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Uganda captain Denis Onyango has picked Vipers SC’s Halid Lwaliwa for praise for his performance against South Sudan in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday.

Lwaliwa was introduced in the second half when Khalid Aucho picked a knock, and went ahead to score the goal that separated the sides who were otherwise destined for a draw.

Uganda hosted their Group B opponents at St Mary’s Stadium, home ground to Premier League champions Vipers and that means Lwaliwa was playing on a pitch he knows well.

“Lwaliwa was playing from home since he is the captain of the side that features here [St Mary’s Stadium] and I would like to thank him for the goal and for his good performance, he played really well,” Onyango said as per Football256.

Onyango also explained why Uganda struggled against South Sudan, a side that is yet to pick a point in the group and are ranked 86 places below the Cranes on the recent Fifa rankings.

“It was a difficult game played on an artificial turf which most of the players are not used to but those who are familiar with it came on and helped us,” the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper added.

“And on a general note, most of the young lads that have come into the team have really changed their game a lot which is also good for the Cranes’ future.” 

“As you saw South Sudan are an improved side, all we need to do is to care about ourselves, put up a much better performance on Monday and highlight our chances of sealing qualification.”

The return game will be held at Nyayo Stadium on November 16 and Uganda know a win against their northern neighbours will be enough to seal a place in the next Afcon edition.

Head coach Johnathan McKinstry is a concerned coach over the fitness levels of Aucho and Ronald Mukiibi who were injured during the initial tie.

The coach had to pick SC Villa’s David Owori in order to fill the place of TP Mazembe’s Joseph Ochaya who remains suspended due to bookings.

The Cecafa giants have already begun their journey to Nairobi for next week's showdown.

Uganda are now second in Group B with seven points and are separated from Burkina Faso by goal difference.

Super Eagles fans were in uproar on social media on Friday evening, as Nigeria conspired to allow a four-goal advantage to slip through their fingers as they were forced to settle for a 4-4 draw with Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

It was one of the poorest halves of football seen by the West African giants in many years, as the hosts wilted in light of the increasing pressure mounted by their opponents, whose confidence grew as they gradually began to claw back the deficit.

Understandably, Nigerian fans on social media were in uproar after the match, with many questioning the team’s attitude and commitment to the cause.

Indeed, cries of ‘Super Chickens’ rang out once again as everyone from the beleaguered defenders to Gernot Rohr came in for ire, while a video of Sierra Leone celebrating raucously in the away changing room at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium didn’t help matters either.

While skipper Ahmed Musa took to social media to issue a formal apology for the capitulation, some of the other Nigeria players didn’t appear to understand the gravitas of losing a four-goal lead to a team ranked 90 places below them in the Fifa World Rankings.

That includes Alex Iwobi, whose social media behaviour has come in for scrutiny and criticism in the past.

While the words posted by the Everton midfielder after the match were on point, the post overall appeared to completely misjudge the mood of fans.

“Deeply disappointed,” he wrote on his @AlexIwobi handle. “We’ll work to put things right.”

An honest acknowledgement of failure, perhaps, but why then did Iwobi opt to accompany the post with a photograph of the Super Eagles in buoyant celebration, long before their imminent collapse?

We are in an age where players appear programmed—if not obliged—to take to their social handles in the aftermath of a defeat to offer their condolences for a poor performance.

Yet surely a little more thought and foresight is required, and judgement must be applied to realise that a photograph of the team celebrating perhaps doesn’t convey the sense of intense disappointment that the nation was feeling—collectively—in the aftermath of such an embarrassing showing.

One Twitter user suggested that Iwobi should realise that “there’s a time to snap pictures and a time to defend the fatherland” while others suggested that the players’ proclivity to chronicle their lives on social media was reflected in the apathetic way they allowed their four-goal advantage to slip away.

This isn’t just about Iwobi, who incidentally delivered one of his best performances in an Eagles shirt before things unravelled, although this isn’t the first time he’s appeared to grossly misjudge the mood.

Earlier this year, he was forced to delete an Instagram post which showed him leaving his Rolls Royce and stepping onto his private jet following a backlash from fans on social media.

For Everton supporters, coming to the end of an underwhelming season, the sight of a pampered player basking in his luxury following a campaign in which he’d failed to contribute a single goal or an assist appeared to sum up the malaise and indifference of the players.

“They say a picture says a thousand words,” Twitter user @bradrvtaylor wrote. “Iwobi’s Instagram story perfectly sums up the group of mercenaries that play for our club.”

Sometimes players must realise that they don’t need to take to social media to commiserate in the immediate aftermath of a poor result.

If they do, there’s a way to approach it—with the sincerity and accountability of Musa, not the complete lack of self-awareness of Iwobi.

Recognise what went wrong in silence, in private, learn from the errors, come back stronger, and make sure Sierra Leone are served their revenge in Freetown on Tuesday.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt is set to lose more players during the current international Fifa break.

Two Amakhosi first-team players have been included in the South Africa squad which will participate in the 2020 Cosafa Under-20 Championship. 

Bontle Molefe and Keletso Sifama along with Chiefs reserve team player Rahim Milazi have been called up by South Africa under-20 head coach Helman Mkhalele.

This has come as a big blow for Hunt with the experienced tactician having recently revealed he is facing a predicament in the current Fifa break following the departure of eight players, who are on national duty.

Chiefs released the following statement on their official website. 

"Kaizer Chiefs have had three players called up to the South Africa National U-20 team that will take part in the 2020 Cosafa U-20 tournament, which will be held in Port Elizabeth between the 3 and 13 December," a club statement read. 

"Current first-team squad members Bontle Molefe and Keletso Sifama along with Chiefs reserve team player Rahim Milazi have been called up by coach Helman Mkhalele to his 22-man squad for the tournament."

"All three were part of the team that participated in the 2019 Cosafa U-20 Championships for Amajita. Molefe featured regularly in goal and Sifama scored in a 4-0 group stage win over Lesotho as they reached the final where they lost to Zambia."

"The team will gather at the Fun-Valley Safa Technical Centre, which is South of Johannesburg, on Sunday, 15 November ahead of their departure for the tournament."

Itumeleng Khune, Lebogang Manyama, Khama Billiat, Anthony Akumu, Daniel Akpeyi, Njabulo Blom, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Siyabonga Ngezana are the eight Chiefs players, who are currently out on national duty.

The departure of Molefe and Sifama will increase the number to 10 players with Amakhosi expected to play a friendly match during the current break as they prepare for their PSL clash with Lamontville Golden Arrows on November 21. 

Molefe has been training with the Amakhosi first team since the start of 2019, but the young goalkeeper is yet to make his official debut for the Glamour Boys.

While Sifama was promoted to the Chiefs first team during the 2019/20 season and the young striker made his official debut in a 3-2 league win over Polokwane City three months ago. 

The 17-year-old player then featured in Amakhosi's 3-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in a PSL match on October 24 and the 3-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg game on October 31.

Everton left-back Lucas Digne has said that Carlo Ancelotti’s side are aiming to qualify for Europe at the end of the season after making a “perfect” start.

The Toffees lie seventh in the standings on 13 points, and though they have lost their last three matches in succession, the France star is confident that they can reclaim their early season form that saw them win four straight.

He has put the recent slips due to selection problems and he is insistent that the start they made to the season was not them overperforming.

“We had a perfect start, and then we hit some bumps on the road, but we will bounce back now,” he told Goal while on international duty. “We have lost some rhythm and momentum, but we were missing players in recent games with injuries and suspensions. We will be back on track soon - for sure.

“To me our good start was not a surprise. We showed our true level. The club did well in the transfer market, so we are a good group of players - and a great manager with amazing experience in top football. It is an exciting time to be in Everton right now. We will get back to our best and will be a strong team this season.”

Indeed, Digne is confident of helping the club back into Europe – and he does not even rule out the Champions League.

“Everton have ambitions to play in the Champions League, and so do I, because I miss it,” the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star said.

“I was used to playing for clubs who were always in the Champions League. But competition for the four Champions League spots in the Premier League is very hard. However, there is no doubt that we aim for Europe.”

Digne has flourished in the Premier League, where the opportunity to play regular football has been one he has eagerly grasped.

“I have just entered my best age as a football player, being 27, and I believe, that when I look at my performances, this season has started more or less like last season and the season before that,” he said.

“I have been playing at a consistent level for long time. The stats show that. I don’t take as many set pieces, as I have been used to here, but aside from that - well, it’s more or less the same for me. I try to give my best every time.

“I love to give an assist. I am a defender, and defending is number one - but attacking with crossing, passing and shooting is a part of the role as a left-back in the modern game and in Premier League. I am happy, when my cross or my key pass turns into a goal, and I enjoy the good attacking stats.

“But I am also happy for good stats regarding aerials won, clearances etc. I enjoy both the defensive and the attacking part of being a left-back.

“When I chose to leave Barca, it was difficult, because I loved playing in Barca. But I wanted to play every game - and I have done that since I arrived in England.”

One aspect of the game that Digne has missed in recent months is the fans.

“It feels so strange to play a big game in en empty stadium without the supporters, especially in our own stadium,” he said. “Basically everything is different without fans: the whole atmosphere, to feel their dedication, their joy, their passion. We love to share those emotions with them.

“The supporters are the heart and soul of football, and we still play for them, even though they are not there - but we miss them badly.”

Digne is currently on international duty with France and won acclaim for his performance in the 2-0 loss to Finland in midweek, the occasion of his 34th cap. Now he is aiming to play at Euro 2020.

“When I play for France, I always enjoy it immensely because it means a lot to me to represent my country,” he said.  “I am proud of every single one of my 34 caps.

“Of course I have the Euros next summer as an ambition, a goal. I work hard every day, I have full focus on every match - and then it is up to the coach.

“I believe that we have a fantastic group of players - and that we could have an amazing Euro. We have such a great potential. With our quality we should always have big ambitions.”

Digne will hope to be involved in France’s Nations League clash with Portugal on Saturday.

The morning after the night before offers little by way of either comfort or clarity.

What is clear enough is that, despite a performance in the opening half hour that seemed to presage a drubbing for the ages, Nigeria somehow contrived to surrender pride, territory and superiority in a cataclysmically shameful second-half showing.

So begins the inquest.

Fingers have been pointed every which way, and in truth there is more than enough blame to go around. No doubt, the politically motivated decision to break in the recently completed Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, complete with its atrocious playing surface – what is now becoming an uncomfortable calling card for the former Bendel – during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier backfired spectacularly.

There is also the pre-match shenanigans and photo-ops with dignitaries, unsavoury and tacky beyond all defence, and serving only to motivate the visitors.

The performance of Gernot Rohr has come under scrutiny as well, and rightly so. His decisions to select Kevin Akpoguma and Ahmed Musa in ill-fitting roles, even in the presence of more suitable alternatives, as well as the typically uninspired nature of his substitutions and his continued inability to affect the flow of the game on a consistent basis, have drawn justified ire.

The players themselves have not been exempt, although it is difficult to lay too much at their feet beyond a complacency that, in fairness, seemed to have trickled down from above.

While all of these factors have rightly been accounted for, little has been said for the absence of fans from the stadium.

Perhaps it has simply become matter-of-fact, a part of the inescapable reality of elite sport in these Covid times.

In fairness, there was a fair degree of crowd noise piped in, typically late and imprecise, but nevertheless attending every one of the Super Eagles’ goals. However, what the canned reaction lacks is context and humanity; it cannot gauge the pulse, or feel the unease of a stirring from seemingly overmanned opponents.

Not since 1965 has the Nigeria national team conceded four goals on home soil.

That honour fell to Ghana, who were at the time reigning African champions twice over; at the time,

Nigeria had only managed one appearance at the Afcon in total. In the ensuing 55 years, the Super Eagles built up a fearsome ambience on home soil, much of which was predicated on the bear-pit that was the National Stadium in Lagos.

That arena is now sadly no longer available for use, but while the peripatetic Eagles have suffered the odd reverse and disappointment in Kano, Abuja, Calabar and Uyo, this capitulation to the might of Sierra Leone felt like a new low.

In that sense, it is impossible not to think of it as being, in some way, a consequence of bare stands. Fans are the physical, baying embodiment of stakes, expectation and consequence, and so without them, there can seem an absence of jeopardy. Many a shout of ‘man on’ from the terraces has shaken a player out of insouciance; witness, for instance, the distracted, diffident touch Zaidu Sanusi took in the sequence leading to the visitors’ fourth. It simply does not happen in a packed stadium.

It is a highly peculiar circumstance that has given rise to some highly ridiculous scorelines in European football, with players and pundits aside reporting an atmosphere akin to a training exercise. Shorn of intensity and virulent feedback, players are more easily distracted, more likely to switch off and, curiously, quicker to tire.

So it panned out: following a prosperous opening 30 minutes, there was a precipitous drop in intensity and focus on the part of the Super Eagles, as they believed the game won. Sierra Leone themselves, seeing they had nothing to lose in the face of a beating, were conversely emboldened and invigorated by the absence of the home support, and simply resolved to go for it. Their reward: a historic high, as well as an increased belief.

Each goal for the visitors was almost dream-like in its build-up and execution, an effect further heightened by the hosts’ defence seemingly trapped in a state of sleep paralysis. Without a crowd playing the role of wingman, helping to maintain investment and scanning for sneak attacks, Nigeria’s young side simply could not feel the noose slowly tightening.

Wazito FC have turned their attention to hiring Francis Kimanzi after their efforts to sign Nicholas Muyoti hit a snag.

Goal can exclusively reveal Kimanzi, who was recently fired as the national team Harambee Stars coach, has already agreed on terms to sign for the Nairobi-based club after Nicholas Muyoti turned down the offer to leave Kakamega Homeboyz.

“Wazito have now reached a deal with Francis [Kimanzi] and he will be unveiled on Monday,” the source privy to the transfer, and who did not want to be named, told Goal on Saturday.

“The club was keen to hire [Nicholas] Muyoti but after a week of negotiations, it seems they failed to agree on terms, Muyoti has decided to stay at Homeboyz and it is the reason they turned to Kimanzi, who was free, having left the Harambee Stars job.

“Furthermore, the club boss [Ricardo Badoer] also preferred Kimanzi ahead of Muyoti hence the move to hire the former Mathare United coach.”

When Goal sought clarification from Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula on whether Muyoti was staying put, the club boss said: “Muyoti came back to me last week saying he will not sign for Wazito and will stay with Homeboyz.

“I don’t know if it is because of terms or anything but he has committed himself to serve Homeboyz and we are very happy to keep him here, I have also heard the rumours that Wazito have now turned to hire Kimanzi.”

In an earlier interview, Muyoti dismissed the reports he had signed for the club, which happened hours after they had fired the entire technical bench led by Fred Ambani and Babu Salim.

“It is not the case,” Muyoti told Goal while responding to the question on whether he has left Kakamega Homeboyz for Wazito.

“They have approached me but I have made it clear to them that I will listen to their offer once I am done with my father’s burial arrangements. That is the only point I can get onto the negotiation table. If they come with a good offer, why not sign it?

“I have not told Kakamega Homeboyz anything but if the time comes that I should tell them of my future plans, of course, I will have to.”

Should Kimanzi take over the job, he will start his Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League campaign with a clash against Kariobangi Sharks on November 21 before playing away against Mathare United on November 29.

Wazito will then take on Sofapaka on December 5, tackling Ulinzi Stars on December 9, and then wind up their opening five fixtures with a clash against KCB on December 13.

South Africa forward Percy Tau was pleased to see the team unlock Sao Tome and Principe's tight defence after a lacklustre first-half on Friday night.

Bafana Bafana returned to winning ways after securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sao Tome in the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier in Durban.

However, the hosts had to sweat for the victory with the Falcons and True Parrots Team defence frustrating coach Molefi Ntseki's men, especially in the first-half.

Tau, who was the best player on the pitch on the night, broke the deadlock when he converted a penalty 10 minutes into the second-half after he was fouled in the box. 

“It was very difficult. We tried many movements in the first-half but we were a bit tense," Tau said during the post-match conference after being named Man of the Match.

"In the second-half we were able to get in the right spaces and turn them and get behind them and it worked out pretty well."

South Africa bounced back to winning ways having drawn 1-1 with Namibia and lost 2-1 to Zambia in international friendly matches last month.

Bafana's victory over Sao Tome was sealed by second-half substitute Bongani Zungu, who scored with a powerful header from Keagan Dolly's well-taken corner-kick.

Tau was also happy to see the team score from a set-piece after being frustrated by the Sao Tome defence, who had dealt well with aerial balls until Zungu snatched a late goal. 

"We knew it would be difficult, we needed the three points, and in the second-half it opened up," the Belgium-based player added. 

"We knew if we could score one - it would change their approach, and we scored the second and we feel positive we scored from a set-piece.”

The victory saw Bafana remain second on the Group C standings, but they are now three points behind the leaders, Ghana with three matches left.

South Africa and Sao Tome are set to meet again on Monday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth where the Falcons and True Parrots Team will officially be the home side.

Ghana will be away to Sudan at Al Hilal Stadium in Omdurman on Tuesday. 

Emerson Palmieri has opened the door to a Chelsea exit next year, admitting that he would "love to return to Serie A".

Emerson has made 59 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea since joining the club from Roma for £18 million ($23m) in January 2018.

The 26-year-old has also got his hands on the FA Cup and Europa League, but finds himself way down the squad pecking order under Frank Lampard at the moment.

He has yet to feature for the Blues in the Premier League this season, with all four of his outings coming in cup competitions, and has just entered the final 18 months of his current contract.

It has been suggested that Chelsea will look to cash in on Emerson when the transfer window reopens, amid reported interest from Inter and Juventus, who both wanted to sign him in the summer.

The former Roma star is currently away on international duty with Italy, and was handed a much-needed start as the Azzurri stormed to a 4-0 friendly win over Estonia on Wednesday.

He will be in line to retain a place in the starting XI for UEFA Nations League fixtures against Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina over the next five days, before heading back to Stamford Bridge ahead of a Premier League meeting with Newcastle on November 21.

Emerson addressed ongoing speculation over his future ahead of Italy's clash with Poland, telling a pre-match press conference: “I’m calm, I have received interest, not only from Italy.

"Nothing has been concrete, but obviously I’d love to return to Serie A.

“I do not know if it will happen in January or in five years, I can’t say. In football, everything changes too quickly.”

The Blues defender went on to reveal that he has sat down to discuss his position in west London with Lampard, who is open to sanctioning his departure so that he can start playing regularly again.

“We have to wait, football this year is a bit strange as is the transfer market,” Emerson added.

“Unfortunately I am not playing much at Chelsea, but I am calm and I think things will improve, whether that is in London or elsewhere.

“The coach talked to me, he told me that the best thing is to play, let’s see what happens in two months if I have a place at Chelsea or for another team. We will see.”

Uganda head coach Johnathan McKinstry has picked SC Villa’s David Owori to replace Joseph Ochaya in the squad to face South Sudan in the return leg of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Uganda will be hosted at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, on November 16 and McKinstry has made a slight change in the team that picked up a 1-0 win on Thursday.

Owori is among the 22 players who had been initially called up but was dropped as seven local players were picked for the qualifier.

“Midfielder [David] Owori replaces the suspended [Joseph] Ochaya who picked the second caution in the qualifiers during the Thursday clash,” Fufa said as the team departed for Nairobi.

“The rest of the players who made the matchday squad during the 1-0 home win at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende are maintained.”

Halid Lwaliwa, who scored the solitary goal in the reverse fixture, is in the team and is expected to start as Khalid Aucho remains a doubt.

In an earlier interview, McKinstry had explained why a change in the team would be necessary for the second encounter.

“We are likely to make changes in the second game because energy levels are important,” McKinstry said.

“You saw players had to leave everything on the field and so yes a number of new players are going to start the second game because we need fresh legs.

“We expect another tough encounter which is going to take another 90 minutes of intensity to get the results we want.

“Everyone knows the status of the group and our number one priority is to maintain our top position in the group after the South Sudan games as we said.”

Uganda are now second in Group B after picking up a second win but McKinstry remains cautious as they look for a third straight Afcon slot.

“We have taken our first step toward that which can put us in a great position though we cannot control what goes on from other places,” he added.

“So, it might be enough to confirm qualifications or not, but regardless of the overall outcomes we want to finish in the number one position.”

Travelling players: Onyango Denis, Magoola Salim Jamal, Lukwago Charles, Bwomono Elvis, Wadada Nico Wakiro, David Owori, Galiwango Disan, Awany Timothy, Mukiibi Ronald, Lwaliwa Halid, Mbowa Paul Patrick.

Azira Michael, Kagimu Shafiq, Aucho Khalid, Watambala Karim, Miya Faruku, Kizito Luwagga, Okello Allan, Okwi Emmanuel, Nsibambi Derrick, Lubega Edrisa, and Bayo Fahad.

Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho has been hit with a suspension for Tottenham's late arrival in their last Europa League clash, UEFA have announced.

Mourinho has been banned from European competition for one match after Tottenham were late to kick-off in their 1-0 defeat to Royal Antwerp on October 29.

The Spurs boss was found to be responsible for the late kick-off at Bosuilstadion in Antwerp last month, though the suspension was "deferred for a probationary period of one year, starting from the date of the present decision".

Tottenham were fined €25,000 (£23,000) for being responsible for the late kick-off, while the Premier League side were also charged €3,000 (£2,600) for violating the UEFA equipment regulations.

Spurs are currently sitting top of Group J in the Europa League after three matchdays on six points, ahead of Antwerp and LASK on goal difference.

Mourinho's Tottenham secured only their second win in their past 10 away Europa League matches after topping Ludogorets earlier this month.

Harry Kane also became the third player to score 200 goals for Tottenham in all competitions in the 3-1 triumph, after Jimmy Greaves (266) and Bobby Smith (208).

Kane followed up that star turn by scoring the winner in Tottenham's 1-0 victory at lowly West Brom prior to the international break, with Spurs moving second in the Premier League standings – only a point behind leaders Leicester City following eight rounds.

The England international has since talked up Mourinho's impact in north London, as he told Spurs TV in midweek: "Obviously Jose is a winner at every level, he has come in with that aura about him and he wants to win things here.

"It is just installing that confidence into the team, he is a great man, with great experience, so [that] us as players can only look at that and take confidence from that. We have had a great relationship since he walked through the door."

Tottenham are due back in Premier League action on November 21, with a crucial home fixture against Manchester City on the cards.

Mourinho's men will play host to Ludogorets as their Europa League campaign continues five days later, before preparations begin for another heavyweight top-flight encounter against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Usain Bolt believes Cristiano Ronaldo is "definitely" quicker than him, and has hailed the Juventus and Portugal superstar as a "super athlete".

Bolt retired from athletics in 2017 but the eight-time Olympic gold medallist still holds the world records over 100 and 200 metres.

The 34-year-old clocked a world-record time of 9.58 seconds in the 100m at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, while he also ran 200m in 19.19s 11 years ago in the German city.

But Bolt feels five-time Ballon d'Or winner and footballer Ronaldo is now faster, given the fact he is still delivering the goods week in, week out at the very highest level.

"For sure Cristiano [is faster than me]," Manchester United fan Bolt, who also tried to forge a career in football post-athletics following trials with the likes of Borussia Dortmund and A-League side Central Coast Mariners, told Marca Sport Weekend .

"For me he works out every day, he is a super athlete.

"He always on top of his game, he works hard and he is focussed. Right now I definitely think he would be faster than me."

Ronaldo has scored six goals in four Serie A appearances for Juventus this season, while the 35-year-old netted in Portugal's 7-0 friendly rout of Andorra on Wednesday .

After bursting onto the scene at Sporting CP, Ronaldo spent six years at United, where he won three Premier League titles and the Champions League among other honours.

Ronaldo left United for Real Madrid for a then-world record fee in 2009, having scored 118 goals for the Red Devils across all competitions.

In the Spanish capital, Ronaldo became Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer with 450 – 311 of those coming in La Liga.

Ronaldo also claimed four Champions League crowns, a pair of La Liga trophies, three Club World Cup honours and two UEFA Super Cups among other silverware before joining Juventus in 2018.

In Turin, Ronaldo already has 71 goals and two Serie A trophies to his name, but speculation that he could depart for Paris Saint-Germain or United next year has been swirling in recent weeks.

Kenya midfielder Duncan Otieno is in Zambia to seal a move to top-flight outfit Lusaka Dynamos.

A couple of days ago, the 26-year-old was among the players unveiled at Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side AFC Leopards. The versatile player has confirmed the new development and has set his eyes on playing in Zambia once again.

"It is true I am in Zambia and close to signing a contract with Lusaka Dynamos," Otieno told Goal on Saturday morning.

"We have agreed on most things and we will be finalizing the length of the contract today [Saturday]. It is a good team and it will be a pleasure playing in the Zambian league once again."

On November 1, Ingwe confirmed Otieno has returned to the club he left in 2018 for Zambian Super League side Nkana FC with a two-year contract. The midfielder was the second player to have been confirmed by the club on Sunday after Peter Thiong’os deal.

He was part of AFC Leopards' pre-season squad which faced and lost to the National Super League side Shabana FC during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Gusii Stadium on October 10. They thereafter proceeded to Elgeyo Marakwet County for a 10-day training period where Otieno and his teammates played against Kapenguria Heroes FC on two occasions.  

"I have followed due procedure and Leopards are aware that I am in Zambia to seal my move to Lusaka Dynamos," Otieno continued.

When reached for comment, AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda denied having knowledge of the player's move.

"Currently I am out of Nairobi and I do not have details on what is happening," Shikanda told Goal.

"I will have full information when I get back to the city."

Apart from Thiong’o and Otieno, AFC Leopards signed Burundian Bienvenue Shaka from Tunisian top division side Etoile Sportif du Sahel where he had spent two years.

Goalkeeper John Oyemba arrived on a two-year deal after he had left Kariobangi Sharks and his arrival is expected to strengthen the department that performed well under Benjamin Ochan – who kept 15 clean sheets in 21 matches - in the cancelled 2019/20 season.

Harrison Mwendwa was also signed for two years from Kariobangi Sharks as well as midfielder Fabrice Mugheni who arrived from Rayon Sports.

Ochan and Collins Shichenje are the players who have already extended their contracts with the 13-time Premier League winners.

The football fraternity has been thrown into mourning in Kenya following the sudden loss of former football federation boss Mohammed Hatimy.

Hatimy, who was also the Chairman of the county’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, and a nominated Member of County Assembly, died on Saturday after a short illness.

Hatimy served as the football boss in Kenya between 2007 to 2011 and was also in several Fifa and Caf committees.

Current FKF President Nick Mwendwa has led the country to mourn the loss of Hatimy.

“It is with great sadness I am compelled to deliver this message of condolence and tribute to a great man who promoted football in Kenya as an administrator,” Mwendwa said in a statement obtained by Goal.

“We have learnt with shock, horror, and disbelief the death of my senior Football Kenya Limited (FKL) chairman Mohammed Hatimy following his untimely death last night.

“On behalf of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), we convey our deep sorrow, sympathy, and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and football fraternity for losing this great soccer leader.

“This is a sad loss, not only for their immediate families but for the entire Kenyan football fraternity and indeed to the nation as a whole.

“Hatimy was a dedicated leader of this beautiful game who worked tirelessly with his immeasurable contributions to make our football great.

“This is our collective loss. We mourn with you.

“May our God and Eternal Father be our strength and comfort as we mourn our departed leader. May Hatimy’s soul rest in eternal peace.”

Former FKF President Sam Nyamweya also sent his message of condolences describing Hatimy as among the administrators to have shaped Kenyan football.

“We are saddened to announce the death of Hatimy, a long outstanding football administrator,” Nyamweya said in a statement seen by Goal. “On behalf of the football family, I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of my friend and brother.

“May Allah bless his soul in eternity.”

Hatimy’s time as the football boss came to an end in 2011 when he lost in an all-inclusive election which saw Nyamweya elected to lead the association.

On this auspicious occasion, all of us here at Goal would like to wish you a very Happy Diwali and Kali Puja, and a wonderful year ahead!

Don a new outfit, eat delicious sweets and of course, celebrate the day with lights and not noise!

And stay in touch with the beautiful game as we, at Goal, continue to provide you with all the latest news from the world of football.

There is a lot of football to look forward to! Have a very happy and safe Diwali.

With the 2020 Malaysian season ending prematurely after the Malaysia Cup's cancellation, Selangor are wasting no time to prepare for next year's competitions.

Several players have announced their departure from the club, including their captain and centre back Taylor Regan.

"It has been an amazing 2 years. It was an honour to captain the side and play in front of the loyal supporters each and every game. My teammates will be a part of my family forever and I thank you for all the memories. I worked my hardest every day to make you proud even through the highs and lows, I gave my all. Selangor you will always have a place in my heart and I wish you all the best."

Another departure involves their reserve team forward Bajram Nabiha, who announced the end of his one-season stint on his social media. 

Also set to leave is their forward and 2018 Malaysia Super League top-scorer Rufino Segovia. The Spaniard has been struggling since picking up an injury in the 2019 season.

On top of these self-announcements, Astro Arena has reported that local players Syazwan Zainon, K. Sarkunan, K. Prabakaran and Nor Hakim Hassan have not had their contracts renewed by the club.

Before the Malaysia Cup kick-off, the club had also revealed that they have parted ways with defender Nicholas Swirad, with Farizal Harun, winger Khyril Muhymeen, and pre-season signing Anwar Ibrahim rumoured to also have been released.

In the meantime, it is rumoured that their attackers Sandro da Silva and 2020 league top-scorer Ifedayo Olusegun will discuss their contract extensions with the club later.

Selangor are also rumoured to close in on the signing of Perak and Malaysia forward Shahrel Fikri, as well as Pahang's breakout star Nik Shareef Hassefy.