What Happened in October 2024? Your Quick Guide to the Month’s Biggest Stories
October was packed with action across sports, entertainment and politics. Whether you’re a football fan, a movie buff, or just want to know what’s shaking on the African continent, we’ve pulled together the highlights you need.
Sports Highlights
Football dominated the headlines. Brighton’s clash with Liverpool on Oct 30 was billed as a goal‑fest, with experts pointing to Mohamed Salah as the key play‑maker. Meanwhile, Arsenal faced a double‑whammy of injuries – Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Riccardo Calafiori were all sidelined as the Gunners prepared for a big Liverpool showdown.
Arsenal’s European night didn’t get any easier. They travelled to the Emirates to take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, hoping to bounce back from a loss to Bournemouth. The injury list forced manager Mikel Arteta into early tactical tweaks.
On the continental stage, Senegal, DR Congo and Uganda locked in their spots for AFCON 2025 after convincing qualifier wins. The success reshaped Group H and set the stage for an exciting tournament in Morocco.
Fans also caught the buzz around the Carling Knockout draw. Orlando Pirates ended up facing Polokwane City and Stellenbosch took on All Stars – no big‑named clash, but plenty of drama to come.
For those lining up tickets, the 2024/25 Spotify Camp Nou season pass opened for registration on Oct 11. With just 45,000 passes on offer, the draw and new variable seating system made it a hot ticket market.
Across the Atlantic, UFC 307 delivered fireworks. Alex Pereira held onto his light‑heavyweight title with a knockout over Khalil Rountree Jr., while Julianna Peña reclaimed the bantamweight belt. The event reminded us why mixed‑martial‑arts stays on the pay‑per‑view radar.
Entertainment & Politics
The entertainment world celebrated big wins. Lionel Messi was crowned the greatest soccer player at the MARCA America Award – a night that highlighted his 46 titles, eight Ballon d’Ors and a World Cup triumph.
South Africa’s film scene got a feel‑good story as Thembinkosi Mthembu scooped the SAFTA Best Actor Award. Coming from KwaNdengezi, his rise shows how raw talent can break through limited resources.
On TV, Peacock’s docuseries “Anatomy of Lies” peeled back the layers of former “Grey’s Anatomy” writer Elisabeth Finch, exposing how fabricated illnesses and backstories built her career.
Politics delivered its own twists. Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, a controversial figure in the 2016 coup attempt, passed away at 83, reigniting debates about his legacy and Turkey’s political climate.
In Nigeria, the APC publicly called out former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi for alleged economic mismanagement, highlighting internal party tensions as the country battles corruption concerns.
Lastly, a nostalgic slice of history remembered President Jimmy Carter’s 1978 overnight stay with a Portland family – a simple gesture that humanised a world leader and left a lasting community memory.
That’s a wrap on October 2024. From goal‑filled matches to award‑winning moments and political shake‑ups, the month gave us plenty to talk about. Stay tuned for November’s fresh stories – we’ll be right here bringing you the news that matters.
Brighton vs Liverpool: Analyzing Predictions and Game Insights for October Showdown
As Brighton prepares to face off against Liverpool on October 30, 2024, expectations are set for an electrifying match. Expert betting tips emphasize both teams' scoring abilities, hinting at a high-scoring affair. Notably, Mohamed Salah emerges as a pivotal figure with potential to directly influence the match through goals or assists, adding another layer of excitement to the impending clash.
Thembinkosi Mthembu's Journey: From Small Town Roots to Winning SAFTA Best Actor Award
Thembinkosi Mthembu, hailing from the modest township of KwaNdengezi in South Africa, has etched his name into history by clinching the prestigious SAFTA Best Actor Award. Originating from a region with limited prospects, Mthembu's path to success was marked by sheer perseverance. His rise from local theater to national stardom lays a trail for young talent, highlighting that adversity can be surmounted by relentless passion and dedication.
Arsenal's Injury Challenges Before the Liverpool Match: Updates on Odegaard, Saka, and Calafiori
Arsenal is facing a spate of injury woes right before their pivotal game against Liverpool. The team is grappling with the absence of crucial players like Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard due to injuries. While Calafiori is recuperating from a knee injury, Saka remains out of action with a hamstring issue. Odegaard, having been sidelined since August, is also on a recovery path. The team navigates these challenges as they prepare for the Liverpool encounter.
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Champions League Clash Promises Thrills at Emirates
Tonight, Arsenal will face Shakhtar Donetsk in a pivotal Champions League match at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal aims to recover from their recent loss against Bournemouth, with their focus on maintaining momentum in the ongoing European campaign. Key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are sidelined due to injuries. The fixture will see strategist Mikel Arteta making tactical changes to the lineup.
Turkish Cleric and Political Figure Fethullah Gulen Passes Away at 83 Amidst Controversial Legacy
Fethullah Gulen, an influential US-based Turkish cleric accused of orchestrating the 2016 failed coup in Turkey, has died at the age of 83. Living in exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, Gulen remained a fierce critic of Turkish President Erdogan. His death marks a pivotal moment in Turkish politics as his contentious legacy and the strife with Erdogan have deeply influenced the country's political landscape.
Lionel Messi Celebrated as Greatest Soccer Player at Prestigious MARCA America Award
Held at Chase Stadium, the MARCA America Award celebrated Lionel Messi as the most successful soccer player ever with 46 titles. Presented by key figures Juan Ignacio Gallardo and Jorge Mas, the event highlighted Messi's achievements, including 8 Ballon d'Or awards and a 2022 World Cup victory. The ceremony traced Messi's illustrious career from FC Barcelona to PSG and Inter Miami.
Unveiling the Intricate Deception of 'Grey's Anatomy' Writer Elisabeth Finch
The recent Peacock docuseries 'Anatomy of Lies' uncovers the complex web of deceit woven by former 'Grey's Anatomy' writer Elisabeth Finch, whose elaborate fabrications manipulated both her personal and professional worlds. Through detailed narratives of falsehoods involving fabricated illnesses and tragic backstories, the series highlights how Finch's fictions shaped her career while deceiving everyone around her.
Senegal, DR Congo, and Uganda Secure Their Places for TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 in Morocco
Senegal, DR Congo, and Uganda have clinched their places in the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after impressive wins in the qualifiers. DR Congo topped Group H with a win over Tanzania, while Senegal and Uganda triumphed in their respective groups against Malawi and South Sudan. Significant wins by Sudan and Zambia also reshape the tournament's landscape.
APC Criticizes Former Minister Rotimi Amaechi for His Role in Nigeria's Economic Troubles
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly criticized Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, for his alleged involvement in economic mismanagement during his time in office. The party accuses Amaechi of being a significant player in corrupt activities that have harmed Nigeria's economic health. This internal dispute signifies growing tension within the APC as the nation faces broader issues of political corruption.
Exciting Carling Knockout Draw Sets Stage for Competitive Matches
The recent Carling Knockout draw has set the stage for some electrifying football matches, although the much-anticipated Orlando Pirates versus Stellenbosch FC face-off didn't happen. Instead, Orlando Pirates will meet Polokwane City, and Stellenbosch will clash with All Stars, who earlier showcased their strength in the Carling Cup. Fans can look forward to competitive fixtures filled with surprises and thrills.
Secure Your 2024/25 Spotify Camp Nou Season Pass: A Comprehensive Guide
The eagerly awaited 2024/25 season pass acquisition process for Spotify Camp Nou has begun, creating a buzz among football enthusiasts. With only 45,000 passes allocated, members are thrust into a competitive registration phase running from October 11-23. Unique benefits await those with previous passes, including an exclusive purchase window. This dynamic ticketing process involves a draw and features a new variable seating system, enhancing fan experiences.
UFC 307 Fight Night: Pereira Dominates Rountree Jr. to Keep Light Heavyweight Championship
UFC 307 in Salt Lake City saw Alex Pereira defend his title against Khalil Rountree Jr., displaying his knockout prowess. Meanwhile, Julianna Peña reclaimed the bantamweight title from Raquel Pennington in a closely contested match. The event, featuring notable fighters like Jose Aldo and Carla Esparza, showcased thrilling bouts streamed on ESPN+ PPV.
