SPORTS

Athens, Greece | AFP | Samuel Kalalei won the 35th Athens Classic Marathon on Sunday as Kenyan runners dominated the gruelling, largely uphill course by sweeping the top five places in the men’s race. The 23-year-old crossed the line in two hours, 12 minutes and 17 seconds, ahead of Milton Kiplagat …

Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP |  North African nations Morocco and Tunisia took contrasting routes Saturday as they qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Morocco scored twice within five minutes through Nabil Dirar and Medhi Benatia during the opening half to triumph 2-0 in the Ivory Coast and …

Moscow, Russia | AFP | The Russian government said Friday it was shortening the academic year at universities in some cities hosting the 2018 World Cup to make room in dormitories for police. The decision drew protests from the country’s largest student union and underscored the concern Russia devotes to …

London, United Kingdom | AFP |  England debutants Jordan Pickford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek caught the eye as Gareth Southgate’s injured-ravaged side played out a 0-0 draw with world champions Germany in Friday’s Wembley friendly. Everton goalkeeper Pickford, 23, made a number of smart saves, while 21-year-old Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek, who …

Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP |  English Premier League pair Diafra Sakho and Sadio Mane played key roles as Senegal defeated South Africa 2-0 in Polokwane Friday to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. West Ham striker Sakho opened the scoring off a pass from Liverpool attacker Mane and both …

Moscow, Russia | AFP | Several heads were left being scratched on Thursday after Russia used some hardcore techno beats in a dark auditorium decked out to look like an underground dance club to present the official 2018 World Cup ball. The orb in the spotlight followed the edgy motif of …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | New West Ham boss David Moyes warned his under-performing players to “step it up” or face the axe as he appeared before the press for the first time on Wednesday. The former Everton and Manchester United boss replaced Slaven Bilic on Tuesday and faces a …

Sao Paulo, Brazil | AFP | Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton on Wednesday dismissed a row over his avoidance of taxes on a luxury jet, saying he’s only thinking about this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix. “I’m just solely focused on trying to win this race this weekend. I still have …

Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | DFCU bank has joined the list of Vipers’ football club sponsors, handing them a Sh300 million boost for the next two years. Speaking at a press conference at the bank’s headquarters today (Nov.8), William Sekabembe, the bank’s chief of business and executive director said …

Nairobi, Kenya | AFP |  Kenya’s Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong has been suspended for four years for doping, Athletics Kenya said Tuesday. “Sumgong will serve the four-year ban as from (April 3) when she was provisionally suspended,” Athletics Kenya said in a statement. The 32-year-old tested positive for the …