Global Sports Wrap (May 17–18, 2025): Palace Shocks City, NBA Playoffs Heat Up, and Africa’s Sporting Power Rises
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Catch the biggest sports highlights and trending stories from May 17–18, 2025, across football, basketball, tennis, and more — with a special focus on Africa’s growing influence in global sports.
⚽ Football Headlines
Crystal Palace Make FA Cup History
In one of the most stunning upsets of the year, Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1-0 to lift the FA Cup — their first major trophy in 120 years. A 16th-minute strike by Eberechi Eze sealed the win, while Palace’s defense put on a clinic to hold off City’s attack.
Sporting CP Crowned Portuguese Champions
Sporting Lisbon clinched their 20th Primeira Liga title with a 2-0 victory over Vitoria Guimaraes. Viktor Gyökereswas key in the win, wrapping up a dominant domestic campaign.
CAF Club Finals Set the Stage in Africa
- CAF Confederation Cup Final: Moroccan side RS Berkane defeated Simba SC of Tanzania 2-0 in the first leg.
- CAF Champions League Final: A continental showdown is set between Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and Pyramids FC (Egypt), kicking off May 24.
U-20 AFCON Final
Morocco vs. South Africa meet in the final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams have impressed, and the final in Cairo is expected to draw significant continental attention.
NPFL & National Talent Spotlight
In Nigeria, the 22nd National Sports Festival (Gateway Games) is underway in Ogun State, spotlighting future stars across a range of sports.
🏀 Basketball Buzz
NBA Playoffs: Nuggets Head to Game 7
The Denver Nuggets forced a Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a fierce Western Conference showdown. Nikola Jokić is healthy and expected to play, keeping Denver’s title hopes alive.
Caitlin Clark Shines in WNBA
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark notched a triple-double and led her team to a dominant 93-58 win over the Chicago Sky, with on-court tensions flaring after a hard foul.
Africa Rising: BAL & Youth Development
- US Monastir (Tunisia) won the BAL Sahara Conference, booking a playoff spot.
- The Giants of Africa Festival returns to Kigali this July, uniting 320 young athletes from 20 nations.
🎾 Tennis Highlights
NCAA Tennis Showdowns
- Men’s Championship: Wake Forest faces TCU in today’s final.
- Women’s Championship: Georgia advanced with a commanding 4-0 win over North Carolina.
Global Tennis Trends
From bold fashion statements to increased grassroots activity in India, China, and Africa, tennis is expanding its global influence and embracing sustainability with eco-friendly gear.
⛳ Golf: PGA Championship Drama
Scottie Scheffler took the solo lead at the PGA Championship, carding a 65 at Quail Hollow. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau collapsed on the “Green Mile,” falling from 1st to tied 8th.
🏎️ Motorsports: African Safari Debut
Indian rider Harith Noah returned to action at the South African Safari, his first race in four months following injury recovery — marking a milestone for African motorsport development.
🏉 Rugby & More in Africa
Namibia Wins U20 Barthés Trophy
Namibia tied Kenya’s record of three titles, winning Africa’s top youth rugby tournament hosted in Zimbabwe.
WAFU Zone A Women’s Cup Begins
The women’s regional tournament kicks off today in Mauritania, highlighting West Africa’s growing investment in women’s football.
African Athletics Returns to Nigeria
The Africa U18/U20 Championships will now be hosted in Abeokuta, Nigeria, from July 16–20 after relocation from Algeria.
⚾ Baseball5 Surprise in Tunisia
South Africa stunned Tunisia in the Youth African Baseball5 Championship, rallying back after a first-set loss to win the final two sets in dramatic fashion.
🧭 Final Whistle: Global Power Shifts and African Pride
From Palace’s FA Cup heroics and Scheffler’s PGA dominance to Mamelodi Sundowns aiming for continental glory, the past 48 hours showcased sport’s global excitement. Africa continues to rise — on the pitch, court, and beyond.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update and follow 9jazic Sports for daily coverage of football, basketball, tennis, golf, and Africa’s top athletic moments.
