Looking for Soccer News?

Robert Lewandowski is now the second-highest scorer in Bundesliga history after his latest strike helped Bayern Munich to victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday. 

The Poland sharpshooter took his tally to 32 in 2020-21 with the third goal in Bayern's 3-1 triumph, which keeps them at the top of the pile in the German top flight. 

Only Die Roten legend Gerd Muller has scored more than Lewa in the division, although he faces a stiff challenge to topple Der Bomber from the summit. 

Second in the standings

Lewandowski went into Saturday's game with 267 Bundesliga goals to his name, just one behind Klaus Fischer as the third most prolific striker of all time in Germany. 

He now sits alongside Fischer after finishing from close range to put Bayern 3-0 up after 67 minutes at the Wohninvest Weserstadion. 

Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry had already hit for the reigning Bundesliga champions, while Niclas Fullkrug hit a late consolation for the hosts with five minutes remaining. 

The Pole's 268 goals in the top flight have come in just 345 games, compared to the 535 matches it had taken Fischer to reach his final tally. 

That computed to a strike-rate of a goal roughly every 1.25 outings, a stunning ratio that puts him among the world's deadliest finishers. 

Seventy-four of his strikes came while representing Borussia Dortmund, while at Bayern he has hit 195 in 215 games.

If anything, Lewandowski is only getting better with age, scoring a personal-best 34 in 31 last season - a figure he is poised to smash now, with 32 in just 24 matches to date. 

Whether that will be enough to overtake Muller, though, is still open to debate. 

The man to beat 

Muller, nicknamed Der Bomber due to his explosive ability in front of goal, smashed 365 goals in 427 games to average one every 105 minutes during his brilliant spell at Bayern during the 1960s and 70s. 

Lewandowski's strike-rate is in fact slightly superior to the great's, but time is against him as he still trails by 97 goals. 

At his current rhythm he would need three more seasons to take the record in his own right, a tight schedule considering that he turns 33 in August. 

But the forward shows no sign of slowing down, and while he is unlikely to take the milestone Lewandowski has the ability and longevity to run Muller very close indeed in his remaining years at the top. 

What did Lewandowski have to say?

"I am proud to reach a number of #268 goals in the #Bundesliga like legendary Klaus Fischer," Lewandowski said on Twitter. "I always want my goals to help us win new titles with @FCBayern."

Further reading 

Atletico Madrid has finished in the top three in La Liga for the past eight seasons, but have only come out on top once, back in 2013-14.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Diego Simeone's side has been a contender for many years, but have found it difficult to end the duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona as the best team in Spain.

A strong start to the season has put Atletico Madrid in a good position to challenge this season, while they also secured qualification from their Champions League group behind holders Bayern Munich.

Atleti won 10 of the first 12 games in 2020-21 before coming crashing down to earth with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of local rivals Real Madrid in December.

However, a draw in the return fixture against Real in March leaves them in a great position heading into the last games of the season.

How to watch Getafe vs Atletico Madrid on US TV

Atletico Madrid currently sits at the top of La Liga, but has seen Barcelona and Real close the gap in recent weeks.

A 2-1 win over Athletic Club in midweek re-established the six point gap at the summit, keeping pressure on Atleti's title rivals.

Getafe has won just one of its last five games in the league and are not fancied to pick up a good result on Saturday.

Jaime Mata is the main absentee for the hosts as he is suspended for this game.

Simeone has been boosted by the return of Jose Gimenez to training, but the defender is unlikely to feature.

Atleti could decide to rotate their squad with a game against Chelsea coming up.

The Blues hold just a 1-0 lead from the first leg, giving Atleti a small chance of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Getafe vs Atletico Madrid can be streamed in the US through Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial and kicks off at 10:45am PT and 1:45pm ET.

Atletico Madrid on US TV in La Liga

All of Atletico Madrid's La Liga games can be watched live on Fanatiz.

Atletico Madrid in La Liga table

Atletico Madrid remains at the top of La Liga, with a five-point lead over Real Madrid.

Goals from Luis Suarez have helped propel Atleti to the top of the table, but they will need strong results in the next few weeks to stay clear at the summit.

Following the game against Getafe, Simeone's men will look ahead to matches with Alaves, Sevilla and Real Betis.

Watch La Liga live on Fanatiz.

Chippa United became the first team to reach the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after securing a 2-1 win over Richards Bay at Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

The Chilli Boys would have been wary of the Natal Rich Boys, who had shocked Kaizer Chiefs in the Last 32 match early last month.

Goals from Thabani Dube and Siyabonga Vilane inspired Richards Bay to a 2-1 victory over record 13-time Nedbank Cup winners, Chiefs at the iconic FNB Stadium.

The Natal Rich Boys conceded an early goal following a defensive mix up in the box and the ball fell kindly for Anthony Laffor in the fifth minute. 

The former Mamelodi Sundowns winger made no mistake as he fired past Richards Bay goalkeeper Ludwe Mpakumpaku with an exquisite finish to make it 1-0 to Chippa.

The visitors launched attacks as they looked to beat Ayanda Mtshali in the Chilli Boys' goal-posts, but they could not find the back of the net and the hosts were leading at the interval.

Chippa doubled their lead 13 minutes into the second-half after some good work by Augustine Chidi Kwem in the Richards Bay box.

The Nigerian hitman controlled the ball well, before setting up Maloisane Mokhele, who beat 2019 Nedbank Cup winner Mpakumpaku hands down to make it 2-0 to Chippa.

Richards Bay head coach Simo Dladla introduced Vilane in the 70th minute with the former AmaZulu FC striker having come off the bench to score against Chiefs.

Vilane proved to be an impact player once again as he hit the back of the net in the 90th minute to make it 2-1 after the Chilli Boys defence was exposed. 

However, Vilane's late goal was a mere consolation for Richards Bay as Chippa held on to their slender lead in stoppage time and ultimately, they emerged 2-1 winners on the day. 

The Nedbank Cup quarter-final action will continue on Sunday with Black Leopards set to host their Limpopo rivals, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at Thohoyandou Stadium.

While Cape Town All Stars will square off with Pretoria Callies at Danie Craven Stadium in the battle between two National First Division (NFD) teams.

The last quarter-final encounter will be between PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates and it is scheduled to take place in Pretoria on April 15. 

After winning the Golden Boot with 24 goals from 37 games while at his former club Gornik Zabrze, FC Goa striker Igor Angulo has won the ISL Golden Boot in his first year in India.

Angulo won the race for the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) Golden Boot with 14 goals from 21 games. ATK Mohun Bagan forward Roy Krishna also had 14 goals to his name but Angulo's better goal-per-minute ratio helped him win the contest. 

After his goal against Mumbai City in the first leg of the first semi-final, Angulo equalled Roy Krishna's tally of 14 goals and lead the chart on account of a better conversion ratio (a goal in every 118 minutes) as compared to the Fijian (a goal every 147 minutes).

The FC Goa talisman has been a success in his maiden season with the club and despite the Gaurs' exit from the play-offs, the Spaniard finished at the top of the goal scorer's chart based on this season's change in rules in determining who wins the Golden Boot.

It must be noted that last season when there were as many as three strikers (Bartholomew Ogbeche, Nerijus Valskis and Krishna) who topped the goalscorers chart with 15 goals, the winner was decided based on the number of assists. Both Valskis and Krishna had registered six assists from 20 and 21 games respectively and the Lithuanian won the individual award on account of playing fewer minutes, while Ogbeche scored as many times in just 16 games but had only one assist to his name.

"It's frustrating for the rules to be changed. Last season, even Ogbeche could have won it (the Golden Boot award)," Krishna had said ahead of the ISL final against Mumbai City.

Krishna failed to get on the scoresheet in the ISL final in which Mumbai City beat ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1 to lift the trophy. The 33-year-old received the ISL Player of the Season award for his excellent performances for the Mariners.

ATK Mohun Bagan forward Roy Krishna registered 14 goals and eight assists in 23 games to be named the Golden Ball winner of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Having won the ISL with ATK last season wherein the 33-year-old had scored 15 times and registered six assists, he had missed out on the Golden Boot award to Nerijus Valskis. This season, after losing the final 2-1 against Mumbai City FC, Krishna once again finished second to FC Goa's Igor Angulo in the race to the Golden Boot.

The Fijian scored first 10 times this season including five winners that came against the likes of Kerala Blasters, Odisha, FC Goa and Jamshedpur. He also scored in both the Kolkata derby games against East Bengal.

Krishna had previously won the New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC) Golden Boot in 2012-13 season (12 goals with Waitakere United), and the A-League Golden Boot in 2018-19 (18 goals, with Wellington Phoenix) in his senior football career.

Besides being nominated for the Oceania Footballer of the Year in 2008, he was also featured in the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) OFC Men's Team of the Decade 2011-2020.

ATK Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya has won the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) Golden Glove award - a career first for the 31-year-old.

It was a two-way race between Arindam and Mumbai City's Amrinder Singh for the award going into the ISL final where Mumbai City beat ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1 on Saturday.

With both goalkeepers keeping as many as 10 clean sheets from 23 appearances including the title deciding clash, the Islanders ' goalkeeper had more saves (61) saves than Bhattacharya's 59.

However, the ATK Mohun Bagan custodian wins it with a higher minute per goals conceded ratio (108.95) as compared to by Singh's 100 minutes per goals conceded. The Bengali custodian also has the edge in terms of the number of goals conceded as he has let only 19 goals in, while Amrinder has conceded 21.

While Bhattacharya has played a total of 2070 minutes, Singh has played 2100 minutes of football this season.

Amrinder had won the award in the ISL in 2016 after winning the I-League Golden Glove with Bengaluru FC in the previous term. Arindam, on the other hand, had missed out on the award last season after finishing second behind Bengaluru custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. 

Kai Havertz was used as a false nine once again by Chelsea in their Premier League trip to Leeds, but the German fluffed his lines when chances fell his way to leave Blues boss Thomas Tuchel ruing an inability to replicate training ground efforts.

A demanding German tactician saw his unbeaten record preserved at Elland Road, with a 0-0 draw played out, but he could have had more points on the board had a more clinical edge been displayed by his troops.

Havertz, who has been moved forward out of a playmaking post and into a striking one, had sights of goal in West Yorkshire, but he was unable to make the most of any and is still looking for a spark to ignite a testing spell in English football.

What has been said?

Tuchel told reporters on the back of a goalless stalemate when quizzed on Havertz’s position and missed opportunities: “It was pretty much the same role that he had against Everton.

“Kai, I feel him comfortable in high positions. I feel him comfortable to drop into half spaces from the high position to maybe turn, drive and use his speed. But he also arrives very naturally in the box and six-yard box.

“He is comfortable in finishing in our attacks. He can clear play as a No.9, half striker or as a winger. These are his positions and today we used him again as a No.9.

“I am happy but unfortunately he couldn’t finish like he does in training and how his talent allows him to finish because we had enough chances and created enough chances for him to be the decisive guy. He is comfortable in this position and I trust him in this position.”

The bigger picture

Chelsea are 12 games unbeaten under Tuchel in all competitions and remain inside the Premier League’s top four.

An ambitious pack are bunching together in that fight, though, and there remains all to play for heading towards the finishing post.

Tuchel is looking to keep as many of his stars fresh as he can in that fight, which is being complemented by a bid for Champions League glory, and has defended his decision to make changes against Leeds.

He added: “Sometimes you make a lot of changes and sometimes you don’t make any changes at all.

“I don’t think we made many changes after Man United, Liverpool and Atletico. After Liverpool, I felt it was good to make changes to reward the guys and have fresh legs and minds against Everton.

“If you compare the line-up to the Liverpool away game, there’s not so many chances. I think there were two but of course, if you compare it to the last game it was a bit more.

“But we have a strong squad, everyone deserves to play and show themselves. At some point you have to feel the changes, there will come moments where we will not do so many changes.”

Further reading

Elvis Rupia scored the only goal to hand Kenya a 1-0 win over South Sudan in an international friendly at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

David Owino came close for the Harambee Stars in the eighth minute when he received a good ball in the danger zone. The Bright Stars defenders failed to clear the danger and the KCB player narrowly missed the target.

Both teams looked settled and tried to move forward with every opportunity they had, but the Kenyans looked a little more threatening.

In the 13th minute, captain Peter Mabok had to be on his toes to ensure dangerman Rupia did not get an opportunity to shoot after being picked out by John Macharia.

Gor Mahia striker Tito Okello had a chance to get the opening goal in favour of the visitors in the 17th minute, but despite being in a good position he failed to hit the target after the Harambee Stars' failure to clear a long throw.

Another chance went begging in the 25th minute - Joseph Ilemu got a chance on the right-wing and picked out the advancing Wol Nguet who failed to hit the target.

In the 45th minute, Rupia had the best chance of the game until then when he received the ball 16 yards from the goal but he shot over the bar.

Despite a handful of chances created by the teams, none found the back of the net in the first half.

The tempo reduced after the break as the teams resorted to cautious play. The few chances created went off target as the strikers lacked the much-needed composure to find the back of the net.

In the 65th minute, Rehan Kur managed to pick out substitute Ivan Vita in a good area. However, the latter headed wide.

Kenya replicated the same two minutes later as Baraka Badi played in Abdalla Hassan who headed over the bar.

With 15 minutes to go Kenya, finally, managed to broke the deadlock. Danson Namasaka was given acres of space on the right and he crossed the ball to Rupia who had no problem guiding the ball home.

No real chances were created thereafter and the hosts ran out deserved winners on home soil.

Harambee Stars XI: Omar Adisa, Johnstone Omurwa, Nahashon Alembi, Baraka Badi, Boniface Onyango, Collins Shichenje, Danson Namasaka, John Macharia, Abdallah Hassan, David Owino, Elvis Rupia

Subs: Joseph Okoth, Kevin Kimani, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Harun Mwale, Kenneth Muguna, Kevin Simiyu, James Mazembe, Musa Masika, Olivier Maloba, Reagan Otieno, Henry Atola

South Sudan XI: Mawith Majak, Peter Mabok, Mutwakil Youm, Rehan Kur, Omot Okuer, Jackson Obede, Stephen Deng, Johnson Wande, Tito Okello, Joseph Muyang, Wol Nguet.

Subs: John Diing, Nassir Katanga, James Amadu, Godfrey Okello, Dominic Aroma, Emmanuel Bullen, Asad Musa, Mandela Lujang, David Mangar, Samuel Kiir, Ivan Vita, David Majak

Sergio Aguero is seeing a move to Barcelona mooted once his contract at Manchester City comes to a close, but the Argentine striker is eager to point out that no decisions on his future have been taken as yet.

As things stand, the 32-year-old frontman is due to drop into the free agent pool this summer.

He is assured of legend status at the Etihad Stadium, given his title-winning exploits and club-record goal haul, but a fresh start is being mooted as admiring glances are reportedly shot in his direction from Camp Nou.

What has been said?

Aguero is aware of the rumours but insists there is no substance to them as yet, saying on his official Twitch channel: “They are all writing Barca, Barca, Barca.

“Let's hold on a little, have a look. Stop. We are still with City.”

Aguero’s record at Man City

The South American frontman was snapped up by City from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011.

A £35 million ($49m) fee has been made to look like quite the bargain across 10 memorable years in Manchester.

Aguero’s debut campaign with the Blues saw him net the most dramatic of final day winners against QPR to secure City a first Premier League title.

A further three crowns have been landed since then, along with five League Cups and a FA Cup triumph.

Aguero has taken in 382 appearances across all competitions and found the target on 256 occasions.

What does the future hold for Aguero?

There is still time for City to thrash out fresh terms with a proven frontman, but he has endured injury struggles this season and been restricted to just 12 outings – with only two goals scored.

Pep Guardiola’s side have started to move in a different direction, with a striker-less system favoured on a regular basis, and there has been talk of another leading marksman being brought in.

Aguero has admitted in that past that would like to finish his career back in Argentina at Independiente, but there could be one more challenge to take on in Europe before that move is made.

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp believes Ben Davies can follow the example shown by Andy Robertson as he settles into life at Liverpool.

The 25-year-old has not played a single minute since joining the Reds from Preston on the final day of the winter transfer window, with Klopp insisting that the centre-back must adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

Davies has been on the bench four times so far, including for Wednesday’s Champions League win over RB Leipzig, in which Ozan Kabak and Nat Phillips starred at the heart of the Reds’ defence. He is likely to feature in the squad again when Liverpool visit Wolves in the league on Monday night.

What's been said?

Speaking at a press conference to preview that trip to Molineux, Klopp told reporters: “Ben Davies had to adapt, that was always clear.

“A lot of players came here to Liverpool and maybe the most famous example is Andy Robertson, who took half a year to settle in in a normal season, where pretty much everything else was kind of settled.

“He’s a really good player but he has to get used to all the stuff here. That’s how it is. We have options, and hopefully it will stay like this.”

How have Liverpool looked at centre-back?

Klopp has revealed he has been impressed by the form of Kabak and Phillips, who are almost certain to continue against Wolves.

He added on the duo: “There is no test now, or whatever. It’s not a testing period about a long-term future or whatever. We will see. I hope they will stay fit, but I cannot sit here and give guarantees for these kind of things. I heard nothing different, so I think they will still be available [for the Wolves game].

“It looked good, and if they are physically ready to go again, which I hope, then why should I change it? We want to have consistency, and we never had that. Hopefully they can play a lot of games, if not all of them.”

He was asked if Davies, who cost an initial £500,000 when joining at the start of February, may need to wait until next season before his chance arrives.

Klopp replied: “I don’t make these kind of judgements. I don’t tell Ben now he just has to train until the middle of May and then we will take it further. It will take as long as it takes.

“It was clear we would not start with two new centre-halves if we don’t have to, because of the situation. The position, it’s really important that the boys in the last line are used to each other, and the more games they can play together the better. That’s why we have figured a bit here and there and tried to make it as consistent as possible – but a lot of things disturbed that process!

“Ben will play when he plays. That’s how it is.”

Anything else of note from the press conference?

Klopp hinted that Roberto Firmino could return to the squad after missing the last two games with a knee issue.

“We have the medical meeting actually after the press conference – sorry! – so they will give me more information about that,” he said. “We will see, two more days, hopefully.

“[It] looks like in the moment [everybody else is fit].”

Further reading

Cristiano Ronaldo has posted a reassuring message for Juventus supporters, insisting that he is focused on achieving the club's goals for the rest of the season despite their exit from the Champions League.

Ronaldo, 36, joined Juve from Real Madrid in 2018 and has scored 92 goals in 121 appearances in all competitions although has failed to inspire the Serie A champions in Europe's premier competition.

Juve's exit at the hands of Porto at the last-16 stage on Tuesday night sparked rumours over Ronaldo's future, and that he could be on his way out of the club in the summer, but the Portugal captain remains committed to the cause.

What has Ronaldo said?

Ronaldo wrote in a message posted on his Instagram page which began: "More important than the number of falls you take in life, is how fast and how strong you get back on your feet... true champions never break!

"Our focus is already in Cagliari, in the Serie A struggle, in the Italian Cup final and in everything that we can still achieve this season.

"It’s true that the past belongs in museums (I should say!), but fortunately, football has memory... and so do I! History can’t be deleted, it’s written every single day with resilience, team spirit, persistence and lots of hard work.

"And those who don’t understand this, will never achieve glory and success."

What has Pirlo said?

Speaking to reporters prior to Juve's Serie A clash with Cagliari, head coach Andrea Pirlo has insisted that there is no problem with the forward and that he is not surprised by the rumours surrounding his future.

He said: "Ronaldo is fine. It's natural that he's disappointed by what happened the other night in the Champions League, he trained very well and has recovered to play tomorrow against Cagliari.

"It's natural there are rumours after the elimination, he's the most important player in the world alongside Leo Messi.

"He has always done well for us, scoring 90-odd goals and he has more than proved his worth."

The rumours about Ronaldo's future

Former Juventus president Giovanni Gigli has urged the club to get rid of Ronaldo at the end of the season and described his signing as a mistake.

It has been reported that he could be on his way back to Real Madrid, with head coach Zinedine Zidane having said that Ronaldo is "magnificent" when asked about his side's possible interest this week.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo said the French champions are paying attention to Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's situations but said there are no plans in place to sign either of the stars at this moment in time.

Further reading

Eden Hazard is working his way back from another injury setback at Real Madrid, with the last six weeks spent on the sidelines, but Goal has learned that the Belgian is working harder than ever to repay the faith shown in him by the Blancos and Zinedine Zidane.

A back problem has prevented the 30-year-old forward from making an impact of late, with just 13 appearances taken in across all competitions this season.

Hazard is, however, back at Zidane’s disposal for a meeting with Elche on Saturday and is determined to make up for the lost time that has continued to stack up at Santiago Bernabeu.

What is Hazard doing differently?

It is no secret that the Belgium international has never been the biggest fan of hard work behind the scenes.

He has always been eager to point out that his energy is best saved for out on the field, with productive careers for club and country allowing him to justify methods that may not be to everyone’s liking.

Goal has, however, learned that Hazard has been hitting the gym harder than ever of late.

Having facing regular questioning of his weight in the past, every effort is now being made to get himself into the best possible shape.

What else has he been doing?

It is not just the physical side of his game that Hazard has been working on, with the importance of being mentally strong also being embraced.

Another fitness setback in early February hit the Blancos winger hard, with understandable frustration in danger of spilling over.

Rather than wallow in self misery, Hazard ensured that he surrounded himself with positive people and those who know him best.

He has said that injuries are “not the end of the world for me because I can spend time with my kids”, with a strong support network being set up.

How many games has Hazard missed through injury?

Frequent spells on the treatment table have seen Hazard restricted to just 2,176 minutes of competitive football for Real across 35 games.

Since making a high-profile €100 million (£86m/$120m) move from Chelsea in 2019, only four goals and seven assists have been contributed to the Blancos cause.

His latest spell on the sidelines have led to seven games being sat out, to go with the 17 others he has already missed through injury this season.

In total, Hazard has been ruled out of 50 fixtures for Real across less than two campaigns.

What has been said?

Zidane has continued to show unwavering belief in Hazard despite being without an expensive asset more often than anyone in Madrid would have liked.

The Frenchman has said ahead of the Belgian’s latest return to action: “He looks well physically and emotionally. He's overcome all these injuries, these aches and now he looks good, that's why he's with us and I hope he can play.

“He had a lengthy injury that he hadn't had before, but he has a long contract and I think he's a player who, when he gets fit, is going to be great, I'm certain of it.

“It's difficult when a player has an injury and isn't 100%, but I'm sure he's going to do very well here.”

Hazard has vowed to get back to his best and stated that he intends to remain at the top for several more seasons.

He has told Premier Sports Network: “When it comes to the end of my career I can look back at my achievements, but my priority now is playing well and enjoying my football. I don’t think about where I will be in the next few years, I try to focus on the next match and the next training session.

“I’ve only just turned 30 so as long as my body feels good, hopefully I can keep playing for at least another five or six years.”

Further reading

Uganda Revenue Authority claimed a 2-1 Premier League win over Vipers SC at the Arena of Visions Stadium in Bombo to go top of the table on Saturday.

Shafik Kagimu and Steven Mukwala scored for the Tax Collectors before Ceasar Manzoki found the back of the net for the Venoms late in the second half.

Bbosa Byaruhanga made the first attempt on goal for Vipers in the seventh minute as the visitors settled faster than the Tax Collectors.

Joseph Dhata ensured URA were not getting an opener in the 10th minute when he reacted quickly to clear the ball from Mukwala's feet.

Benjamin Nyakoojo almost scored an own goal in the 11tth minute as he attempted to clear when Vipers' Disan Galiwango delivered a powerful and accurate cross into their area. 

A foul on Davis Ssali saw Vipers' Siraje Sentamu booked in the 16th minute of play. Thereafter, the Venoms saw their penalty appeal rejected by referee Willaim Oloya in the 20th minute when Ashraf Mugume looked to have handled the ball.

Ibrahim Orit was fouled in the 26th minute by Mukwala but the consequent free-kick did not trouble URA's Hannington Ssebwalunyo. Yunus Sentamu and Hudu Mulikyi collided as they vied for an aerial ball and the former was lucky to continue after he looked like the one who had been hit hard.

The Premier League champions almost broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Orit received a good cross from Byaruhanga but ended up heading wide from a good goal-scoring chance.

Vipers' goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora was called to action in the 39th minute when he parried away a free-kick by URA's Ivan Sserubiri that was headed for the top corner.

Kagimu scored the opener for URA in the 40th minute with a low drive to help Ssimbwa's men go into the half-time break with a slim lead.

After the break, Vipers' Allan Kayiwa would have scored an equaliser in the 50th minute but his effort went out from close range.

Fred Kajoba made changes in the 51st minute when he replaced Kayiwa and David Bagoole with Paul Mucureezi and Manzoki. Despite the changes, Vipers conceded the second goal in the 59th minute when Mukwala scored for the Tax Collectors.

Ssebwalunyo, with a superb save, denied Byaruhanga from scoring for Vipers on the hour mark as the visitors launched one attack after the other in search of goals. Eight minutes later, Sentamu wasted another chance that would have halved the deficit for the Kitende club.

Kajoba made another change in the 70th minute when Richard Basangwa came on to replace Byaruhanga before Ssebwalunyo saved URA from conceding in the 71st minute when he stopped Mucureezi's fierce shot.

Manzoki scored for the hard-working Venoms in the 74th minute before the teams broke for the second water break.

Basangwa was yellow-carded in the 88th minute for simulation when Vipers swarmed URA's area in search of an equaliser.

Additional minutes were not enough for Vipers to find a goal that would have seen them pick up a point away from home.

Peter Shalulile struck late to earn Mamelodi Sundowns a 2-1 Premier Soccer League victory over Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.

After Stanley Dimgba thrust Stellies ahead in the 33rd minute, Gaston Sirino hit back six minutes into the second half before Shalulile headed in the winner deep into injury time to help Sundowns open a four-point gap at the top of the PSL standings as they bid for a fourth straight league title.

Themba Zwane returned to the Sundowns starting line-up after sitting on the bench the entire Nedbank Cup Last-16 match against Polokwane City on Wednesday.

Defender Rushine de Reuck started a second straight game but was making his first PSL start for Sundowns.

Sundowns started well with Sirino having a penalty appeal turned down in the second minute after he appeared to be fouled inside the box by Mogamad De Goede.

Some persistent attacking by Sundowns was met by some spirited defending by Stellenbosch, especially in the opening 10 minutes.

But the hosts tried to get themselves into the game with Dimgba narrowly missing the target with a turn-and-shoot effort on 17 minutes.

Stellies appeared to have grown in confidence with Ashley du Preez also coming close a minute later before Dimgba was back against to test Denis Onyango in goal for Masandawana.

Dimgba was causing all sorts of problems for Lyle Lakay on the Stellenbosch right flank and on a number of occasions it took Ricardo Nascimento to stop him.

But Lakay came in handy when he deflected a Dean van Rooyen shot in the 28th minute off target.

It finally paid off for Dimgba when Sundowns poorly cleared a corner kick and the ball fell for Du Preez, and after he played in the Nigerian, Onyango had no chance to stop his powerful left-footed shot just after the half-hour mark.

The Brazilians tried to hit back shortly after conceding but Sirino found Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens uncompromising to save his low shot.

The hosts did well to contain Sundowns and even had Nathan Sinkala shooting just over bar a minute before half-time.

Four minutes into the second half, speedy Du Preez missed the target while only faced with Onyango as Nascimento battled to stop him.

But Sirino restored parity on 51 minutes when he finished after being set up by Shalulile.

The affair remained balanced and as the match appeared headed for a share of spoils, Shalulile struck deep into injury time with a fine header off an Aubrey Modiba cross.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has picked out Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane as the two Manchester United legends he would most like to have at his disposal in 2020-21.

The Red Devils boss, who formed part of the legendary 1999 Treble-winning squad at Old Trafford, played alongside a number of iconic figures before hanging up his boots in 2007.

Peter Schmeichel, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney are just some of those that the Norwegian could have selected when quizzed on dream signings , but he has plumped for midfield steel and serious goal threat in his selections.

What has been said?

Solskjaer said during a Q&A session on United’s official website: “There are a few players I’ve played with that I’d love to have in my team, of course.

“I’d love the player Roy Keane, I’m not sure if I could manage him though!”

He added: “I’d sign him every day of the week, Roy was so influential but then again, I played with Cristiano and he’s been the best player in the world alongside [Lionel] Messi for the past 10 to 15 years now, so Cristiano.

“You’d take him in your team, for sure.”

How many trophies did Keane win with United?

Keane joined United in a British record transfer from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 1993.

He would go on to spend 12 years at Old Trafford , with the captain’s armband taken on in 1997.

The combative Irishman, who set the loftiest of standards for those around him, took in 480 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 51 goals.

A glittering spell in Manchester saw him collect seven Premier League titles and four FA Cups, while he also played a key role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1999 Champions League triumph despite being forced to sit out a final date with Bayern Munich through suspension.

What about Ronaldo?

A relatively unknown Portuguese teenager was snapped up from Sporting by Ferguson in 2003 and put on a path that would lead him to sporting immortality.

Ronaldo started out as a tricky winger for United, but soon discovered that hitting the back of the net was his greatest strength.

Six years in England delivered 118 goals, three Premier League titles, a Champions League crown and the first of what is now a haul of five Ballons d’Or.

A record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid was made in 2009, allowing him to enhance a standing as an all-time great, but there will always be a special place for him in United’s rich history.

Ronaldo, now with Juventus, faces an uncertain future with the Serie A champions, with Tuesday's Champions League exit at the hands of Porto leading to suggestions he'll move on in the summer.

Further reading

Nita Ambani, the chairperson of Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) is delighted that the seventh Indian Super League (ISL) has successfully been organised amid the challenge of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. 

After the I-League qualifiers were held in late 2020, the 2020-21 ISL, which kicked off on November 20, became the first major sports competition in the country to resume after a nationwide lockdown that was enforced due to rising COVID-19 cases. 

After close to four months of uninterrupted football from inside a bio-secure bubble in Goa, ATK Mohun Bagan will take on Mumbai City in the final on Saturday. 

“Season seven has been a tribute to the real power of sport, the true glory of football,” Nita Ambani said in a video message ahead of the season finale.

“In spite of the global pandemic, despite the odds against us, the fear and uncertainty, this season of ISL has brought immense joy, cheer and celebrations back into our lives.

“I am proud of the fact that we were the first, the longest, and the most successful sports event to be held in India in these times."

She added, “An approximate of 1600 people including footballers, support staff, club and League management and the broadcast crew was housed in the strictest bio-bubble over a period of 6 months with close to 70,000 RT-PCR tests conducted by the League.”

The seventh edition of the league featured 11 clubs and saw an increase in the number of games from 95 to 115. The entire season was played behind closed doors at three stadiums in Goa following the COVID-19 safety protocols.

Ambani said, “We missed our fans dearly in the stadium, but they were with us digitally and in spirit all along the season.

“Thank you to each and every one of you in Goa and for supporting and showing your love for the beautiful game. And thank you for reaffirming our faith that sport truly has the ability to unite, to delight, and to inspire the world.”

Tanzanian sports analyst Mwalimu Alex Kashasha has said the biggest problem affecting Yanga SC is their failure to sign quality players who fit their status.

Kashasha has explained if people pay close attention to the type of players who are brought into the squad, many do not have the right attributes to match their ambitions.

“The problems costing Yanga is only one, the person or those responsible for scouting players are doing a lot of tricks by bringing players who do not have the status to play for Yanga,” Kashasha said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“For example, a player like Yikpe [Gnamien] came to Yanga and his quality was not great and he also did not have the qualities to play for the team or even make the team’s starting squad.

“The other player is striker David [Molinga] and he came with a lot of punches but he couldn't do well at the end of the day and he also left the team.

“At the moment, they signed Saidi [Ntibazonkiza], he is a good signing but the biggest problem he is injury-plagued, he cannot help the team, he is always struggling with injuries, and if you look at him, even his age seems to be gone.

“Yacouba [Songne] is also ill so you can see there is still a lot of work to be done in Yanga scouting while another striker, Michael [Sarpong], has just been running endlessly and out of 21 matches, he has only scored four goals.

“So it is important for Yanga to be able to look at the best way to do scouting to find players who will have the status to play for the team if they need success.”

As a result of a turbulent run in the second round of the Mainland Premier League, the Jangwani giants moved to fire their entire technical bench led by coach Cedric Kaze on March 7.

Though they have already appointed Juma Mwambusi on an interim basis, the team is still searching for a permanent coach to see them through the remaining 11 matches in the top-tier.