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Express FC ended their run of two matches without victory after they secured a 1-0 away win against Police FC in a Ugandan Premier League match played at Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Tuesday.

The Red Eagles went into the match having failed to score in two straight matches, which had seen them lose 1-0 against UPDF FC away and then draw 0-0 against Kyetume FC at home.

Forward Erick Kambale rose the highest after a poor clearance by Police defenders to nod the only goal on the day home with eight minutes to go, and hand them a win in their final match of the first round.

The first half had little to write home about with much of it being played during a heavy downpour, both teams struggling to put together a string of passes and maintain possession.

The playing surface at Omondi Stadium had a few spots that were waterlogged making it impossible to have any rhythm.

After the recess, Wasswa Bbosa’s charges came all out mostly using the flanks, with Godfrey Lwesibawa and Charles Musiige, but Police goalkeeper Derrick Ochan always came through to keep the hosts in the game.

With eight minutes left, it looked like the Red Eagles were dropping points once more but Kambale had other ideas, the 20-year-old rose highest to head the ball into the back of the net following a defensive mistake, sending the visiting side’s fans into wild celebrations.

The win took the Red Eagles to second position on the 16-team log on 32 points, two ahead of defending champions Vipers SC and one behind table leaders URA FC.

In another match, Wakiso Giants snatched a 0-0 draw against UPDF Bombo Military Stadium.

The top-tier will continue on Tuesday with KCCA FC set to take on Vipers at St Marys Kitende while Onduparaka FC will come up against URA.

The matches will come up hours after the Federation of Uganda Football Association sanctioned KCCA and Onduparaka FC and ordered them to play their next home matches without fans for violating Article 10 of the Fufa Covid-19 regulations after they allowed their fans to enter matches without wearing masks.

Jordan Pickford will miss England's three upcoming World Cup qualifying matches after suffering a muscle injury.

The Everton goalkeeper went off injured in the first half of the Premier League defeat to Burnley on Saturday.

The 27-year-old got hurt diving to stop a shot at Goodison Park and was sent for a scan on Monday.

What has been said?

The Toffees confirmed on Tuesday that Pickford will not be fit to feature for England when they take on San Marino on March 25, Albania three days later and Poland on March 31.

"Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will miss England’s trio of World Cup qualifying fixtures this month after sustaining an injury to his oblique abdominal muscle," Everton announced on their website.

Which games could Pickford miss?

Pickford will be unavailable for the FA Cup quarter-final tie with Manchester City on Saturday as well as the upcoming England games.

It is not yet known if he will be fit to return to the starting XI for the Premier League match against Crystal Palace on April 5.

Pickford suffered a similar injury in February and missed four of his side's matches.

Who could take Pickford's place?

Pickford has made the starting XI in six of England's last eight matches.

On the two occasions he was left on the bench, Burnley shot-stopper Nick Pope took his place.

Gareth Southgate will announce his squad for the 2022 World Cup qualifying matches on Thursday.

At Everton, Joao Virginia could be called on to start in goal against City after the 21-year-old replaced him on Saturday to make his first senior appearance of the season.

Further reading

Thomas Tuchel has dismissed any personal concerns Kepa Arrizabalaga may have after the goalkeeper was dropped by Spain for the first time since joining Chelsea.

Kepa has lost his spot at Chelsea to Edouard Mendy over the last few months, with the £22 million ($31m) summer signing from Rennes amassing an impressive 20 clean sheets in 31 appearances for the Blues, including 10 in his last 12 appearances.

Mendy's rise has limited Blues record signing Kepa, who joined in a £71m ($99m) deal from Athletic Club in 2018, to just nine appearances this season. But Tuchel has called on the 26-year-old to keep focused on his work for his club.

What was said?

"For Kepa it is a disappointment not to be selected right now," Tuchel said ahead of Wednesday's match against Atletico Madrid. "That is clear, but he is super strong here, he is our player and it does not influence how we work with him and how we trust him and if we trust him and how we keep on going.

"It is his personal goal to be in the squad of Spain. Would it be easier if he played regularly? Clearly, yes, but it is not about his personal objectives, it is about Chelsea and we have set the communication straight between our goalkeepers that Edu is the number one and he is the competitor for that and he has to be ready and he is exactly doing this.

"He is 100 per cent reliable, top guy, top goalkeeping, top performance in training together with Willy Caballero; this is outstanding. That does not help our strikers because it is so super hard to score in training because of our goalkeepers.

"This is what he can do. Can we influence the decision from the Spanish national coach? No we cannot. Everything he can do is be focused and be ready. This is what he is doing and why I am super happy with him."

What has happened to Kepa?

Tuchel has opened up chances for fringe players in his squad since taking over as manager in January, including Kepa. The German offered Kepa a "new start" to build competition with Mendy after giving the Spaniard consecutive starts last month. 

However, almost in the same breath, he asserted that the Senegal international remains his starting goalkeeper. Kepa lost confidence under Frank Lampard last season, which led him to have the worst save percentage in the division.

Kepa has also been known to be weak at taking crosses and at set plays, which became a focus for opposition teams. The Blues explored loaning him in the summer but his wages proved too costly for interested clubs.

Who will play against Atletico Madrid?

Mason Mount and Jorginho are suspended after receiving yellow cards in the first leg in Bucharest – a 1-0 win for Chelsea. Olivier Giroud could be recalled to the starting line-up after scoring the winning goal with an acrobatic overhead kick in the second half against Diego Simeone's side.

However, Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham remain out injured and will not return until after the upcoming international break in March and April.

Further reading

A Lebohang Maboe strike in the first half saw Mamelodi Sundowns qualify for the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League after sealing a 1-0 win over Tout Puissant Mazembe in a Group B showdown at Loftus Versfeld.

Having claimed a 2-1 away victory in the reverse fixture in Lubumbashi, Sundowns asserted their dominance over Mazembe this season with Maboe making a difference this time following his 28th-minute strike.

The result saw the Brazilians secure a place in the last eight of the competition with two matches to spare, after other Group C contestants Al Hilal and CR Belouizdad drew 0-0 earlier in the day.

With Masandawana defender Ricardo Nascimento suspended, Mosa Lebusa partnered Rushine De Reuck at the heart of the defence while Mazembe’s veteran forward Tresor Mputu, who came on as a substitute to score in the first match, started on Wednesday.

Peter Shalulile began the match as a big threat to Mazembe, coming close twice in the opening five minutes.

But from then on, play was balanced between the two sides and soon after, the visitors almost made a breakthrough when Phillippes Kinzumbi had his long-range effort saved by Denis Onyango, who was also alert to an awkward bounce the shot took just before him.

Kinzumbi was back again in the 16th minute and Onyango safely collected before Mosa Lebusa cleared danger following another Mazembe counter-attack two minutes later.

Sundowns thought they had won a penalty in the 20th minute when Shalulile was tackled from behind in the box but the Namibian was adjudged to have had already received the ball from Gaston Sirino while in an offside position.

The Brazilians then broke then deadlock eight minutes later when Zwane laid the ball for Maboe who coolly slotted it in as Mazembe goalkeeper Ibrahim Mounkoro helplessly watched the ball sailing into the net.

The visitors attempted to hit back on 33 minutes but Mputu's shot was well dealt with by Onyango.

A Sirino curler went just wide off a Shalulile feed four minutes before half-time as Sundowns looked close to doubling their advantage.

At the other end, a minute later, Mputu saw his powerful low strike narrowly missing the target as the hosts went for the break leading.

Six minutes after the restart, Mazembe substitute nearly Sudi Bibonge nearly restored parity but had his goal-bound shot deflected by Lyle Lakay.

Shalulile was then released by Sirino, but he was slow in his charge towards goal and was dispossessed as he faced Mounkoro.

As the Ravens pressed for an equaliser, Onyango was on hand to thwart a close-range shot from Joel Beya on the hour mark.

With Shalulile having established himself as good in the air following a number of headed goals this season, he twice misdirected his headed efforts within a minute towards the end.

Even some spirited Mazembe attacking thereafter was met with stiff resistance by Sundowns, who managed to hold on to the lead.

Kaizer Chiefs were left to rue their missed chances after drawing 0-0 with Angolan giants Petro de Luanda in the Caf Champions League Group C match on Tuesday evening. 

The Tricolours were desperate to record their first victory in this season's group stage and also avenge their recent 2-0 defeat to Chiefs in the reverse fixture last week. 

Attackers Tiago Azulao, Job and Picas started for Petro once again as coach Toni Cosano kept his faith in the front three despite the team failing to score in Johannesburg.

On the other hand, Amakhosi were keen to boost their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals by securing another win over the Tricolours.

Coach Gavin Hunt made four changes to the team which faced Petro as Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Siyabonga Ngezana, Njabulo Blom and Kearyn Baccus all returned to the starting line-up.

Chiefs threatened first when Lebogang Manyama's deflected free-kick was cleared off the goal-line by Petro goalkeeper Signori Antonio as the hosts survived a scare. 

Petro then took control of the match, but they couldn't penetrate the visitors' tight defence and the Tricolours were only limited to long-range shots.  

Dany's attempt from distance found Daniel Akpeyi well positioned to make a comfortable save in the Chiefs goal as the hosts looked to break the deadlock.

Chiefs finished the first-half the stronger of the two teams, but Philani Zulu and Manyama failed to take their chances with only Antonio to beat and the score was 0-0 at the interval. 

Both teams created chances after the restart with Akpeyi denying Azulao with a diving save and Manyama's attempt from a free-kick brushed the upright.

Samir Nurkovic was introduced by Hunt in the 67th minute as the Soweto giants looked to snatch a late winning goal in the latter stages of the game.

However, it was Manyama who looked the likeliest Chiefs player to score as the 30-year-old rounded keeper Antonio, but somehow he chipped the ball just over the crossbar.

It proved to be the last real goalscoring opportunity of the game and the two teams settled for a 0-0 draw on the night. 

As a result, Chiefs remained third on the group standings - level on points with second-placed Horoya AC of Guinea and five points behind leaders Wydad, with two games left.

Chiefs have now turned their attention to their Soweto Derby encounter against their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates, in a titanic PSL game on Sunday.

Ini Umotong extended her fine goalscoring form for Lewes against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday and coach Simon Parker has backed her to deliver more goals this season.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Rocks in January on an 18-month contract from Swedish Damallsvenskan outfit Vaxjo, made her fifth appearance against Gemma Donnelly's side.

In her 85-minute appearance, Umotong scored from the penalty spot in the 13th minute to hand Parker's team the lead before Rhian Cleverley and Danielle Lane took their turns to seal a 3-0 victory.

Having seen her bag her fourth goal in five league appearances for the Dripping Pan outfit, the manager believes the Nigeria international still has more to offer in the final third.

“She has been fantastic. Ini [Umotong] is just someone who wants to score goals, it is her first thought," Parker told The Argus.

"So that is something really good for us someone that has that drive and their priority is to score. That has been a huge benefit. She is so powerful and offers a different option for us.

“She’s still learning how we play and we are still learning how to get the best out of her. So there is a lot more to see from her, which is really encouraging because she is already scoring goals.”

After moving to Lewes, she could not find the back of the net in her two opening games, having made her debut against Sheffield United on January 24.

However, the former Brighton and Hove Albion forward eventully broke her duck in style, with a brace in a 3-2 defeat against London City Lionesses a month ago.

Since then, the 2015 Women's World Cup participant has not looked back, hitting the back of the net in each of the last three matches.

Having recovered her superb scoring boots, she harbours her own dreams of making an international return to the Nigeria fold after a two-year absence, which she is likely to realise.

The former Portsmouth and Oxford United striker will aim to build on her incredible run of form for her Championship side at home against London Bees in their next fixture on March 28.

Thomas Tuchel has laughed off speculation surrounding Timo Werner's future at Chelsea, urging reporters to "read a book" instead of transfer rumours.

Werner is enduring a difficult first season at Chelsea following his move from RB Leipzig last summer.

The Germany international has scored just one Premier League goal in 2021 and has not found the net in the Champions League since a group stage match against Rennes in early November.

What has been said?

Werner's struggles have given rise to reports that he is unhappy at Stamford Bridge and Tuchel was asked at a press conference if the 25-year-old wants to go back to Germany.

"Stop reading, stop reading, what do you read? Read a book," the German coach replied when asked about reports of Werner's unhappiness.

"There is no book about Timo Werner. So read a book."

What else did Tuchel say about Werner?

Despite having been left on the bench twice in the last month and being told off by his coach during the 2-0 win against Everton, Tuchel said Werner should be happy with his recent form for Chelsea. 

"For Timo, I think he has no reason now to be frustrated because he had an amazing match against Liverpool, maybe his best match since I arrived," he added.

"Then he had a good match against Everton, with a lot of chances to score, which he normally is clinical enough and strong enough. He did not score. Okay, this sticks in a situation like this. This can affect his self confidence, of course, but what does it help?

"The clear advice from us is don’t focus on the result, focus on the process, get your decision-making right, get your technique right, make good decisions, for the decision take the right technique and the ball will do the rest. 

"There is simply no time to reflect on what is going to be in summer or next year. At the moment I don’t see why he should be frustrated. We gave him a little bit of time to breathe against Leeds. It was hard for him to come on, so he was not too much involved in the last 20 minutes because it was not our best game, but right now I don’t see why he should be too frustrated."

What next for Chelsea?

Chelsea face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The Blues have a 1-0 lead after the first match against Diego Simeone's team.

On Sunday they will turn their attention to the FA Cup as they take on Sheffield United in the quarter-finals.

Further reading

Kenya coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee is adamant Tanzania gave their best and disoriented the Harambee Stars especially during the first half in their 2-1 friendly win at Nyayo Stadium on Monday.

Erick Kapaito and Abdalla Hassan scored to ensure the hosts registered a second consecutive win after beating South Sudan 1-0 in the earlier friendly.

Ayub Lyanga scored the only goal for the opponents, who have engaged in their first test game ahead of the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 53-year-old has further explained why Michael Mutinda was substituted after 30 minutes with Danson Namasaka taking his place.

"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 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. Playing three games in about six days is not easy but 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."

The two teams will meet again on Thursday in another friendly. Kenya are using the matches to prepare for their Afcon qualifiers against Egypt and Togo.

The Taifa Stars are also using the matches to prepare for the games against Equatorial Guinea and Libya.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger said he had offers from PSG and Tottenham in the fall, but insisted that now he is fighting to earn a new contract under Thomas Tuchel.

Frank Lampard dropped the Germany international down to fifth in the centre-back pecking order, which led to offers from Jose Mourinho's Tottenham and Tuchel's former club PSG.

There was further interest from Barcelona, Roma and AC Milan but ultimately, the Blues opted to keep their 28-year-old central defender. He rose up to third in the pecking order but only became a regular starter after Frank Lampard was sacked in January and replaced by Tuchel.

What was said?

Rudiger admitted that he had the option to depart Stamford Bridge but that he remained calm and didn't push too hard to leave the club.

"Some things I saw coming, but I didn't see that I wouldn't be in the squad [under Lampard]. This I didn't see coming. But in the end, I took it on the chin. Yes, I had really two main teams that maybe wanted me and that I was considering," the defender said at a press conference.

"It was PSG, to be honest, and with Mourinho [at Tottenham]. But this is something that didn't happen. With Tuchel, it didn't happen. I was a bit upset because I knew that I wouldn't often play in my situation.

"Then I had a talk with the ex-coach of Lampard and I was suddenly back in the team but on the bench. I had a couple of games and I worked my way back. In the last games of his reign, I was on the pitch. Now, things are going well for me and I am very happy about it.

"To be honest, though, I always felt good in the club. They treated me nicely, especially upstairs from the board. No one told me I should leave. Neither did Frank Lampard, the transfers I had didn't happen. The loans didn't happen, but no one told me at the club that I should leave either."

Will he leave in the summer?

Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all have contracts that expire in June 2022. Meanwhile, Thiago Silva is on a one-year contract that expires in 2021 but there's a mutual option for both parties to extend it until 2022.

Rudiger was unsure how contract talks might go ahead of another round of negotiations: "At the end of the day, everyone, me and the club know how much I like this club and everything, so it’s down to people who make these types of decisions, but, at the moment for me, it’s to concentrate on important matches and targets.

"The rest, I think I’m sure we will resolve it. I always say I love it here at Chelsea, so it will be my priority number one."

Tuchel also gave his insights into the situation, with decisions to be made amid the club's interest in new central defenders this summer.

"Of course we know, everybody knows about the situation of those three players," the manager said. "All three players performed on a super high level, very reliable, this is the most important thing.

"We'll take the decisions, then communicate them when taken. This is not a secret and it's obvious that all three have performed outstandingly. Thiago is missing now for many weeks, unfortunately, which is too long, because we miss him.

"But Andreas and Toni have done a fantastic job so far, and we have to keep on going like this and the rest will be resolved."

Further reading

The U.S. women's national team has announced it will face France in a friendly on April 13 at Stade Oceane in Le Havre.

The match will be the second of a two-game European tour, with the USWNT facing Sweden in Stockholm on April 10. 

After the two-game European swing, the USWNT will have just three matches remaining before head coach Vlatko Andonovski will name an 18-player roster for the summer's Olympics.

What has been said? 

“We feel really fortunate to be able to get these two games during the April match window,” Andonovski said in a news release.

“Playing France in France is one of the most difficult games we could schedule and that’s exactly what we are looking for in the lead-up to the Olympics.

"They have top-class players at every position, play an exciting style and will certainly be highly motivated.

"They will present a lot of challenges that we will have to overcome both defensively and in the attack.”

USWNT history against France

The match in Le Havre will be the first time the two sides have met since the 2019 World Cup quarter-final. Megan Rapinoe scored twice in that match to send the USWNT to the semi-final with a 2-1 win, eliminating Les Bleues on home soil.

France defeated the USWNT 3-1 in Le Havre in January 2019, the most recent defeat the U.S. has suffered. Since that match, the USWNT has not lost in 37 consecutive matches. 

Overall, the USWNT and France have played 24 times, with the U.S. compiling a record of 18-3-3. 

USWNT looks for challenges ahead of Olympics

France will be the fourth opponent in the top 10 of the FIFA World Rankings that the USWNT has faced in 2021.

The USWNT took on Canada and Brazil at the 2021 SheBelieves Cup and will face fifth-ranked Sweden prior to the match at France. 

Following the match against France, the USWNT will likely face three quality opponents at the Tournament of Nations in June. 

Further reading

New Mbarara City coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi has promised to keep the team in the Ugandan Premier League for next season after returning for a second stint.

Mbabazi made a return to the club for the first time since he left in May 2019 on Tuesday, after coaching the side for one-and-a-half-seasons, and the Caf B License and Uefa certified tactician took over from interim coach Sadiq Sempigi, who will serve as his assistant.

“It will be a big test for us as a club since the team is making a century of top-tier games,” Mbabazi, who signed a one and half year contract, told the club’s social media pages after penning the deal.

“I thank the club president, management, and the fans for making this deal possible for me to come back home. Our main target as the technical team is to make sure the team stays in the league and we get off ourselves for the next season.

“It’s all about the players to give out their all for each and every game we are to play for us to maintain the top-flight league status. I urge all the fans to always support and cheer the players whenever they are in the lead or behind.

“We call upon all our fans that shall make it to the stadium and those that won't make it for our game against BUL FC to cheer the Lions from the kick-off whistle until the final whistle.

“This game we are going to play is for you fans and we promise to give you a smile by the end of the day. Finally, I thank each and everyone that has given out all they can for the team to stand.”

Mbabazi's last station of work was at Kyetume FC, where he was fired following a string of unconvincing results, leaving after only eight months in office.

The Uganda assistant coach is expected to be on the touchline this Wednesday when Mbarara take on BUL at Kakyeka Stadium.

During his first tenure, Mbabazi handed Ankole Lions their best league position finish ever, when they finished fourth in the 2018/19 season, but faces a huge mountain to climb to repeat the feat.

The Ankole Lions are 12th on the 16-team league table with only 13 points prior to the end of the league’s first round and have managed three wins, four draws, and lost seven matches in the process.

Besides Kyetume FC in both the Big league and Premier league, Mbabazi has previously coached Wakiso Giants, Onduparaka FC for two stints, Bright Stars, Lweza, Masavu, and the Somalia national team.

Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations star Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has been drafted into Ghana’s senior set-up for the upcoming Afcon 2021 qualifying matches against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

Only 16, the attacker, who captained Ghana at the Wafu Zone B U17 Cup in Togo earlier this year, first caught attention at the U20 Afcon finals with an audacious goal from the half-way line to help the Black Satellites to a 4-0 opening day victory over Tanzania.

He went on to win the Best Player award at the end of the tournament. He currently plays for Steadfast FC in the Ghana second-tier league.

He has been summoned to the Black Stars, alongside Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim and Dreams right-back Philemon Baffour.

“Black Stars head coach C.K Akonnor has handed call up to three players of the victorious Black Satellites squad,” the Ghana Football Association has announced on its official website.

“The trio, Ibrahim Danlad, a goalkeeper of Asante Kotoko who was adjudged the overall best goalkeeper of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania, Philemon Baffour of Dreams FC who plays at right back and Fatawu Issahaku, a player of Division One side Steadfast FC who was also adjudged the overall best player of the Nations cup.

“The three players will team up with the rest of the squad on Tuesday, March 16, to continue preparation for the two remaining Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“Ghana will take on South Africa on Match 25 before hosting São Tomé and Principe four days later.

“The Black Stars sit at the top of Group C with 9 points and are in search of a ticket to the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.”

A squad of 24 players, including China-based duo Mubarak Wakaso and Emmanuel Boateng, are already in camp preparing for the upcoming games.

Ghana are set to travel for a March 25 meeting with South Africa before returning to host Sao Tome and Principe three days later.

Currently top of qualifying Group C, Akonnor’s side will book a place at Cameroon 2021 with a win in at least one of the two games.

West Ham United have announced that Ajibola Alese has signed a new contract with the Premier League side.

The 20-year-old has been with the Hammers since the age of seven and will continue his stay at London Stadium until the summer of 2023.

The defender is currently on loan with League Two club Cambridge United and has made two league appearances for the club since his arrival in February.

The centre-back has expressed his delight after signing the new deal with the Hammers and revealed he has learnt so much since joining the side.

“I’ve been here since the age of seven, so to come through and sign a new contract is an amazing feeling,” Alese told West Ham TV.

“It’s a dream of mine to play for West Ham, so to be offered a new contract just shows that I’m going in the right direction.

“There are so many memories that I have here already. There are so many coaches who have given me little pieces of advice here and there that have helped me towards where I am today.

“I’d also like to thank my family, of course; God; and my friends, who have always supported me.

“West Ham means everything. It’s part of my family – I can’t describe it. West Ham is part of my blood now.”

First-team coach Kevin Nolan also expressed his pleasure after Alese sealed the deal and looks forward to working with him after the end of his loan at Cambridge.

“It’s fantastic that Aji has become the latest young player to commit his future to the Club. He is one of a talented group we hope will go on to break through and establish himself in the first team in the future,” he continued.

“He is currently out on loan and we are hoping he is going to get some more minutes before the end of the season, because that is the next step in his progression as a young player, to learn what is required to play senior football on a regular basis.

“We did a lot of work with Aji on the training field last year when he came back from his loan spell at Accrington. He’s a great lad, with a very good attitude towards his development, and he took a lot on board, in terms of what we expect from him and the targets he needs to set himself.

“I’m looking forward to working more often with Aji in the future. He’s a local boy from east London, which is such a big thing for this Club and our fans, and I can see how much it means to him to be here.

“He has a lot of hard work in front of him, and a long way to go, but I’m sure he will give it 110 percent to get to where he wants to be.”

Simba SC have put one foot in the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League after a 3-0 win over Al Merrikh at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Luis Miquissone, Chris Mugalu, and Mohamed Hassan struck once each to ensure Wekundu wa Msimbazi got a vital win in Group A.

The hosts came into the match as clear favourites owing to their quality and recent run in the competition. They had collected seven points from the initial three matches, as compared to their opponents who had managed one.

It seemed the odds were against the Red Devils as Abdelrahman Isaac, Bakhit Khamis, Ahmed Abdelmoneim, Tajeddin Yaqoub, Ramadan Ajab, Tony Edjomariegwe, Bakri Al Madina, and Saif Ad Damazin were ruled out of the game after testing positive for Covid-19 prior to the start of the match.

The hosts needed just 18 minutes to open the scoring when poor defending allowed the ball to reach Clatous Chama, who picked out the unmarked Miquissone. The Mozambican had no problem finding the back of the net to score his second of the tournament.

In the 22nd minute, it seemed the Sudanese heavyweights would pull level when Jamaican Darren Mattocks managed to get past his marker, but Harambee Star Joash Onyango pulled a last-ditch tackle to save his team.

Moments later, Congolese Mugalu had an opportunity to get his name on the score sheet when he was cleverly played in by Ghanaian Bernard Morrison, but he shot over the bar from about 10-yards out.

Simba were comfortable on the ball and stretched their opponents who at some point looked lost after failing to penetrate the defence.

Mnyama were rewarded for their persistence in the 39th minute when captain Hussein was let loose on the left wing and Morrison picked him out. The left-back kept his cool before slotting the ball past Monged Abuzaid.

After the half-time break, the 21-time Tanzania Mainland League champions needed just five minutes to score the third goal. Miquissone crossed the ball to Mugalu who chested it down before hitting home and scoring his second goal in this season's edition.

In another Group A game, defending champions Al Ahly defeated their hosts AS Vita 3-0 in Kinshasa. 

Mohamed Sherif, Mohamed Magdi Kashfa, and Taher Mohammed scored the goals for the Egyptian giants.  

As it stands, Simba lead the standings with 10 points, three more than the second-placed champions while the Congolese outfit are in third with four points. Al Merrikh are at the bottom with one point.

Bernd Leno has expressed his belief that the "bad atmosphere" at Arsenal has been lifted in recent months, but he still thinks a top-four finish will be "very difficult" for the Gunners to achieve.

Arsenal endured a nightmare start to the 2020-21 campaign which saw them briefly flirt with a potential relegation battle as Mikel Arteta struggled to build on the platform of last season's FA Cup triumph.

Signs of improvement have been clear since the turn of the year, with a 2-1 derby victory over Tottenham on Sunday marking their latest step forward, but Leno still doubts whether the Gunners will qualify for the Champions League.

What's been said?

"We are completely lacking the consistency," the Arsenal goalkeeper told  Kicker ahead or a Europa League last-16 second-leg clash against Olympiacos on Thursday.

"In autumn we had big problems, a bad atmosphere… and we turned the corner.

"Now we’re at least getting a taste of the Europa League again. [To qualify for the] Champions League will be very, very difficult."

Where are Arsenal in the Premier League table?

Despite having won three, drawn one and lost just one of their last five top-flight fixtures, Arsenal are currently sitting down in 10th in the standings, a whopping 30 points behind leaders Manchester City.

Arteta's men are also 10 points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, but they still have 10 matches left to close that gap having played a game less than their London rivals.

North London derby boost

Arsenal produced arguably their best performance of the season to date to see off Tottenham at the weekend, with Martin Odegaard and Alexandre Lacazette finding the net to cancel out Erik Lamela's stunning opener at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were the better team right from the first whistle and managed to limit Spurs' considerable attacking threat thanks to a combination of defensive discipline and a relentless high pressing system, with Leno hopeful that the result can act as a springboard to bigger things.

"Hopefully, it will increase the level of confidence of the team and the belief that we can play really well against any opponent, we can beat big teams as well and just maintain everybody together with a big belief," he said.

"We know we have to put four or five wins together in a row to give ourselves any chance of looking up in the table, but we are ready for a fight."

Leno's record for Arsenal in 2020-21

Arteta decided to keep faith with Leno over Emiliano Martinez ahead of Arsenal's latest campaign after his recovery from injury, with the club's back-up keeper subsequently completing a big-money move to Aston Villa.

That decision has since been questioned due to Martinez's superb start to life at Villa Park and Leno's struggles for form at the Emirates, and Mat Ryan was brought in on loan from Brighton in January to provide extra cover.

Leno has managed to hold onto the number one spot, though, and has 11 clean sheets to his name from 36 games across all competitions so far this term.

Further reading

The Galician derby, which pits together the two biggest clubs in Spain’s northwestern Galicia region – RC Celta and RC Deportivo La Coruna – is famed for creating one of the fieriest atmospheres in European football.

The two sets of supporters are united by language, heritage and weather… but absolutely cannot agree about one thing: football.

Galicia isn’t what comes to mind when you think of Spain; cold, wet and bonded to the Atlantic Ocean – upon which the local economy heavily relies – the region has a unique identity and is in many ways culturally set apart from the rest of Spain.

Gallegos, as the locals are known, are tough people and have over the years developed a truly unique footballing culture.

These are two clubs of great tradition, too. Although Celta – whose players are known as Olivicos in tribute to a famous olive tree which once stood in the city of Vigo – have never won a major trophy, they have spent over 50 years in the top flight, more than their local rivals Deportivo, and lived their most successful years through the late 90s and early 00s.

Depor, meanwhile, are one of just nine clubs to have ever won the LaLiga title, lifting the trophy once back in 2000. They also won the Copa del Rey in 1995 and 2002, enjoying some of their best years in the 90s and early 00s – just like Celta. The rivalry between them is both brotherly and ferocious.

This derby is so much more than 90 minutes of football. It’s all about identity.

Pride, honour, and the chance to be top dog in Galicia are all on the line.

Benni McCarthy is regarded as one of the greatest strikers in South African football history; the Cape Town-born Bafana Bafana record holder made his LaLiga debut with RC Celta in 1999 and enjoyed a reasonably successful first few years in the Spanish league making 60 appearances for the club – the highest of any South African - before hitting his stride in the early 2000s.

McCarthy went on to join FC Porto and was part of the 2003 Champions League-winning team, scoring a total of 58 goals from 124 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2006.

McCarthy’s memorable derby contribution took place back in April 2000 at Abanca Balaidos. It was a match that featured a host of both Spanish and international talent, including the likes of Cameroonian legend Jacques Songo’o, Mauro Silva, Djalminha, Roy Makaay for Depor, and Jose Manuel Pinto, Claude Makelele, Valeri Karpin and McCarthy for Celta.

The home side took the lead early on when a Gustavo Lopez cross was not dealt with by the visiting defence and found its way to The Assassin.

The South African made no mistake from inside the box to open the scoring after just four minutes. Looking to draw level, Depor put in a dangerous ball into the box which Pinto cleared with a strong punch, only to see the game called back as Juanfran was judged to have struck the back of a Depor player’s head – for which he saw red.

Celta went in ahead at the break, but down to 10 men. It didn’t take long for the hosts to draw level following the restart, however, with Turu Flores firing in a sensational strike which gave Pinto no chance in the Celta goal.

Despite playing with one man less, Celta regained control of the game, and struck the winning goal seventeen minutes from time when Gustavo Lopez beat Songo’o in the Depor goal with a smart finish. The game finished 2-1, handing local bragging rights to Celta – temporarily. Despite the loss, Depor would go on to win the LaLiga title that season.

They’d also become a fixture in European football in the ensuing years, beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2001 and reaching the Champions League semi-final.

In fact, Celta too played Champions League football not long after, in 2003.

Both sides have boasted genuinely top class players over the years, including Rivaldo, Juan Carlos Valeron, Makaay, Alexander Mostovoi, Michel Salgado, Sylvinho and Diego Tristan.

Galician football’s most high-profile days may now have passed, but one thing is certain: these two sides are bona fide sleeping giants with the tradition and fanbase to one day replicate their glory days and return to the top of Spanish football.

Pep Guardiola says his Manchester City class of 2020-21 will remain the worst of his spell at the Etihad Stadium until they win a trophy.

Four pieces of silverware remain up for grabs this season, with the Blues looking to chase down a historic quadruple.

Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League crowns are there to be shot at by a star-studded squad, but Guardiola is reluctant to give his players big billing until tangible success has been enjoyed.

What has been said?

Quizzed on where his current side rank on a list of trophy-winning teams from his recent past, Guardiola told reporters: “Right now, it (the team) is worse than the previous ones as those teams won the lot and they’ve won nothing this year.

“We are waiting for results, titles we can lift, that’s why the previous Man City won and this team still have to prove it.”

How is City’s quadruple bid going?

The Blues remain in complete control of the Premier League title race this season, with a 14-point lead held over the chasing pack.

A fourth successive Carabao Cup final will be graced in April, while an outing against Everton on Saturday will offer City a shot at the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Prior to that, Guardiola’s side have the second leg of a Champions League last-16 encounter with Borussia Monchengladbach to take in – with a 2-0 aggregate lead held in that contest.

Can City complete a clean sweep?

Anything is possible from this stage, with the likes of Bernardo Silva and Oleksandr Zinchenko talking up the Blues’ claims to a quadruple.

Guardiola has, however, sought to rein in expectations by saying in response to comments from his players: “I am older than Mr Zinchenko, I have more experience and I don't agree with him.

"Four titles has never happened [in England] before and I think it is not going to happen. We just think about the next one and then Goodison Park.

"Hopefully the players can come back safe and well from the international break because we play for important things."

Further reading

Taifa Star Simon Msuva believes his team Wydad Athletic Club will eliminate Simba SC if they happen to meet in the latter stages of the Caf Champions League.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi lead Group A with seven points from the three games they have played while the Moroccan heavyweights are top of Group C with maximum points from three games as well. Despite insisting the Emperor have what it takes to eliminate Mnyama, he believes the latter can go all the way to win the annual competition. 

"If it happens that we meet Simba in the competition, it will be special because I will be playing a team from home," Msuva told Azam TV.

"It will be a tough game but I am sure we will emerge victorious. We will always grind results wherever we are playing.

"I follow Simba because they are representing the country. They are doing well and I take the opportunity to thank the players, the technical bench, fans and the management because they are the reason why the team is doing well.

"Now I challenge the players to continue giving their best and not let the praise they are receiving get into their heads.  

"I believe with good organisation and hard work they can advance, reach the latter stages and even win the competition. It is possible."

The 27-year-old further shed light on the difference between the Botola Pro and the Tanzania Mainland League.

"Moroccan league is always ranked among the best in the continent because of their quality," Msuva continued.

"They have good infrastructure and organisation, and they have good pitches to play on. 

"Back in Tanzania, we have talent, yes, but we have limited facility in terms of stadiums."

What is next for the player?

"I still have a dream of playing in Europe, I am giving my best and hope God will help me someday. My agents are working on it as well. My dreams have not ended here in Morocco."

The forward is expected to be part of the Tanzania squad that will play Equatorial Guinea and Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Taifa Stars have to win the two games to qualify for the finals in Cameroon.