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Mumbai City were the undisputed champions of the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL) which concluded last Saturday with the Islanders bagging the trophy by beating ATK Mohun Bagan in the final. 

They also won the League Winners Shield by topping the league stage. They were tied on points with the Mariners (40) after playing 20 matches but were ahead on head-to-head record. They had won both the ties in the league stage. 

In what was a comprehensive season for the Islanders, they managed to win 13 matches out of the 23 they played and lost four games. Out of those 13 wins, three were against their closest competitors ATK Mohun Bagan who otherwise matched them toe-to-toe this season. 

Mumbai City and ATK Mohun Bagan were each other’s closest rivals this season and the two teams who stood out from the herd. But Sergio Lobera’s men got the job done when it mattered the most, i,e. in head-to-head ties. 

In the first leg match, Mumbai City were the dominant side and managed to sneak in a narrow 1-0 win thanks to Bartholomew Ogbeche’s strike. While the game ended in a slender scoreline in reality, the Islanders were the better side in every department, from having better possession to creating more chances. 

The second leg tie was the league stage’s final game where Mumbai had to win in order to bag the ISL League Winners Shield. ATK Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, needed just a point to seal the title in their favour. 

But in such a high voltage clash it was Mumbai who stood out in the end and bagged the match 2-0 thanks to Mourtada Fall and Bartholomew Ogbeche’s strikes. 

Then the two sides locked horns for the third and final time in the competition’s final. For the first time, the Mariners matched Lobera’s side in terms of performance and had even taken the lead but Mumbai eventually got the job, capitalising on two mistakes committed by Tiri and Arindam Bhattacharya. 

While Tiri’s own goal brought Mumbai back into the game, Arindam Bhattacharya’s blunder in the 90th minute allowed Ogbeche to set up a ball for Bipin Singh from which the Indian winger scored the winner. 

To win a title, teams often have to beat their nearest rivals and in ATK Mohun Bagan's case, this failed to do so - not once but thrice and in the end, it proved costly. They may have qualified for the AFC Cup qualifiers but should have done better in order to clinch at least one title. 

LA Galaxy rising star Efrain Alvarez has received a senior call from Mexico for two friendlies later this month amid a battle for his national team allegiance.

The midfielder, who spent time training in USMNT camp in 2020, has been courted intensely by the North American rivals to set up a choice that could feel like "hell on and off the field".

Alvarez, 18, might raise speculation about his long-term thinking by playing for El Tri in exhibitions against Costa Rica and Wales, but the USMNT still remains in the picture for him.

Has Alvarez committed to Mexico?

International friendlies such as the ones later this month do not tie a player to a particular country, meaning Alvarez would not technically become a permanent Mexico national team senior member by suiting up for El Tri against Costa Rica or Wales later this month.

Whether or not doing so would hint at his emotions is a different question, but he is reportedly still very much weighing his options, according to SBI.

What is his history with Mexico and the U.S.?

Alvarez was born and raised in Los Angeles, but his parents are from Mexico and he has most recently represented El Tri at the youth level.

Moving to the USMNT on a permanent basis would require a one-time, binding switch permitted under FIFA regulations.

When does he need to decide his allegiance?

Players can change allegiances before the age of 21 if they have played fewer than three competitive matches at the senior level.

Games in the Gold Cup, Nations League or World Cup qualifiers would count toward Alvarez's tally, but exhibitions are not taken into account.

Further reading

Guinea national team coach Didier Six has lifted the lid on what makes Naby Keita so special despite his fringe role in Liverpool squad this season.

In the 2020-21 campaign, the 26-year-old midfielder has featured in just 10 league games for Jurgen Klopp's team owing to injury worries, however, he remains a key figure in the National Elephants’ team.

When asked if he has built the Guinean team around him despite his inconsistency at Anfield, the Frenchman emphasised how important he has been to the squad hoping to qualify for the 2022 Fifa World Cup Qatar.

“It’s not about building the team around a specific player. In my opinion, Keita has magical feet, and I decided to give him the captaincy because he’s a true leader,” Six told Fifa website.

“He’s never abrasive with his team-mates. The way he talks to them is very similar to the way Zidane deals with his players, and he communicates the message in a wonderful way.

“When he came back from injury, I gave him two full games in four days and he helped us a lot, like scoring against a strong Mali team in Mali.

“He puts himself at the disposal of the team and his team-mates do all they can to assist him. We always need his magic and battling spirit on the pitch.”

To reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Guinea first must negotiate their way past Morocco, Sudan and Guinea Bissau in Group I.

Despite tagging his team as the ‘second favourites’ in that zone, the former Togo and Mauritius handler stated that there are no small teams in Africa, while envisioning the derby games versus Guinea Bissau.

“On paper, we’re second favourites after Morocco but, as I just said, teams like Sudan and Guinea-Bissau have had some good results,” he continued.

“This came as no surprise to be me because Africa’s smaller teams have come a long way and now make things quite difficult for opponents.

“We’ll play them [Guinea Bissau] the same as we do the other teams but with even greater focus.

“Players seeking to represent their national team must have fighting spirit, as that is one of main reasons sides get good results. As coaches, we’re obliged to pick players who possess this mentality.”

Pep Guardiola has not forgotten the message he received when he first arrived at Manchester City from Bayern Munich in 2016 - win the Champions League, or you cannot be considered wholly successful.

The manager revealed after Tuesday's last-16 trouncing of Borussia Monchengladbach that those words have stuck with him as he tries to break a quarter-finals curse with perhaps his best Citizens squad to date, saying "the prestige for all of us" that would accompany European glory is of huge importance.

Guardiola's side has now won 24 of 25 contests in all competitions but will likely encounter a top-tier continental giant in the last-eight.

What has been said?

"Since the first year I arrived they told me that you have to win the Champions League," Guardiola told reporters.

"It is always on our shoulders, but I'm not concerned about that. If you deserve it in football, you go through. If you don't, you don't.

"I'm not thinking to get to the semi-finals. I'm thinking to do a good first game and a good second game.

"When you are thinking about what you are going to win, you forget what you have to do - analyse the opponent, our shape, the way we want to play, our principles, and trying to do a good game. This is all I am concerned with.

"But, saying that, I'm more than incredibly impressed and delighted for our players in this tough year for everyone in society, being 14 points clear in the Premier League and in the final of the Carabao Cup and quarter-final of the Champions League and going to play to get to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"It is more than winning one quarter-final or one last-16 game. It means that in nine or 10 months every three days you are there and this is the best title you can get. Of course for the prestige for all of us, because we are here to win like all other clubs, we have to try it in the end to lift some titles."

Further reading

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric said he's feeling like he's 27, not 35, after helping the Blancos cruise into the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday. 

Modric provided a key assist for Karim Benzema's opener against Atalanta, as Madrid defeated the Serie A side 3-1 in the last-16 second leg to advance 4-1 on aggregate. 

Head coach Zinedine Zidane also marvelled at Modric's ageless performance, saying it was impossible to tell the midfielder is 35. 

What was said?

“Atalanta press a lot, all over the pitch, they don’t stop," Modric told Movistar after the game. "Benzema’s goal came at the right time. It gave us the confidence to keep going.

"I’m 35 but I feel like I’m only 27. I feel great. You shouldn’t look at the age, it’s all about how we perform on the pitch, regardless of age. I’m still hungry for more, to continue playing at the highest level and I feel great.

"It’s so important that we’ve advanced to the quarter-finals. The group wants to keep winning, and we’ll see how far we go.”

Zidane added: "The double pivot of Modric and [Toni] Kroos was phenomenal tonight.

"Modric is 35 right? But on the pitch he doesn't show that. He's an exceptional player."

The bigger picture

Modric has been a key figure for Madrid since he joined from Tottenham in 2012 at age 26.

The Croatian has won La Liga twice and the Champions League four times, while also clinching the Ballon d'Or in 2018. 

Modric has been a key figure again this season, making 35 appearances in all competitions while scoring four goals. 

Modric's contract with Madrid expires at the end of the season but various reports have indicated the veteran midfielder will sign a one-year extension before the end of the season.

Further reading

Pep Guardiola was in excellent spirits after Manchester City had little problem finishing off Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Tuesday by doubling their aggregate advantage to 4-0.

The manager now has depth from which to rotate as he navigates multiple competitions, with recent injury returners continuing to make their mark. Kevin De Bruyne scored the opener and Sergio Aguero came on as a substitute after netting on the weekend.

Guardiola said he hoped his squad could "maintain this mood" - the closest thing to expressing contentment the typically stern boss has offered during City's stretch of 24 wins out of 25 matches.

What has been said?

 "It was a good performance, we controlled the game from the beginning," Guardiola told BT Sport. "This competition is tricky but after the two goals everything was easier - everyone in their position moved the ball quick.

"A lot of players like Phil Foden, Bernando Silva, they have a lot of quality, they help us a lot but everyone was so committed and we are delighted to be in the next stage.

"After the international break, we will have time to think. The quality every time is higher and hopefully we can maintain this mood. I always think when you go through you deserve it. We try to play good and we will see what happens.

"We now have everybody fit. That's why we can rotate six or seven players. If you want to compete for competitions you have to be fresh. The seasons are so long, we haven't had one long week since October."

A ridiculously strong bench

Guardiola fielded one of his best benches of the campaign against Gladbach, taking advantage of the healthy bodies he now has available.

There were a number of players there who could start for many above average teams - Aguero, Aymeric Laporte, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Ferran Torres were all held out of the starting XI as the manager continued to rotate his side.

Further reading

Manchester City have become just the third team in Champions League history to keep seven consecutive clean sheets.

City defeated Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0 on Tuesday, sealing a 4-0 aggregate triumph in the last 16 of the competition. 

Only Arsenal, who posted 10 straight clean sheets in the Champions League ending in April 2006, have bettered Man City's mark. AC Milan also recorded seven shutouts in a row, ending in April 2005. 

What was said?

Speaking to BT Sport after Tuesday's game, City goalscorer Kevin De Bruyne said: "It's always important when you are stable as a defence and team. Obviously it gives the whole team confidence. It's really nice for Ederson and the defenders."

Head coach Pep Guardiola added: "We only conceded one goal against Porto - that is impressive. It's an incredible step forward for the team.

"Everyone runs a lot, not just the strikers. But it's important to understand that we defend with the ball. We have to be aggressive without the ball. All the teams right now, the quality they have, they can punish you."

The big picture

Man City have played eight matches in the Champions League this season and have kept clean sheets in seven of them.

The only time City have conceded in Europe this season was the opening matchday – a 3-1 win over Porto. Only Ajax in 1995-96 equalled City's feat of conceding just once in their first eight Champions League matches of the season.

City have easily the best defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded just 21 times in 30 games. 

The team's backline, led by centre-backs John Stones, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, has City in contention for a quadruple, with the team leading the Premier League and having advanced to the FA Cup quarter-final and the Carabao Cup final.

Pep Guardiola's side have been nearly unbeatable in recent months, winning 24 of their last 25 matches in all competitions.

Further reading

Watford recorded a 4-1 away win over Rotherham United with Ismaila Sarr scoring a goal for the Hornets.

Unbeaten in their last three league games, Xisco Munoz’s squad travelled to the New York Stadium with the ambition of extending their inspiring run.

For the hosts, assistant manager Richie Barker was in charge of the Millers as boss Paul Warne was required to watch proceedings from home, as he was undergoing a period of self-isolation.

Following a dominant display from the visitors, they took the lead in the ninth minute as Philip Zinckernagel delivered a whipped cross into the box while Francisco Sierralta headed past a helpless Jamal Blackman.

Sarr doubled the lead for Watford in the 26th minute by clipping the ball over Blackman before Ken Sema made it three goals for Munoz’s side 13 minutes later from a corner kick.

In the second-half, Rotherham woke from their slumber and were awarded a penalty kick on the hour mark after William Troost-Ekong brought down Michael Smith in the goal area. The Englishman took the resultant kick, but it was saved by Daniel Bachmann who guessed the right direction.

Seven minutes later, English forward of Nigerian descent Freddie Ladapo reduced the deficit for the hosts having profited from a switch of play involving substitute Wes Harding and Daniel Barlaser to beat Bachman.

Two minutes into his introduction for Nathaniel Chalobah, Dan Gosling extended the lead for the visitors – an effort which extinguished any hopes of a fightback.

While Nigeria’s Troost-Ekong was in action from start to finish, goalscorer Sarr was handed a place in the starting eleven, albeit, he was substituted for Jeremy Ngakia in the 53rd minute.

Fit-again Isaac Success was brought in for Will Hughes with ten minutes left to play but Moroccan defender Achraf Lazaar was an unused substitute.

“It was a tricky game and we knew it was going to be tough,” Gosling told Hive Live at full-time.

 “Rotherham are fighting for their lives to stay up so we knew what they were going to bring: the energy, the passion, the determination to try and get a result.”

With this result, Watford are second in the Championship log with 72 points from 37 games - seven points behind leaders Norwich City who have played a game less.

Manchester City have scored 100 goals in a single season for the eighth time in a row and are closing in on a record set by Manchester United.

Kevin De Bruyne made it a century of goals for the Premier League leaders in all competitions when he opened the scoring in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday.

The Belgium international smashed into the top corner from outside the box to give City the lead just 12 minutes into the tie, extending his side's aggregate lead to 3-0.

Man City gunning for Man Utd's record

Ilkay Gundogan followed up with a goal six minutes later to net City's 101st in all competitions.

They have now netted 17 across eight matches in the European competition, 64 in the Premier League, nine in the FA Cup and 11 in the Carabao Cup. 

The only other English team to have gone on a longer run of scoring at least 100 goals in each season is Manchester United, who reached the century mark nine years in a row from 2004-05 until Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

Foden in form

In setting Gundogan up for the second goal, Phil Foden maintained his impressive form this season.

He now has 11 goals and nine assists to his name this season, putting him well ahead of the rest of his age group in England.

The closest under-21 player in the Premier League to matching that tally of goal contributions is Bukayo Saka, who has been involved in 12.

Gundogan scores again

Meanwhile, Gundogan has emerged as the top-scoring German in Europe this season.

He has now netted 15 times in 33 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's team.

Further reading

Austin Oladapo has disclosed that Enyimba are in South Africa to defeat Orlando Pirates in Wednesday’s Caf Confederation Cup encounter.

The two-time African kings made a winning start in the competition’s group phase by defeating Al Ahly Benghazi 2-1 with the midfielder and Victor Mbaoma’s first-half goals handing them all points at stake despite the Libyans pulling one back through Abdallah Imhamed’s penalty.

For Josef Zinnbauer’s men, they are eyeing their first win in Group A after playing a 0-0 draw with Algeria’s ES Setif in Accra.

Ahead of the blockbuster clash versus the Buccaneers at the Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, the People’s Elephant star stated that Fatai Osho’s men are not in the Southern African country for a tour.

“The game will be a very big battle, because whoever wins will sit top of the group,” Oladapo told Enyimba website.

“I don’t want to disrespect them; I have watched most of their games and they are a very good side and we are a good side as well.

“We know the purpose of our trip to South Africa; we are not going for a tour, but we are going for a win which will keep us top of the group.”

Victory for Enyimba will see them remain at the summit of the group with six points from two outings.

In the previous decade, the Nigeria Professional Football League team enjoyed success on the continent after defeating Egypt’s Ismaily to become the first Nigerian team to win the Caf Champions League before going ahead to defend their title the following year.

Since then, the eight-time Nigerian elite division side has failed to make an impression on the continent.

On the other hand, four-time South African Premier Soccer League kings Orlando Pirates won the Caf Champions League diadem after defeating Asec Mimosas in the final on a 3-2 aggregate win. They got to the final of the 2013 edition, nevertheless, they bowed to Egyptian Premier League side Al-Ahly over two legs.

Their best result in the Confederation Cup remains a second-placed finish at the 2015 edition where they bowed to Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel.

Cameroon women's coach Alain Djeumfa has named 25 players for their Olympic Games intercontinental play-off against Chile next month.

The Indomitable Lionesses will battle La Roja in a quest to return to the Olympic Games for the first time since London 2012, having lost out on an automatic ticket to the Tokyo 2020 event to Zambia.

The showdown between the African and South American sides had been rescheduled thrice but is now billed to take place in April.

Ahead of next month's meeting, coach Djeumfa invited 25 home-based players for a local camp and it marks the Central Africans fifth preparation camp since they bowed to the Copper Queens.

In the 25-player list, four goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards were named for the camp in Cameroon's capital.

Notable invitees are Tokyo University's Djuka Chanelle, Charlene Meyong, who recently joined Chinese side Meizhou, Eclair Filles De Sa’a's Alexander Takounda, and Ebolowa FC's Edjangue Siliki.

According to the Cameroon Football Federation, the named players will resume camp on March 17 in Yaounde, and the final preparation will be concluded on April 5.

The 25-woman list will be trimmed after the camp ahead of their trip to Turkey and will, later, be joined by their foreign compatriots.

Instead of a home-and-away fixture, the Africans are now billed to square up against Jose Letelier's team at a neutral venue in Turkey.

CAMEROON LOCAL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Ongmaham Marthe (AWA FF), Bawou Ange (Louves Minproff), Biyina Michaelly (Eclair Filles De Sa’a), Ayangma Pauline (FC Ebolowa)

Defenders: Kouesse Magoumkoua (AWA FF), Edjangue Siliki (Ebolowa FC), Tsadja Dolores (Louves Minproff), Ndzana Collette (Eclair Filles De Sa’a), Nguiadem Kamdem (AWA FF), Mercy Ngah (Vision Sports FC Bamenda), Njolle Alvine (FC Minsk), 

Midfielders: Omboudou Brigitte (Amazone FAP), Endalle Emilienne (Caiman Filles De Douala), Mefire Peka (Louves Minproff), Adama Raissa (Louves Minproff), Konda Natacha (FC Ebolowa), Meyong Menene (Louves Minproff), Fadimatou Aretouyap Kome (Eclair Filles De Sa’a)

Forwards: Alexander Takounda (Eclair Filles De Sa’a), Ngah Manga (Amazone FAP), Nnanga Monele Raissa [Canon Filles], Lamine Mana (Amazone FAP), Ngo Back Batoum (Louves Minproff), Bengono Catherine (Amazone FAP), Djuka Chanelle (Tokyo University)

Legon Cities chief executive officer Maxwell Terry Aidam has revealed the club will be far from running at a loss despite concerns about the returns from their big-money signing of Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan.

In October last year, the Royals broke the bank to bring the former Sunderland and Stade Rennais striker back home for the first time since leaving Liberty Professionals for Italian outfit Udinese in 2003.

Gyan has, however, been unable to make any significant impact on the pitch, largely due to health and fitness limitations which have seen him make only three Premier League appearances so far.

He is yet to find the back of the net or assist a goal in the colours of the Royals despite his fine scoring record prior to joining the club.

"Putting numbers to it, then I will tell you that unless you come to my office then we will see because Asamoah Gyan was signed as a footballer and for his brand essence," Aidam said as reported by Graphic Sports.

"You can attest to the fact that Asamoah Gyan coming to add to the Legon Cities brand has given us a big mileage.

"If you are looking at the numbers then you must look at my balance sheet. From where we sit, we have not got it 100 per cent, but we are almost breaking-even from bringing him on board in these worrying times of Covid."

Gyan has only just rejoined training after some time in the treatment room, his last appearance for the club coming in December.

"Asamoah Gyan will only play when he is fit and ready," said coach Bashir Hayford.

"When I was appointed as the head coach, he was nursing an injury but thankfully, he has returned to the training ground training with the players.

"I am only hoping that he will stay fit because he needs to play."

Legon Cities are currently caught up in a relegation fight midway through the season as they sit just one spot and two points above the dreaded zone.

The most capped player in Ghana's football history, Gyan is also the nation's all-time top scorer with 51 goals in 109 internationals. 

Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix has hit out at reports he and manager Diego Simeone do not have a good relationship.

Felix scored in Atletico's 2-0 win at Villarreal on February 28 and put his finger to his lips while facing his bench – a gesture some interpreted was aimed at Simeone.

But Felix has hit back against those claims, saying the celebration was part of a joke with his team-mate Renan Lodi.

What did Felix say?

Asked about the celebration at a press conference on Tuesday, Felix responded: "I already said on Instagram that it was a joke with Lodi.

"He was winding me up before the game, telling me I didn't score against anyone and when I got the goal I did the gesture for him.

"The press like to talk about things they don't know."

Ahead of his team's Champions League last-16 second leg against Chelsea, Felix was also quizzed on his relationship with Simeone.

"My relationship with the manager is very good," the Portugal star added. "He always tries to help me and we're here to help each other.

"I am happy here. My family is fine, I am fine, I am fine with the club and like with all players there are moments that are not so good. They can be overcome."

How has Felix performed this season?

The 21-year-old has 10 goals and five assists in all competitions so far this season while battling several minor injuries as well as a bout with Covid-19 last month.

Felix has cooled down after a hot start to the season however, scoring just three goals since netting a double against Cadiz on November 7.

What did Simeone say about Felix?

Asked about Felix on Tuesday, Simeone said: "Joao, as we have always mentioned, is a really important player. He has had a really high-quality start to the season.

"He is the talk of our team and we need this player. All footballers have different stages throughout their professional career, especially when they are young, where they dip. But, as you heard from him, there is nothing more needed from his personality.

"Ahead of the Champions League and La Liga matches ahead we have to ensure that as a 21-year-old, he has the will he needs to reach the point he needs to reach."

Further reading