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Botswana earned a historic qualification to the final of the Cosafa Women's Cup following a 2-1 victory over Zambia on Thursday.

The Mares had enjoyed an impressive campaign, with two 1-0 preliminary stage wins over Zimbabwe and Tanzania to finish top of Group C and secure back-to-back semi-final appearances.

Having fallen 4-0 to Zambia in last year's semi-final, Botswana were seeking to avenge their humiliation against the Copper Queens.

On their part, Bruce Nwape's side finished as Group B runners-up but progressed to the semi-final as the best second-placed team.

Refilwe Tebogo Tholekele got the Mares off to a fine start following her fine finish eight minutes into the match at the Wolfson Stadium.

Having survived pouring attacks, Botswana were gifted a penalty kick after a Zambian player handled the ball inside the area and Tholekele converted from the spot in the 29th minute.

On the brink of half time, Nwape's team rallied to pull one back thanks to fine attacking build-up which was converted by Ireen Lungu but was not enough to deny their opponents the final spot.

The shock win over wasteful Olympic-bound Zambia in Nelson Mandela Bay saw Botswana end an 18-year wait for the final spot on a ninth attempt.

Having reached the final, they will now face Banyana Banyana, whom they eliminated from the 2020 Olympic Qualifier one year ago.

For Zambia, it was the end of the road in the competition and they will now shift focus on their two-legged international friendly against Chile later this month.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha said he was unable to travel to the Ivory Coast camp due to family duties in England.

Zaha was among the 26 players invited by Patrice Beaumelle for the double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar.

After helping Crystal Palace to a 4-1 win over Leeds United last Saturday, the 28-year-old did not make the trip to Abidjan for the first game against the island nation.

On Thursday, he explained his absence and his ambition to return to the Elephants set-up in the next international break scheduled for March 2021.

"Wishing the team good luck today. I’ve got some family responsibilities that I’ve got to take care of, which means I won’t be there for the next two games but will be back the next time around. Supporting you all the way," Zaha tweeted.

In his absence, goals from Gervinho and debutant West Ham United star Sebastien Haller helped Ivory Coast secure a 2-1 victory against Madagascar at the newly-opened Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara.

The win fired the Elephants to the top of Group K, level on six points with second-placed Madagascar after three games.

They travel to Toamasina to battle the Barea in the reverse fixture at the Barikadimy Stadium on Tuesday.

Napoli attacker Victor Osimhen has revealed his target to match and surpass Rashidi Yekini’s goalscoring feat for Nigeria.

Yekini remains the Super Eagles highest goalscorer with 37 strikes from 58 games and helped the team perform well in international competitions with his impressive performances during his playing years. 

Osimhen has netted four goals in nine appearances for the three-time African champions since he made his debut against Togo in 2017.

The 21-year-old revealed he would continue to work towards becoming the Super Eagles all-time top-scorer, although he admitted it would not be a walk in the park.

"I've always said for me to fill in the shoes of a legend, the late Rashidi Yekini is kind of heavy for me but I think I'm on the right path towards this direction," Osimhen told the media.

"If I'm injury-free I can achieve this but it's never going to be easy and of course with the confidence, the coach has in me and the fans also support me I think it's achievable.

"For now I want to keep on helping the team, keep on doing well with my club and I'm really looking forward to achieving this feat but it's never going to be easy.

"Compared to what he has done for the national team and he's made a name for himself all over the world, it's a huge step for me. By the special grace of God, I'm going to achieve this feat and also pass it".

Osimhen teamed up with Serie A side Napoli in the summer from French club Lille for a club-record fee of €80 million.

The forward has only managed two goals in eight appearances across all competitions since his arrival but revealed he is not under pressure to deliver.

"There is no pressure at all, for me, it is to continue to improve with the team, I think I just joined the team about four months ago,” he continued.

"I have been doing quite well, not really bad and I think I can really improve also, I am really working hard towards that direction."

Osimhen will be expected to play a key role for Nigeria when they take on Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game on Friday.

The Super Eagles are leading Group L with six points from two games after victories over the Republic of Benin and Lesotho.

KCCA FC assistant captain Julius Poloto has revealed the team will be aiming for at least the quarter-finals of the Caf Confederation Cup. 

The Kasasiro boys were given the privilege of representing Uganda in Africa's second-tier competition after finishing second in the abandoned 2019/20 Ugandan Premier League. The 10-time champions were given a bye in the first preliminary round.

The experienced player expressed his delight after getting into the next stage of the competition.

"We are happy as a team to know that we are to play As Kigali or Orapa United from Botswana," Poloto said after learning the results of the draw.

"We are still having our preparations as we started a long time. We have so many targets this season, we have to win the league, we have to win the Uganda Cup, we have to make it to the quarter-finals of the Caf Confederation Cup and every player knows the ambitions of the team.  

"Everyone knows the importance of every game."

In the 2019/20 season, the Garbage Collectors were eliminated from the Caf Champions League in the second preliminary round by Petro Atletico.

They dropped to the second-tier competition but fell to Paradou AC by an aggregate 4-1 loss.

In the draw done on Monday, Namungo FC of the Tanzania Mainland League will play Al-Rabita FC of South Sudan in the first preliminary round.

The Tanzanian outfit, who are making their debut in the continent, managed to get that chance after reaching the finals of the FA Cup where they fell to league champions Simba SC 2-0. However, Wekundu wa Msimbazi could not play in the Caf Champions League and instead play in the second-tier as well.  

As a result, Namungo got that chance and they will have an opportunity to play the South Sudanese outfit who won their domestic competition, the South Sudan National Cup.  

Namungo will host the first game with the return leg to be played in a yet to be identified venue.  

The first leg is scheduled between November 27 and 29 with the second leg to be played between December 4 and 6.  

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) and MTN Uganda have entered into a 10-year deal that will see the club’s stadium named after the new partner.

The facility located at Lugogo, which was previously known as the StarTimes Stadium, will now carry a different name courtesy of the new partnership.

“As a result of the partnership, the stadium will now and for the next 10 years be called the MTN Omondi Stadium, in a move which MTN and KCCA honour the legacy of Phillip Omondi, the late football player who dedicated his life to football in Uganda as a player and coach,” KCCA said in a statement.

Somdev Sen, who is the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, said the new partnership is part of their long involvement in sports.

“MTN Uganda have a long history of involvement in sports in this country and has been associated with KCCA for long. As the leading supporter of sports in the country, we considered it befitting that we further cement our association to this club,” Sen said.

“This partnership will be executed as part of the club’s bigger plans to upgrade its home.”

KCCA Chief Executive Officer Anisha Muhoozi welcomed the extension of the partnership between the club and MTN.

“The club has enjoyed working with MTN over the years and was therefore honoured to extend the relationship further by granting the MTN brand naming rights for the stadium,” Muhoozi said.

On the other hand, the club patron and Mayor of Kampala City Erias Lukwago is happy that the new partnership will see them continue to honour Ugandan legend, Omondi.

“MTN Uganda has been our sponsor. They have helped us grow and achieve major milestones as a club,” the mayor stated.

“It, therefore, should come as no surprise that we are in this partnership with MTN. We are also glad that they agreed to keep the name of our legend Omondi in the stadium name.”

Martin Ssekaja, KCCA’s chairman said the urge to improve the standards of the stadium called for the need of a new partner.

“There is a lot that is required for us to upgrade our stadium to the best standards,” Ssekajja said.

“We are grateful for the partnership that will help us improve the standards. This is a huge milestone in the development of local soccer.”

The stadium has been hosting home matches for the 2019 Premier League winners as well as Uganda international fixtures.

The British government has granted Iceland a travel exemption to ensure England's Nations League fixture will go ahead at Wembley on November 18.

A new travel ban on non-British visitors arriving from Denmark had left Wednesday's match shrouded in uncertainty, with Iceland set to face the Danes in Copenhagen three days earlier.

The measures have been put in place in an attempt to get the coronavirus infection rate under control.

After the Football Association requested an exemption to allow the game to go ahead, they announced on Twitter that their request had been granted.

"We are pleased to confirm that following discussions with the relevant authorities next Wednesday’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Iceland will go ahead at Wembley Stadium," the statement said.

Media reports had indicated the FA has been exploring the possibility of playing the match in Albania or Germany instead.

Earlier on Thursday, the FA issued a public plea to the country's lawmakers, outlining their agreements with Iceland and emphasising the fact elite footballers are being frequently tested for Covid-19.

The statement read: "We have asked government to consider allowing us to play our final Nations League match at Wembley, by giving travel exemption to the Icelandic team subject to strict medical protocols.

"The Icelandic team will have played Denmark in Copenhagen and therefore would be subject to a travel ban.

"While in Denmark they will have been under strict UEFA protocols in a sporting bubble and will be PCR tested before travelling to England. The PCR test picks up the Cluster 5 variant.

"We have agreed with the Icelandic team that they arrive on private charter to a private terminal and will only have access to their hotel and the stadium.

"We will also put in place additional testing over and above the multiple tests normally required for each participant and staff at the match.

"We are not asking for this support to help us have home advantage in this competitive international match, although of course that would be helpful. We are not asking for this support to avoid a huge cost from playing an England home match in Germany, although we can ill afford the financial penalty at this time.

"The priority must be health, which is why we are asking for this support. We believe it's in the better interests of the England team and support staff to play at Wembley Stadium rather than have international travel at this time - and then play the match under the same UEFA protocols against the same opposition, but in a different country.

"We understand the optics of an exception at a time when industries such as hauliers are not allowed to travel to Denmark. However, international footballers are amongst the most tested people on the planet and we will even conduct extra tests to go beyond the highest standard.

"We ask the government to follow the advice of their public health experts as to whether the match is safe to host in the UK and we believe an exception is justified and in the best interests of the England team."

Ahead of England's final two Nations League Group A2 fixtures, of which the Iceland match is second, England are level on seven points with Denmark, two adrift of leaders Belgium. Iceland have lost all their first four matches.

Ajara Nchout scored as Valerenga progressed to the semi-finals of the Norwegian Women's Cup following Wednesday's 2-1 victory over Stabaek at the Nadderud Stadium in Bekkestua.

Going into the quarter-final encounter, Valerenga needed extra-time to subdue Klepp 3-1 four weeks ago, while Stabaek edged Floya 2-0.

Smarting from a disappointing 3-2 league defeat at Lyn, the Cameroon international was afforded a place in the starting XI and she inspired her side to the semi-finals on the ground of their hosts.

Nchout opened the scoring for Jack Majgaard's team, with her first of this year's competition after just seven minutes into the contest. 

With Nchout's opener, the visitors moved to consolidate the lead as Justine Keilland doubled the advantage in the 35th minute.

The hosts, however, pulled one back through Sigird Heien-Hansen four minutes from half-time but that was not enough to deny Valerenga a passage to the semi-finals.

Nchout was involved for the duration of the match and has now scored 12 goals in all competitions this season for Valerenga.

With the win, Valerenga will face off with fellow title-rivals Avaldsnes in the semi-finals of the competition scheduled for November 21.

In their next and final league fixture, leaders Valerenga will seek to wrap up their 2020 Norwegian Toppserien campaign with the title at Ngozi Ebere's Arna-Bjornar on Sunday.

Harry Kane says Jose Mourinho has made Tottenham believe they can win a trophy, with their confidence now building with each passing game.

Tottenham have risen to second in the early-season Premier League standings after recording five wins, two draws and one defeat from their opening eight fixtures.

Mourinho's men are only one point behind current leaders Leicester and sit above reigning champions Liverpool on goal difference, with a huge clash against Manchester City up next after the international break.

Spurs picked up a third successive win in the top-flight by beating West Brom 1-0 at The Hawthorns on Sunday, with Kane grabbing the winner late on to take his tally for the season to 13 in 14 appearances across all competitions.

The 27-year-old frontman is optimistic about Tottenham's chances of fighting for major silverware as the campaign progresses, and has credited Mourinho for instilling a winning mentality into the squad that had previously been lacking.

"We have had a solid start to the season, I still think there is a lot to improve on in all aspects of our game," Kane told Spurs TV.

"There is a long way to go, we are in a solid place at the moment. We are feeling good, but we also know in the Premier League that can turn around if you lose two or three on the bounce.

"The last couple of wins have been important, we perhaps didn't perform as well but we ground out the results.

"We have got players who have won things in the changing room, we have got good experience in the changing room, good leaders in the changing room, and I feel like we are at a place now where if we get it right mentally, we can achieve things, but we are not getting carried away.

"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."

Kane's prolific partnership with Son-Heung min has been one of the main reasons behind Tottenham's recent success, with the pair having combined for 10 goals already this term.

"Year-by-year the more you get to play with someone, the more you get to know them, you just understand your games a little bit better," the England international said of his understanding with the South Korean forward.

"We have had a great relationship over the years but this season has just clicked a little bit more and we have both been a bit more clinical, whether it is the final ball or the final finish.

"When someone is in good form, you just try and find them the ball and you end up scoring goals. We are riding that wave at the minute.

"It is not just me and Sonny, we have a great team at the minute, a great togetherness and we are going to need that for the rest of the season if we are going to keep staying as high up as we are in the table."

APR head coach Mohamed Erradi Adil has stated his players will have no excuse but to work hard and overcome Gor Mahia in the Caf Champions League.

The Rwandan champions landed their Kenyan counterparts as the opponents in the preliminary round after a draw that was done by Caf on November 9.

The Moroccan tactician, who is aware of the experience Gor Mahia have earned in the continent’s premier tournament, claims they will have to work extra hard in order to achieve their dream of progressing further.

“We want to reach far in the competition, so we have to be ready for the two matches [against Gor Mahia],” Adil told The New Times.

“We will do everything possible to advance to the next round.

“Gor Mahia are a tough team, and probably more experienced in the Champions League. The challenge ahead is not going to be easy, but there will be no excuse or shortcut.

“We have to work for the result we all want.”

APR won their 18th Premier League title – and consequently earned the right to participate in the Champions League – after Ferwafa ended the 2019/20 season mid this year due to the coronavirus.

Before the season was suspended and later cancelled, the army side was unbeaten.

The Rwandan giants will face Gor Mahia now under Oliveira ‘Robertinho’ Goncalves who previously worked with Rayon Sports.

Since his appointment, Robertinho has insisted his main aim is to apply an attacking kind of football which will help him take K’Ogalo far especially on the continental front.

“I like an attacking kind of football. Look at Raja Casablanca and Esperance. They never play behind. Why? What is the secret in football?” the Brazilian quipped in an earlier interview.

“It is simple, to score goals and get the victory. Possession football is important but again it is good when done in the attacking half.

“That is my style of football and I give support to everyone, to create, dribble, and express their talent. The talent is there that is why you signed for Gor Mahia, a big club.”

The winner between Gor Mahia and APR will face the winning side between CR Belouizdad of Algeria and Libya’s El Nasr in the first round.

The first leg will be played between November 27-29 in Kigali while the return leg has been scheduled for a week later.

Billy Gilmour has given an update on his recovery from injury while vowing to fight for a place in Frank Lampard's Chelsea squad.

Gilmour enjoyed an impressive breakout campaign at Stamford Bridge in 2019-20, having made his way through the club's youth ranks after arriving from Rangers in 2017.

Lampard thrust the 18-year-old onto the senior stage, and he put in man of the match displays against Liverpool and Everton prior to the coronavirus lockdown in March, adapting to the pace and intensity of top-flight football with ease.

Gilmour made his 11th and final appearance of the season during a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on July 7, but had to be withdrawn early after suffering a serious knee injury.

The Scotland international was forced to undergo an extensive rehabilitation programme and has been unavailable for selection at the start of the new campaign, but there finally appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel for the young playmaker.

He returned to training with the rest of the first-team squad earlier this month, and could be in line to make his return to action when Chelsea take in a trip to Newcastle on November 21.

Gilmour was also called up to Scotland's Under-21 squad for the latest round of international fixtures, and told reporters of the progress he is making ahead of a European Championship qualifier against Croatia Thursday: "It wasn’t the best timing but the recovery has been going well.

"It’s amazing to be back with the squad. I’ve been out for a long time so I can’t wait to get back and try to help the team qualify. For us, it’s been a long time since an Under-21 team has qualified but we have two games where we have a really good chance of making some history."

Gilmour will look to force his way back into Lampard's plans when he returns to Chelsea next week, but acknowledges the fact there is now increased competition for places at the Bridge following a major summer overhaul.

"I’m enjoying it. It’s a great experience and great for my development to play with these world-class players. There’s so many trophies in there and I’m learning every day," he added.

"It’s nice to get recognised for the good stuff. I’m going to keep working hard and continuing my form once I’m back from my injury.

"It’s going to be a hard team to get into but hopefully, I’ll get more game time and experience."

The German federation has admitted defeat in its bid to persuade Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala to represent the country instead of England.

Both England and Germany have been vying to secure the services of the 17-year-old midfielder, with the former in pole position after Musiala elected to link up with the England Under-21 squad.

Musiala is poised to make his England U21 debut in Friday’s game with Andorra at Wolves’ Molineux ground.

Playing for the England U21s would not prevent him from switching allegiances to Germany in the future, but it appears the DFB has given up hope of that happening.

“Due to his DFB past, of course, we dealt with Jamal Musiala and showed him what the DFB has to offer,” DFB head of academy coaching Meikel Schonweitz told Sport 1. “However, he has clearly signaled to us that he currently sees his future with the English national teams.

“We accept his decision and wish him all the best for his sporting career.”

Musiala has kept his options open throughout his teenage years, as he has represented England at the U15 level and Germany at U16 level.

It did appear that Germany had moved into pole position for Musiala when Bayern signed him from Chelsea in the summer of 2019, but he has elected to try his luck with England.

Musiala came through the academy at Chelsea, but he followed the likes of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham by attempting to forge a professional career in the Bundesliga by signing for Bayern.

The DFB rate Musiala extremely highly. Former U16 national coach Christian Wuck said to Goal and SPOX: "Of course we would have liked to keep a player with his potential with us. But he and his mother decided to go to England because he already knew the people and the environment there better.

"We accept this opinion and wish him all the best in his sporting path."

Germany’s loss could be England’s gain, as Musiala is already making waves with Bayern as he has two goals to his name from eight senior appearances this season.

After the international break, Bayern face Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

After almost a year without competitive African international football, the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign resumes this week with a series of tantalising double-headers across the continent this week.

Naturally, the qualifiers get the full African Football HQ treatment on the podcast this week, as Ed Dove and Malek Shafei pick out their matches to watch, players with a point to prove, potential giant-killings and some of the outside choices for the title itself.

Nigeria’s game against Sierra Leone is understandably one of the big attractions of the international break, as the Super Eagles look to bounce back following disappointing international break last time around.

Obviously, they’ll be facing lesser opponents than the Algeria side who outclassed the West African giants last month, and Gernot Rohr will be boosted by the returns of Joe Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo and Victor Osimhen, all of whom missed the October break.

Ghana also welcome some returnees back to the fold, with Harrison Afful, John Boye and Abdul Rahman Baba among some of the familiar faces to come back into the Black Stars set-up.

Dove highlights Baba as one of the player to watch during the international break.

The Chelsea left-back—yes, he’s still at the Stamford Bridge heavyweights—has endured a miserable time with injuries since the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations when he was injured on the dire turf of Port Gentil.

Various subsequent loan moves haven’t truly worked out, and Baba remains at Chelsea, unwanted and un-used.

Still, for some reason, C.K. Akonnor decided that the wideman could still have a role to play for the national side—despite some concern back home—but what kind of impact can he have in their double-header against Sudan?

We also focus on the Ivory Coast’s meetings with Madagascar.

The islanders were the surprise package of the 2019 Afcon campaign, first securing a maiden qualification and then defeating Nigeria en route to the quarter-finals.

They certainly have it in their arsenal to down the Elephants, who have already dropped valuable points in their surprise loss against Ethiopia a year ago; but will the 2015 champions be the biggest side to miss out on the biennial showpiece.

Shafei is confident that they’ll make the cut, and believes that, with the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Wilfried Zaha, Maxwel Cornet, Gervinho, Christian Kouame and Jeremie Boga, they might have the most exciting roster in the continent.

Add to that West Ham United striker Sebastien Haller, who’s set to make his debut against Madagascar, and the Elephants have an irresistible strength in depth.

Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Stellenbosch FC have announced the signing of former Nigeria under-23 international Stanley Dimgba.

The 27-year-old player has joined Stellies from Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) giants Enyimba FC. 

The Western Cape-based outfit confirmed Dimgba's arrival on the club's official Twitter page on Thursday. 

"Stellenbosch FC is delighted to announce its latest acquisition: Stanley Dimgba Sopuruchi," a club statement read.

"The Nigerian International joins the club on a long-term basis [and he is] ready to make his mark on the PSL."

Dimgba, who can also operate as a right-winger, was one of Enyimba's key players as they challenged for the 2019/20 NPFL title.

However, the league season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic in July 2020.

The well-travelled player was also very influential for the Aba Warriors in the 2019/20 CAF Confederation Cup.

His four goals in the continental tournament helped Enyimba reach the quarter-finals where they were eliminated by Guinean giants AC Horoya. 

Dimgba has played for Sunshine Stars, Warri Wolves, Kwara United and Plateau United in his home country, Nigeria.

The lethal forward was part of the Nigeria squad at the 2015 Caf Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Senegal.

Dimgba has become Stellenbosch's sixth signing in the current transfer window as they look to retain their status in the elite league. 

Phathutshedzo Nange (Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila), Junior Leandro Mendieta (Atletico Rafaela, Argentina), Sage Stephens (Cape Town City), Zitha Macheke and Solly Khunyedi (both Bidvest Wits) have all joined Stellies. 

Dimgba will be hoping to make his debut for Stellies when they take on Chippa United in a PSL match at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on November 21.

MORE TO FOLLOW...

Second-half substitute Halid Lwaliwa struck late to ensure Uganda picked up a 1-0 win over South Sudan in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

South Sudan were destined for what could have been their first point in Group B, but Lwaliwa’s 86th-minute goal denied them the point despite a strong performance against the hosts.

The Bright Stars surprisingly kept Uganda at bay for the entire first-half despite the fact Johnathan McKinstry deployed a possible strong side to face the northern neighbours.

Peter Maker, Mutwaki Abdelkarim, Rehan Angier, and Omot Sebit looked more composed at the back and managed to deal with the persistent attacks engineered by Uganda’s quartet of Farouk Miya, Kizito Luwaga, Emmanual Okwi and Derrick Nsibambi.

Uganda would have taken a 12th-minute lead but Angier stopped Smouha SC’s Nsibambi just outside the box resulting in a free-kick. Joseph Ochaya took the resultant set piece but his effort was cleared by the Bright Stars’ wall.

McKinstry made his first change at the hour mark when he withdrew Okwi and his place was filled by youngster Allan Okello. The Paradou AC forward added power and a greater cutting edge to Uganda’s side that had previously looked blunt and wasted a number of open chances.

McKinstry’s decision to throw Lwaliwa into action paid big as the Vipers SC captain scored the goal that ended up separating the Cranes from the hard-fighting Bright Stars.

With the slim win, Uganda now have seven points and have taken huge strides towards a third straight Afcon qualification.

Uganda did not take part in any friendly during the previous Fifa break and instead chose to take a trip to Dubai for a 10-day training camp.

South Sudan, on the other hand, travelled to Cameroon and played the former African champions twice where they drew in both encounters.

As their search for a maiden Afcon qualification continues, the Bright Stars can take some encouragement from how they largely neutralised the Cranes, who rank 86 places ahead of them in the Fifa World Rankings.

The return leg will be played on November 16 at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, and it will be another chance for coach Ashu Cyprian to hunt for a first group point.

Uganda Starting XI: Denis Onyango, Elvis Bwomono, Joseph Ochaya, Ronald Mukiibi, Timothy Denis Awany, Mike Azira, Khalid Aucho, Farouk Miya, William Kizito Luwagga, Derrick Nsibambi, Emmanuel Okwi.

South Sudan Starting XI: Ramadan John, Peter Maker, Mutwaki Abdelkarim, Rehan Angier, Omot Sebit, Jackson Obede, Manyumow Achol, Stephen Pawaar, Makueth Wol, Wani Ivan, Tito Okello.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has responded to Toni Kroos's criticisms about the mask celebrations he has performed in the past, insisting that he will continue to do them as they make children happy.

The Arsenal forward has been known to mix up his goal celebrations, with the Gabonese having donned a Spiderman mask after scoring during his time with both Saint-Etienne and Dortmund.

Aubameyang also celebrated a goal for Arsenal in the Europa League in 2019 by putting on a Black Panther mask.

Raul Jimenez has also put on a mask as part of a goal celebration, with the Wolves striker performing a WWE tribute after his goal in a 3-2 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Watford in 2019.

Indeed, players have been creating their own celebration tributes and routines for years, with Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann having simulated dance moves from the video game Fortnite in the past.

Real Madrid midfielder and Germany international Kroos has been less than impressed with what he has seen from his fellow professionals, branding the decision to come up with pre-planned celebrations "very silly".

Speaking on his Einfach mal Luppen podcast, Kroos had said: "I find it (choreographed celebrations) very silly. Even worse is if there are any objects hidden in their socks. Aubameyang once celebrated and took out a mask. That's where it ends with me. I don't think that's a good role model, either. What nonsense."

Aubameyang was not happy with Kroos's comments, issuing a response on social media defending his decision to celebrate with a mask, insisting he does it to bring a smile to the faces of children who follow football.

The 31-year-old wrote on social media: "By the way - does this Toni Kroos have kids? Just remember, I did it for my son a few times and I will do it again. I wish you have kids one day and make them happy like this junior school pupil. And don’t forget #maskon #staysafe."

The Twitter post was accompanied by an image of a picture of Aubameyang as a superhero that had been drawn by a child, who had seemingly been set a school assignment to convey what "happiness" meant for them.