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'A really bad result' - Arteta makes no excuses after Arsenal fall to Wolves

The Gunners' Premier League struggles have continued with both their manager and players unsure what's going wrong

Mikel Arteta has conceded Arsenal's 2-1 loss to Wolves on Sunday was a "really bad result" with the Gunners now sitting 14th in the Premier League after 10 matches. 

In a match that was overshadowed by a serious head knock suffered by Raul Jimenez, Wolves claimed all three points thanks to goals from Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence. 

While the Gunners did claim a rare goal from open play via Gabriel in the 30th minute, they managed to get just two shots on target across the 90 minutes despite boasting 57 per cent possession. 

Arteta's side have now won just one of their last six matches in the Premier League, while the Gunners' current tally of 13 points is their lowest after their opening 10 matches of any league campaign since the 1981-82 season.

With pressure beginning to mount on the Arsenal manager, he conceded the club must find a way to turn their fortunes around and start scoring freely again. 

"It's a really bad result," Arteta admitted to Sky Sports. "We had our moments. We had a great reaction in the second half. The team showed desire but the goal didn't arrive. There are no excuses, we have to improve."

Speaking to BBC Sport, Arteta added: "They had two shots on target in the first half and scored twice. The team showed a real resilience, togetherness and belief to try to win in the second half. We generated the chances but didn't score.

"We need more goals to win football matches. We need to keep supporting the players. All players go through [tough] periods. We're creating chances but struggling to score goals. That's the difference between winning and losing.

"When you lose matches the confidence goes down because they believe things can happen again. You need to win after a defeat. We've been doing this in my time here. This is the first time since we've been here [that they've had a losing run]."

Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock struggled to identify exactly what's going wrong at the Emirates but is determined to see his side bounce back quickly. 

"It's not one thing we can put our finger on. We're not flowing at the moment. We have to sort this out very quickly as a team. We need to perform better. It's not good enough," Willock said post-match. 

"It's nothing that we can't change. We want to bounce back from this game and continue to stick together and get back to the flow we ended last season in.

"I don't think the incident is why the flow stopped. We're not good enough at the moment. We need to sort it out in the group. We're a big team and we want to compete for things. We have to regroup and talk about it tomorrow and bounce back ASAP."

Original author: Josh Thomas

#ZabarmariMassacre: Super Eagles captain Musa and Shehu condemn killings of civilians in Northern Nigeria

Several individuals were beheaded by terrorists in the Northern part of Nigeria on Saturday

Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa and Abdullahi Shehu have condemned the killings of tens of civilians by terorists in Zabarmari town situated in Jere local government of Borno State.

According to reports, labourers were attacked and killed while working on their rice farms on Saturday afternoon.

Immediately after the killings described as 'senseless' by Nigerian government, a mass burial for 43 bodies was monitored by the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum. 

Saddened by the callous incident, Musa took to social media to express his grief and urged Nigerians to embrace peace. 

"The change we want has to start with us," the former Leicester City forward wrote on Instagram. 

"If we truly love one another, things like this won't be happening I pray that this would be the last of its kind and we begin to experience the peace we should truly enjoy in the land." 

Shehu also expressed his sympathy with the victims and government of Borno State.

"I'm heartbroken, sad to read about the sad incident in Zabarmari, Borno State. I sympathize with the victims," the Omonia Nicosia defender said.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo

Jimenez's 'horrible' head clash distressed Wolves captain Coady

The Mexican striker was taken off with a head injury after a collision with David Luiz, leaving his team-mates concerned about his condition

Wolves captain Conor Coady says his side are praying that Raul Jimenez is okay after the striker was stretchered off in the early stages of his side's 2-1 win against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Mexico international had to be substituted after he clashed heads with Arsenal centre-back David Luiz in the Wolves box when they jumped to challenge for a cross from a corner.

While Luiz was able to continue after being bandaged up, Jimenez was not moving as the medical team checked on him and had to be taken off.

The visitors went on to secure the three points in north London, but Coady said the players were more concerned about their team-mate's condition than celebrating the win.

He said to Sky Sports: "The first question we asked when we went in was: 'How is Raul?"

He added: "We were massively worried when it happened. We knew straight away it was a horrible clash of heads.

"But we just hope and pray everything is OK. I was at the front just behind him when it happened. It's something we never want to see.

"The most important thing is that both players are OK. But he is with the right people now and that's the most important thing. He is in hospital and by all accounts he is awake and breathing."

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed that the 29-year-old regained consciousness and is having tests done to measure the severity of the injury.

"Raul Jimenez is doing a scan now. He's conscious. He's OK inside the gravity of the problem," he said.

"You start hearing code red. It's serious. It was a bad moment for everybody. You see panic in their [medical staff] eyes and you start thinking how is he? We are worried.

"He speaks, he's aware. We have to have a proper assessment. He's in good hands."

The manager was delighted with the way his team responded to the shock of seeing the attacker go off, as they went on to take the lead through Pedro Neto. 

Gabriel Magalhaes equalised for the hosts three minutes later, but Daniel Podence restored Wolves' advantage just before half-time and it proved to be enough to clinch the points.

"Amazing. I'm very proud today. This team showed heart today - a belief in the way they ran and worked was very good to see," he added.

"We want to grow. We want to improve. We did things very well. There were many things not OK.

"We have to improve. We want to become not so predictable. We'll never let go of our foundation, our idenity. We can grow inside of the game and improve our game and have more players involved."

Neto said he is proud of the way his side played and wished his team-mate well in his recovery. 

"I was a little bit worried. I didn't see the impact but I heard it. I hope that he is OK and can recover to come back with us," he said.

"We had to try and focus on the game. We were focused and wanted to win. The way we played was unbelievable."

ISL 2020-21: FC Goa vs NorthEast United - TV channel, stream, kick-off time & match preview

ISL 2020-21: FC Goa vs NorthEast United - TV channel, stream, kick-off time & match preview

Both teams have been involved in rallying back from two goals down in their respective campaigns so far this season...

FC Goa and NorthEast United will be involved in a round three tie in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) at the Fatorda stadium in Goa, on Monday evening. 

Game FC Goa vs NorthEast United
Date Monday, November 30
Time 7:30 PM IST (GMT +5:30)
 

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

India (English) TV channels Online streaming
Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV


Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

Hindi TV channels Marathi TV channels
Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3, Star Gold 2 Star Sports Marathi
 
Malayalam TV channels Kannada TV channels
Asianet Plus, Asianet Movies Star Sports Kannada
 
Tamil TV Channels Telegu TV channels
Star Sports Tamil Star Sports Telugu

 

TEAM NEWS

FC Goa Possible XI:   

Injured - None
Doubtful - Ishan Pandita
Suspended - Redeem Tlang    

Key Players - Igor Angulo, Jorge Ortiz     


NorthEast United Possible XI: 

Injured - None 
Doubtful - None  
Suspended - None 

Key Players -  Kwesi Appiah, Idrissa Sylla    

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha

Arsenal 1-2 Wolves: Nuno's men deepen Gunners' misery amid Jimenez concerns

Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence were on target for Wolves in a 2-1 win at Arsenal, although Raul Jimenez's injury cast a shadow over the game.

Wolves recovered from the shock of a sickening injury to top scorer Raul Jimenez to claim a 2-1 Premier League victory at Arsenal.

Jimenez appeared to be knocked unconscious following a fifth-minute clash of heads with David Luiz and received oxygen on the field during almost 10 minutes of treatment before being taken to hospital.

In the absence of their top scorer, Wolves hit the front through Pedro Neto and, although Gabriel briefly headed Arsenal level, the visitors claimed a deserved three points through Daniel Podence's superbly taken 42nd-minute winner.

The result moves Wolves up to sixth in the table, with Arsenal languishing in 14th.

Following the long delay and amid a fog of deep concern over Jimenez's wellbeing, Wolves took a 27th-minute lead.

Adama Traore got the better of Kieran Tierney down the Arsenal left and Neto was on hand to convert when Leander Dendoncker's header came back off the crossbar.

The visitors' advantage did not last long, with Gabriel powering home Willian's cross from a well-worked short corner.

Opportunism and poor Arsenal defending were again evident when Wolves made it 2-1 - Podence deftly lifting a bouncing ball over Gabriel and finding a finish after Bernd Leno saved Neto's deflected strike with his legs.

Traore was influential during the build-up once more and then slashed a stoppage-time attempt into the side netting.

The direct running of Wolves' attackers continued to cause Arsenal problems after the break and Hector Bellerin needed a last-ditch block to deny Podence with an hour played.

Wolves' superiority appeared to encourage sloppiness inside the final 20 minutes, with chances offered up to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reiss Nelson.

Aubameyang remains without a Premier League goal in open play since the opening weekend of the season and headed wastefully over from Bellerin's 82nd-minute delivery.

What does it mean? Arsenal mark Emery anniversary in unfortunate style

Exactly a year on from Unai Emery being relieved of his duties at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal seem no closer to once again being a Premier League force. The congested nature of the early-season table means their lowly position should not cause huge concern, but they have now won one and lost four of their past six league matches, scoring just twice in that period.

Blood-stained Luiz gives football questions to answer

Having been a blameless participant in the horrific Jimenez accident, it is hard to imagine what an ordeal playing on must have been for David Luiz. However, it feels like there is a much more straightforward conclusion when it comes to whether or not he should have been allowed to continue.

To take an example from another sport, where concussion substitutes have recently been introduced, Australia cricket star Steve Smith passed an initial concussion test after being struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer, but was withdrawn from the remainder of last year's second Ashes Test when he failed a subsequent examination the morning after.

Luiz may not deteriorate similarly but it felt wrong for him to be allowed to play on, with Arsenal eventually replacing him at half-time. Once again in the area of concussion, football's protocols appeared unfit for purpose.

Wolves attackers dazzle

Nuno Espirito Santo's recent switch from his trusted 3-4-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1 had the key impact of unleashing Wolves' talented support attackers here.

Even without Jimenez as their focal point, goalscorers Neto and Podence and the relentlessly menacing Traore caused Arsenal no end of problems. Podence's five dribbles even outstripped Traore's four, while Neto matched the Spain winger for a game-high three key passes.

Arsenal have lost three consecutive Premier League games at the Emirates for the second time since the start of last season (also December 2019); before this, they had never previously suffered three consecutive home defeats in the competition.

Key Opta facts

- Wolves have amassed 17 points in this season’s Premier League (W5 D2 L3) - their most productive first 10 games of a top-flight campaign since 1979-80 when they would have had 20 points under a three-points-for-a-win system.
- Arsenal’s tally of 13 points is their lowest after their opening 10 matches of any league campaign since the 1981-82 season when they had 12 at this stage.
- During 2020, only Manchester United (nine) have won more Premier League fixtures away from home than Wolves (seven – level with Liverpool, Manchester City and Southampton).
- Arsenal have lost five of their last eight Premier League games (W2 D1), having only lost five of their first 22 such matches under Mikel Arteta (W11 D6 L5).
- Pedro Neto has scored as many goals (three) in Wolves' 10 Premier League games this season as he managed in 29 such appearances last term. He has also scored in back-to-back matches for the very first time in the competition.

What's next?

Arsenal entertain Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday before facing the short trip to Tottenham for the north London derby on Sunday, when Wolves face a similarly tricky assignment at Liverpool.

Insigne celebrates with Maradona shirt after scoring for Napoli

The Argentine icon cemented himself as a hero in Naples after his stunning success in Serie A

Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne celebrated a fine free-kick on Sunday by pulling out and kissing a Diego Maradona shirt in an emotional tribute to the Argentine legend. 

Maradona past away on Wednesday from a heart attack at the age of 60 with the football world quickly paying their respects. 

Having steered Napoli to two Serie A titles, plus three other pieces of silverware, Maradona secured iconic status at the Stadio San Paolo with talks the venue could now even be named after him

The Italian side donned No.10 shirts in honour of their legend on Thursday in their 2-0 Europa League win over Rijeka and Insigne made sure to celebrate his strike on Sunday against Roma in special fashion. 

After the game was stopped during the 10th minute, where players stopped and applauded in honour of Maradona, Insigne would then step up in the 30th to fire home a delightful opener and made the most of his celebration. 

Prior to the match, the Napoli captain was also pictured placing flowers at a section of the San Paolo that donned a picture of Maradona. 

Tributes for Maradona have come from all over the world in recent days but perhaps the most high-profile tribute was made by Lionel Messi on Sunday after he scored in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Osasuna

Messi, who was managed by Diego Maradona during his stint in charge of the national team, celebrated his 73rd minute strike by revealing a Newell's Old Boys jersey with Maradona's number on the back. 

Antoine Griezmann admitted after the match that Messi had kept his planned gesture a secret.

"We didn't know what Messi had prepared to honour Maradona," Griezmann said. "It was a beautiful surprise."

Taking to social media after Maradona's passing, Messi was quick to point out that the Argentine legend will never be forgotten. 

"A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal," Messi posted on Instagram.

"I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends."

Original author: Josh Thomas

Victor Moses shows Alex Iwobi how it’s done

The former Nigeria international excelled in a wing-back role for Spartak Moscow on Sunday

After an encouraging first performance as a wing-back for Everton against Fulham last weekend, Alex Iwobi was brought crashing down to earth against Leeds United on Saturday.

The Nigeria international has struggled to assert himself within Carlo Ancelotti’s plans this season, but after being reconfigured as a right wing-back against Fulham, he delivered one of his finest performances of the season, completing six dribbles in a showing that barely suggested he was operating in an unfamiliar role.

Against Leeds, however, it was a different story, as the wideman—this time positioned on the left with Tom Davies on the right—looked much less comfortable and struggled to deal with Raphinha and Luke Ayling.

If Iwobi is planning to re-invent himself as a wing-back on a longer-term basis, he could do a lot worse than to cast his eyes over to Russia, where Victor Moses is continuing his fine work in similar role.

The 29-year-old’s career was going nowhere at Chelsea before Antonio Conte arrived at the club, with the wideman having struggled to impress a series of managers after arriving from Wigan Athletic.

Time on loan away from Stamford Bridge did little to help Moses’s position in West London, until he too was reconfigured into a wing-back by Conte.

Moses, like Iwobi, won over many doubters in the way he adapted seamlessly to a new position and a new role, and he was influential as Chelsea won the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season.

Indeed, it was the finest spell of Moses’s career, as he also reached the FA Cup final in 2017 before winning it 12 months later.

Now on loan at Spartak Moscow, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Blues boss Frank Lampard, Moses is again demonstrating the qualities in a wing-back role that Iwobi would do well to take note of.

Against Rotor Volgograd on Sunday, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner starred in a left wing-back role—again, like Iwobi, having been switched to the opposite flank—and played his part in a 2-0 victory for Domenico Tedesco’s side.

Despite playing in a nominally deeper role, Moses was a key attacking threat—he created one goalscoring opportunity and hit the target with both of his shots—and also completed two successful dribbles as Volgograd struggled to contain him.

“Great performance from the boys and a massive three points today,” the master of reinvention wrote on his Twitter handle after the match, and he’s clearly enjoying life in Russia where—not for the first time in his career—he’s tackling a new challenge head on.

Iwobi, so celebrated early in his career as he came through the ranks at Arsenal, arguably has more natural talent and a higher ‘ceiling’ to his game than Moses did, but he would do well to look to his former international colleague as an example of how to embrace change when things aren’t going your way.

Iwobi had a tough time of things against Leeds, but his performance against Fulham suggests that—for now at least—this experiment is one worth persevering with for Ancelotti.

 

Original author: Ed Dove

'Mourinho can call it how he sees it' - Lampard confused by Tottenham manager's 'pony' comments

The Chelsea boss insists Spurs are capable of challenging for the Premier League title this term despite his counterpart's comments

Zambia's match-winner Nachula reflects on Chile win

The Zaragoza striker was left a happy lady after her header helped the Copper Queens to a historic triumph over the Chileans

Zambia star Rachael Nachula has revealed that the desire to make their country proud inspired Saturday's 2-1 victory over Chile.

Before Saturday's first match of their international friendlies against La Roja, the Copper Queens were smarting from their title miss at the 2020 Cosafa Women's Cup in South Africa, where they settled for bronze earlier this month.

Second-half goals from Barbara Banda and Nachula helped the Copper Queens come from a goal down to condemn the South Americans to the first defeat against an African team, in Santiago.

And the striker, who returned to the national fold for the first time since helping the team to qualify for the Olympic Games in March, believes the win over the South Americans was a huge morale boost.

"It's a good win for us. We came with an ambition to make Zambians proud against Chile," Nachula told Goal.

"Everyone felt there are a lot of players back to the team, who did not play at the Cosafa Cup and were expecting a lot from us. 

"We did not underrate them [Chile] because we never met them before. We just told ourselves before the match to go all out and prove our worth as we know competing at the Olympic is not a child's play. And we did it. 

"I am happy and the whole team are very proud of what we achieved on the pitch. We are very excited to have started our preparation for the Olympic very well, especially for some of us that were not part of the Cosafa tournament. 

"We are done with this game and will not for any reason get carried away by the victory because it's already in the past. Although we won, there are many areas we made mistakes which we will do well to correct before Tuesday's match."

The ex-sprinter has continued to silence her doubters since dumping athletics for football despite enjoying huge success on the track, including an Olympic Games appearance at Beijing 2008.

In 2019, she inspired the Copper Queens to a first-ever final appearance at the Cosafa Cup, scoring 10 goals to claim the golden boot and the feat earned her a first professional contract at Zaragoza.

Despite scoring twice in four competitive games for her Spanish outfit this season, the 34-year-old has opened up on the significance of her match-winning header against Chile.

"I am really very excited about our victory and more importantly It was the first goal I will score with my head in 2020," she added.

"It has been a huge year for me. I helped the country to the Olympics and also got the deal with Zaragoza. Scoring with my head against Chile was a big deal for me. 

"I have to thank [Barbara] Banda for the giving such a good cross and my teammates for providing me with such huge support always. I hope to continue to give my best always."

After the win, Nachula aims to help Bruce Nwape's team do a double against the South Americans in the second leg on December 1.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

'Forever a lion' - Senegal legend Diop hailed by Oliseh, Eto'o, and Gueye

The World Cup hero was confirmed dead on Sunday after a long battle with a motor neurone disease

African legends Samuel Eto'o and Sunday Oliseh have joined the rest of the world in mourning former Senegal star Papa Bouba Diop, who died on Sunday.

Diop scored the memorable goal that helped Senegal stun France 1-0 at the 2002 Fifa World Cup opening game.

Aside from his feat for the Teranga Lions, the 42-year-old enjoyed a nomadic career in Europe with stints at Fulham, Portsmouth, AEK Athens, Lens, West Ham United and Birmingham City.

Tributes have started pouring in from every corner of the world following the demise of Diop, who was nicknamed 'the Wardrobe'.

"The death of Papa Bouba Diop is a great loss for Senegal. I pay tribute to a good footballer, respected by all for his courtesy and his talent, proudly reminding us of the Lions saga in 2002. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and to the football world," President of Senegal, Macky Sall tweeted.

 

Original author: Taiye Taiwo

Wolves star Jimenez stretchered off with head injury after clash with David Luiz

The Mexico striker collided with the Arsenal defender in the penalty area and had to be taken from the field

Raul Jimenez was stretchered off the field in the early stages of Wolves' Premier League match against Arsenal after suffering a head injury.

The striker clashed heads with Arsenal centre-back David Luiz during an aerial challenge in the Wolves box after a corner from Willian.

The incident happened just five minutes into the encounter, but a lengthy delay followed as the players received treatment.

The 29-year-old seemed unresponsive as medical staff checked on him and the Mexico international had to be carried off the field 10 minutes later and was replaced by Fabio Silva. 

David Luiz, meanwhile, received treatment for his injury and was able to keep playing, but the Brazilian defender was still bleeding late in the first half.  

Jimenez has been a key player for Wolves this season, scoring four goals in nine matches before Sunday's match against the Gunners.

Nuno Espirito Santo's team took the lead at Emirates Stadium after 27 minutes when Leander Dendoncker's header struck the bar and Pedro Neto was there to knock it past Bernd Leno.

Arsenal managed to pull level three minutes later, however, when Gabriel Magalhaes rose to meet a cross from Willian and head past goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

With three minutes left of the first half, Daniel Podence put the visitors back in the lead when Leno parried a Neto shot into the attacking midfielder's path and managed to knock it into the net.

Wolves had won just one of their last four matches in the Premier League heading into Sunday's encounter against Mikel Arteta's men.

Nuno's team were 11th in the table with 14 points before kick-off, seven adrift of leaders Liverpool and Tottenham.

Their north London opponents sat a point behind heading into the match, having collected just four points from their last five matches in the English top flight.

RSS is deleted

The German took to the pitch in a white top, as opposed to his luminous green jersey

Arsenal fans would have been forgiven for taking an inquisitive look at goalkeeper Bernd Leno against Wolves, as he took to the field in an outfield shirt.

Leno’s shirt of choice this term has been a luminous green affair, but he stepped on to the pitch in a white away kit in the Premier League game at the Emirates on Sunday.

The reason for the strange choice of shirt was Leno’s opposite number at Wolves, Rui Patricio, arriving at the ground with an identical coloured jersey.

Premier League rules state goalkeepers cannot wear the same coloured shirt, despite being at opposite ends of the pitch. The thinking possibly being that it could lead to confusion if one of the keepers ventured forward for a corner.

The responsibility sits with Wolves as the away team, but they arrived at the ground with no second option - meaning Leno donned the white outfield top.

Arsenal confirmed the switch of kit , but there is no word on why Leno pulled on an away outfield top as opposed to an alternative goalkeeping option.

The Arsenal shop has a picture of Leno sporting a black goalkeeping top, but he pulled on the white away kit. The referee Michael Oliver was in black on Sunday.

Leno, a signing from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018, is the undisputed number one for Arsenal and has kept three clean sheets in the Premier League so far this term.

That record was not extended to four, and it may be the white shirt is not a positive one for the German, as he was beaten by Pedro Neto on 27 minutes and again by Daniel Podence.

Arsenal went into the game without the injured Thomas Partey, who is making progress from the thigh strain he picked up against Aston Villa on November 8.

Nicolas Pepe has been forced to sit out the game on account of the suspension he picked up for headbutting Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski last week, while Sead Kolasinac is out after testing positive for Covid-19.

Mohamed Elneny had been absent after testing positive for coronavirus while on international duty with Egypt, but he produced a negative test and was given the green light to take his place on the bench against Wolves.

Copyright

© UEFA.tv

Aboubakar double takes Mensah’s Besiktas past Fenerbahce

The Cameroon striker netted twice inside 20 minutes during the heavyweight Super Lig clash

Vincent Aboubakar scored twice as Bernard Mensah’s Besiktas defeated fierce rivals Fenerbahce 4-3 away in an ill-tempered Super Lig roller-coaster on Sunday.

Aboubakar’s double inside the opening 20 minutes, with the second goal assisted by Algeria’s Rachid Ghezzal, gave visiting Besiktas the perfect start away at Fener in the evening kick-off.

However, Senegal’s Papiss Demba Cisse pulled one back for the hosts—following Marcel Tisserand’s assist—in the 34th minute as Fenerbahce battled back into the contest.

Despite losing Canada’s Cyle Larin to a 50th-minute red card during the tempestuous showdown, Besiktas extended their lead via Necip Uysal in the 53rd minute but there was still more drama at the Ulker Stadyumu.

Ozan Tufan again reduced the arrears for Fener in the 68th minute, before Congolese wideman Fabrice N’Sakala netted Besiktas’s fourth in the 88th minute—only two minutes after replacing Ghezzal—after being set up by Franco-Cameroonian wideman Georges-Kevin Nkoudou.

Tufan netted from the spot in the sixth minute of stoppage time to give Fener feint hope of an equaliser, but the visitors ultimately saw out the tempestuous contest which saw 11 cards being issued among the playing staff and technical benches.

Aboubakar’s influence waned before his 91st-minute withdrawal, but he nonetheless took his tally up to four in seven Super Lig goals for the season, already equalling his league haul across the last two seasons combined for FC Porto.

Considering his three goals for Cameroon during the recent international break, the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations winner now has six goals in his last four games for club and country, and is returning to the form he demonstrated before the injury-ravaged last few years.

Ghana playmaker Mensah had a much quieter outing before being replaced by Nkoudou in the 71st minute, struggling to find openings and failing to create a single goalscoring opportunity during the contest.

The win is Besiktas’s fourth in their last five league games, taking them up to 16 points—now only four behind Fenerbahce—after nine matches.

They’ve played one game fewer than Galatasaray and Fener—in second and third—but the same as unlikely leaders Alanyaspor, who are three points clear (on 23) at the top of the table.

Original author: Goal

Csaba Laszlo: Chennaiyin controlled most of the match

Chennaiyin failed to make the most of their opportunites as they settled for a goalles draw against Kerala Blasters at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Sunday.

The Marina Machans attacked with the likes of Esmael Goncalves, Rafael Crivellaro and Jakub Sylvestr in the first half an hour as Kerala Blasters were continously forced to play inside their own half. They also spilled a golden opportunity to bag all three points in the second half of the match after Jakub Sylvestr missed a penalty in the 77th minute.

The Marina Machans head coach Csaba Laszlo, ahead of the match, said that his team will look to the control the match against Kerala Blasters. At the final whistle, they registered 46 per cent possession, but Lazlo believes that his men controlled majority of the evenly-contested fixture. 

"You know you can't control 90 minutes but for the majority of the game we were definitely in control. We had a good chance to score. We didn't. We made some mistakes and aslo the opponents got a shot from distance. We missed penalty which is a big blow," Csaba Laszlo said after the game. 

Chennaiyin, who finished as runners-up last season, had only two shots on target in the match against their southern rivals. The 56-year-old highlighted the poor record in front of the goal as a major concern and a weakness that he would like to address.  

"We have to continue it is. We have very good and fast players. We can use the space, also the speed, what is missing is the shot on target. If you don't shoot on the target you can't win the game. This was what I missed from the start," Laszlo. 

Chennaiyin are currently in the third spot on the points table with four points from two matches. 

 

 

 

 

Original author: Goal

South Africa qualify for 2021 Under-17 Afcon as Cosafa champions

The regional football organisation released the following statement on Sunday afternoon

South Africa claimed the winner's trophy at the Cosafa Qualifiers for U-17 Afcon 2021 in Morocco, lifting the regional title in this age-group for the first time since 2002.

South Africa defeated holders Zambia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the decider in Nelson Mandela Bay to spark wild scenes of celebration.

Both sides had already qualified for the continental finals in Morocco, which will have been a major aim before the tournament, but Zambia will have to settle for the silver medal after losing the shoot-out.

South Africa also extend their record number of wins in the competition to three, one more than the Zambians.

Zambia took the early lead in the final when they were awarded a penalty that was put away by Joseph Banda, who netted his fifth goal of the competition.

But South Africa won a spot-kick of their own at the other end and Thabang Mahlangu levelled matters for the hosts.

There were a number of chances at either end in the remainder of the game, but the match went to penalties and when South Africa goalkeeper Enrique Erasmus saved two spot-kicks.

Earlier, Angola picked up the bronze medal when they defeated Malawi 2-1 in the third-place play-off.

Things started brightly for Malawi as Andrew Lameck gave them the lead inside a minute.

But Angola gradually grew in the game and when Jeremias Kossi and Custodio Hequele netted, the latter grabbing a fourth goal of the competition.

South African Mduduzi Shabalala was named Player of the Tournament, while Banda picked up the Golden Boot for his five goals.

The Golden Glove for best goalkeeper was won by Zambia's Eric Makungu, who had made a number of excellent saves throughout. Zambia also claimed the Fair Play award.

Meanwhile, Banda and Shabalala have also been selected to travel to Spain in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the standard of the professional game in that country.

La Liga is giving the duo the chance early next year so that they can experience the rich football culture in one of the world's great football nations.

The two boys were chosen by the Technical Study Group at the tournament and get to train with teams in Spain, take in the sights and sounds of the country, and, Covid-19 willing, take in a La Liga match.

La Liga afforded the same opportunity to two girls from the recent Cosafa Women's Under-17 Championship, with Zambian Tisilile Lungu and South Africa's Jessica Wade chosen.

Cosafa has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with La Liga that will see them partner on a number of exciting initiatives over the next few years.

Andre Ayew reacts to Man-of-the-Match performance for Swansea City vs Nottingham Forest 

The 30-year-old Ghana star reflected on Sunday's away victory in the Championship 

Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew is delighted by the club's performance in their Championship triumph over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

At the City Ground, Connor Roberts' lone goal sealed a 1-0 away victor in the matchday 14 fixture but it was the Ghana international who walked off the pitch with the official Man-of-the-Match award.

"3 points away from home. Love it! Great shift guys. We keep going.. MOTM"

Sunday's win has catapulted Steve Cooper's Swansea side to fourth on the league table, tied on points with third-placed Watford

“Forest are a good team; I know their league position doesn’t say that at the moment, but I think their squad is one of the strongest on paper in terms of experience and resources. You have to respect that, which we did," Cooper said of Sunday's performance, his club's official website reports. 

“While respecting that, we also came here to win. All of our body language and motivational wording was around that. So to go and deliver a performance like that is really, really good."

It was Ayew's first start for Swansea since returning from a hamstring injury picked up while on international duty with Ghana earlier this month.

After sitting out the matchweek 12 clash with Rotherham United, the 30-year-old made a scoring comeback with a valuable equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday in midweek, which preceded Sunday's away trip to Forest.

"I’ve always felt that [he's worth his wages]," manager Cooper responded during the pre-match press conference when asked whether he felt the 30-year-old was producing a good return on his speculated £80,000 weekly wage.

“I’ve said it many times, he’s an outstanding player and professional and a good person, too.

"He’s motivated to do well, but he had a setback getting injured on international duty.

"The Championship is full of really good players and Andre is up there with the best of them. He has been fantastic for us.”

Swansea's top scorer so far this season, Ayew has registered six goals in 13 Championship outings, continuing from where he left off last term when he finished the campaign as his club's top scorer and most valuable player. 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Tottenham players' anger at Chelsea draw is fantastic, says Mourinho

The Portuguese manager was happy with this side's reaction after they played out a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge

Jose Mourinho believes Tottenham have had a "complete change of mentality" after seeing that his players were disappointed with Sunday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea.

The north London side ensured they went back to the top of the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, as they left Stamford Bridge with a point.

While avoiding defeat at Chelsea would historically be seen as a positive for Spurs, Mourinho was happy to see that his players were irritated in the dressing room after failing to get the better of Frank Lampard's team. 

"A draw at Stamford Bridge is usually a positive thing and staying top of the league is also a positive thing," he told Sky Sports.

"But my dressing room isn't happy with that and that is fantastic. It's a complete change of mentality and personality.

"That was a game where we respected them and they respected us. Nobody gambled today or tried to change the direction of the game. Everybody was in a situation of one mistake wins the game, especially in the last 15 minutes."

He continued: "The game did not have many chances. It is a game where we both wanted to win. We respect each other. Nobody gambled.

"They had one shot from distance, we had more in the first half than the second. I think a big game is difficult for both teams."

Mourinho was happy to see his side stay at the top of the table before they turn their attention to Thursday's Europa League match against LASK, with a home game against Arsenal to follow next Sunday.

"We stay top. I like the feeling and I think it is only for 2,000 fans but the feeling of playing the first game with public and being top is a gift for the fans," he added, with fans due to be allowed to return to Premier League matches in England in a limited capacity in certain regions from next weekend.

"Not just these 2,000 but what they represent - the universe of Tottenham fans. We are happy. But I don't change my mind. If we are a bit better we win today. It was there to win. To be top is just a nice thing. The next match we need to win."

Rahimo 0-1 Enyimba: Mbaoma's header hands Osho's men Caf Champions League first-leg edge

The Nigerian giants edged the first leg of their continental preliminary round fixture against Burkina Faso's kings on Sunday

Enyimba beat Rahimo 1-0 in the first leg of their Caf Champions League preliminary round match at Stade du 4 Aout on Sunday.

A solitary strike from Victor Mbaoma in the second half was all Fatai Osho's men required to gain a massive first-leg advantage away from home against their Burkinabe hosts in Ouagadougou.

Having lost 1-0 on their last visit to Burkina Faso in 2019, the People's Elephant, who eventually advanced 5-1 on aggregate at the same stage, were eager to celebrate an away win this time.

On the other hand, the Burkinabe champions were desperate to avenge last season's elimination and also profit from their league form against their inactive Nigerian opponents.

Enyimba almost got an early lead in the opening 60 seconds but Stephen Manyo's cross from the edge of the box went to waste as his teammates were not in the area for a tap-in.
 
Sadiq Abubakar came close for the visitors but his strike went marginally over the crossbar in the seventh minute as teams remained cautious defensively to end the first half on level terms.

The People's Elephant continued their search for a crucial away goal in the second half as Tosin Omoyele created space before teeing up Abubakar, but his shot went wide in the 52nd minute.

On the hour mark, manager Osho brought on Mbaoma as a replacement for ineffective Tosin Omoyele to boost his attacking line.

Super-sub Mbaoma justified his introduction as he outjumped his marker to head in a corner kick from Anayo Iwuala and put the visitors in front 16 minutes later.

In the final stages, the hosts put up a strong fight but Osho's men held their nerve to secure a crucial away victory.

After their first-leg win in Ouagadougou, the Nigerian giants will focus on ensuring a double over their Burkinabe counterparts in the second leg at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba on December 6.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

Everton confirm Salomon Rondon departure

The England forward failed to convert decent chances in the 0-0 draw with Tottenham

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink feels Tammy Abraham has to do more if he wants to be the leader of Chelsea’s attack.

The forward appears to be Blues manager Frank Lampard’s preferred option at the head of his attack, with Olivier Giroud a regular on the bench and Timo Werner operating out wide.

It is a show of faith for a player who has five goals to his name across all competitions this season, but he drew a blank in the 0-0 draw with Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.

It was a tight, hard-fought contest at Stamford Bridge - but Abraham did have three presentable chances.

Two of the openings were headers from delicious crosses from the right foot of Reece James, while the third saw him tumble to the ground easily when seemingly ahead of his marker Eric Dier.

Commenting on Abraham’s chances, former Blues striker Hasselbaink questioned the England forward’s end product.

"For me Abraham has to do better,” Hasselbaink told Sky Sports . “[Reece] James cannot do any more for him, he put the ball in the right space. 

"Put your head against it. The other one as well, it does not matter who you are, as a striker these are brilliant crosses.

"What do you want as a striker? These moments, this is what you want. These are the moments that are counting for Abraham and he has to step up.”

Reflecting on the chance that saw Abraham tumble under minimal contact from Dier, Hasselbaink said: “Why is he going to the floor? He has done the most difficult part, stay on your feet and tap it in.

“It is a 1-0 type of game and he has had three opportunities where he has to make them his own.”

Hasselbaink believes Abraham has the potential to lead Chelsea’s attack, but questioned whether he is doing enough work on and off the field.

“He has done ever so well last year,” Hasselbaink said. "Half of the season he was a breath of fresh air. Second half of the season he had it difficult, but it is normal as he is a young boy.

"This season he has to step up and at times he can do better. With his stature and ability he should score more goals, and [more] important goals.

"I wonder if he watches clips of himself after games, as his movement and holding up the ball can be better. He needs to keep on improving.”

‘You know my love for East Africa’ – Migne says over Yanga SC role

Police in Buenos Aires are investigating the treatment received by the Argentine superstar in the weeks before his passing on Wednesday aged 60

Diego Maradona's doctor insists he has "nothing to hide" and is "proud" of the treatment he administered to the late football star.

Police in Buenos Aires were sent to the home and private clinic of Leopoldo Luque and collected files as prosecutors launched an investigation into the circumstances around Maradona's death.

The 60-year-old Argentina and Napoli great died of a reported heart attack at his home this week, where he was recuperating following successful surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain earlier in November.

Dr Luque told reporters on Sunday he had the backing of his professional body, the Argentine Society of Neurosurgery.

He also detailed how Maradona, who struggled with alcohol and drug dependency issues, took the decision to undertake his rehabilitation from home.

"We were all gathered to see the best for Diego: the doctors, myself, his family. Nothing could be done without his will," Dr Luque said. "We sought to put together a containment scheme for the issue of the pills he was taking and to control alcohol consumption.

"There were no medical criteria [to keep Maradona in hospital]. We could have taken him to a rehabilitation centre, but we needed Diego's okay. It was his decision.

"Here there are no decisions, there are medical criteria. When you operate on a patient, the discharge criteria depend on the patient. There wasn't a doctor error.

"He had a heart problem that can happen in a patient like him. Everything possible was done to reduce that chance, but you cannot block the possibility.

"I had the full endorsement of the Argentine Society of Neurosurgery that Diego needed the surgery. Six doctors evaluated him. Death had nothing to do with [the surgery]."

Dr Luque added: "He was discharged after surgery. The ideal thing would have been for him to undergo rehabilitation, but he did not want to. We managed to get a nurse to accompany him, but he had the medical discharge.

"We tried to keep him in the clinic, but it is not a rehab centre. I extended the hospitalisation as long as I could. I am at the disposal of the justice department. With Diego, I did the best I could. I am proud of what I did. I have nothing to hide."

There has been a huge, nationwide outpouring of sympathy for the much-loved Maradona following the death of the man who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.

On Sunday, Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi paid tribute to his compatriot after he scored in a 4-0 La Liga win over Osasuna.


FutPost.com