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Simba SC have formed a rallying call ahead of a Caf Champions League tie against Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Tuesday.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi will host Al Ahly at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and the former have coined 'Total War in Dar' as their slogan ahead of the key game.

"The last time we met here in Dar es Salaam we defeated Al Ahly 1-0 in 2019 and our slogan then was 'Yes, we can'," Haji Manara, Simba's spokesperson, told reporters on Friday.

"Before the last game [vs FC Platinum] we said 'War in Dar' a war that was fought in 90 minutes, it was a war of blood and sweat and we emerged victors. 

"This time around the clarion call is [Total War in Dar'. Al Ahly are a big team but we are at a point of no return we must fight them and we must win."

Manara revisited history as he backed up his arguments that Simba are destined for a home win against the Egyptian Red Devils.

"The previous home match came when we had been defeated 5-0 by both Al Ahly and AS Vita and we were laughed at," he added.
 
"But we ended up picking a 1-0 win that almost took us to the quarter-finals early. Every time we have played against Al Ahly in Tanzania, we have ended up winners. We defeated them in 1985 when they were the defending champions of Caf Club Cup Winners and the latest win was 1-0 when Meddie Kagere scored.

"We are capable of beating them again. Everyone associated with Simba has that hope that we can win on Tuesday. From the players, the technical bench, officials and fans all are hopeful."

Manara also revealed players turned down an offer to take rest days after struggling against Biashara United, eventually winning 1-0.

"The players did not take off days granted after the Biashara game because they need to train and give Tanzanians an entertaining game against Al Ahly," he continued.

"We accept that we are not at their levels but Simba always love playing big teams.

"We are psychologically prepared knowing that we have no other choice but to win on Tuesday. A win will take us closer to our target which is to qualify for the semi-final of the Champions League."

The second Group A game has come after Simba won the away match against AS Vita.

Yanga SC have given Simba SC communications officer Haji Manara a 14-day notice to publicly apologise to them for allegedly degrading their brand.

The vocal official does not shy away from taunting the 27-time Tanzania Mainland League champions, who have seemingly been rubbed the wrong way.

It is for this reason the Wananchi management has decided to act to safeguard their brand and business.

"Yanga is a big brand and recently, we celebrated 86 years since inception and the club has done great things," Yanga interim chairman Fredrick Mwakalebela told reporters on Friday.

"We have used a lot of energy and resources to grow the Yanga brand in East Africa, it is not easy work. 

"However, recently Simba spokesperson Haji Manara decided to mock our brand. As Yanga management, we have taken legal redress as required.

"Through our lawyers, we have written to Manara and demanded a public apology in the next 14 days for degrading our brand, failure in which we will take him to court." 

The official has further explained how the team is suffering from the comments made by their rival.

"We have been forced to act because that issue has brought massive problems between us and our main sponsors SportPesa," Mwakalebela continued.

"We also have another sponsor who is handling our jerseys and that is his main business. When his business is being hurt, he will raise the issue with us Yanga. 

"We have used our resources and energy to ensure we grow our brand every single day. Then someone comes from nowhere and decides to degrade our brand.

"It has brought problems with our sponsors, stakeholders and our business because even our jerseys are not selling as they should. It has also brought tension to our members. It is for this reason we have decided to take legal action."

The Wananchi chairman is confident Manara will serve as an example to others who may, in the future, degrade the team's brand. 

"Our constitution clearly states when someone decides to mock a rival team unfairly, action should be taken," he added.

"The same person has been mocking the club regularly and its leaders.

"But we have decided to keep quiet; not that we do not have answers, we have a lot to say but we have just decided to follow the right procedure which will serve as a lesson as well to anyone with intentions to spoil our brand." 

Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele says they cannot afford to take Jwaneng Galaxy for granted ahead of their Caf Confederation Cup playoff round second-leg match on February 21.

The Buccaneers secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over the Botswana champions in the first-leg encounter which took place at National Stadium in Gaborone last weekend. 

The result saw Pirates take a big step towards the group stage of Africa's secondary club tournament with Thulani Hlatshwayo, Linda Mntambo and Jean-Marc Makusu scoring for Josef Zinnbauer's side. 

Jele, who marshalled the Bucs defence and ensured that his side kept a clean sheet against Galaxy, says they know what to expect from their Southern African neighbours at Orlando Stadium. 

What's been said

"We know better now our opponents who we will be playing against after the first-leg and we're willing to give everything and fight to advance to the next round," Jele told the media. 

"We are focused and we want to go to the group stages. The preparations are going well and winning this game will boost our confidence going into the league.

"We won't take Galaxy for granted. Winning our home games will send a strong message to the other teams in this competition."

Why does it matter & what's the bigger picture?

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp says he has full confidence in "world class" goalkeeper Alisson despite costly errors in recent Premier League matches.

The 28-year-old has faced scrutiny after two clearances resulted in goals for Manchester City as they beat the Reds 4-1. He slipped up again last week when he rushed out to clear the ball and missed, allowing Jamie Vardy to put Leicester in the lead as they went on to beat the reigning champions 3-1.

What has been said

Liverpool are looking to end their three-game losing streak in the Premier League on Saturday when they host local rivals Everton and Klopp has no concerns about Alisson's quality or attitude ahead of the important fixture.

"Nothing has changed with my confidence in Alisson. We are all human beings, and Ali as well. He showed that in the last two games, that is how it is, it is not a problem," Klopp told reporters.

"It means work [to recover from mistakes] but most of the work you have to do with yourself and he is doing that. It is not about telling him he is a world-class goalkeeper, he knows that, when he gets up in the morning he looks in the mirror and sees a world-class goalie.

"Ali is too smart to ignore [the errors] completely, other personalities would not struggle, but in the end he can rely, and we can rely, on his quality, on his attitude, how focused he is in a game and all these kinds of things.

"For sure he has not had the best time in the last two [league] games but the Leipzig game was a good one to get back."

Any lingering anger at Pickford?

The last time the two sides met in October, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford tackle on Virgil van Dijk saw the star centre-back suffer a severe knee injury and he has been out of action ever since.

Despite the controversial clash and the tension between the rivals, Klopp says enough time has passed that the incident will not be on the minds of his players. 

"Nothing will be carried over," Klopp said.

"A week later, two or three when we got the diagnosis for Virgil, it is good we didn't play Everton again, let me say it like this. Now we just don't think about it, but it's still a derby and that's enough to be motivated."

Liverpool are sixth in the table heading into Saturday's match, while Everton sit three points behind them in seventh. 

Further reading

Manchester United are most commonly known as "the Red Devils", though they have taken on a slew of other nicknames throughout the history of the club.

It is "the Red Devils" moniker that has stuck, however, though its origin is interesting as the Manchester side weren't always associated with the nickname.

Goal takes a look at how Man Utd adopted the nickname, and how the logo ended up on the club's official club crest.

Manchester United were actually known as "The Heathens" in the early days of the club, dating to when they were established in 1878. Back then, they were first known as "Newton Heath Football Club".

They only renamed themselves as Manchester United in 1902 as part of their club rebrand, when their most common name was simply just "United".

In 1945, when the legendary Sir Matt Busby took over the club, he introduced a wealth of youth players into the side which led to them being called "The Busby Babes" by the press.

After the tragedy of the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, however, which claimed 23 lives, and those of eight players - Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Billy Whelan - the nickname "The Busby Babes" was deemed inappropriate and subsequently retired.

Busby, then, sought out a new nickname for the side, and drew inspiration from the English rugby side Salford that had toured France in the 1930s.

Their kit consisted of a red shirt, with the French press branding them as "Les Diables Rouges" - which translates to "the Red Devils".

Busby liked the nickname, feeling that the allusion to the devil instead of the more angelic "Babes" sounded more intimidating, and so the club began officially implementing the devil logo into the matchday programmes and scarves.

The club badge was officially redesigned in 1970, now with the signature devil with a pitchfork that has now become synonymous with the team.

Manchester United's official club mascot, named Fred the Red, is himself an anthropomorphic "red devil" as a nod to the club's nickname. He wears the number 55 shirt.

Yanga SC winger Carlos Carlinhos has claimed he is still a player for the club and will be ready to play when the coach feels he needs to.

The Angolan star has struggled with a knee injury since joining the side at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, a setback that saw him miss most of the first-round matches in the Mainland Premier League, including the derby against rivals Simba SC.

And despite recovering at the tail end of the first round matches, Carlinhos was included in Yanga’s squad for the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar but was later withdrawn after his injury recurred yet again, forcing the club to release him and return to Dar es Salaam for further treatment.

However, the player has now returned to full training sessions but has not been handed a start since the second round of the league started, only coming on as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw against Mbeya City.

Carlinhos, who got off to a flying start at Yanga after scoring two goals and assisting two, has now said he is ready to play for the giants if and when the coach wants him to.

“I am fit at the moment because I was suffering from injuries and it really affected my performance since I was not able to play and entertain my fans,” Carlinhos said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“I'm still in Yanga so my belief is to see everything goes well and the fans continue to support us.

“As for starting or not starting in the first-team squad, I can't talk about it as it is the responsibility of the technical bench, what I know I am a Yanga player, and I am fit and ready to play if I get the chance, it is all about the technical bench to decide.”

Meanwhile, Burkina Faso star Yacouba Songne has said he adapting well to life in Tanzania after his move to Yanga at the start of the season.

“When I got here I was not very fit, I had been out for four months without playing due to a coronavirus outbreak, you will also understand first that I was coming to a new team with almost all new players, so it took time to stay fit so I could also getting acquainted with my colleagues and this is what happened,” Songne explained is slow start with the team to Sokalabongo.

At the moment there is a big change, although I am still not one hundred percent right. As I told you there was need for me to get acquainted with my colleagues but personally, I knew I had to put in the effort I put in and put in a lot of energy and my life changed and started doing well it was easy due to the cooperation of my colleagues.”

Yanga are topping the 18-team table with 46 points from 33 matches and will next face Mtibwa Sugar on Saturday.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele has admitted that he is wary of the threat that SuperSport United will pose Kaizer Chiefs while insisting "they will have to rally together to get out of this situation''.

Chiefs and United are scheduled to meet in a Premier Soccer League encounter at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Amakhosi are coming into this tie on the back of three consecutive defeats - to Orlando Pirates, Richards Bay, and AmaZulu - which sees them seven spots adrift of their opponents, who beat Cape Town City to move up to second on the log last week. 

''Obviously, after missing a couple of games through injury, I am back and I am feeling good now and I'm ready to go again,'' said Mphahlele as per the Chiefs media team.

''It's not nice to lose three games in a row, it's not nice at all and there is no other way to put it.

''Especially for a team of our calibre, where we know we have the players that can fight and give you they're all. We just have to stick together as players, we just have to keep on fighting. The only people who are going to take Kaizer Chiefs out of this situation is the current crop of players.

''There is no one else who is going to come from anywhere and take us out of this situation. We just have to work hard together, knuckle down and believe that we will turn the corner.

''I believe it's very much possible if we work together, put in a little bit of greed, and determination and just fight …you know.

''With the positive attitude, I believe we can turn the corner.''

Despite calling on his teammates to rally together to put an end to the winless run, Mphahlele also warned Chiefs of the threat that will be posed by Sipho Mbule, Tebogo Mokoena, Bradley Grobler, and Thamsanqa Gabuza.

The Amakhosi captain singled out the Matsatsantsa quartet since he believes they will present a significant barrier as they seek to return to winning ways.

''SuperSport are a team that always gives us problems and is a very difficult team to play against,'' Mphahlele added.

''We know what they are capable of. We know they have speedy wingers, they have two good midfielders in the middle of the park in Tebogo and Mbule, so we are aware of the threat that they pose.

''We are going to prepare on our side. We are aware of the threat of Gabuza, the threat of Grobler so we are very aware of those things.

''Every game gives you a different perspective. Every game gives you different challenges and we are looking forward to the challenge and we will do our best as I said. We can only prepare and try to execute what we are doing at the training pitch.''

East Bengal assistant coach Tony Grant was unhappy with the second goal conceded by his team in their 1-3 loss against ATK Mohun Bagan in the ISL 2020-21 clash at the Fatorda Stadium on Friday. 

Grant said the match could have gone either way when both teams were tied at 1-1. He, however, mentioned that the second goal scored by the Mariners was the turning point of the match and his team gifted them the goal. 

"I thought it was a good derby game. It was an honest game. Strong game. Obviously, the sloppy goal that we gave away, the second goal was the turning point. It is a derby game, it's a (goal) each and we gifted them the second goal," Grant said after the game.  

"In the derby game, the opposition did not do too much to win the game. We helped them. Both teams cancelled each other out. It wasn't great football played by both the teams. They have a ball over the top that's their gameplan. It was a big game. The second goal was the turning point. Of course. At 1-1, we had bright runs. We gifted them the goal. At 1-1 It was very hard to pick who was going to win the game," he added. 

The Englishman, however, said that he understands the importance of the derby encounter and hopes to get better next season. 

"The Indian boys know the importance of the derby. I have told the foreign boys about it. It's a huge derby. Not nice to lose them. One thing to say about football is that you always have a little chance. Should get better for the next derby coming up next season," the 46-year-old said. 

"It's not nice. I have played derbies myself. I understand the pain. The boys played the hardest. We tried. We gave a crazy goal away. The game is going to come around anyways so there is going to be an opportunity for the club to right the wrong. So next season there is definitely going to be two games against ATK (Mohun Bagan). They are also a strong team. We have seen where they're. They are well marshalled by (Sandesh) Jhingan) at the back. Hopefully next season we can turn the tables. That's football," he added.

Speaking about how East Bengal will shape up for next season, he added,  "We don't know what's happening next season. Hopefully this will be answered in the next week or so".

Hannibal Mejbri’s promotion to first-team training has been delayed due to the persistent injuries he has been suffering at Under-23 level.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently confirmed that the midfielder,  along with Shola Shoretire and Amad Diallo, would join up with his squad for training as he looks to continue his development.

However, injury issues have halted his progress, with Goal having learned that United are growing frustrated at the lack of protection the teenager is being given, with U-23s boss Neil Wood fearing he will suffer a broken leg if things don't change.

What has Solskjaer said about Mejbri?

The Red Devils boss confirmed last week that Mejbri would be making the step up to the first team. He told reporters: "We’ve moved Shola [Shoretire] up with us. Hannibal [Mejbri] will join us and we will keep them with us for a while.

"It’s the next step in their development, we’ve got to take the hit that when they play for the reserves they have to travel by themselves. It’s a nice step for them, they’ve done really well."

Why the delay?

Mejbri should have already had a few sessions with the first team, like Shoretire, but his initial promotion was delayed after he left Leigh Sports Village on crutches having suffered an ankle injury in the 6-4 win against Blackburn U-23s on February 5.

That injury problem led to him missing all of last week's training sessions with the first team, although he was then passed fit to play against Arsenal U-23s on February 12.

However, he was forced off during that game - a 3-0 United win courtesy of goals from Harvey Neville, Joe Hugill and Shoretire - with a shoulder injury and it is understood his arm was still in a sling as the first team were preparing to fly to Turin to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

What have Man Utd said about his injuries?

Under-23s manager Neil Wood has been frustrated about what he believes is a lack of protection for the teenager.

He said: "The frustrating point for Hannibal is that there must be about 15 fouls on him per game and at some point if it’s not stopped, or if the referee is not protecting him, he’s going to get his leg broken. That’s what I fear for him."

Decisions in PL2 games are assessed and monitored in the same way they are further up the leagues although there is an understanding and acceptance that, just as it is a development league for the players, the same is true for the officials.

What next for Mejbri?

Eighteen-year-old Mejbri, who has impressed since signing from Monaco in 2019, will still get his chance with the first team, with Solskjaer having been pleased with his performances at U-23 level.

That said, and even when he does start training with the rest of the first-team squad, he will still be expected to play with the U-23s.

Wood's side face Everton on February 22, with the Red Devils' second string currently fourth in the PL2 Division 1 table.

Further reading

Liverpool legend John Barnes says any future calls made by the likes of Mohamed Salah this summer will not be impacted by the final Premier League standings, with transfer talk set to be sparked regardless of what happens.

An Egyptian superstar at Anfield has seen speculation resurface regarding a potential switch to Spain, with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona among his many admirers.

It has been suggested that failure by Jurgen Klopp’s defending champions to secure a top-four finish this season could see heads turned, but Barnes doubts that will influence any big career decisions.

What has been said?

“No matter where a team finishes in the league, it will never stop a player’s head from turning against them. In the last year, despite Liverpool being Premier League champions, there has been talk of Mohamed Salah leaving the club,” Reds legend Barnes, speaking in association with BonusCodeBets, has told Goal.

“I believe the players currently at Liverpool are players that want to be playing for Liverpool, but if they don’t, winning the league or finishing in the top four, it won’t make them stay - that’s just the nature of modern football.

“There’s talk of Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG, players leaving Real Madrid and players leaving other top teams; Kevin de Bruyne hasn’t signed his contract extension with Manchester City yet, despite the likelihood of him winning the Premier League with them. So, finishing in the top four won’t make Salah want to stay and if they don’t finish in the top four, it won’t make him want to leave.”

Can Liverpool afford to lose Salah?

The 29-year-old has been a talismanic presence throughout his time on Merseyside, with 118 goals recorded through 186 appearances.

Salah is a two-time Golden Boot winner, while currently being in the hunt for a third, and has been able to maintain his impressive standards during a recent wobble from the Reds.

Quizzed on whether he has become the one player that Liverpool cannot afford to lose, Barnes added: “Liverpool wouldn’t want to lose any of their players in the transfer window, they are all important. Mohamed Salah has been excellent this season, but Sadio Mane has been fantastic also.

“He (Salah) has been scoring plenty of goals, but Mane has been equally as good in terms of his hard work, both defensively and in creating chances going forward. There isn’t a single player Liverpool can afford to lose.

“They don’t want to lose any of their best players, but I wouldn’t say that Mohamed Salah is the one player they can’t afford to lose.”

Bigger picture

Salah has hinted that his long-term future could lie outside of Anfield, but he is tied to a contract through to the summer of 2023 and it would take a sizeable offer to free him from that agreement.

For now, his future remains locked on events at Liverpool, with a side that has suffered three successive Premier League defeats for the first time under Klopp looking to snap out of their slump when they take in a home date with derby rivals Everton on Saturday.

Further reading

Jose Mourinho believes Tottenham remain in the hunt for a top-four finish this season despite slipping to ninth on the back of a disappointing run of results.

Spurs have come unstuck in four of their last five Premier League outings, leading to them falling off the pace in a battle to secure Champions League qualification.

There is, however, little to separate the European contenders from those in mid-table and there remains all to play for in north London as Mourinho’s men enter their final 15 games.

What has been said?

Mourinho has told talkSPORT: “The same way you lose three matches and go to a bad position, the same way you win three matches and go to a much better position.

“Like it happened last season, let’s keep it going until the end and let’s see what the table will give us.

“In the end, the table always gives you what you deserve and it’s very premature to think about the definition of the table.

“People still have matches in hand, and in our case we have played already two matches against Liverpool, two matches against Chelsea, two matches against Manchester City; there are other teams who haven’t played a second game against one of the top teams.

“We have one match in hand. I know already because Southampton has to play the quarter-final of the FA Cup in the same weekend we should play - I know already we are not going to play that match.

“It’s very complicated so we have to fight and we have to wait until the last match to see what happens because anything can happen.

“We can finish top four, we can finish top six or we can finish outside top six. Anything can happen and we must make sure the best possible thing can happen.”

How many points separate Spurs from the top four?

Tottenham may be some way down the Premier League standings, but they are only six points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.

They also boast a game in hand on all of the top six, meaning that forward momentum could be established.

Spurs supporters had been hoping for much more this season, with Mourinho’s men topping the table at one stage, but they can still finish with a flourish.

The bigger picture

Questions have been asked of Mourinho’s future over recent weeks, but the Portuguese is expected to at least see the season out before any drastic decisions are taken.

He could end the campaign with long-awaited silverware landed at Spurs, with a date already booked with Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

Positive progress is also being made in the Europa League, after a 4-1 win over Wolfsberger in the first leg of a last-32 showdown, and Mourinho’s track record suggests that he is perfect candidate to deliver tangible success.

Further reading

Vipers SC condemned Ugandan Premier League leaders Police FC to a 3-2 defeat at St Mary's Stadium in Kitende on Friday.

Ibrahim Orit scored twice while Ceasar Manzoki added the other goal as the Cops registered their goals from Erick Ssenjobe and Brian Mululi.

Police goalkeeper  Derrick Ochan denied Vipers' Muhamad Shaban in the 15th minute in what was the clearest chance for the hosts.

Shaban got a way past the Police backline but the Cops were saved by their custodian, who came off better in the one-on-one situation.

The Venoms opened the score in the 21st minute when Orit collected a good pass from Disan Galiwango and fired past Ochan.

The lead did not last long as Ssenjobe equalised for Police two minutes later. Yunus Ssenatmu's first touch in the 32nd minute failed him as he stood a chance to restore Vipers' lead but he could not score with the goal abegging.

Mululi scored Police's second goal in the 36th minute but the visitors suffered a setback in the 41st minute when goalkeeper Ochan was given a straight red card after handling the ball outside the area.

Coach Fred Kajoba made a change in the 45th minute when he brought on Paul Mucureezi and gave that position to David Bagoole. Mucureezi was involved in Vipers' equaliser when he delivered the ball to Orit who headed into the net in brilliant fashion.

Tom Ikara, who came on to replace red-carded Ochan, was alert, especially in the 70th minute, as he stopped Vipers from scoring on a number of quick occasions. His most notable save was when he stopped Shaban from scoring at close range.

Ssentamu will blame himself for not finding the back of the net in the 72nd minute when he blasted wide. Shaban was withdrawn in the 73rd minute and Manzoki came on. The substitute needed just three minutes to make his impact felt when he struck the winner for the league champions.

Kajoba made his final change when he took off Ssentamu and brought on former Gor Mahia and Bandari striker Dan Sserunkuma in the 88th minute. The four added minutes were not enough for Police to find a way past resolute Vipers.

Vipers SC XI: Bashir Ssekagya, Paul Willa, Disan Galiwango, Halid Lwaliwa (c), Bashir Asiku, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Ibrahim Orit, David Bagoole, Shaban Mohammad, Yunus Ssentamu.

Subs: Mutombora, Mulondo, Ssali, Kalisa, Manzoki, Mucureezi, Sserunkuma.

Police FC XI: Derrick Ochen, Denis Rukundo, Eric Ssenjobe, Muhamood Hassan, Henry Katongole, Tonny Mawejje (c), Yusuf Ssozi, Johnson Odongo, Muwadda Mawejje, Ruben Kimera, Brian Mululi.

Subs: Tom Ikara, Joseph Ssentume, Duncan Sseninde, Herman Wasswa, Tony Kiwalazi, Edward Kiryowa.

Belgian Patrick Aussems started his reign at AFC Leopards with a 2-1 loss against Bandari at Mbaraki Stadium on Friday.

William Wadri scored a brace for the Dockers while Marvin Nabwire struck for Ingwe. 

The hosts started the match on a high, putting their visitors under immense pressure.

Their good start paid dividends as Ugandan Wadri needed just five minutes to get the ball in the back of the net. It was a punishment for the 13-time league champions who started the match on a low.

It took Leopards time to settle and match the Dockers who looked hungry for more goals. In the 13th minute, the Coastal-based charges doubled their advantage. Wadri, once again, managed to get past his markers before rounding the goalkeeper and tapping the ball into an empty net.

The second goal was a wake-up call for Ingwe. They reacted by increasing their tempo and trying to possess the ball more.

The tactic worked as they managed to halve the scores in the 25th courtesy of Nabwire.

10 minutes later, the Dockers almost scored their third. Abdallah Hassan managed to get past his marker before passing the ball to the red-hot Wadri. The Ugandan easily went past Robinson Kamura but his shot was deflected for an unfruitful corner.

Neither of the two teams managed to get another goal in the first half.

After the break, Leopards came back stronger hoping to get their equalizer, but it was not easy to break a resolute Bandari defense.

The hosts limited their attacks and resorted to cautious play, and in the end, they were rewarded with maximum points. It was their fifth win this season from the 12 matches they have played. They have drawn four games and drawn the remaining three.

For Ingwe, this was their third loss in the 10 games played. They have won six matches and drawn one.

At Kericho Green Stadium, hosts Uliniz Stars defeated Sofapaka FC 2-0 to register their third win of the season. 

After a goalless first half, Omar Boraafya opened the scoring in favour of the Soldiers in the 49th minute. Oscar Wamalwa doubled the advantage from the penalty spot four minutes later to ensure his team get maximum points.

Bandari XI: Justin Ndikumana, Mohamed Siraj, Duncan Otewa, Brian Odera, Bernard Odhiambo, Collins Agade, Abdalla Hassan, Danson Namasaka, Felly Mulumba, William Wadri, Benjamin Murimi. 

Subs: Michael Wanyika, Daniel Omondi, Salim Swaleh, Keegan Zakayo, Wilberforce Lugogo, Yema Mwana, Darius Msagha

AFC Leopards XI: Benjamin Ochan, Yusuf Mainge, Robinson Kamura, Clyde Senaji, Lewis Bandi, Fabrice Mugheni, Jafari Owiti, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo, Harrison Mwendwa, Elvis Rupia

Subs: John Oyemba, Isaac Kipyegon, Tedian Esilaba, Hansel Ochieng, Said Tsuma, Caleb Olilo, Saad Musa 

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Tammy Abraham and Kai Havertz are both available to face Southampton on Saturday.

The Blues will, however, be without Christian Pulisic and Thiago Silva as Thomas Tuchel's side look to further cement their place in the Premier League's top four.

Silva, who has been struggling with a calf problem, is back in training but isn't ready to play a competitive match, while Pulisic is likely to miss out after suffering another minor muscle strain.

What has Tuchel said?

"We're very happy that Tammy is very, very good, feels very good, and he's free for training today. If things go well, he's in the squad," Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference.

"Thiago will be out, he's not ready. And there's some issues with the calf of Christian Pulisic, nothing big, it just feels tight, and he's had a bit of soreness, so there's a big question mark for Christian.

"Kai Havertz is back in training and can join us in Southampton."

Chelsea predicted XI vs Southampton

Pulisic's injury issues strike again

In what is proving a frustrating season for Christian Pulisic, the USMNT star has suffered another setback in a campaign that has seen him sustain several injuries.

Indeed, a nasty hamstring problem suffered in last season's FA Cup final saw him miss the start of 2020-21 and various other injury complaints have restricted Pulisic to just nine league starts in the current campaign.

Despite his lack of match action, Tuchel was keen to underline that that former Dortmund star remains a key player for the west Londoners.

When asked if Pulisic is part of his long-term plans, Tuchel said: "Chelsea bought Christian for a reason, his quality and potential and it is our job to get the best out of him. He has proved in many weeks he has the level to be a regular Chelsea player.

"It is the challenge now to improve and hold his level and to maintain the level, keep improving.

"We are not concerned or worried but the medical department is on that (Pulisic's injury troubles). We have little issues with the calf. He stopped training yesterday before it became an injury so I would not say it is an injury; it is risk management. And it relies on the history of injuries. We did not want to enter the same cycle.

"The main thing for Christian is to stay positive, keep his head up and be ready as he can have a big impact when he starts or off the bench with his intensity. There are absolutely no decisions made for the summer. There is simply not time for that."

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed both Fabinho and James Milner will miss Liverpool's clash with Everton this weekend.

But the Reds boss dismissed rumours of an injury to goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and could have Naby Keita available for selection for the first time since mid-December.

Klopp spoke to reporters on Friday ahead of Saturday's Anfield meeting, a game which could have huge significance in terms of both Merseyside clubs' hopes of securing Champions League qualification. 

Liverpool head into the game sixth in the table, three points above their neighbours after a run of three straight league defeats. 

Everton, too, have wobbled of late, winning just one of their last six in the Premier League.

What's been said?

Asked for a team news update, Klopp said: "Naby trained yesterday with the team, so we have to see what we make of it.

"Fab was not in training. Nothing really new with him or the others. They all get closer. Fab gets closer, Milly gets closer, Diogo [Jota] gets closer - but not close enough for the weekend."

How about Alisson?

In a week of rumour and conjecture concerning Liverpool, the latest suggestions surrounded their goalkeeper.

Alisson was not pictured in training photos released by the club on Thursday, leading to some speculation that he might have suffered an injury.

Klopp was asked directly about this during his press conference, and dismissed the idea immediately.

"No, he's fine. He's fine," he said. 

What's been wrong with Keita?

It has been another frustrating season for Liverpool's £50 million ($70m) man. 

Since completing 90 minutes for the first time this season at Crystal Palace on December 19, the Guinea international has not been seen.

Klopp confirmed last week that a hamstring problem had left the 26-year-old sidelined, and he revealed on Friday that Keita had been suffering with illness which had prevented him from training this week too. 

He said: “Naby could have been in the squad against Leipzig, but it didn’t make sense because he’d only trained two days with the team. So, we said stay at home, train two days of proper training sessions, but unfortunately Naby got ill a little bit and couldn’t train these two days.

“Yesterday we reintegrated him again. I just don’t know, but we don't hold him back or whatever. Of course, after the injuries he had, we don’t want to force him in or something like that, but it would be nice to have him.

"Is he able to play a few minutes on Saturday? I don’t know. If he’s not, if we speak about it and it’s better to rather not play a few minutes then it is better to stay away from the team and just train proper, proper.

“Being around, on the bench, are not the most intense things and he needs to get used to the intensity again. No decision made yet, but he is not injured anymore and now we have to figure out how fit he is to play how many minutes."

Liverpool predicted XI vs Everton

Further reading 

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have both been heavily linked with moves to Real Madrid, and the pair put on a dazzling show in the Champions League this week.

Mbappe sunk Barcelona with a sensational hat-trick for Paris Saint-Germain, while Haaland inspired Borussia Dortmund with two goals in their comeback win over Sevilla.

Their thrilling performances have led plenty to speculate that Mbappe v Haaland could be the game’s next defining individual rivalry – and now Zinedine Zidane has had his say.

Mbappe or Haaland: Who does Zidane prefer?

"I watch all the games and I like to see great things like any fan," Zidane told reporters. "They are both very good and very young, players of the present and for the future.

"Whether one or the other, I won't say, everyone has their own preferences."

Reports have suggested Madrid want to put Mbappe and Haaland in the same team at the Santiago Bernabeu – but it remains to be seen whether the club could afford either right now.

Benzema could miss Champions League clash

Zidane also revealed that striker Karim Benzema won’t be available for his side’s trip to Real Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday.

"Something came up yesterday, he won't be with us tomorrow," Zidane said. "We'll see for next week."

Madrid travel to Atalanta on Wednesday for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash, before league fixtures with Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid.

Further reading