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The Tanzania national team have arrived safely in Istanbul to start preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Tunisia.

The Taifa Stars, who are third with three points in Group J, will face Tunisia away on November 13 before they host the 2004 African champions on November 17 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has confirmed the team led by head coach Etienne Ndayiragije have landed safely in Turkey, where they will pitch camp for three days before they face the North African giants.

“The national team Taifa Stars have landed safely in Turkey, Istanbul where they will pitch camp for three days as they prepare for the do-or-die clash against Tunisia on November 13," the TFF wrote on their official social media pages.

Among the foreign-based players leading the Tanzania team are captain Mbwana Samatta – who made a move to Fenerbahçe after a half-a-season stay with Aston Villa, Simon Msuva who turns out for Difaa El Jadida of Morocco, and Thomas Ulimwengu of TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Metacha Mnata, who has been superb for Yanga SC in the nine matches played in the Mainland Premier League, is leading the goalkeeping department alongside Aishi Manula, who has had a rather challenging time with Simba SC, while David Mapigano is also in the squad after he made a move to join Azam FC from Gor Mahia.

Yanga’s defender Bakari Mwamnyeto was also summoned after he has superbly settled at Timu ya Wananchi since he moved from Coastal Union in August. Farid Musa is another new Yanga player, who has earned the faith of the Burundian coach for the third Afcon qualifier.

Goalkeepers: Juma Kaseja (Kinondoni Municipal Council FC), Metacha Mnata (Young Africans SC), Aishi Manula (Simba SC), David Mapigano (Azam FC).

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC), Deus Kaseke (Young Africans SC), Mohamed Hussein (Simba SC), Brayson David (Kinondoni Municipal Council FC), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans SC), Abdallah Kheri (Azam FC), Himid Mao (ENPPI SC), Erasto Nyoni (Simba SC).

Midfielders: Ditram Nchimbi (Young Africans SC), Ally Msengi (Stellenbosch FC), Feisal Salum (Young Africans SC), Farid Mussa (Young Africans SC), Mzamiru Yassin (Simba SC), Iddy Suleiman (Azam FC), Thomas Ulimwengu ( TP Mazembe), Saidi Hamisi (Simba SC).

Strikers: Mbwana Samatta (Fenerbahçe), Simon Msuva (Difaa El Jadida), John Bocco (Simba SC), Adam Adam (JKT Tanzania), Salum Abubakar (Azam FC).

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus was not satisfied with his side's 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday.

After Mohamed Salah converted a penalty just 13 minutes into the Premier League encounter to give the visitors the lead, Brazilian striker Jesus fired home the equaliser around the half-hour mark to earn a point for his side.

But the 23-year-old feels his side should have done better against the defending champions, telling BBC Sport: "The result is not good for us, we know that because we are at home and have to try to win our games here but it was a tough game. They are the champions but we cannot drop these points."

He continued to Sky Sports: "It was a top game. We know they work hard and have a lot of amazing players. We had a chance to win the game.

"Both teams wanted to win. Sometimes when it's like this you have to control the ball more. We have to keep playing like this and try to convert the chances.

"We played at home and we have to win the games here. The result is not good for us and maybe it's good for them."

The forward took on a pass from Kevin De Bruyne and beat Trent Alexander-Arnold with a neat turn before firing home the equaliser and he maintains the piece of skill was no fluke.

"I did mean to trick the defender. I tried it and I scored," he added.

Jesus made just his second start of the season for City, having missed several weeks with an injury.

He made his return to action in midweek when he came off the bench to score in the Champions League clash against Olympiacos.

The Brazil international now has three goals from as many appearances and he says he is in good shape after his recovery.

"I feel good and feel confident. Of course it is different, my physical condition is not the same and now I go to my international team and try to help my country," he said.

"When I come back I will try to come back in good physical condition. That is the challenge for me, keep fit and don't get injured because this season is going to be dangerous for players because too many games."

Thembi Kgatlana found the back of the net for Eibar but they bowed to a 3-1 defeat in the Spanish Primera Iberdrola encounter against Real Madrid at the Unbe Sports Complex on Sunday.

The South Africa striker was once again preferred as a substitute by manager Iker Dorronsoro, whose side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their last outing a week ago.

The newly-promoted Gunsmiths were meeting for the first time with the recently established Real Madrid in the Spanish top-flight.

They managed to hold David Aznar's team to a drab, goalless first half but the visitors took the lead through Kosovare Asllani from the penalty spot two minutes after the restart.

The hosts suffered a further setback when they gifted Real Madrid another chance from the spot and Asllani wasted no chance to convert for her brace of the match 13 minutes later.

Eibar, however, launched a fightback when substitute Kgatlana, who replaced Carla Morera in the 59th minute, was set up by Queralt Gómez to pull one back for her side in the 65th minute.

Twelve minutes from time, Marta Cardona produced a brilliant individual finish for Real Madrid to bury the comeback hopes of the hosts.

The South African, who joined from Portuguese side SL Benfica this summer, has now scored three goals in five matches for Eibar.

The defeat left Eibar in ninth spot on seven points while Real Madrid moved up to fifth with 10 points from five matches so far.

After back-to-back home defeats, Eibar will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they visit Sevilla for their next league fixture on Thursday.

Mohamed Salah has equalled Fernando Torres and Robbie Fowler’s Liverpool feat following his goal against Manchester City in Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash.

The Egypt international found the net as Jurgen Klopp’s men played out a 1-1 draw with Pep Guardiola’s Citizens at the Etihad Stadium.

In the keenly contested affair, Salah put the Reds ahead in the 13th minute from the penalty spot after Sadio Mane went down under the challenge of English defender Kyle Walker.

The former Chelsea and AS Roma star converted the ensuing kick by beating goalkeeper Ederson despite the Brazilian going the right way.

With that strike, Salah has now scored eight times in eight games in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign. Only Fowler and Torres have reached this mark, in the 1995-96 and 2009-10 seasons, respectively.

Manchester City levelled matters in the 31st minute thanks to Gabriel Jesus, who brilliantly turned past Trent Alexander-Arnold before poking the ball past Alisson, with captain Kevin De Bruyne providing the assist.

Guardiola’s men had a fine chance to take the lead after VAR adjudged that De Bruyne’s cross had touched the arm of Joe Gomez. The Belgium international missed the resulting kick to the dismay of his fellow teammates.

A topsy-turvy second half ensured that honours were shared with both teams unable to get the winning strike.

Salah, Mane and returning former Cameroon international Joel Matip were in action from start to finish as the reigning English kings extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to eight matches.

They are third in the English top-flight log having garnered 17 points from eighth outings – a point fewer than leaders Leicester City who silenced Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 earlier in the day.

After the international break, Manchester City travel to face Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur, while Liverpool host Leicester City, who are still without injured Nigerian star Wilfred Ndidi.

Salah is in the Pharaohs squad to face the Hawks of Togo in this week’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualification billed for Cairo and Lome.

Ollie Watkins took his tally to six Premier League goals for the season as Aston Villa claimed a shock 3-0 victory at Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

Villa had taken lead when Arsenal defender Bukayo Saka accidentally slid the ball into his own net, before Watkins made the result certain in the second half.

The striker finished off a fine team move when he headed in from close range, and then fired an angled shot through the legs of Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno a few minutes later.

It was Arsenal's second consecutive home league defeat of the season following a 1-0 loss to Leicester at the Emirates last month.

Villa had the ball in the net inside the first minute when John McGinn fired home, only for referee Martin Atkinson to decide via a VAR review at pitchside that Ross Barkley had obscured the view of Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno from an offside position.

A weak pass from McGinn at the other end almost let in Thomas Partey shortly afterwards, but Emiliano Martinez reacted quickly to clear the danger.

Villa were the more positive side, however, and took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Barkley's pass pierced the Arsenal defence and Matt Targett's cross – intended for Trezeguet – was misdirected into the net by Saka.

Alexandre Lacazette went close to equalising late in the half when he got on the end of a superb cross from Kieran Tierney but could only head over.

Arsenal had only won one of their six games under Mikel Arteta when trailing at half time (D2 L4) before this encounter, and some clinical finishing from Watkins stifled any hopes of a fightback.

The striker, who netted a hat-trick against champions Liverpool earlier in the season, got his head on the end of a volleyed cross from Barkley, leaving Leno with no hope.

Villa added another shortly afterwards when Jack Grealish burst forward, as Arsenal were caught on the counterattack, and fed the ball to Watkins who finished confidently.

What does it mean? One step forward, two steps back for Arteta

Last weekend's victory over Manchester United seemed to be a significant moment for Arteta, but this home defeat is a setback.

It is still early days, but the Gunners missed the chance to keep the pressure on their rivals for a place in the top four. Worryingly for Arteta, they have also failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven home league games, since beating Norwich 4-0 in July.

Villa, meanwhile, seem watertight at the back and Dean Smith's team are the third side in Premier League history to win each of their first three away games in a season without conceding a goal, after Chelsea in 2005-06 and Manchester City in 2015-16.

Watkins in wonderland

Watkins has now scored six goals in seven games for Villa in the Premier League this season - only Dean Saunders (seven) and Dion Dublin (nine) have ever netted more in their first seven appearances for Villa in the competition.

His finishing – scoring twice from a total of three shots – was clinical at the Emirates as he helped Villa's fine start to the season continue.

Saka well below his best

At 19 years and 64 days old, Saka became the fourth-youngest player to score an own goal in the Premier League, and youngest since Southampton's Martin Cranie in May 2004 (17 years 218 days v Chelsea).

The mistake capped a miserable evening for the promising young defender as he failed to get to grips with the threat posed by Villa's attacking players - winning just one tackle.

What's next?

Both teams are back in Premier League action after the international break. Arsenal face Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, November 22 while Villa host Brighton And Hove Albion a day earlier.

Nimes’ summer recruit Karim Aribi and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez have been included in Algeria’s 24-man squad to face Zimbabwe in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Desert Foxes will take on the Warriors in a double-header clash scheduled for November 12 and 16 as they continue their quest to reach the next edition of the tournament.

Aribi recently moved to France to continue his development, teaming up with Ligue 1 side Nimes after starring for Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia.

The 26-year-old has featured three times in the French top-flight for the Stade des Costieres outfit and impressed in the encounters.

The forward has now been handed his maiden call-up to the Algeria national team after convincing club performances.

Youcef Atal and Djamel Benlamri have also been recalled to the national team, forming part of the seven midfielders invited for the encounter.

Mahrez will be expected to captain the side while West Ham United forward Said Benrahma and Montpellier’s Andy Delort are also part of the team.

Algeria lead Group H with six points from two games after victories over Zambia and Botswana in November 2019.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has already set guidelines for the success of the qualifiers after Covid-19 forced football activities to a hiatus.

Algeria are reigning champions after winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, defeating Senegal in the final.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Rais M’bolhi  [Ettifaq FC, Saudi Arabia] - Izzedine  Doukha [Al-Raed, Saudi Arabia] - Alexandre Oukidja [FC Metz, France].

Defenders: Mohamed Salim Fares   [SS Lazio Rome, Italy] - Aissa Mandi [Betis Seville, Spain] - Ramy  Bensebaini [Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany] - Jean Mehdi Tahrat  [Abha Club, Saudi Arabia] - Mohamed Reda Halaimia [K. Beerschot VA, Belgium ] - Youcef  Atal [Nice, France] - Djamel Benlamri  [Lyon, France].

Midfielders: Adlene Guedioura [Al-Gharafa, SC, Qatar] - Ismael Bennacer [AC Milan, Italy] - Mehdi   Abeid [FC Nantes, France] - Mehdi Zerkane [Girondins Bordeaux, France] - Sofiane Feghouli [Galatasaray SK, Turkey] - Haris Belkebla [Stade Brestois, France].

 Attackers: Baghdad Bounedjah [Al Sadd SC, Qatar] - Farid Boulaya [FC Metz, France] - Ryad  Mahrez  [Manchester City, England] - Yacine Brahimi [Al-Rayyan SC, Qatar] - Said Benrahma  [West Ham united, England] - Karim  Aribi [Nîmes Olympique, France] - Andy  Delort  [Montpellier HSC, France], Adam Ounas [Cagliari, Italy].

Kevin De Bruyne's missed penalty proved costly for Manchester City as they played out an engrossing 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. 

Mohamed Salah did convert a 13th-minute spot-kick as the reigning Premier League champions struck the first blow in the heavyweight top-flight tussle, putting them on course to sit top of the table during November's international break. 

City, however, weathered the early storm amid the Manchester downpours before countering impressively through Gabriel Jesus, his sixth goal in his past seven league outings. 

They could have scored again before half-time had the usually reliable De Bruyne not failed to convert from 12 yards out, the Belgian missing the target completely after another penalty was awarded for handball.

The majority of the pre-match focus had been on Jurgen Klopp's team selection, though the German solved the selection poser involving Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino by picking both, seemingly deciding attack to be the best form of defence for his team following previous results in this fixture. 

The bold approach reaped an early reward, albeit one gifted to them by Kyle Walker's ill-timed lunge on Sadio Mane. Salah duly slotted home from the spot for his eighth league goal of the season. 

Aggrieved following a potential foul on Raheem Sterling at the other end prior to the opener, City took their time to get to grips with Liverpool's attacking system.

De Bruyne's ability to find a pocket of space allowed him to set up the equaliser for Jesus, the Brazilian's turn deceiving Trent Alexander-Arnold and allowing him to poke the ball beyond Alisson. 

City had the chance to take the lead before the break. Joe Gomez was punished when a cross struck his outstretched arm, only for De Bruyne to uncharacteristically drag wide.

Jesus spurned a glorious opportunity of his own, heading Joao Cancelo's inviting cross wide, during a second half that saw a more considered approach from both sets of players.

Liverpool faded as an attacking threat as the minutes ticked by, not aided by the loss of Alexander-Arnold to injury, but avoided suffering any late knockout blow, thereby maintaining the five-point gap between themselves and City.

What does it mean? Early intent disappears in second half

The battle between the champions and the team they dethroned did not disappoint during the opening half, not even the incessant Manchester rain putting a dampener on proceedings.  Klopp said before kick-off it "made sense" to go with Jota and Firmino – a bold approach that worked early on – but withdrew the latter before the hour.

Jota stayed on for the full game and his 50th-minute attempt, saved easily by Ederson, was the last on target by either side, while City's final tally of seven shots was their lowest in a home league game since February 2010.

Matip makes a difference

No Liverpool player made more clearances, tackles or interceptions than Joel Matip, who returned from injury in time to partner Gomez in the heart of Liverpool's defence.  The Reds are now unbeaten in 32 league games when the centre-back has started, last losing back in January 2018.

City fail to hit the spot

De Bruyne's penalty attempt was the first in the Premier League to completely miss the target since October 2018, when Riyad Mahrez blazed over at Anfield.  The Belgian had four off-target shots in the match, while his pass completion rate of 76 per cent was better than only Ferran Torres for the hosts.

Key Opta facts

- City have drawn three of their last five games in the Premier League (W2), as many as their previous 70 matches in the competition beforehand.
- Liverpool have only won three of their last 10 away games in the league (D3 L4), after winning 16 of their 17 league games on the road prior to this (D1).
- Gabriel Jesus' equaliser featured the most passes (19) in the build-up to a Premier League goal against Liverpool since September 2017.
- Kevin De Bruyne has been directly involved in six goals in eight Premier League games against Klopp's Liverpool. Only Jamie Vardy (seven) has had a hand in more against Liverpool in the competition since the German took charge.
- Kyle Walker has conceded two penalties in the Premier League this season, as many as he had in his previous 11 seasons in the competition combined (two).

What's next?

Both managers will hope for a clean bill of health from their players away on international duty before the domestic season resumes. City head to Tottenham on November 21, that game kicking off not long after Liverpool have hosted Leicester City at Anfield.

Roy Keane has labelled Kyle Walker “an idiot” after the Manchester City defender gave away a penalty during Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.

The Reds were awarded a spot-kick during the first half at Etihad Stadium when Walker collided with Sadio Mane and knocked the Senegal international to the ground.

Mohamed Salah converted the penalty to put Liverpool in front for his ninth goal of the season in all competitions, though City would level before the break through Gabriel Jesus in what was his first start since the opening day of the season.

Speaking in his role as a pundit on Sky Sports, Keane did not hold back in his assessment of Walker’s defending during the half-time break.

When asked how Mane had won the penalty, the former Manchester United captain said: “Because he’s up against an idiot.

“Kyle Walker, people tell me he is playing well but I don’t think so.

“I think this guy is 30 years of age, an international player, he’s a car crash, he keeps making these types of mistakes and rightly punished for it."

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who was working as a pundit alongside Keane, leapt to the defence of the England international.

“He’s been in good form,” said Richards. “I think Roy is taking it a little bit overboard there, he’s been one of City’s best players.

"But he gambles there on Mane, he should have just waited. He gambled that he was going on the outside and before you know it, Mane was there and he took him down.”

City had a great chance to go in front against the champions when they won a penalty shortly before the break, with Joe Gomez penalised for handball as he attempted to block Kevin De Bruyne’s cross.

De Bruyne stepped up to take the resulting penalty but sent the ball wide of the post.

It was the first penalty to completely miss the target in the Premier League since October 2018, when Riyad Mahrez sent his spot-kick over the bar during a goalless clash between Manchester City and Liverpool at Anfield.

The match would end at 1-1, as Liverpool ended the day in third place while City are in 11th.

Legendary former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Jabu Mahlangu had some scathing criticism for Amakhosi after they were booted out of the MTN8 by bitter rivals Orlando Pirates.

Pirates booked their place in the MTN8 final against Bloemfontein Celtic after a 3-0 home win last weekend and a 2-0 victory on Sunday against Amakhosi at the FNB Stadium, to make it a 5-0 aggregate scoreline in the two-legged semi-final.

"There is a lot of work to be done at Kaizer Chiefs," Mahlangu, who also once had a brief spell at Pirates, said during his post-match analysis for SuperSport TV.

"There is no motivation. There was no hunger to try and challenge Orlando Pirates pound for pound.”

Fellow analyst, Dikgang Mabalane, a former Pirates winger, echoed Mahlangu’s sentiments:

“Morale is not at the level where it's supposed to be, You can even see the body language of the players – [Lebogang] Manyama, [Khama] Billiat,” Mabalane said.

“They are trying yes, but again it's not showing in the game.”

Manyama and Billiat did indeed have quiet games on Sunday and neither player has scored yet this season.

In fact, Chiefs have only netted in two of their six matches so far. That includes a brace for defender Yagan Sasman in a 2-1 win over Maritzburg United and an own goal by Chippa United defender Gregory Damons.

Chiefs' problems were also compounded by an injury to Reeve Frosler and a red card for Eric Mathoho on Sunday.

But probably of greater concern to head coach Gavin Hunt and his technical team is the overall mind-set and lack of morale in the Amakhosi camp.

Ahead of Sunday’s match, Chiefs have been in shaky form this season and the only really convincing performance they’ve enjoyed is the 1-0 win over Chippa United in the league.

Confidence in front of goal, and all-round morale are just two of the challenges facing the Glamour Boys as club football makes way for the international break.

After that, Chiefs have an away date with Golden Arrows on November 21.

Ademola Lookman has been vilified for his late panenka penalty miss on Saturday evening, as Fulham threw away a late chance to salvage a point against West Ham United and mantain their upturn in form.

While the youngster was criticised by manager Scott Parker, and ridiculed by supporters on social media, his arrival at Craven Cottage, and the impact of both he and fellow Nigerian Ola Aina, offers hope that the Londoners can beat the drop.

It only took until week seven, and has become easy to forget amids this weekend's drama, but Fulham finally secured a first league win of the campaign on Monday, beating fellow newly-promoted side West Bromwich Albion by two unanswered goals.

Within the context of their poor form up to that point, there was an added significance to the visit of the Baggies. Slaven Bilic's side have also had a dismal start to life back in the top flight and so, despite coming quite early in the season, it was a game that had the feel of the proverbial relegation six-pointer.

In the end, what ensued was a relatively comfortable, bloodless win for Parker's Cottagers. It was a result, and a performance, that further served to highlight the disparity between these two clubs with regard to player quality: Fulham have it; West Bromwich, starved of significant investment in the summer, do not.

The hosts went into the break with a two-goal lead, and never really looked like relinquishing it at any point.

Suddenly, things don't look so glum on the Thames anymore, even taking into account Saturday's narrow miss and Lookman's moment of madness.

Of course, that renewed optimism does not hinge solely on a result against a severely overmanned Baggies. That would be reactionary in the utmost. Instead (and in addition) there is a sense that the club's outlay in the transfer market is beginning to bear fruit.

Despite having what most observers believed to be the best squad in the Championship, Fulham have added even more quality upon promotion. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has returned from his loan in Spain; Ruben Loftus-Cheek arrived from Chelsea on loan; Kenny Tete, Antonee Robinson, Tosin Adarabioyo, Lookman and Aina have also been brought in to bolster the club's survival prospects.

The integration has been measured, a legacy of a severely shortened transfer window, but slowly the added quality is proving decisive.

Against Sheffield United in mid-October, Lookman produced an inspired finish to earn a well-deserved point, and on Monday it was Aina's turn to blast a rasping effort into the top corner with his 'weaker' left foot, practically ending the Albion's resistance for good.

That Fulham have been able to recruit players of this calibre is intriguing in itself.

Lookman and Aina have walked a similar path to this point in their careers: both were rated highly as youngsters at bigger clubs (Everton and Chelsea respectively), both have spent two years abroad (Germany and Italy) trying to prove themselves, and both have now returned to English shores on loan deals after their form and reputation floundered in their second season.

It is worth comparing the club's approach this time to the wasteful, scattergun supermarket sweep of two seasons ago.

Then, there were huge names arriving on big fees and even bigger wages; this time, there appears to be an emphasis on a different profile: the hungry players, and/or those with doubters to silence. Adarabioyo also falls into this category, having been let go by Manchester City for a modest fee despite impressing over the course of two loan spells with West Bromwich and Blackburn in the Championship.

There are, of course, no guarantees either way. As has been stated, on quality alone, Fulham were expected to overpower West Bromwich, but it was very much a matter of the blind wrestling the infirm. That result may not necessarily be indicative of a turnaround, although their performance against the Hammers was encouraging, despite the defeat.

There also remain doubts over the managerial ability of Parker, snappy dresser though he is.

Under him, Fulham have regularly appeared less than the sum of their parts: able to play some good stuff in their own half, and pressing reasonably well, but utterly incapable of constructing consistently coherent attacks. At least against his old club West Ham in Saturday's London derby, Fulham played with confidence and ambition, with Lookman arguably their brightest light...until the death, at least.

It seems increasingly likely that Fulham have just enough to keep their head above water, even if that is to be regardless of their manager.

Tales of their demise may have been greatly exaggerated. Certainly, if Lookman and Aina can spear efforts into the postage stamp every week, and if the former can improve his decision-making, it would do their chances no harm. That's what quality buys you.

With Zambo Anguissa running the middle of the pitch and Aleksandar Mitrovic poaching upfront, the key to survival for the Cottagers may be as simple as getting out their way and letting them play extempore.

Jurgen Klopp has explained the reasons behind his decision to start Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino together at Manchester City, saying ”you have to be brave” to get a result at Etihad Stadium.

Eyebrows were raised when Klopp decided to select all four of his attacking players for the clash with Pep Guardiola’s side.

Mane and Salah are undisputed first choice, but the Reds boss has tended to rotate Firmino and summer signing Jota so far this campaign.

Portugal forward Jota has made a fine start to life at Anfield since his £41 million ($53m) move from Wolves in September.

The 23-year-old has scored seven goals in 10 appearances for the club in all competitions, with six of those coming in his last four matches. That includes a hat-trick in the 5-0 Champions League win at Atalanta in midweek.

That display in northern Italy meant his inclusion in the starting line-up for the City game was not unexpected, though the presence of Firmino in what was effectively a front four was something of a surprise.

Speaking about the decision before the game, Klopp said he needed to throw caution to the wind in order to give his side the best chance of securing a result.

“I thought it made sense," he told Sky Sports. “We had a couple of days to recover, couple of days to train, couple of days to prepare and that’s the line-up we decided to go for.

"I wanted quality on the pitch in different areas. If you want to get something here you have to be brave.

“That’s an offensive line-up but if everyone is doing their job it’s an even more solid defensive formation, so we will see.”

The quartet were also named in the starting XI for Liverpool’s clash against Sheffield United last month, with Firmino and Jota on target in a 2-1 win.

Klopp says he was pleased with what he saw during that game, but insists it had no bearing on his selection for Sunday’s clash.

“Second half, yes. Second half I liked it, we got more and more naturally," Klopp added.

“But it’s a completely different game, obviously, different areas to play for so that was not an example we used.

“It’s just for us, in the moment, looking to use fresh legs and who is in shape, performing and stuff like this so that’s why we decided it like this.”

Ansu Fati is to undergo surgery on the torn meniscus he suffered in Barcelona's 5-2 win over Real Betis. 

The 18-year-old forward was substituted at half-time in Saturday's contest at Camp Nou and Barca later confirmed that he had sustained damage to his left knee. 

"Fati had some discomfort in the first half and we replaced him at half-time so as not to take risks," coach Ronald Koeman told reporters after the game.

Fati is now set to have an operation on Monday, after which Barca said they will release further details about the possible length of his absence.

A club statement read: "The first team player Ansu Fati will undergo surgery [on] Monday for the injury to the meniscus in his left knee by Dr. Ramon Cugat under the supervision of the club's medical services.  

"Once this intervention is completed, a new communication will be provided with information on the result and the approximate time of withdrawal." 

Fati is Barca's top scorer in La Liga so far this term having netted four times in seven appearances, while he was also on target in the 5-1 hammering of Ferencvaros in the Champions League.

His form has been a bright point in an inconsistent start Barca have made under new boss Koeman, who had seen his side fail to win four on the bounce in La Liga prior to the Betis win. The Catalan giants are now eighth in the table with 11 points from seven matches, nine points behind leaders Real Sociedad, who have played two more games.

Only Lionel Messi, with 48, has attempted more dribbles in La Liga for Barca in 2020-21 than Fati’s 28, while the club captain is the only Blaugrana player to create more chances (13) than his team-mate's return of nine.

Fati had been called up to the Spain squad for this month's international matches against the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany, but has since been replaced by Real Madrid's Marco Asensio in the wake of his injury.

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer dedicated the MTN8 semi-final victory over Kaizer Chiefs to the supporters.

The Buccaneers brushed aside Amakhosi 2-0 in the semi-final second-leg match at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon and they reached the final after winning the tie 5-0 on aggregate.

Two second-half goals from Fortune Makaringe and Linda Mntambo handed Pirates the win as they reached the MTN8 final for the first time since 2014. 

Zinnbauer, who was on the bench after returning from Germany, was pleased with his charges' overall performance. 

"It was important we had a good game and won the game," Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV. 

"I'm happy about this. We didn't have a target of having to score, we had time, so we were very calm and we worked very well in the defensive positions.

"And then we could wait on the right moment to counter-attack. We've said it before. Wait for the right moment."

Bucs will now take on Bloemfontein Celtic in the final after Siwelele eliminated the defending champions SuperSport United in the semi-finals. 

The German tactician lauded Pirates' Namibian winger Deon Hotto, who was involved in both goals, and he was deservedly named Man of the Match. 

"Maybe in the second half they are more tired, then we get a chance, then we can score. And then the result was on our side. We could have maybe scored one or two more," he continued. 

"Congratulations to the team, to Hotto for being the best player on the day. I'm happy. We work very hard against the ball and we work as a unit."

The Buccaneers will take part in their first major cup final since 2018 when they were stunned by Baroka FC under coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic's guidance.

Zinnbauer is already looking forward to their next match which is against SuperSport on October 21 in a league match after the international break. 

"This is what we need in the next days. Now we have a break, we can come back, we can recover and then we have to focus on the next game," he added. 

"We are happy we are in the final. I think it's a long time since we were in a final and this win is for the supporters. They give us the belief and I'm happy we are in the final."

John Boye was in action while Mama Balde and Pape Yade were on the scoresheet as Metz played out a 1-1 draw against Dijon in Sunday’s Ligue 1 game.

Ghana international Boye was afforded his ninth appearance this season and impressed to help his side extend their unbeaten run at Stade Saint-Symphorien.

Guinea-Bissau international Balde and Senegalese forward Yade scored the goals for their respective clubs in the encounter.

Dijon started the game impressively as they dominated possession and dictated the pace in the opening 30 minutes but Metz had the first chance to open the scoring.

Algeria international Faris Boulaya was brought down in the area by Sacha Boey and after consulting with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), a penalty was awarded to Frederic Antonetti’s men.

Senegal international Opa Nguette, whose goal-bound effort was blocked in the encounter earlier, had the opportunity to put his side in front but missed his spot-kick.

Balde then opened the scoring for Dijon in the 13th minute, firing his effort past Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja after he was set up by Moroccan Mounir Chouiar.

After conceding the goal, Metz continued to push for an equalizer and it came in the 21st minute when Senegalese forward Lamine Gueye played Yade through on goal and the 21-year-old fired home his strike.

Balde continued his impactful showing in the encounter when he won a penalty for the Owls after he was tripped in the area by Dylan Bronn.

Chouiar took the resulting penalty but failed to get his effort past Algeria goalkeeper Oukidja.

Despite efforts from both sides to claim all three points, the game ended in a draw at Stade Saint-Symphorien.

The African stars will hope to continue their impressive performances for their respective clubs after the international break.

Gilbert Selebwa doubts whether newly-promoted side Vihiga United will get quality players to help them offer stiff competition in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League.

Despite winning the first leg 2-1 of the playoffs, Kisumu All-Stars could not protect the advantage as they lost 2-1 in the return fixture and thus the tie ended at 3-3 after the two-legged affair, prompting the match referee to order for penalties in which Vihiga triumphed 5-3.  

The Kenyan transfer window was closed on Friday, November 6, but the Western-based side have until Friday, November 13 to complete their deals.

"I am not sure whether they can come across competitive premier league players," Selebwa told Goal on Sunday.

"Other teams had a head-start as compared to Vihiga United unless they recruited in anticipation. The best thing for them to do as they start the league is to employ a cautious approach in the first 10 games. It will be key with the squad they or will have.

"I believe they have done a tremendous job to knock out an immediate former premier league team. It shows they have what it takes to compete."

The experienced coach has also opined on what the FKF- PL newbies should do to avoid the axe like in the 2018/19 season where they finished 17th with 26 points.

"I expect the management to motivate the players especially after making it to the top tier," Selebwa added.

"They should try and get at least 10 points in batches of four games and in the first round, at least finish in the top 10. It is something they can achieve.

"Then the team must learn to take full advantage of the home matches. This being a league, winning your home games is very important. They should learn the art of making the home ground a fortress.

"Finally, it is all about consistency, that is what will make them survive in the league."

The Kenyan top-tier is scheduled to start on November 20 with AFC Leopards hosting Western Stima at Nyayo Stadium. Vihiga United will play a day later away at Afraha Stadium against Ulinzi Stars.

The Harambee Stars have suffered a huge blow after it emerged that they will miss two of their key players against Comoros in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Goal can exclusively reveal captain Victor Wanyama and striker Michael Olunga will not make it for the Comoros double-header owing to Covid-19 restrictions in their respective countries.

Wanyama is based in Canada where he features for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Montreal Impact while Olunga turns out for Kashiwa Resysol in the Japanese J1-League.

A close source within the national team camp has confirmed to Goal the two players, who were among the professionals summoned for the double-header, will not be available.

“Both Michael [Olunga] and Victor [Wanyama] will not make it to Kenya for the match against Comoros,” the source, who did not want to be named told Goal on Sunday.

“The two have been restricted back in their previous countries because of Covid-19 and they will not be available.”

Goal had revealed earlier that Olunga might not travel for the match as the Kashiwa camp has been hit by three coronavirus cases, including their coach, and recently Japan's Professional League (JPL) confirmed the match between Kashiwa and Vegalta Sendai had to be rescheduled.

Olunga’s head coach Nelsinho Baptista was among the confirmed members of the team who had contracted the virus but the identities of the other people who tested positive have not been made public.

The absence of Olunga will give coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee a chance to play either John Avire, who plays for Tanta SC in Egypt, and arrived in camp on Saturday night, or give a chance to Gor Mahia youngster Benson Omalla, who has been impressive in training.

Apart from Olunga and Wanyama, other professionals who have already reported to camp include Avire, Ismael Gonzalez, Ayub Timbe, Cliff Nyakeya, and goalkeeper Arnold Origi.

The Comoros qualifiers - set for November 11 and 15 - offers Kenya a chance to fight for a first group win since they drew 1-1 against both Egypt and Togo in the first two games.

The Harambee Stars are in the hunt for back-to-back Afcon qualification since they took part in the 2019 edition but were eliminated in the group stage.

Jose Mourinho said Harry Kane's brilliance is about much more than goals after the Tottenham star reached 150 in the Premier League.

Kane nodded in Matt Doherty's delivery to secure a 1-0 win for Spurs at West Brom on Sunday.

The England striker has managed a remarkable 13 goals and 10 assists in just 14 matches for Spurs in all competitions this season, having celebrated scoring his 200th for the club on his 300th appearance against Ludogorets in the Europa League this week.

Only Alan Shearer (212) and Sergio Aguero (217) reached 150 Premier League goals in fewer games than Kane (218), with the 27-year-old now level with Michael Owen on the all-time list in the competition's history.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Son Heung-min (eight) are the only players to score more in England's top flight this season than Kane (seven), but his tally of eight assists is more than double that of any other forward.

He has also made 11 headed clearances, more than any other attacking player, highlighting his importance in both boxes for Spurs.

Indeed, Mourinho believes Kane's all-round contribution sets him apart from most other elite strikers in the world.

He told reporters: "When you go to stats, in relation to strikers, I always say the stats should be how many goals the striker scored and what he did for his team in the matches where he didn't score, and many of the strikers, their history would be [the] incredible number of goals that they score plus zero.

"Harry Kane, you have to say: this number of goals, this number of assists, this number of balls recovered, this number of duels won, this number of balls that he saved his team in a defensive set-piece. This is Harry Kane: it's goals, plus this, and this, and this, and that. 

"For me, it's not about one more goal or one less goal, it's about what he is as a player."

Spurs have won all four of their opening away league games this season, only the fourth time they have done so, and they head into the international break with 17 points and just one defeat from eight matches.

Mourinho thinks his side would be good enough to win the title in many of Europe's top divisions, but he feels a Premier League challenge will not be so easy.

"When a team is champion or plays for the title, there is always a direct relation to your direct opponents," he added.

"I would say this team could be champion in many European countries. In the Premier League, it's the most difficult one because in the Premier League you can do a good season, you can have lots of points but in the end, you know, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Leicester [City], Arsenal... so you can have a good season and not be champion.

"What can we do? We go match after match, we try to win, we don't care about the others, I promise you I'm not worried about Leicester-Wolves or City-Liverpool. If Liverpool win, it's because City lose points; if Leicester win, it's because Wolves lose points. I don't care. I just want the team to play match after match and, at the end of the season, let's see where we are."

Former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o is in stable condition after he was involved in a road accident around Nkongsamba-Douala road in Cameroon.

Eto'o was said to be returning from a wedding celebration when his car was hit by a public transport bus on Sunday morning.

Although the car was badly damaged in the front, the 39-year-old was immediately moved to a hospital where he is doing well under the doctors' watch.

"The crushed car Samuel Eto'o was in. I can confirm that he is fine, we spoke again. Doctors taking care of additional examinations," a Cameroonian journalist tweeted.

According to France Football, the Barcelona legend suffered a head injury but no life was lost in the crash.

Eto'o who is a special adviser to Caf President Ahmad Ahmad, announced his retirement from football in September 2019 after a playing career that spanned 22 years.

He won several laurels across Europe which include four La Liga crowns, three Uefa Champions League titles, two Coppa Italia, the Fifa Club World Cup amongst others.

On the international scene, Eto'o is the all-time top scorer in the Indomitable Lions' history with 56 goals and the second-most capped player with 118 appearances after Rigobert Song (137 caps).

The 39-year-old won two Africa Cup of Nations trophies in the 2000 and 2002, and he also has an Olympic Gold medal in his cabinet, after helping the Central African country win the football competition at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia.