern China, shop owners piled sandbags in front of their stores in preparation for the storm’s arrival, with residents in low-lying areas next to the sea front particularly worried about tidal surges.

Many have also taped up the windows of their homes and businesses, hoping to prevent their destruction.

Credit: bbc.com

Igbo Community in Ashanti denounces self-styled Igbo King in Ghana

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Executive members of the IGBO Community in Ashanti Region

The Igbo Community in Ashanti Region has dissociated itself from the purported establishment of an Igbo Kingdom by Eze Chuckwudi Jude Ihenetu, who claims to be King of the Igbo community in Ghana.

Martin Chukwudi Okafor – Head of IGBO Community in Ashanti Region

Martin Chukwudi Okafor, Head of the Igbo Community in Ashanti Region, has stated in Kumasi that there is no King in Ghana besides Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, and denounced Eze Chuckwudi Ihenetu as King.

Mr. Martin Okafor Igbo in the Ashanti region frowned on attempts by the “self-styled Igbo King” to create an Igbo Kingdom in Ghana.

He said over 70 years the Igbo community has existed in the Ashanti region and been part of Ashanti Traditional setup and know the Asantehene as a King to whom they owe allegiance and pay homage to and not any other person.

The Igbo Community head emphasised that so long as they reside in the Ashanti region, Igbos will continue to be part of the system and recognise the Asantehene as a monarch with no match in Ghana.

Mr. Chukwudi Okafor described the late Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III as a gem and a mother for all.

He urged members of the Igbo community in the region to co-exist in harmony with their host (Ashantis) as well as respect the tradition, norms and values of the people.

It will be recalled that Eze Chuckwudi Jude Ihenetu and his entourage were last Wednesday prevented from directly exchanging pleasantries with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the funeral of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

Zongo Development Fund Board Inaugurated

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Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff with the Board of ZoDF

An eleven-member Governing Board of the Zongo Development Fund (ZoDF) has been sworn-into office by the Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Julius Debrah, on behalf of His Excellency President John Mahama.

The ZoDF is the frontline agency and vehicle through which government of Ghana aims at ensuring the accelerated development of Zongo Communities.

Julius Debrah, who administered the Official Oath and Oath of Secrecy at the Jubilee House (on 19th September 2025), charged the board to work diligently to implement the directives of the President on enhanced development in Zongos.

Sarki Alhaji Salisu Maude, an accomplished entrepreneur and Philanthropist thanked the President for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to bring their expertise to bear towards achieving their mandate.

Other members of the Board are;

  1. Alhaji Halidu Haruna, CEO, Zongo Development Fund
  2. Nelly Mireku, Ministry of Finance
  3. Ahmed Mohammed, ZICDS Secretariat
  4. Konguwura Adamu Seidu Jinkurige, National House of Chiefs
  5. Osumanu Seidu, Office of the National Chief Imam
  6. Chief Alhaji Iddrisu Mohmmed, National Council of Zongo Chiefs
  7. Chief Suntaaba Mohammed Ibrahim, National Council of Muslim Chief
  8. Reverend Dr. Cyril Gershon Fayose Kwao, Christian Council of Ghana
  9. Hajia Sherifatu Sulley and
  • Osman Abdullah

Apostolic Church–Ghana Climax 90th Anniversary with Thanksgiving Service

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Madam Rasamond Saka, a member of the Apostolic Church

The Apostolic Church–Ghana has climaxed its 90th Anniversary celebration with a grand District Service at the Osu branch, bringing together congregants, leaders and invited guests in a spirit-filled gathering marked by worship, thanksgiving and reflection.

The milestone, which began on September 11, 2025 and concluded on September 14, 2025 was celebrated under the overarching theme: “The God Who Answers by Fire,” drawn from 1st Kings 18.

The climax service, however, centered on the sermon topic – “This God Shall Be Our God Forever” from Psalm 48:14, delivered by the Osu District Pastor, Rev. Joseph Akorful.

Speaking in an interview after the service, Rev. Akorful explained that the message sought to remind members of the God of their fathers, the same God who established the Apostolic Church in 1935 and has sustained it for nine decades.

“Looking at what transpired on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, God revealed Himself as the true and living God. That same unchanging God, merciful and covenant-keeping, has guided our church to this point,” he said.

He emphasised that the anniversary was not only about looking back but also about reaffirming faith for the future.

“Our fathers trusted in this God and He proved faithful. Today, we testify that the same God is still with us, answering by fire. We call on both the congregation and the nation at large to remain steadfast in Him, because without God, the country cannot find proper direction,” he added.

The celebration featured moments of worship, prayer and thanksgiving, with members reflecting on the church’s contributions to spiritual growth as well as social interventions such as education and healthcare.

It also served as a rallying call for unity and evangelism, as the church pledged to continue being a beacon of hope in Ghanaian society.

Rev. Akorful noted that while the Osu District had completed its celebration, other districts across the country and in the Diaspora were also holding similar climax services within September and October.

“The 90th anniversary has been about acknowledging God’s goodness, and each district is joining in with thanksgiving for what He has done and continues to do,” he said.

As the church looks to the future, leaders and members alike reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the legacy of faith, service and transformation that has defined The Apostolic Church–Ghana over the past 90 years.

Fruit and Vegetable Skins You Can Eat

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Banana peel

Fruit and vegetable skins, also known as peels or rinds, are the outer protective layers of produce that are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consuming skins can enhance a diet by increasing fiber intake for satiety and weight management, boosting the body’s antioxidant defense against disease, and reducing food waste. However, all skins must be thoroughly washed to remove dirt and potential contaminants before consumption.

Potato

Although you might be more interested in what’s inside the potato, its skin has fiber and tons of nutrients, like vitamins B and C, potassium, calcium, and iron.

Peach

The fuzzy skin on peaches is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Not only that, it has lots of dietary fiber, too. Peach skin has loads of vitamin A. There are also carotenoids — a kind of antioxidant and provitamin — in peach skin. These could help lessen your chances of cataracts. You’ll be getting a good amount of fiber too, which helps your body digest food.

Eggplant

An eggplant’s skin has lots of antioxidants. This is especially true for eggplant varieties that are darker in color. For example, purple eggplant varieties will have more nutrients in their skin than the white varieties. You may find an eggplant’s skin a little too chewy to eat.

Watermelon

Watermelon rinds have an amino acid called citrulline. It can help get rid of nitrogen in your blood and can also help ease pain if you have sore muscles. In fact, the rind has more citrulline than the juicy flesh. If you’re not keen on eating the rind raw, there are other ways to prepare and eat it. You can pickle it, juice it, or stir fry it like a vegetable.

Apple

Interestingly, apple peels have more vitamins and fiber than what’s inside. Fiber is helpful for stopping cholesterol buildup in your blood vessels. There’s also an antioxidant called quercetin that can help your brain and lungs work better.

Cucumber

Most of a cucumber’s nutrients are in its dark green outer skin. It has lots of potassium, antioxidants, and fiber. The skin is also rich in vitamin K, a nutrient that supports bone health and blood clotting. But if the cucumber you want to eat isn’t organic and it has a heavy waxed coating, you might want to peel it anyway.

Kiwi

Kiwis have fuzzy, tough skin, but don’t let that stop you. You can scrape off the fuzz if you don’t like it. If you do eat the skin, you’ll get antioxidants, flavonoids (plant chemicals), and vitamin C. In fact, the skin has more of those nutrients than the inside does.

Banana

Bananas have a peel that’s tough to eat and tastes bitter. Still, the peel has some great health benefits. It has potassium and antioxidants, like lutein. Lutein is good for eye health. Banana peels also have something called tryptophan, an amino acid. Since the skin is tough and bitter, you can boil it for a few minutes, then bake in the oven to dry it out for a tea or a smoothie.

Orange

Orange peels have an incredible amount of vitamin C — twice the amount that’s inside the fruit. They’re also packed with vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and riboflavin (a B vitamin). Orange peels are hard to digest and they can be bitter. So, use a grater to make orange zest. You can zest in salad dressings or sprinkle it directly on top of a salad. The flavor of the zest also goes well with chocolate and ice cream.

Credit: webmd

Feature: Is recognising Palestine a way to ‘save face’ for Western leaders?

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While a historic decision, Western states’ recognition of Palestine needs to come with more action, analysts say.

Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia have recognised Palestinian statehood, a symbolic response to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza and territorial expansion in the occupied West Bank.

More states, including France and Portugal, are expected to recognise Palestine in the coming days after the announcements on Sunday.

Israel has responded in recent days by doubling down.

Shortly before the announcement, Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the PM had called the act “absurd and simply a reward for terrorism”.

At an event in occupied East Jerusalem on September 15, Netanyahu promised his supporters that there “will be no Palestinian state”.

While this act by the three states – Canada, the UK and Australia – grabbed the world’s attention and many headlines, analysts tell Al Jazeera that it is a small, symbolic step in the ongoing indignity, murder and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, albeit it one with some weight.

“Recognition matters in this case because close US allies have so far reserved it until the day after a negotiated agreement,” Rida Abu Rass, a Palestinian political scientist, told Al Jazeera.

“It matters because these countries broke ranks. In terms of its impact, Israel finds itself further isolated, and I think that’s meaningful.”

On the same day as recognition was announced, at least 55 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza on Sunday. At least 37 of them were killed in Gaza City, where the Israeli army has unleashed another brutal campaign of violence.

Performative Recognition?

Analysts have expressed scepticism that recognition might improve the material conditions of Palestinians currently suffering under Israeli aggression.

Israel has killed at least 65,283 people and wounded 166,575 in its war on Gaza since October 2023; figures that are thought by many experts to be much higher. During the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel, 1,139 people died, and another 200 or so were taken captive.

Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military and violent settler attacks have killed more than 1,000 people, as the Israeli government threatens to completely annex the entire territory.

Israel’s war, which both Israeli and international experts and human rights groups call a genocide, is not expected to subside after Sunday’s actions, analysts said.

“As long as it doesn’t come with concrete actions, such as sanctions, arms embargo, and the implementation of a no-fly zone in occupied Palestine with a coalition of forces from the international community to alleviate the suffering of the people, I remain pessimistic,” Chris Osieck, a freelance researcher who has contributed to investigations from Forensic Architecture and Bellingcat on Palestine and Israel, told Al Jazeera.

Mohamad Elmasry, a professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, told Al Jazeera that the move is mainly performative.

“I think they’re under increasing pressure from the international community and also from their local populations to do something,” he said.

“This is, I think, their way of doing something or saying that they did something without actually taking substantive action.”

Still, recognition does mean that the three countries can now enter into treaties with the Palestinian government and can name full ambassadors.

For its part, the UK will recognise Husam Zomlot as the Palestinian ambassador to the UK.

Zomlot said in a statement that the “long-overdue recognition marks an end to Britain’s denial of the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination, freedom and independence in our homeland”.

“It marks an irreversible step towards justice, peace and the correction of historic wrongs, including Britain’s colonial legacy, the Balfour Declaration and its role in the dispossession of the Palestinian people,” he said.

Joining international organisations

Much of the world already recognises the State of Palestine.

The recent additions mean that only the United States, a handful of European and Baltic states, South Korea, Japan, and a few other states do not recognise Palestine.

However, even with most of the world on board with Palestinian statehood, the country is still not a full member state of the United Nations.

“[Recognition] brings no new UN privileges, nor does it enable Palestine to become a member of new intergovernmental institutions – not without US support,” Abu Rass said.

“Palestine is currently a ‘non-member observer state’,” he explained. “To become a full member would require the recommendation of the UN Security Council [followed by UN General Assembly vote] – unlikely, to say the least, given US veto powers.”

Still, it could be a first step.

International pressure has intensified on Israel to end its war on Gaza, particularly from Europe. Boycott campaigns are gaining momentum that could see Israel expelled from Eurovision and participation in international sporting competitions.

And the European Union has recently discussed increasing tariffs on some Israeli goods and applying sanctions to some Israeli leaders.

“Recognition has no direct impact on Israel’s actions in Gaza, but it may signal these countries’ willingness to take real measures, which would have a direct impact on Israel’s actions in Gaza, such as two-way arms embargos – meaning, neither selling weapons to Israel, nor buying weapons from Israeli manufacturers,” Abu Rass said.

Leaders ‘saving face’

Analysts told Al Jazeera they believe some Western states, despite discussing Palestinian recognition for months, are taking the step as a punishment for Israel’s aggression on Gaza and the occupied West Bank. This is bolstered by conditional support for statehood expressed by some states.

They say that these leaders are responding to myriad domestic pressures in their own countries, including pressure from pro-Israel groups with ties to establishment parties, at the same time that a growing chorus of constituents is calling for state action and penalties to stop genocide.

“This is happening now because of growing domestic pressures on these centre-left governments,” Abu Rass said.

“Nothing changed, per se [but] what we’re seeing is a slow, cumulative reaction to a low simmer – a growing liberal disaffection – and these steps should be seen as a low-cost way to satisfy constituents’ demands.”

“They’re saving face,” Abu Rass added.

In July, the UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would recognise Palestine unless Israel took “substantive steps” to end its war on Gaza.

On Sunday, Starmer reiterated that recognition comes as a response to the political realities in Israel and Palestine today.

“This is intended to further that cause,” Starmer said on Sunday. “It’s done now because I’m particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many years.”

Australia also made its recognition conditional, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying: “Further steps, including the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies, will be considered as the Palestinian Authority makes further progress on commitments to reform.”

A special burden

One hundred and eight years ago, the British government signed the Balfour Declaration, declaring its support for a “national home for the Jewish people” in the land of Palestine.

The United Kingdom has been a historical ally for the state of Israel against the Palestinians, so recognition of the state is also, to some, a recognition of the UK’s complicity in the displacement and dispossession of Palestinians.

“Britain bears a special burden of responsibility to support the two-state solution,” UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said during a speech at the UN in July.

Despite the historic symbolism, analysts were not convinced that the future would break from the last 100 years.

“Even if Palestine is recognised by every country in the world, little would change for Palestinians unless the Israeli occupation is dismantled,” Abu Rass said.

“International pressure has a role to play here, but it needs to move further than mere recognition, including sanctions, cutting diplomatic ties, the prosecution of war criminals, and cultural boycotts.”

By Justin Salhani

SOURCE: Aljazeera

Today’s UEFA Europa League Fixtures & Previews

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Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma Coach

Nice welcome AS Roma to the Allianz Riviera

OGC Nice welcome AS Roma to the Allianz Riviera this evening as both clubs launch their Europa League campaigns.

The Ligue 1 side return to continental football hoping to banish the memory of last season’s disappointment, while the Serie A outfit arrive under Gian Piero Gasperini with renewed belief and the pedigree of recent European success.

Nice have endured a stuttering start to the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign, collecting just six points from their opening five games to sit 12th in the table.

Franck Haise’s men were thrashed 4-1 by Brest last time out, leaving them with three defeats already on the board.

Their overall record across all competitions is even more concerning, with only two wins in seven outings, during which they have scored six goals and conceded 13.

Roma, by contrast, enter this fixture with momentum. The Giallorossi have won three of their opening four Serie A matches to sit fourth in the standings, with their most recent triumph being a 1-0 derby victory over Lazio.

European competition has often provided Roma with their greatest moments in recent seasons; they lifted the Europa Conference League in 2022, reached the Europa League final in 2023, and now embark on another continental adventure aiming to go deep once again.

Roma should have enough quality to edge this tie, though Nice are capable of making it competitive on home soil.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Dinamo Zagreb host Turkish giants Fenerbahce

Croatian heavyweights Dinamo Zagreb welcome Turkish giants Fenerbahce to Stadion Maksimir on Wednesday night, with both sides eager to launch their UEFA Europa League campaigns on the right note.

Youssef En-Nesyri, Fenerbache

This will be only the third meeting between the clubs, and the hosts hold fond memories of their last encounter here – a resounding 4-1 victory in the 2018-19 Europa League group stage opener.

They also boast an impressive Europa League record – losing just two of 19 group-stage games since December 2014, while keeping 10 clean sheets, and their last appearance in this competition’s group stage, in 2021-22, ended in progress to the knockout round play-offs, where they narrowly lost 3-2 on aggregate to Sevilla.

History favours the hosts, as Dinamo have never lost to Fenerbahce in Europe, winning one and drawing one of their two previous meetings, while their overall record against Turkish opposition is balanced, with two wins, two draws, and two defeats.

Fenerbahce, meanwhile, carry an unbeaten run of four away games in the Europa League (two wins, two draws), a streak they last bettered in 2012-13 (six matches) when they reached the semi-finals.

However, the Yellow Canaries are navigating a period of transition, having recently appointed Domenico Tedesco after Jose Mourinho’s dismissal.

Both teams bring plenty of firepower into this clash, with Fenerbahce boasting several European household names – however, Dinamo Zagreb can lean on their home advantage and the psychological boost of having defeated the Yellow Canaries at this very ground in the past.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Nottingham Forest travel to Spain to face Real Betis

Nottingham Forest will play their first European match in 29 years when they travel to Spain for Europa League meeting with Real Betis at La Cartuja.

Ange Postecoglou is searching for his first win as Forest boss, while Manuel Pellegrini‘s side are looking to claim back-to-back victories.

Antony, Real Betis

Betis are competing in the Europa League after collecting 60 points from 38 matches to finish in sixth place in La Liga last term.

Los Verdiblancos will be dreaming of going one better than last season’s Conference League Campaign, which saw them reach their first European final before losing 4-1 to Chelsea.

Pellegrini’s side have now won two, drawn three and lost one of their six league matches this season, with their nine-point tally leaving them in sixth position.

Nottingham Forest are set to compete in European competition for the first time since being knocked out of the UEFA Cup quarter-final by Bayern Munich in 1995-96.

Nuno Espirito Santo was the man who ended Forest’s wait for European football, steering them to a seventh-place finish and Conference League qualification last term, before they were upgraded to the Europa League following Crystal Palace’s demotion.

However, Nuno will not have the honour of overseeing Forest’s return to Europe after being dismissed earlier this month following a breakdown in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Forest would love nothing more than to make a winning return to European competition, but they will be aware that they face a tough task as an away side against a strong La Liga team, and with that in mind, we think they may have to settle for a point in Wednesday’s Europa League fixture.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Braga, Feyenoord lock horns in Europa League

Braga and Feyenoord will lock horns for the first time as both sides launch their 2025-26 Europa League campaign with a meeting at Estadio Municipal de Braga today.

The Archbishops secured their place in the competition proper via the qualifying path, while the Dutch visitors dropped down from the Champions League preliminaries.

Coincidentally, Braga’s most recent triumph came in the Europa League play-offs when they swept aside Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps with a 5-1 away victory, sealing a 9-1 aggregate success to punch their ticket to the league phase.

This will be Braga’s 12th appearance in the competition proper since 2009-10, second only to Ajax with 13, and the Portuguese side will be eager to go one better after last season’s disappointment when goal difference denied them a place in the knockouts.

Pau Vitor, Braga

Encouragement can also be drawn from their last duel with Dutch opposition in 2015-16 when they edged Groningen 1-0 at home before earning a goalless draw away in the group stage.

Feyenoord travel with belief of their own, having won two of their last three continental meetings with Portuguese opposition, as many as they managed in their previous 10 attempts (D3, L5).

Braga have looked short of conviction in recent outings, but Feyenoord’s long-standing struggles on the road in this competition leave little to separate them, so a score draw looks the most likely outcome.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Fixtures

Midtjylland 17:45 Sturm Graz

PAOK 17:45 Maccabi Tel Aviv  

Dinamo Zagreb 20:00 Fenerbahçe

Freiburg 20:00 Basel

Malmö FF 20:00 Ludogorets Razgrad

Nice 20:00 Roma

Real Betis 20:00 Nottingham Forest

Red Star Belgrade 20:00 Celtic

Sporting Braga 20:00 Feyenoord  

Today’s English League Cup and Spanish La Liga Fixtures & Previews

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Erling Haaland, Manchester City

Huddersfield to continue giant-killing run against Man City

Huddersfield Town will aim to continue their giant-killing run in the EFL Cup today when they host Manchester City in the third round.

The hosts defeated Leicester City and Sunderland to progress to this stage, while the visitors will compete in the competition for the first time this term.

Aiming for a significantly improved promotion charge this campaign, new manager Lee Grant has led the Terriers to a largely positive start to the term.

Huddersfield Town have won five, drawn one and lost three of their nine League One fixtures, leaving them fifth in the standings with 16 points, though their form has taken a worrying turn in recent games, with just one win from their last four.

Despite their home advantage and promising start to the campaign, Manchester City are the clear favourites heading into today’s clash and will expected to record a significant victory.

The Citizens will be looking to maintain their undefeated run when they take on Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup, with Man City also eyeing the first available silverware of the campaign.

Pep Guardiola‘s side had dominated this competition between 2017-18 and 2020-21, lifting the trophy in all of the four seasons, but they have since failed to even make the final.

Huddersfield may be hopeful of recording a third giant-killing in the EFL Cup this term, but the Citizens are undoubtedly the stronger team heading into this clash and should comfortably win.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Arsenal travel away to face Port Vale

One of their least favourite haunts down the years, Arsenal begin another quest for EFL Cup stardom on this evening, when they hit the road to face Port Vale in the third round.

While the Gunners did not have to exert themselves in the first two stages, their hosts have already taken down Blackpool and Birmingham City away from home to earn a date with Mikel Arteta‘s men.

Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

So often lambasted for their perceived negative approach towards matches, especially against fellow members of the Big Six, the Arsenal shoe was on the other foot on Sunday, where it was all backs against the wall as far as Manchester City were concerned.

Pep Guardiola’s bus-parking tactics very nearly paid dividends at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League’s main event, but Arteta’s crop finally found a belated spark through their newfound super sub, as Gabriel Martinelli popped up with an equalising lob in the dying embers.

Either the Premier League or Champions League will be considered the ultimate prize by Arsenal this season, and EFL Cup success will no doubt not be high on Arteta’s list of priorities, but a disastrous defeat in midweek would only heighten questions about the Spaniard’s ability to get his side over the line.

The EFL Cup had been something of a welcome distraction for Port Vale, who endured a disastrous start to their League One campaign with no wins from their first seven matches, but Moore’s men have finally rediscovered that winning feeling at an ideal time.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Atletico Madrid aim to return to winning ways against Rayo Vallecano

Atletico Madrid will be aiming to return to winning ways when they continue their La Liga campaign with a home fixture against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night.

 

Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone‘s side are currently down in 12th spot in the La Liga table, nine points off division leaders Real Madrid, while Rayo are 14th, collecting five points from their first five points.

Atletico’s start to the 2025-26 campaign has been underwhelming, only managing to pick up six points from five matches, which has left them down in 12th spot in the table.

The Red and Whites would have been aiming to get closer to the top of the division this term, but they are already nine points off the summit and just two points ahead of 16th-placed Levante.

Simeone’s side will enter this match off the back of a 1-1 draw with Mallorca; Conor Gallagher had sent the visitors ahead in the 79th minute, only for Vedat Muriqi to come up with an equaliser five minutes from time.

As for Rayo, the visitors will enter this match off the back of a 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo, with Jorge de Frutos on the scoresheet for the capital team after Borja Iglesias had sent the visitors ahead.

Rayo’s last away La Liga success over Atletico came back in August 1999, and we are finding it difficult to back the visitors on Wednesday. Atletico have not exactly been great this season, but the Red and Whites should be able to just about get the job done.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Tottenham welcome Doncaster Rovers to North London

Premier League meets League One in Wednesday’s EFL Cup third-round showdown, as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Doncaster Rovers to their North London home.

Mohammed Kudus, Tottenham

The Lilywhites bypassed the first two rounds thanks to their European participation, while their third-tier visitors have already taken down Middlesbrough and Accrington Stanley away from home.

Starved of domestic success since a Jonathan Woodgate-inspired triumph in this competition in 2008, Tottenham are long overdue another slice of English football stardom, even if they did conquer the continent in the secondary term last season.

The reigning Europa League champions have contested three EFL Cup finals since last lifting the trophy aloft 17 years ago, but they settled for runners-up medals in 2009, 2015 and 2021 and were agonisingly bested by Liverpool in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 edition.

Third-round exits are also not uncommon for Tottenham, who lost at this stage as recently as the 2022-23 season to Nottingham Forest, while lower-league Colchester United stunned Spurs on penalties in the third round of the 2019-20 EFL Cup.

However, it is difficult to envisage a seismic shock taking place on Wednesday evening, especially with Spurs able to reflect on far more positives than negatives during the earliest days of Thomas Frank‘s tenure, including four wins from their last six in all competitions.

Doncaster have won their first two EFL Cup games of the season by an aggregate score of 6-0, but McCann’s men are now looking more vulnerable defensively and will surely bow out in North London.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

FIXTURES

English League Cup

Huddersfield Town 19:45 Manchester City

Newcastle United 19:45 Bradford

Tottenham Hotspur 19:45 Doncaster Rovers 

Port Vale 20:00 Arsenal 

Spanish La Liga

Getafe 18:00 Alavés 

Atletico Madrid 20:30 Rayo Vallecano

Real Sociedad 20:30 Mallorca 

African tribe’ stays put in woods despite second eviction

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A self-styled “African tribe” who are camping in woodland in the Scottish Borders are staying put despite a second eviction notice,the BBC has reported.

The so-called Kingdom of Kubala was ordered to vacate the land on the outskirts of Jedburgh by 12:00 on Monday, after Scottish Borders Council (SBC) began legal action to evict them.

They had previously been staying on private land a few metres away, but simply set up a new camp on council property when sheriff officers were sent in.
By Monday afternoon they were still sitting at a campfire singing songs and showed no intention of leaving, according to the PA News agency.

Ghanaian Kofi Offeh, 36, and Jean Gasho, 43, who is originally from Zimbabwe, first arrived in the area in the spring.

Describing themselves as King Atehehe and Queen Nandi, they set up camp on a hillside above the town in the Scottish Borders.
They were joined by “handmaiden” Kaura Taylor, from Texas, who calls herself Asnat.
The three members of the group have previously said they are reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago.
In a post on Facebook on Friday, they said: “The Kingdom of Kubala can never be destroyed.”

On the day the council deadline passed, Ms Taylor said Mr Offeh would not be speaking to the media unless gifts were brought in.
It is understood the council will shortly seek an order from a sheriff to remove the three.
On Tuesday last week, sheriff officers carried out the eviction from their previous campsite, though they simply set up a new camp on the other side of a small fence.
They had been camping near Jedburgh for the past few weeks and have ignored previous ultimatums to leave.

Last week, Scott Hamilton, the Conservative deputy leader of the council, said: “Nobody is above the law and no matter how long this takes you can be guaranteed we will not cease.”
He said the group had repeatedly failed to engage with the council and legal proceedings which would enable an eviction had begun.

A council spokesman said: “The legal process to remove the occupants from the council’s land has commenced and officers will proceed through the next steps as quickly as possible.”
SOURCE :BBC

Bryan’s Bold Cocoa Move

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Dr Bryan Acheampong

News Desk Report

The recent announcement by COCOBOD that it has received over $4billion in deposits from international buyers for Ghana’s cocoa marks a major shift in how the country finances its cocoa sector.

This development is a direct result of a bold decision taken by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture, during his tenure to end Ghana’s decades-long reliance on syndicated loans.

Speaking to a cross section of the media in the Eastern Region, Dr. Bryan Acheampong explained that he took the bold step in 2024 to cancel cocoa loan syndication.

For over 30 years, Ghana borrowed millions of dollars annually from foreign banks to pre-finance cocoa purchases.

While this system kept the sector afloat, it came at a steep cost: high interest payments, exchange rate risks and a cycle of dependency that weakened the cedi and drained national resources.

Bryan Acheampong’s Break from Tradition

Appointed in 2023, Dr. Bryan Acheampong wasted no time in challenging the status quo. In 2024, he made the historic decision to cancel the cocoa syndication loan altogether.

During a campaign engagement, he described himself as “a bold leader prepared to make difficult but necessary decisions”, and this move proves it.

Instead of borrowing in dollars, Ghana now self-finances its cocoa operations. The result?

– Reduced pressure on the cedi, helping stabilise the currency.

– Billions saved in interest payments, keeping more money within Ghana.

– Greater financial independence, allowing Ghana to pay its farmers without relying on foreign lenders.

Real Gains for Cocoa Farmers

Despite global cocoa prices rising, the exchange rate used for Ghana’s calculations – GH₵10.25 to US$1 – means farmers now earn GH₵51,660 per tonne, or GH₵3,228.75 per 64kg bag.

Compare that to the previous season under Dr. Acheampong’s leadership:

– Farmers earned US$3,100 per tonne at an exchange rate of GH₵16, totalling GH₵49,600 per tonne, or GH₵3,100 per bag.

In just two years, producer prices moved from GH₵800 (2022/23) to GH₵1,308 (2023/24), then GH₵2,070 in April 2024, and GH₵3,000 a compounded annual growth of 58%. From pre-tenure to the end of Bryan’s tenure, the total increase stood at 287.5%, one of the highest in recent history. 

Broken Promises and Political Contrast

During the 2024 election campaign, the opposition NDC promised cocoa farmers GH₵6,000 per bag. This pledge was widely publicized and became a rallying point.

However, after assuming office, the NDC government did not deliver. Although they claimed to have fulfilled a 70% FOB share (based on $7,200), the final price announced was GH₵3,228.75 per bag, barely half of what was promised.

In real terms, the increase under the current administration is just GH₵129 per bag, a modest bump, especially considering rising costs in local markets.

A New Chapter for Ghana’s Cocoa Sector

 

Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s reform is more than policy—it’s a statement of national pride and economic courage. By ending the cocoa loan syndication, he has freed Ghana from a financial tradition that drained billions and tied the country to foreign lenders.

“Leadership requires courage. We cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results. The cocoa farmer and Ghana as a whole, deserves better.”

In less than a year, Dr Bryan Acheampong did what others only talked about. His decision will be remembered as a turning point, a moment when Ghana chose self-reliance, sustainability and bold leadership.

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