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Osimhen injury: Spalletti delivers update after Napoli's win against Salernitana

The 22-year-old Super Eagle missed his second match of the season at Arechi Stadium on Sunday after picking up an injury while in training

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti is hopeful striker Victor Osimhen will be available for their next Serie A game against Verona this coming Sunday.

The 22-year-old Nigeria international, who had started in each of Napoli’s previous eight matches, missed the team’s trip to face Salernitana on Sunday, where the Parthenopeans won 1-0 to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

It was Polish player Piotr Zielinski who scored the all-important goal in the 61st minute in the match that saw Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly sent off in the 76th minute at Arechi Stadium.

Speaking after the game, Spalletti pencilled in the team’s fixture against Verona at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday as a possible return date for the Super Eagle, meaning he will almost certainly miss their Group C Europa League fixture against Legia Warsaw at Polish Army Stadium on Wednesday.

“It remains to be seen if he [Osimhen] has to stay out for a couple of games,” Spalletti told the media after the game as quoted by Tutto Napoli.

“For Sunday he can also do it, we have a lot of trust in our doctors.”

Ahead of their trip to face Salernitana, Napoli confirmed on their official website the extent of the injury suffered by Osimhen by stating: “Victor [Osimhen] this morning [Sunday], at the Pineta Grande Clinic, underwent instrumental tests that showed a contracture of the right gastrocnemius.

“Osimhen has already started treatment and his condition will be evaluated in the coming days.”

The Super Eagle has featured for 705 minutes so far this season from nine appearances and scored five goals in the process.

Osimhen's return to action would also be good news for Nigeria and coach Gernot Rohr as they prepare for their two remaining 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying matches against Liberia and Cape Verde.

The Super Eagles are currently topping Group C on nine points from four matches and will next face Liberia on November 13 at Stade Ibn Batouta before they wind up their group matches with a home game against Cape Verde at Teslim Balogun Stadium on November 16.

The latest win helped Napoli to cement their top position on the 20-team table with 31 points from 11 matches, while Milan are second also on 31 points, and Inter Milan are third on 24 points.

(Originally posted by Dennis Mabuka)

Five Nigerian performances we absolutely loved this weekend

Goal reviews the nation’s top performers this weekend, highlighting what made their displays special
(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)

Weekend talking points: Mamelodi Sundowns stamp their authority

Masandawana won 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out after the MTN8 final had ended 1-1 after extra time with goals from Thapelo Morena and Fagrie Lakay

Kessie on target as AC Milan stretch Serie A winning streak against Roma

The 24-year-old Ivorian midfielder helped the Rossoneri grab their seventh straight win in the Italian top-flight

Franck Kessie scored a penalty as AC Milan defeated AS Roma 2-1 in Sunday’s Serie A encounter.

Kessie stepped forward to double the visitors’ lead at the Stadio Olimpico, three minutes before the hour-mark.

The effort made two goals for the combative midfielder after playing in eight league matches this season.

Earlier in the encounter, Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring for Stefano Pioli's men by netting a free-kick in the 25th minute.

In the second half, AC Milan were reduced to 10 men following Theo Hernandez's expulsion for receiving a second yellow card in the game.

Roma then halved the deficit in the 93rd minute, thanks to Stephan El Shaarawy’s goal.

Kessie played the entire duration while Algeria's Ismael Bennacer was replaced in the 76th minute and Senegal's Fode Ballo-Toure came on as a 68th-minute substitute for the visitors.

AC Milan remain joint-top of the league table, along with Napoli, with 31 points after 11 games, while Roma are sitting fourth with 19 points.

Before the Milan derby on November 7, Kessie and his Milan teammates will shift their attention to the Uefa Champions League with a fixture against Porto scheduled for Wednesday.

At the end of the game, Pioli was full of praise for his team’s performance that stretched their unbeaten Serie A run to 11 games.

“We played with character, with our ideas and approach,” Pioli told DAZN, via Football Italia. “Roma are a quality side, we did very well with 11 against 11, kept trying to score more goals and that is the character we need in such important games.

“We’re going through a positive period of form, so we’ve got to ride this wave, be courageous and confident, so I am very happy.

“Honestly, I have five excellent midfielders who are finally achieving fitness, so I can rotate them a little more now. Playing with this tempo, and so often, is not easy.

“There are moments in a match where you control, where you suffer, where you have to hang on. Roma surprised us at the start of the second half, but that makes the victory even more important against a side that was unbeaten at home.

“The club deserves credit for giving a sense of consistency to this project, combining the experienced players with young and more promising ones. We’ve got to know each other and it’s still early days, but it’s a strong squad.”

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)

Man Utd Tipped to Hand Dean Henderson Bumper New Deal - But Doubts Remain Over Immediate Future

The Gers manager has showered encomium on the Zambia international for his treble against the Steelmen in Sunday’s league showdown

Fashion Sakala is trusting the way Rangers play and his teammates are starting to trust him, according to manager Steven Gerrard who is impressed with the Zambian’s heroics against Motherwell.

Starting his third league game of the 2021-22 campaign, the 24-year-old scored his first career hat-trick as the Gers silenced the Steelmen 6-1 in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership encounter.

At the Fir Park Stadium, Sakala scored his first goal on the stroke of half time before completing his treble in the last 45 minutes.

In his post-match reaction, manager Gerrard was delighted with the former Oostende forward – who was the star of the show against Graham Alexander’s men.

"And look, Fashion will get all the headlines and rightly so,” the Englishman told the club website.

“He deserves it, and he has worked hard and come on and made a difference in his cameos, but he has just showed something different in the last week to 10 days that he is more settled now and he is ready and his teammates are starting to trust him and he is trusting the way we play.

"We felt, as a staff, he was ready to be put in for an opportunity and he has grabbed it with both hands."

The Liverpool legend also lauded the overall performance of his team claiming they gave him more than he demanded.

"They gave us everything we wanted and some more. I thought it was a really emphatic victory and we could have had more goals,” he continued.

“I thought we looked dangerous throughout and the pleasing thing for me was, we looked like us.

"Everything we have tried to build and everything I have asked for in terms of an identity and a philosophy, the players have delivered.

“They have carried the game plan out and every single one of them stood up today and were fantastic.”

Thanks to this result, Rangers remain at the summit of the log having accrued 24 points from 11 matches.

The Gers now head to Copenhagen to take on Brondby in the Europa League full of confidence.

Three days after taking on the Danish side, they square up against Ross County in their next league outing.

(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)

Messi: I want to be a technical secretary and return to help Barcelona

The Argentina icon hopes to be back at Camp Nou before long despite his recent departure to join Paris Saint-Germain

Lionel Messi says he wants to take on a position as a technical secretary when he retires from football and hopes to end up back at Barcelona.

The Argentine star spent 21 years with the Catalan side, where he established himself as one of the best to ever play the game. 

The 34-year-old was forced to leave the club in the summer, however, as they could not afford to commit him to a new contract.

What has been said?

The now-Paris Saint-Germain attacker still has his heart set on going back to Camp Nou at some point as he starts making plans for life after he hangs up his boots.

Asked in an interview with Sport if he would return to Barca one day, Messi said: "Yes. I always said that I would love to be able to help the club.

"I would love to be a technical secretary at some point. I don't know if it will be at Barcelona or not. Or if it will be elsewhere. 

"If there is a possibility, I would like to contribute again in what I can because it is the club that I love and I would love for it to continue to be good, to continue growing and to continue being one of the best in the world."

When will Messi retire?

Messi signed a two-year contract at PSG in August, but the deal has an option to extend for a further year.

The Argentine has not confirmed if PSG will be the last club of his career, as he has often discussed finishing his playing days at his boyhood team Newell's Old Boys.

How has Messi performed at PSG?

Messi has featured eight times for PSG since his arrival this year and scored three goals.

All three of his strikes have come in the Champions League, getting off the mark in the 2-0 win against Manchester City before netting a double as they beat RB Leipzig 3-2.

Messi was limited to a 45 minute appearance as PSG beat Lille 2-1 on Saturday.

Further reading

(Originally posted by Peter McVitie)

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: PSG could terminate Ramos contract

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
(Originally posted by Goal)

Andreas Christensen agrees new Chelsea contract

The manager suffered his first home loss in his Serie A managerial career and gave a limited, curt response after his displeasure with the officials

Jose Mourinho cut short his media duties following Roma's defeat to Milan on Sunday, with the Portuguese refusing to answer questions lest he risk earning himself a touchline ban.

The manager suffered his first home loss in his Serie A managerial career, stretching almost two-and-a-half-seasons, after a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-inspired victory for the visitors at Stadio Olimpico.

Yet the manner of his side's reverse left the Portuguese fuming at the match officials, particularly referee Fabio Maresca, leaving him to curtly deflect his post-match duties.

What has been said?

“Compliments to Milan,” Mourinho told DAZN after the final whistle. “I don’t want to say anything else, because otherwise I won’t be on the touchline next week.

“I am angry at the lack of respect shown to the Roma fans. We did not play well, but we left everything on the pitch. We have that respect, others do not, and that angers me. That is all.”

The 58-year-old was similarly short in his full post-game press conference, adding simply: “I made an effort and did not wait for the referee.”

Why was Mourinho mad?

While Roma had three times as many shots as their opponents, the Portuguese was left particularly aggrieved by what he felt to be calls against his side in an ill-disciplined encounter.

With just under a dozen bookings shared between the two sides and Milan reduced by a man following Theo Hernandez's dismissal, referee Maresca struggled to keep an even tempo.

Coupled with his side only managing to find a response deep into second-half injury time, Mourinho's decision to remove himself from the risk of a sanctioned comment was likely prudent.

The bigger picture

Mourinho's choice to avoid a controversial statement means that he will likely be in the dugout for Roma's final game before the November international break.

His side will face Venezia in a week, to round out their Serie A commitments before his players head off for the last time in 2021.

Before then however, he will have a chance for revenge against Bodo/Glimt when they host them in the Europa Conference League.

Further reading

'You function to save your kids' - Ex-Germany striker Helmes reflects on horror of witnessing Vienna terror attack

The Austria international feels he and the Spain centre-back are too different to be compared to each other
(Originally posted by Peter McVitie)

England 2-1 Italy: Player ratings as Daly double inspires Lionesses win

The Senegal captain was given marching orders as the Parthenopeans played their 11th league game of the season without registering a defeat

Kalidou Koulibaly was shown a straight red card as Napoli extended their unbeaten Serie A run to 11 games this season with a 1-0 victory over Salernitana on Sunday.

The Senegal international was sent off for his reckless tackle that stopped Nigeria striker Simy Nwankwo from converting a goal-scoring opportunity in the 76th minute.

It was the first time in two years that Kouibaly was shown a straight red card in the Italian top-flight, since his sending off against Cagliari in September 2019.

Prior to his expulsion, Napoli had secured maximum points at the Stadio Arechi after Piotr Zielinski separated both teams with his only goal in the  61st minute.

Eight minutes after the opener, Salernitana were reduced to 10 men after Grigoris Kastanos was punished with a straight red card for a horror tackle on Cameroon midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Despite the absence of Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen who suffered a muscle injury in training on Saturday, Napoli held on to secure all three points that put them at the top of the Serie A table with 31 points from 11 outings.

As a result of his expulsion, Koulibaly will still miss Napoli's next league fixture against Verona on November 11 but Allegri believes they will all be ready in time to power them to victory.

In his reaction, the former Genk star described the result as a great victory for the PDP even as they bagged their fifth straight win and result in all competitions.

“Three points and still no goals conceded. A real derby. We won and that's the most important thing. Onwards and upwards,” Koulibaly wrote on Instragam.

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has returned to the stands after serving a one-game ban, and he asked Koulibaly to boost his defensive experience with his contributions.

Next up for Spalletti's men is a league match against Verona on November 7, with Koulibaly expected to miss out as punishment.

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)

Pep Guardiola admits he 'cannot believe' how good Jude Bellingham is

The Algeria international continued his inspiring start to the 2021-22 season with another goal contribution at Villa Park

Said Benrahma grabbed his third Premier League assist of the season in West Ham United's 4-1 hammering of Aston Villa on Sunday.

Benhrama assisted Declan Rice in restoring the visitors at the Villa Park in the 38th minute, four minutes after Ollie Watkins cancelled out Benjamin Johnson's opening goal.

It was the sixth league goal the Algeria international had been directly involved in this season, having scored three goals and assisted three in 10 appearances so far.

The former Brentford star is apparently enjoying his best form with the Hammers, with just a goal involvement behind from equalling his one goal and seven assists in 30 Premier League games last term.

Later in the second half, goals from Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen in the final 10 minutes stretched the Hammers' lead as they sealed their fifth consecutive win across all competitions.

The 26-year-old was in action for 64 minutes before he was replaced by Manuel Lanzini while DR Congo's Arthur Masuaku was an unused substitute.

Zimbabwe's Marvelous Nakamba, on the other hand, played the entire duration for Aston Villa while Egypt's Mahmoud Trezeguet and Burkina Faso's Betrand Traore continue their recovery from injury.

The victory pushed West Ham United to fourth in the Premier League table, level on 20 points with Manchester City after 10 matches while Aston Villa are 15th in the table with 10 points from the same number of games.

Benrahma will shift his attention to Thursday's Uefa Europa League clash when West Ham visit Paul Onuachu's Genk, before they host Liverpool for their next Premier League match on November 7.

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)

Arsenal's trip to Slavia Prague is their biggest game in a decade

David Moyes' side were unlikely European challengers last term and remain in rich form, prompting their star man to pay tribute to their squad

Declan Rice says that West Ham is "a special place to play" after the Hammers cemented their status as top four challengers with a Premier League blowout against Aston Villa on Sunday.

David Moyes' side were unlikely European challengers last term, just falling short of a Champions League finish a year after they beat off relegation following the Scotsman's return to the club.

Now, they look to have picked up where they left off, level with Manchester City after a 4-1 triumph at Villa Park - and England international Rice admits that their squad feel something different.

What has been said?

It's a special group at the minute, a special environment," the playmaker told Sky Sports. "We wake up looking forward to training. Every game, we've been in it until the end.

"It's a special place to play. We’re over the moon. We are joint third. The big question people asked before the season was whether we could do it again.

"We’ve found out we can. But still a lot more games to go. This is the level, the standard. We can’t drop if we want to be a big team."

Moyes cautions lofty expectations

While West Ham's rich form has driven them to heights rarely scaled in the Premier League era, their manager has been quick to insist that they are not getting ahead of themselves.

The ex-Everton and Manchester United boss has impressed upon his side the fickle nature, adding: "It's been a great week. But you know what happens in football.

"It can turn around and bite you.We have another game on Thursday. I don't want West Ham to become that flaky inconsistent team a lot of people remember them as."

The bigger picture

West Ham will face two last tests of their fine form before they hit pause for the last time in 2021, with the November international break looming.

They travel away to Genk looking to maintain their strong Europa League record, as they eye a place in the knockout stages.

Then, they will square off with in-form Liverpool, themselves looking to bounce back following a surprise 2-2 draw with Brighton this weekend.

Further reading

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How Kaizer Chiefs could line-up against Maritzburg United

The Bafana Bafana star was hoping to add to his tally having netted twice for the Red Devils on his debut

South Africa international Percy Tau helped Al Ahly record their second successive win in the Egyptian Premier League on Sunday night.

The Red Devils secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the National Bank of Egypt FC in an encounter that was played at WE Al-Ahly Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. 

Nicknamed Lion of Judah, Tau kept his place in the starting line-up after marking his official debut for Al Ahly with a brace against Ismaily on October 27.

The Lion of Judah's first-half brace inspired the Red Devils to an emphatic 4-0 victory in what was the team's first match of the 2021/22 domestic season. 

Tau started in attack alongside Mozambique international Luis Miquissone and Egyptian star Mohamed Magdi Kafsha against the National Bank of Egypt.

The National Bank of Egypt, who started their league campaign with a 3-0 win over El Geish on October 25, did well to contain Al Ahly in the first-half and the score was 0-0 at half-time.

Coach Pitso Mosimane made a tactical change nine minutes after the restart as he pulled out Mohamed Hany, who was operating as a right-back.

The South African tactician then introduced last season's Caf Champions League Golden Boot award winner Mohamed Sherif as the hosts searched for the opening goal.

This proved to be a smart tactical move by Mosimane as Sherif broke the deadlock when fired past goalkeeper Mahmoud El Zonfoly to hand Al Ahly a 1-0 lead in the 62nd minute.

Tau was then replaced by Ahmed Abdelkader a minute later as Mosimane refreshed his attack with Miquissone also being replaced by Hussein El Shahat.

The reigning African champions were unable to double their lead in the remaining minutes of the game and ultimately, the match ended in a 1-0 win in favour of Al Ahly.

The victory saw Al Ahly reclaim the top spot on the league standings having accumulated six points from their first two matches.

The Red Devils' next match will be against their arch-rivals Zamalek, who are the reigning Egyptian champions, in the Cairo Derby match on November 5. 


 

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)

Ligue 1 Wrap: Delort and Diallo bag braces as Mounie, Ekitike & Boufal paint France with goals

Several African stars were on song in the French elite division, nevertheless, their teams suffered contrasting fortunes on Sunday evening

Andy Delort was Nice’s hero as he found the net twice as they secured a 2-1 win over Angers in Sunday’s Ligue 1 fixture.

Prior to the game at Stade Raymond Kopa, the Algeria international had scored three goals in the 2021-22 campaign, with his last effort coming against Saint-Etienne in September.

Hosts Angers got off to a fine start and they took the lead in the 29th minute through Sofiane Boufal, who scored from the penalty spot after he was fouled in the box by Youcef Atal.

Having gone a goal down, the Eaglets stepped up their game but could not restore parity despite creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Three minutes before the hour mark, Nice levelled matters through Delort who was assisted by Amine Gouiri.

The Algerian sealed the win for Christophe Galtier’s men in the 91st minute after scoring from the edge of the area.

At the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux defeated Reims with Algeria prospect Yacine Adli getting a goal for the Girondins.

Although the hosts began the game brightly, it was the Red and Whites that took the lead in the 37th minute through Cameroon prospect Hugo Ekitike, who profited from a pass from Malian forward El Bilal Toure.

The visitors went two goals up in the 63rd minute as Toure set up Bradley Locko – who is eligible to represent Congo at the international level.

Adli reduced the deficit 10 minutes later before Jimmy Briand scored a late double to inspire a commendable comeback win.

Nigeria international Samuel Kalu was introduced in the second half for Remi Oudin.

Elsewhere, Moses Simon could do little to prevent Nantes from losing 2-0 to Montpellier despite playing from start to finish.

After a goalless first half at the Stade de la Mosson, La Paillade took the lead in the 64th minute with French striker Florent Mollet firing past goalkeeper Alban Lafont.

Cote d’Ivoire teenager Elye Wahi sealed the win in the 71st minute a few minutes after replacing Valere Germain.

Wahi thought he had scored his second goal of the night, but his goal was chalked off for being in an offside position.

In another interesting fixture, Habib Diallo put up a man-of-the-match performance as a got a brace in Strasbourg’s 4-0 defeat of Lorient.

Also finding the net for the Racers was French striker of Malagasy background Ludovic Ajorque.

In other games, Benin Republic international Stevie Mounie registered his name among the scorers as Brest outshined AS Monaco 2-0, while Cameroonian midfielder Tristan Dingome got his first goal of the season as Troyes played out a 2-2 draw with Rennes.

What we learned from Mamelodi Sundowns' MTN8 final triumph against Cape Town City

Masandawana won their first trophy of the current season after overcoming the Citizens on Saturday night
(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)

Transfer rumours: Barcelona explore Aubameyang re-signing; Amrabat to snub Liverpool

The Ivory Coast international fired back on social media after he was subjected to abuse following the Eagles' shock triumph on Saturday

Wilfried Zaha says that he is "black and proud" as the Crystal Palace forward called for further action against racism following abuse in the wake of his performance against Manchester City.

The Ivory Coast international netted the opener for the Eagles in their shock triumph over the Premier League champions on Saturday, as Patrick Vieira's side stunned Pep Guardiola's visitors.

But following victory at Selhurst Park, the attacker revealed that he had been inundated with racial epitaphs and took to social media to both profess his pride and implore for greater action.

What has been said?

"This message isn't for me to get a million messages saying we stand with you and it's disgusting, or about me getting sympathy," Zaha wrote on his Instagram story, alongside images of abuse.

"I'm not here for all the nonsense that is being done instead of fixing the actual problem. I don't mind abuse because nowadays it comes with doing the job I do, even though it's not an excuse but my colour will always be the real problems.

“But it's fine because I'll always be black and proud. Speak to me when you actually take this issue seriously.”

Zaha latest to field abuse

The forward is sadly far from the first player to be the subject of abuse this year, from both the pitch and the stands, as football continues to grapple with the issue.

Ranger star Glen Kamara was subjected to racial slurs during a game with Slavia Prague by opposition player Ondrej Kudela, before the Finland international suffered more from supporters later on.

In recent months, Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Manchester United's Anthony Elanga have also both alleged abuse from crowds at domestic and international level.

The bigger picture

Zaha's contributions on the pitch meanwhile have put his Palace side on course to avoid any threat of an early relegation battle this term, and hands them a famous victory too.

The forward - long linked with a move from Selhurst Park but still one of their most stalwart talents - will look to add to his haul when the Eagles face Wolves next time out.

City meanwhile will look to pick themselves up against Club Brugge in the Champions League in midweek.

Further reading

Norwich sign Brandon Williams on loan from Man Utd

The duo is facing stiff competition from some of the best coaches on the planet including Guardiola and Zidane

South African coaches Pitso Mosimane and Manqoba Mngqithi have been nominated for the 2021 International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) Coach of the Year award.

The duo is among 24 coaches who have been shortlisted for the global accolade including world-renowned managers such as Thomas Tuchel, Pep Guardiola, Diego Pablo Simeone, Mauricio Pochettino, and Zinedine Zidane. 

Mosimane led Al Ahly to the Caf Champions League title and Caf Super Cup during the 2020/21 season and he then guided the Egyptian football powerhouse to a third-place finish at the 2020 Fifa Club World Cup which was held in Qatar in February this year.

His former colleague, Mngqithi has also enjoyed some success as the Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach with the Tshwane giants clinching the PSL title last season, before steering the team to the 2021 MTN8 trophy on Saturday along with fellow co-head coach Rhulani Mokwena. 

Tunisian tactician Moeni Chaabani is the third African coach on the shortlist after winning the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title with Esperance de Tunis last term and he has since joined Egyptian club Al Masry.

Germany head coach Hans-Dieter Flick is the current holder of the IFFHS Coach of the Year award having scooped the accolade as a reward for leading Bayern Munich to the 2019/20 Uefa Champions League title.

The winner of the 2021 accolade is expected to be announced next month.

Full list of nominees:

Thomas Tuchel (Germany, Chelsea)
Josep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)
Mauricio Pochettino (Argentina, PSG)
Zinedine Zidane (France, Real Madrid)
Unai Emeri (Spain, Villarreal)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Norway, Manchester United)
Hans-Dieter Flick (Germany, Bayern)
Julian Nagelsmann (Germany, Leipzig)
Diego Simeone (Argentina, Atletico Madrid)
Antonio Conte (Italy, Internazionale)
Christophe Galtier (France, Lille)
Yuriy Vernydub (Ukraine, Sheriff)
Renato Gaúcho (Brazil, Flamengo)
Abel Ferreira (Brazil, Palmeiras)
Alexi Stival “Cuca” (Brazil, Atlético Mineiro)
Pitso Mosimane (South Africa/Al Ahly SC team)
Manqoba Mngqithi (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)
Moeni Chaabani (Tunisia, Esp Tunis)
Jim Curtin (USA, Philadelphia Union)
Santiago Solari (Argentina, CF America team)
Javier Aguirre (Mexico, CF Monterrey)
Juan Reynoso (Peru, Cruz Azul team)
Leonardo Jardim (Portugal, Al Hilal FC)
Gi dong Kim (South Korea, Pohang Steelers)

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)

If this is Simeone's last Madrid derby, he'll be remembered for reviving it

The Zambia international netted his first career treble as Steven Gerrard’s Gers pummeled the Steelmen on Sunday afternoon

Fashion Sakala scored his first career hat-trick in Rangers’ 6-1 decimation of Motherwell in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership fixture.

The Zambia international handed a starter’s role in place of Jon McLaughlin, and he repaid Steven Gerrard’s faith with three goals at the Fir Park Stadium.

Unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, the Gers locked horns with Graham Alexander’s side – yet to win any of their last five league matches.

However, it was Motherwell who took the lead after 13 minutes through Uganda international Bevis Mugabi. Left unmarked in the visitors’ box, the 26-year-old fired the ball past goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Two minutes before the half-time break, Rangers restored parity through birthday boy James Tavernier having been teed up by Nigeria international Calvin Bassey.

On the stroke of half-time, Sakala put Gerrard’s men ahead after putting the ball beyond goalkeeper Liam Kelly after he was set up by Tavernier.

Motherwell slowed down their pace in the second half – prompting Rangers to dominate ball possession.

That paid off for the Gers three minutes after the hour mark as man-of-the-match Sakala extended his team’s lead – picking the ball outside the area and drilled home a 25-yard beauty past Kelly.

Things got worse for the Well as the hosts got reduced to 10 men as Stephen O’Donnell was given his marching orders for a second caution for hacking down Bassey.

Benefiting from that numerical advantage, Rangers continued with their fine goalscoring run as Glen Kamara found the net in the 75th minute – his first of the 2021-22 campaign.

Sakala completed his hat-trick in the 86th minute after he was set up by Steven Davis at the edge of the box.

Jamaica international Kemar Roofe completed the obliteration in the closing minute of the match with Jack Simpson providing the last pass.

Sakala and Bassey were in action from start to finish, by Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun were substituted for Scott Wright and Simpson respectively.

With this comprehensive result, Rangers remain at the summit of the log having accrued 24 points from 11 matches. The Gers now head to Copenhagen to take on Brondby in the Europa League full of confidence.

(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)

Mourinho sees Brentford semi-final as his biggest Tottenham game yet

The Norwegian boss was in a defiant mood in the wake of his side's morale boosting victory in north London

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer responded to fan taunts following Manchester United's 3-0 victory at Tottenham, jokingly insisting during a post-match interview: "You can abuse me after".

Solskjaer found himself under huge pressure before United's latest Premier League clash in north London, with last weekend's humiliating 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool raising fresh doubts over his ability to take the team forward.

The Red Devils managed to raise their game to give the manager a welcome reprieve on Saturday as goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani helped earn them a comfortable win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he was still targeted by a section of the home support.

What happened?

Solskjaer returned to the pitchside to give an interview to MUTV long after the final whistle had blown, but there were still a few Spurs fans sitting in the stands giving him stick.

The Norwegian broke off from answering the reporter's questions to address them as he shouted back in a jovial fashion: "Can I do this interview and then you can abuse me after, eh?!"

Who was Solskjaer's pick for Man of the Match?

Ronaldo and Cavani stole the headlines as both strikers netted after being asked to lead the line in a new 3-5-2 set-up, while Raphael Varane shone on his return from injury as United managed to prevent Spurs from recording a shot on target.

However, Solskjaer picked out Scott McTominay as his team's standout performer, telling a press conference: "Man of the match for me, by a mile.

"That’s the Scott we’ve seen a few times before. He’s had his injury, he’s had his operation this season, but today I thought he was absolutely brilliant.

"Won his tackles, drove forward, kept the ball simple, switched play, headed away a few set-plays, so absolutely top."

What's next?

The Red Devils will now start preparing for a Champions League group stage clash with Atalanta on Tuesday night, which they must win to stay on course for a place in the round of 16.

Solskjaer's side are due to face Manchester City in the first derby of 2021-22 campaign four days later, with only three points currently separating the two sides in the league table.

Further reading

Mulee: Police FC appoint former Harambee Stars and Tusker coach as technical director

The tactician joins an equally experienced John Bobby Ogolla who helped them win promotion from the 2020/21 NSL campaign

Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Police FC have appointed former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee as their technical director.

The Cops, who are debuting in the top-tier and have just one win after five games, have made an addition to their technical bench by roping in the former Tusker coach after signing big names recently.

Musa Mohamed - a Premier League winner with Gor Mahia and Nkana of Zambia, Duncan Otieno, formerly featuring for AFC Leopards, Lusaka Dynamos and Nkana, former Gor Mahia winger Clifton Miheso and John Makwatta - a former Kenya Premier League Golden Boot winner and who also featured for Zesco United, are the experienced players to have joined Police so far.
 
"Addition of another football genius to the Police bench, coach 'Ghost' Mulee," the club announced
 
"The former Harambee Stars head coach joins John 'Bobby' Ogolla as a technical director to steer Kenya Police FC forward."
 
Mulee is joining Police after he left his national position, by way of resignation, in September. The Cecafa Club Championship winner with Tusker in 2008 left Harambee Stars after he led them to two World Cup qualifiers against Uganda and Rwanda.
 
From the two games, Kenya recorded two draws; a 0-0 stalemate against the Cranes at home and a 1-1 draw in Kigali against the Amavubi.

He now joins the league debutants who hope to maintain their top-tier status for a long time, although they have had a rather poor start to the 2021/22 campaign: "We want to remain in the Premier League because I believe we deserve to compete against the best in the country," a club administrator revealed in a previous interview.

"Competing with the best is good because your players get challenged and the players are exposed to top-level competition."

They started against Kakamega Homeboyz and lost by a slim margin of 1-0 before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against Nairobi City Stars.
 
The Cops recorded their first win after beating Nzoia Sugar 3-1 before stumbling to a 2-1 loss against KCB. Their next game will be on November 6 against unbeaten Gor Mahia - Ogolla's former side - before facing fellow debutants Talanta on November 28.
 

(Originally posted by Kiplagat Sang)

FutPost.com