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Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

World Rugby HSBC

The opening round of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 kicked off in Dubai on Friday with all teams playing their first two pool matches of the competition.

World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 is taking place at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai from January 12 to 14.

In the women’s tournament, there were flying starts for Argentina, Belgium, Czechia and Thailand who all finished day one with a pair of victories to secure their spots in Saturday’s quarter-finals.

In their opening match of the women’s competition, the Kenya Lionesses had a positive start, securing a 17-12 victory against China.

However, the Lionesses faced their first defeat in the HSBC Challenger 2024 series after losing a closely contested match 12-10 to Czechia.

The men’s event saw some intensely competitive matches and close scorelines as Germany, Hong Kong China, Kenya, and Challenger 2023 Champions Tonga claimed two wins each to ensure their safe passage to the quarter-finals.

Kenya crashed Mexico 41-0 in their first match in Pool C. Shujaa continued with their winning streak as they hammered Uganda 29-7.

The action continues this Saturday with the final round of pool matches followed by the quarter-finals ahead of finals day on Sunday.

Today, Kenya rounds off their Pool C encounters with a clash against Germany.

Weatherman

It’s going to be a wet weekend for many parts of the country if the weatherman’s prediction is anything to go by.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted that parts of the country will experience more rainfall in the coming days, with isolated storms.

In a statement, the weatherman forecast heavy downpours in southern and central Rift Valley, southeast lowlands, parts of western Kenya, Lake Victoria basin, and central highlands, including Nairobi.

“Heavy rainfall expected in southern & central Rift Valley, southeast lowlands, parts of western Kenya, Lake Victoria basin, and central highlands, including Nairobi. Stay weather-ready,” the Met Department stated.

Isolated storms are expected in the Highlands East of Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, South Rift Valley, and South-eastern lowlands.

“Isolated storms likely in parts of Highlands East of Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, South Rift Valley, and South-eastern lowlands,” the statement added.

Africa Cup of Nations

The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off today with the hosts Ivory Coast, who are also one of the tournament’s favourites, taking on underdogs Guinea-Bissau.

The Elephants face pressure to deliver at home ground with thousands of supporters rallying behind them from the stand.

With Group A also consisting of strong contenders in the form of Nigeria, Ivory Coast are keen to crash Guinea-Bissau so that they can stand a better chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Equatorial Guinea is also drawn in pool A.

AFCON 2023 kicks off on January 13 and concludes on February 11, 2024.

60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium, on the northern outskirts of Abidjan, will host Saturday’s opening game as well as the final on February 11.

The 24-team tournament will see matches staged in six stadiums in five cities, with two venues in the economic capital Abidjan and others in the capital Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro and Korhogo.

Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau.

Group B: Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique.

Group C: Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, The Gambia.

Group D: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola.

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia.

Group F: Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania.