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Thomas Tuchel is "doing a sensational job" at Chelsea, according to Emerson Palmieri, who has hailed the Chelsea boss for the immediate impact he's had at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were in danger of slipping out of the race for a top-four Premier League finish before Tuchel was drafted in to replace Frank Lampard at the end of January.

The German has since masterminded a rapid turnaround in fortunes, leaving Emerson in no doubt that the Blues can go onto achieve great things under his stewardship.

What's been said?

"Thomas arrived here and, on the first day, we noticed the organisation that his team has," Palmieri told Globo Esporte.

"He shows us a lot of videos, details and information that help us a lot on the pitch. The team is well organised, and he’s doing a sensational job.

"We need to take advantage of this, get the best out of him. We have entered the final stage of the season, we have the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Champions League, and we just need to work out some details and keep doing what we are doing."

Tuchel's record at Chelsea

Chelsea beat Sheffield United 2-0 on Sunday to progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, extending their unbeaten run with Tuchel at the helm to 14 games across all competitions in the process.

The 47-year-old has overseen 10 wins and four draws since his appointment, with Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Tottenham all beaten by the resurgent Blues over the past two months.

What can Chelsea achieve come the end of 2020-21?

Chelsea's 3-0 aggregate victory against Atletico saw them reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they will face Juventus' conquerors Porto.

Tuchel could deliver a double if the Blues can go all the way in Europe and the FA Cup, with Manchester City next up in the last four of the latter competition.

The west London outfit could also finish as high as second in the Premier League if they continue on their current trajectory as a home fixture against West Brom awaits after the international break.

Does Emerson have a future at Chelsea under Tuchel?

Emerson had been frozen out by Lampard in the first half of the season, leading to speculation that he could leave the Bridge in the summer transfer window.

Tuchel has also only used the Italy international sparingly, but he played the full 90 minutes against Sheffield United and is fully embracing the strong competition for places within the squad at present.

"This is good for me, because you’re playing with the best players in the world," he added. "Every day you have to do your best, and every day you have to dedicate yourself to the maximum, because you know that there’s a guy there who’s in your shadow, at a very high level.

"I’m with players from major national teams, I respect their work, and I’m also respected. And I believe that our group is very good, has a very nice unity, and we are living a moment of great joy after qualifying in the Champions League and a good sequence in the Premier League."

Further reading

Luke Shaw admits a testing spell under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United left him with “no confidence”, but the man-management skills of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have allowed him to reach a “new level”.

The 2020-21 campaign has been a memorable one for a full-back that many had written off at Old Trafford, with impressive consistency allowing him to nail down a role with the Red Devils and earn a recall to the England squad.

Things have rarely been this good for the 25-year-old, with it not that long ago that he was being publicly criticised by his own club boss and seeing questions asked of his form, fitness and future.

What has been said?

Shaw told Sky Sports of the struggles he endured in the recent past: “I don't want to come across like I was a little kid who could not deal with being put under pressure because at a big club like Manchester United you are always going to be under pressure and under the spotlight. That makes you mentally stronger.

“But I had no confidence at that time. I was losing my belief. I think that is what changed with Ole. He managed me right and I got my confidence back and I am really enjoying it at the moment.

“Enjoyment and confidence. For me, they are the two biggest things you need on the pitch. You need that belief in your ability to perform at the highest level. I feel I have that now.”

Shaw added on working with Solskjaer: “His man-management is second to none. The way he conducts himself in terms of how he speaks to the players, it gets the best out of them. You can see that. He deals with situations perfectly in terms of what is needed, especially at a big club like Manchester United.

“He takes the pressure off the lads and takes it all himself. Sometimes it is not fair because we are the ones on the pitch and we need to take our fair share too.

“For me, especially, from what I had before Ole came in, it is a total difference. It has pushed me to a new level.”

How has Shaw fared this season?

The arrival of Alex Telles from Porto in the summer of 2020 suggested that Shaw could have a fight on his hands at Old Trafford.

Added competition has, however, been fended off in style, with a buccaneering Brazilian having to make peace with filling a back-up role

That is because Shaw has figured in 36 games for United this season across all competitions, and he has recorded a goal and six assists through those outings, with a positive impact being made at both ends of the field.

Plaudits have rained down on Shaw as a result, with England boss Gareth Southgate among those to have been impressed as he welcomes a man with eight senior caps to his name back into the Three Lions fold for the start of 2022 World Cup qualification.

Further reading

South Africa captain Thulani Hlatshwayo says they are “disappointed” not to have some of their regular players ahead of their last two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but is not letting that weigh them down as he feels they have enough cover.

Bafana host Ghana on Thursday, before facing Sudan away on Sunday without the likes of Dean Furman, Thulani Serero, Bradley Grobler and Kernit Erasmus.

Bongani Zungu has not been permitted by Rangers FC to travel to South Africa for the Ghana match but will be available to play against Sudan.

Furman and Serero were not released by their clubs while Grobler and Erasmus pulled out due to injury, and the availability of France-based Keagan Dolly is still uncertain.

“We are disappointed not to have some of the guys who we started with because some of them have been with Bafana for a long time,” Hlatshwayo told the media.

“They form the core of the team. But I think no one is guaranteed a place in the national team. It’s our team, it’s your team and other players who are not here. Be it injury or any other thing it is an opportunity for others.

“So whoever is here, with the guidance of the other guys who have been in the national team regularly to make sure that they settle in as quick as possible and do the job. We do not have time in the national team.

"They are capable of doing the job. They have been chosen as one of the best players in the team that we currently have.”

Ghana are facing a similar situation as Bafana Bafana after captain Andre Ayew, Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey were not allowed by their clubs to travel to South Africa.

But the trio will be available for their last match against Sao Tome e Principe at home.

“Obviously playing against Ghana it has also hit them as well. Their best players are not coming just like our best players not joining the team,” continued Hlatshwayo.

“We just have to focus on ourselves and make sure that we do well, we keep the record that we have been on. It is important for us as a country to go back to Afcon.

"Whoever we meet against Ghana whether we know them or not, the focus is on ourselves to make sure that we get the three points.”

South Africa are second in their group with nine points, the same as Ghana and still stand a good chance of qualifying for the tournament to be hosted by Cameroon in January 2022.

Porto legend Paulo Futre says he was left “disgusted” by Chelsea’s reaction to the Champions League quarter-final draw.

The Blues have been paired with Portuguese giants in the last-eight of elite European competition.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have been accused of celebrating that fact, with the Premier League heavyweights seemingly convinced that they will be edging one step closer to continental glory.

What has been said?

Futre has aired his frustration at Chelsea writing off Porto, especially as they dashed the dreams of Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus in the last-16, and has urged Sergio Conceicao’s side to prove another point to those that continue to doubt them.

He has told CMTV: “Chelsea players celebrated when they heard that they had drawn Porto.

“How did I know? It’s in the English press and I called later to confirm.

“FC Porto players have to run like never before in these two games. Do you know why? Because Chelsea think they have already won the tie. They celebrated!

“When I spoke to the source I was disgusted and I would give anything to play against Chelsea.

“FC Porto players now have to give their all on the pitch, because Chelsea think they are already in the semi-finals. They celebrated in the morning when they saw they got FC Porto.

“Porto can get through, but they have to sweat blood.”

When will Porto face Chelsea?

Porto will play host to Chelsea in the first leg of their quarter-final showdown on April 7.

A trip to Stamford Bridge for the return leg will then be taken in six days later.

The bigger picture

Chelsea have every right to feel confident heading into the latest international break as they are yet to suffer defeat through 14 games with Tuchel at the helm.

They also boast an impressive record against Porto from previous meetings, with five victories taken from eight games while suffering only two defeats.

The victors of this season’s quarter-final clash know they will be lining up against either Liverpool or Real Madrid in the last four.

Further reading

AFC Leopards legend Charles Okwemba believes the weekend Football Kenya Premier League results prove the league race is still open and can be won by any of the top 10 teams.

Leaders Tusker FC, second-placed KCB, and Ingwe dropped points in their assignments, with reigning champions Gor Mahia winning on Monday away to Bidco United.

The former Harambee Star believes the league leaders are not taking their chances and it might come back to haunt them in the long run.

"The league is becoming tough with each matchday and this is the time when some teams gain ground and others lose it," Okwemba told Goal on Tuesday.

"We saw top teams dropping points last weekend in matches we had expected them to win. In the league, a seemingly small mistake can cost you the title. From the results posted, I believe the title race is still open and the top 10 teams have a chance of winning it.

"We are barely into the second round and to be honest, we will see interesting results."

The 41-year-old went on to explain why it is important for teams to take their chances early.

"It will reach a point where teams will be fighting relegation and it will not be easy to get a point from them," Okwemba continued.

"Other teams will also be aiming at achieving their objects and the coaches will be doing everything possible to ensure the players get results on the pitch. With a good gap at the top chances of winning the league will be high, but if it is not, then it will be tough."

Meanwhile, K'Ogalo bounced back from a goal down to win 3-1 and claim maximum points against the league debutants.

Clifton Miheso, Wilson Silva, and Kenneth Muguna scored the vital goals for the champions after Bidco United had taken an early first-half lead through Peter Nzuki's effort.

It was the result that took Gor Mahia to the seventh position with 22 points from 14 matches. After the loss, the Thika-based charges dropped to ninth on the table with 21 points from the 16 matches they have played.

Andrew Robertson is still hopeful that the Premier League champions can "show the Liverpool of old" and salvage their stuttering 2020-21 campaign.

The Reds stormed to their first league title in 30 years last term but have been unable to reach the same levels of consistency this time around amid an unfortunate injury crisis.

However, Robertson still believes Jurgen Klopp's side can go all the way in the Champions League and secure a top-four finish in the top-flight if they rediscover their best form in the final few weeks of the season.

What's been said?

"It's been a different season," the Scottish left-back told Sky Sports. "I like the responsibility, I have always had that responsibility at Liverpool, but maybe a bit more has been put on me this season with the likes of Virgil [van Dijk] being out, [Jordan] Henderson being out, [Joe] Gomez being out, [Joel] Matip being out.

"Unfortunately, we have not had as good a season as we probably thought but there's still time to fix it, there's still time to make it a bit better.

"We believe that we should be higher up the table and competing which we were doing before Christmas. We just took a bad turn but hopefully, we have seen the back of that now.

"Hopefully we can show the Liverpool of old and we can keep kicking on and the season might not be all bad come the end of it. There's still a long way to go.

"We're used to juggling two competitions. We have got to go on all fronts. We need to go for both [top four and Champions League] - we need to get up the league as high as possible - we need to put a run together.

"We have struggled for consistency this season. You don't make the top four unless you put six, seven, eight results together and that's what we need at the end of the season."

Salvation in Europe

Liverpool have surrendered their Premier League trophy in weak fashion since the turn of the year, allowing Manchester City to move 25 points clear of them at the top of the table.

Jurgen Klopp's men also suffered early exits from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but have been far more consistent on the European stage.

The Reds finished top of Champions League Group D with four wins out of six to qualify for the round of 16, where they were able to see off RB Leipzig 4-0 on aggregate.

A heavyweight quarter-final tie against Real Madrid is now looming on the horizon, and Liverpool could face Chelsea in the last four if they can get past the Spanish giants.

The bigger picture

Klopp has already delivered one Champions League title during his reign at Anfield, and few would bet against the Reds going all the way again this term despite their erratic domestic form.

Liverpool have saved their best performances for the Champions League, which they may now have to win in order to gain entry to next season's competition.

It will take a monumental effort for the Merseyside outfit to qualify via the Premier League, given the fact they are currently five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with only nine games left to play.

However, the extra rest afforded by the international break could benefit the Reds ahead of a huge meeting with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on April 3.

Further reading

Kenya forward Michael Olunga has stressed the importance of taking a different approach when they take on Egypt and Togo in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Harambee Stars will face the Pharaohs at Kasarani Stadium on March 25 before they travel to face Togo in Lome on March 29.

Ahead of the two matches, Olunga, who currently turns out for Al Duhail SC in the Qatari Stars League, has maintained for them to get a good result, they must take a different approach against the two nations.

“I feel happy to be back home and you know being called to play for the national team is a big honour no player can turn down, and it is a motivation in itself, and I am really humbled to come and help my national team,” Olunga told Goal on Tuesday.

“We know the calibre of teams both Egypt and Togo are, we have played against them before, we drew both matches and I think it will be a different game now because we play Egypt at home and then Togo away [it is our final two games].

“So, we must take a different approach against them [if we are to win] and we need to be more motivated and deserve to play better than we did in the first meetings.

“We all know the position we are in the group and what we need to do, so we must do our best to win the matches, and in fact, the game against Egypt should give us the direction of how we will approach the second game against Togo in Lome.”

On Tuesday, Gor Mahia’s Kenneth Muguna, Nzoia Sugar’s Kevin Simiyu, Tusker’s Boniface Muchiri, and defender Joseph Okumu from (Sweden) were the latest players to report to camp.

When naming the squad for the two matches, Kenya coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee omitted captain Victor Wanyama alongside midfielder Johanna Omolo, Eric Johanna, and winger Ayub Timbe, based in Sweden and Japan, respectively, alongside custodian Arnold Origi.

Kenya squad, Goalkeepers; Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Joseph Okoth (KCB, Kenya).

Defenders: Joseph Okumu (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Nahashon Alembi (KCB, Kenya), Harun Mwale (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya).

Midfielders: Anthony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr, Egypt), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Kevin Simiyu (Nzoia Sugar, Kenya), Danson Chetambe (Bandari, Kenya), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), David Owino (KCB, Kenya), Kevin Kimani (Wazito, Kenya), Boniface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari, Kenya).

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards).

Granit Xhaka claims he is “deliberately” targeted by critics, but the Arsenal midfielder insists detractors will not “break” him and that he will always “come back stronger”.

The Switzerland international midfielder has seen questions asked of his disciplinary record and value to the collective cause throughout a five-year spell at Emirates Stadium.

He has done himself few favours at times, with costly red cards picked up and petulant displays of defiance delivered, but the 28-year-old still feels as though he has become a scapegoat.

What has been said?

Xhaka - who has been sent off three times for Arsenal, with the most recent of those dismissals coming against Burnley in December 2020 – has told Blick: “You have to live with criticism in football, but there have to be limits.

“There are other players who get red cards, but they don't get criticised as much as I do.

“I sometimes feel that with me it is deliberately made into a bigger issue than it really is.

“But it won't break me. I overcome it, and this time it has made me come back stronger - no doubt to many people's surprise.”

How has Xhaka fared this season?

Alongside his red card in 2020-21, Xhaka has also been booked on eight occasions through 36 games in all competitions.

A regular role has been nailed down under Mikel Arteta, having appeared to be edging his way towards the exits at one stage.

Personal form has been rediscovered, but Arsenal have struggled for consistency as a collective and sit ninth in the Premier League table as a result with nine fixtures left to take in.

The bigger picture

The Gunners are through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they will face Slavia Prague, and can still secure continental qualification for next season.

Xhaka is looking for Arteta’s side to finish with a flourish this term, adding: “This has been an up and down season for Arsenal. We began well, but then failed to pick up points in a string of games.

“Things are clearly better once more, what with our win over Tottenham and reaching the Europa League quarter-finals in style.

“In the Premier League we are once again a long way off the European places. We'll need quite a run to get in on the act.

“So it will be absolutely vital for us to reach the Europa League final.”

Arsenal will return to action after the latest international break with a home date against Liverpool on April 3.

Further reading

Crotone forward Simy Nwankwo was subjected to racial abuse on social media during his side’s 3-2 defeat to Bologna in Saturday’s Serie A game.

The forward found the back of the net in the encounter to take his tally to 13 goals in 28 league appearances this season.

The Super Eagles attacker revealed he was sent abusive messages on social media after the game and has urged the football authorities to make more of an effort to curb the vice.

"It's sadly become a regular occurrence on social media but these hateful words have no place anywhere in society," Simy told BBC Sport Africa.

"You can see it's coming from ignorant [people]. We cannot let racist and hateful abuse become a normalised part of the game.

"I can't believe how many of these unspeakable messages, from different users, send racist abuse at footballers.

"We can only hope that more efforts will be put in to ensure the general public and not just footballers feel safe on social media platforms."

Simy is the latest African footballer to suffer from racial abuse since Senegal international and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly also had a similar experience recently.

Last weekend, Algeria midfielder Adam Ounas was racially abused on social media following Crotone's 4-2 win over Torino.

Simy arrive in Italy in 2016 after leaving Gil Vicente and teamed up with the Pythagoreans, where he has now spent five years.

The lanky attacker helped Crotone return to Serie A following their relegation to the Italian second-tier in the 2018/19 season.

The Nigeria international scored 20 goals in 37 Serie B games to fire his side back to the Italian top-flight and emerged as the league’s top scorer.

The striker has made more than 145 appearances for the club across all competitions since teaming up with the Pythagoreans.

On the international stage, Simy has four caps for the Nigeria national team and was part of the team to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 28-year-old has, however, not been called up for the Super Eagles’ 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho, slated for March 27 and 30, respectively.

Tanzania striker John Bocco believes making it to the Africa Cup of Nations finals will be a statement about the development of the Tanzania Mainland League and football in the country in general.

The East Africa nation made it to the 2019 edition in Egypt but were eliminated in the group stage without a single point after three losses.

The Kim Poulsen-led charges are currently battling for a place in Cameroon and the towering Simba SC striker believes if they successfully make it to the finals it will be positive news regarding the quality of the nation's football.

"We have a chance of qualifying for the competition," Bocco, who was part of the 2019 team, told Goal.

"It will be nice if we qualify twice in a row, this will be positive as far as Tanzania football is concerned. It will be a message to all that our game has improved and the quality is good.

"However, we have to give our best to deserve a place in the Afcon. We have to show the hunger on the pitch."

Tanzania have been in Kenya for about two weeks, and they already played a build-up match against the hosts but lost 2-1.

The Taifa Stars will be away in Equatorial Guinea on Thursday, March 25 hoping to get a win to sustain their qualification chances.

Four days later, they will be hosting Libya in Group J aiming at winning and joining Tunisia, who have already qualified from the group.

"The preparations have been good for us, we are doing everything according to plan," Bocco continued.

"The coaches have been sharpening us, trying several tactics which will help us during the qualifiers. It will be up to us players to follow the instructions, give our best on the pitch and I am confident we will make it."

The Taifa Stars are in Group J for the race to Cameroon with four points from as many matches and need maximum points in the remaining games to seal their place in the finals. 

Leaders Tunisia have already sealed their place in Afcon after collecting 10 points from the four games they have played.

Equatorial Guinea are placed in the second position with six points while Libya sit bottom of the table with three points.

Express FC coach Wasswa Bbosa has conceded they will face a tough second round in the Ugandan Premier League.

The top-tier took a break a week ago after first-round matches were played and the Red Eagles finished third on the 16-team table with 32 points from 15 matches, four fewer than table-toppers URA FC, who have 36 while champions Vipers SC have 33 points.

With the second round set to kick off on April 3, Express have already resumed training in readiness for the upcoming fixtures but according to Bbosa, the Red Eagles are primed for a tough round of matches.

“I would like to confirm that our squad resumed training yesterday [Monday, March 21], after a six-day break, we have a tough second-round coming up and we have to start preparations as quickly as possible," Bbosa told the club's social media pages.

“Apart from George Senkaaba and Arthur Kiggundu, who are still nursing injuries along with defender Murushid Juuko, who is in camp with Uganda Cranes for Afcon assignment, the rest are fit and available.”

In a previous interview, Express midfielder Abel Etrude revealed their main target was to finish the first round of the top-tier at the top of the table and with an unbeaten run.

The Red Eagles ended their first round of league matches with a 1-0 win against Police FC, a result that came after their 12-match unbeaten run in the top-tier came to an end following a 2-1 defeat against UPDF FC.

"The first round has up and downs but overall the team has done a tremendous job,” Etrude told the club’s social media pages.

“We wanted to end the first round as table leaders but we shall take third and come back better. As an individual, I couldn’t have asked for a better first round, two man-of-the-match awards, and the 12th match unbeaten run."

But after losing to Police, Mubiru came out to claim there is bias in how officials handle the Ugandan Premier League matches.

“First of all, the situation is not good for us as a team because of the way we are being treated,” said Mubiru as per Sports Nation.

“We have been pressed so hard to an extent of fainting. You keep quiet and wait for justice and sometimes getting it is by chance.

“So, what I think and request is that the head of officiating at the federation should be fair in those terms to prevent us from using the words we don’t want to but we as people feel there is bias.

“One day we will be forced to come out and talk. If their intention is to have us talk and hold fines on us, then we will do. For instance, in our game against Express, I think we were not handled fairly.”

Express will start their second-round matches with a home game against URA on April 3.

South Korea's professional football league, K League, has announced that K League 1 and K League 2 will be broadcast in 34 countries across the world, including Australia, Indonesia and Germany.

Meanwhile, K League coverage through local broadcasting stations and OTT platforms could be expanded even further as negotiations are ongoing with a number of other countries.

Ahead of the 2021 campaign, three media stations were signed to become the K League's overseas broadcasting partners. Total Sports Blast (TSB) in Indonesia, Macau Cable TV in Macau, and Tab Sports based in Philippines, respectively. TSB is one of Indonesia's biggest media companies.

The popularity of K League is expected to be high in Indonesia as Indonesian football fans will be keeping a close eye on national team defender Asnawi Mangkualam, who joined Ansan Greeners last winter. TSB will cover every match of Ansan competing in K League 2, as well as other big matches from both the top flight and the second division.

Last year, K League broadcasting rights were sold to over 36 countries by the 8th of May 2020, when the K League 1 campaign started. At the end of the season, games were relayed in 43 countries. Sportradar AG, K League’s official international broadcast rights distributor, is specifically targeting those markets that have players plying their trade in K League.

Furthermore, K League and Sportradar AG have co-developed an official OTT platform, which is currently in its testing stages. ‘K League TV (tv.kleague.com)’ will deliver every match for both K League 1 and 2 live, as well as match highlights and interviews to reach international fans. During its testing period, viewers from countries with no broadcasting rights are also able to access it. For now, the service is provided on desktop only, but will be expanded to mobile, smart TV applications.

Cameroon will be without Bayern Munich star Eric Choupo-Moting when they face Cape Verde and Rwanda in March’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 32-year-old striker was among the names pencilled down for the fixtures by coach Toni Conceicao, however, an administrative error has left him out.

According to German media outlet Bild, the former Paris Saint-Germain player never received any call-up as the Cameroonian Football Federation sent an invitation to the wrong email address.

As a result of this, the Indomitable Lions will be without Choupo-Moting when they square up against the Blue Sharks and the Wasps in their last two Group F fixtures.

Meanwhile, the striker’s father Camille has hit the media to defend his son, whom he claims was ready to play for the country.

“I was contacted by the association to find out what was going on. I contacted FC Bayern and they confirmed that they had not received the invitation,” he told Naja TV per Bavarianfootballworks.

“It looks like she sent it to the wrong email address instead. For me, that’s a lack of professionalism.

“When sending invitations, be sure to send them to the correct address. If that doesn’t happen, I don’t understand why it’s the club’s or Maxim’s fault.”

Conceicao’s men will travel to Praia’s Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde for Friday’s game versus Cape Verde before welcoming Rwanda to Douala’s Japoma Stadium four days later.

Cameroon, who have already qualified for the biennial African football showpiece as hosts are unbeaten in all four games played in their group so far, winning three and playing one draw to lead the log with ten points – six points ahead of closest challengers, Mozambique.

The Blue Sharks are third with four points from the same number of games, while the Wasps who sit at the base of the table with two points must win their remaining two games convincingly to stand a chance of qualifying for the competition.

The Indomitable Lions’ last Afcon outing in Egypt ended on a sour note after crashing out in the Round of 16 after bowing 3-2 to arch-rivals Nigeria at the Alexandria Stadium.

Jeakson Singh is excited about the upcoming Indian national team stint under head coach Igor Stimac.

Having been a regular in the Kerala Blasters team in the past two editions of the Indian Super League (ISL), the 19-year-old explained to Goal about his fresh set of experiences in the recently concluded season where he has had to play in unfamiliar positions.

What Jeakson had to say

Being called up for the national team camp for the second successive time despite the Blasters finishing a dismal second from bottom with just 17 points from 20 games, he said, "I'm very excited about sharing the dressing room with legends like Sandesh (Jhingan) bhai or [Sunil] Chhetri bhai. There are many other seniors and I'm looking forward to learning from their experience. 

"I was called up (to the senior team camp) last year as well, but because of Covid (Coronavirus pandemic), the camp was cancelled. So I was confident that if I perform well this season, I would stand a chance to be called up again. So it was all upon me to give my best."

Beginning the season in his regular defensive midfield position, Jeakson was deployed as a full back mid-way through the season by former Blasters coach Kibu Vicuna who was sacked after a 4-0 defeat to Hyderabad. Jeakson pointed out the need for the experience of playing at the back.

Assessing his centre back role

As the season grew older, Goal had published a study on the former U-17 World Cup star playing as a defender as compared to a defensive midfielder. Jeakson explained that playing a centre-back was slightly tougher for him. 

"It's similar to a defensive midfield position but it's a bit more risky to play in defence (as a centre back). You need more experience to play in that position. A defensive midfield role is much more like a free role without much pressure. But since I have trained as a defender before, I was ready to play wherever I got a chance to play," Singh continued.

"Overall, it was a good season but we were not getting the results that we were expecting. We were losing from winning positions, like after leading 2-0 (against ATK Mohun Bagan) we lost 3-2. We lost to Mumbai City (2-1) in the same manner (losing a lead). Otherwise, the season has been good."

Inadvertent power of the Yellow Army

Jeakson also said that he would have preferred to play in front of the Kerala Blasters fans rather than play behind closed doors, due to Covid restictions.

"At one point, there was less pressure this season. Playing in front of fans invites more pressure. But there is a different kind of pressure. On the ground, it felt like we were playing friendly matches but we knew that we were playing for the points. Motivation is more playing in front of fans," Singh admitted.

It was an impressive comeback for Ashutosh Mehta in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season as he was an integral part of NorthEast United's stellar campaign as they reached the play-offs for the second time in the club's history by finishing third in the league.

Mehta returned to the top tier of Indian football after a gap of one year and became a vital cog in NorthEast United's backline. In the 18 matches he played, the right-back scored one goal and provided two assists. He also made 62 tackles, 23 interceptions and 26 blocks and delivered 22 crosses.

The comeback wasn't all flowery for Mehta as he was diagnosed with coronavirus in the pre-season. He also faced hardship on the personal front but despite all the setbacks, Mehta was able to fight it out and in the end, put up an impressive show.

"It was a very challenging season for me personally, for the Covid situation. I was diagnosed with Covid, so I could not join the team from the beginning. Then my mother got critical and my grandmother expired. On the professional front, we did not have a full-fledged pre-season but we adapted really well. The season tested our mental faculties to their limits. If a player is not mentally strong then he would have suffered," Mehta told Goal in an exclusive chat.

His performance not just helped NorthEast United, it also earned him his maiden national team call-up. The Mumbai-born defender was undoubtedly pleased to finally get the chance of donning the national colour but he also maintained that he is in no way getting carried away and is instead focusing on making the most of the chance he has got.

"It is a huge thing for me to get called up to the national camp. But I am keeping my head down. This is just a call for the camp. There will be lots of challenges ahead. My persistence finally paid off. I came close on a few occasions but I never made the cut. At the same time, I did not give up. I have waited long for this opportunity and I am going to give my all in the training sessions," said Mehta.

He also added, "I am the type of player who wants to learn and improve. It will be a great opportunity for me to learn from the coach (Igor Stimac). He was a defender himself so looking forward to learning as much as I can from him."

The player reunited with coach Khalid Jamil at NorthEast United after a gap of three seasons. Mehta had started his professional career under the tutelage of Jamil at Mumbai FC and the last time he played under the coach they went on to script history at Aizawl FC by winning the I-League title.

Expressing his gratitude towards his coach, Mehta said, "It was a great season but we wanted to reach the finals. But it is okay, part of football. Khalid Bhai changed the dynamic in the squad. He is one coach that I am prepared to die for. He knows me for 10 years now and he has the perfect idea of what can I deliver for the team. I follow his instructions and I try to replicate them on the pitch. It is very simple. Whenever I play for him, I give everything on the pitch."

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has reached out to the Senegalese national team, wishing them well as they take on Congo and Eswatini in March’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 29-year-old was missing for the Stamford Bridge giants in their 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Sheffield United on Sunday, with Kepa Arrizabalaga holding sway between the posts instead as Oliver Norwood’s own goal and Hakim Ziyech strike sent the Blues into the semi-final.

In a post on social media, the former Rennes star confirmed that he would be unavailable for the dead rubber games, having undergone a dental surgery on Monday.

“I will unfortunately not be able to attend the next meeting with my country,” Mendy wrote on Instagram.

“I had to perform a dental operation this morning [Monday] that couldn't wait, in order to avoid this to disrupt the end of the season, which has important deadlines, both with my club and with my country.

“My heart goes out to my brothers for these last two qualification games.”

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel had disclosed that the Senegal international would miss the international break as he needed to head to the dentist for a tooth operation.

"Mendy will stay because he has an operation on his tooth," the German tactician told the media after his team silenced Paul Heckingbottom’s Blades.

"He needs to see the dentist because it needs to be done. It's why we do it now [so he can be back after the international break]."

Although Aliou Cisse’s men are through to the 2022 Afcon billed to hold in Cameroon, they look to consolidate their place at the summit of Group I by defeating the Red Devils and the King’s Shield.

Mendy was lured away from Ligue 1 in a £22m ($31m) deal as the six-time English topflight kings sought to find greater stability between the sticks as costly errors had crept into Arrizabalaga’s game.

Appreciatively, he settled quickly in English football and kept clean sheets through his opening six games for Chelsea.

Tuchel would be expecting the Senegalese to be back to full fitness when his team take on West Bromwich Albion on April 3.

Ben Chilwell has said the possibility of win two trophies this season is in the back of the Chelsea players’ minds as they continue to thrive under new leadership.

The Blues were on the back foot when Frank Lampard was axed in January, but an unbeaten run under new manager Thomas Tuchel has restored confidence.

Chelsea are out of the Premier League title picture, but they remain in the hunt for honours in the Champions League and FA Cup.

What has been said?

Chelsea beat Sheffield United at the weekend to book an FA Cup semi-final clash with Premier League leaders Manchester City, and they are set to face Porto in the quarter finals in Europe.

Asked if Chelsea can finish the season with two trophies, Chilwell told the Telegraph: “It’s 100 per cent possible. We’re in both competitions and playing well, but it’s not something we’re talking about.

"I think it’s in the back of everyone’s minds but at the moment – I know it’s cliched – we’re just taking it week by week and the manager’s indicated to us what we need to do.

"We have to keep improving in training and going into every match with the same mindset that we have been.”

New manager, new system, new role

Tuchel has shifted Chelsea to a 3-5-2 formation, and Chilwell has had to adapt to playing at wing-back as opposed to left-back.

He was initially overlooked for selection by Tuchel, but the former Leicester man has knuckled down in training and is now competing with Marcos Alonso for a starting spot.

"I’m working hard in training and, coming into games, I’m asking a lot of questions, where I can be positionally, so I can improve and get more opportunities to play in that role,” the 24-year-old said. “But on the other side of things when you’ve got two or three players in each position that can do different roles and have different strengths, it makes everyone train a lot harder, which is creating a good buzz around the place.”

Eyeing Euros success

The change in formation at Chelsea has played to Chilwell’s advantage on the international stage, as 3-5-2 is England’s boss Gareth Southgate’s chosen style.

While aware of the challenge posed by Manchester United's Luke Shaw for the starting spot, Chilwell feels Tuchel’s tactics offer him an advantage going into this summer's European Championship.

“If you look at the formation England are playing, the formation we’re playing here at the moment gives us the best possible chance to get used to playing in the positions that England want us to play in,” Chilwell said. “Hopefully, that gives us a good chance going into the summer - that we can be used.

“Going into the Euros, if me and Luke are battling it out and trying to prove who’s having the best club form going into the tournament, that’s only a positive.”

Further reading

Everton’s Alex Iwobi and Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun have joined Nigeria’s camp as the number of invited players for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho increased to 18 as at Monday night.

Former Arsenal star Iwobi was an 87th minute replacement for Mason Holgate as Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees bowed 2-0 to Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup game at Goodison Park.

Elsewhere, Balogun provided an assist for Alfredo Morelos as Steven Gerrard’s Gers played a 1-1 draw with Celtic in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership showdown.

Captain Ahmed Musa, West Bromwich Albion’s Semi Ajayi, Fulham right-back Ola Aina and Watford centre-back William Troost-Ekong were the early arrivals for the important fixtures.

Galatasaray duo of Henry Onyekuru and Peter Etebo joined the team later alongside Boavista’s Chidozie Awaziem, AC Omonia’s Abdullahi Shehu and Abia Warriors’ Adekunle Adeleke.

Minutes after helping Enyimba subdue Sunshine Stars 1-0 in a Nigeria Professional Football League encounter at the Agege Stadium, the duo of Anayo Iwuala and John Noble teamed up with Gernot Rohr’s squad at the plush Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi and Zaidu Sanusi are expected before lunchtime on Tuesday.

The three-time African champions will hold their first training session at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday morning.

They will leave for Cotonou on Friday before taking on Michel Dussuyer’s Squirrels at Porto-Novo’s Stade Charles de Gaulle on Saturday.

Three days later, Nigeria take on the Crocodiles in their last Group L game. The Super Eagles who lead their zone with eight points from four games need at least a win to guarantee their place in Cameroon 2022.

Should that happen, that will be their 19th appearance at the finals since their maiden appearance in Ghana 1963 – where they crashed out in the preliminary round.

Rohr’s men finished third at Afcon 2019, Egypt after defeating Tunisia 1-0 to pick up the bronze medal thanks to Odion Ighalo’s third-minute effort at Cairo’s Al Salam Stadium.

18 Eagles in camp

Musa, Troost-Ekong, Aina, Ajayi, Onyekuru, Etebo, Adeleke, Awaziem, Shehu, Iwuala, Noble, Iwobi, Balogun, Joe Aribo, Tyronne Ebuehi, Maduka Okoye, Jamilu Collins and Paul Onuachu.