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Yannick Bolasie and Oumar Niasse are two of Ademola Lookman’s former Everton team-mates who have stuck up for the Fulham star after he missed a penalty on Saturday.

With Lookman’s Fulham side, who lie 17th in the Premier League, having conceded the opening goal of the game to Tomas Soucek in stoppage-time, the Cottagers were awarded a spot kick that seemed destined to allow them to square the game.

Lookman was charged with the responsibility of taking it, but saw his effort stopped by home goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

It was not that he was denied that riled fans, however, it was the manner in which he took the kick. Rather than electing for a safety-first approach, the 20-year-old tried to execute a Panenka and lob the ball down the centre of the goal. He got it horribly wrong, however, and afforded the goalkeeper the easiest of saves.

The outcry over his apparently nonchalant attitude was immediate, but former team-mates Niasse and Bolasie have stepped up to defend the player.

"Top, top player," Bolasie wrote on his Instagram stories. "Sometimes we learn the hard way." Meanwhile, free agent Niasse added: “Just a lesson and you move on.”

Manager Scott Parker said in the aftermath of the game that he was “angry” with the style of penalty that his player elected.

"The boy has made a mistake, that's clear," he said. "You can miss a penalty, but you can't miss a penalty like that. He knows that. When you're young you have to learn quick.

"He's disappointed and rightly so. Everyone can miss penalties of course but in a certain way. This is football, growing as an individual and we'll learn from this.

"I'm not going to shirk away from the penalty miss, I'm angry, and he [Lookman] is as well. You just can't miss a penalty like that. If you take one like that, you have to score."

The attacker will have two weeks to stew over his miss because of the international break, with Fulham slated to play his former club Everton when play resumes on November 21.

Lookman is on loan at Fulham from RB Leipzig, scoring once in five Premier League appearances this season.

A Uganda national team made up of local-based played to 1-1 draw with Ugandan Premier League (UPL) side KCCA FC in a friendly match.

Coach Johnathan McKinstry was using the game to determine his team's preparedness ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against South Sudan.

In a match played at the StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo, it was the Cranes who opened the scoring courtesy of Brian Aheebwa, but the 10-time league champions levelled matters courtesy of Julius Poloto.

Neither of the sides could get a winner despite creating several chances, especially in the second half.

McKinstry has since whittled down his squad of local-based players as the team prepares for their qualifiers against South Sudan.  

The Northern Irish tactician had initially summoned a squad of 20 players from local clubs in the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) but after six days of training, he has trimmed the squad down to seven, who will now link up with the foreign-based players.  

Some of the players who have been left out are the experienced trio of Tonny Mawejje, Denis Iguma, and Murushid Jjuuko, who were handed a recall to the national team despite staying out of action for almost a year each. 

Iguma had just returned from injury, while Mawejje has not played active football since leaving Al-Arabi last year, and Juuko only signed for Express FC two weeks ago after a year out without action. 

The players who made the final cut are goalkeeper Charles Lukwago, defenders Halid Lwaliwa, Disan Galiwango, and Patrick Mbowa as well as midfielders Shafik Kagimu, Karim Watambala, and forward Brian Aheebwa. 

Uganda will host South Sudan in the first meeting on November 12 at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende before they face off again four days later in Kenya.

The seven local-based players selected will join the foreign-based players for next week's assignment.

Foreign-based players

Goalkeepers: Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Magoola Jamal Salim (Al Hilal Omdruman, Sudan) 

Defenders: Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds FK, Sweden), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam FC, Tanzania), Timothy Denis Awany (Sport Club Ironi Ashdod, Israel), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, Democratic Republic of Congo), Alex Kakuba (CD Cova Piedade, Portugal), Elvis Bwomono (Southend United, England)

Midfielders: Michael Azira (Chicago Fire, USA), Khalid Aucho (Misr Lel Makasa, Egypt), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Allan Okello (Paradou, Algeria)

Forwards: Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha, Egypt), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt), Alexis Bbakka (UMEA, Sweden), Fahad Bayo (Ironi Ashdod, Israel), Farouk Miya (Konyaspor, Turkey), William Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel, Israel), Uche Ikpeazu (Wycombe Wanderers, England), Edirisa Lubega (Paide Linnameeskond, Estonia)     

Felipe Caicedo was Lazio's hero as his last-gasp strike cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo's goal in a 1-1 draw against Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Lazio lacked bite in the absence of star striker Ciro Immobile, one of three players along with Lucas Leiva and Thomas Strakhosha absent after reportedly returning inconclusive coronavirus tests.

Ronaldo, who returned after his own isolation due to COVID-19 with a double against Spezia last week, scored a sixth Serie A goal of the campaign after 15 minutes and that looked by being enough to settle what had been a largely comfortable outing for the visitors.

But substitute Caicedo scored in the fifth minute of injury time to secure a point for Lazio in a result that leaves Juve three points off Serie A leaders Milan, who have a game in hand.

Juve probed a couple of times early on but Ronaldo sticking out a leg to divert home Juan Cuadrado's drilled cross, after great work down the right by the Colombian, was their first meaningful attack.

Lazio displayed hallmarks of a good side missing their best attacking weapon, though with a little more luck Vedat Muriqi would have got on the end of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's teasing header across the face of goal.

Fortune was on Lazio's side when Ronaldo smacked the right post and then forced Pepe Reina into a smart stop with a stinging free-kick.

Ronaldo and Adam Marusic exchanged efforts, while Adrien Rabiot tested Pepe Reina in a second half that struggled to ignite.

Pirlo withdrew Ronaldo with 14 minutes to go, a decision that appeared to surprise the star forward even though an ankle sprain was later confirmed.

Ronaldo's team-mates looked to have completed the job without him but Caicedo turned in the area and picked out the bottom-right corner after collecting Joaquin Correa's pass in a dramatic finale not befitting the rest of the game.

What does it mean? Ronaldo sub proves costly

Juve won just one of the four matches in all competitions that Ronaldo missed but appeared on track for a third win on the spin with their talisman back in the fold. But with just a slender 1-0 lead, the decision to take off their best forward may not have been the wisest one, even considering the fact he was nursing some ankle pain.

Ronaldo rocking and rolling despite Juve setback

Ronaldo became just the second Juve player, after Paulo Dybala, to score in his first four Serie A matches of a season in the three-points-for-a-win era. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had three shots on target from five attempts – another rattling the upright – while he completed 21 of 29 passes.

Super-sub Caicedo steps up

Immobile was also unavailable for the midweek 1-1 Champions League draw against Zenit and Lazio missed the cutting edge of a striker who scored 36 Serie A goals last term.

Muriqi was game enough but only one of his three efforts was on target and Simone Inzaghi replaced his striker with Felipe Caicedo after 54 minutes. What a substitution that proved to be.

Key Opta facts
- Juventus are unbeaten in their first seven league games for the eighth time in the past 10 Serie A seasons.
- Ronaldo has scored 27 goals in 2020, more than any other player in the top five European leagues.
- Since last season, Caicedo has scored five goals in the 90th minute or later - more than any other player in Serie A.
- Lazio have gained 33 points from losing positions since the start of last season, more than any other team in the top five European leagues.

What's next?

Juve are back in action in a little under a fortnight at home to Cagliari, while Lazio's first assignment after the international break is a trip to Crotone.

Uganda striker Uche Ikpeazu’s Wycombe Wanderers assistant manager Richard Dobson has claimed they had a good outing against Nottingham Forest despite going down 2-0 on Saturday.

Lyle Taylor’s brace was enough to bring to an end Wycombe’s three-match unbeaten run. The home victory – on the other hand - was a second straight win for Nottingham Forest.

 Although Ikpeazu was not involved, Wycombe came into the 11th Championship match unbeaten in three, including two wins.

“I thought ironically it's probably the best we have handled the ball in the last three or four games,” Dobson told BBC Sport. “Some of our interplays was bright, we got people into one v one situations, got crosses into the box and created chances.

“It was fairly even overall in terms of chances, the difference was the quality of Taylor's finishing.”

The boss praised Ikpeazu’s teammate Garath McCleary for the energy he brought to the team after he was introduced.

“McCleary was hugely positive, we like him a lot and think he's going to be a really good player for our club,” he continued.

“When you are performing well you don't want the break to come but there's time to review and try to build on the little bit of momentum that we've gathered.”

On his part, Nottingham Forest manager Chris Hughton praised how the goals were scored.

“It was a really good cross I thought for the first goal and of course the second goal was all his,” Hughton said.

“It was a fabulous finish and when you're a striker you want to score goals and that builds your confidence.

“It was a crucial goal because we were up against a team that was pushing and pushing, really hard. Until you get a second goal, the game does not open up as much as you would like.”

Ikpeazu is among the forwards who were called up by Uganda head coach Johnathan McKinstry for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Sudan.

The other strikers are Fahad Bayo of Ashdod FC, Edrisa Lubega of Paide Linnameeskond, Smouha SC’s Derrick Nsibambi, Alexis Bbakka of Umea FC, and KCCA FC’s Brian Aheebwa.

Ikpeazu is also among the players who have completed club duties ahead of the qualifiers. Farouk Miya, Timothy Awany, Fahad Bayo, Elvis Bwomono, Ronald Mukiibi, Edrisa Lubega, Kizito Luwagga, Joseph Ochaya and Nicholas Wadada are also expected in camp soon after completing professional duties.

Uganda will play the Bright Stars at home on November 12 and on November 16, they will away in Nairobi for the second qualifier.

Evelyn Ijeh made history with Goteborg as they defeated Ebere Orji and Uchenna Kanu's Linkopings 7-0 at home to win the Swedish Women’s Damallsvenskan title for the first time in their history.

Having won 3-0 at Vaxjo last week, Jorgen Ericson’s ladies were on the brink of a maiden domestic title triumph, opening a four-point lead at the top of the table with two matches to go.

Going to Arena Linkopings on Saturday, Goteborg needed a win regardless of the result of rivals and 2019 winners, Anam Imo's Rosengard at 2018 champions Pitea on Sunday, to confirm their historic feat.

Pauline Hammarlund got Ericson’s team off to a bright start when she opened the scoring thanks to an assist from Rebecka Blomqvist after just 11 minutes.

Filippa Angeldahl doubled the lead for the visitors before the half-hour mark against Olof Unogard's team in front of their home fans.

After the restart, Goteborg continued where they left off against the hosts as Vilde Boe Risa netted a third five minutes into the second half before grabbing her second seven minutes later.

In the 59th minute, the visitors gained a fifth through Natalia Kuikka and Emma Koivisto made it six 17 minutes later, before Stina Blackstenius struck 10 minutes from time to guarantee the title.

The result means Goteborg are Swedish top-flight champions for the first time ever, with a game to spare, and will see them make a debut in the Uefa Women's Champions League next year.

Despite being an unused substitute on Saturday, the 19-year-old featured for 38 minutes in five appearances, playing from the bench on all occasions for the newly-crowned Swedish champions.

On the other hand, Nigeria international duo Orji and Kanu featured for 57 and 68 minutes, respectively, for Linkopings.

The title feat sees the Nigerian-born Swedish youth international become the third Nigerian to win the Swedish crown in a row after Ikidi won her second with Pitea in 2018 and Anam Imo last season.

The striker, who is the daughter of former Nigeria international Peter Ijeh, had featured for Sweden at U17 and U19 level, but is still eligible to represent the West African nation at senior level.

Having sealed their title triumph, Ijeh and Goteborg will hope to end their league campaign on a high when they welcome Vittsjo in their final game of the season on November 15.

Simba SC defender Joash Onyango believes he has answered critics who doubted his ability to perform.

The Kenya international played a starring role as Wekundu wa Msimbazi played out a 1-1 draw with their sworn rivals Yanga SC on Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The defender was adjudged to have fouled Tuisila Kisinda in the danger zone and the referee awarded a penalty which was converted by Michael Sarpong.

However, the Harambee Star ensured the reigning champions get a point after scoring with five minutes to go.

"I think [my critics] have seen what a grandfather can do," Onyango told reporters after the match.

"When people openly criticize me, it gives me a reason to work harder on the pitch because, at the end of the day, it is my performance that matters.

Usually, people lack what to say when they are proved wrong and I am happy it happened."

The 27-year-old has also thanked his coach Sven Vandenbroeck for giving him an opportunity to play in arguably the biggest game in the East Africa region.

"I am delighted because the coach trusted me and went ahead to give me an opportunity to play in the derby, I am really thankful," Onyango continued.

"To be honest, I did not expect to be involved."

The centre-back has also appreciated the one point the 21-time champions got in the game.

"It was a tough game for either team, owing to its magnitude and none wanted to lose. Yanga played well, but we also played well. I thank my teammates for playing according to the plan," he added.

"We were prepared to get a win, however, it did not go according to plan and we ended up sharing spoils. A point is better than none, it is football and in some instances, it does not happen as wished."

After 10 rounds, Azam FC lead the table with 25 points. They have managed to collect eight wins, a draw, and a loss. The 27-time champions are in the second position with a point fewer.

Timu ya Wananchi, who are unbeaten, have managed to get seven wins and three draws, while Simba are placed third with 20 points.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder George Maluleka says he is unmoved by any media reports on him and is “focused on the journey ahead.”

Sundowns are said to be planning loan deals for some of their new signings including Maluleka, who arrived at Chloorkop in July.

Recent media reports suggested that Maluleka was to be loaned out to Cape Town City.

While Downs coach Manqoba Mngqithi has already dismissed the rumours, Maluleka said he is not concerned about anything reported about him in the media.

“When it comes to the media, to be honest, I have never really paid attention to allegations or rumours that are said as my only focus and objective is to play football so I try by all means to avoid such, so I stay focused on the journey ahead,” Maluleka told the Sundowns website.

The 31-year-old has featured in all of Sundowns’ three Premier Soccer League (PSL), coming as a substitute each time.

The midfielder already has one assist to his name but admits that he still has “a lot of work” to do to be on top of his game.

“Yeah so far so good with the matches. There’s still a lot of work to be done from my side but it’s very early to tell,” said Maluleka.

“I’ve been doing well and working hard at training steadily to find my best self to help the team and make an impact. It’s a matter of confidence, but a lot of progress so far. I’m happy but not yet satisfied like I said it’s still very early.

 “Competition is always good especially in an environment like Mamelodi Sundowns. You have to be at your best every time you get a chance so it’s very good for the team as well. It makes us stronger as a collective and also pushes you as an individual.

“It’s been a good couple of months at the club and like I said before the team welcomed me with a lot of warmth. I immediately felt very good and positive about it so I’ve never looked back since. I just need to carry on working hard and helping the team move forward. All in all, it’s been great, especially the way I was welcomed.”

After beating Cape Town City 2-0 in a league match last Wednesday, Sundowns return to action on November 22 when they host AmaZulu.

Manchester United captain has hailed the excellence of playmaker Bruno Fernandes as he helped the Red Devils secure a 3-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Portuguese had been the subject of criticism for his display in the shock 2-1 Champions League loss to Istanbul Basaksehir in midweek but bounced back impressively as United recorded their third Premier League win of the season.

Fernandes scored twice in the first half, although there was some debate as to whether striker Marcus Rashford had touched the ball en route to the net for the second, before setting up Edinson Cavani to score his first goal for the club.

“Bruno was excellent,” Maguire confirmed to the club’s official website. “He came under a little bit of stick on Wednesday night but he’s a big character and a big leader. He’s reacted brilliantly and does his talking on the pitch.

“I’m delighted he’s got a couple of goals or whatever you want to call it, a goal or an assist.”

Maguire, meanwhile, is confident in Cavani’s ability to ease the striking burden in attack. The Uruguayan arrived on a free transfer in October, having left PSG at the end of last season.

“He worked tirelessly up there and did the dirty work and he got his rewards right at the end. I think he's going to be a big player for us, he’s going to score goals,” he said. “He knows where the back of the net is and I’ve seen that in training a few times already. He’s just getting up to speed in terms of his training and work rate but he’s going to be a big player for us.”

United have moved up to 14th in the Premier League standings off the back of their victory, yet manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains under pressure after a start to the season that has seen them lose just as many as they have won domestically.

After the international break, United will be tasked with a home encounter against West Bromwich Alion before a Champions League date with Basaksehir at Old Trafford, which has suddenly increased in importance due to their loss in Turkey on Wednesday.

Marcus Rashford says he has been left "overwhelmed with pride" after his latest campaigning prompted the UK government to propose a new plan to combat child food poverty.

The striker spoke with prime minister Boris Johnson on Saturday after Manchester United's 3-1 Premier League win at Everton, to discuss help for underprivileged families in the winter months.

Rashford has been leading a campaign to have the government's free school meals scheme extended over the holidays to help struggling families, particularly those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the latest UK lockdown measures.

In June, the England star successfully lobbied the government to extend its policy of providing free school meals for underprivileged children outside term time, and he launched an online petition last month calling on the authorities to extend the scheme through to Easter 2021.

The motion was voted down in parliament, but after continued lobbying by Rashford, Johnson has reportedly set aside £170 million ($220m) to provide additional support to disadvantaged children over the Christmas period.

"I had a good conversation with the prime minister to better understand the proposed plan, and I very much welcome the steps that have been taken to combat child food poverty in the UK," Rashford said in a social media post.

"There is still so much more to do, and my immediate concern is the approximate 1.7m children who miss out on free school meals, holiday provision and Healthy Start vouchers because their family income isn't quite low enough, but the intent the government have shown today is nothing but positive and they should be recognised for that.

"I am so proud of 'us' as a collective. 'Us' being the local businesses, charity workers, volunteers, teachers, social workers, carers, and key workers. Together we have demonstrated the power of kindness and compassion. We have shown that when it comes down to the wire, we will always have each other.

"Seeing the role everyone has played in supporting our most vulnerable children has been the greatest moment of my life. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of empathy and understanding."

Rashford has also urged the government to work with the Child Food Poverty Task Force, a body set up by the 23-year-old that includes some of the UK's biggest food brands and supermarkets, "to guarantee" that no child goes hungry.

He wrote: "Today, I'm overwhelmed with pride that we have made such significant progress. 'We' will not give up on our children. 'We' will not give up on the future of this country."

England boss Gareth Southgate says Aaron Wan-Bissaka is not in his squad as he remains a step behind his rivals for the right-back spot.

The Three Lions are blessed with options in the position and the latest squad includes Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Reece James, as well as Arsenal duo Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka who can play as wing-backs.

Wan-Bissaka has impressed defensively since joining Manchester United from Crystal Palace for a reported £50 million ($65m) last year. In 2019-20, he won 80 tackles in the Premier League, 11 more than any other defender, and was only dribbled past by an opponent on 22 occasions.

By contrast, Alexander-Arnold was beaten 42 times by an opponent dribbling past him last season, but the Liverpool man's record-breaking 13 assists - the most by any defender in a Premier League season - underline the attacking qualities that Southgate favours.

To that end, Chelsea's James was included for this month's matches with the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland despite having to serve a suspension in the UEFA Nations League.

"It's an area of the pitch where we are blessed," Southgate said. "Reece and Trent have both played as wing-backs as well as full-backs. They are in outstanding form and we are probably stronger there than in any other position.

"Aaron is a very good defender, one against one he's probably as good as I have seen, but I have to look at the balance of the team and currently there are players ahead of him."

Southgate also suggested he could speak to Jamie Vardy if the Leicester City striker continues his form until next year's Euro 2020 finals.

Vardy, 33, has scored seven goals this season to propel a strong Leicester start that included a 5-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, where he got a hat-trick.

He retired from England duty after the World Cup in 2018 but said in March that he and Southgate "agreed the door would still be open for whatever reason" to a national team return.

"Jamie is playing as well as any forward in the country, there's no two ways about that," Southgate said. "We know exactly what he can bring, and he is probably benefiting from having a rest during international breaks rather than joining up with England. It would be another matter if we were going into a championship, but at the moment we are not."

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has predicted the tightest Premier League in years, with the Brazil international suggesting that “six or seven sides” could compete for the title.

Liverpool ran away with the crown last year, while the season previous it was duel between the Reds and Ederson’s City.

Ahead of a clash between the two chief protagonists over the last two years, the shot-stopper believes that the field will be far more open this term.

“This is not a usual season, the teams out of the ‘Big Six’ have all started well,” he told his club’s official website. “Aston villa, Everton and Southampton have all shown good performances lately. They have a lot of quality players and they’ve all had a good pre-season to start at the highest level.

“This year it will be different, it will be tighter, and I think the title race won’t between two teams, but six or seven sides.”

Nevertheless, Ederson appreciates that Sunday’s clash against Liverpool is one that has been earmarked by supporters and critics alike as one for the diary.

“It’s a much-awaited game for everybody, players and fans,” he explained. “I think it’s going to be a very good match. I hope our team can perform and may the better side win. We know they have a few points more than us, but we also have a game in hand. I hope we can get a good result to close the gap.”

City have made a slow start to the season by their high standards. They lie 12th on 11 points but the standings are exceptionally congested, with just six points between first-placed Southampton with Leeds in 15th ahead of Sunday’s play.

Pep Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, have played only six of their fixtures, while several of the teams ahead of them have already completed eight matches in their calendar.

In order to start making up ground, though, they will have to overcome Jurgen Klopp’s side and will be aiming for a repeat of the 4-0 triumph they managed at the Etihad Stadium at the beginning of July.

After this, and following the international break, Ederson's City travel to Tottenham on November 21 before facing Olympiacos in the Champions League.

Jermaine Seoposenwe scored her first goal of the season for Sporting Braga as they thrashed Valadares Gaia 5-1 in Saturday's Portuguese Liga BPI game at Complexo Desportivo de Valadares.

The Banyana Banyana striker was afforded her fifth start of the season by Miguel Santos since joining the club from Spanish outfit Real Betis and she finally broke her duck against Valadares.

On a return from the break, Braga were eager to continue their impressive run following an 8-0 triumph at Gil Vicente in their last outing as Dolores Silva opened the scoring after just five minutes.

Five minutes later, Laura Luis tapped in the second goal of the match off a fine cross from the left for the visitors. 

Valadares, however, pulled one back against Braga after they were gifted with a penalty kick and Paloma Lemos calmly converted from the spot for a third of the match in the 16th minute.

With their lead reduced, Braga moved to recover their two-goal lead when Luis outran her marker to fire in a third seven minutes later.

After the recess, the South Africa international increased the tally seven minutes into the second half, with her first goal of the season.

In the 61st minute, Luis finished up brilliantly to bag her treble of the match and completed the rout for a fifth win in a row for Braga. 

In the victory, Seoposenwe made her fifth appearance of the season and Saturday's strike ended the 27-year-old's goal drought, having last scored in a competitive match in July 2019 for Gintra-Universitetas.

Braga opened a three-point gap at the top of the Portuguese Liga BPI table after the win on the road with 15 points after five games.

Seoposenwe will be hoping to continue her impressive start to life in Portugal when Santos' side host FC Famalicao for their next league fixture on November 15 at Estadio 1º de Maio.

Ulinzi Stars and Tusker were the least active teams during the FKF Premier League summer transfer window which closed at midnight on November 6.

Though the transfer window was extended for another six days, the two clubs had fewer activities with Ulinzi signing only three players and lost none while Tusker brought on board four and lost three.

The new players at Ulinzi are Hamisi Abadalla from (Water Works FC), Oliver Rutto (Water Works FC), and Michael Onyango (Kahawa United FC) while Tusker signed Jimmy Ndungi from (Tusker Youth FC), Wellington Ochieng from (Gor Mahia FC), Christopher Oruchum (AFC Leopards), and Kevin MONYI (Western Stima).

The three players who left Tusker are striker Timothy Otieno, who signed for Zambian side Napsa Stars FC, Gabriel Wandera who moved to Nzoia Sugar FC, and Peter Ngugi, who is yet to get a new club.

It was not the same for the other giants as Gor Mahia signed 17 players among them Andrew Juma from (Mathare United), Tito Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Bertrand Nkofor (Al Mudhaibi FC, Oman), Jules Ulimwengu (Rayon Sports SC, Rwanda), John Macharia (FC Guria Lanchkuti, Georgia), Andrew Malisero (Commercial FC), Samuel Njau (Western Stima).

Others include striker Benson Omalla (Western Stima), John Ochieng (Chemelil Sugar), Frank Odhiambo (Bongonaya FC), Gad Mathews (Kisumu All-Stars), Kennedy Odhiambo (Western Stima), Levis Opiyo (Nairobi City Stars), Dickson Raila (Masawa), Sydney Wahongo (Western Stima) and Kelvin Wesonga (Western Stima).

However, the reigning KPL champions also released 15 from their ranks, they include Uganda defender Shafiq Batambuze, Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka), Joash Onyango (Simba SC, Tanzania), Wellington Ochieng (Tusker), Elvis Ronack (Nzoia Sugar), Kennedy Otieno (Western Stima), Boniface Omondi (Wazito), David Mapigano (Azam FC, Tanzania).

Others are Dickson Ambundo (Dodoma Jiji FC, Tanzania), Juma Balinya (KCCA FC, Uganda), Clinton Okoth (Wazito), Fredrick Odhiambo (Wazito FC), Alphonse Omija (Kariobangi Sharks), Edwin Lavatsa, and Ghanaian Jackson Owusu.

AFC Leopards, who are seeking to end their 21-year wait for the league title, were also actively involved as they signed 13 players among them Harrison Mwendwa from (Kariobangi Sharks), John Oyemba (Unattached), Peter Thiong’o (Kakamega Homeboyz), Caleb Olilo (Nairobi Stima), Washington Munene (Wazito, Loan Deal Made Permanent), Yusuf Mainge (FK Porohnie, Slovakia, Return from Loan).

Others are Sellasie Otieno (Liberty Sports Academy, On Loan), Lewis Bandi (Hakati Sportiff), Fabrice Mugheni (Rayon Sports, Rwanda), Alexandre Kouame (Kalighat Milan Sangha FC, India), Gideon Waja (Toronto FC II, Canada), Duncan Otieno (Nkana FC, Zambia), and Bienvenue Shaka (Etoile Du Sahel, Tunisia).

In the process, Ingwe lost nine players - Dan Musamali (Nzoia Sugar, On Loan), Daniel Kakai (Zoo FC, On Loan), Vincent Oburu (Wazito), Christopher Oruchum (Tusker), Maxwel Mulili (Zoo FC, On Loan), Francis Manoa, Vincent Wonder Odongo, Luis Tera and Clark Achuka.

Vihiga United, who earned promotion to the top-flight after beating Kisumu All-Stars 5-3 on post-match penalties in a promotion playoff battle, have, however, not been included in the final transfer list released by FKF.

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi has reminisced about some of his moments with HIFK Fotboll after the confirmation of his exit.

The former Mathare United goalkeeper left the Finnish side after he featured for them in two seasons and has stated whatever he feels for the club cannot be explained by words.

“I have some news and the news might not be so good probably for my supporters but the news is that this is the end of the train for me,” Origi said in a video carried by HIFK Fotboll.

“It has been two amazing years and I can only say thank you to the club and everyone who gave me the opportunity to come and be part of this passionate and historic club.

“I am empty for words you know words cannot explain the energy the rush and the adrenaline I got every moment I stepped on the pitch to represent the club and the supporters.

"We are proud the fans were always here for us and that made us even prouder.”

The former Tusker goalkeeper signed for the Helsinki club after his negotiations with Crystal Palace fell through during the last minutes and has now said he does not regret joining the side.

“I saw the passion and thought there would be something for me and to be sincerely honest I am happy I followed my instincts and it was the correct decision,” he added.

“I am really proud that I took the decision and you know I have enjoyed each and every moment I have been part of and played for the club.

“I would have liked to do more but last year it was a shame what happened about my injury but what I can say is that I leave this place with my head held high. I am really proud of what we have managed in the past two years."

As he leaves, the former Lillestrom SK goalkeeper is confident HIFK Fotboll is now a very competitive side after years of hard work and passion for building it.

“We have established a team that can really fight and compete with anybody at Finland’s elite level,” the Harambee Star concluded.

“I had amazing co-workers not only the players, the people in the office as well as those behind the scenes. We have been able to build something in the two years, a ground that future successes can be built on.

“It was an honour to have the star on my chest, to wear the colours and I adored the jersey because it is one that deserves respect.

“The best moments that includes winning the derby are memories that I will take with me wherever I go. Our paths will surely meet again and I wish you all the best.”

After he was called up for the Kenya vs Comoros African Cup of Nations qualifiers over the next week, Origi is expected in camp soon.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel has given special praise to midfielder Ander Herrera after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Rennes.

The Ligue 1 champions were depleted for their match against the side that lay third in the league, with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Marco Verratti just some of the players out due to injury.

Herrera, though, stepped forward and created a goal for Angel Di Maria, who was widely hailed as the man of the match after finding the net twice. For Tuchel, however, the former Manchester United central midfielder merited singling out.

“Ander was dead before the match,” Tuchel said. “He died in the dressing room tonight. What he did was exceptional. The same for Leandro Paredes.

“We took risks. At the start, we hoped he would play an hour but it was necessary for him to play the whole of the match. We played a really good Rennes teams but we showed a good mentality and a collective effort. It was a great win.”

Meanwhile, he also praised Di Maria, who bounced back from missing a critical penalty against RB Leipzig.

“Angel likes to play a lot to get his rhythm,” the former Dortmund boss said. “He was suspended for four games and it was very difficult for him – and serious for us.

“After his missed penalty in Leipzig, which was a key moment, he was very sad. Today, he took his responsibilities and gave a good response. That’s sport. There will be difficult and sad moments, but you must get up. He did that and I’m very happy.”

Already without a raft of players, PSG’s injury issues mounted throughout the Rennes fixture as several players limped off.

“Moise Kean took a lot of blows, and he already had pains before the match,” Tuchel said of the frontman, who opened the scoring but left the park unsteadily. “We used him a lot and physically, he was exceptional. I hope there’s nothing too serious for him.

“Idrissa Gueye is suffering again with his hamstring, and for Thilo Kehrer, it’s the same groin injury. That means it’s grave. Alessandro Florenzi is not injured. He was very tired.”

PSG have two weeks off for the international break before returning with a trip to Monaco then a vital home Champions League match with Leipzig.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has admitted that if he had been awarded a penalty in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Everton, it would have been a “soft” decision.

During the second half, the defender collided with Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford when attempting to win a loose ball following a free kick.

Pickford has found himself in an unwanted spotlight in recent weeks, having been the antagonist in a collision that saw Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk ruled out for the rest of the season because of a serious knee injury.

On this occasion he was cleared after a VAR check from referee Michael Oliver, and Maguire feels that on balance that was probably the correct call.

“I just explained this in there, I personally don’t think it was [a penalty],” he told the club’s official website. “I think maybe I fouled Jordan first. I did put a hand into his chest when he went to catch the ball and I did feel contact on my knee.

“I felt like I probably pushed Jordan before and I know everyone’s probably trying to jump on him dropping the ball but I did feel like I pushed him. I’d say [a penalty] would have been a little bit soft.”

Maguire felt it was important that United got back on track after a disappointing week, in which they had not impressed in a 1-0 home loss to Arsenal or in a 2-1 away defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League.

“Sometimes it’s difficult for the lads but today we reacted really well to two poor results,” he said. “We felt like we let ourselves down against Arsenal.

“On another day, Arsenal could have been a different result. It was a tight, edgy game, but we don’t want it to be tight and edgy when we’re playing at Old Trafford. We want to dominate the game. We gave them a soft goal and they went on to win the game.

“In the week, we again gave them a soft goal to take the lead and we found it hard to create chances to come back. We knew it was an important game to come here and get three points. The boys reacted really well but as we know it’s only a start.”

Manchester United will return to action against West Bromwich Albion on November 21, following the international break.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt has confirmed that right-back Reeve Frosler is back from injury and is available for selection for Sunday’s MTN8 semi-final, second leg clash against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium.

The defender returns after missing the 3-0 first-leg loss to Pirates as well as last Wednesday’s 0-0 Premier Soccer League draw against TSG Galaxy.

In Frosler’s absence, Hunt first played Ramahlwe Mphahlele at right-back against Pirates, before Kgotso Moleko stepped into that position against TS Galaxy.

“Yes, Reeve trained well on Friday and will be available for selection,” Hunt told the Kaizer Chiefs official website. “We must limit talking much and do our talking on the pitch.”

Chiefs face what appears to be an insurmountable task of overturning the 3-0 first-leg defeat by Pirates.

Hunt’s men need to beat Pirates convincingly and Hunt believes that it is possible to stage a successful comeback.

The Amakhosi coach states that they have to score first and avoid conceding which would further place Pirates in an advantageous position with an away goal.

“The most important thing on Sunday afternoon is to win the match,” said Hunt.

“There is no question, we are starting the match trailing 0-3 against a side that is capable of beating any team in the league. The first aim going into the match is to win the contest.

“For them, it will be a matter of resuming the match from 0-0. We cannot afford to concede a goal. If we concede it will be a tall order to recover. I do not look much at what happened during the midweek games, I plan for the next match.

“I have heard a lot of talk that they did not play their full strength, but I do not buy into that. They have a squad of good enough players to play at any time.”

Chiefs go into Sunday’s match having struggled to win in their last two matches.

While Frosler is available to play, it is not yet clear if 17-year-old midfielder Keletso Sifama is back from injury as well but striker Samir Nurkovic is yet to return.