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Senegal's Krepin Diatta scored a brace while Nigeria's David Okereke grabbed a goal as Club Brugge stretched their lead in the Belgian First Division A table with a 3-0 victory over Mechelen.

After a goalless first-half at the AFAS Stadion on Wednesday, Diatta opened the scoring for Philippe Clement's side in the 69th minute and five minutes later, he bagged his second goal of the night.

He was later replaced in the 84th minute after his contributions and David Okereke who came off the bench for injured Noa Lang in the 37th minute, sealed the victory with an 89th-minute goal.

Angola's Clinton Mata alongside the Ivory Coast duo Simon Deli and Odilon Kossounou were also in action for the visitors but Emmanuel Dennis did not make the trip to Mechelen as he continues to mourn his brother who died in a sailing race in the Southwestern part of Nigeria last weekend.

Despite Dennis’ absence, Diatta and Okereke helped Club Brugge stretch their unbeaten run in the First Division A to eight matches on Wednesday.

They extended their dominance at the summit to 36 points from 17 games, with second-placed Genk trailing by five points though they have a game at hand.

With nine goals to his name so far, Diatta is the second highest scoring African in the Belgian top-flight this season after Nigeria striker Paul Onuachu who has 14 goals for Genk.

The Senegal international is enjoying his best goalscoring run in a league season having surpassed his tally of seven goals in 22 league appearances last campaign.

Diatta and Okereke will be aiming to continue their fine form when Club Brugge host Gent for their next league fixture at the Jan Breydelstadion on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford scored twice to spare Dean Henderson's blushes as Manchester United yet again came from behind to beat beleaguered Sheffield United 3-2 and go sixth in the Premier League.

A terrible mistake from goalkeeper Henderson, replacing David de Gea against his former club, put an early opening goal on a plate for David McGoldrick at Bramall Lane on Thursday.

Yet it was deja vu for the Red Devils as they produced another fightback, Rashford equalising and Anthony Martial scoring his first top-flight goal of the season to put them in front at half-time.

The visitors were a huge threat on the break as they bossed the second half and Rashford took his tally for the season to 12 as they made it 10 consecutive Premier League away wins, despite McGoldrick's late second ensuring a nervy ending.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have had to come from behind to win all six top-flight matches away from home, while the Blades remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point from 13 games.

Henderson gifted the Blades the lead just five minutes in when he was caught dwelling on the ball by Oliver Burke, who set up McGoldrick for a tap-in.

An unmarked John Fleck should have doubled the bottom side's lead when he fired wide from just inside the penalty area after Phil Jagielka replaced the injured Sander Berge.

The ruthless Red Devils turned it around with two goals in the space of seven minutes, Rashford timing his run to perfection and controlling Victor Lindelof's ball over the top with a great first touch before clinically rifling home with his right foot.

Paul Pogba then set up France team-mate Martial with a brilliant first-time pass to put United in front at the second attempt 33 minutes in.

Pogba's brilliant skill and pass started a devastating counter-attack that gave Solskjaer's side a two-goal cushion six minutes into the second half, Aaron Ramsdale at fault as he allowed Rashford's shot to go under his body.

Only desperate Blades defending denied Martial a second goal before Lindelof's header from a corner hit McGoldrick on the head and went in to give the Blades hope, but they could not salvage a point after Henderson produced a brilliant save to deny Lys Mousset in stoppage time.

What does it mean? Red Devils make history on the road - but only just

Victory for the Red Devils sees them become only the fourth side to win 10 top-flight matches in a row on their travels.

They are also the only team ever to score two or more goals in 10 consecutive away games in the Premier League and the first in the top flight since Tottenham in 1960.

It means they are just five points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, but made hard work of preventing the Blades from doubling their points tally. Solskjaer and Chris Wilder exchanged words on the touchline in a nervy finale after Manchester United had looked set to see out a comfortable win.

Rashford ruthless, purring Pogba 

Two goals for Rashford will most likely earn the England forward the majority of the headlines and his first was a magnificent finish.

The performance of Pogba, who has come in for so much criticism, will also be a massive plus for Solskjaer.

His vision and technique to set up Martial's goal and class to set the ball rolling for Rashford's second showed just what he is capable of. Pogba also gained possession eight times as he performed his defensive work effectively.

Henderson redeems himself

Keeper Henderson was magnificent for the Blades in a loan spell last season but he had a nightmare start on his return to Bramall Lane.

He took far too long to distribute the ball as the visitors tried to play out from the back and was punished. 

Henderson showed why he is so highly regarded in the closing stages, though, showing great reactions to dive to his right and keep out Mousset's strike.

Key Opta Facts:

- Sheffield United have won fewer points after their first 13 games of a league season than any other team in English top-flight history (one).
- Manchester United are the fourth side in English top-flight history to record 10 consecutive away league wins, after Spurs (10 between April & October 1960), Chelsea (11 between April & December 2008) and Manchester City (11 between May & December 2017).
- The Red Devils have now scored at least twice in 10 consecutive away league games – the longest such run by a team in the top-flight since Spurs in October 1960 (also 10).
- Having only made one error directly leading to a goal in 36 Premier League appearances for Sheffield United last season, Dean Henderson made his first in just three appearances (two starts) in the competition for Man Utd.
- Marcus Rashford has scored 43 goals under Ole Gunnar Solskjær in all competitions - the most by any Manchester United player under a single manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

What's next?

Manchester United face old rivals Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, when the Blades are away to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Nigerians have taken to social media to celebrate Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski after he was named the best men’s player at the 2020 Best FIFA Football Awards.

Lewandowski saw off competition from Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award in a virtual ceremony on Thursday night.

The 32-year-old, who also won the Goal 50 prize for 2020, scored 45 goals last season to help Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga title and the Uefa Champions League.

After Fifa President Gianni Infantino handed the trophy to Lewandowski, football enthusiasts in Nigeria did not hesitate to applaud the 'deserving' recognition.

Megan Rapinoe has admitted her surprise at being included in the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI during The Best awards on Thursday – as she hasn’t played a match in the last nine months.

The U.S. Women’s National Team star tweeted her appreciation for the recognition but said it was proof of the need to promote the women’s game more to recognise the achievements of other players.

The FIFPro World XI is voted for purely by players, with 2020’s award considering those who featured between July 2019 and October 2020.

Rapinoe was voted in alongside Christiane Endler, Lucy Bronze, Wendie Renard, Millie Bright, Delphine Cascarino, Barbara Bonansea, Veronica Boquete, Pernille Harder, Vivianne Miedema and Tobin Heath.

She wrote on Twitter: "I am obviously very honored to have been recognized by my peers around the world who vote for the FIFPRO World XI. At the same time, it did come as a surprise to me that I met the criteria for selection as I haven't played in a match since March (2021, here I come!).

"We have so many phenomenal female players around the world and all of us need to do what we can to recognise them. The fact that I was selected once again sheds light on the fact that in order to push our game forward we need continued investment in the women's game to give more female players the opportunity to be seen on TV in their home countries and globally while performing for club and country.

"The future of our game is so bright, the potential is limitless, and our commitment to pushing it forward from every possible angle has to match that.

"Again, I am honored and flattered to have been recognized by my peers for this honor, and look forward to getting back out on the field in 2021!

"Congratulations to all the incredible women selected in the Best XI. Here's to another groundbreaking year in women's football! Happy Holidays, wishing everyone health and happiness!"

Currently playing for OL Reign in the NWSL, Rapinoe is one of women's football's most famous players. In 2019, she was named The Best FIFA Women's Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or after helping the USWNT to their fourth World Cup title.

The title for Best Women's Player in 2020 went to Manchester City and England right-back Lucy Bronze, on the back of a successful spell at Lyon.

NorthEast United will be looking to extend their overall unbeaten run of seven games in the Indian Super League (ISL) when they face Jamshedpur at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, on Friday evening.

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TEAM NEWS

NorthEast United Possible XI:

Injured - None
Doubtful - None
Suspended - None

Key Players - Khassa Camara, Kwesi Appiah   

Jamshedpur FC Possible XI: 

Injured - Joyner Lourenco, Narender Gahlot, Nick Fitzgerald, David Grande 
Doubtful - None
Suspended - Aitor Monroy

Key Players - Nerijus Valskis, Jackichand Singh

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores  has reached its quarter-final stage, as the delayed 2020 competition nears its end.

Thursday brings a close to yet another last-eight clash, as Nacional seek to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in Montevideo's Parque Central against Copa experts River Plate.

The Millonario caused little surprise last week as they brushed past the Uruguayan underdogs, with both goals coming in the second half through Gonzalo Montiel and Bruno Zuculini. 

Their margin of victory could have been even wider if Rafael Borre had not erred from the penalty spot before half-time, but Nacional have nothing to lose and will surely go all out for what would be an historic comeback on the other side of the Rio de la Plata.

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How to watch Nacional vs River on US TV

What has happened to Nacional and River so far in the 2020 Copa Libertadores?

Nacional, whose third and to date final Libertadores title came all the way back in 1988, made a dream start to this year's competition. 

Wins in all three of their opening fixtures in Group F all but clinched knockout qualification, and they went on to pick up 15 points from 18, edging out Racing Club for top spot by virtue of a superior goal difference. 

The Uruguayans' rock-solid defence has been the basis of their Copa campaign, and so it proved again in the last 16 when they shut out Independiente in two 0-0 draws before prevailing on penalties to book a last-eight clash with River.   

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River's quest began in subdued fashion with a 3-0 defeat away to Liga de Quito in Group D, but Marcelo Gallardo's charges quickly rediscovered their best form.

Peru's Binacional were thrashed 8-0 and 6-0 while the Millonario also picked up four points against a Sao Paulo team featuring Dani Alves, pushing the Brazilians into third place and the Copa Sudamericana while River qualified in first. 

In the last-16 stage River dominated over Athletic Paranaense, racking up 39 shots over two legs to their opponents' 14. Goals proved hard to come by, though, and after tying the first leg 1-1 in Coritiba a single strike from Nicolas de la Cruz saw the Argentines over the line.

Nacional and River team news and preview

Nacional boss Jorge Giordano is without right-back Armando Mendez, who has been withdrawn from contention with a muscular complaint. 

Mathias Laborda is expected to move out from the centre to fill the vacancy, with Carlos Cougo dropping back to act as left-back.

River will have to deal with two key absentees in midfield as they seek to defend their lead. 

Enzo Perez is ruled out of contention due to a positive Covid-19 test, and he was joined on the sidelines by the injured Ignacio Fernandez.

The Millonario are otherwise close to full strength, with Gallardo picking 22 players to make the trip across the Rio de la Plata for Thursday's match.  

Probable Nacional XI: Rochet; Laborda, Orihuela, Oliveros, Cougo; Neves, Martínez, Trasante, Rodríguez; Bergessio, Castro..

Probable River XI:  Armani; Montiel, Robert Rojas, Paulo Díaz, Angileri; Sosa/Zuculini, Ponzio, De la Cruz; Carrascal, Borré, Suárez.

When does the 2020 Copa Libertadores finish?

The 2020 Copa Libertadores was originally scheduled to conclude with a single final in a neutral ground, the system which replaced the old format of home and away legs last year, at the end of November. 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, the tournament suffered almost six months of interruption, meaning that the final phases had to be pushed back into the South American summer months of late December and January. 

Boca Juniors and Racing Club additionally suffered a further week's delay when the former's last-16 first leg match against Internacional was suspended due to the death of Diego Maradona. The Argentine pair played the opener of their quarter final on Wednesday, with the return taking place at the Bombonera on December 23. 

Nacional vs River is the last of the other three quarter-final clashes to conclude, with the last four taking place between January 5 and 13 following a short break for the festive period. 

The final proper is scheduled to be held at Rio de Janeiro's landmark Maracana Stadium on January 30.

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Manchester United have claimed a Premier League first by extending their away goals streak at Sheffield United.

United made the trip to Bramall Lane to take on Chris Wilder's struggling Blades on Thursday night.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side came into the clash knowing a win could take them up to sixth in the Premier League table with a game in hand on leaders and reigning champions Liverpool, but they got off to the worst possible start after falling behind with just five minutes on the clock.

Dean Henderson, who was handed a rare start ahead of David de Gea in the United net, was caught dawdling on the ball by Oliver Burke after receiving back-pass from Harry Maguire, with the Sheffield United star able to knock the ball back to David McGoldrick to fire into an empty net.

That stunning error seemed to serve as a wake-up call for the visitors, who managed to hit back in the 26th minute via Marcus Rashford.

The England international latched onto a floated Victor Lindelof pass before firing an unstoppable shot past Aaron Ramsdale, and United ramped up the pressure on the home side thereafter.

Anthony Martial completed a rapid turnaround for Red Devils seven minutes later, after being found by a delightful chipped through ball by Paul Pogba, with the Frenchman rounding Ramsdale before poking the ball home.

Solskjaer's men continued to force the Blades deep into their own half at the start of the second period, and were rewarded for their efforts when Rashford linked up with Martial to finish off a swift counter-attacking move to extend their lead to 3-1.

United are now the first side in Premier League history to have scored two or more goals in ten consecutive away games, and the first to achieve the feat in the English top-flight in 60 years - with Tottenham the last club to hit the same mark in 1960.

The Manchester outfit have flattered to deceive with their performances at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, but they must now be considered genuine title contenders heading into the festive period, with their two main forwards seemingly firing on all cylinders once again.

Jurgen Klopp "doesn't look happy with football", according to Mark Lawrenson, who says the Liverpool boss has been adversely affected by the controversy surrounding VAR and substitutions.

Klopp has not been the same passionate, animated figure on the touchline of previous years at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, with fist pumps and cheers replaced by finger-pointing and angry outbursts.

Liverpool have been on the end of several contentious refereeing decisions which have prompted the German head coach to question whether video technology is a good addition to the game, while a mounting injury crisis has forced him to stretch his squad to the limit.

Klopp has made no secret of his desire to see the five substitutions rule that was used post-lockdown last term reinstated amid the congested fixture schedule caused by the coronavirus crisis, and has also taken aim at broadcasters for the early kick-off times which have been handed out to the Reds.

Despite his growing list of complaints, the 53-year-old has still been able to guide Liverpool back to the Premier League summit, with a 2-1 home win over second-placed Tottenham on Wednesday ensuring that they have a three-point lead to defend heading into the festive period.

Klopp reacted with bemusement to a comment from Spurs boss Jose Mourinho as they shook hands after the final whistle though, with the Portuguese later revealing to the press that he told his managerial counterpart "the best team lost".

Lawrenson thinks a man who guided the Reds to their first league title in 30 years last season is a far more spiky character than usual because of the off-field issues which have provided an unwelcome distraction to both him and his players in recent months.

“I think at the moment, although they won last night and he’ll be delighted with the way they won, he doesn’t look happy with football," the Liverpool legend told talkSPORT.

“I’m not saying he doesn’t look happy with Liverpool, the team or the results, but he just doesn’t look happy with football.

“There’s VAR, and everybody has peeved about VAR, the lack of fans, and the big thing is the five subs rule.

“I think he’s got a point and everyone will come round to that. When he first said about having five subs I thought no, it just makes the stronger teams even stronger.

“But when you look at football now and the amount of games we’re having, they’ve had the whole European group campaign in about four of five weeks, which they’ve had to do, as well as league and cup games – it’s mad.

“So I think this could be a special year and I do think they should bring it in.

“And the things with fans, without spectators the game is just completely different. Even last night with 2,000 at Anfield it’s just very, very strange.

“Klopp, Mourinho, They want a perfect world and they want to win every week, all managers are the same.”

Wayne Rooney's son Kai has signed for Manchester United at the age of just 11 with his famous father proud to see his offspring make an important first step towards becoming a footballer.

Rooney established himself as a United legend during his 13-year stay at Old Trafford. The ex-England international played over 500 games for the Red Devils, scoring 253 goals.

That tally saw him become the club's all-time top scorer, and he also managed to win 16 trophies in Manchester, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Kai has now taken the first steps on the road to following in his father's illustrious footsteps, putting pen to paper on a youth-team contract.

Rooney posted an image of himself standing over the 11-year-old as he signed the deal next to his wife Coleen on social media, with his famous old number 10 shirt laying on the desk.

The Derby County player-coach included the following caption: "Proud day. Kai signing for Man Utd. Keep up the hard work son."

Kai is Wayne and Coleen's firstborn son, with the couple sharing three more boys: Klay (7), Kit (4) and Cass (2).

Rooney took some time off from his duties at Derby to return to Manchester and take in a landmark moment with his family, having overseen the Rams 2-0 home win over Swansea in the Championship on Wednesday night.

The 35-year-old is seeking to land the top job at Pride Park on a permanent basis after Phillip Cocu's sacking in November, having initially made his way to the club from MLS outfit D.C. United in January.

Rooney spent two seasons in the United States after leaving boyhood club Everton in 2018, which is where he wrapped up his Premier League career after being sold by United a year earlier.

The Red Devils great played down his achievements at Old Trafford in an interview with the UTD podcast last month, insisting he doesn't feel like the club's greatest goalscorer of all-time.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy, if he had more time here, he would have gone on to get the United record," Rooney said. "Obviously it is great and I am really proud to have those records, but it is not something I look at.

"It says ‘Man United’s greatest goalscorer’ but I wouldn’t say I am Man United’s greatest goalscorer.”

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said Leon Balogun will be assessed after he was left dizzy in their 3-2 loss to St Mirren in a Scottish League Cup quarter-final fixture.

During a challenge with Jonathan Obika in the closing stages of Wednesday’s match, Balogun took a blow to his head and he was replaced immediately in the 84th minute.

Tthe 32-year-old defender - who has played 16 matches this season - could not continue the match with the severity of the injury yet to be confirmed.

While he awaits medical report about the Nigeria international, Gerrard hinted Sweden defender Filip Helander might be called upon to fill Balogun's place if he is not passed fit for Saturday’s Premiership encounter against Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium.

"He’s a bit dizzy. So we will analyse him over the next couple of days and take advice from the medical staff," Gerrard was quoted by Glasgow Times.

"Hopefully he can pull through. If not, we have Fil available again."

Balogun moved to Scotland on a free transfer in the summer, after the expiry of his loan stint with Wigan Athletic in the Championship.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender has made himself a key fixture in Gerrard’s squad with his dominant defensive displays since his arrival at Ibrox Stadium.

They currently remain unbeaten in the Premiership this campaign and Wednesday’s result was their first defeat of the season, ending an unbeaten run of 26 games across all competitions.

Rangers will hope to bounce back to winning ways against Motherwell on Saturday and also end the year on a high with games against St Johnstone, Hibernian and St Mirren still to come before Celtic visit on January 2.

Asante Kotoko head coach Maxwell Konadu believes Thursday's shocking defeat to Great Olympics in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) provides his club with valuable lessons.

In their fourth match of the season, the Porcupine Warriors were undone by a Michael Yeboah strike in the 54th minute of the fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Kumasi-based side has consequently dropped down by one spot to the 10th position

"It was a difficult game. The first half we didn’t look good but we came into the second half and started doing the basic things," Konadu said at the post-match press conference.

“We have taken lessons from this and will work on them.

“Some of the new players are only beginning to settle in. They will get better because they know the demands of the supporters and will respond accordingly.”

Once again, Kotoko had to do without new Brazilian acquisition Fabio Gama Dos Santos at the Accra Sports Stadium where the club are temporarily playing their home matches due to ongoing renovation works at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The 28-year-old sealed a two-year move to the Porcupine Warriors in October but is as yet to make his debut two months on.

Also missing for Kotoko on Thursday was Guinean striker Naby Laye Keita.

"We're still waiting for their documentation. They are foreigners and we will need their documents to be ready before we can use them,” Konadu explained the duo's absence.

While Kotoko slipped down the table, Olympics paradoxically moved up, taking a big jump from 14th spot to fifth position.

“I was surprised with Asante Kotoko’s poor performance. I mean a team playing in the Caf Champions League should be playing very well in the local league,” Olympics coach Annor Walker said on Kotoko's performance during his post-match interview.

Kotoko are set to face Dreams FC in their next game on Sunday before switching their attention to the Caf Champions League where they take on Al Hilal of Sudan in the first round of the competition.

The Porcupines Warriors, 23-time Ghana Premier League champions, are the most successful club in the history of the top-flight. 

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has explained the impact of Eberechi Eze on his productivity for the club.

The Nigerian midfielder teamed up with the Eagles in the summer from Championship club Queens Park Rangers.

The midfielder has been making a telling impact for Roy Hodgson’s men since his arrival, scoring one goal and providing two assists, amid other dazzling displays.

Zaha has been in scintillating form for the Selhurst Park outfit in the current campaign, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in only 11 Premier League games.

The Ivory Coast international has revealed how the Anglo-Nigerian has been helping him make a more significant contribution to Palace.

“100% [he helps my game]. I’m not having to drop deep and dribble as much,” Zaha told Premier League Productions.

“I’ve taken that role of playing up-front now, so I don’t have to dribble as much and I just get into the right positions. So him being a dribbler helps me.”

Zaha has also advised the 22-year-old on areas to improve on his game in order to reach the peak of his career.

“I speak to him all the time – the way he plays and his dribbling is like looking at myself when I was younger," he continued. 

“When we’re on the pitch I always tell him: ‘Efficiency. Everything else doesn’t matter. You’re good enough to do these things, you’re good enough to go past players, you’re good enough to dribble past players. All you need is efficiency.’ And it seems like he’s taking it in.

“I’ve just taken a lot of the unnecessary stuff out of my game. I don’t dribble as much. If I’ve done a skill and I look up and there’s an opportunity to shoot, I’ll take the shot.

“I’m just very narrow-minded now, it’s like tunnel vision. I know what I have to do when I get out on the pitch and I try to cut out a load of other things.”

Zaha remains an influential figure for Crystal Palace and his fine performances have helped the club avoid relegation in the past.

Avaldsnes forward Rasheedat Ajibade has been named in the Norwegian Toppserien Team of the Season for the 2019-20 campaign.

Ajibade has emerged as one of the top performers in the top-flight, deservedly for her strength, power, and physicality along with her goalscoring form for Avaldsnes in her second season in Norway.

The Nigeria international played a huge role in helping Thomas Dahle's side to the bronze medal as their best league placement since 2017, with 34 points from 18 matches in the 2020 season.

In what could be described as her breakthrough season, the FC Robo product scored seven goals and some assists in 18 outings but they missed out on the title and a Champions League spot. 

The 3-4-3 formation, saw Arna-Bjornar's Teagan Micah is in the position of goalkeeper, while Lillestrom's Emilie Marie Woldvik, Valerenga's Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir and Klepp's Rebekka Hansen was named in the defence.

Lillestrom's Emilie Haavi, Sandviken's Lisa Naalsund, Valerenga's Sherida Spitse and Ajibade were in midfield, while Rosenborg duo of Cesilie Andreassen and Julie Blakstad led the attack with Lyn's Camilla Linberg.

Ajibade was the only African and Avaldsnes player to make the list, with Cameroon's Ajara Nchout a notable omission despite helping Valerenga to the domestic double and bagging the Golden Boot with 10 goals.

The inclusion of the Super Falcons star came as no surprise after the Avaldsnes forward had appeared in the 2020 Toppserien Team of the Week on eight occasions during the league season. 

Having seen out her two-year contract at Avaldsnes Idrettssenter, Ajibade, who scored 12 goals during her two-seasons outing has bid the club farewell after their recent 4-0 defeat at Sandvikens.

As a free agent, the striker, who recently turned 21 is likely to decide over her future in the coming days with pouring offers from Europe.

To celebrate her Team of the Season inclusion, she took to social media to share her excitement while lauding everyone at Avaldsnes for their support.

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer says he has done his homework on Sagrada Esperanca ahead of their Caf Confederation Cup encounter. 

Esperanca are set to host the Buccaneers in the first round first-leg match in Angola on December 22. 

The Angolan club advanced to this stage after their preliminary round opponents Mbabane Swallows of Eswatini withdrew from the competition due to financial reasons.

Zinnbauer revealed that they have footage of Esperanca in action and he has since come up with a game plan. 

“We have information about the team and we know what we have to do against them‚” Zinnbauer told the media. 

“It is not going to be an easy game for us because away games are always difficult on the continent.

"The opponent is not so bad and they look good because I have watched them together with the other coaches when we were analysing them.”

Pirates maintained their unbeaten record this season by securing a 1-0 win over Chippa United in a PSL match at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.

It was the Buccaneers' last league match of the year and Zinnbauer said they can now focus on their continental encounter with Esperanca. 

“We have the information that we need. The focus was on the match against Chippa," the German mentor added. 

"And from Thursday we start with preparations for our next game against them [Esperanca].”

Established in 1976, Esperanca are no strangers to continental football having participated in the Caf Champions League twice in 2005 and 2006. 

However, they will be making their debut appearance in the Confederation Cup.

The Dundo-based side took part in the old Caf Cup and Caf Cup Winners' Cup, but the tournaments have since merged to form the Confederation Cup in 2004.

Olanrewaju Kayode found the back of the net to help Sivasspor secure a 1-0 victory against Giresunspor in Thursday’s Turkish League Cup tie.

The forward teamed up with the Braves on a season-long loan in the summer from Russian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Nigeria international has been delivering spectacular performances and registered four goals in the Europa League for the side.

The attacker was handed his 13th appearances this season and made the most of the opportunity to score his fifth goal of the season.

The game started on a high tempo with both sides aiming to get an early goal but despite their efforts, the encounter ended 0-0 at the end of half time.

In an effort to turn around the game in his favour, Sivasspor manager Rıza Calimbay introduced Kayode moments before the hour mark for Kerem Kesgin.

The 27-year-old made his impact felt when he scored the only goal that made the difference in the encounter.

The Super Eagles attacker fired home a fine effort in the 90th minute past goalkeeper Goktan Corut to ensure his side clinched all three points.

Ivory Coast international Arouna Kone was also on parade for the duration of the game but could not get on the scoresheet.

Kone’s compatriot Max-Alain Gradel played for 44 minutes after he was brought on for Ziya Erdal and gave a good account of himself in the encounter.

Ivorian Abdou Razack Traore was on parade for Giresunspor and played for the entirety of the game while Nigerian midfielder Anthony Uzodimma featured for 62 minutes before he was replaced by Erol Akdag.

Kayode will be expected to continue his impressive performances when Sivasspor take on Konyaspor in their next league game on December 21.

The forward has four caps for the Nigeria national team and will hope his current form will help him return to the Super Eagles fold in their next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski were named in the attack for the 2020 FIFA FIFPro Men's World XI, but Manuel Neuer missed out after the final vote.

Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski were all finalists for The Best FIFA Men's Player award and so were unsurprisingly included in the FIFPro Men's World XI in Zurich on Thursday night.

Barcelona's captain enjoyed another superb individual season at Camp Nou, while his long-time rival helped Juve win a ninth successive Serie A crown and Bayern Munich's star striker inspired Hansi Flick's side to Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Cup glory.

The chief shock elsewhere in the team saw Liverpool No.1 Alisson preferred in goal to Manuel Neuer, with the Brazilian having played a key role in the Merseyside outfit's run to a first league title in 30 years.

Neuer, who captained Bayern to the treble, had earlier been named The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper, beating Alisson and Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak to the award.

The Germany skipper had said: "It's one of the best years of my career, of course. We were so confident with our team and it's amazing what we have done in this year, 2020, especially in the summer when we played together in Lisbon [in the Champions League]."

In a team voted for by the players, Alisson was joined by Liverpool team-mates Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Thiago Alcantara.

Thiago spent the majority of the year with Bayern, who were represented by Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich as well as Lewandowski.

Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne completed the line-up, with the former having helped the Blancos win a record-extending 34th La Liga title and the latter adding a third consecutive Carabao Cup winners' medal to his silverware collection.

FIFA FIFPro Men's World XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Sergio Ramos, Alphonso Davies; Joshua Kimmich, Kevin De Bruyne, Thiago Alcantara; Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Former Kenyan striker Ronald Okoth has explained how disappointed he is following John Baraza’s exit from FKF Premier League side Sofapaka.

Baraza left the club after a poor start that saw them just pick a win and two losses in the league and his place was temporarily filled by Mike Mururi who was his assistant before Ken Odhiambo was appointed.

Okoth, who played for Sofapaka under a number of coaches, further pointed out that the players are to blame to a large extent for letting the coaches down. The changes also saw physical trainer Diallo Kwasi and assistant coach Martin Ndagano relegated to the junior side.

“Gutted to hear my former manager and our legend of the game, someone I’ve had the privilege to work for, coach Barry [John Baraza] together with coach Ndagano and Dialo stepped aside from their first team duties,” Okoth said in a Facebook post.

“Having worked under these gentlemen and seen how dedicated and committed they are to their jobs, I’m extremely sad indeed and hoping to see them back. I’m sure without a doubt the players feel they’ve let a good manager and his technical team down.”

The former Gor Mahia striker recalled how the late Henry Omino at one time begged with the playing unit to end the poor run in order to save his job.

“I remember at Western Stima at one time our manager then, the late coach Omino’s job was hanging in the line after we had a series of poor runs and can’t forget the way he pleaded with us to literary save his job,” the KPL winner added.

“We knew well we would never ever get a proper and understanding manager than him if things went down south because of us. We actually fought hard in every match and did it for him by turning things around.

“I do recall before the referee could blow the kick-off whistle in every match we would remind ourselves to ‘do this for the coach’.

“Never felt so proud in this cruel football business where club owners want results, players get all the credit for the win and managers take all the blame for the loss.

“We knew we had the responsibility and return the same trust our manager had in us in the first place to even sign us.”

Batoto ba Mungu moved on to confirm Odhiambo as the new coach after Baraza's exit, ahead of their match against Kariobangi Sharks.

Tusker head coach Robert Matano has claimed they are not excited about the Gor Mahia win and their focus is now on the next Football Kenya Federation Premier League match against Vihiga United.

Although Matano stated they are happy and not excited by the second consecutive win, he added the players faced Gor Mahia like a cohesive unit unlike how they performed in the previous games.

“I am happy because we played well especially after starting badly,” Matano stated on the club’s Facebook page.

“We lost to AFC Leopards because of a lack of cohesiveness and preparedness in the team but now we have trained around two to three weeks and I can see the cohesion and players understand one another.

“I knew they will do something because they have been finishing chances in training. Henry Meja and David Majak have been so good and given that they are still young, they have a long way to go and have a good future awaiting them.

“We are happy but not excited as we focus on the next match on Sunday, where we hope to play the same way and win.”

Meja, who scored the winner against K’Ogalo hoped the goal will be the beginning of a good future as he targets double-digits.

“I am very happy because I have been looking for goals and I got one finally. I hope the goal against Gor Mahia will open the door for many more,” Meja, who came on in the second half, told the club’s website.

“I will work hard and hope I score even in the next games. Since I joined Tusker, life has been good because the coach has been an encouraging figure. My brother has also done a good job because he is always pushing me to work even harder especially during workouts.

“I had set a target of 15 goals but the coach had set a target of 10 so I added five on the coach’s target.”

After facing Vihiga United on December 20, the Brewers will be up against Sofapaka on January 1, 2021, before facing Bandari two weeks later.

Robert Lewandowski has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year for 2020, with the Bayern Munich star beating Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the coveted prize.

The Poland forward was without equal in the 2019-20 season, scoring 55 goals in 47 appearances as Bayern swept to a Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal treble – with Lewandowski the top scorer in all three competitions.

The 32-year-old has continued his stunning form into the new season and, on Wednesday, scored his 250th goal in the Bundesliga to help Bayern to an important win.

Lewandowski was the firm favourite to scoop the prize in a year in which the Ballon d’Or was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .

"I feel fantastic," Lewandowski said. "I am very proud and happy to be honest, this is a great day for me, and also for my club and colleagues. This award also belongs to my colleagues, the coach and Bayern Munich in general. It is an incredible feeling, a lot of emotions.

"If you win such an award and share that title with Messi and Ronaldo, that is unbelievable and it means so much to me. A long time ago, I remember I was longing for something like this and now I can win such an award. This really means, regardless of where you come form, all that matters is what you put into it."

Lucy Bronze was named The Best FIFA Women's Player of the Year. Bronze returned home to England with Manchester City this year after starring for Lyon last season.

Bronze won four trophies with the French side last season and will be hoping to help take City to the next level and challenge for the Champions League. She beat former Lyon team-mate Wendie Renard and Chelsea's world-record signing Pernille Harder to win the award for the first time.

It was a successful night for Bayern aside from Lewandowski, with Manuel Neuer named The Best Men’s Goalkeeper ahead of Liverpool keeper Alisson and Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid.

Sarah Bouhaddi was named the Best Women’s Goalkeeper after helping French giants Lyon to a Division 1, Champions League and Coupe de France treble. Bouhaddi beat Christiane Endler of PSG and Alyssa Naeher of the Chicago Red Stars to the title.

Jurgen Klopp won The Best Men's Coach award for the second year running after guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title, beating Bayern's Hansi Flick and Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Sarina Wiegman, the Netherlands head coach who is due to replace Phil Neville as manager of England Women , was named the Best Women’s Coach, edging out Chelsea’s Emma Hayes and Lyon’s Jean-Luc Vasseur.

Son Heung-min won the Puskas Award for his incredible individual goal for Tottenham against Burnley, with the South Korea star winning the vote ahead of goals from Uruguayan pair Luis Suarez and Giorgian De Arrascaeta.

Son described the feeling of scoring his goal: "Great, great! It was so nice - when I got the ball, I tried to pass, received it in my own box, couldn't find any option and started to dribble, and after two seconds was in front of the goal - it was such a surprise, such a beautiful goal.

"They (my team-mates) should give me more options... I am joking! I made a great run, great goal, so I am grateful for my team-mates as well.

"After I scored, I didn't realise it was that amazing - after the game, I watched it again, and was thinking, 'Wow, this is something special'."