Digest

SOCCER

Moukoko, 16, makes Bundesliga history

At 16 years and one day, Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko became the youngest player in Bundesliga history on Saturday when he made his German league debut in the 5-2 romp at Hertha Berlin.

Moukoko's late cameo off the bench broke the previous record set by Nuri Sahin, who was 16 years, 335 days when he made his league debut for Dortmund in 2005.

Moukoko came on after 85 minutes to replace Erling Braut Haaland, who scored four second-half goals in a stunning display.

"He's only just turned 16, that is amazing," Haaland said of the Cameroon-born German. "He has a big career ahead of him." Moukoko could also soon make his Champions League debut to beat the record held by Nigeria's Celestine Babayaro, who was 16 years, 87 days when he played for Anderlecht in 1994-95.

Beijing sees off Seoul in Champions League

Brazilian imports Fernando and Alan Carvalho scored either side of the break as Beijing Guo'an overcame FC Seoul 2-1 in their Champions League clash in Qatar on Saturday.

The victory sent Guo'an to the top of Group E with two wins from as many games. The Chinese side beat Thailand's Chiangrai United in February before the pandemic forced the competition's suspension.

Beijing had won only two of its 19 matches against South Korean teams before kickoff at Doha's Education City Stadium, where the action has resumed in a bio-secure bubble. But Bruno Genesio's players were undaunted by that ignominious record and dominated the six-time K League champion, especially in the first half when they enjoyed 68 percent possession.

The second match of the day saw Ulsan Hyundai restore some South Korean pride with a 3-1 thrashing of Shanghai Shenhua, which had opened its campaign with a 2-1 win over Perth Glory on Wednesday.

Jose pips Pep to ignite Tottenham title hopes

Jose Mourinho enjoyed bragging rights over Pep Guardiola in their long-standing coaching rivalry as Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday to move top of the English Premier League.

A typical Guardiola vs. Mourinho game saw City enjoy the lion's share of possession, only to be frustrated by Tottenham's compact defense and sliced apart on counterattacks.

Goals in either half from Son Heung-min and Giovani Lo Celso earned victory for Spurs, for whom Gareth Bale was an unused sub.

"Everyone worked their socks off," Tottenham forward Harry Kane told Sky Sports. "We knew in the second half that chances would be available and thankfully we took some in the end."

Guardiola acknowledged he had work to do to revive City's title challenge. "There are a lot of teams in front of us," said the Spaniard. "We have to start winning or it (winning the league) will not be possible."

Brazil star Marta tests positive for COVID-19

Women's soccer star Marta will miss Brazil's upcoming friendlies against Ecuador after testing positive for COVID-19, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Saturday.

The six-time winner of FIFA's World Player of the Year award has been ordered to self-isolate and will remain under medical supervision, according to a CBF statement.

"The medical department of the women's national team has already communicated the result of the exam to the player's club, Orlando Pride, and will provide all of the necessary assistance," the statement read.

Teenage Kindermann defender Camila Silva, a member of Brazil's under-20 team, was called up to replace the 34-year-old.

Brazil will meet Ecuador in Sao Paulo on Nov 27 and Dec 1.

BASKETBALL

VanVleet staying put, Hayward off to Hornets

Fred VanVleet bet on himself. It paid off. Gordon Hayward, meanwhile, is heading to a new home.

VanVleet agreed on Saturday to a four-year, $85-million contract to remain with the Toronto Raptors, a source with direct knowledge of the discussions told Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract remains unsigned. The fourth year of the contract is at VanVleet's option.

The Charlotte Hornets have wanted Hayward for years. On Saturday, they finally landed him, according to the player's agency, Priority Sports.

A person with knowledge of the terms, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been signed, told AP that Hayward will sign a four-year contract worth $120 million. Hayward has played with Boston since 2017, but turned down a $34-million option for this season with the Celtics.

Xinhua - Agencies