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Former India international goalkeeper Bhaskar Maity, who suffered a brain stroke, passed away at the age of 67 on Wednesday afternoon.

The late footballer is survived by his wife, son Adhish Maity who is a professional bodybuilder and daughter Iris who is an actor.

Bhaskar Maity made his professional debut in 1973 and was introduced to football by another former India international footballer Prasun Banerjee, who is a Member of Parliament from Howrah and West Bengal and also the brother of legendary late footballer P.K Banerjee.

The goalkeeper was an integral part of the Indian national team at the 1978 Asian Games wherein India was ousted from the semifinal group stage. He was also a member of the Indian team at the Agha Khan Cup and Dhaka Cup in 1977.

Maity’s career, though, was short-lived as he decided to hang his boots at the age of just 25 reportedly due hierarchical politics. At the club level, he represented Mafatlal Sports Club and RCF Football Club in Mumbai. He also represented Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy.

As a coach, he worked as an assistant coach at Mumbai-based football clubs Mumbai FC and Mumbai Tigers.

Legendary goalkeeper Bhaskar Ganguly, who was also a member of the Indian team at the 1978 Asian Games, rued the death of his former teammate. 

“I have no words to describe the feeling of passing away of a friend. He was a very nice person. He hailed from Midnapore in West Bengal. He was a very good player and had a very successful career in Mumbai. Whenever we used to travel for away games we used to meet. He was a perfect gentleman,” said Ganguly on Bhaskar Maity death.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel too condoled the former footballer's death.

The very first South African Women Freestyle Football Champion has been announced. 

History was rewritten this year as the South African Freestyle Championships 2020 received its very first female entrants

In the Women Freestyle Football section, 13-year-old Rethabile Kola has been voted as the first Freestyle Women Champion in South Africa, edging her 17-year-old rival Ceeti Bodibe.  

Only two women submitted entrants for this year's event, setting an all Vanderbijlpark battle in the final

The duo is mentored by Sipho 'Six' Busakwe, the current South African freestyle football champion and a finalist of this year's event.

"I started training them when lockdown started of which I had nothing to do but training myself," said Busakwe. 

" I thought maybe I bring South African females since I've met a lot of female freestylers at the international level. 

"I believed in them and in the work, I was doing with them, so we started off by joining female African Championships with them and that's when I realised that both are ready.  

"I would always do a little competition since I've got 22 kids overall and they would go straight to the top four every week.

"I'm so proud of them and very grateful to give back to my community since well I've been a national champion several times but had nothing to offer because I'm not stable financially, no sponsorship, no jobs but only training and focused."

The competition continues with the male section with Busakwe facing Cape Town’s Emilio Nahamuja for top honours. 

Goal will be publishing the winners of each round, all details and selected videos in their different platforms.

Mikel Arteta has expressed his hope that his Arsenal players show a desire to reach the "next level" after their FA Cup triumph.

The Gunners finished the 2019-20 campaign in eighth, their lowest top-flight position for 25 years, missing out on a European spot in the process. A disastrous start to the season saw Unai Emery relieved of his managerial duties in November, with Arteta appointed as his permanent successor a month later.

The former club captain managed to galvanise a squad devoid of confidence while implementing his own unique philosophy at Emirates Stadium, and although he was ultimately unable to turn fortunes around in the Premier League, he did deliver success in the form of a major trophy.

Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final on August 1 thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's double at Wembley, which saw them qualify for next season's Europa League and set up up a Community Shield meeting with Liverpool.

Arteta has challenged his squad to build on that platform in his first full season in charge, as he told the club's official website when asked where he expects the team to be in a year's time: "It's an impossible question.

"I don't even know where we are going to be on day one of pre-season. I have to look at the players, how they come from holidays, how they come after winning, I want to see that reaction.

"You know, are they going to be a little more relaxed because we've done something or are they going to come with 'Okay, this is nothing that we've done. We have to go to the next level, we have to apply ourselves better, we have to improve in a lot of areas and we have to dominate many other aspects of the game that at the moment we cannot control'.

"If that is the mindset, then I am very positive that we will be sitting here in a year's time really happy, but I hope we take that road straight away."

Arteta added on how far the Gunners have come during his first few months at the helm: "I am very positive about where we are. I don't know if we are ahead of schedule, obviously if you had told me that we were going to win the cup before we joined then I probably would be happy with that.

"What I am very positive and very passionate and encouraged about is what we can do in the future and if we make the right decisions I am super confident that we can bring the club back to the top."

Istanbul Basaksehir striker Demba Ba hopes sport icons can do more and talk about injustices around the world.

The former Chelsea and Newcastle United star has joined Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil in calling on the world to support Uighur Muslims in China.

Reports claim China has up to a million individuals detained in “re-education camps” designed to better integrate the minority group into the country's socialist society.

The Asian country has since rejected the allegation but Ba thinks the global community is not doing enough for the Uighur people compared to the Black Lives Matter movement which shook the world.

"The Black Lives Matter movement is stronger when non-black people step up for it," Ba told BBC Sport.

"When are we going to see the rest of the world stand up for Muslims?

"I have to try and organise something so football players can get together and, in the meantime, talk about this matter because not a lot of people want to.

"I know there are footballers who want to fight for justice, whether Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, any belief.

"As sportspeople, we have a power we don't even know. If we get together and talk, things change. If we stand up, people stand up with us."

Last December, Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure expressed a contrary opinion and suggested footballers should stay away from political issues.

“I was quite amazed. I think me and my point of view [is that] football is something that is very important,” the ex-Manchester City and Barcelona star told SNTV.

“But I think footballers have to stay with football and politicians do politics because you cannot be involved in these kinds of things. It's going to attract a lot of problems and to be honest, as a Muslim, it's complicated.

“It's his choice, he's been doing his comments [on social media], but I think he was wrong to say that.”

Having previously played for Besiktas and Goztepe in the Super Lig, Ba returned to Turkey in January 2019 after completing a free transfer from Shanghai Shenhua.

The 35-year-old helped Basaksehir win the Turkish Super Lig title in the 2019-20 season with a contribution of 13 goals.

Simba SC have confirmed they had planned to face Al Ahly in the friendly to celebrate Simba Day but it could not materialise because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Simba Day is an annual day for the Wekundu wa Msimbazi to celebrate the club’s success after concluding the season and is also used to unveil their new signings to the fans before the new season kicks off.

According to Simba information officer Haji Manara, the Egyptian giants had accepted their invitation to play against them in a friendly on August 22 but securing travel plans scampered the trip.

“We had contacted Al Ahly and they were willing to come for the friendly but owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic, they cancelled the tour at the eleventh hour,” Manara told reporters on Wednesday.

After missing out on Al Ahly, Simba went ahead to book a friendly against Vital’O of Burundi, and Manara believes they will also give them the challenge they need as they prepare for the new Mainland Premier League season set to kick off on September 6.

“We are very confident [Vital’O] will provide the challenge our coach and the team needs to prepare for the new season, it was also difficult to get them but they have finally said they will come, and we will play on August 22."

The friendly will kick-off at 14:00 inside the newly renamed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Last week, Manara revealed due to the changes of fixtures last season, owing to the coronavirus pandemic, they had opted to push back the Simba Day event from August 8 to 22.

“We have visualised that this time around, using Benjamin Mkapa Stadium alone will not be enough that is why the day will be hosted by two venues including Uhuru Stadium where big screens will be installed for people to follow the entire occasion,” Manara told reporters.

Two days ago, Simba held the Champions Week with three events, showing off the new logo of the club, introducing the new team kit they will use next season plus parading the new players to be featured in the 2020/21 league season.

“Initially, we used to show our new kits when playing the Community Shield game but this time around, we have made some changes," Manara added.

"The new logo we want to introduce will be specific to go along with the demands of modern football and this is usually done by other big clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and others.”

Simba won a treble last season – the Community Shield, the league title and FA Cup – and will now represent the country in the Caf Champions League.

Coach Ernst Middendorp has identified at least three Bloemfontein Celtic players Kaizer Chiefs should keep an eye on ahead of Wednesday's night clash at Tuks Stadium.

According to the 61-year-old mentor, former player Lucky Baloyi, Justice Chabalala and Ndumiso Mabena are the three players Amakhosi need to monitor.  

Mabena was on the scoresheet when Chiefs beat Celtic 5-3 in a thrilling first-round match at Moses Mabhida Stadium late last year. 

He also admits Phunya Sele Sele are a disciplined side that is likely to give them a difficult match on the night. 

"We are playing a very disciplined Celtic. No doubt, it will be a very difficult task for us and as always, the next game is the most important one," Middendorp told the Amakhosi website.  

"Celtic have some industrious players in their team. We must closely watch the roles that Lucky Baloyi and Justice Chabalala play to close their channels. Remember they have their influential player in Ndumiso Mabena, who makes them play. We will need to watch him as well."

Middendorp further stated that Leonardo Castro faces a late fitness test after struggling with cramp in the match against Bidvest Wits.

The Colombian striker missed the 3-2 win over Polokwane City as a precaution but he has continued to train with the rest of his teammates.

And apart from Castro, everyone is ready and available for selection.  

"We are still assessing our options at this stage. We have one concern though with Leonardo Castro. He did not form part of the trip to Polokwane City on Saturday due to some cramping he experienced in the Wits game," added Middendorp. 

"He is fine now and back in training. But we will decide on his participation in the 11th hour before kick-off. The rest of the players are available for selection."

The Soweto giants could stretch their lead at the top of the PSL log to nine points with a win over Celtic after Mamelodi Sundowns' loss to Cape Town City. 

As things stand, they are on 52 points from 24 league games while Sundowns are on 46 points from the same number of games. 

Manchester United are "missing a trick" by not signing Benfica-bound striker Edinson Cavani, according to Louis Saha.

Cavani dropped into the free agency pool at the end of June after failing to agree on a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain.

The 33-year-old established himself as one of the top strikers in world football during his time at Parc des Princes, scoring 200 goals in 301 outings for the French giants.

The arrival of Mauro Icardi last summer saw Cavani pushed down the squad pecking order, but he still left the club with 21 major trophies to his name, including six Ligue 1 titles.

The likes of Atletico Madrid, Inter and newly-promoted Premier League outfit Leeds United have all been linked with the Uruguayan in recent weeks, and a possible return to South America has also been mooted for the veteran forward.

However, Benfica look set to win the race for his signature, with Cavani confirming earlier this week that he has held talks with the Portuguese club.

Saha cannot understand why United haven't made a move for Cavani, with it his belief that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's current squad is still lacking a natural number nine.

"I think Manchester United are missing a trick by not signing Edinson Cavani this summer," the former Red Devils star told the Football Index Podcast.

"I’ve followed him for many years and I’m gutted there doesn’t seem to be an interest there. For me, Cavani would be the best fit this summer.

"Cavani has a great eye for goal and his leadership would be a great asset. He has qualities that are very difficult to find on the transfer market."

Saha went on to suggest that Lyon's Moussa Dembele could be a good alternative option for Solskjaer as he looks to bolster his attacking ranks.

The Frenchman is certain that Dembele, who came off the bench to score twice in Lyon's 3-1 Champions League quarter-final win over Manchester City last weekend, could add a new dimension to United's line-up due to his physicality.

"I think Moussa Dembele could be an interesting signing for Manchester United," said Saha.

"I know from my time at Fulham that Dembele is physically strong and he would be a very good target man.

"He would be able to hold up the play and bring wide players into the game as an effective plan B against some opposition."

Jiangsu Suning striker Tabitha Chawinga said she used her influence in China to secure a contract for her sister Temwa in January.

The 24-year-old has established herself in China since she arrived from Sweden in 2018, with her exploits earning her back-to-back Chinese Women's Super League Best Player of the Year awards.

With 68 goals in all competitions in two seasons, Tabitha helped Jiangsu finish as runners-up in 2018 before claiming all the domestic titles in 2019, including a first league diadem since 2009.

Her reputation increased demands for African strikers in the Chinese top-flight, opening doors for South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana, and the Nigeria duo of Francisca Ordega and Chiwendu Ihezuo in 2019.

Having extended her stay with Jiangsu, Tabitha revealed how she used her influence to pave the way for sister Temwa, who replaced her at Swedish outfit Kvarnsveden, in China this winter.

"The [Kvarnsveden] club owner resisted because he did not believe Malawi could produce another good player like me," Tabitha told BBC.

 "But I fought hard for my sister, so they eventually agreed to invite her for trials and they signed her.

"I recommended my sister Temwa, and I did not have to explain a lot because she was [second] top scorer in Sweden and so Wuhan FC were quick to sign her."

The Malawian sisters will go head to head for the first time when the Chinese season resume on August 23 after playing together for the national team, DD Sunshine in Malawi and Kvarnsveden in Sweden.

And the Chawinga sisters are eager to compete against each other for domestic titles and top scorer gongs for their respective teams.

Tabitha said: "she's a very good player, and the thing is everyone will be working hard to make her team and fans happy."

Anticipating a childhood rivalry rekindled, Temwa, who is thankful for Tabitha's incredible support in her career journey, said: "My sister has been instrumental in my career progression.

"She, of course, made connections for me to leave Malawi to play abroad, but most importantly has always advised me to fight hard, to know what I want and to pursue it without listening to distracting people.

"Both of us will our best to see who the best player is. Back home the family are very happy about us. My parents never thought their children would one day play football outside of the country, but now it's happening."

With all the matches to be played at the Haigeng Sports Training Base in Kunming, Tabitha's Jiangsu will open their title defence against newly promoted Hebei China Fortune on August 23.

Wuhan will face Henan Jianye, who will be without the services of Nigeria duo of Chiwendu Ihezuo and Onome Ebi, on the same day.

Based on the fixtures, the two Malawian sisters will play against each other for the first time when Jiangsu face Wuhan on August 29.

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of Brazilian teenager Reinier on a two-season loan from Real Madrid.

As reported by Goal earlier this week, an agreement has been reached between the two clubs which will see the 18-year-old spend the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns at Westfalenstadion.

Speaking about the move, the Brazil Under-23 international told the Dortmund website: “I am happy to be with BVB now. The club is known for betting on young players and making them better. 

"I want to learn a lot here, play a lot and help the team to be successful. I hope that we will have many happy moments together."

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc added: “Reinier is a player who brings enormous talent and can be used in various attacking positions.

“We have been watching the boy for more than two years, he has great technical skills as well good physical robustness. 

"After a long break from competition, we will give him the time he needs to get used to German professional football, then he will be an additional attacking option."

Real Madrid paid in the region of €35 million (£30m/$39m) to sign Reinier from Flamengo in January on a six-and-a-half year contract through to the summer of 2026.

La Liga's registration rules prevented him from immediately joining up with Zinedine Zidane's first team, as only three non-EU players are allowed in the senior squad, with Vinicius, Rodrygo and Eder Militao currently filling those spots.

That meant Reinier had to make do with a role their reserve side, Real Madrid Castilla, until the end of the 2019-20 season.

By loaning him out for two years it will enable the youngster to gain valuable experience before returning to the Spanish giants to compete for a first-team place.

The attacking midfielder becomes Dortmund's third signing of the summer following Thomas Meunier's free transfer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain and the capture of Jude Bellingham from Birmingham.

His arrival could revive speculation about Jadon Sancho's future with Dortmund, who continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United.

Zorc has publicly stated that the 20-year-old will stay in Germany for at least another season, though the Red Devils still retain hope of finalising a transfer before the window closes.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have revealed how difficult it was to sign two players, Tuisila Kisinda and Mukoko Tonombe, from AS Vita.

The pair from the Democratic Republic of the Congo were unveiled two days ago from the Burundi giants ahead of the new 2020-21 Mainland Premier League campaign which kicks off on September 6.

Yanga, who had already released 14 players, among them strikers David Molinga and Gnamien Yikpe, were in need of players, and it forced the club to send a delegation led by GSM’s investment director Hersi Said to Burundi to seal the two deals.

“Both players were playing for AS Vita and fortunately, I had a good discussion with the club owners over their transfer deals and are now legal players for Yanga,” Said is quoted by Daily News.

“It was not easy to buy to players from one club, but our presence there is what worked the magic and the fans should support us as we strive to build a team capable of challenging for the title.”

Said further confirmed that the two players are likely to report to camp sooner than expected.

“If we will manage to get the required documents very fast, then by Thursday [tomorrow], we will be back in Tanzania,” Said continued.

Said also stressed the importance of the team working on the striking area which was their main undoing last season when they managed to finish second in the league table but without silverware.

“We expect to name him on Friday as such, people should just be ready for that big deal. When everything is done, we will inform the public through our official news outlets," he added.

“As we promised, our target is to ensure this club rises to become one of the biggest sides in Africa and be the first team from Tanzania to win the big title from the continent.

“To achieve this, we are ensuring that we do get good players who are capable to compete to match the dreams of the club. We want Yanga players to have high-class abilities to do wonders.”

Yanga are also in the market for a new coach after they fired Belgian Luc Eymael at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Philippe Coutinho's future at Barcelona won't be affected by his two-goal cameo against them for Bayern Munich in the Champions League, according to Rivaldo.

Coutinho was sent out on loan to Bayern for the duration of 2019-20 campaign after an underwhelming first full season at Camp Nou.

The Brazilian joined Barca from Liverpool in a £142 million ($188m) deal in January 2018, but has so far failed to justify that hefty price tag.

He has, however, shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Allianz Arena, scoring 11 goals and laying on nine assists in 36 appearances for Bayern in total.

Due to the fact Uefa rules do not allow clauses preventing loanees from playing against their parent clubs, Coutinho was also able to feature in a Champions League quarter-final clash with Barca on August 14.

The 28-year-old had a huge impact when introduced to the action as a second-half substitute, as he set up Robert Lewandowski before scoring twice to round off a stunning 8-2 victory for the German champions.

Bayern are not expected to take up the option to sign Coutinho on a permanent basis, and he has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League in recent months.

Rivaldo doesn't think his fellow countryman's time at Barca is up just yet though, despite the pivotal role he played in knocking the Liga giants out of Europe last week.

"Philippe Coutinho scored twice against Barcelona after just 20 minutes on the pitch. I don't think it was disrespectful," the Blaugrana legend told Betfair.

"Coutinho is a professional loaned to Bayern Munich with the purpose of helping the Germans every time he is called on and that's what he did.

"I shouldn't affect his future at club. Whether Coutinho tries to revive his career, or moves on this summer, will all depend on the new manager and the plans he has for the Brazilian star.

"With so many exits expected at Barca, Coutinho might even get more opportunities."

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has opened the door for Coutinho to remain in Catalonia, but he insists that the final decision on the playmaker's future will be made by the club's new permanent head coach Ronald Koeman.

"The head coach will make the decision," Bartomeu said. "If he wants him to continue, next year he will play with us."

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has picked out Leicester’s Ben Chilwell as one of his top three left-backs in world football.

The Foxes academy graduate has now firmly established himself in the club's first team since first making his Premier league debut in 2016.

The 23-year-old has also broken into Gareth Southgate’s England squad in that time, earning 11 caps so far for the Three Lions.

As previously reported by Goal , Premier League rivals Chelsea are on the lookout for a new left-back this summer and have made Chilwell their number one choice, though Leicester are likely to demand up to £80 million ($105m) for his services.

Robertson is also a fan of his fellow defender’s abilities, ranking him in his top three alongside Barcelona’s Jordi Alba and Bayern Munich teenager Alphonso Davies, who produced a remarkable assist for Joshua Kimmich is his side’s 8-2 thrashing of the Catalan giants in their Champions League quarter-final last week.

"I think Alphonso Davies, already world class but he can only get better," Robertson told BT Sport. "Don’t expect me to be doing that [Davies' assist vs Barcelona] any time in a hurry.

"That was just incredible. It probably took five or six of them out of the game with one passage of play.

“[He is a] Phenomenal player, somebody I enjoy watching and I think the whole world’s enjoying watching him at the minute and I'm no different.

"Ben Chilwell I love watching in the Premier League.

"Then I would say Jordi Alba, the more experienced one of the three I would say, maybe coming near the end of his career, but what a career he’s had.

"Him and [Real Madrid's] Marcelo probably took left-backs to a whole new level."

Scotland defender Robertson is certainly a candidate for world's best left-back himself, having excelled in that position since joining the Reds from Hull City in 2017.

The 26-year-old helped them to Champions League success in just his second season at Anfield, before being part of the side that ended the Merseyside club’s 30-year wait for a league title last campaign.

When Pep Guardiola woke on Sunday morning he surely would still be questioning just how Manchester City collapsed against Olympique Lyonnais in their Champions League quarter-final the evening before.

Frankly, the 3-1 defeat will sting for a while, but, even worse, for someone like the former Barcelona boss, was the abject showing for nearly two-thirds of the encounter. For all the talk of 'playing my way' and 'adhering to a certain style or philosophy’ to win football games, Guardiola did neither on Saturday, for an hour, at least.

The exalted Catalan bemused observers with the strange 3-5-2 formation at Estadio Jose Alvalade, a departure from his usual 4-3-3 or tweaked 4-2-3-1 he turns to from time to time. 

A casualty of Pep’s bizarre tactic was Riyad Mahrez, left out from the off against the Ligue 1 side that had just eliminated a wobbling Juventus side on away goals. Having been an unused substitute vs Real Madrid days earlier, the Algeria winger’s snub vs Lyon was jarring.

In truth, leaving the African champion out against Los Blancos was predicted, given the ex-Leicester City man had underwhelmed in big FA Cup clashes while the City manager’s selection in their final two Premier League games foresaw his selection for Real, but omission against the seventh-best French side in 19/20 was near mortifying.

Along with Mahrez, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and David Silva were among the 12 substitutes on the night, as Guardiola surprised critics and maybe his players with his line-up.

After all, this was the same man that went with a bold approach against Zinedine Zidane’s side either side of the pandemic and consequently dominated the Spanish champions in both games. Seemingly overly worried by the French outfit in their quarter-final clash, he was unusually faint-hearted when it mattered most.

There's a suggestion that previous eliminations at this stage in recent seasons, coupled with disappointing results vs Lyon last term, led to Saturday's line-up. However, this iteration had a new manager in charge and lost a few of the key personnel from both meetings in 18/19.

If that XI vs Rudi Garcia’s team looked a caricature of a normal Pep line-up, the choice to wait almost an hour to correct what wasn’t working was even more criminal.

The former Bayern Munich trainer’s high standing in the game is due to the number of trophies won since 2009, the style of football employed and his ability to make the right decisions. Against Les Gones, the 49-year-old boss was indecisive and it cost his team dearly.

Of course, the Citizens created the better chances over 90 minutes (they edged xG 3.06-0.83) and could complain about poor refereeing for the second while the usually reliable Ederson bungled an easy catch for the Kids’ third, regardless, waiting so long to change a flawed strategy put too much pressure on the City players.

After the dispiriting first 45 minutes, the expectation was for Pep to tear down the imperfect approach but he waited another 16 minutes after the restart to introduce Mahrez, despite trailing since the 23rd minute. The 2016 African Footballer of the Year did little in the half-hour following his introduction, although he did create a shooting opportunity in those final 34 minutes.

It felt like City wasted an hour of that game utilising an alien style and gave themselves a mountain to climb after reverting to playing on the front foot for the final third of the quarter-final.

While many at the club mull over their last eight elimination, for the fourth successive time under Guardiola, doubts may yet again spring up in Mahrez’s mind over the level of trust Pep has in him.

There was talk of the Spaniard not truly having confidence in the North African in his maiden year at the Etihad Stadium, but a strong finish to 18/19 and an excellent start in 19/20 saw the African champion become one of the Citizens’ key players.

This made observers predict an important role for the two-time Premier League champion in Man City’s European joust, but it ultimately wasn’t to be as he lost his place in the side at the first sign of a dip in form in the very tight games.

Indeed, the lack of confidence in the African winger and a couple of other attacking talent against Lyon was remarkable. It passed the wrong message to observers and apparently to the players as well, who seemed to play with fear vs a side they were tipped to dominate.

Despite a potentially daunting meeting with favourites Bayern Munich in the semi-final, the recalibration of the Champions League this year meant this represented Pep’s best chance to end his nine-year continental drought and bring home Europe’s most sought-after trophy to the blue half of Manchester.

Mahrez and co. will undoubtedly go again next season. Nevertheless, Saturday's exit felt like a huge opportunity missed to win their first European crown in this revamped format. The disappointment should rankle. It will rankle.

Colombian centre-back Oswaldo Henriquez looked set to be a Kerala Blasters player for the upcoming edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).

He had already signed a contract with the Kochi-based club. However, now the club management has been forced to seek a replacement after the player joined Bnei Sakhnin F.C. of Israel.

Goal understands that fears over the rising Covid-19 positive cases in the country forced Henriquez to prematurely end the contract and join the Israeli club.

Henriquez was keeping an eye on the Coronavirus situation in India, and the increasing number of cases forced him to seek an amicable termination of the contract with Blasters. The club deliberated on his concerns and decided that it would be in the best interests of both the parties if the player was allowed to leave.

One must note that Henriquez was attending the online coaching sessions of Kibu Vicuna until an offer from the Israeli club came his way.

The 31-year-old has spent most of his career in South American leagues. He played for Millionarios in the Colombian top division in his early years before moving to Brazil in 2016 when he joined Sport Recife in the Brazilian Serie A. In 2018, he left the club to join Vasco Da Gama for whom he started 27 matches in the top division last season. 

After a disappointing season riddled with injuries, the Yellow Army will be looking to get into the top four in the 2020-21 season of ISL which will be held in Goa. In their bid to do so, they have already handed contract extensions to Sahal Samad, Abdul Hakku, and Rahul KP. Whereas, they have signed Nishu Kumar from Bengaluru FC to strengthen the backline. 

Former Olympique Lyon ace Michael Essien believes it is not beyond the French outfit to spring a surprise on favourites Bayern Munich in the clubs' Champions League semi-final clash on Wednesday.

The two teams are set for a showdown at the neutral Jose Alvalade Stadium in a one-off fixture in Portugal, the competition's knock-out stage format having been changed from two-legged home-and-away ties due to the coronavirus disruptions.

The winners will have a final date with Paris Saint-Germain, who beat German side RB Leipzig in the first semi-final to book what will be their first ever appearance in the Champions League final.

“It’s possible [for Lyon to win], especially in this one-off tournament format, anything can happen in 90 minutes so you can’t rule them out," Essien told TV3.

“In the Champions League, they have the same old traits of hard work, belief and good organisation.

"They play to their strengths regardless of the opposition and that’s why they are doing so well.”

Lyon, at least, already have one major upset to show as they stung Manchester City 3-1 in the quarter-final.

Bayern, on the other hand, were as ruthless as they could possibly be as they succumbed Barcelona to an 8-2 annihilation in the last eight.

Following a move from Bastia, Essien spent two seasons between 2003 and 2005 at Lyon before joining Chelsea in a deal reportedly with £24.4 million.

During his time with OL, the midfielder won Ligue 1 in 2004 and 2005 and the Super Cup in 2003 and 2004.

“It [time with Lyon] moved me from being a young player to a senior player at a big club, so, it helped me grow up and feature on the big stage," the 37 year-old, who went on to win the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, added.

“I gained a lot of experience in a short space of time.

“I think the set-up of the club as a whole and the longevity of the president [Jean-Michel Aulas has helped]. There has been continuity and they also know how to develop good players.

“The two [league] titles and Champions League games will be my favourite memories."

Essien also played for Real Madrid, AC Milan, Greek side Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung in Indonesia and most recently Azerbaijani outfit Sabail.

Ndubuisi Egbo is focused on helping KF Tirana qualify for the Uefa Champions League group stage.

The Albanian champions battle Georgian outfit Dinamo Tbilisi in the first qualifying round of the European competition on Wednesday.

Egbo, a former Nigeria international who played at two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, became the first person from the West African country to win a European title after KF Tirana’s success in the Kategoria Superiore last season.

He is now eager to become the first Nigerian to coach a team in the Uefa Champions League group stage if his team scale their qualification hurdles successfully.

“I’m looking forward to the game. I’m not chasing personal records. I’m a team player,” Egbo told the Punch.

“My aim is to take the Albanian champions to the Uefa Champions League group stage and show what they can do.

“We are concentrating on winning the tie. That’s my focus as we have 80 per cent of the team that won the league but we have three new players coming into the team. The first striker is not ready, the right-back and one of the central defenders is doubtful as well.”

KF Tirana are yet to play a competitive match since their 2-0 defeat to Teuta Durres in the Albanian Cup final on August 2.

Meanwhile, Dinamo Tbilisi have played 10 games so far in the 2020-21 Georgian top-flight season which makes Egbo worried about Wednesday’s encounter at Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena.

“It’s going to be a difficult game because Dinamo Tbilisi have started their league season and they have played about 10 games,” he said.

“They occupy the first position in their league and they have the momentum going for them more than us that need a bit of rest.

“We also have some new players in our team that are not used to our pattern of play and their teammates yet. We have trained together, to give a good account of ourselves.”

Wazito FC have confirmed their fifth signing this transfer window following the unveiling of Edwin Omondi.

The midfielder has joined the former National Super League (NSL) champions from Western Stima.

“We can confirm the signing of Edwin Clifford ‘Euro’ Omondi from Kenyan Premier League side, Western Stima,” Wazito confirmed in a statement on their official website.

“Omondi is a midfielder by trade and his arrival will bolster our defensive midfield area.  He has previously played for Gor Mahia Youth, Palos FC, and Chemelil Sugar FC.

“He is an alumnus of Senende Secondary School in Hamisi, Vihiga County.”

On signing for the club, Omondi said: “I feel fantastic after signing for Wazito because this is one of the greatest clubs in Kenya as at now.

“My mission is to work hard and steer the team to a better position next season. I urge the fans to keep rallying behind the team and all will be well.”

Coach Fred Ambani, who sanctioned the signing of the player, has also welcomed the transfer by stating: “Omondi is an experienced player. He has played in the KPL for some years gaining valuable experience which he brings into the team.”

Omondi becomes the fifth signing for the ambitious club, who have already brought on board striker Vincent Oburu, Mark Otieno, Kevin Kimani and Boniface Omondi.

In a recent interview, Wazito boss Ricardo Badoer revealed the club had changed its transfer strategy and will be going for young talented players once the transfer window opens.

“The plan is different now. We are looking to sign some good emerging players from other teams, these are young hungry players. We want players who want to play football for Wazito,” he stated.

“We are not going to sign high profile players this time around. The target is to get young players who are hungry and want to perform well. There’s no point in signing big names that won’t deliver.”

Wazito earned promotion to the top-flight in the 2019-20 campaign where the proceeded to sign over 15 players in a bid to challenge for the league title.

However, the team struggled to perform as they could not break into the top half of the table, and in the process sacked a number of coaches among them Fred Ambani, Stanley Okumbi (who was the technical director) and Melis Medo.

At the end of the season, another coach Stewart Hall left on a mutual agreement leaving the club with no option than to re-hire Ambani, who will now be assisted by Salim Babu.

Barcelona have confirmed Ronaldo Koeman's as their new permanent head coach on a contract set to run until 2022.

The Dutchman has left his post in charge of the Netherlands national team to replace Quique Setien in the Camp Nou hot seat.

More to follow.

Power Dynamos coach Perry Mutapa has lauded the move by midfielder Larry Bwalya to sign for Tanzania giants Simba SC.

The box-to-box midfielder was officially unveiled by the Wekundu wa Msimbazi three days ago, to end his love affair with Dynamos, a club he had served for five seasons. He had won one honour – the Charity Cup in 2016 - and also finished second in the league in 2015.

Mutapa, who was in charge of the player at Dynamos, has said Bwalya needed a change of scenery outside the country after he turned down moves to Zesco United and Nkana FC.

“It is a big step for the player, he was our best player this season, he is skilful, hardworking a dedicated, for him to go it means he was doing the right thing. He needed a change of environment,” Mutapa is quoted by Lusaka Times.

The exit of Bwalya has left Dynamos with a hole to fill with young midfielder Fredrick Mulambia left with the task to guide the club to titles in the coming season.

On leaving Dynamos, the 25-year-old paid tribute to the club by stating: “First and foremost I would like to thank my teammates, managers for all the support rendered to me throughout all the years we have worked together.

“And I would like to thank all my fans for the love and support! Wouldn’t have succeeded without you all.”

In Tanzania, Bwalya’s transfer saw him link up with another Zambian international Clatous Chama, who was voted the best player and midfielder of the year in the just-concluded season, which saw Simba win a treble.

Chama has already welcomed the club’s decision to go for the services of Bwalya ahead of the new season which kicks off on September 6.

"It was my long time wish to play alongside a fellow Zambian player at Simba and I am glad that my desire has been fulfilled,” Bwalya told reporters in Tanzania.

“He is the best player who is also included in the national team. I will do whatever it takes to make sure that he always feels at home.”

Simba will start their title defence with a tie against newly-promoted Ihefu FC while rivals Yanga will open against Tanzania Prisons at the newly-named Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

But before their league opener, Simba will start the season with a Community Shield clash against Namungo FC at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on August 30.