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RC Lens : Thauvin veut écrire une nouvelle histoire en Ligue des champions
Florian Thauvin va retrouver la Ligue des Champions avec le RC Lens, plusieurs années après l’avoir découverte avec l’Olympique de Marseille. Une nouvelle participation que l’attaquant lensois apprécie d’autant plus qu’il n’était plus certain de pouvoir un jour retrouver la plus prestigieuse des compétitions européennes.
« Je n’étais pas sûr de rejouer à nouveau la Ligue des champions. Aujourd’hui, j’en suis très fier et honoré », a confié Thauvin avant le déplacement du RC Lens sur la pelouse du Slavia Prague. Pour lui, cette campagne européenne récompense le travail réalisé ces dernières saisons par le club : « Je crois qu’on a tous mérité au club de disputer cette campagne européenne, on a hâte de démarrer. »
Une expérience marseillaise qu’il veut désormais mettre à profit
Le souvenir de ses précédentes campagnes avec Marseille reste toutefois mitigé. Thauvin avait notamment connu une Ligue des Champions particulièrement difficile lors de la saison 2013-2014, conclue par l’OM avec zéro point. Avec le recul, le Lensois estime avoir suffisamment mûri pour aborder cette nouvelle aventure différemment. « J’ai eu des expériences assez compliquées avec Marseille en Ligue des champions. Le fait d’avoir mûri un peu va me permettre d’aborder ces matches différemment », explique-t-il. amunra-opinie.pl
À 32 ans, Thauvin compte également mettre son vécu européen au service d’un groupe plus jeune et moins habitué à ce niveau de compétition. L’ancien Marseillais a disputé 32 matches européens avec l’OM en Ligue des champions et en Ligue Europa. Il entend désormais jouer un rôle de guide auprès de ses coéquipiers : « Je vais avoir un rôle important à jouer, celui d’apporter beaucoup de sérénité, de calme et de la confiance. Je vais me concentrer sur ça. » Avec Lens, Thauvin veut ainsi écrire une tout autre histoire en Ligue des Champions.
The post RC Lens : Thauvin veut écrire une nouvelle histoire en Ligue des champions appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.
Fenerbahce vs Roma: UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Match Preview
Fenerbahce vs Roma takes place in Istanbul on Thursday, 10 September 2026, with kick-off at 18:45 SAST. The UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 fixture brings both clubs back to the competition proper after lengthy absences.
Fenerbahce vs Roma opens the 2026/27 Champions League league phase for the Turkish and Italian sides at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex. Fenerbahçe came through three qualifying rounds to reach the league phase, while Roma qualified through their Serie A finish and arrive after winning their opening three league matches. The clubs have never met before in UEFA competition. For the wider season format and fixture calendar, see SportPesa South Africa’s 2026/27 UEFA Champions League guide.
Fenerbahce vs Roma match details
| Match detail | Information |
| Fixture | Fenerbahçe vs Roma |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League 2026/27 |
| Stage | League Phase – Matchday 1 |
| Date | Thursday, 10 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 18:45 SAST |
| Venue | Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex, Istanbul |
| Fenerbahçe coach | İsmail Kartal |
| Roma coach | Gian Piero Gasperini |
Once the game starts, SP Score should carry the confirmed lineups, live score, match statistics and changing events.
READ ALSO: Champions League 2026/27 League Phase Draw: Teams, Pots, Time and How It Works
Fenerbahce vs Roma team news and injuries
Fenerbahçe have two confirmed absences for Matchday 1. Mattéo Guendouzi is suspended, while Jayden Oosterwolde is unavailable with a hamstring injury. Marco Asensio has also been dealing with a thigh problem, and İsmail Kartal said before the match that the Spaniard’s injury was still ongoing.
Fenerbahçe still have a deep registered squad that includes Ederson, Milan Škriniar, Nathan Aké, Nélson Semedo, N’Golo Kanté, İsmail Yüksek, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Mason Greenwood and Vedat Muriqi.
Roma are in a healthier position. Gian Piero Gasperini said that everyone apart from Lorenzo Pellegrini was available for selection, with the midfielder close to returning but not yet ready. Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Mario Hermoso and Mile Svilar are among Roma’s current Champions League options.
Fenerbahce vs Roma head-to-head and current form
This is the first competitive meeting between Fenerbahçe and Roma. UEFA notes that Fenerbahçe have won their last three home matches against Italian opposition without conceding, while Roma are unbeaten in their last five European away matches.
| Team | Date | Recent match | Outcome |
| Fenerbahçe | 22 Aug | Fenerbahçe 4-2 Konyaspor | Win |
| Fenerbahçe | 26 Aug | Lyon 1-2 Fenerbahçe | Win |
| Fenerbahçe | 30 Aug | Samsunspor 0-2 Fenerbahçe | Win |
| Fenerbahçe | 5 Sep | Fenerbahçe 1-2 Beşiktaş | Defeat |
| Roma | 24 Aug | Roma 4-0 Fiorentina | Win |
| Roma | 31 Aug | Lecce 0-4 Roma | Win |
| Roma | 5 Sep | Roma 2-1 Atalanta | Win |
Fenerbahçe reached the league phase unbeaten in Champions League qualifying, progressing past Górnik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon. Their latest domestic match ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Beşiktaş. Roma arrive with three wins from three Serie A games, scoring ten goals and conceding once across victories over Fiorentina, Lecce and Atalanta.
Key players and tactical angles
Fenerbahçe’s squad gives İsmail Kartal several ways to build attacks. N’Golo Kanté and İsmail Yüksek provide midfield options, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Mason Greenwood and Vedat Muriqi can operate closer to goal. Milan Škriniar and Nathan Aké add experience in the defensive line.
Roma’s attacking threat includes Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné important in midfield. Gasperini’s side have started the Serie A season strongly and arrive in Istanbul after scoring four goals in each of their first two league games before the 2-1 win over Atalanta.
Kartal has highlighted Roma’s man-to-man pressure, physical approach and ability to attack quickly after winning the ball. Gasperini, meanwhile, has stressed that Roma must retain their own identity while respecting the quality in Fenerbahçe’s squad. Those comments give the preview a clearer tactical focus without turning it into a match prediction.
READ ALSO: UCL Third Qualifying Round Second-Leg Results & Champions League Play-Off Update
Where to watch Fenerbahce vs Roma in South Africa
SuperSport’s current schedule lists Fenerbahçe vs Roma live from 18:40 SAST on SuperSport Football Plus, with the match kicking off at 18:45. South African viewers should check the final SuperSport or DStv programme guide before kick-off in case of late channel changes.
For the changing score, confirmed lineups and match events, use SP Score. Fans can also check the SportPesa South Africa soccer markets for available UEFA Champions League selections. 18+ only. Bet responsibly. Odds and available markets may change.
READ ALSO: Serie A 2026/27 Season Preview: Can Inter Milan Defend the Scudetto?
FAQs about Fenerbahce vs Roma
When is Fenerbahce vs Roma?
Fenerbahçe vs Roma takes place on Thursday, 10 September 2026 in UEFA Champions League Matchday 1.
What time does Fenerbahce vs Roma kick off in South Africa?
Kick-off is at 18:45 SAST.
Where is Fenerbahce vs Roma being played?
The match is being played at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex in Istanbul, Turkey.
Have Fenerbahce and Roma played before?
No. This is the first competitive meeting between Fenerbahçe and Roma.
Who is unavailable for Fenerbahce vs Roma?
Fenerbahçe are without suspended Mattéo Guendouzi and injured Jayden Oosterwolde, while Marco Asensio has been carrying a thigh problem. Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini is not yet ready to return.
Where can I watch Fenerbahce vs Roma in South Africa?
SuperSport’s current schedule lists live coverage from 18:40 SAST on SuperSport Football Plus. Check the final DStv or SuperSport guide before kick-off.
Conclusion
Fenerbahce vs Roma opens both clubs’ 2026/27 Champions League league-phase campaigns in Istanbul on Thursday evening. Fenerbahçe reached Matchday 1 after an unbeaten qualifying run, while Roma arrive with three straight Serie A victories. The first-ever meeting between the clubs brings together two experienced European squads and two coaches with clear tactical identities. Follow SP Score for confirmed lineups, live scores and changing match information once the game begins.
Winning series against All Blacks would be ‘just as special’ as other big Bok triumphs – Wiese
The Springboks beating the All Blacks 3-1 to secure the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy would rank up there with some of their best achievements under Rassie Erasmus and his coaching group, according to eighthman Jasper Wiese.
The Boks take a 2-1 lead into the finale at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA, after recovering from losing the opening Test at Ellis Park, by winning the second Test in Cape Town and third in Soweto over the past weekend.
Wiese, who made his Springbok debut in 2021, and has gone on to win a British & Irish Lions series, a World Cup and two Rugby Championships with the Boks, said that beating their biggest rivals in a traditional series, the first between the two nations since 1996, would be right up there.
“For this group, it would be an amazing achievement (to win Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry). We take it as seriously as the other tournaments we’ve won as well,” admitted Wiese.
“The last series was in 1996, which the All Blacks won, so for this group to be on the cusp of achieving something special, not just for the players, but the coaches and everyone else involved, it would be very special for us.
“In that regard it’s just as special as any of those other series or competitions (we have won) in comparison”
USA finale
Playing the final match, and competition decider, in the USA will be a very different experience for both teams, and although they won’t have their home support behind them, Wiese says the players are eager to put on a show for the US crowd.
“We’ve only been here since Sunday afternoon, so we haven’t spent a lot of time outside the hotel, but it’s obviously an amazing experience,” said Wiese.
“It’s my first time here. Some people have recognised a few guys, but me not as much. But hopefully we can give the people here a good show this weekend and give them a taste of what rugby is about.
“The sport is obviously not as big here as it is in New Zealand or South Africa, but for the fans who are there this weekend, they’re going to see some great rugby from both teams who just want to go out there and give it their best.”
Strong year
For Wiese personally, it has been a good year for the Boks, with many pundits calling him the best eighthman in world rugby currently, and one of the best players, but he continues to stay humble.
“It’s always difficult when someone pays you a compliment and you have to answer them. But there is always something you can work on. I think if you start to listen to the outside noise too much you sort of live by that sword, and then when you have an off game you die by it,” explained Wiese.
“So I try to stay in the reality we have in this camp. I know every week the coaches give us stuff to work on, and that’s the sort of mindset I try to follow. Not to think about how good or bad a year has been, but rather just staying present.”
Thabo Cele Joins Sundowns After Chiefs Exit
Mamelodi Sundowns have announced the signing of midfielder Thabo Cele following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs.
The 29-year-old recently parted ways with Amakhosi after both parties mutually agreed to part ways.
Cele spent 18 month at the club in which he made 36 appearances across all competitions.
He has since found a new club in Sundowns after the Brazilians wasted no time in capturing his signature.
“Thabo is Yellow,” Sundowns announced.
“Mamelodi Sundowns are pleased to announce the signing of Thabo Cele. The Yellow Nation is ready for you!”
𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑩𝑶 𝑰𝑺 𝒀𝑬𝑳𝑳𝑶𝑾 👆
Mamelodi Sundowns are pleased to announce the signing of Thabo Cele. The Yellow Nation is ready for you! 💛#Sundowns #WelcomeThabo #NeverStopRising pic.twitter.com/tGH220OnIw
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 10, 2026
“Thabo Cele joins the Yellow Family.”
“The Yellow Nation has a new face! Join us in welcoming Thabo Cele as the latest addition to Bafana Ba Style.”
𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐎 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐘𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 💛
The Yellow Nation has a new face! Join us in welcoming Thabo Cele as the latest addition to Bafana Ba Style 🔥#Sundowns #WelcomeThabo pic.twitter.com/TbAXF17rHI
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 10, 2026
The post Thabo Cele Joins Sundowns After Chiefs Exit appeared first on SportsClub.
Suisse : Noah Okafor quitte la sélection à cause de Murat Yakin
Noah Okafor a décidé de mettre sa carrière internationale entre parenthèses. À 26 ans, l’attaquant de Leeds ne souhaite plus jouer avec la Suisse tant que Murat Yakin sera à la tête de la sélection. International depuis 2019, avec 26 sélections et 2 buts, le joueur a expliqué sa décision dans un long message publié sur Instagram, plusieurs semaines après une Coupe du monde au cours de laquelle il estime que la confiance entre lui et son sélectionneur s’est définitivement détériorée.
Okafor tient d’abord à écarter une explication : sa décision ne serait pas liée à son temps de jeu. Ce qui l’a poussé à prendre ses distances serait plutôt une accumulation de situations vécues comme injustes. « La confiance a été rompue. Les engagements n’ont pas été tenus », affirme-t-il. Le joueur reconnaît également ne pas avoir toujours tout fait correctement par le passé, mais estime que la situation est devenue différente et qu’il ne retrouve plus les conditions nécessaires pour poursuivre son aventure avec la Nati.
L’épisode face à l’Algérie a laissé des traces
Dans son message, Okafor revient notamment sur le match de Coupe du monde contre l’Algérie, remporté 2-0 par la Suisse. Entré en jeu durant la rencontre, l’attaquant explique que certaines erreurs mineures lui auraient ensuite été reprochées d’une manière qui l’a profondément affecté. « Lorsque j’ai été autorisé à jouer contre l’Algérie, on a réagi à des erreurs mineures (…) d’une manière qui m’a profondément blessé », écrit-il. Les statistiques de la Fédération suisse confirment qu’Okafor avait disputé 21 minutes lors de cette rencontre.
Le joueur assure pourtant conserver du respect pour Yakin et reconnaît même le travail réalisé par le sélectionneur, qui a conduit la Suisse jusqu’aux quarts de finale du Mondial 2026, une performance historique pour la Nati. Mais cela ne suffit plus à rétablir la relation. Okafor dit simplement ne plus voir « cette base » de respect et de confiance indispensable pour continuer sous ses ordres.
Une décision provisoire, mais sans ambiguïté
Le terme est important : Okafor n’annonce pas une retraite internationale définitive. Il se retire « jusqu’à nouvel ordre » et lie clairement son retour à la présence de l’actuel sélectionneur. Son choix intervient alors qu’il avait encore affiché son attachement au maillot suisse, expliquant que représenter son pays avait toujours été quelque chose de particulier pour lui.
La Fédération suisse a pris acte de sa décision et assure la respecter, tout en lui souhaitant du succès avec son club. La Suisse poursuivra donc sans Okafor sa prochaine campagne de Ligue des nations, avec des rendez-vous face à la Macédoine du Nord, l’Écosse et la Slovénie. Pour l’attaquant de Leeds, la porte de la sélection n’est pas définitivement fermée : elle le restera simplement tant que Murat Yakin en sera le sélectionneur.
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