Latest news with #Pierre-EmerickAubameyang
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Chelsea striker curse laid bare with £550m spent, only five hits and no No9 for two years – can Delap finally break it?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OVER the last 22 years Chelsea have spent almost £550million on strikers — but only a handful have proven to be a success. The No9 shirt has been "cursed" at Stamford Bridge and nobody has worn the number since flop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed two years ago with one league goal to his name. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Liam Delap is joining Chelsea from Ipswich for £30m Credit: Getty 7 The club have a long-running striker curse dating back to Adrian Mutu Credit: Getty 7 Nobody has worn the No9 shirt since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Credit: Rex Liam Delap is next to fill the centre-forward boots, arriving for £30m from Ipswich. But despite the 22-year-old's talent shining through in a relegated side, there are no guarantees he will end the club's long-standing nightmare. It dates back to 2003 when Adrian Mutu arrived for £15.8m from Parma. The Romanian managed just six Premier League goals before he was released following a positive test for cocaine. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL PORT OF CALL Chelsea sign £18.5m star who broke Luis Figo's record in first summer transfer Since then, the likes of Hernan Crespo, Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres have all failed to match expectations after joining for massive fees. In more recent times, Alvaro Morata and Timo Werner have been added to the long list of big-money mistakes. Romelu Lukaku has cost Chelsea a total of £117.5m, taking into account his two spells at Stamford Bridge. And in his 36 league matches, the Belgian hit the back of the net a disappointing eight times at a rate of £14.7m per Prem goal. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 7 The difficulties also stretch to loan signings like Radamel Falcao, Alexandre Pato and Gonzalo Higuain. They managed just seven goals between them before the club happily showed them the exit door. From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad - Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finals Even away from centre-forwards, the "cursed" No9 shirt usually worn by goalscorers went to others like midfielder Steve Sidwell and defender Khalid Boulahrouz. Success stories are hard to find with the £24m deal for legend Didier Drogba and the £32m splashed on cult hero Diego Costa among the few that have not been weighed down by the pressure of leading the line for the Blues. But Delap has the ability to join them in becoming a Chelsea hero. His movement is exceptional, he links up play well and boasts the pace to stretch the pitch. The Blues risk becoming predictable in Enzo Maresca's structured approach and when Nicolas Jackson was out injured, the team struggled for goals and an outlet. But Delap is also a provider, creating 21 chances for his Ipswich team-mates on top of his 12 goals for a side that hit the back of the net just 36 times all season. 7 BBC pundit Danny Murphy believes Delap can be Harry Kane's England successor, saying: 'I think he's the best young English striker out there. "I know he's got a bit to learn, and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league, but he's got all the attributes to be a top international player. 'I just don't see a weakness for him. He's scored enough goals in a struggling side, really, but he gets a lot of chances and he'll score more. 'He's just got that lovely balance between physical and technical. Rarely you get both. He's really just super talented." Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge 7 Andriy Shevchenko was another expensive flop Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Saudi Gazette
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Aubameyang fires Al Qadsiah into King's Cup final with stoppage-time winner over Al Raed
Saudi Gazette report DAMMAM — A last-gasp goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory for Al Qadsiah over Al Raed on Wednesday, booking the club a place in the King's Cup final for the first time in years. The Gabonese striker struck in the second minute of stoppage time, capping off a dominant performance from Al Qadsiah, who had controlled much of the semi-final clash at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Dammam. Al Qadsiah will now face Al Ittihad in the final, after the Jeddah-based side pulled off a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Al Shabab in the other semi-final on Tuesday. From the outset, Al Qadsiah looked the more composed and attacking side, dominating possession and applying constant pressure on Al Raed's defense. Despite their attacking intent, they were repeatedly denied by a standout performance from Al Raed goalkeeper André Moreira, who made several key saves to keep the score level through the first half. In the 58th minute, Mohammed Abu Al Shamat tested Moreira with a powerful long-range strike that the Portuguese shot-stopper palmed away brilliantly. Moreira was called into action again in the 65th minute, saving from close range to keep Al Raed in the contest. Al Raed, for their part, focused on deep defensive organization and counterattacks but struggled to create any meaningful chances. Just as the match looked set for extra time, Ezequiel Fernández launched a high ball over the top in the dying seconds. Aubameyang timed his run perfectly, shrugged off his marker, and slotted home a composed finish to send the Al Qadsiah fans into celebration. The win sends Al Qadsiah to a highly anticipated final showdown against Al Ittihad, setting up a battle between two in-form sides vying for domestic silverware.
CAF
26-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon): 'I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations'
At 35, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang proves he is far from losing his shine. Still as fast, sharp, and determined, he remains one of the most feared forwards, capable of making a difference at any moment. Just like his brace against Kenya (2-1) on Match Day 6 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which earned the Panthers three crucial points, while keeping pressure on Côte d'Ivoire, another top team in Group F. A campaign that promises to be decisive for the future of Gabon, with high-stakes matches to secure a place in the final stages of the competition. This qualification is the thread running through 2025, leading Gabon to Morocco—a highly anticipated return to the continental stage after missing the Ivorian edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. Thierry Mouyouma's men, buoyed by Aubameyang's impressive form, are determined to make a strong impression. The lethal forward sat down with CAFOnline to talk about his ambitions for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon finds itself in Group F, alongside Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Mozambique. What are your thoughts on this group? I think it's the group of death. We're used to it now. We often end up in tough groups. But I think it's a good thing—it's a big test from the start. At least it gives a direction for the competition because if you manage to get out of this group, it means you're capable of winning the Africa Cup of Nations. I think these are the biggest nations we could face, so it will give us a good idea when we come out of it. How did you feel about Gabon's absence from the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire? I think we missed out on a great AFCON because I personally watched it on TV, and it was really nice to see. I find it disappointing that we didn't participate. But we have to make up for it and go as far as we can in the next one. Pierre-Emerick, you are going to play your sixth Africa Cup of Nations. After all these years of experience, how do you view this new participation in Morocco in 2025, and what goals have you set for yourself? If I were to set myself a goal, it would be to win the Africa Cup of Nations. It would be a dream, perhaps seen as ambitious by some, but for me, it's a real objective. I'm going there with unwavering determination. It would also be something extraordinary for the country to reach the final and deliver a great performance. It would be truly incredible. You are clearly one of the faces of your team and national squad. As a leader, how do you manage this pressure? Yes, I think now I handle it well because of my experience. I react differently than before, when I could be more affected. Criticism is still hard to take, but that's the reality. Today, I am more mature. At my club, Al-Qadsiah FC, my role on the field involves me more in the game, which boosts my confidence. As for the pressure, it doesn't bother me anymore. I've been facing it for years. As a senior member of the team, what message do you pass on to the younger players to motivate them? What advice do you give them? The most important thing is to enjoy yourself, because it's a golden opportunity. If I look at my career, it's thanks to the AFCON that I was truly recognized on the world stage, especially with Gabon, and especially during the 2012 AFCON. Even though the ending was tough, it's a memorable experience. It's an incredible chance, especially when you're young, and sometimes I think young players forget this opportunity. So I advise them to enjoy every moment and play their football because that's how you grow. Mistakes are part of the game, but they help you improve. Of course, I'll give technical advice, but that stays between us. What would you have liked to hear at the beginning of your career? They told me the right things when I was young. But the thing I discovered later, which I wasn't prepared for, was the rise! Because it can happen very quickly. I remember I played the 2010 AFCON, where I was on the bench. And two years later, I was a starter, and they put me up there. So it's very complicated because there's also the backlash when you're, so to speak, the star. And when the results aren't there, of course, you're targeted. But that's just it—I think this is what surprised me. So if someone had warned me, it would have been nice. But I discovered it a bit the hard way. And as I said at the time, I sometimes reacted impulsively, probably making mistakes. But that's the past. I think now I try to set the best example for the young ones coming in and leave the field open for them for the future. 🇬🇦 — AUBA⚡️ (@Auba) March 25, 2025
CAF
23-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Aubameyang double lifts Gabon as Mauritius and Eswatini share six-goal thriller
Published: Sunday, 23 March 2025 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Gabon climbed to the top of Group F with a 2-1 win over Kenya, while Eswatini and Mauritius played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in World Cup 2026 qualifying on Sunday. The former Arsenal striker struck early to give Gabon the lead in Nairobi, before converting a penalty early in the second half to double the advantage. Kenya responded just after the hour mark through Michael Olunga, but the Panthers held on to secure a vital three points on the road. Gabon's win sends them to the summit of Group F with 15 points, overtaking Côte d'Ivoire and boosting their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history. For the Harambee Stars, the result is a major setback, leaving them with work to do in the second half of the campaign. Elsewhere in Group B, Eswatini and Mauritius produced a six-goal thriller in a game full of twists and late drama. Thabo Mkhonto gave the home side a dream start with a quickfire brace inside 16 minutes. But Mauritius hit back after the break, with goals from Linsley Rose and Yven Aristide levelling the contest within three minutes of each other. Eswatini appeared to have secured the win when Mabuza restored their lead in the 75th minute. However, Jean struck in stoppage time to salvage a point for the visitors, who remain at the foot of the group. The result keeps both Eswatini and Mauritius stuck in the lower half of the Group B standings, with their hopes of qualification hanging by a thread heading into the final rounds.
BBC News
23-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Aubameyang dents Kenya's dreams of 2026 World Cup spot
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Gabon beat Kenya 2-1 in qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and severely dented the East Africans' hopes of reaching the sent Gabon two points clear of Ivory Coast at the top of Group F as the Panthers strengthened their own bid for a maiden appearance at the Arsenal striker Aubameyang opened the scoring when he lashed home with a right-footed shot in the 16th minute, and the 35-year-old celebrated with some trademark Stars captain Michael Olunga had the best chances to equalise in Nairobi, having a shot tipped onto the post and then heading wide in first-half injury who plays his club football in Saudi Arabia, doubled Gabon's lead from the penalty spot seven minutes after the break after Erick Ouma was penalised for did pull one back in the 62nd minute, converting Ouma's low cross from the left, but Kenya could not find an equaliser and their chances of a first trip to the World Cup are fading with just four rounds of fixtures remaining. Only the group winners are assured of a place at next year's tournament, while the four best second-placed sides across the nine groups will enter play-offs for a place at an intercontinental McCarthy had claimed a draw against The Gambia on Thursday in his first match as Harambee Stars boss, but defeat leaves Kenya seven points behind second-placed Ivory Coast having played a game more than the sixth round of the group campaign continues with eight fixtures on Monday, and Ivory Coast will return to the top of Group F if they beat the Gambians at home. Eswatini and Mauritius draw thriller Elsewhere, Mauritius fought back from 2-0 down and then scored an injury-time equaliser to claim a 3-3 draw away against Eswatini in Group had surprisingly claimed their first point on Wednesday with a solid defensive display against five-time continental champions Cameroon, and were rewarded for their early ambition against Mkhonto twice capitalised on hesitant defending to put the hosts 2-0 up inside 18 minutes in set-pieces proved to be Eswatini's undoing in the second half as the visitors drew level within five minutes of the restart through goals from Lindsay Rose and Yannick Mabuza put Eswatini 3-2 up but Emmanuel Vincent rescued a point for the Indian Ocean islanders with his 91st minute remain bottom of Group D on two points, while Mauritius are fifth on five Verde lead the group on 10 points, Cameroon are second on nine points and Libya and Angola remain in contention on eight and seven points respectively.
