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Australia down Lebanon to keep World Cup quest on track – ARN News Centre

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IZHAR KHAN/ AFP

Australia remained on course to reach a sixth straight World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win over 115th-ranked Lebanon in a qualifier game at Western Sydney Stadium on Thursday.

The Socceroos made it three wins out of three in the second round of Asian qualifying.

Midfielder Keanu Baccus opened the scoring with a cross-shot from wide on the right in the fifth minute and defender Kye Rowles added the second nine minutes after the break to send most of the 27,026 crowd home happy.

The victory extended Australia’s lead at the top of Group I to seven points pending Palestine’s match against Bangladesh in Kuwait later on Thursday.

Australia can lock up a spot in the third round of Asian qualifying when they face Lebanon again on Tuesday in what is a home match for Miodrag Radulovic’s team but was moved to Canberra because of the security situation in the Middle East.

“It’s very satisfying,” said midfielder Connor Metcalfe. “Obviously the most important thing is a win and a clean sheet but I think we can do a lot better – too sloppy, too many easy mistakes but then again, very happy with the win.”

Lebanon, cheered on by a noisy contingent from Sydney’s sizeable Lebanese community, showed more ambition than their five-man defence suggested and they were unlucky not to score.

Baccus’s first goal for his country helped settle any nerves for the home side even if it was a little fortuitous as what looked like an attempted cross curled into the net over the head of Lebanon goalkeeper Mostafa Matar.

Rowles doubled the lead from a corner in the 54th minute, the left back pouncing on a loose ball and slicing it into the net off the post for his first international goal.

Lebanon’s best moves went through experienced skipper Hassan Maatouk but they too lacked quality with the final touch and Ali Tneich got their first proper shot on the Australia goal on the hour mark.

Australia were struggling to turn neat approach play into clear-cut chances, however, and it was Lebanon’s Mexican-born substitute Daniel Kuri who almost scored the next goal, his 82nd minute shot beating Mat Ryan but coming back off the post.

Goalkeeper Ryan was again brought into action in stoppage time to deny Karim Darwich from a free kick while a Kuri header flashed past the post just before the final whistle.

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Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

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Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

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Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

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