PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), without World Cup winner Lionel Messi and Neymar, lost for the first time in any competition since March 20 last year when they were defeated 3-1 at Lens.
“Lens deserved their win,” said PSG coach Christophe Galtier. Lois Openda scored one and set up another as Lens, who have only lost once in Ligue 1 this season, closed the gap on PSG at the top to four points after 17 rounds.
“We are happy to be four points behind,” said Lens coach Franck Haise. “This victory proves that we can beat anyone in this championship.” PSG’s last loss was more than nine months ago when they fell 3-0 at Monaco in Ligue 1, although that still left them 12 points clear at the top of the table.
On Sunday at Lens, PSG were without Messi and suspended Brazilian Neymar, but Kylian Mbappe, the Golden Boot winner in Qatar, received a rousing welcome from the Lens fans as he warmed up. Galtier said he hoped French fans would give Messi a similar reception.
“He’s going to join us on January 3, in 48 hours,” said Galtier. “I hope Leo will be well received. He won the most beautiful trophy by being very good. We know he’s a great and decisive player so we hope he’ll be well received obviously.” “Kylian worked had,” said Galtier. “He showed a very good attitude.” “Leo and ‘Ney’ were not there but that is no excuse.” Lens took the lead after five minutes when PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma blocked an effort from Massadio Haidara to Przemyslaw Frankowski who scored.
Hugo Ekitike replied three minutes later, swinging hard as Brice Samba dived to gather a cross and driving the ball through the Lens goalkeeper’s grasp. Lens took control after 28 minutes. Seko Fofana won possession on the edge of his own box, drove through a couple of challenges then measured a pass between the PSG central defenders to Openda.
Lens pressed from the start of the second half and in the 48th minute won possession deep in the PSG half. The ball reached Openda in the box, his backheel left the defence flat-footed and allowed Alexis Claude Maurice to take a touch and score from close range.
The French league normally takes the holiday season off but with matches to make up following the World Cup, it played one round immediately after Christmas and another on Sunday and Monday.
They have dubbed the games ‘Celebration Week’, in English, as a nod to the English tradition of Boxing Day games, but many fans are suspicious or hostile. Among protest banners unfurled by fans in an almost empty stand at Nantes, where the home team beat Auxerre 1-0, was one that complained that the league and broadcasters were “killing” them.
In Monaco, Aleksandr Golovin smashed in the only goal from outside the penalty area as the home team did just enough to beat Brest 1-0 and tighten their grip on fourth place. Angers remain anchored to the bottom after suffering a ninth straight loss, falling 2-1 to visiting Lorient who broke their own run of six games without a victory.
[9:00 am, 02/01/2023] Pt Boss: Winter youth sports festival ends with colorful celebration
PESHAWAR, Jan 02 (INP): The two-day Winter Youth Sports Festival concluded with a colorful New Year Celebration including a grand Musical Show, Firework, specifically for families here at Hayatabad Sports Complex.
There were hundreds and thousands of families attending the grand New Year Night Show, followed by Bonfire, fireworks besides enjoying traditional food at the stalls specially setup to facilitate the families. The Festival is jointly organized by Directorate Youth Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Administrator Hayatabad Sports Complex and Directorate General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
There were five different Games in which more than 200 girls and boys players participated in the games like gymnastic, badminton, squash, ITF Taekwondo, cricket and karate. The Musical Night and Firework also attracted a large number of facilities wherein prominent singers came up with their prominent numbers and received thundering applause.
The Winter Youth Sports Festival organized by Directorate of Youth Affairs and Administrator Hayatabad Sports Complex Peshawar has come to an end. Banners were also released in the air on this occasion, which presented a beautiful and unique scene in the darkness of the night.
The purpose of the event on the arrival of the New Year was to provide entertainment to the people while sending a message of peace to the world, Director Youth Affairs Irfan Ali told media men.
He said the New Year Night and Sports events are nicely organized by the Administrator of Hayatabad Sports Complex Shah Faisal and his team. Director Development Merged Area Saleem Jan Marwat, Administrator Hayatabad Sports Complex Shah Faisal, Deputy Director Youth Affairs Naeem Gul and Yasir islam among other important personalities were present.
