November 2024 news — Archive of top stories

November served up sport, politics and strategic moves that matter. On this archive page you'll find the key takeaways from every piece we published during the month — short, practical and easy to scan so you can click into what matters most.

Sports highlights

Football fans saw drama across Europe. Lazio’s perfect Europa League run ended with a 0-0 draw against Ludogorets, a reminder that knockout competition form can flip quickly. Portugal demolished Poland 5-1 in the Nations League, with Cristiano Ronaldo stealing the show and pushing his team toward the quarter-finals.

In club action, Tottenham rallied to beat Aston Villa 4-1, a result that reshaped the Premier League picture for the week. Ahead of a big Champions League test, we previewed Sporting CP vs Manchester City and pointed out the tactical matchups to watch — City’s depth versus Sporting’s home momentum.

Women’s football had a standout moment: Chelsea Women beat Liverpool thanks to sharp performances from Mayra Ramirez and Guro Reiten, showing Chelsea’s bench still packs a punch. In rugby, England made four bold lineup changes to face South Africa — moves meant to reset confidence and spark fresh energy.

Cricket left no shortage of headlines. Australia swept Pakistan 3-0 in the T20I series, while Pakistan hit back in ODIs with a gritty series decider win in Perth led by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. If you follow cricket form or player form for fantasy or betting, those results matter.

Politics, strategy and national stories

Beyond sport, two practical stories stood out. Botswana waited on election results that could shift a long-running political balance after economic strains from falling diamond demand. We covered who the main players are and what the outcomes could mean for policy and markets.

And in a surprise organizational change, the U.S. Army announced one-star generals will lead new recruiting hubs in Los Angeles and Atlanta. That’s a clear signal the service wants tighter regional control and more visible leadership in competitive recruiting markets.

Closer to African football, the Super Eagles began AFCON qualifier preparations early with players gathering at the Abidjan camp, signaling coach intent to build cohesion before the matches. Small moves like early arrivals often show how seriously a team treats qualification.

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Sports

Lazio's Stalemate with Ludogorets Highlights Europa League's Unpredictability

Lazio's flawless string of victories in the Europa League came to a halt as they drew 0-0 against Ludogorets at Stadio Olimpico. Despite maintaining their lead in the group with 12 points from four matches, the draw was an unexpected twist. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao and Olympique Lyon enjoyed convincing triumphs. The match showcased the Europa League's competitive spirit and unpredictability.

News

U.S. Army Delegates One-Star Generals for New Recruiting Hubs in Key Cities

The U.S. Army is set to unveil one-star recruiting hubs in Los Angeles and Atlanta, divided by geography to enhance recruiting efficacy. Commanded by one-star generals, this strategic shift seeks to streamline operations and improve outreach in a competitive hiring landscape by anchoring its efforts in influential cities.

Sports

Australia Clinches T20I Series Against Pakistan with Sweeping Victory

Australia made a clean sweep of the T20I series against Pakistan by securing a 7-wicket victory in the final match at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart. Pakistan, under the captaincy of Salman Agha, batted first, struggling to a meager 117-run total. Australia's powerful chase, led by Marcus Stoinis' explosive batting, wrapped up the series 3-0, overshadowing a tough ODI loss.

Sports

Portugal's Dominant Performance Against Poland in UEFA Nations League: Ronaldo Shines with Spectacular Goal

Portugal claimed a commanding 5-1 victory against Poland in the UEFA Nations League match in Porto. Despite a challenging first half, Portugal turned the tide with outstanding goals and skillful plays. Cristiano Ronaldo spearheaded the effort with two goals, including a remarkable bicycle kick, ensuring Portugal's top position in Group A1 and securing a place in the quarter-finals. Poland's early efforts fell short as Portugal's offense overpowered them in the end.

Sports

Strategic Shuffles: England's Brave Changes to Battle South Africa in Autumn Nations Series

In a strategic move ahead of their daunting clash against South Africa, England has made four decisive changes to their rugby union lineup. Coach Steve Borthwick welcomes back Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet, infusing new energy to counter recent defeats. These adjustments aim to invigorate the squad as they challenge the formidable South African team, seeking redemption from their recent performance drought.

Sports

Super Eagles Prepare for AFCON Qualifiers with Early Arrivals at Abidjan Camp

In a bid to secure a strong footing in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers, the Super Eagles have begun preparations with several players arriving early at their camp in Abidjan. Among them are a notable Auxerre star and athletes like Moses Simon and Frank Onyeka. This commitment demonstrates their dedication to ensuring the team's competitive edge in the upcoming matches.

Sports

Chelsea Women's Triumph Over Liverpool Sees Stellar Performances from Ramirez and Reiten

The Chelsea women's team secured a vital victory over Liverpool, with Mayra Ramirez and Guro Reiten delivering stellar performances. Under Sonia Bompastor's guidance, the team displayed a robust strategy, maintaining their Women's Super League aspirations. Aggie Beever-Jones also contributed significantly, showcasing her scoring capabilities. This match highlighted the team's depth and strategic prowess, particularly in their offensive play.

Sports

Pakistan Triumphs Over Australia in Thrilling ODI Series Decider

In an exciting showdown at Perth Stadium, Pakistan emerged victorious against Australia, clinching the three-match ODI series 2-1. Opting to bowl first, Pakistan's bowlers, led by exceptional performances from Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, limited Australia's scoring. The batsmen then dominated the chase, securing an emphatic eight-wicket win.

Sports

Exciting Champions League Clash: Sporting CP vs Manchester City Preview and Predictions

In a much-anticipated UEFA Champions League clash, Sporting CP is set to face Manchester City on November 5, 2024. Sporting CP remains unbeaten in all competitions this season, while Manchester City has been formidable both domestically and in Europe. As bookmakers tip City as slight favorites, the match is expected to be high-scoring, particularly in the second half. Streaming live on Paramount+, this encounter promises thrilling football action.

Sports

Tottenham Triumphs Over Aston Villa: Premier League Showdown Analysis

In an electrifying Premier League clash, Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to secure a significant 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, snapping Villa's seven-match unbeaten streak. Dominic Solanke's brilliance, with his double strike, propelled Spurs to a much-needed win as they continue to vie for a top-four finish. Meanwhile, Aston Villa faced a setback in their Champions League pursuit yet remain contenders.

Politics

Botswana Awaits Election Results: A Test of Political Continuity or Change

Batswana are keenly waiting for the results of their recent general election, which could alter the political landscape of their country. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party, in power for 58 years, faces a significant challenge from the Umbrella for Democratic Change. Financial problems, exacerbated by a slump in diamond demand, have been a central issue for the electorate. Results from the vote, marked by high voter turnout, are anticipated soon.