Tuesday 14 November 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

CA XI win toss, bat against England

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TOWNSVILLE (AFP) – The Cricket Australia XI won the toss and chose to bat on the opening day of the four-day Ashes tour match against England in Townsville in north Queensland on Wednesday.It is the tourists’ final warm-up game ahead of the opening Test against Australia, starting in Brisbane on November 23.All-rounder Moeen Ali returns after missing the opening two tour games with a side strain.Senior paceman James Anderson will miss the Townsville match due to illness, but there’s no concern over his availability for the Gabba Test.TeamsEngland: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (capt), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, Mason Crane.Cricket Australia XI: Jake Carder, Nick Larkin, Ryan Gibson, Will Pucovski, Jason Sangha, Matt Short (capt), Harry Nielsen, Simon Milenko, Gurinder Sandhu, Daniel Fallins, Harry Conway.Umpires: Nathan Johnstone (AUS) and Paul Wilson (AUS)Match Referee: Bob Parry (AUS)

In Morocco, a blue tourist town is turning green

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(AFP) - Huddling against a hillside in northern Morocco is a tourist town famed for the striking blue of its buildings, and now the mayor is mixing in another colour - green.Chefchaouen - known locally as Chaouen - wants to become a model for sustainable development at a time when the northwest African kingdom has shone a spotlight onto its commitment to the environment and a greener future.Take Aziz, a local council employee in his forties. He whizzes silently around town on an electric bicycle doing his job as an inspector of building sites.It’s a practical and eco-friendly way of getting around he says.It respects the environment and allows us to get around easily without using polluting modes of transport, Aziz says, wearing a fluorescent safety vest and with a helmet firmly on his head.Mohamed Sefiani, mayor of the town of some 45,000 residents where visitors come to admire hundreds of hues of blue, says Chefchaouen began to go green more than seven years ago.“In April 2010, the municipal council took a unanimous decision aimed at transforming Chaouen into an ecologically sustainable town, he says.Local political commitment to the project is strong, the mayor says, but much still needs to be done.Chefchaouen isn’t an ecological town yet, but it certainly has the will to become one, says a smiling Sefiani.We are in a transition phase. At a Moroccan and African level, we’re among the most advanced towns in this respect.Chefchaouens mayor says the Moroccan city began to go green more than seven years ago. Photo: AFPRaising awarenessA newly inaugurated municipal swimming pool equipped with solar energy is near an ecology centre built from recycled containers where the town’s green projects, funded mainly by the European Union and backed by several NGOs, are highlighted.France’s GERES - Group for the Environment, Renewable Energy and Solidarity - was asked to help transform Chefchaouen.It was at the town’s request that we came here to support its energy and climatic transition, says the NGO’s Virginie Guy, who is coordinating the project.Among the initiatives is an info-energy centre to raise awareness about energy savings, photovoltaic panels at several sites, such as the municipal library, that contribute to electricity production, and an environmentally oriented museum is also nearly complete.The info-energy centre’s Houda Hadji explains the basics of eco-construction, energy efficiency and the benefits of energy-saving lightbulbs, among other green topics.There’s very strong interest from visitors to the centre, says the young guide, her hair concealed under an elegant veil.This is the first initiative in Morocco working on energy upgrading in buildings, and providing information about savings, targeting both businesses and individuals, she adds.Chefchaouen is one of 12 southern Mediterranean locations to benefit from a European programme that has granted it around 10 million dirhams ($1 million) and declared the town a model and initiator of change in sustainable energy management.But not everything is green yet in the little blue town.The public dump is not yet up to standard, Mayor Sefiani concedes.We’re working on a landfill and recovery centre, and I think that by 2021, we will have ironed out all the problems.The Moroccan city of Chefchaouen wants to become a model for sustainable development. Photo: AFPRenewable energyWith green mosques, solar and wind farms, electric buses and a ban on plastic bags, Morocco has been forging ahead with environment-friendly policies over the past few years.It regularly trumpets its proactive strategy in terms of green energy, instigated by King Mohammed VI.Late last year, in the southern city of Marrakesh, the country hosted the COP22 international climate conference, and has begun an ambitious plan to develop renewable energy.In a country devoid of hydrocarbon resources, the aim is to increase the share of renewable energies nationally to 52 percent by 2030 (20 percent solar, 20 percent wind, 12 percent hydro).A massive flagship project was inaugurated by the king in February last year. The Noor solar power plant is on the edge of the Sahara desert, some 20 kilometres (12 miles) outside Ouarzazate.Spread over an area equivalent to more than 600 football pitches, the plant’s half a million metal mirrors follow the sun as it moves across the sky and store the energy collected from its rays.Despite pushing its green credentials, Morocco still has many environmental hurdles to clear on its way to cleaner horizons.A recent World Bank report covered by Moroccan media spoke of alarming peaks of atmospheric pollution in the country’s major cities.And a number of eco projects announced to great fanfare during the 2016 COP22 conference remain just that - announcements.

Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Capt (r) Safdar appear in accountability court

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Former Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (r) Safdar appeared in accountability court in National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) references today (Wednesday).Justice Mohammad Bashir is hearing the case.Nawaz Sharif is nominated suspect in references regarding Avenfield properties, Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment, while Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (r) Safdar are nominated in reference regarding Avenfield properties alone.The accountability court had also summoned two prosecution witnesses Sidra Mansoor of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Jahangir Ahmad of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to appear in the court today to record their statements.It will be 12th hearing of Avenfield properties and Azizia Steel Mills references and 13th hearing of the Flagship Investment reference. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif appeared before accountability court on five occasions while Maryam Nawaz and Captain (r) Safdar for seven times.The former PM was indicted by the accountability court in the court on November 8 in all three corruption references separately. However, Nawaz denied all the charges pleading not guilty, saying that the proceeding was initiated on political basis.On the other hand, former PM’s sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz did not appear in the court during previous hearings after which the court started proceeding to declare them absconders.Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz are likely to be declared absconders during today’s hearing.

Kh Saad invites stake holders to work together to strengthen democracy

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Wednesday has requested all the stake holders to work together to strengthen democracy in the country.Talking to media, Saad Rafique asked that if the decisions will be giving directly that how will the country be governed. He also said that ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif will succeed in every case against him.Meanwhile, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said that no evidence against Nawaz Sharif was found and that he was disqualified only on Iqama. Questions will continue to be raised over injustice, she added.She claimed that volume X of Panama Joint Investigation Team (JIT) is still under preparation, continuing that Pakistani nation will give answer to our questions in general elections.

First hijab-wearing Barbie to honor US fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad

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(AFP) - American group Mattel unveiled its first ever hijab-wearing Barbie doll Monday in honour of US Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, who in 2016 became the first American Olympian to wear a headscarf while competing.The doll, part of the toymaker’s Sheroes collection, is dressed in fencing gear as well as the hijab.It will be on sale online from 2018, a spokeswoman told AFP.We are so excited to honor @IbtihajMuhammad with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll Ibtihaj continues to inspire women and girls everywhere to break boundaries, Mattel wrote on its social media accounts, accompanied by a photo of Muhammad holding the doll.The doll, part of the toymakers Sheroes collection, is dressed in fencing gear as well as the hijab. Photo: Mattel On its website, Mattel said the new Barbie is inspiration for countless little girls who never saw themselves represented in sports and culture, adding it hopes the doll shows girls they can be anything.Meanwhile, 31-year-old Muhammad described the doll created in her image as a childhood dream come true.Thank you @Mattel for announcing me as the newest member of the @Barbie Shero family I’m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab she wrote on Twitter.Thank you @Mattel for announcing me as the newest member of the @Barbie Shero family I’m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab This is a childhood dream come trueshero pic.twitter.com/py7nbtb2KD— Ibtihaj Muhammad (@IbtihajMuhammad) November 13, 2017 It is not the first time Mattel, which is currently facing financial difficulties, has honoured an American Olympian with a doll.In 2016, the group released a Barbie created in the image of gymnast Gabby Douglas, the individual all-around champion at the London 2012 Games.Mattel’s latest announcement comes as The Wall Street Journal reports rival Hasbro plans to buy the toy manufacturer.

Art project transforms historic Indian fishing dock

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(AFP) - Indian fishermen unload their morning catch as sari-clad women carrying buckets on their heads walk past street art that has transformed one of Mumbai’s oldest fishing docks into an exhibition space.Thirty artists from around the world have given the bustling 142-year-old Sassoon Dock, home to Mumbai’s traditional Koli fishing community, a colourful makeover as part of the Start Urban Art Festival.The artworks range from mixed media to graffiti to street-art styles to installations, from using paints to wood to fishing objects, Arjun Bahl, co-founder and festival director, told AFP.The exhibition, which opened to public on November 11, runs until December 30. Photo: AFPExhibits include large portraits of Koli fisherfolk -- believed to be Mumbai’s original inhabitants and whose goddess Mumbadevi lends her name to the city -- and brightly painted murals representing women from the community.One installation, entitled Parfum Sassoon, alludes to the dock’s notoriously pungent fishy smell while another has a clear environmental message with its depiction of plastic bottles floating through the ocean.The Sassoon Dock project is part of the seventh edition of the Start Urban Art Festival which aims to make art accessible to everyone by transforming a public space.The whole idea was to bring art to a certain sect of the community who usually don’t interact with art, explains Bahl, as dock workers push trolleys loaded with fish and boats bob gently in the harbour.A photo mural at Sassoon Dock. Photo: AFPSassoon Dock was built in 1875 and is home to one of Mumbai’s largest fish markets. It is situated in the district of Colaba, in the southern tip of India’s financial capital.The exhibition, which is free to view, opened to the public on November 11 and runs until December 30. It will also feature screenings, talks and tours.Another feature of the festival is a giant, multi-coloured mural on the nearby Churchgate railway station showing India’s independence movement leader Mahatma Gandhi stepping down from a train.It was painted by popular Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra.

Nawaz Sharif, Maryam, Capt Safdar arrive in accountability court

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (r) Safdar arrived in accountability court in National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) references today (Wednesday).Nawaz Sharif is nominated suspect in references regarding Avenfield properties, Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment, while Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (r) Safdar are nominated in reference regarding Avenfield properties alone.According to details, it will be 12th hearing of Avenfield properties and Azizia Steel Mills references and 13th hearing of the Flagship Investment reference.Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif appeared before accountability court on five occasion while Maryam Nawaz and Captain (r) Safdar on seven times.The former PM was indicted by the accountability court during his fifth appearance in the court on November 8 in all three corruption references separately. However, Nawaz denied all the charges pleading not guilty and saying that the proceeding was initiated on political basis.The accountability had also summoned two prosecution witnesses Sidra Mansoor of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Jahangir Ahmad of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to appear in the court today to record their statements.Former PM’s sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz did not appear in the court during previous hearing after which the court started proceeding to declare them absconders.Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz are likely to be declared absconders during today’s hearing.

Tennis: Federer beats Zverev to reach last four at ATP Finals

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LONDON (AFP) - Roger Federer held young pretender Alexander Zverev at bay in a gripping contest Tuesday to reach the last four of the ATP Finals and stay on course for a seventh end-of-season crown.The world number two saw off a spirited challenge from the much-hyped German 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 6-1 in front of a boisterous pro-Federer crowd to become the first man through to the last four at the O2 Arena.It was a good battle and I always enjoy myself at this beautiful arena, said Federer, who has now reached the semi-finals 14 times.I have so much fun playing in London and I have been so successful here. Thank you for making it such a special night.In happy and relieved that I can play freely against (Marin) Cilic, instead of it being a nailbiter. Its been a tough group so to be through in two matches is great.Both players were scratchy on serve at the start of the match but were quickly into the groove in a tight first set that saw no breaks of serve, though Zverev had to fend off two set points in the 12th game to force a tie-break.The 20-year-old third seed raced into a 4-0 advantage only to see the Swiss charge back to lead 5-4. Zverev earned a set point of his own at 6-5 but could not convert and Federer made his third set point count.The 19-time Grand Slam champion broke in the first game of the second set to establish an iron grip on the round-robin match but Zverev hit back in the fourth to get back on level terms.Federer only landed 43 percent of first serves in the second set and it finally cost him in the 12th game, when Zverev capitalised on his third set point to force a decider.The Swiss re-found his focus and some consistency on serve in the decider as Zverevs level dipped, earning three breaks to close it out 6-1.Zverev has been touted as the leader of a pack of young players hungry to oust the creaking old guard but Federer, who has suffered only four defeats all year, shows no sign of slipping.Coming into the match Federer, 36, and Zverev had faced each other four times and each had won twice.This year, Federer beat the German in Halle but Zverev returned the favour at the Rogers Cup in Montreal.Earlier, also in the Boris Becker group, Jack Sock kept his dreams of a fairytale finish to his season alive, beating Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4).Its been an interesting morning so far, said the American. The fire alarm went off at 4:00 am and we had to exit the building. But I love playing here in London. Its an amazing atmosphere, you make me feel like home.The top two players from each of the two groups of four progress to the semi-finals.Federer, who beat Sock in his first match, is the standout star at the tournament after the withdrawal through injury of world number one Rafael Nadal.Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka are all long-term absentees from the Tour this season.

Football: Sublime Eriksen propels Denmark to World Cup

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DUBLIN (AFP) - Christian Eriksens magnificent hat-trick inspired Denmark to a 5-1 demolition of the Republic of Ireland in Tuesdays second leg of their play-off in Dublin to clinch a spot at next years World Cup.Following Saturdays stalemate in Copenhagen, Ireland got their home leg off to the perfect start when Shane Duffy headed them into the lead after only six minutes, but Denmark struck twice before the break and three more in the second half to seal their place in Russia.It is an incredible feeling. We have been fighting for so long to get to the World Cup. We are very much looking forward to it, said Eriksen.It is not often I score any hat-trick so of course it is incredible.The equaliser arrived in fortuitous circumstances on 19 minutes when Cyrus Christie helped bundle in Andreas Christensens effort, but there was nothing lucky about Eriksens thunderbolt for the second or his second-half brace.Nicklas Bendtner, on as a late substitute, completed the rout in the final minute with a penalty after a clumsy trip on him by James McClean, extending Irelands wait for a first World Cup appearance since 2002.Were really disappointed. We were well beaten in the end, said Ireland coach Martin ONeill.The two goals we conceded within a couple of minutes knocked us. We had to chase the game and Denmark took advantage. They deserved to go through.ONeill, who had already agreed a new contact to lead Ireland into the qualifiers for the 2020 European Championship, will ship criticism for again selecting his team without the craft of Wes Hoolahan.The 35-year-old, one of four Ireland players likely to retire from international football, was only introduced at the interval with Ireland needing three goals to redeem their cause.Duffy will certainly be around for the next campaign and his role as a central figure was solidified by his second crucial goal of the campaign.After Daryl Murphy earned a free-kick on the halfway line, Robbie Bradys delivery was telegraphed perfectly for the giant centre-back to arrive on cue to nod past the onrushing Kasper Schmeichel.That early breakthrough ensured the game opened up and Murphy nearly added a second only to ripple the side-netting with a volley.Denmark began to take encouragement from the space they were finding behind the home sides rigid defence and a piece of magic from Pione Sisto conjured the equaliser.His raid from the wing left Stephen Ward for dead and the left-wing cross found Christensen, whose close-range effort clipped the inside of the post and deflected in off the luckless Christie.Three minutes later and the task deepened for Ireland. Ward was again exposed by losing the ball and Nicolai Jorgensen picked up Eriksen and he found the top corner past Darren Randolph with a first-time shot from 25 yards.ONeills decision to ring the changes at the break did little to ease the pressure as Sisto forced a reflex save from Randolph with a shot from distance.All Ireland could muster was the odd half chance from set-pieces, leaving space for Denmark and Eriksen to capitalise on.After nearly grabbing his second on 56 minutes, the Tottenham talisman made no mistake on 63 minutes when he completed a flowing move between four players by curling a left-footed shot beyond the outstretched arm of Randolph.While McClean and substitute Shane Long spurned openings for Ireland to try claim some respectability, they conceded again from another Ward error.The Burnley mans feeble attempt at clearing a cross enabled Eriksen to dash in and rocket his shot into the top corner for his hat-trick.To compound Irelands woe, they conceded a late penalty which Bendtner gave Randolph no chance with by hammering into the top left corner.

Football: Stindl denies France, Spain held by Russia

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PARIS (AFP) - Lars Stindl scored a last-gasp equaliser as world champions Germany played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with France in Cologne on Tuesday, while Spain were held by Russia in a 3-3 friendly thriller.France and Germany are among the favourites for next years World Cup in Russia, and Stindls injury-time effort extended Joachim Loews sides unbeaten run to 21 matches.In the two teams first clash since the French won 2-0 in the Euro 2016 semi-finals, Didier Deschamps men scored a brilliantly-worked opening goal in the 33rd minute, as Anthony Martial danced between two defenders and squared for Alexandre Lacazette to tap into an empty net.Loews hosts equalised before the hour mark, though, as Mesut Ozil led a rapid counter-attack and played in RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner to slide a finish through the legs of the onrushing Steve Mandanda.But the visitors still looked threatening going forward and retook the lead with 19 minutes to play.This time it was teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe who was the creator, playing a pin-point through ball that Arsenal striker Lacazette latched onto before confidently finishing past Paris Saint-Germain second-choice goalkeeper Kevin Trapp for his first international brace.The 26-year-old had only scored once in his previous 15 France appearances, but sent out a message that he could take Olivier Girouds place up front at international level, as he already has done for his club.But Germany kept probing and snatched a draw as substitutes Stindl and Mario Goetze combined for the formers fourth international goal.The game was played under tight security after a friendly between the two teams at the Stade de France was hit by the Paris terror attacks on November 13, 2015.Spain were denied a seventh consecutive victory as Fedor Smolov grabbed World Cup hosts Russia a thrilling 3-3 draw in Saint Petersburg, despite a rare international brace for Sergio Ramos.Julen Lopeteguis visitors took control through a Jordi Alba header and Ramos first spot-kick, but Smolov and Alexei Miranchuk brought Russia level with goals either side of half-time.Real Madrid centre-back Ramos completed his first double for Spain since scoring two against San Marino in 2005, but Smolov grabbed Russia a draw after an encouraging performance.It was still a satisfactory international break for 2010 World Cup winners Spain, after a 5-0 thrashing of Costa Rica in Malaga on Saturday.Russia showed a high level of play tonight as their players all looked extremely motivated, coach Lopetegui said.Russia havent played any competitive games and their players worked flat out in every single friendly match. But we also played well tonight.A young England team held Neymars Brazil to a 0-0 draw at Wembley Stadium, having also played out a stalemate with Germany on Saturday.Tites men produced a tame performance in a game of few clear opportunities, as home goalkeeper Joe Hart only had to make three saves.Debutant Dominic Solanke, 20, could even have won it for England late on after coming off the bench, but he was denied by the legs of away keeper Alisson.Romelu Lukaku became Belgiums all-time record goalscorer by netting the winner in a 1-0 victory over fellow World Cup qualifiers Japan in Bruges.The Manchester United striker headed in his 31st international goal from barely a yard out after some good play from Nacer Chadli, to take him clear of Paul Van Himst and Bernard Voorhoof.Uruguay fell to a 2-1 defeat by Austria, who failed to qualify for Russia, in Vienna despite a goal for Edinson Cavani, while World Cup debutants Iceland were held by 2022 hosts Qatar after Mohammed Muntaris injury-time equaliser in Doha.The Netherlands made it two wins from two since their qualifying catastrophe by brushing aside Romania 3-0 in Bucharest as Ryan Babel scored his first international goal since May 2008.

Football: Young England stifle Neymar's Brazil

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LONDON (AFP) - Neymar and his Brazil colleagues were held to a frustrating goalless draw after a spirited display by a callow England team in Tuesdays friendly match at Wembley Stadium.Brazil coach Tite was able to name a first-choice starting XI, but despite the presence of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho in the visitors line-up, they tested England goalkeeper Joe Hart only three times.For Gareth Southgates England, who were once again without stars such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling through injury, it was a second successive encouraging 0-0 draw following Fridays stalemate with Germany.Liverpool forward Dominic Solankes appearance as a late substitute made him the sixth England player to have made his debut over the two games.In terms of heart, resilience and spirit, it was up there with anything Ive been involved in, Southgate told ITV.Weve played the best two teams in the world and kept two clean sheets, which gives us something to build on.While Southgate reflected with pride on his young teams maturity, it was a case of back to the drawing board for Tite.Brazil have won 13 of their 17 games since he took charge in June 2016, but their failure to unsettle such green opponents raised questions about their prospects of a sixth World Cup triumph in Russia next year.One team was proposing the game, trying to exert pressure in a high line and play with the ball, Tite said.The other team was defending more, playing more compact and waiting for a mistake to counter-attack.In a match like this, well have fewer opportunities. But although we had fewer opportunities than in other matches, we had the best ones. I cant remember one or two chances for them that scared us.There was a samba band in the away fans section and the visitors forward forays drew shrill cheers from their yellow-shirted compatriots in the stands, but Brazils football was all style and little substance.Jesus worked Hart with a near-post header from a Dani Alves cross 12 minutes in.Yet for all their back-heels and bravado, Brazil made few inroads, with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar twice ballooning shots high into the seating behind Harts goal.England worked Brazil goalkeeper Alisson only once before half-time and he had little trouble fielding a rasping drive from Marcus Rashford.Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who had starred on his debut against Germany, would last only 34 minutes on his return to Wembley as injury obliged him to cede his place to Jesse Lingard.Brazil created their first clear chance early in the second period when Neymars pass freed Coutinho, only for the recalled Hart to block with his legs.Substitute Fernandinho went even closer with 14 minutes remaining, but after a surging run from halfway, his low 25-yard effort grazed the left-hand post.A spate of substitutions had the effect of opening up space in the England half, but still the hosts resisted.Ashley Young marked his return after four years in the international wilderness by sliding in to block from Willian seconds after coming on, while Hart stood up well to thwart Roberto Firmino from Neymars pass.Solanke, 20, might have claimed a famous winner at the death when Youngs deep cross from the left found him unmarked at the back post, but Alisson slid out bravely to block.

Football: Iceland held by last-gasp Qatar

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DOHA (AFP) - A last-minute equaliser from Qatars Mohammed Muntari meant Iceland warmed up for their World Cup finals debut in Russia next year winless after playing two friendly matches in Doha.The 1-1 draw on Tuesday followed their 2-1 defeat against the Czech Republic in Qatar last week.Muntari slammed home from close range to force a deserved draw for the World Cup 2022 hosts following a laboured performance by Iceland.And it could have been even worse for the Europeans as Qatars Ahmed Mohamed even had a chance to win the game very late on.Icelands coach Heimir Hallgrimsson though insisted he was not too upset by the scoreline, but troubled by the performances of his fringe players.It was disappointing to concede a goal in the dying minutes but probably it was deserved, 1-1 was probably the right result, he said.It wasnt all about the results but we would like to have seen more players stepping up and showing they will be the ones who play in Russia.Iceland looked set for a routine victory after Vidar Orn Kjartansson scored the games opening goal in the 26th minute after being put through by skipper Gylfi Sigurdsson, who pounced on a mistake by the Qatari defence.But they were unable to see off a youthful Qatari side -- whose average age was just 24 -- and who failed to qualify for next years finals.Hallgrimsson fielded a makeshift side, making several changes throughout the game though Evertons Sigurdsson played the full 90 minutes.Qatar enjoyed lots of possession though, in truth, rarely threatened the Iceland goal.When they did it was usually through captain Hasan al-Haydos, whose 11th-minute 20-yard shot, superbly saved by Ogmundur Kristinsson, was the closest they came to scoring before the dramatic end.Qatars Abdelkarim Hassan also forced a fine save late on from a free-kick.Coach Felix Sanchez, who took over the Qatar team at the end of a tumultuous World Cup campaign, said he could see signs of improvement in his young team.We played against a team that was very difficult to beat, he said.I think we deserved at least the draw, if we scored the chances we had maybe we deserved the victory.Iceland, with a population of just 330,000, are the smallest nation to have ever qualified for a World Cup.Whatever happens in Russia, they are set to be one of the stories of the tournament having qualified in style from a group containing Croatia, Ukraine and Turkey.That qualification cemented their growing reputation, coming after Iceland beat England at last years Euros to reach the last eight.Hallgrimsson said it was likely they would play two or three more matches before the World Cup.Just 2,758 people watched the game in Dohas Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, though that included former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez, who now plays for Qatars Al Sadd.

Zimbabwe military on streets as questions mount over Mugabe

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HARARE (AFP) - Armoured vehicles were seen on the streets near the Zimbabwean capital Harare as questions mounted Wednesday over whether President Robert Mugabe, who has ruled since independence from Britain in 1980, still has a firm grip on power.Tensions between the 93-year-old leader and the military that has been a key buttress to his reign have intensified, and prolonged gunfire erupted near his private residence in the suburb of Borrowdale in the early hours of Wednesday, a witness told AFP.No further details were available.Mugabes ZANU-PF party accused army chief General Constantino Chiwenga on Tuesday of treasonable conduct. The public dispute has presented a major test for Mugabe, who is in increasingly frail health.Chiwenga had demanded that Mugabe stop purges of senior party figures, including vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was dismissed last week.ZANU-PF said Chiwengas stance was clearly calculated to disturb national peace... and suggests treasonable conduct on his part as this was meant to incite insurrection.Before being ousted, Mnangagwa had clashed repeatedly with Mugabes wife Grace, 52, who is seen as vying with Mnangagwa to be the next president.As the situation deteriorated overnight, the US embassy in Harare warned its citizens in the country to shelter in place due to ongoing political uncertainty.The armoured vehicles spotted outside Harare alarmed many residents as Chiwenga had warned of possible military intervention. The armys spokesman was not available to comment.I saw a long convoy of military vehicles, a female fruit seller told AFP, while other witnesses took to social media to confirm the reports.Mugabe is the worlds oldest head of state, but his poor health has fuelled a bitter succession battle as potential replacements jockey for position.Some of the army top brass are seen as strongly opposed to Grace Mugabes apparent emergence as the likely next president.We very rarely see tanks on the roads, Derek Matyszak, an analyst at the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies, told AFP.Chiwenga threw down the gauntlet to Mugabe... it would make sense for Chiwenga to organise some military manoeuvres to up the ante.Its clear we are entering new territory here.In speeches this year, Mugabe has often slurred his words, mumbled and paused for long periods.His lengthy rule has been marked by brutal repression of dissent, mass emigration, vote-rigging and economic collapse since land reforms in 2000.The main opposition MDC party called for civilian rule to be protected.No one wants to see a coup... If the army takes over that will be undesirable. It will bring democracy to a halt, shadow defence minister Gift Chimanikire, told AFP.ZANU-PFs influential youth league, which supports Grace Mugabe as the next president, said in a statement that army chief Chiwenga must not be allowed to choose Zimbabwes leaders.Speculation has been rife in Harare that Mugabe could seek to remove Chiwenga, who is seen as an ally of ousted Mnangagwa.The crisis marks an ominous moment in the ongoing race to succeed Mugabe, said political analyst Alex Magaisa in an online article.(Mugabe) has previously warned the military to stay away from ZANU-PFs succession race.His authority over the military has never been tested in this way.Mnangagwa, 75, was widely viewed as Mugabes most loyal lieutenant, having worked alongside him for decades.He fled the country and is thought to be in South Africa after issuing a searing five-page condemnation of Graces ambition and Mugabes leadership.Earlier this year the country was gripped by a bizarre spat between Grace and Mnangagwa that included an alleged ice-cream poisoning incident that laid bare the pairs rivalry.Mnangagwa took over as vice president from Joice Mujuru who was axed in 2014 after Grace Mugabe launched a campaign accusing her of plotting to topple the president.Grace Mugabe -- 41 years younger than her husband -- has become increasingly active in public life in what many say is a process to help her eventually take the top job.

Four killed in California mass shooting

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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Four people were killed and nearly a dozen were wounded, including several children, when a gunman went on a rampage Tuesday at multiple locations, including a school in rural northern California.Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston told reporters that the assailant was killed by police following the mass shooting, which began around 8:00 am (1600 GMT) at a home in Rancho Tehama Reserve and continued at several locations in the community, including an elementary school.He said no children were among the dead.It was very clear at the onset that we had an individual that was randomly picking targets, Johnston said at a news conference.He said one child was shot and wounded at the school. Another, he added, suffered non-life-threatening injuries while riding in a car with his mother, who was severely wounded.Johnston said the gunman, who has not been identified, went on a shooting spree after stealing a vehicle that crashed at some point. He then stole a second vehicle and was killed in a shootout with police.Jim Schultz, a reporter for the Redding Record Searchlight newspaper, quoted Rancho Tehama resident Salvador Tello, who was taking his three children to school and described seeing the gunman open fire, killing a woman.He said he saw bullets strike the truck in front of him and he put his children down to protect them and put his truck to... reverse, Schultz said on Twitter.As he left, he saw (a) woman lying dead in the street and her... wounded husband next to her. Was told help was on its way.Schultz quoted another witness, Casey Burnett, who said the gunman was driving around and shooting randomly from his car.Area resident Brian Flint told local media that his roommate had been shot and killed by the gunman.Hes dead. He didnt make it, Flint told KCRA, referring to his roommate. For his family and everything, I feel bad, and well be there for them.He said the gunman was a neighbor and had been shooting a lot of bullets lately, hundreds of rounds, large magazines.The shooting coincides with a flareup of the long-running debate on Americas epidemic of gun violence and the ready accessibility of high-powered weapons, less than 10 days after a gunman shot dead 26 people at a church in Texas.Johnston told reporters that three weapons -- a semi-automatic rifle and two handguns -- had been recovered from the scene.He added that some 100 law enforcement officers responded to the shooting.The Redding Record Searchlight said among the wounded was a six-year-old who suffered two gunshot wounds and another child shot in the leg.The motive behind the killing is still unknown but initial reports indicated the incident may have started as a domestic dispute that escalated.The elementary school is located on the outskirts of Corning, an olive oil-producing town of around 8,000 people about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of the state capital Sacramento.Jason Wandel, chief division counsel at the FBIs Sacramento field office, told AFP that agents had been sent to help with the investigation.More than 33,000 people die annually in the United States from gun-related deaths -- two thirds of them suicides -- according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.On Tuesday, families of victims of one of the deadliest shootings in modern US history pushed to reinstate a lawsuit to hold a gun manufacturer responsible for the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook elementary school that killed 20 children and six adults.The families want Remington, which manufactured the military-style assault rifle used in the massacre, to be held liable for the tragedy.

UN condemns N. Korea for firing missiles as people starve

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UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - UN member-states on Tuesday condemned North Korea for gross human rights violations and for conducting missile and nuclear tests while its people suffer from severe hunger.The UN General Assemblys human rights committee adopted by consensus a resolution drafted by the European Union and Japan that expressed international concern over Pyongyangs rights record.The measure will now go to the General Assembly for debate next month.North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test this year and test-fired a series of advanced missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, even as 18 million North Koreans, or 70 percent of the population, are struggling with food shortages.The resolution co-sponsored by 61 countries condemns North Korea for diverting its resources into pursuing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles over the welfare of its people.Over half of North Koreas population face food shortages and nearly a quarter suffer chronic malnutrition, the resolution said.The measure condemned the long-standing and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights in North Korea, and said those violations have led to severe hunger and malnutrition.It expressed very serious concerns that Pyongyang has carried out torture, summary executions, arbitrary detention and abductions of foreign nationals within and outside its territory.After the death of US student Otto Warmbier, the resolution stressed that North Korea must provide detained foreign nationals with access to consular services and allow them to communicate with their families.Warmbier, a 22-year-old student, died in June just days after he was released by Pyongyang and sent home in a coma following his arrest in January 2016 while visiting the North as a tourist.His parents have said their son showed signs of torture, including teeth that appeared to have been rearranged, and hands and feet that were disfigured.Presenting the resolution on behalf of the European Union, Estonian Deputy Ambassador Minna-Liina Lind said rights violations in North Korea are too often overlooked due to the headline-grabbing missile and nuclear issue.North Koreas envoy said his government categorically rejects the resolution, dismissing it as a political ploy to undermine the Pyongyang leadership.The resolution also expressed concern that reunions of separated families on the Korean peninsula have been suspended since October 2015.
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