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Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen has put the Major League Soccer franchise up for sale after being criticised for failing to support players calling for racial justice.

Hansen said he felt "disrespected" by team members after they opted not to play against LAFC on Wednesday.

Those players joined in the widespread protests which have followed the shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old black man, by police in Wisconsin.

"All I can say is they supported other issues nationally; they clearly did not support our city or our organisation," Hansen said.

"It's a moment of sadness. It's like somebody stabbed you and you're trying to figure out a way to pull the knife out and move forward. That's what it feels like. The disrespect is profound to me personally."

Hansen warned he would start cutting employees he had brought back from furlough because of the possibility of further strike action from the team, with his stance drawing condemnation.

Salt Lake's former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC World Service: "I don't want to be here because I'm not here to play for someone who isn't here to support us."

After Hansen's tirade, The Athletic  came out with a report on a history of alleged racist comments Hansen has made over the past several years.

Hansen was subsequently placed on a leave of absence while MLS and the NWSL launched an investigation into the alleged comments.

On Sunday, a statement from MLS commissioner Don Garber confirmed Hansen had put the team's holding company up for sale, suggesting Onuoha and his team-mates might not have to work under their current owner for much longer.

His stewardship of National Women's Soccer League team Utah Royals and Real Monarchs of the USL Championship is also set to come to a close.

Garber's statement read: "Major League Soccer has been informed that Real Salt Lake investor-operator Dell Loy Hansen has decided that he will begin a process to sell Utah Soccer Holdings, the entity that owns Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC and Real Monarchs.

"MLS will work with Mr Hansen on supporting the sale efforts for the company and will work closely with the club's executive staff to support the operations of the team during the transition period."

Garber added: "I want to acknowledge Dell Loy Hansen's significant efforts to build the sport of soccer in the state of Utah and his commitment to Major League Soccer."

Was there any doubt when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stepped up to take Arsenal’s fifth and final penalty in Saturday’s Community Shield against Liverpool? Probably not. Not in his new playground, at least.

It’s been an interesting few weeks for the North London giants, with three giant scalps at Wembley against teams possessing superior technical quality. There was a hugely impressive 2-0 FA Cup semi-final success over Manchester City, followed by a 2-1 win over capital rivals Chelsea in the decider, which came after they’d fallen behind to an early Christian Pulisic effort.

Saturday’s win over Liverpool didn’t quite come in 90 minutes, still, Jurgen Klopp’s team, lined-up with all the heavy-hitters in the squad except Trent Alexander-Arnold, were favoured to wipe the floor with Mikel Arteta’s side.

As it turned out, Arsenal weren’t disgraced. In truth, they limited the Premier League champions to a handful of clear-cut opportunities.

In the first-half at the Home of Football, the world champions were underwhelming and were laboured in possession, despite having a lion’s share of it before the interval. Instead, the Reds failed to test the confident Emiliano Martinez in the opening 45, with the Gunners retaining the greater threat in transition.

The greatest evidence of this came in Aubameyang’s brilliant 12th-minute goal.

Arteta’s team played through their opponent’s press in remarkable fashion and the ball fell to the hugely talented Bukayo Saka wide on the right. The youngster spotted his skipper free on the far side and played a pin-point diagonal to the top class marksman, who chopped into his stronger foot and curled his effort beyond Alisson Becker.

Subsequently, there were half-chances to increase their advantage, with Eddie Nketiah the main culprit in the misses. Liverpool had a better go after the break and took control of the game as the Gunners tired.

They got the equalizer but Arsenal held on and it went to penalties. After Rhian Brewster missed, it was up to the London side’s go-to man to deliver another honour...which he did. It was never in doubt, was it?

For those keeping score, Arsenal have now scored five goals in three important games at Wembley...all scored by their terrific skipper who, it seems, isn’t planning to slow down after arguably his greatest ever individual season.

It wasn’t so long ago that critics criticised his lack of end product in really tight games against either superior opposition or teams on equal footing as the three-time Premier League champions. Ask those observers again, and there’s likely to be egg of their face.

While the Community Shield, amusingly over the years, gets played down by the losing side and hyped up by the winner, the quality of opposition the Gunners have now defeated in the last six weeks shows why Gooners have a right to be excited despite Saturday’s victory in a ‘glorified friendly’.

Games are won by goals, and even though Arsenal have defended well for those 270 minutes against teams that ended 2019/20 above them, it was Auba’s goals that won two of those encounters. He’s now scored five times in three games at Wembley in the space of six weeks.

Surely, that is unprecedented? Without question, such an influence at the New Wembley is probably unrivalled by anyone...well, maybe one: Didier Drogba. The Chelsea legend’s impact at the ground is enormous, with FA Cup final goals in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012, games the Blues ultimately won.

The retired Ivory Coast forward’s love affair with the rebuilt stadium began on the very first game after its complete refurbishment, winning Chelsea their first title in the competition in seven years. 

That extra-time strike was enough to prevent Manchester United claiming the Double in what was a cagey decider.

Drogba then levelled for the Blues in the final vs Everton two years later (they won 2-1), netted a well-taken free-kick to decide a tight final against Portsmouth 1-0 as the West Londoners secured their first Double.

Their icon’s last strike, his fourth successive in FA Cup finals, came in a 2-1 success over Liverpool, which cemented his ‘King of Wembley’ tag.

Observers remember the important strikes in deciders, but there were also important goals in the semis, too, notably the late winner vs Arsenal, opening effort in an eventual 3-0 success over Aston Villa and self-made belter against Tottenham Hotspur in 2009, 2010 and 2012 respectively.

The goal in the 2008 League Cup final defeat by Spurs at Wembley is barely remembered but it was one of the West African’s strikes at the iconic ground.

Indeed, this is what Arsenal’s Aubameyang is up against. However, it is to the Gabon star’s credit that he’s coming up trumps despite playing in teams probably not as strong as Drogba's Chelsea sides.

There’s still a long way to supplant Drogba as the undisputed King of Wembley but, given the recent evidence, Aubameyang is certainly not doing his chances any harm.

Yanga SC stepped up their preparations for the 2020/21 Tanzania Mainland League season with a 2-0 win over their visitors Aigle Noir, with the goals coming from new signings Tuisila Kisinda and Michael Sarpong.

Timu ya Wananchi have been restructuring to stand a chance of toppling bitter rivals Simba SC, who have been dominating domestic competitions of late, and have won the league title for the past three seasons.

New Serbian coach Zlatko Krmpotic gave debuts to Kibwana Shomari, with Bakari Mwamnyeto, Mukoko Tonombe, Tuisila Kisinda, and Michael Sarpong while Carlinhos and Waziri Junior starting from the bench.

It took the 27-time league champions 38 minutes to open the scoring when Feisal Salum picked out Tuisila Kisinda, commonly referred to as TK Master, and the new signing kept his cool to get the ball past Erick Johola to send the home fans into a frenzy.

That was the only goal in the first 45 minutes, but it did not tell the whole story as the Jangwani Street-based side created numerous chances which were not capitalised on.

After the break, Timu ya Wananchi came back stronger amid cheers from the fans who had flocked to the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam in their thousands.

Ghanaian Michael Sarpong, who joined the team on a free transfer after being released by Rayon Sports, put the result beyond a reasonable doubt with a good finish in the 59th minute to double the advantage for the home team.

Meanwhile, Azam FC and Tanzania Prisons battled to a one-all draw in another pre-season friendly staged at Azam Complex, Chamzai on Sunday.

On-Song Zimbabwe attacker Obrey Chirwa scored for the Ice-cream Makers while Jeremiah Juma managed to get the goal for the administrative side.

The league starts on September 6.

Yanga XI: Metach Mnata, Kibwana Shomari, Yassin Mustafa, Abdallah Shaibu, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Mukoko Tonombe, Tuisila Kisinda, Feisal Salum, Michael Sarpong, Ditram Nchimbi, Deus Kaseke

Subs: Farouk Shikhalo, Ramadhani Kabwili, Said Makapu, Haruna Niyonzima, Waziri Junior, Carlos Carlinhos, Farid Musaa.

Aigle Noir XI: Erick Johola, Ndikumana Merci, Honomou Desire, Hitimana Hamza, Nkurunzinza Yanick, Masoud Marcisse, Koffi Kouassi, Ndikumana Asman, Ngabonziza Blanchare, Christ Attegbe, Nzojibwami Frank.

Subs: Lukumbuzya Manugulilo,Missago Jules, Msanga Henry, Mossi Tresor, Coulibaly Abbe, Edward Mchele, Mugisha Antoine  

Emerson Palmieri's agent has confirmed that Inter are interested in signing him this summer but says he is yet to discuss the matter with Chelsea.

The 26-year-old moved to the Blues from Roma in January 2018 for an initial £17.5m ($23m) fee with a further £8m ($10m) due in add-ons, but he has been unable to secure a regular place in the starting XI.

The left-back was limited to just 15 Premier League appearances under Frank Lampard in 2019-20 and has been deemed superfluous by the Stamford Bridge side.

Emerson's representative, Fernando Garcia, has admitted that a move away from the Premier League could be on the cards for the Italy international.

"It is possible he will leave Chelsea," he told FCInter08. "I have not yet spoken to the club. All I can say is that there is interest from Inter in the player. We’ll see."

Emerson has dropped further down the pecking order in west London after the arrival of Ben Chilwell from Leicester in a £50m ($66m) deal.

But Goal has learned the Blues expect to receive around £26m ($34m) for him this summer as they hope to make a small profit from his sale.

Juventus and Napoli have previously been linked with the former Santos full-back, who has two years left on his current contract, but it is Inter who have been most active in pursuing him.

Last month, Goal reported that the Nerazzurri were lining up a bid to reunite Emerson with coach Antonio Conte, who was in charge of Chelsea when the defender arrived in the English capital. But the San Siro outfit's £19m ($25m) valuation falls short of the Premier League team's valuation.

Conte's future at last season's Serie A runners-up had come into question after the 2019-20 campaign, but the club confirmed this week that he will remain at the helm next season after holding talks to clear the air.

"The club and Antonio Conte had a constructive meeting today focused on continuity and strategy, in which the two parties laid the foundations to continue working together on the club's project," read a statement released on Tuesday.

Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal has talked up a potential return to former club Juventus, admitting he would be “happy” if new head coach Andrea Pirlo contacted him over a move.

The 33-year-old made 171 appearances in a four-year spell with the Turin giants between 2011 and 2015, helping them win seven major honours including four successive Serie A titles.

He left for Bayern Munich in the summer of 2015 before joining present club Barcelona two years ago, where he has gone on to make 96 appearances in all competitions

Vidal has been linked with a move away from the Catalan giants as new boss Ronald Koeman attempts a summer rebuild following a trophyless season last time out, culminating in that humiliating 8-2 Champions League defeat by Bayern.

Vidal, who has just one year left on his contract, has been touted as one of the players Koeman will look to move on in order to balance the books at Camp Nou.

A return to Italy has been mooted, though it is Juve’s Serie A rivals Inter who were reported to be considering a move for the Chile international.

Vidal has previously hinted he would consider a move to the Nerazzurri as it would mean a reunion with his former boss at Juventus, Antonio Conte.

However, it is the prospect of another reunion that may spark interest in a move back to Turin instead.

Former Italy international Pirlo who was confirmed as Juve boss earlier this month following the departure of Maurizio Sarri, was Vidal’s midfield partner during his time at the club, joining and leaving them in the same year.

Vidal is excited by the prospect of playing under his former team-mate at the Bianconeri and appeared to confirm he would be ready to make the move should they make contact.

“He was incredible when Pirlo played, [but] imagine him as a coach,” Vidal said in an interview with Daniel Habif on YouTube.

“If he or Juventus call me, I would be happy.

“If it happens, it happens. I have a lot of affection for Juventus and for Andrea.”

Whether Pirlo does decide to approach Vidal remains to be seen given the club have already signed two midfielders this summer in Arthur and Weston McKennie, meaning there may not be space for him in the side.

Josh Maja scored his first goal of the 2020-21 Ligue 1 season as Bordeaux claimed a 2-0 win over Angers at the Stade Raymond Kopa on Sunday.

Les Girondins kicked off the campaign with a goalless draw against at home to Moses Simon’s Nantes last week.

It was a game with little chances created, but there was none of that in Maine-et-Loire with Maja giving Bordeaux the lead in the 25th minute.

Nicolas De Preville’s corner met the head of former Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, who headed into the path of Maja to tap in from close range.

Bordeaux’s lead was extended just two minutes later thanks to Toma Basic who latched onto a loose ball from Ui Jo Hwang, skipped past two challenges before burying his effort into the bottom left corner of the net.

Compared to the Nantes encounter where Bordeaux had only one shot on target, they produced seven this time with none off target.

Maja featured for 45 minutes in that encounter also, but lasted 65 minutes on Sunday, producing three of Bordeaux’s seven shots on target, missed one big chance, had 23 touches on the ball and 11 accurate passes at a 91% success rate. He also won half of his eight ground duels.

His competitive tally for the 2009 Ligue 1 champions now stands at 10 strikes in 33 outings since joining from Sunderland in January 2019.

He was taken off for French forward Jimmy Briand.

Another Nigerian to feature for Bordeaux was Samuel Kalu. He started off the bench for the second game in a row and took the place of South Korea international Jo Hwang, this time in the 77th minute.

Kalu had limited impact but was still able to have 17 touches, six accurate passes from eight at 75% and won four of six ground duels.

The Super Eagles winger has been at Matmut Atlantique since arriving from Gent in August 2018 and has played 55 times in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing six assists.

Bordeaux’s next assignment is a home tie with seven-time league champions Olympique Lyon on September 11.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have left many in shock after they named Bernard Morrison in their squad for the new season.

The Ghanaian midfielder moved from Yanga to rivals Simba SC in a controversial transfer that left his former club lodging a complaint with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), who later cleared him to play for Simba.

However, unsatisfied Yanga vowed to move to the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) in Zurich to protest the decision by the TFF.

On Sunday during Yanga’s Mwananchi Week celebration at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the club, through the MC of the day Maulid Kitenge, announced Morrison was still a Yanga player.

“The player listed in number 28 is Bernard [Morrison], who is still our player as we have a case in CAS, so Morrison is still our player,” Kitenge announced to the applause of Yanga fans, who turned up for the celebrations.

While Yanga are claiming to own the player, Morrison was in action for Simba SC as they beat Namungo FC 2-0 to lift the Community Shield Cup at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on Sunday.

The FA Cup winners won a penalty after Morrison was brought down when he was tripped by Steven Duah, and their captain John Bocco rose for the occasion to plant the ball into the bottom-right corner after decisively beating Namungo’s goalkeeper Nurdini Balola.

Simba got the second goal on the hour mark when Morrison managed to drive the ball into the top corner after receiving a neat pass from Clatous Chama. It was the second goal for the former Orlando Pirates and Yanga man after scoring against visiting side Vital’O of Burundi seven days ago.

On signing for Simba, Morrison urged Yanga to accept and move by stating it was part of football.

“It is part of the game, and I don’t take any personal offense about whatever that has been happening for a while now,” Morrison told Goal.

“Yanga is a big team and Simba is also a big club and moving from Yanga to Simba it is not really a big deal, though the [Yanga] supporters are disappointed and the management are disappointed, it is part of football.

“It happens so I don’t think they have to see me as a bad person, in moving from Yanga to Simba because it is part of football and they have to accept it and move on and welcome me to Tanzanian football.”

Simba will now open their title defence against promoted side Ihefu FC while Yanga will tackle Tanzania Prisons on Saturday.

Former Nigeria international Patience Avre has announced the birth of her first child.

The former Super Falcons striker has become a mother at age 44 following her announcement of the birth of her first baby on Friday. 

Following her safe delivery, Avre has since joined her husband at their home in Chicago, Illinois, in the USA celebrating the birth of a new baby boy, Oritse Laju.

Days after returning home, she took to social media to share a video message of her dancing with her husband with the baby on Sunday.

"Our bundle of joy is here. We are grateful for the gift of him," Avre posted on her Instagram page. 

"God made all things beautiful in his time. In his time, the perfect time he gave OritseLaju to us. Our beloved son, Laju in whom we are well pleased. You're welcome to our world of wonders. You are a priceless awesome gift to us and your generation.

"Oh, how I love your cute loving face. How I love your chuckling, your sweet smiles light up stars in my bowels. I bless you today and always. You will live to fulfil your purpose. You grow tall, strong, and healthy.

"Yes, you will grow in wisdom and in the fear of the Lord. Your life is beautiful. Your days are blessed. Rejoicing in the order of your day(s). You are kept and preserved by the power of God.
We love you, baby."

Avre featured at the Australia 2000 Olympic Games and also starred at three Women's World Cups, first in Sweden 1995, followed by USA 1999 and last outing in China 2003.

The highlight of her career was when she scored the second goal in 3-3 draw with Canada at the Women’s World Cup and was part of the country's historic quarter-final finish at USA 1999.  

The retired striker, who is now working as a nurse in Chicago, earlier reflected on her previous pregnancy experiences while thanking God for the safe delivery of her first child.

"He has made me glad. I am so glad," Avre said.

"I will rejoice for he has made me glad. Some said it can't be. Others mocked when I had miscarriages in the past, that it was faked. In pains and grief, I find solace in God's promise that he will make me a joy-full mother of children.

"In all and through all, God is God. God is true and every man a liar. God is a good God. His goodness flows to all, even to the undeserving.

"I bless the name of God, who made it possible. Who kept me strong, hale, and healthy throughout my pregnancy. To my ever-loving, caring and supportive husband, friend and father, I say thank you. I love you, darling.

"Special thanks to my Pastor, Abraham Adesayo and the entire CFAN, Chicago. Yes the God of Pastor Abraham, who is my God has done it.

"Thank you Pastor for standing with us in prayers. God bless my family and friends, for their love, prayers and encouragement. God is a good God."

Italy boss Roberto Mancini insists he is not interested in returning to club football before his work with the Azzurri is complete.

Reports in Italy had claimed a number of Premier League clubs had contacted the former Manchester City boss.

Mancini has also coached teams such as Lazio, Inter, Galatasaray and Zenit, and he took on the Italy job in 2018 with the national team at a low ebb.

The side's failure to qualify for that year's World Cup left Mancini with a rebuilding job, and 10 out of 10 wins in qualifying for Euro 2020 suggested they were moving in the right direction.

Asked about reported interest in him, Mancini said on Sunday: "My goal is to do well in the European Championships and do well in the World Cup. It would be a regret to leave the national team to someone else.

"No one tried to hire me this summer."

The 55-year-old, who steered Manchester City to the 2012 Premier League title and Inter to successive Scudetto successes from 2006 to 2008, believes the future looks bright for Italy, with the rescheduled Euros to be followed by the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Mancini added, quoted widely in the Italian media: "We started this job two years ago with great difficulties and despite everything I think we managed to do a great job and we hope to improve it even more."

The postponement of Euro 2020 until next year has disrupted plans, with Mancini's focus now falling on the Nations League games that lie ahead for Italy.

They face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Florence on Friday, before tackling Netherlands in Amsterdam on the following Monday.

Mancini also spoke about the appointment of former Italy coach Marcello Lippi to the role of technical director with the Italian federation (FIGC), following speculation he was disenchanted at not being consulted.

He said: "I don't think it is such an important thing, absolutely nothing has changed. The president told me about it because it was already in the papers, but it all ended there. I didn't need any reassurance or explanation."

Thiago Silva will add some much-needed experience and leadership to a young Chelsea team, manager Frank Lampard believes.

The Brazilian centre-back, who turns 36 next month, joined the Blues on a free transfer this week after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired after their Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich.

The ex-AC Milan star signed a one-year deal with an option for a second season and Lampard expects him to be a valuable addition to the squad.

“With Thiago Silva, we are looking at a player I know very well, pretty much as we all do,” he told the club’s website.

“He brings great experience for us, he is still playing at a massively high level, as we saw in the Champions League final and games towards the final, so I expect him to come and bring that, bring his experience, leadership and his qualities. It is going to be very important for us.

“We have a relatively young squad, we saw that last year, there were games afterwards when I was probably asking for more voice and some more leadership in different ways and he brings that naturally straightaway, and also on the pitch he can help talk and be the player that he is which means affecting others. On those levels I hope he brings that.

“I am pretty sure he will with the qualities we know he has, so I am excited for when he joins up.”

The Blues coach went head-to-head with his new signing during his playing days and was recently reminded about the time they both captained their countries in a 2-2 draw in an international friendly seven years ago.

"I got sent that picture the other day, of us shaking hands at the kick-off. Unfortunately, I am a bit older now and memories of all these games are not crystal clear!” Lampard added.

“But I do have memories, it was a special game, I think it was the reopening of the Maracana.

"It was a very difficult game and I remember Thiago Silva and Neymar and all those players. It was a tough game, we got a good result there.

“It was a pleasure to play up against him because when a player has had the career he has had and achieved what he has achieved, it is not by luck, it is not by anything other than hard work and pure talent and hopefully he is bringing that to the club.

“Now we are in slightly different roles, I am doing my job here and he is coming in to help on the pitch, and let’s hope it works.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is unsure whether defender Joel Matip and midfielder Jordan Henderson will be fit in time for the Premier League champions' season opener against Leeds next month.

Reds skipper Henderson has not played since suffering a knee injury in the win at Brighton on July 8, meaning he missed the remaining four games of the 2019-20 season.

Matip, meanwhile, suffered a foot injury against Merseyside rivals Everton in their first game of the Premier League restart at the end of June, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.

Both players travelled to Austria with the rest of the Liverpool squad for a pre-season training camp last week, though neither featured in friendlies against Stuttgart and Red Bull Salzburg.

They were also absent at Wembley on Saturday, when Klopp’s side were beaten on penalties by Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Henderson has been left out of the England squad for Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark in early September to allow him to focus on regaining his fitness.

He and Matip are expected to take part in some full training sessions at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground next week, though neither are certain to be fully fit for when the Reds begin the defence of their title against newly-promoted Leeds at Anfield on September 12.

When asked about Henderson’s possible participation in that game, Klopp told the club’s website: “For that we have to see when he trains.

“I think Joel and Hendo will be in parts of team training next week and we will see. Of course, the longer they have the better the chance is, but I don’t know in this moment.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be fit for the clash with Leeds despite missing the Community Shield and Austrian training camp through injury.

The 21-year-old was pencilled in to take part in a training session on Sunday for those who were not involved in Saturday’s game at Wembley.

He is then due to link up with Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for their Nations League double header, before returning to Merseyside just three days before the start of the new campaign.

Cyriel Dessers failed to convert from the penalty spot, Emmanuel Dennis grabbed an assist as Youssouph Badji scored the winner in Club Brugge’s 2-1 victory over Genk in Sunday’s Belgian First Division A game.

Dessers missed an opportunity to score his second goal of the season as the Blue and White's unbeaten run was halted by Philippe Clement’s men.

Dessers teamed up with the Luminus Arena outfit following his impressive form for Dutch side Heracles Almelo during his one-year stay. 

The centre-forward emerged as the 2019-20 Eredivisie joint-top scorer with 15 goals and delivered fine showings during Genk’s pre-season.

Dessers was handed a starting role in his fourth appearance for Genk, spearheading their attack while Nigeria international Dennis was included in Club Brugge’s line-up along with 18-year-old Senegalese forward Badji.

Dennis ignited his side’s victory in the encounter when he set up Hans Vanaken to open the scoring in the 22nd minute.

Dessers then was handed a glorious chance from the penalty spot to level for the Luminus Arena outfit in the 47th minute but missed his strike.

Theo Bongonda then equalized for Genk at the hour mark from a similar position which Dessers earlier missed.

With the game looking to end without a winner, Badji then scored the all-important winning goal seven minutes before full time to ensure his side clinched all three points.

Dessers featured for the duration of the game while his teammate and Ivorian midfielder Eboue Kouassi played for 85 minutes before making way for Benjamin Nygren.

Badji and Nigeria U23 striker David Okereke were on parade for the entirety of the match for Club Brugge while Dennis featured for 75 minutes before he was replaced.

The African stars will hope to help their teams secure victory when Club Brugge take on Waasland-Beveren and Genk square off against Beerschot on September 12 and 14 respectively.

Simba managed to defend the Community Shield Cup after beating Namungo FC 2-0 at Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium in Arusha on Sunday.

Goals from John Bocco and Bernard Morrison were enough for the league champions to record another win against Namungo, having beaten them 2-1 to lift the FA Cup on August 2.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi went ahead in the eighth minute after captain Bocco scored the opener from the spot.

The FA Cup winners won a penalty after their new boy Morrison was brought down at the edge of the left-wing when he was tripped by Steven Duah.

Bocco took the penalty and with tangible composure, planted the ball into the bottom right corner after decisively beating Namungo's goalkeeper Nurdini Balola.

Simba got the second goal at the hour mark when Morrison managed to drive the ball into the top corner after receiving a neat pass from Clatous Chama. It was the second goal for the former Orlando Pirates and Yanga SC man after scoring against Vital’ O seven days ago.

Joash Onyango was given another start but was paired with Kennedy Juma at the back as Ibrahim Ame – who was recently signed and started with the Kenyan in their match against Vital’ O – enjoyed a place on the bench.

Ghanaian Morrison was another new player who was given a straight starting position as David Kameta and Larry Bwalya were not.

Simba were missing the services of Luis Miquissone, Brazilian Gerson Fraga, Chrispine Mugalu and Serge Wawa who have not joined the team for various reasons.

In the absence of Fraga, coach Sven Vandenbroeck had to play Muzamiru Yassin in the deep of midfield.

On the other hand, Shiza Kichuya – signed from Simba – and former Kariobangi Sharks and Nakumatt defender Peter Amani Kyata were Namungo’s new players who started from the bench.

Simba will now be boosted by the win in Arusha as they hope to start their league title defence on September 6 on a strong footing.

For coach Thierry Hitimana, he has a lot to ponder about especially on the fact that they will participate in the Caf Confederation Cup for the first time.

Simba SC starting XI: Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Joash Onyango, Kennedy Juma, Jonas Mkude, Hassan Dilunga, Muzamiru Yassin, John Bocco, Clatous Chama, Bernard Morrison.

Subs : Beno Kakolanya, David Kameta, Ibrahim Ame, Said Ndemla, Larry Bwalya, Meddie Kagere, Ibrahim Ajibu. 

Namungo FC starting XI : Nurdini Barola, Rogers GabrieL, Jafari Mohamed, Steven Duah, Hamis Fakh, Humudi Gaucho, Abeid Athuman, Lukas Kikoti, Stephen Asey, Steve Nzigamasabo, Sixtus Sabilo.

Subs : Lucas Chembeja, Shiza Kichuya, Aman Kyata, Hashim Manyanya, Hamis Halifa, Haruna Shamte, Bigrimana Blaize.

Clinton N'Jie found the back of the net to inspire Dynamo Moscow to a 1-1 draw against FC Ufa in Sunday’s Russian Premier League game.

The forward teamed up with the White and Blues last summer from French side Marseille but did not have the best time in his debut season in Russia.

The striker only scored one goal in 19 league appearances but has hit the ground running in the 2020-21 season.

N'Jie was handed his fifth start in this campaign by manager Kirill Novikov against Vadim Evseev’s side and made the most of the opportunity.

The centre-forward shone in the encounter to ensure his side avoided defeat and stretched their unbeaten run to two games after securing victory over Zenit last time out.

N'Jie opened the scoring in the 43rd minute for the White and Blues after both sides had failed to convert the few chances that came to their ways.

Timur Zhamaletdinov then levelled proceedings moments before the hour mark after he was set up by Aleksandr Sukhov.

The draw is Dynamo Moscow’s second this season, having also won three games and lost one in six outings so far.

N'Jie featured for 78 minutes before he made way for Vyacheslav Grulev while Nigeria international Sylvester Igboun was a second-half substitute for the White and Blues.

The Cameroon striker has played for French side Lyon and Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur before he signed for Marseille permanently in 2019 after impressing while on loan with the side.

N'Jie has been a key member of the Cameroon national team since he made a scoring debut for the West Africans against the Democratic Republic of Congo in September 2014.

The forward has featured 32 times for the Indomitable Lions, scoring seven goals and was part of the side that won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title.

N'Jie will hope to continue his fine start to the season when Dynamo Moscow take on Rubin Kazan in their next Premier League game on September 12.

Moudou Sougou has hoped for his records at Mumbai City FC to be broken "as soon as possible" as the club celebrates six years of existence in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday.

The Senegalese winger turned striker at the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned club raked 15 goals from 32 games over the last two seasons to be the side's all-time top scorer. In fact, he scored at least eight more than the next highest top scorer at the club - Sunil Chhetri (7 goals from 17 appearances), who now represents Bengaluru FC.

Speaking to the club via Instagram Live, he expressed, "I am happy about that (having records at Mumbai City). It means that I did a good job because when I arrived in India it was to do great things. 

"It was an honour to represent Mumbai City and to be the club's top scorer. I hope these records will be broken as soon as possible because the club can only grow when records are broken. This is my wish for the club."

Sougou followed former players Andre Moritz, Sunil Chhetri and Diego Forlan to bag a hat-trick while at the club but took it a notch further by scoring two in a single season. That of course, after Iain Hume with Atletico de Kolkata (later ATK now ATK Mohun Bagan) in 2015, Stiven Mendoza with Chennaiyin FC in 2015 and Ferran Corominas with FC Goa in the 2017/18 season achieved the feat earlier.

It is no surprise that Sougou would name the two occasions he scored three or more goals in a match among his favourite moments at the club. "I have two favourite moments," he said. "The game against Kerala [Blasters], I think it was on 16th December (2008) - I scored four goals [in the 6-1 win].

"The second was the game against ATK when we won 3-1 because that game helped us to get to the play-offs [in ISL 5]."

With Sergio Lobera set to replace head coach Jorge Costa and Bartholomew Ogbeche to replace Sougou at Mumbai City, the former Marseille player also conceded why the Portuguese gaffer played him and Rafael Bastos in different teams during training.

"Rafa was my brother off the pitch. The coach (Costa) knew this and so he used to put us in different teams to keep us always in competition. This helped me increase my level and for him (Bastos) too. To work under Costa was a pleasure and a good opportunity for us because Jorge Costa was a high level coach," Sougou stated.

A late goal from Bienvenu Evan Nga sealed a victory for Bidvest Wits when they beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Sunday afternoon at FNB Stadium.

Against the run of play, the big Cameroonian striker outpaced the Chiefs defence before beating oncoming goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma on his left corner.

The result leaves the Naturena-based club at the top with 53 points from 28 games whilst the Braamfontein outfit occupies third spot with 49 points.

Coach Ernst Middendorp made changes in the starting eleven from the team that started against Mamelodi Sundowns where striker Samir Nurkovic returned from suspension, Kearryn Baccus partnered with Anthony Akumu for Willard Katsande, Lebogang Manyama, and Keletso Sifama whilst Leonardo Castro was ruled out of the clash through injury.

The Clever Boys had Sifiso Hlanti returning to replace Keegan Ritchie, Thabang Monare was a notable absentee and his place was taken by Mpho Mathebula whilst Rowan Human was sacrificed for an experienced Mxolisi Macuphu upfront.

The two PSL giants met for the second time in a month and as early as the second minute, Wits skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo came close to drawing the first blood through a header in the box, yet his attempt sailed inches off goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi’s left corner.

However, it was the Students' keeper Ricardo Goss who was called to produce an acrobatic save to deny Nurkovic from a header on the far post.

Amakhosi dominated the ball possession in the first 15 minutes but they could not penetrate the opposing defence led by Hlatshwayo.

There were few chances heading to the cooling break after 25 minutes but the battle for aerial balls between Nurkovic, Hlatshwayo and Lorenzo Gordinho took centre stage as Kgotso Moleko continued to deliver dangerous crosses.

After the half-hour mark, coach Gavin Hunt’s charges demonstrated good touches building from the back but Terrence Dzvukamanja had his effort comfortably saved by Akpeyi before Hlanti’s clever chip was punched away by the Nigerian.

Chiefs would appeal for a penalty in the 39th minute when Reeve Frosler looked to be fouled by Hlatshwayo in the box, but the protest fell on referee Victor Hlungwani’s deaf ears.

On the stroke of half-time, the log leaders suffered a massive blow when Akpeyi collided with Macuphu, the West African keeper suffered a concussion and he was replaced by Bvuma.

The first test for Bvuma came from Deon Hotto’s dipping free-kick in injury time and the Bafana Bafana keeper punched the set-piece over the crossbar for a corner.

There were no goals at the interval and Goss was equal to the task to easily collect Nurkovic’s header as the Soweto club enjoyed a bright restart.

In the 57th minute, Moleko wasted a glorious opportunity to grab the lead for the visitors with only goalkeeper Goss to beat, the defender ballooned his effort over the bar.

With 20 minutes to go, Middendorp turned to the experienced Katsande who came on for Baccus, the change made an immediate impact when Akumu’s shot was converted by Nurkovic but the lanky striker was in an offside position.

Chiefs upped the ante as far as their attack was concerned, and Frosler also came close to beating Goss with a low shot on the left corner after a brilliant pass for substitute Katsande in the 80th minute.

Following immense pressure, Gordinho was forced to go back to his keeper two minutes later and the header was saved by Goss as it was sailing into the net for an own goal.

Right on the 89th minute, Nurkovic could not believe his miss when what should have been an easy tap in, went over on the near post from a wonderful delivery into the box.

In injury time, substitute Eva Nga broke the Glamour Boys’ hearts against the run of play when he beat an off-side trap to slot the ball into the net, beating Bvuma on the left corner as they clinched all three points.

Four Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirants have confirmed they will not present their nomination papers ahead of the national elections.

The exercise to present papers for the presidential seat will be conducted on Monday at FKF’s offices and will be led by the Electoral Board chairperson Kentice Tikolo.

However, Goal can exclusively reveal that four aspirants led by veteran administrator Sam Nyamweya, Nicholas Musonye, Twaha Mbarak, and Sammy Sholei will not participate in the exercise which they have already termed as flawed.

“I will not be handing in my papers tomorrow [Monday] simply because the exercise is not free and fair,” Nyamweya told Goal on Sunday.

“We will not accept to go into a contest in an already rigged process, the incumbent has already rigged himself back into the office and it will be a waste of time to participate in the exercise.

“I can assure you that we will not stop at that, we already have a case in court challenging the process and we will continue to press and get justice, only the court will be able to help us.”

Nyamweya added: “I want to assure you that we will not have an election again, the exercise has been stopped twice and I can assure you it will be stopped again because FKF have refused to follow the raid down laws.”

Mbarak has also confirmed he will not present his nomination papers because the Electoral Board have proved they cannot hold a credible exercise.and said they will wait for the court to give the way forward.

"I reiterate the purported voter register verification exercise was not just shambolic but a mockery of what is universally acceptable of such an exercise," Twaha said in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

“I wish to state in no uncertain terms that I will not participate in this flawed exercise disguised as an election and call on all my supporters to boycott the sham process until we have a process that can guarantee a credible electoral exercise for the good of our game,” Twaha continued.

“Our quest for electoral justice and fair end to the polls is on course and we shall pursue it to its logical, just end.

“I have the full confidence in the court which I believe, as they have done on two occasions in the past, it will mete out the same fate of this sham process so as to protect the law and the fundamental rights of every Kenyan as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010.”

On his part, Musonye said it will be a waste of time to hand in nomination papers when the exercise was not free and fair the same as Sholei, who said they will seek justice in the court of law.

Goal, however, understands other presidential aspirants - Boniface Osano and Omondi Aduda - will present their papers in readiness to face off with incumbent Nick Mwendwa, who will be seeking another four-year term in office.

The Electoral Board has already set October 17 as the date for the national elections which will be preceded by grassroots polls held across the 47 counties on September 19.

It will be the third time in a year that the FKF will be holding elections.

The previous two exercises were nullified by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) last December and in March this year, with SDT chairman John Ohaga ruling the rules of engagement were flouted on both occasions.