Looking for Soccer News?

Gor Mahia have confirmed changes to their leadership in the playing unit after midfielder Kenneth Muguna was dropped as the captain of the side.

The Kenyan champions, who have had a poor start to the season having already lost five matches from the 13 played, have also moved to fire their goalkeeper trainer Willice Ochieng.

Gor Mahia secretary-general Sam Ochola has confirmed to Goal the changes have been necessitated following the team’s poor start to the season, and remained hopeful they will start to pick up positive results.

“We have replaced Kenneth [Muguna] with Harun [Shakava] as the team captain and the changes will take effect immediately,” Ochola told Goal on Friday. “We have also moved to sack our keeper trainer Willice [Ochieng] and he will be replaced by our U20 keeper trainer Jerim Onyango.

“We have been forced to make those critical changes after the team started badly in the league and Caf assignments and we now hope the new changes will spur them to great heights.”

Ochola further confirmed Gor Mahia had planned to hand the armband to deputy captain Philemon Otieno but he turned down the offer.

“Our intention at the office was to promote Philemon [Otieno] to replace Muguna as the captain but the player turned down the offer, he never gave reasons as to why he did not want it but he told us he is not ready.

“We then decided to return the armband to Shakava, he has been here before, he has been the captain before and we know what he can do when he leads the team, we also feel he has the much-needed experience to bring the team together.

“Shakava also played a key role to bring the players together when they staged a go-slow recently and we feel he deserves to lead the team, we have given him another chance and we know the changes will change the results of the team to the better.”

The move to make changes in the team comes four days after club chairman Ambrose Rachier and Ochola have opened up over the allegations of match-fixing involving the local league giants.

“We’ve had allegations of match-fixing going on in the club and we are treating the issue with the seriousness that it deserves. Investigations are on and we will get to know what’s there,” Rachier told Citizen Digital.

For his part, Ochola questioned the manner in which some losses have occurred as Gor Mahia fight to rise and join the top five teams.

"The issue of match-fixing is gaining traction and we are concerned," the official said. "We are investigating some players and club officials mentioned as possible contributors to these acts of match-fixing. Some of these games we have lost clearly direct us to believe it’s happening.”

Gor Mahia are seeking to win a fourth straight league title but must strive to topple Tusker, who have already reached 35 points from 15 matches.

Posta Rangers recorded a fourth Football Kenya Federation Premier League win after seeing off Mathare United 2-0 at Kasarani on Wednesday.

Alex Luganji and Amos Kigadi scored the goals for the Mailmen to condemn the Slum Boys to yet another loss in a season they have struggled since they were reinstated into the competition by a local tribunal.

As has been the case in a number of previous games, Mathare United conceded early when Luganji took advantage of goalkeeper David Okello's poor handling of the ball to slot home in the sixth minute. The strike is the 27th goal that has been registered in this Premier League fixture since 2010.

After getting the opener, Posta Rangers looked comfortable with ball possession but did not venture deep into Mathare United's area. However, in the 17th minute, Jackson Dwang struck from outside the penalty box but Okello, who has replaced Job Ochieng in goal for the past two matches, was alert this time around and stopped Dwang's shot.

Francis Nambute would have scored the second for the home side when Dwang's clinical pass found him in a promising position only for his header to go wide in the 22nd minute.

Okello was called to action again in the 26th minute when Joshua Nyatini launched a ferocious free-kick just when when Posta had decided to make Mathare United feel the effect of their dominance.

Stanley Okumbi made two changes as the second half started when Bernard Ondiek and Kigadi came on with Nambute and Luganji leaving the pitch. Luganji was cautioned with a yellow card in the 54th minute for his rushed and rough challenge on an opponent. 

Clifford Alwanga - who was named in the matchday squad for the first time this season after recovering from an injury - came on in the 57th minute to replace his South Sudan teammate Lual. Salim Ali made his second change in the 64th minute with Khalid Jumaan taking John Mwangi's place as the Slum Boys tried to find a way to stop their dominant rivals.

Although they looked stronger after the changes, Mathare United were not adventurous enough because they failed to test Kelvin Opiyo in Posta's goal. They, however, came close to restoring parity in the 77th minute when Opiyo came off his line and was beaten by Jumaan. Elvis Osok reacted quickly to save the moment as he cleared the ball from crossing the line. 

In the 80th minute, Posta doubled their lead when Kigadi found the back of Okello's net. His goal is the 13th for Posta in this fixture that pitted the Nairobi clubs for the 17th time since 2010.

Opiyo's 88th-minute reaction denied Mathare United a goal as he stopped a low drive from Lennox Ogutu's free-kick. Dwang was yellow-carded in the first minute of added time before he was withdrawn a minute later and his place was filled by Clinton Kisiavuki.

Posta Rangers XI: Kelvin Opiyo, Simon Mbugua, Elvis Osok, Joshua Nyatini, Kevin Ouma, Jackson Dwang, Francis Nambute, Sammy Odero, Alex Luganji, Calvin Odongo,

Subs: Bryne Omondi, Faina Jacobs, Dinken Mwema, Bernard Ondiek, Steiner Musasia, Dennis Oalo, Clinton Kisiavuki, Josephat Lopaga, Amos Kigadi.

Mathare United XI: David Okello, Martin Ongori, Lennox Ogutu, David Ochieng, Norman Ogolla, Dennis Ochieng, Chris Oduor, Danson Kago, Tyson Otieno, John Mwangi, Dani Lual,

Subs: Job Ochieng, Martin Werunga, Anthony Otieno, Cercidy Okeyo, Alphonse Ndonye, Kennedy Ochieng, Khalid Jumaan, Klinsman Omulanga, Clifford Alwanga.

Manchester United have secured a new shirt sponsor deal with TeamViewer worth £235 million ($326m) ahead of their current deal with Chevrolet expiring.

The deal, which is the biggest shirt-only sponsor in the Premier League, will see TeamViewer’s logo in white on the front of United shirts from the start of next season.

What does the deal mean?

Chevrolet have been the club’s main shirt sponsor for nearly seven years but, despite agreeing to extend their deal for six months, which would take them halfway through next season, there was no plan to extend it for an eighth year.

TeamViewer have now been confirmed as the club’s principal shirt sponsor for the next five years. It is understood the deal is worth around £47m ($65m) per season and will see United earn around £235m during the duration of the contract. It puts the deal on a level with the one Barcelona signed with Rakuten back in 2016 and United believe it is the biggest shirt only deal in the Premier League.

It also means that the club will now look for a new automobile sponsor with their deal with Chevrolet coming to an end. The club are also looking into a new sponsor for their training kit and training ground. AON signed an eight-year deal to sponsor the club’s Carrington training base back in 2013. It is not yet known if a deal will be struck to incorporate both, or if the club will find separate companies for each. 

What has been said?

Richard Arnold, United’s managing director, said: “We are tremendously proud to be establishing this partnership with one of the most exciting and dynamic global software companies.

“The ability to connect and collaborate has never been more important to the world and our community of 1.1 billion fans and followers. We are looking forward to working with TeamViewer to bring to life our vision for a partnership built on smarter ways of connecting people and businesses.” 

What is TeamViewer?

TeamViewer is a German-based technology company founded in 2005. It produces software which is downloaded to allow remote control and maintenance of computers and other devices and has been installed on over two billion devices.

United decided to go into partnership with them as they feel they fit well with the brand because they are dynamic, innovative and have interest in expanding into global markets.

Further reading

Everton are set to announce the signing of Iceland international goalkeeper Cecilia Ran Runarsdottir on a four-year deal, sources have told Goal.

The deal will begin in July, when she turns 18, with the Toffees having beaten a number of clubs to the 17-year-old’s signature, including Women’s Super League rivals West Ham.

Runarsdottir will spend the upcoming season on loan at KIF Orebro in Sweden and is set to be involved in their Svenska Cupen fixture against Sundsvall this weekend.

Who is Runarsdottir?

Runarsdottir has been playing senior football in Iceland since she was 13 years old, starting her career with Afturelding. She helped the club win the second division title in 2017, before leaving for Fylkir the following season.

The teenager has spent the last three years with the club in the Urvalsdeild, the top flight of women’s football in Iceland. In 2020, she was named the league’s Young Player of the Year.

Her development has not gone unnoticed at international level, with Runarsdottir winning her first senior call-up in late 2019.

Her debut came a few months later, when she started Iceland's 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in March 2020. In doing so, she became her country's youngest ever goalkeeper.

Why Everton?

Under Willie Kirk, who was appointed manager in late 2018, Everton have an exciting project that will particularly appeal to young players like Runarsdottir.

Kirk has signed lots of aspiring youngsters from across Europe since joining the club, such as winger Nicoline Sorensen, defender Rikke Sevecke and striker Valerie Gauvin, all of whom are having great first seasons with the Toffees.

The club’s first-choice goalkeeper, Sandy MacIver, signed last January after finishing college in America and has quickly established herself as one of the best goalkeepers in the WSL. She has since made her senior England debut, too.

Goal understands that as well as Everton and West Ham, Sassuolo and Benfica were also interested in Runarsdottir, but the project on Merseyside appealed.

Kirk's side are currently fifth in the WSL table and reached the Women's FA Cup final in November, where they were beaten only in extra-time by reigning champions Manchester City.

Further reading

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has nothing but praise for Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti after their two-year working relationship at Stamford Bridge.

During his first season with the Blues, Ancelotti guided Chelsea to win the domestic double of the Premier League title and FA Cup in the 2009-10 season.

The 61-year-old returned to England in December 2019 and he has got Everton competing for a place in Europe this campaign as they sit seventh in the Premier League table.

Essien expressed his desire to always want to be in the Italian manager’s team and he also acknowledged the freedom Ancelotti gave him as he scored six Premier League goals across the two seasons they had together.

“If you have worked with Carlo, anywhere he goes, if he calls you, you cannot say no, because of the manager and person he is,” Essien said on an Everton podcast.

“I was not surprised James went to Everton and he has been fantastic.

“Carlo gave me freedom on the pitch – he knew I had the energy to go forward and back into my position. Our football was flowing, it was very good for the team and I had the licence to bomb forwards and get a few goals.

“When you are on the pitch, all you want to do is play for him.”

The former Black Stars captain further highlighted how Ancelotti motivated him during his injury struggles in the second half of the 2009-10 season.

“Carlo is like a father figure, he brought confidence into our game and his way of managing was second-to-none," Essien continued.

“He always talked to me [during rehabilitation] and encouraged me to keep working hard. He knew my character and I always saw him in the morning with a big smile… and I came back stronger.

“Carlo is different, he makes everyone feel part of the squad. He has time for everyone... and was very positive in his way of managing.”

Franck Kessie claims AC Milan have proved to be at the same level with Manchester United despite their exit from the Uefa Europa League.

Paul Pogba’s second-half strike condemned the hosts to a 1-0 defeat as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men cruised into the quarter-final stage with a 2-1 aggregate win.

Kessie who played from start to finish in the encounter, rued the defensive error which cost Milan a place in the last-eight of the competition.

“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,” Kessie 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.”

Following their disappointing exit, Kessie urged his teammates to shift their attention to the Serie A as they continue their fight for the Scudetto with city rivals Inter Milan.

Stefano Pioli’s men are second in the league table with 56 points from 27 matches and they trail leaders Inter by nine points.

“We fought to the end, we proved that we were at their level, but now we have to focus on Serie A,” the Ivory Coast international added.

“The top four position was our objective at the start of the season and it remains our main target. We can do it.”

After conceding back-to-back defeats against Napoli and Manchester United, Kessie and Algeria's Ismael Bennacer will be hoping to help AC Milan return ways when they travel to Fiorentina for Sunday's league outing.

The Ivorian midfielder has been ever-present in almost every of AC Milan's games this season while his Algerian teammate just recovered from an injury which he suffered against Red Star Belgrade on February 18.

Bayern Munich starlet Jamal Musiala has been called up to the senior Germany squad for the first time, with the promising 18-year-old midfielder selected by Joachim Low after snubbing England.

A hot prospect, who also qualifiers for Nigeria, has pledged his international allegiance to the land of his birth and will be hoping to figure in upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Iceland, Romania and North Macedonia.

Another teenage talent, 17-year-old Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen, is also looking to make his bow after being included in Low’s latest selection.

Are Premier League players involved?

Permission has been granted for those players plying their trade in England to enter Germany during the latest round of international fixtures.

Coronavirus protocols remain in place around the world, but the likes of Timo Werner, Antonio Rudiger, Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan will be leaving Chelsea and Manchester City to link up with their country.

Who misses out?

There remains no recall at this stage for Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller.

The World Cup-winning trio have been overlooked ever since Low opted to start favouring youth over experience.

A door has been left open for them to return to the fold heading towards this summer’s European Championship, but they have seemingly not done enough to convince Low of their selection just yet.

What about Low’s future?

A man who guided Germany to global glory in 2014 has revealed that he will soon be stepping down from his current role.

He intends to walk away after taking in another shot at continental success at the rescheduled Euro 2020.

That means that Low will be overseeing the start of World Cup endeavours, but will not be seeing that campaign through to a close in Qatar.

Germany squad in full

Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp

Defenders: Emre Can, Matthias Ginter, Robin Gosens, Marcel Halstenberg, Lukas Klostermann, Philipp Max, Antonio Rudiger, Niklas Sule, Jonathan Tah,

Midfielders/Attackers: Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, Ilkay Gundogan, Kai Havertz, Jonas Hofmann, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, Jamal Musiala, Florian Neuhaus, Leroy Sane, Timo Werner, Florian Wirtz, Amin Younes

Further reading

Busoga United striker Shaka Ssozi has expressed his worry the Ugandan Premier League mid-season break could have a negative impact on his team's rhythm.

The forward stated the break may end up having an unwanted impact on their form as they had started to collect positive results towards the tail end of the first round. In the last five games, the Busoga region side collected three wins while the remaining two games ended in defeats.

"Of course the break is going to affect us because we had got our rhythm but we are not going to rest as we will keep putting in the work needed to rectify our mistakes in the first round," Ssozi told Sports Nation.

"As a forward who set targets this season, I will be working on my scoring skills too."

"As a forward, I feel happy scoring goals but we have to fight for the team because last season they did better and finished in the fourth position," he added. "I have just joined the team and I have to fulfil its obligations because we can’t be fighting for relegation.

"My main target was to find a team where I can play football and I achieved that. My target now is to score 10 goals and above."

Apart from the two goals he earned against the Premier League debutants, the Ugandan found the back of the net once against Onduparaka FC and then vs Malaba Youth Development Association.

Busoga are above Kyetume FC, who have also had a poor campaign in the ongoing season, on the log with just a point. Premier League debutants Kitara and MYDA occupy 15th and 16th positions respectively and each enjoys just a win in the last five games.

The second round will begin on March 30 and Busoga United will be up against Onduparaka who finished eighth with 21 points from the initial 15 games. 

MYDA will host Premier League record champions Sports Club Villa on April 1 in Tororo while four games will be played on April 2 as Kitara and Bright Stars have been scheduled to meet, Wakiso Giants will host Mbarara City, KCCA FC will be in Lugogo for an encounter against BUL FC while UPDF FC, who have had a far better campaign than their fellow debutants, will host the top-flight champions Vipers SC.

Only two games will be played on April 3 as Express FC and the current leaders Uganda Revenue Authority FC will meet at Wankulukuku Stadium while Police FC will be away to Kyetume.

Eyes will be on URA, Vipers and Express during the next round as they are the teams occupying the top three positions in a race that promises to be very competitive. 

Being former champions and local heavyweights, KCCA will also attract keen eyes given a high-flying form they had assumed towards the end of the first round. A 1-0 loss in the last game against rivals Vipers denied them an opportunity to close in on the top three sides though.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been lifting the lid on life alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, with the Dutchman admitting that a modern-day superstar had to learn how to be “effective” at Old Trafford.

A talented teenager was snapped up by Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer of 2003 after catching the eye at Sporting, but arrived at Old Trafford as a tricky show pony that was more at home dancing past opponents than putting the ball into the back of the net.

That changed across six memorable years in Manchester, with Van Nistelrooy playing a small part in the creation of a football icon.

What has been said?

Van Nistelrooy, who was already at United when Ronaldo arrived, told Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE channel on YouTube of his first impressions of a man who has won the Ballon d'Or five times: “It was clear what we said in the dressing room. We were saying to each other ‘this kid is unbelievably talented but we’ve got to help him to become effective’.

“As a 17-year-old boy, he joined United and we played against him in Sporting in pre-season and I remember the manager asking a few of our players ‘what do you think of that kid? We need someone who can get one-on-ones with defenders, create new situations, to dribble’. I remember saying ‘unbelievable talent’.

“When he joined, that’s what I saw with him. Of course, at 17 you need two or three years to adapt and then… wow… what happened then, he was unbelievable.”

Ronaldo’s record at Man Utd

It did not take long for the Portuguese to realise that, with hard work on and off the field, he could become one of the most fearsome forwards in world football.

He hit 42 goals when claiming the first of his Ballon d'Or titles in 2007-08 and left United for Real Madrid a year later with the target having been found on 118 occasions through 292 appearances.

Records would continue to tumble around him in Spain, with an enviable collection of major honours being added to the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup crowns he claimed in England.

Was it all smooth sailing at Old Trafford?

While Ronaldo is now 36 years of age and has experienced just about every emotion that professional football has to offer, he was a starry-eyed youngster when acquired by United.

Some tough love was required in a bid to toughen him up, with Van Nistelrooy admitting that he handed some of that out when famously making a promising team-mate cry after one untimely training ground row that occurred in the wake of Ronaldo losing his father.

“Everything in the press is going on about that particular incident and also I commented on it, I’m happy to do that again because I know that I was wrong in that situation,” Van Nistelrooy, who also briefly worked with Ronaldo at Santiago Bernabeu, added.

“I immediately walked into the dressing room and sat next to him and I apologised for my behaviour when I’d calmed down.

“That frustration is coming from somewhere. Now when you’re 44 you look back on things and you know that when things are going on around you in your private life sometimes it can make you frustrated.

“In that incident it led to a discussion with Cristiano. But, of course, you need to realise and be big enough to acknowledge that.”

Further reading

Manchester United have been drawn to face La Liga side Granada in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, while Arsenal will take on Slavia Prague.

United, who overcame AC Milan 2-1 on aggregate in the round of 16, will face the Spanish club in the last eight, while the Gunners are up against the Czech outfit who saw off Leicester City and Rangers in previous rounds.

Ajax play Roma, and Dinamo Zagreb have been drawn against Villarreal in the other quarter-final match-ups.

What are Man Utd and Arsenal's paths to the final?

If United overcome Granada in the quarter-finals, they will play the winners of the tie between Ajax and Roma.

The victors from Arsenal versus Slavia Prague play either Unai Emery's Villarreal or Zagreb, who stunned Tottenham in the last 16 with a comeback 3-2 aggregate win - meaning an all-Premier League final is possible.

First-leg matches will be played on Thursday April 8, and the second legs will take place the week after, on Thursday April 15. The Europa League semi-finals will be played on April 29, (first leg) and May 6 (second leg). The final will then be played on Wednesday May 26, with the Gdansk Arena in Poland hosting.

Will the English clubs be happy with their draws?

United are viewed by many as favourites for the Europa League, thanks to their ample firepower provided by Paul Pogba - who scored the second-leg winner in Milan - Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and more.

They are certainly favourites against Granada,  who are debutants in the Europa League and have reached the quarter-finals having started in the second qualifying round . Their most recognisable name for Premier League audiences is ex-Spurs striker Roberto Soldado, who scored their crucial away goal against Molde in the round of 16.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will have to be wary of a Slavia Prague side who have proved adept at eliminating British opposition - they beat Leicester 2-0 on aggregate in the round of 32 before seeing off Rangers at Ibrox to triumph 3-1 over two legs.

Should Mikel Arteta's men progress, they might play Villarreal in the last four. The Liga side are managed by former Gunners boss Emery, who was sacked in December 2019 and replaced by Arteta.

Further Reading

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed how he used to study the games of his old Arsenal rival Thierry Henry in order to improve - but was once prevented from challenging the Frenchman for the Premier League Golden Boot by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Van Nistelrooy and Henry are two of the most dangerous attacking players in modern English top-flight history, and they were both at the peak of their powers when representing their respective clubs between 2001 and 2006.

The rivalry was built on respect, however, Van Nistelrooy insists, and he says he was often left in awe by Henry's ability.

What was said?

Speaking to Rio Ferdinand on his former United team-mate's YouTube channel, Five, Van Nistelrooy said: "I admired him, I studied his game. Thierry, wow, he was doing stuff in the Premiership, oh my god. I wanted to compete with him to push myself."

The first season they both played in the Premier League was the 2001-02 campaign, with Henry winning the Golden Boot after scoring 24 goals as Arsenal became champions, with the title secured with a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.

Van Nistelrooy, in his debut Premier League campaign, finished joint second on 23 goals, and could have overtaken Henry on the final day of the season - only for Ferguson to leave him out of the squad entirely.

Reflecting on being dropped, Van Nistelrooy said: "I was up there for the Golden Boot, first year I was challenging that, but in the last game of the season the gaffer left me out, he said: 'You're not winning the Golden Boot son, we didn't win the league.' Not even on the bench.

"The manager, he made me sharp in that moment, you cannot believe it. Goals, you need to connect it with titles."

What else did Van Nistelrooy say?

The Manchester United and Arsenal rivalry of the period reached boiling point in 2003-04, when Van Nistelrooy hit the bar with a late penalty in a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford and was mobbed by mocking Gunners players, especially Martin Keown, who leaped bellowing in the Dutchman's face.

Van Nistelrooy did not react to Keown or any of the other Arsenal players at the time, and said he was so shocked at having missed the crucial penalty that he was not aware of what was going on around him.

Asked how he had dealt with that incident, Van Nistelrooy said: "I didn't. I wasn't aware of it. When I missed that penalty, it was the last kick of the game, a big game, and I didn't realise what was going on until I saw it on TV.

"I was aware of players coming towards me, pushing and this and that, but I was so gutted that I completely missed the point. If I'd realised I would have reacted and there would have been a massive row on the pitch, but I was completely locked down."

Further Reading

Tottenham goalkeeper Joe Hart has apologised for a celebratory message saying 'Job Done' which appeared on his Instagram page - after Spurs were knocked out of the Europa League.

The triumphant message appeared on Hart's social media, even accompanied by the 3-0 scoreline which signalled Spurs' elimination. It was swiftly deleted, and on Friday morning the former England goalkeeper posted an apology video.

The Spurs number two said that a member of his social media team had thought the London club had won 3-0 rather than been beaten after extra time, that the mistake was accidental and that he was sorry for the loss and for the subsequent anger caused by the ill-advised graphic.

What did Hart say?

Hart, who was on the bench for the defeat in Zagreb on Thursday, said: "I feel I need to come on and make an apology on behalf of my social media team. I've just woken up, but it has just been brought to my attention that someone thought we had won 3-0 last night. Sloppy as it sounds, it's the truth.

"They posted 'Job Done'. It's unacceptable, I'm sure a lot of people are unhappy and I'm sorry for that. It has obviously not come from me, I've got nothing but love for the team and I'm just as down as the boys are, so apologies.

"Unfortunately stuff like this happens, just know that it didn't come from any place other than a typo."

What happened in Zagreb?

The Premier League side suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in their round of 16 second-leg clash on Thursday night, which saw them crash out of the competition 3-2 on aggregate.

Spurs had put themselves in a strong position to progress to the quarter-finals of European competition after winning 2-0 in the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but were well below par in the return match in Croatia.

Mislav Orsic scored two stunning second-half goals to force the game into extra time, and completed his hat-trick with a 106th-minute effort from distance to dump Hart and co out of Europe.

This did not register with whoever was running Hart's Instagram, however, who posted "Job Done" with a big green tick over a graphic showing the final result and the aggregate score.

Further Reading

The Senegalese Football Federation have written a letter to the French Football Federation (FFF) to object to their decision to block players from participating in the final round of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

French Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs unanimously decided to keep their players from travelling out of Europe during the international break due to coronavirus fears and the mandatory quarantine rules upon arrival.

The development came as a blow for Senegal coach Aliou Cisse whose 26-man squad for their games against Congo on March 26 and Eswatini on March 30, features 12 France-based stars.

The players include PSG’s Abdou Diallo who earned his maiden call-up after dumping France for the West African country, Reims striker Boulaye Dia, Monaco duo Fode Ballo-Toure and Krepin Diatta, Rennes goalkeeper Alfred Gomis amongst others.

Although they have secured qualification for the continental tournament in Cameroon next year, the FSF in a letter signed by its General Secretary Victor Ciss protested against the late response of the French clubs to players’ invitations.

"The latter not having reacted within the period of six days foreseen cannot wait less than 5 days before the start of the international window '' from March 22 to 31" to evoke a press release in order to justify a refusal to release so targeted foreign players summoned by matches outside the EU / EEA zone '' (European Union and European Economic Area), '' part of the letter read.

"In addition to the damage that this may cause, relative to the non-participation of the 12 players summoned by the Lions coach, it seems to me to highlight the totally discriminatory nature of this measure with regard to the statutory provisions and FIFA regulations and European legislation on equality and contractual freedom for players.”

In conclusion, the Senegalese FA pleaded with the French FA to work with the clubs and make their players available for next week’s matches.

“In this case, underlines the Senegalese party, it is by no means established that the clubs concerned have met the French authorities in order to allow the players to benefit from this exemption,” it continued.

"Taking all these considerations into account, we would be grateful if you, in view of the very short deadlines and the damage incurred, kindly take the appropriate measures for the release, by the French professional clubs, players regularly summoned by the Senegalese Football Federation.”

Harambee Stars head coach has trimmed his local-based squad to just 16 players in preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Kenya played two build-up matches against South Sudan and Tanzania winning 1-0 and 2-1 respectively, and it seems the two games were enough to help coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee identify the local-based players to work with.

Goal can exclusively reveal goalkeepers James Saruni of Ulinzi Stars and his counterpart Joseph Okoth from KCB have been retained with Sam Adisa and Brian Bwire failing to get a place.

In the right-back position, KCB's Baraka Badi and Daniel Sakari of Kariobangi Sharks have a chance while David Owino -who plays for the Bankers as well, and Harun Mwale preferred in the left-back position.

Wazito FC defender Johnstone Omurwa and his compatriot from KCB Nahashon Alembi are the only centre-backs retained while the midfield has Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna, Danson Namasaka of Bandari, Lawrence Juma of Sofapakaand Wazito FC's Kevin Kimani.

The retained attackers include Boniface Muchiri of Tusker, Abdallah Hassan of Bandari, and Elvis Rupia of AFC Leopards alongside Kariobangi Sharks' Erick Kapaito.

"Those are the players the coach felt have a chance to take part in the game against Egypt and Equatorial Guinea respectively," a source from the team told Goal on Friday.

"But there might be about two or three players who will be released later on to accommodate the foreign-based players who are expected to join the team any time from Friday.

"The retained 16 will report back on Sunday after duty with their clubs in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League this weekend."

The Pharaohs are top of Group G with eight points alongside Comoros who are second with the same number of points but with an inferior goal difference.

Harambee Stars are third with three points while Togo are bottom of the table with a point.

While the East African outfit will play Togo away in Lome in their final group game, the Pharaohs will be at home against Comoros. The top two teams will play in the finals in Cameroon.

Harambee Stars provisional squad of local-based players

Goalkeepers: James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars), Joseph Okoth (KCB).

Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito FC), Nahashon Alembi (KCB), Baraka Badi (KCB), Harun Mwale (Ulinzi Stars), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks), David Owino (KCB).

Midfielders: Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Danson Namasaka Chetambe (Bandari FC), Kevin Kimani (Wazito FC).

Forwards: Boniface Muchiri (Tusker FC), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari FC), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks).

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has praised departed Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli for his fight against corruption and poverty.

In his condolence message, following the death of the fifth president of Tanzania, Infantino has pinpointed areas that will stand out as Magufuli's achievement during a reign that started with the 2015 general elections. 

The East African head of state and government succumbed to a heart ailment on March 17 and Infantino's consolation message follows earlier ones that came from football clubs across the region.

"It is with emotion and sadness that we have learned the sudden passing of His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Tributes are flowing from around the world to salute his memory and he would like herewith to join with them," Infantino said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"Presiding over the destiny of Tanzania since 2015, renowned statesman, and charismatic leader, recognised for his vision, patriotism and actions for better governance and the fight against corruption and poverty, Magufuli will not be forgotten.

"On behalf of the members of the international football community, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Tanzania Football Federation, to your government, and to the Tanzanian people in these difficult times."

The newly-elected Caf President Patrice Motsepe was also among the high-ranking football figures that condoled with the grieving Tanzanian nation.

"Our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters in the Tanzania Football Federation and to the people of Tanzania on the passing of our dear President Pombe Magufuli," the South African business mogul stated.

"May God comfort and strengthen you during these painful and difficult times."

The death of the president also triggered the cancellation of a friendly tie that would have involved Kenya's Harambee Stars and Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Thursday. Kenya's FA chief Nick Mwendwa also sent his message of condolence to the neighbouring nation.

"Our hearts go to the people of Tanzania following the loss of President John Pombe Magufuli. On behalf of the Football Kenya Federation and the entire Kenyan football fraternity, I wish you peace and solace during these difficult times," said Mwendwa.

The Harambee Stars encounter against their Cecafa rivals were part of preparations planned ahead of the resumption of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers late in March.

They had already played on Monday and Kenya emerged 2-1 winners at Nyayo Stadium.

Dean Henderson has “taken over” goalkeeping duty at Manchester United, says Paul Scholes, with David de Gea warned that he is going to have to make peace with filling a back-up role for the foreseeable future.

The long-serving Spaniard surrendered his starting berth at Old Trafford when taking a break to celebrate the birth of his first child.

The 30-year-old was absorbed back into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad for the second leg of a Europa League last-16 encounter with AC Milan, but was only named on the bench as England hopeful Henderson secured a sixth clean sheet in a seven-game run.

What has been said?

United legend Scholes told BT Sport on the battle to fill the Red Devils’ number one spot: “I think it’s Henderson now. I think he’s taken over.

“I thought David had been lucky after the Everton game to keep his place. He made a couple of mistakes where he could’ve done better.

“Not glaringly obvious mistakes, but I just feel a bit more confident with Henderson there. It seems a little bit more relaxed.

“I don’t want to have a go at David, David has been an amazing keeper for United, he’s been brilliant and he still will be if Dean doesn’t take his chance.

“I just think the time has come to give him a run of games in the team and see how he does. He’s been picked in the England squad, and I think he possibly should be the number one for England as well if he can maintain this form.

“He made a mistake in the first game, we know that, but he’s shown great character to come back. Again, he’s been really calm, done everything he needed to do and just been quite safe.”

How many appearances has Henderson made this season?

The highly-rated 24-year-old was welcomed back to Old Trafford in the summer of 2020 after taking in two productive season-long loan spells at Sheffield United.

Having helped the Blades to promotion into the Premier League, before consolidating a standing among English football’s elite, regular opportunities were expected to come his way in Manchester.

That was not the case early on, with De Gea favoured by Solskjaer, and only three appearances had been made by late-November.

Henderson was then handed a top-flight debut for the Red Devils when stepping off the bench against Southampton.

He returned to domestic cup and Europa League duty when De Gea shook off a slight knock, but has been able to nail down a starting berth of late.

Henderson, who has been named in the latest England squad, has now taken in 18 outings this season and secured 11 shutouts.

Further reading