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Harambee Stars midfielder Eric Johanna scored in Jonkopings Sodra IF's 1-1 draw against Dalkurd in Saturday's Superettan tie.

Johanna, who has been included in the Harambee Stars' provisional squad that will tackle Comoros twice in November, scored the goal that ensured his Swedish side got an away draw in the 89th minute.

Johanna did not start in the game but his introduction for Edin Hamidovic in the 65th minute proved a vital change made by coach Andreas Brannstrom.

Arian Kabashi had scored the opener for the home side in the 77th minute but Johanna’s late effort ensured the goal was not enough to hand the home side all three points.

The strike – in a match in which no one was booked – saw the former Mathare United player take his tally to eight goals in the Swedish Second Division.

With 46 points, third-placed Jonkopings Sodra IF are somewhat out of the title race since Degerfors and Halmstad are first and second with 57 and 56 points, respectively, but the draw may end up being vital for Johanna’s side in their promotion push.

The draw also halted Jonkopings Sodra IF's winning streak that had been registered in the last two games. In the last six matches, they have drawn once and lost once – against Giff Sundsvall – on October 17.

Jonkopings Sodra IF will host Norrby on November 7 hoping to register a win that will open the gap between them and fourth-placed Oster to seven points.

Johanna is among the key players that Kenya will depend on when they face Comoros on November 11 looking for a maiden win in the African Cup of Nations qualifying Group H.

Kenya drew in the last two Afcon qualifiers against Egypt and Togo and a win against the Islanders will greatly push their bid to earn a back-to-back continental slot.

Johanna managed to travel and honour the friendly match against Zambia which Kenya – against all odds – managed to get a controversial 2-1 victory at Nyayo Stadium on October 9.

Johanna and his teammates will face Comoros under a new coach given the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) took the decision to replace Francis Kimanzi with Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee.

Rio Ferdinand has warned that Manchester City’s players could be unsettled regarding speculation over the future of manager Pep Guardiola, who has not committed to signing a new deal with the club.

The former England and Manchester United defender says that it is a worry that Guardiola is nearing the end of his deal, while it could make attracting new players difficult.

Although the Catalan has dismissed speculation that he might return to Barcelona, he has a history of staying at clubs only for three or four years before moving on.

He will come to the end of his fourth year with City in June, when his contract is up.

“I was never really in that position as a player - obviously Sir Alex Ferguson was always fully committed and wore his heart on his sleeve in that respect,” Ferdinand told BT Sport when asked if it might have an effect on the team.

“But Pep is a different animal, a different character and what is more important is what he is relaying to the players. I think if he's speaking to the players and he's filling them with confidence, then it's okay.

“But the big problem with the club in the wider picture will be recruitment because if they're talking to potential players that they're trying to get hold of in January or the following window, if I'm that player I'm saying: 'I'm only coming if Pep's there,' or: 'I want to know who's going to be next in charge before I make my decision and commit.'

“The bigger picture is probably the bigger question but I think his history suggests that he does make late decisions on his contracts and where he wants to go. Man City will probably know that and be very well aware of that.

“Who wouldn't want that guy in their dugout?”

City have had an awkward start to the season, which has seen them draw two and lose one of their opening six Premier League matches, though they overcame Sheffield United thanks to a Kyle Walker goal on Saturday.

Prospective Uganda international Uche Ikpeazu featured as Wycombe Wanderers defeated Sheffield Wednesday to pick up their first Championship win this season on Saturday.

The forward, who could make his Uganda debut against South Sudan after he was named in the provisional Africa Cup of Nations squad, came on for Adebayo Akinfenwa in the 72nd minute as 23rd-placed Wanderers sailed to a first win in nine attempts.

David Wheeler's header made all the difference that gave the Chairboys the win over struggling Wednesday, who are at the bottom of the 24-team table.

Wycombe came into the match having lost the opening seven fixtures but Wheeler’s header in the third minute of first-half injury time was all they required to get the first victory.

Wednesday could have equalised and even take the lead but they were not clinical enough to use all the created chances in the second half.

Wanderers’ assistant manager Richard Dobson – who was in charge of the team after boss Gareth Ainsworth's back operation on Friday – confirmed his satisfaction given that his team is now growing together.

"We're growing as a team. We're excited by the challenge of being in the Championship and we're starting to prove that we deserve to be here,” Dobson told BBC Sports.

"They boys were angry and they wanted to put something right. We've had a lot of big game-changing decisions go against us, which has fuelled the fire a bit as the boys feel it's been unjust.

"Gareth is a very happy guy in hospital; he's over the moon. I'm glad he's on road to recovery and we've been able to put a smile on his face."

On his part, Wednesday manager Garry Monk said the only thing missing from his struggling side is the cutting edge.

“The players gave everything, they worked and battled. It’s not running for us at the moment, we are missing that cutting edge,” Monk told the club’s website.

“We’ve had all the possession in the second half but just couldn’t find that way through.

“I thought if we got one we’d have gone on to win the game. I couldn’t have asked anything more from the players but we are not getting the rub of the green at the moment.

“I take the responsibility, I have no problem with that. I will keep giving everything I have to get us out of this run of results. It’s not good enough for a club like Sheffield Wednesday.

“But we are together, the boys are together and you can see that with what has just been said in the changing room.”

Ikpeazu and Wanderers will be up against Birmingham City on November 4. 

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi has condemned Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt for fielding what he views as inexperienced players in the Soweto derby.

Following Chiefs’ 3-0 loss to Pirates in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final, first leg showdown, Vilakazi is convinced that Amakhosi will not overturn that result when they host their traditional rivals next Sunday.

In the defeat at Orlando Stadium, Hunt started Njabulo Blom and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and then introduced Lebogang Lesako, 17-year-old Keletso Sifama and Happy Mashiane as second-half substitutes.

But Vilakazi feels that they were ill-timed decisions by the Chiefs tactician.

“When things are tough, he [Hunt] is bringing in these boys. Don’t throw these boys under the bus,” Vilakazi told iDiskiTV.

“You see the way Pirates were playing, they were getting everything right; the attacking, the speed, the passing, the controlling of the game. And then you throw in those boys in such a game. You are killing those boys.

“These boys lack game time. Gavin Hunt’s timing to play these youngsters is wrong. The likes of Mashiane, you can’t do that. Either you want to destroy the boy if you do this because you have experienced players who have been there.

"That means you are not playing the experienced players because they are not giving the team anything.”

Seasoned campaigners like Willard Katsande and Eric Mathoho remained on the bench as Chiefs struggled at the back.

Sifama, Mashiane and Lesako did not play in a league match against Chippa United four days earlier and Vilakazi feels that it was wrong for Hunt to then select them in for the derby.

“But now, don’t throw these youngsters under the bus because there are games that you can bring them in,” said Vilakazi.

“Why didn’t he play them against Chippa United? You give them a chance against Chippa and let them gain confidence. Sifama and Lesako were not playing and he threw them into the derby, MTN8 Wafa Wafa, you are killing these boys.

“I am not sure if he is saying ‘I tried to give these boys a chance, we still have the second leg.’ For me that would be an excuse. We are not sure if he will play them in the next game.”

For Chiefs to progress to the final, they now need to beat Pirates by a convincing margin in the return leg set for FNB Stadium.

Vilakazi is convinced that it is “impossible” for Chiefs to stage a successful comeback.

“Let’s not tempt God. Sometimes in life we dream and pray for things that we can never get. It’s impossible [for Chiefs to come back]. With the way Chiefs are structured, it is impossible,” Vilakazi said.

“I don’t know what would be happening in this world that Chiefs would go into the second leg and beat Pirates 4-0. It will never happen. If Chiefs beat Pirates 4-0, I will leave football for good.

“Chiefs do not give hope. I thought maybe they would score one goal. But as the game progressed, I realised that these guys do not look like people who will score.

"They were playing just to finish the game.”

Mwadui FC head coach Khalid Adam has blamed concentration lapses for his team's 5-0 loss to defending champions Simba SC in the Tanzania Mainland League game played on Saturday at Uhuru Stadium.

The Shinyanga-based side came into the match fresh from the 6-1 loss to JKT Tanzania but ended up losing heavily again. The tactician believes it all changed after the break since, in the first half, his team had conceded only one goal.

"Yes, the game is over but we are disappointed with the number of goals we conceded yet again," Adam told reporters after the game played at Shamba la Bibi.

"We have no alternative but to go and find a solution on where we went wrong again.

"In the first half, we played well, our concentration levels were good and we conceded just one goal. But it changed after the break and we conceded four goals, two of which came late into the game. 

"We will analyse the whole game again and rectify where we went wrong."

The tactician has further explained what might have contributed to his team's loss.

"We did not lose because the game was tough, but as a coach, sometimes you instruct players but they ignore," Adam continued.

"Once the players fail to follow the game plan, the team suffers and we concede goals. It is not the result we wanted and I take this opportunity to apologise to Mwadui fans and anyone supporting the team.

"It is not good to concede many goals but there is nothing we can do, the game has ended."

Adam is, however, optimistic it is not too late to make amends and bounce back to winning ways. 

"We have a chance, the league is still young and lest you forget, we started quite well and had positive results in three matches," he added.

"The team has lost two matches in a row, but there is a chance of winning three consecutive games. The only good thing with this league is that once you win a game or two, you surge upwards.

"For our fans, the losses have passed; no matter how disappointing and hurting, there is nothing we can do but focus on the forthcoming assignments.

"We need to ensure we have won the coming games at home to ensure we get out of the current position."

Manchester United will host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal with the hope of stretching their good home record against the London Premier League club.

Manchester United vs Arsenal Latest Odds

Manchester United have won eight of their last 13 games against Arsenal and winning the ninth match has been valued at (2.00) with BigiBet.

Arsenal have won two of their last three Premier League games against Man United (D1) and earning a third Old Trafford victory has been priced at (3.60).

Manchester United have drawn five of their last 13 matches against the Gunners and another draw happening on Sunday has been tipped at (3.60).

Manchester United vs Arsenal Team News

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be without key man Anthony Martial who will be serving the final match of the three-game ban. A knock will make Jesse Lingard miss the tie as well as Erick Bailly while Phil Jones will be out due to a knee injury.

On his part, Arteta will miss defender David Luiz due to a thigh injury he got during the 1-0 loss to Leicester City.

Rob Holding has a hamstring issue, Pablo Mari is with an ankle problem while Miles Chambers and Gabriel Martinelli both suffer from knee injuries.

Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview

Manchester United have lost just two of their last 19 matches in the Premier League (W11 D6), although both defeats have come in their last five games and against London-based teams (Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur).

Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has gone five league matches without a goal for the first time since November 2014, while playing for Borussia Dortmund. During this five-game streak, the striker has attempted only five shots in total and failed to land a shot on target on three occasions.

Manchester United vs Arsenal Tips and Predictions

Manchester United have conceded 12 goals so far which is their worst defensive record after five matches of a top-flight season in six decades.

The Gunners have averaged 8.8 shots and 1.3 goals per game in the current Premier League campaign which is their lowest tallies since 1997/98 and 1995/96 respectively, therefore, punters can take the offer of under 2.5 goals at (2.10) with BigiBet.

Under 2.5 goals at (2.5) with BigiBet.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Cedric Kaze has revealed why he has been rotating the squad in Mainland Premier League matches.

The Burundian tactician, who signed for the Jangwani giants on a three-year contract to replace fired Zlatko Krmpotic, has so far overseen three matches, winning all of them.

Kaze started his reign at Yanga with a 1-0 win against Polisi Tanzania, followed it up with a 2-1 win against KMC at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, before recording a 1-0 win against Biashara United at Karume Stadium on Saturday.

Despite picking up three straight wins, Kaze has not stuck with one team as he keeps rotating the squad and he has now explained the reason behind the move.

“We have four matches and all of them are difficult and it is a must for my players to fight hard and get the points that we need, but to be honest, I don’t think we have players who can play all the four matches in a row with the speed the fixtures are planned,” Kaze is quoted by Sokaletu.

“What I have decided to do is to make sure that every player gets some minutes of play and that is why I must rotate the squad, and I know it will help to keep my players fit for the subsequent matches and throughout the season.”

Kaze continued: “What has impressed me most is that all the players are ready to fight for the team, they are working hard to make sure we win our matches, and they are playing according to my instructions.”

Against Biashara United, striker Michael Sarpong struck the all-important goal in the 68th minute to hand the 27-time league champions maximum points as they moved level on 22 points with Azam FC at the top of the 18-team league table.

A good cross from the right found the towering Ghanaian striker, who signed for Yanga from Rwanda’s Rayon Sports, in a good area, and he rose highest to head the ball in and send thousands of fans who had flocked to the opponents' territory into cheers.

Yanga will next take on promoted Gwambina FC on Tuesday before they confront bitter rivals Simba SC in the Kariakoo derby on November 7 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final, first leg match at Orlando Stadium.

Zakhele Lepasa, Vincent Pule and Thembinkosi Lorch were on target to ensure a comfortable win for Pirates.

It was a huge victory for coach Josef Zinnbauer and his men as they put one foot into the final of this competition in their bid for their first piece of silverware since 2014.

The result triggered a Twitter frenzy with mixed opinions being expressed. Even South Africa's Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni added his voice in support of his Kaizer Chiefs, while trolling winners, Pirates.

Former Chiefs coach Steve Komphela, now senior coach at Mamelodi Sundowns, was also dragged into the Soweto derby and he moved in to exonerate himself when accused of being the source of Amakhosi's woes.

AFC Leopards have finally announced the signing of winger Peter Thiong’o from Kakamega Homeboyz.

The two clubs have been battling over the transfer of the player with Homeboyz claiming they will not allow him to sign for Ingwe.

However, AFC Leopards have now confirmed the winger has penned a two-year contract to join the Den.

“AFC Leopards is delighted to confirm the signing of winger Peter Thiong'o from Kakamega Homeboys on a two-year contract,” Ingwe revealed on their social media pages. “Welcome to AFC Leopards Thiong'o.”

The winger scored eight goals for the Nicholas Muyoti-led charges in the abandoned 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season.

In an earlier interview, Thiong’o revealed to Goal why he was keen to sign for AFC Leopards.

“I have an active contract with Homeboyz, yes, but it is expiring in October,” Thiong'o revealed to Goal.

“It is high time for me to go for a new challenge, it is the only way a player can grow, and I am sure I will get the challenge at Leopards. But I appreciate everything Homeboyz have done for me.

“I am just requesting Homeboyz to let me leave in search of a new challenge.”

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.

AFC Leopards lost all but one of their foreign players in the 2019/20 season because of the financial challenges experienced at the club.

Coach Casa Mbungo led the exit as Vincent Habamahoro, Soter Kayumba, Ismail Diara, and Tresor Ndikumana all ditched the club after going for months without pay.

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.

Kenya U20 coach Stanley Okumbi is confident they have a good squad to go all the way and win the Cecafa U20 tournament to be held in Tanzania.

Just five days ago, the former Kariobangi Sharks head coach named a provisional squad of 27 players to start preparations for the regional tournament set to kick off on November 22 in Arusha.

The team has already grouped at Kasarani ahead of the mandatory Covid-19 test set to be conducted on Sunday.

Okumbi has now revealed he is happy with the squad he selected for the regional showpiece, adding that the door was still open for any new arrivals before they travel to Tanzania.

“I have a lot of talent at my disposal,” Okumbi told 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 the Kenya U17 team 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 best runner-up while the finalists will earn an automatic slot at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The youngsters have been lined up to 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).

Football is full of little sliding doors moments.

In the summer transfer window, Dutch champions Ajax tried, unsuccessfully, to acquire an established striker.

For the most part, over the last two years, manager Erik Ten Hag had been partial to playing Serbian schemer Dusan Tadic upfront. The reasoning was that the former Southampton man would act as a 'false 9', drifting out wide to combine with the wingers, but also dropping off the last line to allow a runner – usually Donny Van De Beek – to attack the box from deep.

However, as soon as it became clear Van De Beek was off to Manchester United, a more traditional striker became a priority.

That move would ultimately prove unsuccessful, however, and so Ajax went into the season with two options for the role who were at opposing ends of the career spectrum.

There was, on one side, the wizened 37-year-old Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, a veteran of close to 250 appearances for the club, and on the other, teenage greenhorn Lassina Traore, who before this season had only managed three starts.

A ballsy strategy, to be sure, but one that paid handsome dividends in last weekend's merciless 13-0 thrashing of VVV-Venlo. That game also featured a sliding doors moment: after 51 minutes, and with the score at 4-0, defender Christian Kum was sent off for violent conduct following a VAR consultation.

What followed was a deluge of Biblical proportions.

In a game for the record books, Traore announced himself as Ajax's new totem in attack, equalling a 35-year record, held by no less than Marco Van Basten, by scoring five in a game for the Amsterdam giants.

While the scoreline certainly set tongues a-wagging the world over, Traore's tally will have come as no surprise to the suits at the club. It was, after all, his exploits with Jong Ajax in the second tier, where he scored 21 goals in just over 30 appearances as an 18-year-old, that convinced the coaches he was ready for minutes with the first team.

As far as his ability to find the back of the net was concerned, there was little doubt.

However, in laying on three others for his team mates, the Burkina Faso international provided a strong advert for the Ajax system. His apprenticeship with the club saw him used in varied positions across the front, in line with the universality that underpins the Ajax way.

That has clearly paid dividends, both in terms of his adaptation and his all-round play. It is telling that, despite Ten Hag stating a proper striker is best suited to games he expects to dominate, he selected Traore for the midweek Champions League game against Atalanta. There is now, it appears, a degree of trust; 13-0 may have been a freakish outcome, but it has proven a turning point regardless.

In what was an extravaganza of attacking, and against a side that pushed eventual Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain to the limit in last season's quarter-finals, Traore made his presence felt, winning a penalty for the opener before pouncing on Marco Sportiello's fumble to double Ajax's lead in Bergamo.

Last season, Atalanta were forced to play home matches at San Siro in Milan, with the Atleti Azzurru d'Italia deemed unfit for European competition. Tuesday's invigorating 2-2 draw was, in essence, the stadium's European bow, and there was Traore, both welcoming it and gracing it in equal, gleeful measure.

Quite the change for the former Rahimo FC academy player who, as part of a now all-too-familiar motif of privation, learned football playing without boots. Traore grew up in Bobo-Dioulasso as part of a footballing family, the son of former Burkina Faso women international Kadi and cousin to Aston Villa's Bertrand.

As part of a whirlwind three years, he has moved to South Africa and learnt a new language; impressed enough, despite some initial concerns over his weight (no doubt a legacy of eating candy presented to him by his now deceased grandmother) to be whisked away again to the Netherlands; and has now entered Dutch footballing folklore.

A well-worn – but now sadly sealed-off – path took him from Ajax Cape Town to De Toekomst, and has now placed him front and centre as one of the emerging stars of the European game.

Former Napoli centre-forward Andrea Carnevale has urged Victor Osimhen to be more selfish in order to score more goals.

The 21-year-old teamed up with the Parthenopeans in the summer following his outstanding performances for Lille during his one-year stay.

Napoli paid a club-record fee of €80 million to the French club to secure the attacker's signature, making him the most expensive Nigerian player in history.

Despite finding the net a number of times warm-up games, the Super Eagles centre-forward has only managed one goal in six appearances across all competitions since his arrival at Stadio San Paolo.

Carnevale, who has no doubt of the abilities of the young attacker, believes he needs to focus on scoring than setting up goals.

“I know Osimhen. For me he is very strong,” Carnevale told Napoli magazine.

“I advise him to be less generous towards his teammates and to start dedicating himself to scoring because he has many in his legs.”

Carnevale, who spent four years at Napoli, also praised Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly as one of the best defenders in the world.

“Koulibaly is among the best defenders in the world. He will continue to be useful for Napoli,” he added.

Napoli are currently third in Serie A behind AC Milan and Atalanta after gathering 11 points from five games.

The Parthenopeans returned to winning ways against Benevento last weekend after losing their opening Europa League league game against AZ Alkmaar.

They are now on a two-game winning run following their victory over Real Sociedad in Thursday’s European game.  

Osimhen and Koulibaly will be expected to help Gennaro Gattuso’s men maintain the impressive form when they take on Sassuolo in their next league game on Sunday.

Israel Scud had a bright start as the 10th edition of the annual Chris Oguso Betika football tournament kicked-off at the Chevavo High School in Vihiga on Saturday.

The Bunyore-based team beat Indomitable of Mahanga 2-0 in a thrilling opener, to progress to the next level of the competition that will see the eventual winner pocket Sh200, 000 during the December 2, slated final.

Charles Chuma, who could have easily notched a hat-trick had he not wasted a glut of chances, broke the deadlock in the 39th minute after a defensive mistake by Indomitable last man.

Sadique Ayew added the second one in the 60th minute as the Bunyore side ensured that they are not knocked out of the competition on the first day like it happened last year.

“I am aware we have had a positive start this year, compared to last year when we were knocked out on the first day. This time we are optimistic of going the whole day and winning the Sh200, 000 price money,” said Scud’s forward Chuma.

This year’s competition has attracted a total of 48 teams who will battle it out for top prizes. For the first time the competition will involve women teams, according to the tournament organiser Chris Oguso who himself was a football player previously, this year’s event that has fully been sponsored by betting firm Betika, will be on a knock-out format, with the eventual winner pocketing Sh200, 000 price money during the December 20 final.

“I started this tournament in 2011, it is a non-political tournament whose goals and objectives are to empower the youth and give back to the community,” explained Oguso, who is a Chief Inspector of Police.

“I came up with this idea after I saw what teams in my county Vihiga go through in terms of talent nurturing, providing sports gears to different teams and exposing the youth to scouts from the bigger leagues to spot them.”

He added: “I grew up in this county and I have picked Ebwali High School as the venue of all finals because that is where I went to for my secondary education.” 

Reigning champions Red Bees have registered for this year’s competition and are optimistic of retaining the title they won last year.

According to Oguso, former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech will lead a team of former Harambee Stars internationals including Musa Otieno, Francis Chinjili, Francis Oduor ‘Killer’, John Shoto Lukoye, and Josephat Murila among others, against a local combined team.

Reigning champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) couldn't have asked for a better draw to defend the Malaysia Cup trophy they won in 2019 after the official draw was made on earlier today.

UiTM FC and Felda United are the only two Super League sides who are drawn in their half with all the other big boys congregating in the other half of the draw.

JDT will kickstart their campaign against Kuching FA with Kuala Lumpur waiting in the quarterfinals after the City boys were handed a bye in the opening round due to Sabah's exclusion from the competition.

Meanwhile in the same side of the draw, Premier League champions Pulau Pinang will host Felda with UiTM slated to face Kelantan with the possibility of this match being moved to be played in Kota Bahru because of CMCO.

Over in the other half of the draw, Terengganu FC and Perak could repeat their 2018 final at the quarterfinal stage if they could get past Petaling Jaya City FC and Kelantan United respectively.

The remainder of the half will be an all-Super League contention with Kedah hosting Pahang and Selangor facing Melaka with the likelihood of the latter fixture being played in Hang Jebat Stadium because of CMCO.

The Round of 16 matches will be played starting Nov 6 and because the Malaysia Cup this year will be a single knockout format, the winning teams from 1, 3, 5 and 7 will play host for the quarterfinal matches.

A brand new season of the Indian Super League (ISL) is upon us as the top tier league of Indian football returns to action in less than three weeks’ time.

The seventh season of the ISL will witness the arrival of Kolkata and Indian football giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. While the Red and Golds have entered the league with the help of their new investors Shree Cement Limited, the Green and Maroons have merged with reigning ISL champions ATK to take part in the ISL.

The new season will also be different from its previous editions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The entire league will be played in Goa without any fans in the stadiums.

As the new season begins on November 20, we take a look at some of the exciting matches of ISL in the month of November.

Kerala Blasters vs ATK Mohun Bagan FC: Nov 20, 7:30 PM IST

The new ISL season kicks-off with a big-ticket game between title holders ATK Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters. ATK and Kerala Blasters have developed a strong rivalry in the past six seasons and now with the addition of giants Mohun Bagan, the intensity of the clash will be a notch higher. A few interesting personnel changes will further ramp up the rivalry. Mohun Bagan’s I-League winning coach from last season Kibu Vicuna has joined Blasters this summer as their manager while the Southern outfit’s former poster boy Sandesh Jhingan has joined the Kolkata giants.

Owen Coyle and Nerijus Valskis, two of the biggest names in Chennaiyin FC from last season, have jumped ship this summer to join Jamshedpur FC. While Coyle had miraculously turned the fate of Chennaiyin FC around last year and had guided them to the ISL final out of nowhere, Valskis had spearheaded their attack and had bagged the Golden boot award. The Marina Machans too have signed Brazilian midfielder Memo Moura who was an integral part of the Jamshedpur midfield in the past three seasons. 

Former FC Goa captain Mandar Rao Dessai, midfielders Ahmed Jahouh and Hugo Boumous and defender Mourtada Fall have followed head Sergio Lobera from FC Goa to Mumbai City this season. The mass influx from the Gaurs to the Islanders will add that extra bit of spice to this clash.

Also, the acrimonious circumstances in which Hugo Boumous, who was Hero of the League last season, agitated for a move to Mumbai City would not have gone down well with FC Goa.

SC East Bengal vs ATK Mohun Bagan: Nov 27, 7:30 PM IST

The biggest match in Indian football will be played in the ISL for the first time in the league’s history. The blockbuster clash is bound to attract millions of fans across the country. The Red and Golds will announce their arrival in the ISL by facing their arch-rivals in the second game week of the season.

This, perhaps, is the most talked-about game this season - Kolkata derby in the ISL.

Former Lyon defender Bakary Kone is expecting nothing less than a crucial role at his new club Kerala Blasters ahead of the seventh season of Indian Super Leauge (ISL). 

The 32-year-old joined the Yellow Army from Russian club Arsenal Tula for whom he could only manage to play one league game. Before his Russian stint, he played in the Turkey league for Ankaragucu and started 11 league matches. 

Kone, however, feels he will be able to play regularly for Blasters in the upcoming season. He wants to play every single game for Kibu Vicuna's team in the upcoming season as he has the experience of playing in big tournaments including the UEFA Champions League for Lyon. 

"I hope that I play every minute and every game this season because I have a lot of experience (playing) in big championships in Spain and France and the Champions League. I'm expecting to play every minute and do my best (for the team)," Kone, who is in quarantine in Goa, told Goal. 

His most notable displays were during his time with French club Lyon for five years from 2011. The Burkina Faso international, who has faced off against the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani in Ligue 1, had stints in Spain, Turkey and Russia since leaving France. 

Last year, however, was particularly difficult for the defender as he dropped down the pecking order at Arsenal Tula. As he looked out for offers abroad, Kerala Blasters offer turned out to be the most tempting. 

"I did not want to stay in Russia. I had offers from Turkey but it was not interesting for me. Then my agent told me there is an option in India with Kerala and I wanted a new challenge in my career.

"Kerala Blasters is very interesting (project). I noticed that there is a big fanbase and for me, it is important that we have a lot of support. India is an emerging country for football," he said.

The experienced defender added, "Last year, the coach preferred another centre-back, so I did not play much. I fought and did my best to show that I have the qualities to play but he still chose another player.

"I always trained hard in Russia. In France also I trained well. I will give my best and I cannot wait to play official matches."

Kerala Blasters will play at least four friendly matches against fellow ISL clubs in the pre-season bio-bubble in Goa as they gear up for the season which starts on November 20. 

FC Goa and Hyderabad will be the only two clubs to start the seventh season of Indian Super League (ISL) with six foreign players in their rosters. 

The 2020-21 ISL player rules allow clubs to sign a maximum of seven and at least five foreign players, which should include a player from an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) member nation.

A total of eight teams have officially filled their foreign quota.

East Bengal have brought in six new foreigners to play under Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler. Jacques Maghoma, Matti Steinmann, Anthony Pilkington, Danny Fox, Aaron Holloway and Scot Neville are the overseas players for the ISL debutants. But Fowler did indicate in a recent social media interaction that the club might sign another overseas player.

FC Goa, who will take the field under the leadership of Sergio Lobera's successor Juan Ferrando, have opted to keep one foreign slot open. Following a player exodus to Mumbai City, they have brought in Igor Angulo, Jorge Ortiz, Alberto Noguera, Ivan Gonzalez and James Donachie and have retained Edu Bedia from last season. 

By not filling the foreign player quota, the Gaurs now have the option of adding one more foreigner without selling any player if such a need arises. 

If a club registers less than seven foreigners (and the squad length is still less than the maximum size of 35), they can still fill the quota post the stipulated date provided the player is a free agent. 

Hyderabad had seven foreign players on their roster but the club has registered only six foreign players ahead of the season. They currently have Joao Victor, Lluis Sastre, Aridane Santana, Odei Onaindia, Joel Chianese and Fran Sandaza as their overseas footballers. Nestor Gordillo is not part of the pre-season preparations of the Nizams.

FC Goa will kickstart their season with games against Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City on November 22 and 25th respectively. 

Hyderabad will look to open their account against Odisha on November 23 and will take on Bengaluru five days later. SC East Bengal, on the other hand, open their campaign against arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan on November 27. 

With the United Kingdom heading into another national lockdown amidst a second wave of Covid-19, many football fans will be wondering if the Premier League will be able to continue. 

In March this year, the competition was suspended as the UK and the entire world came to grips with the coronavirus. 

While the Premier League season would ultimately restart in June and be completed behind closed doors, there are fresh fears that the 2020-21 campaign could also now be put on hold. 

So could the Premier League be headed for another enforced break? Goal takes a look.

Will the Premier League continue during lockdown?

At this stage, the good news is that the Premier League looks set to play on despite the UK heading back into lockdown. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson directly confirmed that the competition would be permitted to continue on October 31 when announcing the country's latest move to lockdown.

"I can say yes to the Premier League, I think, with authority," Johnson told reporters when announcing the new lockdown rules, due to come into place from Thursday until December 2. 

Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, also confirmed that elite sport in general will be allowed to go ahead behind closed doors. 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has welcomed the initial decision to allow the Premier League to continue and believes they've shown they can play safely. 

"It's obviously what we want. We proved that we can go on and keep the bubble kind of safe," Klopp said on Saturday. 

"Yes we have cases, everybody does, but we can isolate these cases pretty quickly. Things never happen at the training ground, they happen with travelling, national teams, new players into the club and things like that.

"We proved that we can do it, and in a lockdown I think it's important that the people can do things they like to do, and watching football is obviously something they like to do. I'm obviously happy we can continue."

How will grassroots football be impacted by the lockdown?

It's currently unclear how the lockdown will affect non-elite football across the UK with the FA currently seeking out more information. 

"We acknowledge the government’s announcement today regarding Covid-19 restrictions and are awaiting further information before we can confirm how this may affect non-elite football across England. We will communicate any necessary updates in due course," the FA said via Twitter on Saturday.