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Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer has indicated that Tshegofatso Mabasa could start against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby encounter on Sunday.

The left-footed striker was the hero for the Buccaneers as they secured a 2-1 victory over Nigerian giants Enyimba in the Caf Confederation Cup Group A match on Wednesday evening. 

Mabasa came off the bench to score the winning goal which earned Pirates their first win in Group A in a game that was played at the Mecca of South African football, Orlando Stadium.

The 24-year-old player has proved to be a sub-super this term having also netted a late winning goal against SuperSport United in a PSL game in November 2020 having come on as a substitute. 

“Now we have about three days and maybe it is possible for him to start against Chiefs‚’ said Zinnbauer on Sowetan. 

“We will have to see what has happened to all the players who played the match against Enyimba‚ but we need him back and he is not the only one.

"We have a lot of attacking players who have been out of action but I am happy when a player comes back from injury and they score." 

Mabasa, who also came off the bench to snatch a late equaliser for Bucs against Baroka FC in a league game in November 2020, has struggled with injuries this season. 

"The problem is always around conditioning because you need minutes in the legs and you saw it was not possible for him [Mabasa] to start against Enyimba," Zinnbauer added. 

The bulky forward has netted three goals from nine matches across all competitions for the Buccaneers this season. 

Meanwhile, Zinnabuer is unsure whether the club's first-choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori will be fit for the clash against Chiefs which is set to be played at FNB Stadium. 

“I don’t know 100 percent about the availability of Ofori but we will get the information from the second scan. I think it’s not easy for him to play at the weekend," he explained. 

The Ghana international picked up an injury during Pirates' 0-0 draw against former Algerian champions in a Confederation Cup group A game in Ghana last week. 

It remains to be seen whether Zinnbauer will stick with Siyabonga Mpontshane‚ who started in goal against Enyimba if Ofori is deemed not fit for the Soweto Derby match. 

Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of Gareth Southgate's latest England squad, with Jesse Lingard, John Stones and Luke Shaw all included for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Jude Bellingham, meanwhile, could make his competitive debut - if Covid-19 quarantine rules allow him to play - while Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has earned his first call-up having edged out Leeds United star Patrick Bamford.

The big news surrounds Alexander-Arnold's absence, with Southgate explaining that he doesn't feel the Reds right-back has been playing well enough for his club to warrant a call-up.

Who is in the England squad?

England face San Marino at Wembley on March 25 before further fixtures away at Albania on March 28 and then Poland - who will be without Robert Lewandowski due to quarantine rules - at home on March 31.

Southgate has made plenty of changes from his last squad, with Manchester United defender Shaw having been welcomed back from the international wilderness.

The last of the 25-year-old’s eight caps for England was won back in 2018, with struggles for form and fitness seeing him slip down the pecking order. He has, however, been in the best form of his career in 2020-21 and has earned a place back in the squad.

Another man who was in danger of becoming a forgotten figure at Old Trafford, Lingard, is also back in Southgate’s plans.

The 28-year-old has been thriving during a productive loan spell at West Ham, with his creative qualities returning to the fore on an English top-flight stage.

Manchester City centre-back Stones is also looking to make the most of a domestic reversal in fortune as he returns to the national team fold. 

The 26-year-old defender has not represented his country since November 2019, but has made himself impossible to overlook with a string of fine performances under Pep Guardiola.

Uncapped Aston Villa striker Watkins has also earned a place in the squad following an impressive season in the Premier League for Aston Villa that has seen him score 10 league goals.

Dortmund midfielder Bellingham,  meanwhile, has also been called up despite doubts about his availability amid travel restrictions in and out of Germany due to coronavirus.

Southgate said of Bellingham: "We’ve left him in at this moment and it looks like we won’t be able to take him. The quarantine rules in Germany look like they will rule him out. As we have seen, those rules can change so quickly while we are investigating, we wanted to name him in the squad.

"We have got a really good relationship with Dortmund, so there are no issues between us and the club. We have explained to Jude, we are leaving him in there but it’s looking doubtful at this moment of time unfortunately for him to join up.

Who missed out?

The most glaring omission is Alexander-Arnold, who has been a mainstay of England squads since the 2018 World Cup but has been overlooked amid his poor form for Liverpool, which has coincided with the Reds' slump in the Premier League.

Southgate said of the decision to leave out the right full-back: "There are areas where we have incredible competition for places. Trent is very unfortunate but I don't think he's played at the level that he found in the last couple of years.

"He's getting close to that now. In the last few weeks he's definitely taken steps in the right direction. It's simply we think Reece James and Kieran Trippier have had exceptional seasons with their clubs and Kyle Walker is in great form with Manchester City.

"We have other players in the league who are also playing well in that position - Cash at Aston Villa, Ayling at Leeds - and we've got two very good right backs in the Under-21s. It's a remarkable position of strength and what I said to Trent earlier today was I have made the same call to Kyle and Kieran in the past.

"Their response was a good one. They took up the challenge and found themselves back in the squad. Trent is a super talent and I'm certain will play a big part in the future. He misses out this time but we could quite conceivably be sitting here in the summer and he's with us."

Also missing from the squad is Leeds forward Bamford , despite the 27-year-old impressing this season following his club's promotion to the top-flight.

Jack Grealish, meanwhile, has not recovered from injury in time to take his place in the squad, while Danny Ings is also absent having suffered a muscle issue in Southampton's win over Sheffield United.

England squad in full

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jesse Lingard (West Ham), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Strikers: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Further reading

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti says Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have “no clear identity”, with that considered to be a positive for the Premier League leaders as they chase a historic quadruple.

The Toffees will be looking to end that bid on Saturday when they host the Citizens in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

City have been sweeping aside all before them at home and abroad, with experienced Italian tactician Ancelotti fully aware that he faces the toughest challenge in trying to pick holes in a rival that is almost impossible to predict.

What has been said?

Former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain coach Ancelotti told reporters: “I would like to talk about Manchester City. Manchester City are a fantastic team but they have no clear identity.

“Sometimes they build up with three, sometimes with two, sometimes their right back goes to play as a holding midfielder.

“They have clear principles. That is the difference.

“Sometimes they don't play with a centre-forward, they play with a No 10 as a centre-forward, so the identity of Manchester City is not clear. If they had a clear identity you would be more able to manage their shape, but the fact is they change their shape.

“What doesn't change is their principles of keeping the ball, having possession and to show the quality they have. The principles never change.”

How does Ancelotti intend to replicate that at Everton?

The 61-year-old is a proven winner, having enjoyed league and Champions League successes at his former clubs.

He has Everton in the hunt for silverware this season and has worked hard on bolstering his ranks with notable additions such as Allan, James Rodriguez, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ben Godfrey.

Ancelotti is, however, eager for more and has admitted that he will be dipping back into the transfer market this summer.

He added: “To improve we have to improve the knowledge of the players we have. We still have young players in the squad, and we have to improve the quality of the squad with new signings.”

Further reading

Hakim Ziyech has aired his relief at bringing a “long” wait for a first goal at Stamford Bridge to a close, with the Moroccan winger breaking an 11-game barren run in the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Blues from Ajax during the summer of 2020, put Thomas Tuchel’s side on their way to a 2-0 victory over the Liga leaders which has booked them a place in the quarter-finals.

His effort came as he put the finishing touches to a sweeping counter-attack, and the forward is pleased to be proving his worth in what has been a testing debut campaign in England.

What has been said?

Ziyech told Chelsea’s official website of the strike that saw him open a goal account on home soil at the 12th attempt: “It was an important goal and I had to wait a long time for it.

“We took the ball well in midfield and we used it in space and it was a good delivery and it was a good finish. It is always a good feeling when you go 1-0 in front and especially when you score it yourself, and the delivery for Timo [Werner] was good and the pass from Kai [Havertz] before as well.

“It was a good counter-attack and we knew for our game there was a bit more space and there was calmness in our game, and it came at a good moment.”

Ziyech added on combining with fellow new recruits: “Kai and me, we know Timo’s game and try to use him in the space because we know he is really fast, and we did it well in this game.

“There were some difficult moments in the game but most of the time we had it under control. It was a little bit like seeing how the game would go in the first 10 minutes, and then we had the control and played our game and we did well.

“It is a big win, an important win, and I think at this moment everybody in the world who supports Chelsea is happy.”

Ziyech’s record at Chelsea in 2020-21

A man snapped up by Frank Lampard has endured struggles for form and fitness during his first season in west London. Only 11 Premier League starts have made, and 25 appearances altogether.

Two goals and four assists have been contributed and there is no chance of Tuchel allowing a proven performer to rest on his laurels.

The Blues boss said of Ziyech after seeing him catch the eye against Atletico: “There were some easy ball losses from Hakim in the opponent’s half where he needs to improve, that his game gets a bit clearer and a bit more structured.

“That it’s also easier for the guys around him to feel what he’s doing, that he’s not a surprise. He can still adapt but it was a big step forward for him.

“Like I said, it was the choice to replace the workload from Mason with the workload from Hakim because this is something we can always rely on that he gives everything. He gives a huge physical input in games. I’m happy he was fast enough to follow the counter-attack and finish it.”

Further reading

Manchester United fan Usain Bolt knows what it takes to be the best, as a man with eight Olympic gold medals to his name, and he has been casting an eye over goings on at Old Trafford in 2020-21.

The Red Devils are work in progress, albeit having forcing their way into contention for major honours, and there are still several hurdles to be cleared before glories of the past are rekindled.

Bolt has offered his take on leading figures on and off the field, with the Jamaican sprinter hoping that solid foundations currently being put in place can be built on by the players and coaches.

What has been said?

Bolt  told CNN when asked if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a long-term future as United boss: “If he changes - he's too nice.

“That's the only thing I can say, he's too nice. He never really says anything bad about any player, even if they don't play good and that's the only thing, but if he changes and really pressures the players, you know what I mean, calls them out sometimes when they really didn't put their all into it, then I feel like he should stay because he is cool and the fans love him.”

He added on those he would be seeking upgrades for in the next transfer window: “I think Fred should not be in the midfield. I think he is lacking so much. He works hard, but he's lacking passing and he gives away a lot of cheap fouls in bad areas.

"We definitely need more strikers, somebody that's really a pure striker.

“I think [Edinson] Cavani needs to play more. I definitely feel like as long as he's fit, he should be on the field, you know what I mean, and overall I think we need to just pressure all the players. I feel like they're so comfortable now because they know they're going to start.

“If you're sure of your spot, then you don't play as hard as you should. So it's just one of those things I feel needs to change and we'll be fine.”

On Red Devils talisman Bruno Fernandes, Bolt said: “He's outstanding, but it worries me to know that if Bruno doesn't play, we look shaky, we don't look like a football team, you know what I mean.

“He has to play every game, but I love his energy, I love he always wants to be playing, even if we're leading by 10 he wants to be on the field and that's how players should be; he always wants to be on the field, always wants to do well and always just push yourself to be the best version of himself.

“If he continues at this pace, I feel like maybe next season when he gets a lot more players around him, hopefully, some different strikers, he's going to be great, because it's going to be less pressure. You have a lot more space to roam and do more. So if he continues like this, he's going to be outstanding.”

The bigger picture

United remain in the hunt for a top-four finish in the Premier League, alongside efforts in the FA Cup and Europa League.

Continental action is next on the agenda, a trip to AC Milan on Thursday with the heavyweight last-16 encounter locked at 1-1.

Attention will then switch to domestic cup matters on Sunday and the quarter-final clash with Leicester.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt has provided an injury update ahead of Sunday's Soweto Derby clash against Orlando Pirates. 

The two biggest football clubs in the country will meet at the 2010 Fifa World Cup final venue, FNB Stadium. 

Hunt revealed that Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat will miss the encounter due to injury, while Itumeleng Khune is also absent due to the Covid-19 protocols.

"Yeah, Khune is not available," Hunt said during the pre-match conference. 

"He's still going through all the [Covid-19] protocols of when you come back after obviously having been at a funeral and that, so he won't be available."

Khune has missed Amakhosi's last three competitive matches after the experienced goalkeeper was granted leave in order to attend his sister's bereavement.

Hunt and his technical team would have been hoping that Castro and Billiat become fit and available for the Soweto Derby, but the two attackers have not recovered in time. 

While Lebogang Manyama will also miss the titanic encounter due to suspension having been Chiefs' best player in their Caf Champions League match against Petro de Luanda in Angola on Tuesday.

"Castro won't be back; Khama is obviously still out; Lebo Manyama is suspended. And we have one or two other little problems, which hopefully will come right by Sunday," Hunt concluded. 

Amakhosi will be desperate for a victory when they face the Buccaneers as they are without a league victory in their last six matches.

The Glamour Boys had to fight back to hold Maritzburg United to a 1-1 draw in their last game in this competition on March 10 with Manyama grabbing a late equalising goal for Chiefs. 

As a result, Amakhosi are placed 11th on the league standings - six points above the relegation zone. 

They will also be keen to avoid a fourth successive defeat to Pirates in the current campaign with the two teams having met twice in the MTN8 and once in the PSL.

Pirates thumped Chiefs 5-0 on aggregate in the two-legged MTN8 semi-final tie late last year, before edging out their Amakhosi 2-1 in a league game at Orlando Stadium in January 2021.

Indian national team head coach Igor Stimac hailed the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) efforts behind-the-scenes to develop Indian football.

In a chat with AIFF TV, the Croatian manager spoke about the work being done to improve Indian football and said that he is hopeful that the hard work will pay off very soon.

What did Stimac say?

"People who see Indian football, they only see ISL or the national team playing but they cannot see those things happening behind the scenes, what we are doing with the grassroots program, the baby leagues with the youth development program. This work will be seen very soon. It is being seen already with those youngsters coming through Indian Arrows. Last season, we sent my staff to help the Indian Arrows side. Venkatesh is in charge there who is my first assistant. Some of the players who came through this work last season to the ISL, were recognised as very talented and ready to play in the ISL," said the Croatian coach.

The India coach also answered his critics who questioned him for not paying attention to the I-League. Stimac mentioned that Venkatesh, who is a part of his coaching staff, is in charge of the Indian Arrows side and is watching the I-League from close quarters.

He also opined that the I-League currently functions as a feeder to the Indian Super League (ISL) but he also mentioned that the doors of the national team for I-League performers aren't shut.

"Some people were worried that I didn't follow I-League this year but I have Venkatesh there and he is involved in every single game so I have great numbers, statistics from the I-League. That is the way we follow. ISL is the professional part of Indian football, it is very well organised and from this part, the players are coming to the national team.

"From I-League, because it has a lower quality of football, I consider I-League for now as a filter for the ISL. It is a platform where young Indian players develop, grow and gets recognised by ISL clubs and signed by them. Which doesn't mean that some of the I-League players can't get on the national team list," said the India coach.

Growth of Baby League in India

While speaking about the Golden Baby League project of the Indian FA, Stimac pointed out that the number of baby leagues has increased manifold across the country in the last two years.

"Baby Leagues are how football starts. It helped massively to boost the promotion of football in India. I think last year we handled over 30,000 games in this league all over India. A year before that it was 12,000 games. It will only go up. Football is becoming very popular. It takes time, but we need to be very confident about what we do, how we handle this, we need to be honest and give chance to the youngster to play football," said Stimac.

Inter have shelved their preparations for a meeting with Sassuolo on Saturday following further Covid-19 outbreaks in their first-team camp and are waiting on Serie A to confirm that their next outing can be rescheduled.

The Nerazzurri have seen four positive coronavirus tests posted this week, with Stefan de Vrij and Matias Vecino joining Samir Handanovic and Danilo D’Ambrosio in self-isolation.

With all activity at the club’s training base shut down in a bid to contain the spread, Inter have made it clear to the relevant authorities that they will not be taking to the field at San Siro this weekend.

What has been said?

A statement released by Inter on the club’s official website reads: "FC Internazionale Milano announces that Stefan de Vrij and Matias Vecino tested positive for Covid-19 following the tests carried out yesterday. The two Nerazzurri are already in quarantine at their home. 

"The ATS of Milan, informed of the new positivity, decided as follows: 

"On Monday March 22, before the eventual resumption of activities, the molecular swabs will be repeated to the whole team."

The bigger picture

Games around the world have been postponed this season as a result of Covid-19 outbreaks.

One notable example from within Serie A saw Napoli fail to show for a meeting with Juventus in October.

The Bianconeri took the field in Turin, but their opponents were unable to travel.

They were stung with a 3-0 defeat and one-point deduction for failing to fulfil their fixture list as planned, but have since seen those punishments overturned on appeal.

Inter will be hoping that they have given enough notice in which to satisfy coronavirus protocols in Italy, with a table-topping outfit eager to ensure that they suffer no potentially costly sanctions.

Further reading

The 2020-21 Europa League will soon enter the quarter-final stage, with the last-16 ties almost complete.

Some of the continent's biggest and most decorated clubs remain in the competition and it is sure to make for an exciting crescendo, with a route into the Champions League on offer as well as silverware.

Here, Goal brings you everything you need to know about the Europa League quarter-final draw, including when it is, the teams involved and how to watch it unfold.

On this page

When is the Europa League 2020-21 quarter-final draw?

The Europa League quarter-final draw will take place on Friday March 19, 2021 and it will begin at 12 noon GMT (7am ET).

The draw ceremony will be hosted at the House of European Football in UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

It will kick off one hour after the Champions League quarter-final draw - which you can read about here.

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How can I watch the Europa League quarter-final draw?

The Europa League quarter-final draw can be streamed live online through UEFA's official website. 

Associated UEFA channels will also be streaming the draw live online.

It will also be covered by UEFA's broadcast television partners and most major sports news channels.

If you are unable to watch, Goal will have all the latest news from the draw as it happens right here.

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Which teams are in the pot for the Europa League quarter-final draw?

The teams that will have qualified for the quarter-final will be confirmed on March 18, when the second legs of the last-16 ties conclude.

Among those in the mix are Arsenal, Manchester United, AC Milan, Ajax, Rangers, Roma and Tottenham. 

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When will Europa League 2020-21 quarter-final games be played?

First-leg matches will be played on Thursday April 8, 2021 and the second legs will take place the week after, on Thursday April 15, 2021.

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What about the semi-finals & final?

UEFA will also complete the semi-final draw on March 19, so clubs will have a clear picture of the path to the final.

The Europa League semi-finals will be played on April 29, 2021 (first leg) and May 6 (second leg). The final will then be played on Wednesday May 26, 2021, with the Gdansk Arena hosting.

Wrapping up administrative formalities on the March 19 ceremony, a draw will also be held to determine the 'home' and 'away' teams for the final.

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Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Gustavo Paez is still keen to play in South Africa despite having recently returned to his home country, Venezuela. 

The 30-year-old player was snubbed up by Yaracuyanos FC, who are campaigning in the Venezuelan Primera Division, following a failed move to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

TTM signed Paez in October 2020, but the club parted ways with him after a few weeks due to the fact that the player was still contracted to Venezualan club Mineros de Guayana.

The former Real Mallorca reserve team player how now joined Yaracuyanos where he has reunited with his compatriot Antonio Flores, who coached Super Eagles in the National First Division (NFD).

Flores confirmed that he has reunited with Paez at Yaracuyanos where he is serving as the technical director. 

“Our past football in South Africa now sees us back together in the South American continent in the Premier League of Venezuela,” said Flores on Daily Sun. 

Flores coached Eagles from November 2017 until he was fired in March 2018 with the Free State club struggling in the second tier of South African football. 

The 49-year-old tactician also revealed that Paez has signed a short-term deal with Yaracuyanos as he is eager to return to South Africa having helped Chiefs reach the 2018/19 Nedbank Cup final. 

“He has only signed until the end of the season because he wants to return to South Africa,” he concluded. 

Paez arrived in South Africa in January 2017 and he joined Chiefs midway through the 2016/17 season with the Glamour Boys under the guidance of Steve Komphela.

The Merida-born player scored 10 goals from 53 competitive matches for the Glamour Boys during his two-and-a-half-year spell with the club. 

Paez, who played for Italian club Messina in the Italian Serie C in the 2014/15 campaign, was linked with Maritzburg United during the January 2021 PSL transfer window.

However, his reported move to the KwaZulu-Natal side never materialized and he ended up joining Yaracuyanos.

Maritzburg currently have Paez's compatriot, Ali Jose Meza on their books with the 29-year-old forward having joined the club from Mamelodi Sundowns in October 2020.

Jamie Carragher thinks Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane have “missed the boat” when it comes to big-money transfers, with the Liverpool and Tottenham stars told Real Madrid and Barcelona will no longer want to invest “£120 million-plus ($167m)” in their services.

Switches to Spain for two Premier League superstars have been mooted for some time.

However, Salah is now 28 years of age and tied to a contract at Anfield through to 2023, while England captain Kane has seen his prolific output at Spurs earn him a deal that is due to run until 2024.

What has been said?

With long-term contracts and the emergence of younger attacking targets, Liverpool legend Carragher has told Robbie Fowler’s podcast on the chances of high-profile moves being made in upcoming windows: “I think he'll (Salah) be there for the next few years. I think he's in a similar position to Harry Kane.

“I think they've probably missed the boat if they ever did want to go; whether that is to Real Madrid or Barcelona. Whether it's Harry Kane going to Manchester United or Man City. 

“For both of those players, I think you're talking £120m-plus, maybe more, and I just don't think anyone will spend that much on players of that age now.”

Who are the striking alternatives?

While Salah and Kane would be welcomed with open arms by most sides, they are not the only options.

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund youngster Erling Haaland are considered by many to be the future, given their exploits for club and country, and Carragher believes Barca and Real will head down those recruitment avenues.

He added: “I think you’d be looking more at paying £200m for Kylian Mbappe because of the longevity, maybe the same with Erling Haaland too because you’d get so much more out of them.

“Also the situation that we’re in with Covid and finances, the two Spanish giants have got no money, they’re massively in debt.

“So Liverpool wouldn’t let Salah go to anyone in this country and would you want to play for Paris Saint-Germain rather than Liverpool? I’d be very surprised if you did with the French league. I think Salah is here to stay.”

Further reading

Mohamed Salah’s strike for Liverpool in their 2-0 defeat of RB Leipzig in their second leg Round of 16 Champions League clash has been nominated for the Goal of the Week award.

The Egypt international who has been in fine form for the Reds this season found the net as Jurgen Klopp’s men silenced the Red Bulls to progress in the competition.

With scores still goalless at Anfield, the two-time African Player of the Year displayed a clinical edge to find the bottom-right corner of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi's goal with his left-footed effort thanks to an assist from Diogo Jota.

Thanks to that effort, the former AS Roma and Chelsea player took his goal tally to 25 in the 2020-21 season, scoring the most across all competitions among Premier League stars.

Challenging him for this individual accolade are Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Atalanta’s Luis Muriel.

Against Borussia Monchengladbach, De Bruyne – after receiving a pass from Riyad Mahrez on the edge of the box – drilled a beauty past Yann Sommer as Pep Guardiola’s team silenced the German club at the Etihad Stadium.

With Real Madrid leading Atalanta 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu, Muriel curled in a beautiful free-kick past Thibaut Courtois to reduce the deficit for his Italian outfit, although they crashed out of the tournament 4-1 on aggregate.

The last contender is Messi, as his fine strike ensured Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain settled their affair 1-1 at an empty Parc des Princes. Kylian Mbappe had given the French team the lead on the half-hour mark before the Argentine levelled matters seven minutes later.

The Blaugrana skipper picked up possession 30 yards out, but with time and space, he thumped an incredible effort into the top-left corner away from goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

The player with the most number of votes will walk home with the individual honour.

Alex Telles has a plan he believes will deliver Manchester United to victory over AC Milan, with the Brazilian looking for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to show no fear at San Siro.

A positive result is required from the Red Devils on Thursday in order to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, with the heavyweight contest currently locked at 1-1.

Telles believes United are more than capable of getting the job done on Italian soil, having dominated proceedings for long periods in the initial encounter at Old Trafford, and is looking for them to stick with an approach that has served them well in the 2020-21 campaign.

What has been said?

The South American left-back told United’s official website: “Our main challenge will be to have a great game, put everything we've been doing in training into practice and continue doing everything we've been doing in recent games.

“It won't be easy, Milan are a great team and are playing very well. Our biggest challenge will be to work hard from start to finish, faithfully following Ole's instructions, and if we do this we'll definitely leave Milan with a positive result.

“I think the qualities we need for the next game are the same ones we've been showing, no change from what we've been doing - play together, united, with each player knowing their role.

“I think the most important thing is helping your team-mate out in whatever situation, if a team-mate is having a tough time we'll lift them up so we can get a good result. Also playing without fear, play the way we've always been playing, move the ball as quickly as possible and I'm sure we'll get the goal.”

Any concerns for Man Utd?

Edinson Cavani has been forced to withdraw from Solskjaer’s plans after initially being included in the Red Devils’ party. Fellow frontman Anthony Martial is also missing as he continues to nurse a hip complaint.

David de Gea and Paul Pogba are, however, back in contention and could make an immediate return to United’s starting XI after spells on the sidelines for fitness and personal reasons.

The bigger picture

Having gone four years without securing major silverware, United are heading into a crucial stage of their season. The meeting with Milan will be followed on Sunday by a trip to Leicester in the last eight of the FA Cup.

Further reading

Interim Uganda head coach Abdallah Mubiru has explained why local coaches have a big task in convincing the public they are the right men to handle the national team.

Mubiru, who was appointed alongside Livingstone Mbabazi and Fred Kajoba to steer the team as Johnathan McKinstry remains suspended, feels the local tacticians have always been wrongly assessed by the public.

"It’s not about Mubiru, Mbabazi or Kajoba but it is about all the local coaches because we can compete very well in the other areas because we have our strength," Mubiru told Sports Nation.

"We could be having limitations which are normal but the only problem is people judge us by the limitations, they never judge us by our strength. But there are some moments you feel you can go to a good job but your interest is to protect your job, now we have to protect our job at the same time protecting our nation."

Apart from judgement by limitations, the police coach also said the public has always favoured the national team being under a foreign coach.

"The general perception of our Ugandan fans is that they think it’s abnormal for a local coach to manage the national team which I think is wrong," added Mubiru. "Probably the chance has now come for them to realise that local coaches can also manage the team.

"I can’t say I am the best, I think there are good coaches out there but the most important element is about the local coaches managing the national team so we have all the confidence, me and my team.

“We have a big task ahead of us to convince the fans that we are capable of doing the job."

Mubiru also spoke about the preparations ahead of the two remaining Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi and Burkina Faso.

"We are going to start preparations on Thursday but those are preparations on the pitch. Preparations in terms of psychology started about one and a half weeks ago," he revealed.

"I have been communicating with the players and getting their views as well. We already started preparations but only waiting for the ones on the pitch when all the players are around and that will be on Saturday and Sunday then Monday where we shall have technical sessions."

He also explained why he thinks the game against Malawi is far critical than the one that will involve Burkina Faso.

"Actually all the games are vital but the most crucial one is against Malawi. Even if we beat Burkina Faso, then Malawi beat South Sudan, we will have to at least get a point in Malawi to be able to qualify," he stated.

"Under all circumstances, the game in Malawi is crucial and important however there is a possibility of sealing qualification on Wednesday against Burkina Faso. 

"We are going to handle all games with a lot of care but we need to get results in all games."

The Cranes will host  Burkina Faso on March 24 in Kitende before the final game against Malawi five days later.

Cristiano Ronaldo “won’t take long to find a new club” and the 2020-21 campaign “will be his last season in Turin” says Toto Schillaci, who thinks criticism of the Juventus superstar on the back of another Champions League exit has been “over the top”.

A last-16 defeat to Porto for Andrea Pirlo’s side has seen questions asked of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who moved to Italy from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018.

Schillaci considers Ronaldo to remain “the best forward in the world” despite now being 36 years of age, but concedes he may be about to open himself up to another new challenge as he approaches the final 12 months of his current deal at Allianz Stadium.

What has been said?

Schillaci, who was on Juve’s books when he won the Golden Boot at the 1990 World Cup, told Gazzetta dello Sport of Ronaldo: “This will be his last season in Turin. I don’t know if the club will offer him a contract renewal but what is beyond doubt is that he won’t take long to find a new club. 

“The criticism he received after the Champions League was over the top, we are talking about the best forward in the world. Anybody can have a bad game. Juventus perhaps underestimated the opposition.”

Schillaci added that Ronaldo “will continue to give his all for himself and for the club in order to show that the game again Porto was just a slip-up.”

Who has been linked with Ronaldo?

As talk of an exit from Turin begins to gather pace, several landing spots have been mooted.

A retracting of his steps to familiar surroundings has been rumoured, with Real Madrid and Manchester United considered potential options.

Real boss Zinedine Zidane has been keeping those rumours ticking over with admissions that he would welcome Ronaldo back to Santiago Bernabeu.

A completely fresh start for Ronaldo has also been suggested, with David Beckham revealing that he would welcome the opportunity to make Ronaldo a marquee addition to his ranks at MLS side Inter Miami.

The bigger picture

Ronaldo has offered no indication that he will be pushing for move after maintaining remarkable individual standards at Juve.

He has hit 95 goals in 122 appearances for the Bianconeri, topping the Serie A scoring charts this season, and claimed that he still has plenty left in the tank.

The evergreen frontman has said on social media: “I can’t wait for the next games and challenges! The next records and trophies! Believe me, this story is still far from being over. The future is tomorrow and there’s still a lot to win for Juventus and Portugal!"

Further reading

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer had mixed feelings about his team’s 2-1 win over Enyimba in a Caf Confederation Cup Group A encounter at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.

Pirates scored first through Deon Hotto but took their foot off the pedal after that which resulted in the visitors netting an equaliser through Augustine Oladapo’s penalty two minutes into added time at the end of the first stanza.

"In the first half, especially the first 20 minutes, the time that we scored, we dominated, we had the game completely in our hands. We controlled the game,” Zinnbauer commented.

"After scoring I was very disappointed. I don't understand why we lost the lead. I was very upset at half-time in the dressing room. I was happy with the way the team came out (in the second half), they came back with the normal performance like we did before scoring.”

A change in tactics and personnel saw the Sea Robbers playing with renewed vigour in the second stanza and even though Tshegofatso Mabasa missed with a spot-kick, Bucs kept on pushing and the same player made amends with an 89th-minute winner.

"We had good substitutes (Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini were introduced after 58 minutes, Gabadinho Mhango and Terrence Dzvukamanja came on after 74 minutes) and Gaba made the penalty,” Zinnbauer explained.

"Before that, he had good actions, he was always dangerous, always [putting] on pressure, fighting for the ball.

"Mabasa is normally a top penalty scorer, but the weather was not on our side, and this can happen,” the German continued.

"But important for me, was to see the team going forward, fighting for all metres and the result, that was very good to see. And then I'm happy about Mabasa making his mistake clear and scoring. He was a long time out and I'm happy for this, always very good after a long injury,

"I'm happy for the whole team in the last 20, 25 minutes - they go forward and fight for the result and at the end of the day they deserved the result.”

Pirates will now be preparing for Sunday’s Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

Football Kenya Federation has confirmed the cancellation of the friendly game pitting Harambee Stars and Tanzania's Taifa Stars.

The game was scheduled to be played at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday, but after the confirmation of the death of Tanzania President Pombe Magufuli, the federation has confirmed the game will not go on as planned.

The Tanzanian leader, according to his Vice-President Samia Suluhu, succumbed to heart conditions at a hospital in Dar es Salaam on March 17. He won the re-election into the office for a second five-year term during the October 2020 general elections.

"Following the untimely demise of Tanzanian President, His Excellency, Dr John Pombe Magufuli, Football Kenya Federation, in consultation with the Tanzanian Football Federation, has made a decision to cancel today’s international friendly match between the national team Harambee Stars and the Tanzanian national football team, which was scheduled to take place at the Nyayo National Stadium, beginning at 3:00 pm," FKF's statement seen by Goal read. 

"The decision has been arrived at to allow the Tanzanian national team and the Tanzanian general public to mourn the sudden passing on of the late President, His Excellency, Dr John Pombe Magufuli. 

"Football Kenya Federation wishes to extend its deepest sympathy and message of goodwill to the Tanzanian Football Federation, the family and friends of the late president and the good people of Tanzania. May the Lord bless you with the strength to sail through this tough situation."

In a separate post, the FKF President Nick Mwendwa sent his message of condolence to the Tanzanian people.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Tanzania following the loss of President John Pombe Magufuli," posted Mwendwa on Facebook.

"On behalf of FKF and the entire Kenyan football fraternity, I wish you peace and solace during these difficult times."

Harambee Stars and Taifa Stars were set to play in a second friendly as they prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The initial game, which was played on Monday, ended 2-1 in favour of Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee's side.

Kenya are set to face Egypt and Togo in the remaining qualifiers whereas Kim Poulsen's charges are due to meet Equatorial Guinea and Libya.

Former Kenya head coach Bobby Williamson has conceded it will be tough for Harambee Stars and Tanzania in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Harambee Stars are in Group G of the qualifiers with three points coming from the four games they have played. Kenya found themselves in a difficult position in the qualifiers after a 1-1 draw against Comoros in Nairobi and a 2-1 loss in Moroni in November.

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 Carthage Lions of 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.

The Scot has discussed the matches that will be played in the following days.

"The matches are really difficult for both Kenya and Tanzania," Williamson told Goal on Thursday.

"Despite that, Harambee Stars are capable of beating Egypt at home and Togo away. The fact that they need six points to stand a chance of making it to Cameroon is a motivation."

"It is the same case for Tanzania; they have a tough outing away to Equatorial Guinea before hosting Libya. But they have a chance of winning the games to qualify for the biennial competition.  

"I wish both teams all the best. The more teams from Central and East Africa qualify the better." 

Kenya played Taifa Stars in a build-up game on Monday, winning 2-1. In an earlier interview, coach Jacob Ghost Mulee conceded it was not an easy game.

"I would like to appreciate Tanzania for the game they have played, like in the first half they played with a high tempo and were doing a lot of interchanges," Mulee told Goal.

[The tempo] disoriented us a little; then we had [Michael] Mutinda, we thought he had fully recovered from the injury he was nursing but it was not the case and we had to replace him."

However, the former Tusker FC coach was impressed with the outcome, further insisting the friendly matches will give him an opportunity to gauge the potential of every player.

James Saruni was one of the standout performers in the game and the coach has given his remarks on the goalkeeper.

"We had to make some tactical changes after the break to stop Tanzania's dominance which we witnessed in the first half," Mulee continued.

"As a result they did not have many chances after the break. But it has been a good build-up; we have gained. We are using the games to gauge every player out of the 27 we have in camp and see how things unfold.

"Saruni has been outstanding, he has done the work we wanted well and it shows he can be used in future assignments."

Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo believes the local-based players have made their case with back-to-back-wins over South Sudan and Tanzania respectively, but they cannot be relied on to play Egypt and Togo.

The Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee-led charges defeated the Bright Stars on Saturday by a solitary goal courtesy of Elvis Rupia, before defeating Taifa Stars 2-1 on Monday thanks to goals from Erick Kapaito and Abdallah Hassan while Ayub Lyanga struck for his team.

The former Kenya defender believes vital experience is needed for the team to stand a chance of defeating Egypt and Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

"The friendlies against South Sudan and Tanzania are good exposure for our local boys and I am happy they have taken their chances," Omollo told Goal on Thursday.

"It is good when these players get the experience of international matches because it will help them develop.

"However, the matches against Egypt and Togo in Afcon qualifiers have come too soon for them. They need some foreign-based players to help them. So I believe we will have about four or so local-based players in the qualifiers."

The tactician has further opined on Kenya's chances of making it to Cameroon for the biennial competition.

"They can make it [for Afcon finals], football is unpredictable," Omollo, who is the immediate former Posta Rangers coach added.

"Also remember they went to Egypt and got a point from there, so what stops them from winning at home? Togo are also at the bottom of the table and seemingly they are the weaker team in the group. So chances are there."

Harambee Stars are in Group G of the qualifiers with three points coming from the four games they have played. Kenya found themselves in a difficult position in the qualifiers after a 1-1 draw against Comoros in Nairobi and a 2-1 loss in Moroni in November.

They had started their campaign with a 1-1 draw away against the Pharaohs before being held at home to a 1-1 draw by the Sparrowhawks. 

Egypt and Comoros occupy the first two positions with Kenya coming in third. Togo are at the bottom.

Following the death of Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli, Mainland Premier League and Football Kenya Federation Premier League clubs have sent their messages of condolences.

Magufuli's death was confirmed on March 17 by Vice President Samia Suluhu. The Tanzanian announced the president succumbed to heart conditions in a Dar es Salaam hospital.

The President, who was re-elected in October 2020 for a final five-year term, had been missing from the public limelight from February 27.

"The Yanga SC management has received with sorrow the news of the death of President John Pombe Magufuli," the record league champions announced. "On behalf of the members of the club, and the fans, we condole with the Vice President of the Republic of Tanzania Samia Suluhu, the family, friends and all Tanzanians in general."

"You have left us but you still live in our hearts. Rest In Peace President John Pombe Magufuli," Tanzania Football Federation stated in a Facebook post.

"The Simba SC management has received with great sorrow the news of the death of President Magufuli that occurred on March 17 at Mzena Hospital. During these difficult moments and as we mourn his death, we pray that God may rest his soul in eternal peace," the league champions announced.

"We condole with the Vice President, the family, friends and everyone in general following the death of the president."

"Azam have received with sorrow the death of the president of the Republic of Tanzania Dr John Pombe Magufuli," the Ice-cream Makers joined in pouring their condolences. 

Kenyan clubs were also expressive as Wazito FC and Kariobangi Sharks joined hands with their Tanzanian counterparts in mourning the departed leader.

"We send our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the people of Tanzania following the demise of President Pombe Magufuli," Wazito mourned.

"A champion has left, the greatest tree has fallen. Rest In Peace Dr John Pombe Magufuli," Kariobangi Sharks stated.

Magufuli was in attendance during the Kariakoo derby on January 4, 2020, as Yanga and Simba drew 2-2 in Dar es Salaam.