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The UAE national team coach Bert Van Marwijk has named a 29-member squad as part of their preparations for the remaining 2022 FIFA World Cup and AFC 2023 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers.

The Whites will be holding a camp in Dubai from 23 to 29 March under the Dutch coach. Ranked 74th in the latest FIFA Rankings, UAE are currently placed fourth in Group G of the qualifiers, with six points from four games. 

Marwijk's side are set to host Malaysia and Thailand in the fifth and sixth rounds on June 3 and 7 respectively, before a match against Indonesia (June 11) followed by an encounter against Vietnam (June 15) to conclude their qualification matches.

On the other hand, India are set to face Oman in an international friendly on Friday, March 25, before taking on UAE in another friendly tie on Monday, March 29. Igor Stimac's men are due to host Qatar on June 6, before games against Bangladesh and Afghanistan on June 7 and 15 respectively in the Asian qualifiers.

The 29-member UAE national team squad:

Defenders: Bandar Al-Ahbabi, Shaheen Abdel-Rahman, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Khalifa Al-Hammadi, Hassan Al-Mahrami, Al-Hassan Saleh, Salem Rashid.

Midfielders: Mohamed Al-Attas, Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Al-Naqbi, Yahya Nader, Abdullah Ramadan, Majed Hassan, Fabio de Lima, Khalfan Mubarak, Caio Canedo.

Forwards: Khalil Al Hammadi, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Ali Saleh, Suhail Al Noubi, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tigali, Zayed Al Ameri.

Yassine Bounou was Sevilla’s hero as his last-gasp strike cancelled out Fabian Orellana’s goal in a thrilling 1-1 draw against Real Valladolid at Jose Zorrilla on Saturday.

Los Nervionenses had managed just three shots on target and trailed to the Chilean winger’s first-half penalty, but the Morocco international goalkeeper levelled matters with the last kick of the game.

With his effort, the 29-year-old has now scored his maiden goal for club and country. He also became the first goalkeeper ever to score for Sevilla in a Spanish topflight fixture.

Unbeaten in their last three matches in all competitions, Sergio Gonzalez’s men came into the encounter in dire need of a win against the title-chasing visitors.

Nonetheless, Sevilla - who came prepared probed a couple of times early on but red-hot Youssef En-Nesyri was caged from wreaking havoc.

Two minutes before the half-time break, hosts Valladolid were awarded a penalty after VAR confirmed that goal-bound Shon Weissman was fouled by Karim Rekik and Ivan Rakitic in the box.

Orellana stepped up to take the resultant kick by sending Bounou the wrong way to give his side a slim lead heading into the halftime break.

In dire need of an away victory, Sevilla made a couple of substitutions in the second-half, yet, they were unable to break down the dogged hosts.

Substitute Luuk de Jong came close to equalising for Julen Lopetegui’s side, albeit, his effort kissed the woodwork.

When it appeared like the visitors would return home empty-handed, Bounou came to the rescue. The Moroccan connected to Jules Kounde pass before firing a superb side-footed strike beyond Roberto Jimenez.

However, he was cautioned for taking off his shirt while he wheeled away in celebration as his teammates swamped around him to celebrate the equaliser.

Alongside Bounou, En-Nesyri was in action from start to finish for Sevilla, while their compatriot Munir El Haddadi was an unused substitute.

For Real Valladolid, Morocco’s Jawad El Yamiq was not listed for action due to fitness issues. With 55 points from 28 outings, Sevilla occupy the fourth spot in LaLiga log, while Valladolid are 16th with 27 points from the same number of games played so far.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed talks are continuing with Edinson Cavani over an extension to his Manchester United contract.

The Uruguayan forward has made a positive impression at Old Trafford since making the move to the club last year following his release from Paris Saint-Germain.

There is an option in his contract to extend by a further 12 months should both parties agree, and Solskjaer says talks are continuing.

What has been said?

“We’re speaking to Eddy," Solskjaer said. "Edinson is a top striker and whatever he decides to do, let’s see. We’re in good dialogue with him.

“We want a competitive squad and we need someone up there to score the goals for us.

"So we’re looking at it.”

Cavani’s future at the club is up in the air

Cavani’s positive start to life at Old Trafford, and comments that he was happy working with the young crop of forwards at United, pointed to him signing an extension.

However, the 34-year-old’s father muddied the waters when he claimed the forward was unhappy and eyeing a move to Boca Juniors.

It was revealed that Cavani had been in dialogue with Juan Roman Riquelme, who holds the role of second vice-president at Boca.

Cavani has said little with regard to his future in the days since his father broke ground, and he is currently working on his fitness following four games out with a muscle injury.

United face Leicester in the quarter finals of the FA Cup on Sunday.

United’s need for a striker

Cavani is one of the deadliest finishers in the game, but he is towards the tail end of his career.

Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are bright attacking talents but not in the mould of conventional number nines. 

Even were Cavani to stay, he’d only be a short-term fix and Solskjaer’s need is for a player who can take on the role for a number of seasons.

His fellow Norwegian Erling Haaland would be the obvious candidate, but when Borussia Dortmund elect to sell there will be a huge battle for his services.

Further reading

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Leicester City centre-back Jonny Evans should still be at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer was still a United player when the Northern Ireland defender was a prized prospect in the club's academy, making his senior debut in 2007. 

Evans played more than 200 games for United before he was sold to West Brom in 2015 for £8 million, eventually joining Leicester in 2018.

What was said?

“You know, Jonny Evans should have been a Manchester United player now, of course," Solskjaer said ahead of his side's FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester on Sunday.

"But sometimes football takes you other places when changes in management happen.

“I’m sure that Jonny Evans has feelings for Manchester United and we have feelings for him too.

“So it is a pleasure to see him playing as well as he does and we just have to move on.

"But of course, local lads – I call them local lads, you know what I mean – we want to build our next youth team on players like Jonny Evans, if you like.

“With Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay and Dean Henderson and all of the lads, added on with top quality players of course.”

The bigger picture

Evans has been one of the Premier League's most dependable centre-backs since leaving United in 2015, making Louis van Gaal's decision to sell him on the cheap appear misguided.

United's massive outlays on transfer fees for central defenders since Evans left only serves to underline that error, as Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have cost a combined £144m ($200m).

Maguire has established himself as a clear starter in the heart of United's defence, but there is plenty of talk that Solskjaer's side could spend big on another defender this summer.

Further reading

Fali Cande scored his first Portimonense goal with a header in Saturday’s 2-1 Portuguese topflight defeat to FC Porto, in the process ending his lifelong wait to find the back of the net for Paulo Sergio’s team.

Having bowed 2-0 to Santa Clara in their last outing, they welcomed the Dragons to Algarve's Estadio Municipal de Portimao with the aim of returning to winning ways, nevertheless, they ended up on the losing side.

The first chance of the game fell to the hosts but Dener was unable to beat onrushing goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin after being released by Moroccan defender Fahd Moufi.

In the 25th minute, Porto almost took the lead but goalkeeper Samuel was well positioned to save Mehdi Taremi’s tame header from Wilson Manafa’s cross.

In a first half that was characterised by numerous misses, it was Sergio Conceicao’s side who went one goal up on the stroke of half-time following a Lucas Possignolo own goal. While trying to clear a goal-bound Moussa Marega effort, the Brazilian defender erroneously turned the ball into his own net.

Sergio’s side came out blazing from the blast of referee Rui Costa’s whistle in the second-half, and their persistence was rewarded in the 64th minute thanks to Cande. The Guinea-Bissau prospect headed the ball past goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin after an exchange of passes with Portuguese forward Beto.

Three minutes later, the 29-time Portuguese league champions restored their lead as Sergio Oliveira’s freekick sailed into the net after rebounding off Samuel.

Despite pouring attacks from the hosts, they were unable to equalise as their Pedro Sa was given the marching orders in the 90th minute.

Mali’s Marega was substituted in the 88th for Chico Conceicao, while Nigeria’s Zaidu Sanusi and Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba played from start to finish. Whereas, Guinea-Bissau’s Nanu and Senegal’s Mamadou Loum played no role in the cagey fixture.

On the other hand, Cande was replaced for Fabricio in the 81st minute with Moufi seeing every minute of action. Furthermore, Ghana’s Emmanuel Hackman and Congo's Giannelli Imbula were not considered for selection.

With this result, Porto are second behind league leaders Sporting Lisbon having accrued 54 points from 24 matches. Portimonense occupy the 13th position with 23 points from the same number of outings.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has described his side’s stunning run of form as ‘incredible’.

City made a slow start to the season and there were suggestions that Guardilola needed to perform a rebuild to get them back on track.

But following a loss to Tottenham on November 21, they embarked on a 28-game unbeaten run - including a spell of 21 wins in a row.

What was said?

City kept themselves on course for a quadruple after beating Everton 2-0 to reach the FA Cup semi-finals, and Guardiola was thrilled with the performance and his side’s form in general.

“We have to adapt - every game is different,” Guardiola said. “Leicester may be similar and play four in the middle. Dortmund and Leeds will be different.

“Managers know what they have to do.

“But when you win a lot of games like we have in the last four months, it’s because you can adapt. That pleases me the most.

“It’s not just tactics, it’s mental - being ready every game.

“What we have done is more than remarkable. It’s incredible. One of the greatest achievements we have done together.

“We haven’t won anything yet, so we will be focused and we will see how far we arrive in the competitions.

"Honestly, since last break four months ago, we played 34 games.

"In this winter time, playing every three days, with incredible commitment in every competition, I don't have any words to express that."

Record-breaking City

Although no trophies have been secured so far, City have had a stellar season.

And the win over Everton saw Guardiola’s men set more records. It was their 17th game on the road without defeat, eclipsing a figure dating back to 1999 when Joe Royle was in charge.

The game was also their 14th win on the spin away from home, which is another club record.

Guardiola’s golden touch

The City boss appears to have the Midas touch at present. With the match at Goodison Park well poised at 0-0 with 10 minutes remaining, Guardiola elected to throw on Kevin De Bruyne.

Within four minutes, City were in front thanks to Ilkay Gundogan - and De Bruyne wrapped up the win in injury time.

"At the end, we decided on Riyad [Mahrez] and Kevin and they changed the rhythm a little bit and fortunately, Ilkay Gundogan was in the place he has to be as a striker or attacking midfielder to score a goal,” Guardiola said.

"Sometimes, with substitutions you are 100% sure with what you have to do; sometimes, you have doubts and if you have doubts, you take more time to do it."

Further reading

Argentine football begins its program for 2021 with the playing of the Copa Liga Profesional.

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Boca was crowned 2019-20 league champions in March after coming out on top during the 23-game season, and also triumphed in the following Copa Diego Armando Maradona, which ended in January. 

In lieu of beginning a new league season, the Argentine footballing authorities have instead sanctioned another cup competition, which will run from February to May.

The 26 Primera Division clubs have been split into two groups, with each side playing each other once. 

In addition there will be one inter-zonal game every week, where Boca and River, Racing Club and Independiente and the rest of Argentina's Clasico rivals will face off in a series of clashes. 

The top four teams from each group then advance to a play-off stage, which will take place in a straight knock-out format in order to yield a single winner.

Fanatiz has the rights to the Copa de la Liga Profesional worldwide, excluding Argentina, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the Balkans.

How to watch Godoy Cruz vs River

Godoy Cruz ranked among the Argentine top flight's worst clubs in 2020, finishing rock-bottom of the league campaign and managing just one win in 11 games in the subsequent Copa Diego Maradona. 

This year, though, and despite the tragic suicide of star striker Santiago Garcia, the Mendoza side have been more competitive. 

Coached by Sebastian Mendez, Maradona's former No. 2 at Gimnasia, Godoy Cruz have won two of their opening five games in Zone 1 and sit just outside the play-off spots. 

River began the Copa on a low note, going down 2-1 to Estudiantes in their opening game.

Since then the Millonario have endured mixed fortunes, dispatching Rosario Central and neighbours Platense before falling at home to Argentinos and drawing the Superclasico 1-1 away to arch-rivals Boca Juniors.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Godoy Cruz vs River team news

Godoy Cruz will be without goalkeeper Juan Espinola, who was left out of Saturday's squad due to an adductor problem.

Fabrizio Angileri, meanwhile, is on compassionate leave following the death of his father and did not travel with River to Mendoza.

Watch all this weekend's Copa Liga Profesional matches on Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Copa Liga Profesional matches are available on Fanatiz?

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti was gracious in defeat after seeing his side lose out to Manchester City, labelling the Premier League leaders as the "best team in the world."

The Merseysiders managed to keep City under wraps for more than 80 minutes of Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Goodison Park. 

But late goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne sent the visitors through with a 2-0 win, keeping alive their hopes of winning an unprecedented quadruple this season. 

What was said? 

"We were almost there, we did well and we did the best that we can do. We defended well and for at least 80 minutes, we had the game under control," Ancelotti told BT Sport after the final whistle on Saturday.

"I am satisfied because we were beaten by the best team in the world - they are the best.

"We wanted to keep them uncomfortable. Of course, they are comfortable with the ball but we defended well and we didn't concede space. We played the game that we wanted to play.

"They have the best bench in the world. It was a good experience for us and there are no regrets.

"The regrets are the games against Burnley or the game against Fulham, but we are on time. We have 10 games in the league and we want to fight for our position in Europe next season."

The bigger picture

With Saturday's win, City gave another demonstration of their ability to fight on multiple fronts without letting their foot off the accelerator. 

Pep Guardiola's men had already booked passage to the Champions League last eight with victory over Borussia Monchengladbach, with another Bundesliga club awaiting in the quarters in the shape of Borussia Dortmund. 

In April, meanwhile, they will take on Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final as they look to take the title for a fourth straight year. 

City also enjoy a 14-point lead over Manchester United at the Premier League summit, an advantage which looks to be unassailable with more than three-fourths of the 2020-21 season already completed. 

United did at least end their rivals' incredible run of results earlier in March, defeating City 2-0 after they had tallied 21 consecutive wins and 28 games without defeat in all competitions.

Further reading

Serie A is the top level of football in Ecuador, with 16 teams from across the country fighting it out in the 2021 edition which started Friday. 

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

The new campaign will be divided into two stages, with a winner crowned at the end of each phase.

The two victors will then advance to the finals in order to dispute the title of champion at the end of the year.

How to watch LDU Quito vs Barcelona

LDU Quito, the only Ecuadorian team to win a Copa Libertadores to date, have made a solid start to the campaign. 

Two wins and two draws from their opening four matches leave them third in the standings, and victory over Barcelona would see them leapfrog the current leaders.

Barcelona beat out Guayaquil arch-rivals Emelec in the Second stage of the 2020 season to book their place in the final against LDU Quito, who ran out winners in the first half of the year. 

Both legs of the finals ended in stalemate, and Barcelona eventually triumphed 3-1 on penalties to lift their first Serie A crown since 2016.

They seem to have picked up where they left off this term too, sitting top with maximum points from their opening four matches.

LDU Quito vs Barcelona is available to stream worldwide on Fanatiz , where you can sign up for a 7-day free trial.

You can watch all of the 2021 Serie A season live on  Fanatiz .

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

What other Serie A matches are available on Fanatiz?

Watch Serie A live on Fanatiz.

Nigeria and Heartland goalkeeper Ikechuwku Ezenwa has urged newly-invited NPFL players to give their all for the Super Eagles in order to open doors of opportunities for others.

The 32-year-old was dropped from Gernot Rohr’s latest 24-man list for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho, however, he left some words of advice for the three home-based stars who have been invited for the crunch fixtures.

Due to the coronavirus travel restrictions in Europe and their fine performances in the NPFL, Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble and striker Anayo Iwuala alongside Abia Warriors defender Adeleke Adekunle have been summoned to the Super Eagles’ set-up for the first time.

In his reaction to the late call-ups, the Heartland shot-stopper - who was part of Nigeria’s 23-man squad to the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia – encouraged the trio to be humble and hard-working to earn future invitations.

Ezenwa told Goal: “The most important thing is any player that is opportune to go to the national team, should represent the NPFL stars. They should do their personal best so people can know that there are talents and there are raw talents.

“Even before now, Rohr has been giving some home-based players chances to come to the national camp because I remember the likes of Ifeanyi Anaemena, Mfon Udoh, myself and some other persons.

“I'm always praying even when I was there for the NPFL players to always get this invitation and we are seeing the likes of Noble and Iwuala now. I think it's a great development and my prayer is for them to be there, give their 100 per cent, show character and be humble. With their hard work and everything they do there, it's going to earn them another call-up again.

“That's just the secret. I think they need to give their best to send the message across that NPFL players can do it too, so that other people can get the invitation.”

Ezenwa who was also part of the Super Eagles squad that won bronze at the 2019 Afcon in Egypt, admitted there are quality talents in the Nigeria top-flight but they lack exposure.

“There are so many quality players in the Nigerian league and I'm happy with the new NPFL TV that is showing live games,” he continued. “I think the special thing that happened back then when the league was shown on television was the exposure. Had it been, it's still like that, we would have at least six home-based players in the team.

“I remember the time of Keshi when he took some home-based players to the Africa Cup of Nations, what made them known were the live games which were shown every week and whenever he made selections without inviting these players, people would tell him we watched this person on TV and he's a very good player, what is happening.

“Live games will help the NPFL stars not only to go to the national team but for transfers to Europe as well, I remember Taiye Taiwo then from Lobi Stars to Marseille, Ayila from Union Bank to Dynamo Kyiv. If live games are on, week in week out, they are going to sell our players. Sometimes, I watch the Zambian league on SuperSport and you see their stars too.”

Pape Yade found the net as Metz bowed 3-1 at home to Rennes in Saturday’s French elite division outing.

With the Maroons trailing by three goals at Stade Saint-Symphorien, the Senegalese striker was introduced in the second-half, albeit, his effort could not prevent his team from losing their 10th game of the 2020-21 Ligue 1 campaign.

After playing a 2-2 draw at Lens in their last outing, Frederic Antonetti’s men welcomed the Reds and Blacks with the ambition of sealing all points at stake, but they ended up on the losing side.

18 minutes into the game, Rennes took the lead through Belgium international of Ghanaian background Jeremy Doku. Receiving a pass from Martin Terrier, the 18-year-old slotted the ball past a stranded goalkeeper Marc-Aurele Caillard.

That goal was an eye-opener for the hosts as they swung into action by dominating ball possession, nevertheless, their biggest undoing was missing clear cut chances.

As they continued to push for the equaliser, it was Rennes who doubled their advantage in the 38th minute. Following Vincent Pajot’s reckless challenge on Hamari Traore in the goal area, referee Willy Delajod had no option than to award a penalty to the visitors, while Terrier made no mistakes converting the ensuing kick despite Caillard guessing the right direction.

In dire need of victory to boost their European dreams, Rennes came out stronger in the second-half. Their quest to record a comeback win got a big boost as Doku was given the marching orders in the 51st minute for a dangerous tackle on Thomas Delaine.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, it was the hosts who continued to dictate the pace and they got their third goal in the 88th minute through Sehrou Guirassy. The French forward of Guinean descent received a pass from Eduardo Camavinga, beat two markers before firing past the goalkeeper.

Refusing to go down without a fight, Yade, who replaced Lamine Gueye in the 73rd minute, fired Matthieu Udol’s pass past Senegal’s Alfred Gomis.

With this result, Rennes climbed to seventh in the French elite division after accruing 44 points from 30 games, while Metz dropped to eighth with 42 points with 42 points from the same number of matches.

Bukayo Saka has been passed fit for Arsenal’s clash with West Ham, while Willian will have a late fitness test to prove his well-being.

Both Saka and Willian sat out the Europa League clash with Olympiacos on Thursday due to hamstring and calf problems respectively.

Saka stepped up his workload during the week and impressed the club’s medical staff on Saturday, while Willian will undergo a fitness test ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Hammers in the Premier League.

What has been said?

"As a precaution, Bukayo was left out of the squad to play Olympiacos on Thursday,” read a statement on Arsenal’s official website. “During this week, Bukayo has responded well to treatment, has participated in training and is now available for selection.

“Willian missed Thursday’s match with Olympiacos due to a tight calf.

“Willian is recovering well, has participated in training and will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s match regarding his availability.”

Arsenal’s late push for Europe

The Gunners could still secure Champions League qualification by going all the way and winning the Europa League, and they will take on Slavia Prague over two legs in the quarter finals.

That is not their only route into Europe, as a good end to the season in the league could propel them into the qualification slots.

A win over Tottenham last weekend kept them within 10 points of Chelsea who occupy fourth place, and the Gunners have a game in hand.

West Ham are a place below Chelsea in fifth, and a victory for Arsenal would move them to within four points of the Hammers.

Further reading

Kai Havertz has revealed his “big ambition” at Chelsea, with the Germany international hoping that the Blues’ FA Cup campaign in 2020-21 will allow him to erase final heartache and get his hands on a trophy.

During his final season at Bayer Leverkusen, the 21-year-old playmaker got to within touching distance of major silverware, only to come unstuck against Bayern Munich.

Havertz’s move to Stamford Bridge has not played out as planned, with a £70 million ($97m) price tag yet to be justified, but Thomas Tuchel’s side are looking to secure tangible success and deliver on the expectations of a demanding fan base and owner.

What has been said?

Havertz has told Chelsea’s official website heading into an FA Cup quarter-final clash with Sheffield United on Sunday: “It’s a big ambition of mine to win trophies at Chelsea.

“When you play for Chelsea you always want to win trophies. We are in a very good position but there is a long way in front of us.

“We have to go into every game like it’s a final. There’s no second chance, we have to win this game to get through to the next round. Hopefully we have a good day on Sunday and we get through to the next round.”

Havertz added on his cup final experience at Leverkusen: “It’s the same in Germany, it’s a very big competition.

“It was a little bit unlucky because it was the first year without fans. Normally the atmosphere is amazing with 80,000 people, you play in the Olympiastadion.

“We got to the final, we lost against Bayern but it was a very good experience for us. It was a very big game and as a footballer you like to play these games. It was a big achievement to get as far as we did.”

The bigger picture

The FA Cup is not Chelsea’s only route to silverware in 2020-21, with positive progress also being made in the Champions League.

Tuchel’s side have booked a place in the quarter-finals of that competition, where they will meet Porto, and are yet to suffer defeat through 13 games under their German coach.

Havertz is yet to rediscover his spark under his fellow countryman, with only five goals and as many assists recorded through 31 appearances this season, but he has started to be used as a false nine of late and will know there is plenty more to come from him once a return to form is enjoyed.

Further reading

The aftermath of AC Milan’s Europa League exit on Thursday focused on the fact Serie A has only one representative remaining in both European competitions this season—Roma.

While the Rossoneri have stuttered since the turn of the year, the disappointment in exiting narrowly to Manchester United in the last 16 ought to be channelled into meeting their pre-season target of playing Champions League football next season.

In truth, there’s an inclination to grumble over their elimination by the Red Devils, especially as the tie could have turned out differently had Franck Kessie’s well-taken finish counted at Old Trafford.

The midfielder’s 12th-minute strike was ruled out for a handball, although multiple replays didn’t particularly reveal this, and the Italian side missed out on seizing the initiative in the round.

Kessie rued the nature of the reverse fixture at San Siro but seemed intent to not stew over their continental exit in post-match media duties.

“We are very disappointed because we knew that we could’ve done it. We didn’t make the most of the advantage from the first leg, because we should at least have drawn 0-0 here and reached the quarter-finals,” the Ivory Coast international told Sky Sport Italia via Football Italia. “At this level, you pay for mistakes. We should’ve cleared the ball earlier and they made us pay straight away.”

On this season’s target, he continued: “We now have to focus on Serie A. The top four position was our objective at the start of the season, and it remains our main target. We can do it.”

While Milan’s second spot may not seem under threat to the naked eye, their performances and results since the turn of the year reveal a side that's losing its grip on a top four spot that guarantees their participation in the Champions League after a seven-year absence.

They led the way after a bright start in the opening half of the season which looked to put them in the conversation to win their first Scudetto since 2011, but the subsequent drop off has put them on the brink of dropping to third spot and looking nervously at the chasing pack—Atalanta, Napoli and Roma.

Ravaged by injuries and coronavirus to key players at various points since January, Stefano Pioli’s team have fallen to five losses in 2021 alone, with four of the defeats worryingly coming on home turf.

The confidence and gumption that characterised their ascent to Serie A contention has ebbed away and has now been replaced with mistakes at the back, a lack of control in midfield and an absence of ingenuity in the attacking third.

Having to deal with the absences while competing in Europe also looked to be taking a toll on Pioli’s troops who have seemingly looked jaded in dealing with their Sunday-Thursday-Sunday schedule in recent weeks.

For that reason alone, playing on the continent as well as dealing with the issues regarding personnel was going to pose challenges for a Milan side whose campaign began way back in mid-September.

Given the ongoing concerns within their group with form, the scheduling and player availability, the fact that all but one of the other sides chasing a top four spot only have league games to deal with till the end of the campaign was going to put a tiring Red and Blacks at a slight disadvantage.

Juventus, a point behind and with a game in hand, are throwing everything they have into ending as high as possible after an early Champions League exit against Porto last week. Atalanta may be four points behind, but they no longer have continental exertions to deal with following this week's elimination at the hands of Real Madrid.

The two sides in fifth and sixth, Napoli and Roma, are on 50 points apiece with the former to square up with the Old Lady in their game in hand where a victory for Gennaro Gattuso’s side will heap more pressure on Milan who are six points ahead of both at the moment.

Be that as it may, imminent returns for key players couldn't be timelier for Pioli, who will welcome the international break for his flagging lot. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a second-half substitute on Thursday night and Ismael Bennacer, unused against the Manchester giants, has returned to give the team a huge boost in the middle of the park.

The Algeria star has arguably been the biggest miss for the seven-time European champions who haven’t been consistently able to count on his symbiotic partnership with Kessie in the middle of the park since mid-December.  

Neither Sandro Tonali nor Soualiho Meite have dovetailed as seamlessly with the Ivorian, so having the ex-Arsenal player back will be music to Pioli’s ears, although the manager will be wary of rushing the North African star to prevent another relapse.

Ostensibly, exiting the Europa League was a huge disappointment for Milan as they lost their last realistic chance of silverware.

However, the Rossoneri’s fragile state means the 2-1 aggregate defeat by Man United could be a blessing in disguise.

Pioli can now count on some of the previously absent defensive figures in his side, has welcomed back Zlatan and will be able to lean on Kessie and Bennacer after the break. Indeed, the experienced manager will hope that’s enough to see Milan over the line as they seek a return to Europe’s hallowed club competition.

Ghana star Caleb Ekuban has sent South Africa a warning ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with his two goals in Trabzonspor’s 4-1 thumping of Ankaragucu on Saturday.

The 26-year-old ended his goal drought in the Turkish Super Lig in style after finding the back of the net since the Black Sea Storm defeated Genclerbirligi on January 23.

Ekuban got the hosts off to a flying start with his eighth-minute opener, but it was cancelled out by Ibrahim Akdag's penalty in the 26th minute.

Three minutes later, the Ghana international restored Trabzonspor's lead and Djaniny Tavares made it 3-1 on the half-hour mark as they cruised into the break.

Ekuban was substituted in the 85th minute for DR Congo striker Benik Afobe, however, Edgar Miguel Ie wrapped up the three points with his goal in the 94th minute.

Nigeria's Anthony Nwakaeme was also in action for Trabzonspor but he could not end his wait for his first goal since February 8 (against Yeni Malatyaspor).

Nwakaeme has scored six goals in 25 league appearances so far in this campaign and he trails Ekuban who is the club’s leading goalscorer by two goals in the league.

Ghana's Joseph Paintsil alongside Senegal's Aliou Badji and Assane Diousse were on parade for Trabzonspor but their contributions could not stop Ankaragucu from falling to Abdullah Avci’s men.

Trabzonspor are unmoved in fourth place and they trail Super Lig leaders Besiktas by eight points after gathering 55 points from 30 matches.

Following Saturday's heroics, Ekuban will be expected to turn his attention to the Black Stars' upcoming Afcon qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome.

They are currently level on nine points with Bafana Bafana after four matches in Group C while Sudan are third with six points from the same number of games.

Charles Akonnor's side will hope to secure qualification for the continental tournament billed for Cameroon in 2022 when they travel to South Africa on March 25 and they host Sao Tome and Principe three days later.