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Friendlies prove that South America's World Cup race will be tight

That's all from us today folks, we hope you enjoyed the game!

Manchester City will now turn their attentions to another competition, the WSL Cup as they face Liverpool in midweek. Meanwhile Everton will try and pick themselves up for another game as they travel to Manchester United on Wednesday.

Manchester City clinch the FA Cup once again for the second time in a row after a 3-1 extra-time victory over Everton at Wembley. It was 1-1 after 90 minutes, despite City constantly testing the Everton defence and City were superbly denied by MacIver on a few occasions. Stanway came off the bench and made the difference firing them ahead in the second period, before Beckie wrapped up the victory with the last kick of the game.

120' + 3' FULL-TIME AFTER EXTRA-TIME: EVERTON 1-3 MANCHESTER CITY

120' There will be a minimum of two minutes added time played at the end of extra-time.

117' City are taking their time with everything now, just keeping it nicely in the middle of the pitch away from their own final third.

115' Break in play here as Kelly is down receiving some treatment, but she will be fine to continue.

113' Everton have it all to do now, they are trying to win the ball back, but City are keeping it well and trying to see the game out with seven minutes of extra-time remaining on the clock.

110' City still have a couple of changes to make if they wish, as they are throwing everything at Everton now, who are sitting deeper and deeper soaking up the pressure.

108' Everton are in possession at the moment, just slowing the pace down after a hectic end to the first period in extra-time. Can they mount an attack of their own and win it? Or, will we see penalties at Wembley?

106' The second half is under way!

It was a slow opening to the first half of extra-time, but it kicked into life at the very end with City having two brilliant chances to take the lead, but Stanway and Houghton are superbly denied by Finnigan and MacIver.

105' + 1' HALF-TIME IN EXTRA-TIME: EVERTON 1-1 MANCHESTER CITY

105' + 1' SAVE! MacIver with a terrific diving save to push Houghton's header onto the post. The City skipper meets a corner delivery into the box and powers a header towards the top right-hand corner of the net, but the keeper tips it onto the post and Everton then clear the danger.

105' SO CLOSE! Stanway with an excellent opportunity to put City ahead after she is played through on goal and only has MacIver to beat. However, the keeper rushes out of her box and doesn't get the ball, but she manages to knock Stanway off her stride, before Finnigan races back and blocks the effort from Stanway. City can't believe it!

103' Still no City changes in extra-time, despite their being a few tired players out there on the pitch. There is only a couple of minutes left on the clock in this first half now.

101' No chances for either side in extra-time just yet, but once again it is City dominating the possession charts. However, the pace is quite slow at the moment.

97' Mewis has been superb for City today, dominating the midfield, scoring their goal and creating numerous opportunities. The USA international still looks like she is full of running.

95' City will be hoping that they can create some more goal scoring opportunities after creating so many at the end of normal time and they should've made it 2-1. It's all City in these opening few minutes.

93' The other FA Cup finals at Wembley have been comfortable victories and this is the first time we have been into extra-time.

91' Extra-time is under way!

It's going to extra-time at Wembley after Gauvin pulled Everton level. However, City have had numerous chances at the end of the half to win the game, with two falling to Weir, including a curling effort that hit the crossbar in stoppage time. City will be wondering how they haven't scored a second goal, but both sides now have another 30 minutes to win the game.

90' + 6' END OF 90 MINUTES: EVERTON 1-1 MANCHESTER CITY

90' + 4' OFF THE BAR! Lovely move by City! It's a quick one-two between Weir and Kelly on the edge of the penalty area and Weir then tries to curl it into the top right-hand corner of the net. However it strikes the top of the crossbar!

90' + 3' WHAT A CHANCE! That was the opportunity for City to make it 2-1! Mewis delivers a deep cross into the box from the right wing, but it's too deep and is picked up by Stokes on the left, she drives forward and the cuts one back for Weir, who only has MacIver to beat, but she blasts her effort high over the bar!

90' + 2' Everton make a change late on, with Graham limping off the pitch and she has been replaced by Pike.

90' + 1' Blocked! Weir dribbles past a couple of Everton defenders and then passes to Mewis who sprinted past her and into the box, but her subsequent shot is brilliantly blocked.

90' There will be a minimum of six minutes added time played.

89' CHANCE! Kelly with an excellent opportunity in the final minute of normal time! Bronze does brilliantly down the right, getting to the byline and then whipping a cross into the box, which Kelly meets in the middle of the goal. However, she gets too much on her effort and she skies it over the bar.

88' Over the bar! Park runs at the Everton defence down the right wing, she cuts inside and lays it off to Mewis on the edge of the box, but her shot flies well over the crossbar.

87' We seem to be heading towards extra-time now at Wembley, with neither team able to test the opposition keeper in the last few minutes and there are a few tired legs out there.

85' Another injury stoppage now as Graham is down receiving some treatment after going over on her ankle after a tackle with Walsh.

83' We're into the final 10 minutes of the game now, can either side nick a winner late on? It's very open and could go either way.

81' Stanway is booked for a late challenge on Sevecke, after the Everton player just nicked the ball away ahead of her and the City striker slid in.

80' Not too far away! Stanway has been lively since coming on for City and she goes close there with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area. However, it flies just wide.

78' Worry now for City as Greenwood is down with a head injury following an aerial clash and the medical team are on the pitch, but it looks like she will be fine to continue.

74' The first Women's FA Cup was held in 1970-71 and saw Southampton beat Stewarton Thistle 4-1, who then went on to win another eight titles in the next 11 years.

72' GREAT CHANCE! Terrific move by Everton and Gauvin should put Everton ahead! Sorensen breaks free down the left wing and whips a lovely cross into the box, which is met by Gauvin at the near post who beats Greenwood to the ball. However, the City defender does just enough to put her under pressure and the header flies inches wide of the post.

69' Decent effort! Kelly gets on the ball down the right, she cuts inside and has options in the box, but opts to shoot at goal herself. However, her powerful effort flies well wide of the Everton goal.

67' City are starting to look a little shaky at the back following the Everton equaliser, as they don't look comfortable with crosses coming into the penalty area.

65' Offside! Stanway picks up the ball and sprints towards the Everton penalty area, before laying it off to Lavelle to her left-hand side. However, she delays the pass too long and Lavelle drifts into an offside position.

62' There is still plenty of time left on the clock for either side to go on and score a winning goal now, can someone pop up and make the difference for their side?

59' SAVE! Great chance for Everton to make it 1-1! It comes from a corner, which Gauvin flicks on, Lavelle heads clear, but only to Egurrola, who powers a header towards goal and Roebuck makes an excellent diving save to tip it over the crossbar.

57' Everton are starting to sit deeper and deeper here, they are finding it very difficult to get out of their own half, nevermind the final third to try and test the City goal.

55' CHANCES! City should've doubled their lead! Lavelle lays the ball through to Weir who goes for goal from a tight angle and she strikes the bottom of the right-hand side post. The rebound then falls to Kelly, who looks like she will smash it into the back of the net, however, MacIver makes a superb save to deny the City striker, throwing herself at the shot.

53' There are a few Everton players warming up on the sidelines, they need to change something in order to get back into this match as it is all City at the moment.

51' Manchester City have already played at Wembley this season in the Community Shield, however they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea.

49' City have started the second half well, picking up from were they left off in the first period in terms of possession in the middle of the pitch.

47' Good news for Everton fans as Gauvin is back out on the pitch after sustaining an injury at the end of the half following a tackle from Houghton.

46' The second half is under way!

Everton have shown that they can cause City problems, catching them out at the back a few times, but they just aren't getting onto the ball enough. They might need to make a few changes early into the second half in order to get back into the game.

Manchester City lead 1-0 at the break thanks to a superb header from Mewis late on in the half. The reigning Champions have looked the better team, keeping the ball well and creating more chances, with Kelly looking very dangerous. However, Everton did cause problems of their own, with Egurrola and Gauvin both having good chances in front of goal. The USA World Cup winner Mewis then popped up on 40 minutes with a header, after a brilliant corner delivery from Greenwood.

45' + 4' HALF-TIME: EVERTON 0-1 MANCHESTER CITY

45' + 2' The Everton medical team are on the pitch at the moment and it doesn't look good for Gauvin, who seems to have a knee injury and may not be able to continue.

45' CHANCE! City get caught out with a high line and Gauvin picks it up and sprints into the penalty area, but Houghton gets across superbly and makes an excellent sliding tackle to clear the danger. However, it looks like the Everton striker is now in a lot of pain following the challenge.

44' The pace of the game has dropped slightly now as City look content to see the half out with a 1-0 lead, whilst Everton are struggling to string a few passes together.

42' Everton are pushing forward now in search of an equaliser before the break. They have a free-kick after Greenwood pushes Christiansen to the ground down the right wing. However, nothing comes of it.

39' Decent effort! Weir cuts in from the left wing after receiving the ball from Stokes, she works the space and fires a low shot at goal, but it takes a deflection and goes out wide for a corner.

38' There's not long left to play at Wembley before the end of the first half now, can either side break the deadlock before the half-time whistle?

36' Good move! The two USA internationals Mewis and Lavelle link up well, with Mewis laying it off into her team-mates path, but she receives a slight nudge from an Everton defender and it tips her off balance, so she is unable to get a shot away.

34' Good effort! Moe Wold delivers a good ball into the box, which Gauvin meets at the near post, getting to it ahead of Houghton and she powers a header towards goal. However, it flies wide of the City goal.

33' Everton are starting to grow into the game, they are pushing slightly higher up the pitch and the Toffee's have started to cause City some problems of their own.

31' Offside! Kelly has been very lively for City and she whips a lovely ball into the penalty area, which Lavelle meets and she heads it down to White, who tries to volley towards goal, but she gets her timings wrong and the effort is easily gathered by MacIver. However, Lavelle was offside when the ball came in and the flag goes straight up.

29' We're almost at the half an hour mark here at Wembley and it remains goalless between Everton and Manchester City. However, it is City who look the more likely to open the scoring.

27' Both teams are looking for their third FA Cup success, with Everton winning in 1989 and 2010. Whilst City were victorious in 2017 and 2019.

23' Bronze is quite often coming very far into the middle of the pitch when City have the ball, almost leaving a three player defence as she is playing like another midfielder.

21' CHANCE! Kelly gets down the right wing, drifts into the penalty area and dribbles past a couple of Everton defenders, after cutting inside and finds an inch of space, to fire a low shot at goal. However, it's too close to MacIver and the Toffee's keeper makes a strong save, before gathering on the second attempt as White was lurking nearby.

19' City need to be cautious of an Everton counter-attack here, as they are having so much possession but as we've seen from the earlier chance, they can be caught out by the pace of the Everton attackers.

17' CHANCE! Best opportunity of the game for Everton! A free-kick is drilled towards goal, but it strikes the City wall and then bounces dangerously around the box, before falling to Egurrola in space, who smashes an effort towards goal, but it flies over the crossbar.

15' ALMOST! Raso nicks the ball off the toes off Houghton as she takes a poor touch near the halfway line and the winger then races through on goal. Bronze gets back and slides in to make the challenge, bringing Raso down on the edge of the penalty area, when the Everton player only had Roebuck to beat. A free-kick is awarded, but what colour card is Bronze going to be shown? The right-back was the last player back and could be seen as denying a colour scoring opportunity.

14' Everton have hardly touched the ball so far, they've got everyone back behind the ball defending, with City looking far more dangerous in attack. However, they seem to be rushing their final ball at the moment and haven't yet created a goal scoring chance.

12' City win the first corner of the game after a deep cross is whipped into the penalty area from right wing, heading towards Weir, but Moe Wold gets there first and turns the ball out of play. The resulting corner comes to nothing.

11' This is the 50th Women's FA Cup to be contested, the first to be played behind closed doors and the sixth in a row to be held at Wembley.

9' The front three are all changing positions for Man City, which is making it very difficult for the Everton defenders to pick them up. It's all the reigning Champions so far in the opening 10 minutes.

7' Stoppage in play here as Stokes is down with an injury after a flying arm strikes her in the face as she challenges for the ball. However, after some treatment, it looks like she will be fine to continue.

5' City look very dangerous down the right wing so far, with Bronze and Kelly both getting forward and stretching the Everton defence, with White also dropping deep to get onto the ball and work some space.

3' Decent chance! Mistake from Everton in midfield and City win the ball back in the final third, Kelly picks it up and fires a shot towards goal, but it lacks pace and MacIver comfortably gathers.

2' It's City with the early possession here, keeping it well in midfield and Everton have everyone back behind the ball at the moment, trying to soak up the pressure.

1' We're under way!

The teams are out on the pitch and kick-off is just a few minutes away, stay tuned for all of the match action!

The holders also make just one change to their side who drew 1-1 with Reading, as Stanway drops to the bench and she has been replaced by Weir in attack.

Everton have made just one change to their side, from the team that drew 2-2 against Brighton, with Sorensen coming into the starting line-up and Emslie missing out. Meanwhile Christiansen starts against her former side in an attacking midfield role.

MANCHESTER CITY SUBS: Karen Bardsley, Karima Benameur Taieb, Gemma Bonner, Laura Coombs, Jill Scott, Georgia Stanway, Janine Beckie, Esme Morgan, Jess Park.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Ellie Roebuck; Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton, Alex Greenwood, Demi Stokes; Rose Lavelle, Sam Mewis, Kiera Walsh; Chloe Kelly, Ellen White, Caroline Weir.

EVERTON SUBS: Tinja-Riikka Korpela, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Simone Magill, Abbey-Leigh Stringer, Molly Pike, Maeva Clemaron, Grace Clinton, Poppy Pattinson.

EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Sandy MacIver; Ingrid Moe Wold, Megan Finnigan, Rikke Sevecke, Danielle Turner; Damaris Egurrola, Lucy Graham; Nicoline Sorensen, Izzy Christiansen, Hayley Raso; Valerie Gauvin.

Manchester City are looking to clinch back-to-back FA Cups after beating West Ham 3-0 last year and they also won the trophy for the first time back in 2017. However, they haven’t got off to the best of starts in the league this season, sitting fifth and they are winless in their last two games.

Everton are in their first final since 2014, which they lost against Arsenal, having beaten Birmingham City 3-0 in the semi final. However they did clinch the trophy back in 2010 having beaten the Gunners. The Toffees are in a fine run of form, sitting second in the table and are unbeaten so far this season.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE match commentary of the Women's FA Cup final between Everton and Manchester City at Wembley.

Sources: Benzema rejects invitation to WC final

The arrival of the Portugal international has signalled an upturn of fortunes in the Citizens' defence

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte will be his go-to centre-back pairing for the foreseeable future.

Long criticised because of their defensive weaknesses, particularly at centre-back following the departure of Vincent Kompany, City added Dias to their ranks from Benfica this summer in order to increase both their quality and depth after a campaign in which they had to make do with only two natural central defenders.

Guardiola seems to believe the Portugal star is the answer to his problems in that sector, where his partnership with Laporte has shown cause for optimism in recent weeks.

“They both played really well as well,” Guardiola told BT Sport following City's victory against Sheffield United. “These guys give us consistency. We struggled a lot last season without two central defenders.

"Of course, we will need everyone because of the amount of games. It's impossible to play both every game."

Dias has played six games arriving at the Etihad Stadium, in which the Citizens have conceded just three goals.

Meanwhile, Guardiola praised the contribution of Kyle Walker in Saturday’s 1-0 win over the Blades.

“Not just for the goal. The goal helped us a lot but his concentration, he understands what to do defensively. His physicality.

“He's played almost all the minutes. I'm so happy he scored against a team he loves a lot.

“I remember when Sheffield United played in the play-offs and he was in the dressing room saying: 'Come on Sheffield, come on Sheffield.'

"He loves this club but the goal was so important for us."

Saturday’s victory means that City have moved to 11 points in the opening six Premier League matches of the season, rendering them five points back of defending champions Liverpool, who lead the way before Sunday’s fixtures.

Guardiola’s side, who have the joint second strongest defence in the league so far this term, having conceded eight goals, have a game in hand over the Reds, however.

Champions League duty is next on the cards for Dias and his colleagues, with a home match against Olympiacos on Tuesday before they host Liverpool in league action next Sunday.

Original author: Robin Bairner

Jamshedpur 1-2 NorthEast United - Ashutosh Mehta, Deshorn Brown score as Highlanders end winless run

SPEZIA STARTING XI (4-3-3): Ivan Provedel; Salvador Ferrer, Claudio Terzi, Julian Chabot, Riccardo Marchizza; Paolo Bartolomei, Matteo Ricci, Tommaso Pobega; Kevin Agudelo, M'Bala Nzola, Emmanuel Gyasi.

Juventus have had a mixed start to their season, but they have lost just one of their last six matches in all competitions (W2 D3), but that defeat did come in their last outing when they lost 2-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League. Spezia have also lost just one of their previous five games in all competitions (W2 D2) and are unbeaten in their last three games.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Serie A meeting between Spezia and Juventus at the Dino Manuzzi!

Liverpool & Manchester United in competition over move for 'fantastic' Derby wonderkid

Udinese 1-2 Milan: Ibrahimovic's scoring streak continues as Pioli's men stretch unbeaten run to 24

Milan increased their unbeaten run to 24 matches, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored in a sixth successive Serie A outing.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his remarkable scoring streak with an acrobatic late strike to secure Milan a 2-1 win over Udinese, stretching the Rossoneri's unbeaten run in all competitions to 24 games.

Stefano Pioli's men appeared to be heading for an underwhelming draw with a side that had lost all but one of their first five Serie A games this term, but Ibrahimovic was decisive in the latter stages as he became the first Milan player to score in six successive league appearances since he accomplished the feat in 2012.

The 39-year-old Swede – who scored braces in each of his previous three league outings – had already made a telling contribution in setting up Franck Kessie's empathic opener.

Hosts Udinese levelled through a Rodrigo de Paul penalty just two minutes into the second half, but Milan pressed for a late winner and it duly arrived via Ibrahimovic, whose close-range bicycle kick opened up a four-point cushion at the Serie A summit for at least a couple of hours.

3 - Only three times a #ACMilan’s player has scored in six Serie A matches in a row in the three points for a win era, since 1994/95:

- Andriy Shevchenko (in 2001)
- Zlatan #Ibrahimovic (current streak and also in 2012).

Supremacy.#UdineseMilan #SerieA pic.twitter.com/SPr3eaFqTp

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo)November 1, 2020

 

Mokwena showers Motsepe with praise after Caf presidential coronation

The midfielder wants to strengthen the Gunners' defence and attack after his move from Atletico Madrid

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey says he wants to be like former Manchester City star Yaya Toure and Chelsea legend Michael Essien by excelling in both attack and defence.

The Ghana international joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid on the final day of the transfer window in a deal worth £45 million ($58m).

The 27-year-old has been tipped to become a star for Mikel Arteta's side and he hopes to strengthen his side moving forward as well as the defence. 

"I like to be both defensive and offensive. I know whenever I am in the opposite area, I have chances for a goal and I think defensively, I want to be stronger,” he told Sky Sports.

"I want to attack like Yaya Toure and defend like Michael Essien so to have both qualities is good.

"Whenever there is a serious game, or in any game, I like to go with surprises. Most people see me as a defensive midfielder but with my intelligence and how I read the game, if we're near the end of the game and we're going to finish with 2-0, that's when I go for my goal.

"Playing in the midfield, you have to be mentally quick and be intelligent in how you position yourself and get the ball.

"Mikel [Arteta] is helping me a lot because we always have the ball so you have time to think and position yourself and I think with time, I'll get used to everything and most things will come after that. I think everybody will know and we'll see what will happen."

Partey made 188 appearances for Atletico, having been handed his debut by Diego Simeone in 2015.

The Argentine had a big impact on his development, encouraging him to be the best he can be.

"Simeone has helped me a lot. Before, I was just a good player but then he spoke to me and said: 'If you want to be among the best, you have to be the best. Every good player is good offensively but not all players are good defensively', so he gave me that," he said.

"This is what we [at Arsenal] are working on [defensive qualities as a midfielder]. I only arrived three weeks ago and I think at the moment, I'm adapting with the positioning and after that, I'll continue working hard on how to move freely.

"You don't always have to be positioned as the coach said, you have to be free and create spaces because you are on the field and know what is going to happen. With confidence and understanding your team-mates, you'll be able to put all of that into the game."

Sources: Spurs hijack Everton loan for Danjuma

The veteran forward sheds light on his comeback to the GPL for the first time in 17 years 

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan reveals he was convinced to join Premier League (GPL) side Legon Cities because of their ambition.

Gyan makes a return to domestic football for the first time since 2003, putting pen to paper on a one-year deal with The Royals ahead of the commencement of the 2020-21 football season on November 14.

He had been without a club since leaving Indian Super League outfit NorthEast United in January after a short-term deal.

"Here we go. I’m back home to continue my career with Legon Cities FC. I’m happy to join this club because they have a future plan for Ghana football. Don’t blink when the season starts. Follow my new club for every detail of the club. Thanks for your support," Gyan posted on Twitter on Sunday.

On a re-branding mission since assuming the new name of Legon Cities ahead of the commencement of the 2019-20 season last December, the club, formerly Wa All Stars, have won plaudits for their early relative success and growth, particularly in their social media community.

The club was formerly owned by ex-Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi who gave up the team to new owners after getting a Fifa life ban from football for corrupt practices.

Ahead of last season, Legon spent big on signing Ghana's 2014 World Cup goalkeeper Fatau Dauda, who previously had spells with clubs in South Africa and Nigeria.

For the upcoming 2020-21 campaign, The Royals have also secured the services of Ghana U20 attacker and former Bayern Munich trialist Matthew Anim Cudjoe who spent last season on loan at Asante Kotoko.

Both Gyan and Cudjoe were heavily linked to Kotoko for the upcoming season before choosing Legon.

The duo could make their first appearance for their new club against Berekum Chelsea on matchweek one of the GPL season. 

Gyan last played in the domestic league in 2003, featuring for Liberty Professionals for whom he scored 10 goals in the season.

He first left Ghana for Udinese in Italy, going on to play for the likes of Modena, also in Italy, Rennes in France, English side Sunderland and Al Ain in the UAE. He has also featured for Al Ahli Dubai in the UAE, Chinese outfit Shanghai SIPG, Turkish fold Kayserispor and most recently NorthEast United.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Sweden vs Australia - Women's World Cup preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction

The team reported to camp on Saturday, October 31, 2020, and have a scheduled friendly against Sudan at Kasarani

Kenya U20 national team Rising Stars have undergone mandatory Covid-19 tests as they prepare for the regional Cecafa tournament to be held in Tanzania.

The Rising Stars and the members of their technical bench were subjected to the mandatory tests on Sunday, just a day after they reported to camp to start preparations for the regional tournament set to kick-off on November 22.

In an earlier interview, team coach Stanley Okumbi remained confident they have a good squad to go all the way and win the tournament to be held in Arusha.

“I have a lot of talent at my disposal,” Okumbi told the FKF official website. “Today [Saturday] is the first day in training and I am happy with what I am seeing from the boys; they have shown me they can do better than they did last time out when we finished second after losing in the final.

“There are some positions we need to fill, however, so we can have the strongest squad for the tournament. I expect a little more inclusions and omissions.”

On Kenya’s chances at the competition, Okumbi explained: “We have a chance, with the talent at our disposal, I don’t think we have any excuse of not posting positive results, the squad is on another level and I believe this is our best time [to qualify for the U20 Afcon].”

The team largely comprises of players who featured for Kenya U17 at the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations qualifiers, and the Union of North African Federations (Unaf) U17 tournament in Egypt in 2019.

Among them are Maxwell Mulili, Bixente Otieno, Boniface Mwangemi, Alphonse Omija, Nicholas Omondi, Keith Imbali, Telvin Maina, and Arnold Onyango.

The Rising Stars have been pooled in Group C of the tournament alongside Ethiopia and Sudan while Group A will have hosts Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, and Djibouti, and Group B will comprise of Burundi, Eritrea, South Sudan, and Uganda.

The top teams in each of the three groups will proceed to the tournament’s semi-finals, alongside one of the best runners-up while the finalists will earn an automatic slot at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The youngsters will play two friendly matches against Sudan on November 2, and November 5, at Nyayo Stadium, before they leave for the tournament, to be played between November 22, and December 6 in Arusha, Tanzania.

Rising Stars Squad; Goalkeepers; Maxwell Mulili (AFC Leopards), Bixente Otieno (Wazito), Elvis Ochieng (City Stars).

Defenders: Boniface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Omar Somobwana (AFC Leopards), Joseph Levin (Naivas), Wardfine Akhatsika (Chebuyusi High School), Kelvin Mose (Uweza), Alphonse Omija (Gor Mahia), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Rolland Ashimoto (Kakamega High School), Steiner Musasia (Talanta), Nicholas Omondi (Gor Mahia), Keith Imbali (Gor Mahia Youth).

Midfielders: Enoch Wanyama (Ligi Ndogo), Ronald Reagan (Kariobangi Sharks), Alphonse Washe (Bandari), Hamid Mohammed (Bandari), Danson Kiprono (Zoo), Ian Simiyu (Nzoia Sugar), Austine Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Mwakio Kisaka (Riruta United), Timothy Ouma (Nairobi City Stars), Telvin Maina (Kisumu All-Stars), Arnold Onyango (USA).

Forwards: Benson Omala (Gor Mahia), Henry Meja (Tusker), Stephen Otieno (Bongonaya), Kappen Samuel (Liberty), Sellasie Otieno (Nzoia Sugar), Unaiz Shajani (Starfield Elite FC).

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

How to watch Bengaluru FC vs Bashundhara Kings in the AFC Cup 2021 from India?

The midfielder is back to the Den, with a two-year contract, just after winning the Zambian league with Kalampa
Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Sergio Ramos reveals reaction to dramatic Lionel Messi winner vs Lille

FA Cup success last season has bought the Gunners manager some valuable time to turn the club around

Mikel Arteta has the luxury of greater leeway in the Arsenal dugout than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has at Manchester United, former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell has argued.

Solskjaer has been in charge at Old Trafford for over 18 months now and has guided the Red Devils back into the Champions League, while Arteta is expected to lift the Emirates side back into the upper echelons of the Premier League after taking over earlier this year.

Both enjoyed successful playing careers at their respective clubs, but Campbell believes that Arteta has more wiggle room than his colleague at the Red Devils. He argued success in the FA Cup last season has bought the Spaniard that extra time.

“I think Arsenal are in around about the same position as Manchester United, but Arsenal and Arteta have the added luxury of having won a trophy which gives him some form of leeway,” he told the Daily Star.

“Manchester United and Arsenal fans are hungry for success and both managers have to deliver, especially when we’re talking about two of the biggest clubs in England right now.

“Manchester United fans demand success, whether the manager is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or not, and Arsenal fans demand success too.

“Arsenal fans want to be able to challenge in the Premier League and get up there and back in the Champions League too. So, both Arteta and Solskjaer have to deliver.”

Meanwhile, Campbell wants to see the pressure eased on striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, upon whom the emphasis consistently falls when Arsenal are in a difficult period.

“Arsenal aren’t performing at the moment, but that’s not Aubameyang’s fault," added the former striker.

“When Arsenal are doing well, then Aubameyang plays well.

“If the team is below par, it’s very difficult for one player to turn it around and change the whole team’s performance level.

“Aubameyang can’t do that, he relies on other players around him.

“Everyone must understand that Arteta is learning on the job so he will make mistakes - that's for sure.

“I think the team he picked to face Leicester was a good side and they were strong enough to win the game. I just don't think Arsenal are playing to their full potential right now.”

Ahead of Sunday’s Old Trafford clash between the pair, United are 15th on seven points whereas Arsenal are 12th on nine points, albeit having played a game more.

Original author: Robin Bairner

Sources: Man Utd block loan bid for Diallo

Juan Andujar Oliver believes that the Argentine should have seen red for an angry outburst

Barcelona star Lionel Messi should have been sent off against Alaves on Saturday, according to former official Juan Andujar Oliver.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has endured a frustrating start to the season. Having publicly declared his intent to leave the club in the summer, he was ultimately forced to stay against his wishes.

Although president Josep Maria Bartomeu, the source of much of his frustration, stood down last week, on the field, things continue to be tricky for the Catalans.

Under new head coach Ronald Koeman, they have made unspectacular progress in the Primera Division and were held to a 1-1 draw against Alaves on Saturday.

Shortly after Luis Roja had scored the opening goal for the hosts, Messi acted in a frustrated manner to a decision given against his side – and Oliver believes that he was fortunate not to receive his marching orders in the aftermath for kicking the ball in an angry outburst.

"He should have been sent off, even though the ball didn't hit referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez," Andujar Oliver told Radio MARCA of the incident. "With that action, he wanted to intimidate the referee and that deserves a straight red."

Instead, it was Alaves who were ultimately reduced to 10 men when Jota was sent off with 62 minutes on the clock.

A matter of seconds later, Barcelona had equalised through Antoine Griezmann’s first goal of the season, although they were unable to find a winner.

With Real Madrid having won handsomely over Huesca earlier in the day, Barcelona find themselves eight points off the pace of the league leaders going into Sunday’s fixtures, albeit having played a game fewer than their great rivals.

Boasting only two wins from their six league matches to date this season – plus two draws – the pressure is already mounting on Koeman, who is expected to wrestle back the Spanish title from Madrid after it was allowed to tamely slip away under the guidance of Quique Setien last season.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s next task is a home Champions League match against Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday.

Original author: Robin Bairner

Donnarumma 'excited' about Messi's arrival at PSG as Barcelona legend edges towards France move

Udinese 1-2 Milan: Ibrahimovic's scoring streak continues as Pioli's men stretch unbeaten run to 24

Milan increased their unbeaten run to 24 matches, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored in a sixth successive Serie A outing.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his remarkable scoring streak with an acrobatic late strike to secure Milan a 2-1 win over Udinese, stretching the Rossoneri's unbeaten run in all competitions to 24 games.

Stefano Pioli's men appeared to be heading for an underwhelming draw with a side that had lost all but one of their first five Serie A games this term, but Ibrahimovic was decisive in the latter stages as he became the first Milan player to score in six successive league appearances since he accomplished the feat in 2012.

The 39-year-old Swede – who scored braces in each of his previous three league outings – had already made a telling contribution in setting up Franck Kessie's empathic opener.

Hosts Udinese levelled through a Rodrigo de Paul penalty just two minutes into the second half, but Milan pressed for a late winner and it duly arrived via Ibrahimovic, whose close-range bicycle kick opened up a four-point cushion at the Serie A summit for at least a couple of hours.

3 - Only three times a #ACMilan’s player has scored in six Serie A matches in a row in the three points for a win era, since 1994/95:

- Andriy Shevchenko (in 2001)
- Zlatan #Ibrahimovic (current streak and also in 2012).

Supremacy.#UdineseMilan #SerieA pic.twitter.com/SPr3eaFqTp

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo)November 1, 2020

 

Juventus 3-2 Genoa (aet): Debutant Rafia puts Bianconeri into last eight

The 24-year-old is confident the defender will not be under pressure to perform for his new team

Harambee Stars midfielder Kenneth Muguna believes Brian Mandela possesses characteristics that will make him a success at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 26-year-old was signed by Masandawana a couple of days ago on a three-year deal, with an option to extend by a further two years. The Gor Mahia captain has explained how it feels like to play with the towering defender.

"I have played with Mandela several games and the latest one was our 2-1 win against Zambia in a friendly match staged at Nyayo Stadium on October 9," Muguna told Goal.

"He has the ability to start build-up from the back even when the team is under pressure. He can pick a pass to our team’s advantage and to be honest, not many defenders have the ability to do that."

The 24-year-old also believes the PSL champions will enjoy a more stable backline after the arrival of the Kenya international.

"Mandela is also good at communicating; I remember him guiding me on several occasions, and on most occasions, what he says works to your advantage," Muguna added.

"You could hear him command the backline well. It is such communication and leadership that Sundowns will enjoy at the back.  

"He will bring much-needed stability at the back and usually when the defence is stable, the midfield plays well and the whole team enjoys. In such a scenario, the team has higher chances of winning."

In the 2019/20 season, the Brazilians conceded 22 goals in the 30 matches they played. They had recorded 17 wins, eight draws, and five defeats, scoring 43 goals in the process. 

The Tshwane-based side had the joint best defence with Bidvest Wits, who finished the season in the fourth position.  

As a new player, a lot will be needed from him to convince the technical bench that he has what it takes to be considered in the team's first XI. There is, at times, the pressure to perform, and in some cases, players flop. Will it be the same case with Mandela?   

"Mandela having pressure? No, not from the player of his calibre," Muguna opined.

"He understands his game and I expect him to have an immediate impact at Sundowns."

 

 

  

Original author: Seth Willis

Twitter Reacts to Hugo Lloris & Son Heung-Min Bust-Up During Everton Clash

The return leg match will be played on November 3 as the clubs fight for the only available slot in the FKF Premier League

Kisumu All-Stars have admitted they are not off the hook yet despite taking a 2-1 advantage against Vihiga United in the FKF Premier League play-off on Saturday.

The Kisumu-based giants won the first leg at Mumias Complex and will now head into the return leg set for November 3 in Kisumu with a good chance of returning to the top-flight for another season.

However, despite the lead, All-Stars coach Andrew Aruka has maintained they still have a lot to do in the second leg to be assured of keeping their status in the top league.

“The two away goals do give us an advantage but we are not out of the woods yet and we must get the job done in the second leg,” Aroka is quoted by FKF Premier League social media pages.

“Football is unpredictable and anything can happen in the next game, so we can’t afford to be complacent.”

On his part, Vihiga coach Sammy Okoth blamed the team’s early penalty for the defeat, saying it disorganized his plans as the players started to give away balls in the middle of the pack.

“The early penalty undid our game plan completely,” Okoth explained. “We rushed into every decision we made after that and it played hugely to the benefit of our opponents.

“All-Stars’ plan also seemed to like it was geared around creating stoppages as they were too many of them and the game never really flowed.”

Willies Otenda powered the visitors into the lead in the fifth minute from the penalty spot and Vihiga United were unable to find an equaliser before the game went into the half-time break.

Dennis Wafula, who came on in the second half, equalised for Vihiga United in the 76th minute but Otenda returned with his second goal to restore the lead in the 80th minute.

Kisumu All-Stars, promoted at the end of the 2018/19 season from the National Super League (NSL), found their maiden campaign in the top-tier tough and now have to navigate the playoffs to remain in the top flight.

They only managed to register eight points, two wins, two draws and 12 losses before the league was cancelled in May.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

Tanzania champions Simba SC unveil new logo, 2020/21 season jersey

The retired footballer has launched some stinging criticism of his former club following their MTN8 defeat

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye says some Amakhosi players do not deserve to play for the club and Gavin Hunt has not made any improvements to the team coached by his predecessor Ernst Middendorp.

This was after Chiefs lost 3-0 in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final, first leg clash against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.

It was another heavy defeat for Hunt and his men after they fell 3-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in a Premier Soccer League match seven days earlier.

Khanye, who was critical of Middendorp's tactics last season, feels that Chiefs were not up to the Pirates task on Saturday with most of the burden falling on Khama Billiat.

“One team was playing. It was Orlando Pirates versus Khama Billiat,” Khanye told iDiskiTV.

“The Kaizer Chiefs structure is dead. I respect people but some players do not even deserve to be there. If you check, the real test came against Pirates. I said it at the start of the season that last season’s team never showed up.

“I’m talking about players, there is nobody new. And the coach they hired is similar to Ernst Middendorp. I understand that he didn’t sign players but these are Kaizer Chiefs players.

"If you check Gavin Hunt, he plays programmed, textbook football. Tyson [Pirates defender Thulani Hlatshwayo] marked [Leonardo] Castro on second balls and then he was dead.

“They managed first 20 to 30 minutes Khama was giving Pirates problems but Tyson stayed closely on Khama’s back and they cut supply. Then team was then dead.”

What could be more worrisome for Hunt is that his forwards are yet to score in four games this season.

The only goals Chiefs have managed this season is a brace by left-back Yagan Sasman and an own goal by Chippa United defender Gregory Damons.

Khanye feels that most Chiefs attackers are not putting in enough effort, while voicing his opinions on Lebogang Manyama and Castro.

“Manyama again did not come to the party. He is a playmaker and we want him to play, he must give something to Kaizer Chiefs,” said Khanye.

“He was given the armband [against Pirates], he was called for the national team. That’s why I question South African football. You can only be good when you show up. If given the chance, show up.

“Today [Saturday] Kaizer Chiefs players were tested. Their back four was not good. When Pirates were in possession, they were squeezing the Chiefs defence and playing balls behind them. Chiefs could not even stitch four passes.

“[Kearyn] Baccus has some match-fitness, I love him and he played well. Castro was caught offside a number of times because he is lazy. I don’t like lazy players.

"I also don’t like it when Chiefs play with a target man. They must play like Pirates or Sundowns. If Pirates, Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns excel, the national team would be strong. But who can you pick at Chiefs? Manyama? That is daylight robbery.”

Hunt has insisted on handing more playing opportunities to Njabulo Blom and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo who are both 20 years old.

The Chiefs coach is also an admirer of Lebogang Lesako, who is 21, as well as 17-year-old Keletso Sifama, but Khanye feels the players should be treated with kids gloves.

“The Chiefs structure is dead. Those boys being called youngsters like [Happy] Mashiane, it’s almost his fourth season at Chiefs now and the boy is 22, he is not a youngster,” Khanye added.

“When you are wearing the Chiefs shirt there is nothing like being a youngster. Your salary comes straight to you.

"You are a Kaizer Chiefs player and not youngster. That team is big. I played for this club at the age of 17 and a lot was expected from me. Not only me but anybody who joined the team.”

Original author: Michael Madyira

Napsa Stars give Zesco United special way to start Super League season – Jesse Were

The Ndola club would hope to have a better campaign unlike the previous one when they lost out on the title and continental slots

Zesco United striker Jesse Were has explained why the 2020/21 Zambian Super League season opener against Napsa Stars will be the perfect start for the Ndola club.

Zesco United will kick off the campaign with a game against Pensioners on Sunday and Timu Ya Ziko’s all-time top-scorer believes given the opponents are strong they will, in turn, raise the stakes of the game even higher.

“It is a new season and everyone has been waiting for the campaign to start. This one has started in style especially that we are playing another big team [Napsa Stars],” Were told the club’s portal.

“It will be a big competitive game. We are a strong side especially with the changes and additions made to the club.”

The Kenya international also spoke about the readiness ahead of the new season in which they would hope to have a better campaign compared to the last one.

“The morale in the team is high. Everyone is working very hard to try and prove to the coach that they deserve to be in the starting eleven. We are determined to do well and fight for positions,” he added.

“I can safely say we have rested a lot and now everyone is mentally and physically ready to start the campaign. We have had time to recover and focus on the next challenge.”

Zesco United are expected to give prominent roles to players like Kelvin Kampamba and Bruce Musakanya, who were signed recently, and Were has welcomed the duo into the fold.

“The mixture of young and senior players has also been an extra motivation because everyone knows that they need to work hard,” the forward concluded.

“We're excited at the prospect of playing alongside [Kelvin] Kampamba and [Bruce] Musakanya. These are experienced and very good players that any striker in the league will want to play with.

“They are doing very well at the international level and I am happy that they are in our team and they will help me score goals.”

Were’s statement comes a few days after coach Numba Mumamba said they are aware of Napsa Stars’ strength’s, they have enough ammunition to deal with them.

“Napsa Stars have shown that they are a good side in the last two seasons,” the former Zambia international said at the time.

“As we go to Napsa we need to be aware that this is a different team from what we were used to in the past. They are now another powerhouse in the country.

“We have enough ammunition in this team that can help get the desired results. What we need is to prepare the team and psych them properly for us to come back with a positive result.”

Napsa Stars won their last match against Zesco United with a 2-1 scoreline.

 

 

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Defenders couldn't even smell Adama, he created total panic – ex-Barcelona coach

Brutal tactics were often used to stop the winger in his younger days, according to a former mentor of his

Wolves winger Adama Traore used to terrorise defences during his youth days in Spain due to his electric pace, his former Barcelona youth coach Andres Carrasco has said.

In trying to stop him, opponents would often resort to crude tactics, but this bullying failed to stop him reaching the top.

The 24-year-old has since dramatically bulked up and is now regarded as one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League.

“When Adama had the ball in a one against one, the defenders didn’t even smell him. He created total panic among them,” Carrasco told The Sun.

“There were a lot of 11-year-old boys at Barcelona who gave the impression they were three or four years older. Adama wasn’t like that. He was very small — one of the smallest in the team — but really caught our attention.

“When we defended a corner, we’d put him on the edge of box to take advantage of the rebounds. With his speed we’d go straight up to the other end — he scored a lot like that.

“When he was a little boy I’ve never seen so many brutal and dirty tackles against a player in grassroots football.

“The incredible thing is Adama kept getting kicked and we’d have our hands over our faces that he’d be badly injured — but he always got up as if nothing had happened.”

His direct style was not necessarily an easy fit for the tiki-taka style of football he grew up with at Barcelona, and Carrasco says that leaving the club might have been the best thing he could have done.

“English football is made for him and obviously he has silenced any who doubted him,” the now Kuwait coach explained.

“Look at the international market, there are no players of his ability to destroy defenders in a one vs one.

“He is the best — Adama can change a game.”

Adama is still searching for his first goal or assist of the new Premier League campaign but will hope to get it when Wolves travel to face Leicester on Sunday. Last term, he wound up with four goals and nine assists in the league.

Original author: Robin Bairner

Posta Rangers are progressing well ahead of the forthcoming campaign - Omollo

Posta Rangers head coach Sammy Omollo is happy with the progress his charges are making ahead of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season.

The Mailmen have been doing their best to be in the right shape ahead of the 2020/21 proposes to start on November 20.

The former Kenya defender is optimistic the team will be ready to play Bidco United in their season opener if the players continue training as they are doing currently.

"The signs are really encouraging because players are hungry to play and are giving everything in training to ensure they are ready for the forthcoming campaign," Omollo told Goal on Sunday.

"Every player has an equal chance of breaking into the first 11 and I love the competition I am, seeing. The competition is stiff and every player is progressing well.

"I am confident the team will be ready for the beginning of the league in about three weeks' time."

On Saturday, Rangers were in Naivasha to play two pre-season friendly matches. The first game was against South Lake whereby the top tier side managed to register a 5-1 win.

Jackson Dwang scored a hat-trick with Billy Opora and Kevin Ouma netting once each while Peter Macharia scored a consolation for the minnows.

In the second game against Naivasha combined, former Mathare United striker Elijah Mwanzia scored a brace with William Odero getting his name on the score sheet in a 3-0 win.

"I was impressed with the way my players followed the given instructions from the first to the final whistle," Omollo said.

"They pushed as a unit and defended as a unit as well. My forwards took their chances and we could have scored more goals to be honest. Just that we did not take the many chances we created in the two games.

"Yes, we scored eight goals in the two matches, yes we won, but we need to sharpen our scoring instincts and defensive as well."

Rangers will start the 2020/21 season with the home game against Bidco United and the tactician believes it will not be an easy task.

"[Bidco] have signed good players in preparations for the new season. We will give them the respect they deserve but we will give our best on the pitch to start the season with maximum points," he concluded.

Original author: Seth Willis

Tottenham Unveil New Home & Away Shirts for 2020/21 Season

Video: 'Important' Walker doing incredibly well for Man City - Guardiola | Goal.com

Premier League

09:39 GMT 01/11/2020

Kyle Walker goal Manchester City Sheffield United 2020-21

Pep Guardiola reiterated the importance of Kyle Walker to Manchester City after his winning goal.

Original author: Goal

Chelsea & Bayern Munich 'Submit Offers' to Barcelona's Marc-André ter Stegen

The football administrator has hit out at rivals Ingwe for always signing free agents, saying they cannot afford to buy players

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has aimed a dig at AFC Leopards after they unveiled their long-term transfer target Peter Thiong’o.

Ingwe confirmed on Sunday they had signed the former Homeboyz winger on a two-year contract ahead of the 2020-21 FKF Premier League scheduled to kick off on November 20.

The two clubs have had a long battle for the services of the player since Ingwe confirmed their interest, with Homeboyz claiming the player will not leave for the Den.

However, after confirming the player had signed as a free agent after his contract with Homeboyz ended on October 31, Shimanyula has now taken a swipe at Ingwe, claiming they are always hanging loose to sign free agents because ‘they don’t have money to sign players.”

“I knew they will unveil Peter [Thiong’o] as a free agent, they don’t have money to sign players,” Shimanyula told Goal on Sunday. “They had to wait for his contract to run down before opening negotiations with him.

“It is unfortunate that a big club like AFC Leopards cannot afford money to buy players, they are just waiting for free agents and then pounce with big social media unveilings. I pity them because they don’t have money to do transfer business, they never do genuine deals.

“If you look at their past transfer records, most of the players they get every window are free agents, but to be honest, I don’t have any problem with Thiong’o leaving, we thank him for the services he rendered while at Homeboyz and wish him well at Ingwe.”

The 13-time league champions have been working on strengthening their team ahead of the new season and have already signed John Oyemba, Harrison Mwendwa, Bienvenue Shaka, and Congolese midfielder Fabrice Mugheni.

Vincent Oburu, who has since signed for Wazito FC, is the only local player to have confirmed his departure from AFC Leopards thus far.

Ingwe, who are targeting this season's league title, will start their campaign on November 20 at home against Western Stima.

On November 28, the former champions will be away to league debutants Bidco United, before they take on Zoo FC on December 4 at home in a game that will be expected to start at 18:30.

After facing Zoo, Leopards will play host to Nzoia Sugar on December 9. The Sugar Millers have always proved a tough opponent for Ingwe and the last time the two meet at Sudi Stadium a 2-2 draw was recorded.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

'They will see the real Jose' - Mourinho says Tottenham documentary will show he's not a 'crazy guy'

The January signing says that he can learn a great deal from his midfield cohort and has defended the World Cup winner's attitude

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes says that he and Paul Pogba can be a revelation together for the Old Trafford side.

The Portugal star has had few opportunities to link up with the World Cup winner since arriving in January, with Pogba having spent much of that time fighting for full fitness.

The 27-year-old, however, has been involved in all of United’s league matches this season and amid questions as to whether he and Bruno can function together in the same team is making his case for more game time.

Bruno believes it is not only possible, but it could lift the level of United.

“It's always a pleasure being in a team with him because I can learn a lot from him, and he can learn a lot from me. Together we can do great things,” he told Sky Sports.

“We have a good relationship, of course. We both speak Italian so most of the time we speak Italian. I have a good relationship with him on and off the pitch.

“He's a funny guy, he always wants to joke. I know him from Italy already but now I have the chance to be in a team with a World Cup winner.”

The playmaker also scotched rumours over Pogba’s supposed poor attitude.

“Paul wants to play, he wants to be in the first XI, that is no different to any player - they all want to be in the first XI,” he said.

“Of course Paul is an amazing player who has done a lot of great things in the past few years. The way he came in against Paris Saint-Germain, against Newcastle, was perfect for the team.

“A lot of people may think Paul is angry on the bench and that he will do nothing when he comes on because he is angry, but he comes in with the right motivation, as we saw with his assist in Paris.

“Being on the bench is a problem for everyone, but this problem is motivation for Paul. He uses this as motivation and he is helping the team a lot when he comes in and plays, like he did in the last game in the Champions League.”

The pair will be vying to start on Sunday against Arsenal as United seek their third Premier League win of the season.

Original author: Robin Bairner

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