RABAT, Morocco (AP) Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane At El Haj both scored and Morocco earned a spot in next summer's Women's World Cup with a 2-1 victory over South Africa in the quarterfinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday. Morocco will face the winner of Sunday's quarterfinal between Nigeria and Cameroon in a semifinal match on Wednesday. Thembi Kgatlana scored the lone goal for South Africa in the 67th minute. She had an earlier chance in the 22nd minute but her shot was just off target. Morocco took the lead in the 32nd minute when Ouzraoui volleyed a shot over South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart. Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 49th minute for Noxolo Cesane's challenge on Ghizlane Chebbak, who was later subbed out of the match with an injury. El Haj converted the penalty kick to give Morocco a 2-0 lead. Kgatlana closed the gap for South Africa with a goal that was awarded following a lengthy video review after she was initially ruled to be offside. Kgatlana has nine goals in WAFCON appearances since her tournament debut for South Africa in 2018. It will be Morocco's second appearance in the World Cup. The team advanced to the round of 16 at the 2023 tournament. South Africa still has a chance to qualify for the World Cup. The losing quarterfinal teams play on Thursday for a spot in an intercontinental playoff.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

LAWRENCE As Kansas football has started to progress through fall camp, theres been an opportunity to see how the Jayhawks are doing ahead of the 2026 season.Hows the battle for the starting quarterback job unfolding? Are the newcomers continuing to adjust well? How confident is the team ahead of an important campaign, as the group looks to bounce back from a pair of disappointing seasons?But those arent the only questions facing the program. They arent the only things head coach Lance Leipold has addressed recently. Theres more the Jayhawks are looking at prior to the regular season kicking off Sept. 4 at home against LIU.RELATED: How Kansas football quarterback Chase Jenkins fits into KUs plansHere are a few more takeaways from Leipold on Saturday, Aug. 8:How does Lance Leipold feel about a new-look running backs group?Much of the attention on this seasons running backs for Kansas will be on redshirt junior Dylan Edwards and junior Yasin Willis. Edwards transferred in from Kansas State, and Willis transferred in from Syracuse. But Leipold was also happy to see redshirt sophomore Jalen Dupree, a transfer from Colorado State, out on the field after missing some time.Leipold likes the depth at running back and sees a lot of guys who can be productive. Hes interested to see how they spread the opportunities around, among athletes of various sizes and skillsets. When he and associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki speak, they talk about the many ways they can be creative with that position.What are some reasons for Lance Leipolds confidence in KUs defense?Leipold thinks the defensive line has improved, with more depth there and at linebacker as well. Therell be a need, as there is with any team, to stay healthy through camp. However, he has seen more confidence in a group that has more size and speed than in the past.Importantly, too, Leipold detailed the defense is communicating better, allowing the group to play with more confidence. There are a number of players whove helped make that happen: redshirt junior safety Taylor Davis, redshirt senior linebacker Trey Lathan, redshirt junior linebacker Quincy Davis (New Mexico State transfer) and redshirt senior linebacker Bam Crouch (Boston College transfer).Why does Lance Leipold like the versatility of D.K. McDonalds scheme on defense?Since D.K. McDonald took over as the lead defensive coordinator ahead of the 2025 season, the Jayhawks have operated with more variety on alignments up front. Although that came with a desire to be better against the run more consistently, and that goal hasnt necessarily been fulfilled, theres hope the second year with McDonald will change that result. Leipold thinks the players have a better understanding of what theyre being asked to do.At times last season, Leipold acknowledged, there was hesitation on defense. And because there wasnt enough communication, there were more issues. Leipold values the vision McDonald has to be multiple up front, potentially getting bigger bodies on the field to combat certain personnel groupings, as well as the emphasis on using a player in a nickelback role to be more athletic behind it.Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Associations sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 3 first-week takeaways from Kansas football coach Lance Leipold at fall camp

Legion Hoops: Russell Westbrook on being a free agent: I dont think about it honestly. I love playing basketball and if it happens, it works and thats my plan. (via @CNN, h/t @TheWestbrookEra)x.comMore on Russell Westbrook: Recent HoopsHype RumorsNBA Courtside: Channing Frye says Steve Nash is a better overall player than Russell Westbrook: Russell Westbrook is the most,top two most athletic guard ever to play basketball though. But, Steve Nash is a 50-40-90 guy. Where Russell has just God-given ability and motor that no ones ever seen ever before. So, Steve Nash is my guy. So, yes, Steve Nash is better than Russell Westbrook. (Via @RoadTrippinShow) 8/8/2026 x.comOne more pressing Kings note as relayed byThe People's InsiderJake Fischer: Leaguesourcessay that Sacramento covets a veteran point guard to mentor prized rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and is thus now weighing the prospect of bringing back Russell Westbrook or bringing in Victor Oladipo to fill that role. The Kings were among the teams to attend Oladipo's recent workout in Las Vegas during summer league. 8/4/2026 marcstein.substack.comJonathan Abrams: What if OKC had kept Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden? Excited to announce my next book, WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND FEARLESS, coming 11/3a deep dive into the trio that reshaped the NBA. Pre-order link: harpercollins.com/products/when 7/31/2026 x.comNBA Courtside: Dillon Brooks says Russell Westbrook play style is hard to coach: His play style is so different. Its hard to coach. He needs the ball. He has to have the ball in his hands 7/31/2026 x.comNBA Stat: Worst clutch 3PT% in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season (min. 15 clutch 3PA): 1. Cade Cunningham 6.7% 2. Paolo Banchero 10.5% 3. PJ Washington 11.1% 4. Michael Porter Jr. 16.0% 5. Russell Westbrook 18.8% (via Clutch Numbers) #NBA 7/28/2026 BlueskyAn NBA source who has relationships with Erik Spoelstra and other coaches said that a coach that Spoelstra trusts told him that he advised the Heat not to sign Westbrook, asserting that hes difficult to coach. 7/24/2026 Miami HeraldJake Fischer on Russell Westbrook: I truly have notheardany updates on him since weveheardbefore the opening bell of free agency that the Wizards wereinterestedin him. But also, ever since Washington managed to sneak that Khris Middleton sign-and-trade into a six-team multi-team trade to bring Middleton back to D.C. after that first half of last season, I have been ruling out the Wizards as a Russell Westbrook team. So really I dont have a home for him right now, I don't believe Sacramento wants him back, I dont think he wants to come back there. 7/22/2026 Bleacher ReportDuring his latest updates for Bleacher Report, Jake Fischer was asked if the Kings would like to bring Westbrook back for another year to potentially mentor Acuff Jr. Apparently, the NBA insider dismissed any possibility that Sacramento will look to retain the former NBA star. "At this point, no disrespect to Russell Westbrook, but I haven'theardthat the Kings would want him back really in any fashion," Fischersaid. "I do believe that Sacramento has 15 full roster spots right now. "I don't think they are looking to really move a lot of furniture around to make an opening for Russell Westbrook to come back." 7/17/2026 BasketNewsAccording to a league source, Russell Westbrook is a candidate to join the Heat but not if LeBron James signs in Miami. Westbrook, 37, is a diminished version of his former MVP self but still averaged 15.2 points over 64 games last season with the Kings. 7/12/2026 New York PostLeague sources tell The Stein Line that Washington has a level interest in Russell Westbrook. The nine-time former All-Star's final season of the four in his career in which he averaged a triple-double (22.2 PPG, 11.5 RPG and 11.7 APG) came in 2020-21 with the Wizards. 6/30/2026 marcstein.substack.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Russell Westbrook on still being a free agent: 'I don't think about it honestly'

Legion Hoops: Russell Westbrook on being a free agent: I dont think about it honestly. I love playing basketball and if it happens, it works and thats my plan. (via @CNN, h/t @TheWestbrookEra)x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Russell Westbrook on still being a free agent: 'I don't think about it honestly'

Still, White believes theres a way to let naysayers know how the Hornets can be a good team in a tough conference. I think just letting the work show, White said. I think we dont got to say too much on it. Everybodys going to have an opinion and thats just what comes with being in the NBA. I think its a great opportunity for us in terms of the East getting stronger, playing against obviously high-level competition every night. But the East getting stronger, Im excited for it. I think our team is excited for it. Its going to be a challenge for sure. Everybodys bought in, and I think everybody can tell because were all here right now. So for us, its going to be an exciting challenge and I think were all excited for it.Charlotte ObserverThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: I think we dont got to say too much on it.

The college football season is approaching, and teams are beginning to make their plans for fall camp. The Auburn Tigers are entering yet another era with their fourth head coach in six years. They need this hire to deliver, and new head coach Alex Golesh is making a major move to reshape the way his team approaches camp. One college football analyst loves the decision.Reports indicate that Auburn will move its fall camp from campus to a resort. The idea is likely to get the team away from campus and allow the players to focus solely on bonding as a unit. Golesh has also established a strict set of rules to keep distractions at bay.MORE: College football analyst doesnt believe 2026 will be Ole Miss year under new head coachAlex Golesh says they are moving the team to the Marriott hotel and resort at Robert Trent Jones for 13 days to start camp. There are no girlfriends, dogs, cats, whatever guys are into. Its us for the next 13 days, which is huge for us.' Justin Hokanson of On3 reported on X.Dec 31, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; ESPN analyst and Georgia Bulldogs former player David Pollack looks on before the 2022 Peach Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports (Reuters)ESPN college football analyst David Pollack responded to Hokansons report, giving the move his stamp of approval.War Eagle is literally locking in. Alex Golesh is nailing the culture dynamics for Auburn Football. Pollack reacted on X.Deliver by any means necessaryThose arent words to take lightly from the Georgia alumnus. Golesh is making a move that established head coaches often make with their programs. If any fan base is ready to see some success, it is Auburns.MORE: Scouts already believe they know where Arch Manning will land in 2027 NFL DraftThe Auburn program hasnt defeated rival Alabama in nearly seven years. The Tigers have come close, but they have also suffered some heartbreaking losses. Now, Golesh needs to make sure his teams focus extends beyond its in-state rival.Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh talks with quarterback Locklan Hewlett (3) during the first day of football practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Auburn needs to focus on becoming a competitive program. The clich that if the one wins against Alabama is the only one, its worth it is a silly one. It isnt a literal outlook, but constantly chasing Alabama is part of what has gotten Auburn into its current mess.The program has also lacked legitimate leadership at the top of its athletic department. Goleshs decision to take his team to a location where it can focus solely on football and building relationships represents a significant step in establishing his culture.It wont all pay off in one season. However, 2026 needs to be a year of progress, and the Auburn administration needs to exercise patience as Golesh builds the program in his image.

CHICAGO (AP) The struggling Chicago White Sox optioned rookie left-hander Noah Schultz and rookie right-hander David Sandlin to Triple-A Charlotte, and recalled highly regarded prospects Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal before Saturday's game against Cleveland.The White Sox, who have lost four in a row and five of their last six, entered Saturday at 59-56, in first place in the AL Central.The 23-year-old Schultz left Fridays 8-2 loss to the Guardians after getting just one out and allowing two runs on three hits. He was relieved by Sandlin, who closed out the first, then tossed three scoreless innings before allowing five runs in the fifth and another in the sixth.Schultz made 14 starts but struggled with consistency. Hes 3-9 with a 6.60 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings.Manager Will Venable said he made a mistake on Friday when he went to to mound in the first after pitching coach Zach Bove had already visited Schultz earlier in the inning. That forced the White Sox to bring in Sandlin earlier than wanted for a 5 1/3-inning outing.Venable said Schultz needed to return to Triple-A to work on his mechanics. Venable said Schultz would be recalled at some point."Venable also expected the 25-year-old Sandlin also might be recalled. He is 2-1 with a 6.93 ERA in five appearance over 24 2/3 inningsSmith and McDougal will work from the White Sox bullpen. Neither has pitched in the majors.Smith, 22, is rated by MLB.com as the No. 51 prospect in baseball The lefty is 1-6 with a 4.32 ERA over 20 appearances (14 starts) and 58 1/3 innings with Charlotte this season. Smith is 1-1 with a 1.42 ERA, and one save and in six relief appearances since being reinstated from the seven-day IL on July 19 (left shoulder impingement syndrome).McDougal, 22, is rated by MLB.com as the No. 4 prospect in the White Sox organization. The righty is 0-1 with a 2.86 ERA over 15 appearances (six starts) with Charlotte this season.McDougal has a 2.53 ERA over nine relief appearances since being reinstated from the seven-day injured list on July 7 (right elbow strain).The White Sox also designated right-hander Winkelman Gonzalez for assignment.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Jorge Messi, the father of soccer star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.The football agent passed away at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness, the footballer's family confirmed to Reuters.Jorge spent his final months alternating between the medical centre and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and his three other children, Rodrigo, Matas and Mara Sol.Lionel spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining his club, Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week ago.Jorge supported his son Lionel throughout his career, beginning with his early years at Barcelona. For several years, he served as his representative and business manager.During the World Cup, the captain of the Argentine national team experienced mixed emotions after scoring a hat trick in the opening match against Algeria, breaking down in tears while celebrating his first goal.Later, at a press conference, Lionel explained that his tears were due to "something unrelated to football" after going through "a few difficult, complicated days".Days later, the family issued a statement regarding Jorge's health, informing the public that he was receiving medical treatment.The Argentine Football Association (AFA) sent condolences to the family. It declared that a minute's silence would be observed at matches across all of Argentina's divisions, with players, coaches and referees wearing black armbands."From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all," the AFA noted in a statement.

The NASCAR Cup Series field is officially set for Sundays Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol, but two teams will head into race day with an added obstacle after failing pre-race inspection twice.NASCAR announced Saturday evening that the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford driven by David Gilliland and the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford driven by Ryan Preece each failed inspection twice before Sundays race at Iowa Speedway.As a result, both teams lost their pit selection for the event, and NASCAR ejected each teams car chief.David Gilliland and Ryan Preece penalized before Sundays raceFor the No. 34 team, car chief Joe Marra was ejected after the second inspection failure.Ryan Preeces No. 60 team also failed inspection twice, resulting in car chief Jerry Cook being ejected.Under NASCARs inspection procedures, teams that fail twice before a race lose their pit selection for that event while also losing their car chief for race day.Neither penalty changes the drivers official starting positions.Pit road could become an even bigger challengeThe penalties are especially significant because Iowa Speedway places a premium on track position.Pit stall selection can influence how quickly a driver enters and exits pit road during cautions, and teams typically spend considerable time choosing locations that minimize traffic and create cleaner exits.Without that advantage, both Gilliland and Preece will have to work from assigned stalls rather than locations strategically selected after qualifying.On a short track where passing becomes increasingly difficult once the field spreads out, every second gained or lost on pit road can affect the outcome of the race.Sundays Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.

India pacer Gurnoor Brar produced a late burst with the bat on the second day of the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, hitting four sixes in the final over to finish unbeaten on 36 off 18 balls.India were 332 for eight going into the final over of the day, with Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten on 141. Padikkal took a single off the first ball from spinner Dilum Sudeera, giving Brar the strike.The left-handed Brar then hit two sixes from the next two deliveries. He refused to take a single off the fourth ball, backing himself to continue the attack. He then hit two more sixes off the fifth and sixth deliveries to take India past 350 and end the day on 357 for eight.Brar hit sixes off the second, third, fifth and sixth balls of the 90th over. He also struck two fours and added 51 runs from 30 balls with Padikkal. Avinash54392 (@Avinash54392) India head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen clapping and smiling after Brar's final-over hitting. He also gave the young fast bowler a standing ovation.Brar has played six ODIs for India since making his international debut against Afghanistan in June 2026.Padikkal was the main contributor for India on the second day, remaining unbeaten on 142. Ravindra Jadeja scored 63 before retiring out, while Manav Suthar made 41 on his first overseas international assignment.Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, however, could not make the most of the batting conditions.India ended the second day on 357 for eight in 90 overs, six runs behind Sri Lanka Cricket XI's first-innings total.