Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe with an iron fist from 1980 to 2017, has died aged 95, the country's president announced Friday.
First heralded as a liberator who rid the former British colony of Rhodesia of white minority rule, Mugabe used repression and fear to hold on to power in Zimbabwe until he was finally ousted by his previously loyal military generals.
"It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President... Robert Mugabe," Emmerson Mnangagwa said in a tweet.
"Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten."
Mugabe had been battling ill health, and his humiliating fall from office in November 2017, his stamina seeped away rapidly. He was hospitalised in Singapore for months for an undisclosed ailment, Mnangagwa had confirmed earlier this year.
No further ...

Zimbabwe ex-president Mugabe dies aged 95

PTI Automatic

Argentina and Chile ground out a 0-0 draw here Thursday in a niggly friendly international between the two South American rivals.
Argentina, missing the suspended Lionel Messi and several other  European-based stars including Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria, enjoyed the better chances but were unable to find a goal in front of a sparsely populated Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Chile, with Alexis Sanchez leading their attack, were similarly uninspired in front of goal.
Thursday's game was the latest instalment of an increasingly bitter rivalry between the two sides who met in both the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals, won by Chile on each occasion.
The two sides also faced off in this year's Copa, with Argentina winning a third-place play-off.
The intense rivalry was evident throughout, with US referee Jair Marrufo showing no fewer than 10 yellow cards in an often ill-tempered contest.
Chile midfielder Charles Aranguiz was lucky to stay on the pitch after picking up an early booking 

Argentina, Chile stalemate in LA friendly

Cameroon's main opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who was runner-up in last year's presidential election, on Friday goes to trial in a military court on insurrection charges that have sparked international outcry.
Kamto and dozens of political allies and supporters face charges of insurrection, hostility to the motherland and rebellion, crimes which could carry the death penalty.
His trial will go ahead despite repeated protests from France, the United States and the European Union, who have been calling for his release from detention for eight months.
"There is no justification for Mr Kamto and his supporters to have been incarcerated for eight months in these conditions," their French lawyer Antoine Vey told AFP.
"None of them took part in acts of violence, none called for acts of violence or rebellion, there is no reason for their arrest other than a political motive."
Kamto, the head of the opposition Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC), was arrested in late January after ...

Cameroon opposition leader goes on trial in military court

Russians are set to vote in local elections on Sunday following a hugely controversial campaign in Moscow that degenerated into the biggest police crackdown on protesters in nearly a decade.
Municipal and regional polls will be held across the vast country, but most attention will be focused on the Moscow parliament vote following the arrests and jailings of independent would-be candidates and their supporters.
Analysts say the results of the vote will be keenly watched ahead of parliamentary elections in 2021 and will help shape Russia's political future as President Vladimir Putin enters his third decade in power.
Over the past weeks tens of thousands have taken part in Moscow protests demanding a fair vote after allies of opposition leader Alexei Navalny were barred from the election. Rap stars and prominent bloggers backed the demonstrations.
Authorities responded with a police crackdown -- the biggest since a wave of protests in 2011-12 against Putin's return to the Kremlin after 

Russians go to polls after summer of protests

Japanese scientists have identified a new species of dinosaur from a nearly complete skeleton that was the largest ever discovered in the country, measuring eight metres (26 feet) long.
After analysing hundreds of bones dating back 72 million years, the team led Hokkaido University concluded the skeleton once belonged to a new species of hadrosaurid dinosaur, a herbivorous beast that roamed the Earth in the late Cretaceous period.
A partial tail was first found in northern Japan in 2013 and later excavations revealed the entire skeleton.
The team named the dinosaur "Kamuysaurus japonicus," which means "Japanese dragon god," according to a statement issued by the university.
They believe the dinosaur was an adult aged nine years old and would have weighed either four tonnes or 5.3 tonnes -- depending on whether it walked on two legs or four.
The discovery was published in British peer-reviewed journal "Scientific Reports".
"The fact a new dinosaur was discovered in Japan means there ...

Japanese scientists find new dinosaur species

Prime Minister Boris Johnson heads to Scotland on Friday in campaign mode despite failing to call an early election after MPs this week thwarted his hardline Brexit strategy.
Johnson, who will make a fresh attempt next week to force the mid-October snap election, is set to visit a fish market and announce a post-Brexit funding boost for Scottish farmers during a visit to Aberdeenshire, his office said.
He will then stay at Queen Elizabeth II's Balmoral estate and dine with her, an annual weekend-long tradition for prime ministers but one that Johnson has been forced to cut short to a single night due to the political turmoil in Westminster.
Opposition lawmakers and rebels in his ruling Conservative party on Wednesday left Johnson's plans for a no-deal Brexit next month in tatters and then blocked a request for a snap election on October 15.
Under British law, the government requires two-thirds of MPs to support holding such a poll.
The main opposition Labour Party abstained on the ...

Johnson in election mode as he visits Scotland after Brexit setbacks

North Carolina braced for a "long night" of strong winds and driving rain as Hurricane Dorian closed in on the coast Thursday after devastating the northern Bahamas, where it left at least 30 people dead and thousands homeless.
Authorities in the state of Florida -- which was largely spared by the storm -- blamed six more deaths on the hurricane, US media reported, though they occurred as the victims were preparing for the storm's arrival or were evacuation-related.
US weather forecasters warned that some areas of the Carolina coast could see dangerous storm surge of up to seven feet (2.1 metres) and between six and 12 inches of rain.
"We know we're in for a long night and we'll be eager to see the sunshine in the morning," North Carolina's Governor Roy Cooper told CNN.
The slow-moving monster storm also spawned several tornadoes but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Many residents of coastal Carolina heeded evacuation orders while others battened down their homes with ...

North Carolina faces 'long night' as Dorian's Bahamas toll rises

Argentine legend Diego Maradona will take over as coach of Superliga side Gimnasia, the club announced on its Twitter account Thursday.
"Welcome Diego! Every corner of the most beautiful club in the world greets you," the La Plata-based club said.
The former Argentina coach quit his job at Mexican second division outfit Dorados in June for health reasons after just nine months in charge.
His new club, officially known as Gymnastics and Fencing, is currently bottom of Argentina's 24-club Superliga, with just one point from five matches.
Maradona's appointment at Dorados in September had been a surprise, despite his inglorious coaching history since leaving the national team post following the 2010 World Cup.
He also coached second division Emirati side Fujairah.
The former Barcelona and Napoli forward is perhaps best known for guiding his country to victory at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Maradona appointed coach of Argentine Superliga side

Steve Smith double century has solidified his legacy as Test batting legend

Even after retiring hurt having been felled by Archer, Smith still came back out to make 92 -- his lowest score of a series where he has now scored 589 runs at a colossal average of 147.25

Press Trust of India

Spain took a step closer to qualification for Euro 2020 after surviving a scare in Romania to win 2-1 and continue their 100 percent record, while Italy also kept their perfect start with a 3-1 win in Armenia.
A Sergio Ramos first half penalty and a beautiful team goal finished off by Paco Alcacer were just about enough for Spain in Bucharest, made their record five wins from five and maintain their five-point lead at the top of Group F.
They are followed by Sweden, who are on 10 points after thrashing the Faroe Islands 4-0, and Norway a further two points back after their comfortable 2-0 over Malta.
Ramos got the ball rolling for the away side from the spot after Dani Ceballos was brought down by Ciprian Deac, and the points looked secure two minutes after the break when Alcacer tapped home Jordi Alba's cross following a sensational pass from Ceballos.
However substitute Florin Andone made an almost immediate impact when he nipped in front of Ramos to nod one back just before the ...

Spain, Italy battle to maintain perfect Euro 2020 qualifying starts

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary.
Beijing has been preparing for the big celebration well ahead of the October 1 event, with several large screens installed at Tiananmen Square, where tanks and other army hardware will be shown off.
Security was already tighter than usual to enter Beijing's massive square as guards sifted through every bag in the long line of local tourists heading for a visit on Thursday. An AFP journalist was not allowed to go through.
Several kilometres away, the Workers Stadium has been closed off, with temporary high walls covered in fake grass surrounding the facility normally used by Chinese football team Beijing Guoan.
A security guard told AFP that the government "wants to use the stadium for the 70th anniversary preparations." All businesses inside the stadium, including 

Security squeeze in China's capital ahead of communist celebration

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is relishing his return to the England squad after realising how much the national team mean to their fans during his injury lay-off.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has missed England's last three appearances at major tournaments through injury, but he is finally fit and has been named in the squad for Saturday's Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria and next week's clash against Kosovo.
The Liverpool midfielder would dearly love to feature if England qualify for next year's European Championships, because his time on the sidelines gave him a fresh perspective of how the nation lives and breathes Three Lions campaigns.
When Gareth Southgate's team went to Russia for their run to the World Cup semi-finals last year, he was ruled out by a serious knee injury.
But Oxlade-Chamberlain didn't turn his back on the side and watched one of their matches against Belgium from a Boxpark bar in east London.
Attempting to go undercover in glasses and a hat, Oxlade-Chamberlain was quickly 

Oxlade-Chamberlain relishes England return after injury woe

Mick McCarthy has his sights set on Euro 2020 after David McGoldrick rescued the Republic of Ireland's unbeaten qualifying record with a late equaliser in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
McCarthy's side were five minutes away from their first defeat of the campaign after Fabian Schar put the Swiss ahead at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
But McGoldrick ensured Ireland made it five games unbeaten when he headed in the late equaliser that kept his team on top of Group D.
"I am delighted. Switzerland are a very good side. They showed that at times. They kept us penned in. I'm happy we kept going," McCarthy said.
"We showed durability and the stoic nature Irish teams have shown during my time as a player and manager. We deserved it in the end." Ireland are three points in front of second-placed Denmark and six ahead of third placed Switzerland, who however have two games in hand.
"I'm thrilled for David McGoldrick. The way we can eke out a result when it looks like it's gone is ...

McCarthy eyes Euro 2020 for Ireland after Swiss draw

Asian markets rose again Friday as the feel-good factor that fired investors the day before looked set to push into the weekend, fuelled by upbeat data and trade optimism.
A growing sense that Britain could avoid crashing out of the European Union was adding to the positive vibe and keeping the pound at a more than one-month high against the dollar.
After a tumultuous August, dealers were given a much-needed shot in the arm this week with news that China and the United States would resume high-level trade talks next month in Washington.
This week also saw China flag plans for fresh economy-boosting measures, while data out of Washington on Thursday showed August private-sector jobs creation beat the previous month and was higher than expected.
A forecast-topping read on the US services sector provided extra joy.
The reports set the scene for the much-anticipated release of non-farm payrolls later Friday, which are closely watched for clues about the state of the world's top ...

Asian markets rise again as investors make most of feel-good vibe

Brazil coach Tite said Neymar will make a long-awaited return from injury when the South American champions take on Colombia in a friendly in Miami on Friday.
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has not played since suffering an ankle injury in a friendly against Qatar in June which ruled him out of the Copa America.
However Tite Thursday said the striker had been declared fit and ready to return against the Colombians in Friday's game at the Hard Rock Stadium.
"Clinically he has recovered from the injury that as everyone remembers removed him from the Copa America," Tite said.
"If he wasn't fit, he wouldn't be with the national team. We are not irresponsible to force a situation when it concerns the athlete's health," Tite added.
"Me and the coaching staff will be very attentive to his development. He is ready, he is capable of doing what the team needs," he added.
Brazil went on to win the Copa America crown without Neymar in July, their first victory in the tournament since 2007.
Since 

Neymar set to return for Brazil v Colombia - Tite

World number three Dustin Johnson underwent knee surgery on Thursday but is expected to make a full recovery and will return to golf later this year, his management team said.
A statement from Johnson's management said the former world number one had undergone a procedure in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to repair cartilage damage in his left knee.
"He is now resting comfortably and is expected to make a full recovery before returning to competition later this fall," the statement said.
"The procedure is considered routine and similar in nature to his prior right knee surgery in December of 2011."
The statement said orthopedic surgeon Dr George Caldwell had carried out the procedure.
Johnson, 35, endured a mixed 2018-2019 campaign, winning one tournament at the WGC-Mexico Championship, keeping alive a streak of winning at least one tournament a season since 2008.
He finished runner-up in two majors but struggled towards the end of the year, unable to post a top-10 finish in his last eight .

Johnson undergoes knee surgery

Elina Svitolina has lifted her game to reach the semi-finals of the past two Grand Slam tournaments, but lopsided losses in both have left the Ukrainian standout searching for answers.
Serena Williams, chasing her 24th Grand Slam title to match Margaret Court's all-time record, routed Svitolina 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday to reach Saturday's championship match.
That followed a 6-1, 6-3 drubbing at Wimbledon by eventual champion Simona Halep and together they have left Svitolina of two minds about her Slam breakthroughs.
"For sure last two Slams been good for me. I'm very happy the way I could handle the tough moments," she said.
"Unfortunately it's both times finished really one-sided, which I have to analyze.
"I have to sit down with my coach, I have to work a lot mentally on how I have to handle those kind of matches. That's where you have to really step up your game."
A week shy of her 25th birthday, Svitolina will rise to third in the world rankings on Monday, matching her career ...

Svitolina searches for answers after second Slam semi rout

Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu will play 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams for the US Open title after a tense 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 win over Belinda Bencic in the semi-final.
The 19-year-old Andreescu is just the second women's Grand Slam finalist from Canada -- after Eugenie Bouchard at Wimbledon in 2014 -- and will bid to become the first teen Grand Slam champion since Maria Sharapova won at Flushing Meadows in 2006.
"It's just surreal. I really don't know what to say. It's a dream come true playing Serena in the finals of the US open. It's crazy, it's crazy," Andreescu said.
"I think it's just all the hard work I've put in through the years. If someone told me a year ago I would be in the US Open final this year, I'd tell them they were crazy."
Andreescu, in her US Open main draw debut, saved a set point in the opening set against fellow first-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Bencic, the 13th seed from Switzerland, before edging the tie-break.
She trailed by a double break at .

Andreescu to face Serena for US Open title

Ricky Ponting, Australia's greatest run-scorer, hailed Steve Smith as "a genius" Friday after his Ashes double hundred -- an exploit his country's media said was "Donald Bradman-like".
Smith has taken his game to a new level since returning from a 12-month ball-tampering ban this year, with his 211 in the fourth Test at Old Trafford giving him an incredible batting average during the series of 147.25.
"You hear all sorts of words, 'genius' is one that comes to mind," Ponting told cricket.com.au when asked to sum up Smith's knock, which put Australia in a dominant position after two days.
"A remarkable innings again. It's his application to what he does. He just doesn't make any mistakes. His concentration levels are obviously unbelievably good."
Even Ponting, one of cricket's sharpest minds, struggled to think of how to get him out. But he did have some advice.
"He's only been out nine times lbw in his last 99 innings, so you know if you're bowling straight you're not going to get him 

Smith 'a genius' after Ashes double ton: Ponting

A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly", only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance.
Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes on Thursday said he agreed with President Jair Bolsonaro's comments about Macron's looks.
"The president said it -- it's true," he said to applause during an economic forum.
"The woman is truly ugly."
Later, an aide said in a statement that Guedes "asks for forgiveness for the joke he made today during a public event... when he mentioned the French first lady."
Bolsonaro garnered criticism last week when he appeared to agree with a Facebook post that implied French President Emmanuel Macron's wife was not as attractive as his own wife Michele Bolsonaro.
He wrote "Do not humiliate the guy, ha ha" on a post that read "Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro" next to pictures of the two first ladies.
The French president called Bolsonaro's behavior ...

French first lady is 'truly ugly,' says Brazilian minister

The death toll from Hurricane Dorian has risen to 30 in the Bahamas, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis told American network CNN on Thursday.
Authorities had previously reported 20 dead, but have warned that the final figure is sure to be far higher.
Minnis has said that the storm caused "generational devastation."
The United Nations said 70,000 people in the Bahamas were in "immediate need" of aid.
Dorian, currently a Category 2 storm, was pounding the US states of North and South Carolina Thursday night with strong winds and driving rain, bringing dangerous storm surge.

AFP

AFP

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