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Rasheedat Ajibade netted the winner for Avaldsnes as they beat Ngozi Ebere's Arna-Bjornar 1-0 in a Norwegian Toppserien encounter on Saturday.

The Nigeria international has settled in well with Thomas Dahle's team, having scored five goals in 22 appearances on her debut season since arriving from Nigerian side Robo Queens in 2018.

The 20-year-old striker made a fine start to the 2020 Toppserien campaign after she netted in her side's 5-2 triumph on July 4.

Following a 2-2 draw at Kolbotn last week, Avaldsnes aimed for a return to winning ways as Ajibade sought to find the net for the second time against Arna after a recent 2-2 preseason draw.

The FC Robo Queens product struck the winner in the 15th minute to inspire Dahle's team to back-to-back home victories this season.

The first half solitary strike from the Nigerian was all the hosts required to condemn Remi Natvik's side to the second defeat of the season. 

Ajibade was in action from the start to finish of the encounter for Avaldsnes, while compatriot Ebere was missing from the tie for Arna.

The win means Lillestrom are second on the log with seventh points from three matches and they will travel to face Ajara Nchout's Valerenga in their next Norwegian league match next Friday.

For Arna, the defeat saw them sit in seventh position of the 10-team standings with three points from three matches and they will welcome Rosenborg in their next league fixture on July 25.

Andre Ayew was ever-present as Swansea City claimed a 1-0 win over Bristol City at the Liberty Stadium in the penultimate round of Championship fixtures on Saturday.

The South Wales club had played out a 2-2 draw with fellow promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest in midweek, with Ayew scoring from the penalty spot while Nigerian winger Sammy Ameobi netted a brace for the Reds.

Swansea have lost more games at home this season (eight) than they have away from home (four).

Ayew attempted to give Steve Cooper’s side the lead in the 23rd minute, but his shot from six-yards out was saved by Bristol goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

The Ghana captain had another effort eight minutes to the half-time break but it was kept out. Swansea were however not to be denied in added time with Connor Roberts getting the much-needed goal.

Bristol had the chance to level up from the spot with 21 minutes left on the clock after Senegal striker Famara Diedhiou was fouled by Welsh-Angolan defender Ben Cabango. Diedhiou‘s effort sadly hit the frame of the goalpost.

Ayew had one last say in added time to make it 2-0 for the Swans, but his effort from outside the box failed to go in.

Regardless of the 30-year-old’s failure to find the back of the net, he can still be proud of his performance that produced seven total shots, four of which were on target, 66 touches, 33 accurate passes at 80%, while also winning seven of 10 ground duels and making two tackles and interceptions.

Ayew is Swansea’s top scorer this season with 15 goals and six assists. He has a 100% record from the penalty spot, converted five spot-kicks from five attempts.

Swansea sit in seventh place heading into the final round of fixtures next Wednesday, three points behind fierce Welsh rivals Cardiff City who occupy the final promotion play-off spot after seeing off Middlesbrough 3-1 at the Riverside.

The men in white will need to edge past Reading at the Madejski Stadium, while they hope the Bluebirds - who lead on goal difference by one, falter when they host Hull City.

James Rodriguez may be struggling for regular playing time at Real Madrid, as he edges his way towards the exit, but former Blancos striker Ivan Zamorano claims the Colombian is good enough to “play anywhere in the world”.

The 29-year-old playmaker is not expected to be short on offers in the next transfer window.

Players of his pedigree rarely become available on the open market, but there is no role for him at Santiago Bernabeu.

Zinedine Zidane has overlooked James on a regular basis as Real have swept their way to the Liga title.

A permanent parting of ways is now expected to be made with a player who spent two years on loan at Bayern Munich between 2017 and 2019.

Various landing spots have been mooted for South American schemer, from Atletico Madrid to the Premier League, and Zamorano expects a proven performer to rediscover his spark wherever he ends up.

The legendary Chilean frontman told Caracol Radio’s El Alarque of James: "He's very talented, I think he can play anywhere in the world if he wants to.

"He has shown he can be useful in European football, but he hasn't had the chances he needed or wanted this season.

"He has to keep fighting, trying and striving to be the best he can be.

"At some point he'll have the opportunity to demonstrate his ability. If it's not at Real Madrid, it'll be with another team.

"He's a European-level player and I'm sure he'll continue his career there."

James’ stepfather, Juan Carlos Restrepo, has claimed that the Real outcast is ready to start weighing up all of the options available to him.

He has told Super Combo del Deporte en Cali: “I just want to see him happy and playing first-team football on a regular basis.

“There are plenty of top-class clubs interested in his services.

“I'm a big fan of Spanish football and he's been linked with Atletico Madrid, which I would love as they have wonderful fans and an excellent new stadium. 

“We'll have to wait and see what transpires with it being impossible to rule out a move to the Premier League or Serie A too.”

Eberechi Eze found the back of the net for the 13th time this season to help Queens Park Rangers secure a 4-3 victory over Millwall in Saturday’s Championship game.

The 22-year-old was afforded a starting role and formed a three-man strike-force along with another anglo-Nigerian Olamide Shodipo and Ilias Chair.

Eze delivered a fine performance in the encounter to help Mark Warburton’s men bounce back to winning ways after a three-game winless run.

After a number of missed chances from both sides, QPR eventually broke the deadlock with two minutes to half-time through Conor Masterson.

Millwall responded well after the restart with Matt Smith levelling proceedings in the 49th minute after benefitting from Jed Wallace’s assist.

Ryan Manning restored the lead to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium outfit after he was played through on goal by Dominic Ball.

Moments after the hour mark, Eze then found the back of the net with his second shot in the encounter to give his side a two-goal lead after receiving an assist from Ilias Chair.

In the 67th minute, Shaun Hutchinson reduced the deficit for his side to ignite a possible comeback before Todd Kan, who replaced Shodipo, scored for Rangers with 17 minutes left to play.

Despite a last-gasp effort from Jayson Molumby, Rangers held their nerve to clinch their 16th win of the season on their turf.

Eze, who featured for the duration of the game, made three attempted dribbles and had a 56% successful pass rate in the game while his compatriot Bright Osayi-Samuel was not listed for the game.

The victory ensured QPR’s 14th-spot on the league table with 57 points from 45 games and will hope to finish the 2019-20 campaign with victory over West Bromwich Albion on July 22.

Besides his goals, Eze, who has been linked to a number of Premier League clubs, has now provided eight assists in 46 appearances across all competitions in this campaign.

The versatile player has been a long-time target for Nigeria's national team although he has played for England at youth levels, he is still eligible to feature for the Super Eagles.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder previously stated he has not made up his mind on his international future.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to “value” Jesse Lingard and claims a player generating transfer talk at Manchester United remains very much “a part of the club”.

A long-serving star at Old Trafford is seeing a move elsewhere mooted ahead of the next window.

That is because he has started to tumble down the pecking order with the Red Devils.

The January arrival of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba's return to fitness and form and the emergence of Mason Greenwood have all worked against Lingard when it comes to seeing regular game time.

He may be a midfielder with 24 England caps to his name, and 205 appearances for United, but questions have been asked of his value on a regular basis down the years.

Lingard has been a divisive figure in the eyes of domestic and international supporters, with criticism seemingly never far away.

Solskjaer insists that he has never had any doubts when it comes to a home-grown talent on his books, with the door still open for minutes to be seen.

The United boss told reporters ahead of a possible outing for Lingard in an FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea on Sunday: “Jesse is a part of the club and he's worked really hard.

“He deserves his chance to come back in and we know his qualities. We know that Jesse's got different qualities to other players and he knows that we value him.”

Lingard has switched agents this season, with his decision to start working with Mino Raiola considered to be a nod towards a possible change of scenery.

He remains on United’s books for now, though, and will be in contention when Solskjaer names his side to face Chelsea at Wembley.

Lingard boasts an impressive record at the home of English football and the Red Devils may look to buy into that when taking aim at another piece of major silverware.

Solskjaer added: “This is a great chance to get to the final, we're just one step away, it's at Wembley, so we just focus on the FA Cup.

“And a trophy, of course, that's massive for any player to win and any team to win, so that's our main focus now - to get to the final. Then we will look at West Ham and look at Leicester after that.”

United are putting their Premier League top-four bid to one side for now, but Champions League qualification remains the ultimate goal for Solskjaer’s side – with trophy tilts in the FA Cup and Europa League providing a welcome distraction.

Namungo FC played to a 1-1 draw against Tanzania Prisons during a Mainland Premier League tie on Saturday.

Namungo are involved in a second-place finish race against Yanga SC and Azam FC but the latest draw may end up proving costly at the end of the season.

Namungo took the lead in the 43rd minute when Edward Manyana scored the opener after the first 40 minutes failed to yield a goal.

Tanzania Prisons fought hard and were duly rewarded in the 64th minute when Samson Mbangula equalised to ensure the tie ended in a draw.

With three matches remaining, Namungo are third with 64 points behind Yanga who have 67 points and Azam FC who are third with two fewer points than Yanga.

Prisons are 11th with 45 points after 36 matches.

Kinondoni Municipal Council's (KMC FC) resurgence continued after they managed to pick yet another win against Mtibwa Sugar.

Ramadhan Kapera’s 56th-minute goal ensured the Dar es Salaam-based club picked maximum points away from home.

KMC, with 46 points and standing in 10th position, have five more points than their Saturday opponents who have played the same number of matches so far.

KMC started picking wins and rose up the ladder after a poor start into the current season which also saw Ugandan coach Jackson Mayanja sacked.

Mbeya City registered a 1-0 win away from home against Ndanda FC. Samson Mandeleke scored the only goal that separated the two sides four minutes after the start of the second half.

Mbeya City, 12th with 42 points, are fighting hard to rise above the relegation zone and the win means they have recorded four victories in the last six matches.

Singida United, who are facing an imminent drop as they sit at the bottom, fought to register a 2-0 win over Ruvu Shooting.

United have lost the last five matches and the win over Ruvu Shooting who are among the mid-table sides may not count much given they now have 18 points after 35 matches.

Their winning goals were scored by Seiri Arigumaho in the seventh minute and Ramadhan Hashimu in the 60th minute.

Meanwhile, Biashara United and Coastal Union fought to a 1-1- draw. Ramadhan Chombo scored Biashara United’s goal while Ayub Lyanga equalised for the visitors.

Finally, goals from Sixtus Sabilo and Marcel Kaheza handed Polisi Tanzania a 2-1 win over Kagera Sugar.

Sugar’s goal was scored through Iddy Mobby’s own goal in the 18th minute.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted “anything is possible” regarding the prospect of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang moving away from the Emirates, but maintains his captain is “happy” at the club.

Aubameyang’s Arsenal contract expires in June 2021 and he has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan.

But Arteta appears not worried about the possibility of his star man being lured away from north London.

“I've always been very positive about it [Aubameyang’s future]. I don't have the key to the future and in football, anything is possible,” Arteta told the Arsenal website.

“But I see his reactions, I see how he is training every day. I know that he's happy. I talk to him a lot and if we are able to do it, I think we can do it and we know how important he is for the team.”

Aubameyang is arguably Arsenal’s most prized player but the Gunners are unlikely to secure a Champions League spot for next season, and the chance of their skipper being snatched away could be increasing.

The Gabon international has struck 23 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions so far this season and has managed two assists.

His importance could further be seen when Arsenal clash with Manchester City in an FA Cup semi-final match at Wembley on Saturday.

Arteta has underlined Aubameyang’s reliability as he leads a Gunners team seeking to further their FA Cup record against the defending champions.

“I think he handles the pressure really well. It is part of his character that he is so relaxed and confident about himself,” Arteta said.

“I think the fact he is able to sustain that level of pressure and still deliver every single year, scoring the amount of goals that he does, tells you everything about how he responds and how he enjoys challenges. I am sure he will be ready on Saturday.”

The Arsenal manager says he is comfortable with fielding his main man either on the left flank or as a centre-forward but "to have a better balance in the team, to have a goal threat" Aubameyang is likely to be on the wing against City.

Saturday’s clash comes just over a month after Arteta was beaten 3-0 by his former boss Pep Guardiola in a Premier League fixture.

Sheffield United may have swooped for another goalkeeper this summer, but they are not giving up on retaining the services of Dean Henderson for another season. 

The on-loan Manchester United shot-stopper has made a huge impression at Bramall Lane since joining at the start of 2018-19. 

He was ever-present in the Blades net as they gained automatic promotion from the Championship, and has continued to shine as they battle for a place in Europe in their first term back amongst the Premier League elite. 

Such form has seen the 23-year-old mentioned as the successor to David de Gea in the Red Devils' net, with reports indicating that his parent club may recall him for the coming campaign. 

But, despite moving to sign fellow keeper Wes Foderingham, Blades boss Chris Wilder would love to see Henderson line up for his side for a while longer. 

"Dean and Manchester United know our views on that, we already have started talking to the player and Manchester United," Wilder told reporters on Saturday. 

"It is their decision and the boy's decision, we would love to extend that for another season and when we get the news on that decision we will let you know.

"Wes was available, we needed to strengthen that department, there will be a couple of changes going forward in that department. He became available, a free transfer and a three-year deal."

The Blades will be looking to consolidate their fine league position in 2020-21 after taking many by surprise in their top-flight return, but Wilder warned that transfer activity would be limited due to the financial ravages caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

"It will have to be [free transfers]. The club will be talking about that and budgets and where we are going forward," the manager added.

"As always, I'll try to get the maximum out of what's available, I don't think there will be any head-turning transfers from us this summer, so we will have to work hard to improve the group."

The club are back in action on Sunday, when they host Everton in their penultimate Premier League clash of 2019-20.

Andy Robertson has pieced together a five-a-side team made up of his Liverpool team-mates and taken great joy in annoying Mohamed Salah by leaving the Egyptian forward out of his side.

The Scottish full-back is among those revelling in Liverpool's Premier League title triumph, the side's first crown in the English top flight for three decades.

Several talismanic figures have contributed to that triumph, with Jurgen Klopp having pieced together a star-studded squad.

Salah forms part of that pack, with the 28-year-old having contributed a remarkable haul of 94 goals through his 150 appearances for Liverpool.

The forward was nevertheless overlooked by Robertson for small-sided action on Merseyside.

The Reds defender has made a number of predictable picks in his side, with there obvious choices to fill roles between the sticks and at the back.

He was blessed with a wealth of options from which to choose when it comes to attacking berths, and a player Robertson considers to be “one of the best in the world” got the nod.

Piecing together his five-a-side team on The Lockdown Tactics podcast, the 26-year-old said: “Alisson in goal for obvious reasons, you're not getting any better than him.

“Virgil van Dijk at the back, you can't get by him at 11-a-side never mind five-a-side, there's not a chance.

“I'll play a diamond and will go Bobby Firmino, technically one of the best players I've ever played with. Five-a-side suits him to a tee, he'd be perfect for that.

“I would put in Jordan Henderson. Technically he is one of the most underrated players I've ever worked with.

“People never question his hard work and all that, but when I first went into Liverpool he blew me away. Hendo technically is exceptional.

“Then I will go with the boy who plays in front of me, Sadio Mane. He brings a bit of pace, he brings the goals.”

Robertson added: “I'll put him in ahead of Mo, just because I know it will annoy Mo Salah and that's perfect for me!

“But really, me and Sadio have a fantastic relationship. As long as I give him the ball, he's happy. As long as I do overlaps, he's happy, but I don't get much back.

“He actually calls me 'decoy' at Melwood - he doesn't even know what it means! Sadio is one of the best in the world.”

Villarreal have confirmed Santi Cazorla will leave the LaLiga club and Bruno Soriano is to retire after Sunday's clash with Elbar.

Cazorla has made a big impact in his third spell with the Yellow Submarine since returning in 2018 after a serious Achilles injury.

The 35-year-old playmaker, who did not play for 636 days prior to his comeback two years ago, has scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in the Spanish top flight this season.

Cazorla will play his last game for the club this weekend, though, and has been linked with a move to Qatari club Al Sadd - coached by former Barcelona captain Xavi.

It has also been reported that Cazorla could take up a coaching role with Arsenal, but a switch to Qatar looks more likely for a player who earned a Spain recall last year.

Cazorla told Villarreal TV ahead of his final appearance: "Villarreal have given me everything. When I was 18, they gave me all the confidence.

"A guy from Oviedo who was unknown almost for everyone."

The former Spain international joined Villarreal as a teenager from Real Oviedo, and returned to the Castellon side in 2007 following a short spell with Recreativo. 

His sterling performances made him a regular in the Rojo line-up, with Cazorla forming part of the squads which lifted the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, and also caught the eye of other clubs, with a move to Malaga leading to Arsenal swooping for the midfielder in the summer of 2012. 

He enjoyed five seasons in north London before injury intervened, but managed to rebuild his career back at the Yellow Submarine and was almost ever-present for the club in their last two Liga campaigns.

Long-serving skipper Soriano will also  make an emotional swansong on the final day of the season at El Madrigal.

The 36-year-old, a one-club man, has made over 300 appearances for Villarreal since making his debut 14 years ago.

"What I am going to be, for now, it is being the fan number one of Villarreal. Villarreal will be part of my life forever." he said.

Leon Balogun featured as Wigan Athletic played out a 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic in Saturday’s Championship game to boost their survival hopes.

The Latics were recently handed a 12-point deduction after they went into administration which they have appealed but in the meantime, the players have continued to show their resolve to ensure the club survive relegation.

After inflicting a heavy 8-0 defeat to Hull City last time out, manager Paul Cook rallied his players to another positive result at the Valley with the Super Eagles star playing a crucial role in the encounter.

Balogun was afforded his ninth Championship appearance and made the most of the opportunity with his decent defensive displays.

Jamal Lowe put Wigan in front in the ninth minute before Alfie Doughty levelled proceedings two minutes later after benefitting from Adam Matthews’ assist.

Kieran Dowell then restored the lead for the Latics, however, Anglo-Nigerian Chuks Aneke set up Macauley Bonne with a timely assist to score the equalising goal.

Balogun featured for the duration of the game along with Egypt international and Wigan captain Sam Morsy. The Super Eagles defender made two tackles and won five aerial contests in the match.

With the draw, the DW Stadium outfit are now 13 points clear of the relegation zone and will hope to secure all three points against Fulham in their last league game on July 22.

Balogun joined the Latics in January on a short-term loan after failing to enjoy game time with Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 32-year-old then teamed up with the DW Stadium outfit until the end of the 2019-20 season and will hope to help them avoid relegation at the end of the season.

The defender has spent most of his career in Germany, playing for Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Dusseldorf and Mainz 05, among others.

Balogun has been with the Super Eagles since 2014 and has 32 caps for the three-time African champions since making his debut against Mexico.

The centre-back was part of Gernot Rohr’s team that finished third at 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, behind Senegal and Algeria, who won the title.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa has claimed he enjoys the support from the majority of Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clubs.

The FKF’s elections are expected to be held soon since the tenure of the current office ended and Mwendwa, who is fighting to retain the presidency, said most of the top-tier clubs are in favour of his candidacy.

“There are KPL clubs who are supporting me and some are not in support of my candidacy but that is how democracy works,” Mwendwa told Radio Jambo.

“Let me challenge you, take the 17 clubs and carry out a poll you will be surprised that we enjoy the majority support.”

The federation top official also explained why the recently announced BetKing sponsorship will have a lasting positive impact on the league.

“I sought the BetKing deal because the league was coming back to FKF and if we were to take back the league without a sponsor it was going to be a real problem,” he added.

“We were trying to make everything work for KPL after suffering for two years. Of course, if it will make people happy about us then that is good because that is also politics.

“We are increasing the value of KPL in that even when BetKing will not be around the next sponsor will not come with money less than KSh220 million a year.”

Mwendwa also dismissed claims he hurriedly announced the sponsorship pact with the betting firm to woe KPL delegates to support him in the elections, the date of which remains unknown after earlier two attempts were stopped.

“People were claiming I hate KPL but now I have brought a sponsor they claim I am doing it because of the elections lying ahead,” he stated.

“As a leader, you must learn how to navigate noises as you move forward. You do the right thing and make sure it is the right thing.

“BetKing were clear that the sponsorship they wanted is one for the top league and that is why they were ready to fork out the money they have agreed to.

“Not all companies will agree to a deal of that amount if they are not confident of what they want to do.”

The FKF-BetKing deal is expected to be launched on or before September 1.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger concedes that facing Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday will be a tough prospect, but feels that Olivier Giroud's return to scoring form puts the Blues in good stead ahead of the showpiece clash.

The Red Devils have been in imperious form since football's restart and have gone on a 19-game unbeaten run since a 2-0 defeat at home to Burnley back in January.

Indeed, the addition of Bruno Fernandes in the winter transfer window, Paul Pogba's return from injury and the form of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood have the Old Trafford outfit looking a match for any side in the world.

Rudiger, however, feels that Chelsea have an ace up their sleeve in the guise of World Cup winner Giroud.

“I'm really looking forward to the game,” the centre-back told the German FA's official website. “Man Utd are in great form – I mean, they haven't lost in 18 or 19 games.

"They beat us twice in the league, too, so they'll come into it with a huge amount of confidence.

“It's going to be a tough fight, but the good thing for us is that Olivier Giroud is firing again. He struggled for a while and some had already written him off.”

Despite a storming start to the season on the back of a transfer embargo, the Blues' form has suffered something of a dip of late, but Rudiger feels the Stamford Bridge side can still be happy with their campaign thus far.

“We're on the right track but we also have two tough games ahead of us, against Liverpool and Wolverhampton,” he said. “The good thing is that [Champions League qualification] is in our own hands.

“Not many would have thought that we could be in third place in the table at this point and unfortunately we've dropped a few points. On the whole, though, we can be satisfied with the season.

“For me personally, the season didn't start so well. There were a few injuries and aches and pains but I fought my way back into the team. I still don't have the same strength as before, though. I have to – and want to – work on that.”

Rudiger was also asked about Germany's prospects of winning their next major tournament – the rescheduled Euro 2020 – but the Berlin-born 27-year-old feels that the young squad might not yet be at the peak of its powers.

“We certainly have a lot of good young players,” he said. “Maybe it wasn't so bad for us that the tournament was postponed due to the coronavirus.

"Niklas Sule will be back, as will Leroy Sane. Now we have to see how things go until the European Championship.

“To be honest, we are not among the top favourites. I think other teams are a bit ahead of us.”

Kenya international Michael Olunga got back on the scoresheet after he helped Kashiwa Reysol beat Shonan Bellmare 3-2 on Saturday.

Olunga earned a brace after going for three matches without finding the back of the net despite starting in all the previous encounters.

The former Thika United star scored the opener in the 19th minute with an assist from Yuta Kamiya. He earned the second from the spot-kick when Hayato Nakama was fouled inside the box in the 44th minute.

Nakama scored the third for Kashiwa Reysol in the 77th minute with Hayato providing the assist to help the home side register what became their second win of the season.

Temma Matsuda scored the first goal for Bellmare three minutes after the hour mark before Naoki Ishihara added the second one in the 83rd minute with an assist from Toichi Suzuki.

There were two yellow cards recorded in the game with Bellmare’s Tarik Elyounoussi booked in the 32nd minute and Kashiwa Reysol's Kamiya followed suit in the third minute of added time.

Olunga and Nakama’s efforts ensured Kashiwa Reysol picked up a second win in five matches while Bellmare are still in search of a win in five attempts. They have lost four and drew in another match.

Kashiwa Reysol, now with six points after five matches, moved up the ladder and are now 12th while Bellmare dropped to the 17th spot with just a point.

In another encounter, Vegalta Sendai drew 2-2 at home against Consadole Sapporo while Kashima Antlers were 4-2 winners in a match they hosted Yokohama Marinos.

Kawasaki Frontale, who are topping the 18-team table with 13 points, registered the biggest win of the day when they humbled Yokohama FC 5-1 away, while Nagoya Grampus secured a slim 1-0 home win against Sagan Tosu.
 
Tokyo, at their own turf,  defeated Urawa Reds 2-0 while Gamba Osaka picked up a 2-1 victory against Oita Trinita. Vissel Kobe registered a 3-1 win against Shimizu S-Pulse and Sanfrecce Hiroshima lost 2-1 at home against Cerezo Osaka.

The next game for Olunga and Kashiwa Reysol will be an away tie against Urawa Reds on July 22.

Said Benrahma delivered an impressive display despite Brentford’s 1-0 defeat to Stoke City in Saturday’s Championship game.

The 24-year-old striker was afforded his 38th league start and gave a good account of himself, although his effort was not enough to help his side avoid defeat.

The Algeria international spearheaded Brentford’s attack along with French-born Cameroonian Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins.

The front three has been outstanding in this campaign, scoring 57 goals and their goalscoring prowess has helped the Bees’ promotion target so far.

Lee Gregory scored the only goal of the encounter and Stoke frustrated Brentford’s effort to level matter, as they ended the Bees' impressive form at Bet365 Stadium.

Benrahma struck two shots in the match, and completed three dribbles in his quest to open Stoke’s defence, and had a 74% successful pass rate.

The forward featured for the duration of the game while Mbeumo made way for Ghanaian winger Tariqe Fosu with six minutes left to full-time.

The defeat leaves Brentford in the third position on the league table with 81 points from 45 games, behind West Bromwich Albion and leaders Leeds United, who have now gained promotion to the Premier League.

Benrahma has scored 17 Championship goals and provided nine assists in 41 league appearances this season and has a total of 25 goals in 77 league games since joining the Bees in 2018.

The forward has been linked to several European clubs following his sparkling performances, including Premier League sides Chelsea and Arsenal.

The striker will hope to continue his eye-catching performances in their last league game of the season against Barnsley on July 22.

Benrahma, who has three caps for Algeria, has played for NRB Bethioua, Balma, Colomiers and t Nice youth setup before his promotion to the Eagles.

Arsenal may “end up having to pay” Mesut Ozil to leave the club, claims Paul Merson, with the German playmaker out of favour but showing no desire to leave a lucrative contract.

Exit talk is nothing new when it comes to a World Cup winner in north London.

Ozil has been a divisive figure throughout his time in England, with questions often asked of his commitment to the cause and desire to dig deep when the going gets tough.

Another move is being mooted at present, with a 31-year-old on big money in north London currently struggling for game time under Mikel Arteta.

Ozil and his representatives have, however, been eager to point out on a regular basis that their intention is to see out a deal through to 2021.

That is posing a problem to Arsenal, along with their struggles to get Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tied down to fresh terms, and Merson admits drastic action may need to be taken by a club that has been risk averse for far too long.

The former Gunners star told the Daily Star: “There’s Mesut Ozil’s wages to get off the books. They might end up having to pay him just to leave.

“And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang needs a new contract that won’t come cheap. He’s already in his 30s but Arsenal can’t afford to lose him.

“That’s a lot of money gone already. And I know Arsenal. I played there. Arsenal don’t gamble with their money.

“They don’t take big risks in the transfer market. It’s not their way. Arteta must know that - but if you don’t ask, you don’t get I suppose.

“A lot depends on the market as well. If someone goes for £80-90m at the start of the window, Arsenal are in trouble because it sets a tone and they can’t match it.

“But I think it’s hard for a lot of clubs to spend money right now, so you might find the top players everybody wants just don’t hit the market.”

Arteta is yet to discover what his budget will be for the next transfer window, which is due to open on July 27, but knows that fresh faces are required if collective standards are to be raised at Emirates Stadium.

Barcelona head coach Quique Setien has admitted that star man Lionel Messi was correct in his scathing attack on recent performances and that the Catalan club will not progress in the Champions League if they continue along their current lines.

A 2-1 midweek defeat to Osasuna saw the Primera Division title finally fall into the hands of Real Madrid, leading to six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi launching an astonishing broadside on the Camp Nou outfit from bottom to top.

The Argentine warned that Barcelona will exit the European Cup at the last-16 stage if they fail to improve, with their tie against Napoli balanced at 1-1 following a first-leg draw in Italy.

The return match is slated for early August, and though there is still doubt that Setien will be in the dugout for that clash, the former Real Betis coach agreed that there must be a dramatic improvement if the Serie A side are to be vanquished.

Speaking on Saturday ahead of a clash with Alaves on Sunday, he said: “We need to change a lot, otherwise we will also lose against Napoli.

"I already said before that playing like this we won't be able to fight for the Champions League and you see, we could not even fight for the league. We need to be self-critical.

“We are all aware that there are many things to improve, we must be more consistent and more reliable.

“If we manage to play a match like [the 4-1 win at] Villarreal, where everything went well, it surely gives us what we need to win the Champions League. 

“We must be more reliable during the 90 minutes and convince ourselves that if we give our best level, of course we can win the Champions League.”

He then addressed the question of whether he felt Messi’s words were a direct attack on his authority.

“No, not at all,” he said. “We all say things that are misinterpreted and others well, we experience it daily. I do not give it much importance. We all need a break to clean our minds. We will try to think in this regard.”

Meanwhile, the 61-year-old says he has no intention of handing in his resignation.

“The day I arrived I said that I would enjoy until the last day. I continue to enjoy despite the circumstances and I never thought that this would be easy,” he said.

“Defeat is always something to be overcome. I’m not experiencing anything I haven’t before and at no time have I felt like I want to leave.”

Simba SC have confirmed they will add five new players into the current squad ahead of the new season.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi were declared Mainland Premier League champions with six matches to spare and have also reached the final of the FA Cup after beating rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) 4-1 in the semi-finals.

Simba information officer Haji Manara has revealed the club’s intentions in the ongoing transfer window is to beef up weak areas and five players will be signed.

“We have a very strong squad going into next season and we don’t have to go for panic buying, we will only bring on board five new players ahead of the new season,” Manura is quoted by Sokaletu.

“Our first target is to make sure that we retain the squad we have, and if we do so then it will be easier for us to have a good transfer window, we will only bring the new faces and plan for the new season.

“I know our fans will always want to see us actively involved in the transfer window with big-name signings, but I want to assure them we are prepared not to disappoint them, we already have names from the technical bench and we will make sure we sign those players.”

Meanwhile, Manara has confirmed Simba fans will have the opportunity to take a photo with the league trophy before their league match against Alliance FC at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

Simba were presented with the trophy in their away match against Namungo FC and it will be the first time they are parading the trophy to their fans in the City centre.

“We will have a photo session for fans with the trophy before our match against Alliance,” Manura told Goal.

“That will be the only way to appreciate our fans for the all-round support they accorded the team throughout the season, without the fans we could not have achieved winning the trophy three times in a row.”

By winning the league, Simba will represent Tanzania in the Caf Champions League.

Jadon Sancho continues to keephis cards close to his chest when it comes to transfer talk, with the Borussia Dortmund winger giving little away when it comes to links with Manchester United and Liverpool.

A meteoric rise to prominence has been enjoyed by the 20-year-old forward since he left Manchester City’s academy system in 2017.

Having taken the brave decision to head for Germany, Sancho has gone on to become a senior star for Dortmund and England.

A return to his roots is now being mooted, with leading sides in the Premier League eager to buy into his current ability and future potential.

Big-money offers are said to be in the pipeline, with those at Old Trafford having generated plenty of speculation when it comes to adding another exciting young star to their ranks.

Liverpool, though, are also said to be in the running as Jurgen Klopp seeks greater depth to his attacking options with the English champions.

Chelsea are another to have generated transfer gossip, although Frank Lampard has snapped up Hakim Ziyech from Ajax.

Sancho is aware of the interest he is generating, but claims to have made no decision when it comes to his long-term future.

“I don’t know what to say to that,” he told World Soccer Magazine when quizzed on the exit talk.

“It’s hard to say. That’s the future.

“You never know what could happen, so we will wait and see.”

While reluctant to be drawn into a debate regarding where he could end up in 2020-21, Sancho admits to having emotional ties to Liverpool.

He grew up wanting up to follow in the footsteps of Reds legend John Barnes, while also taking inspiration from a two-time World Player of the Year who starred across five memorable years at Barcelona.

Sancho said: “My dad was a big fan of John Barnes. He had a couple of videos of him at home and I used to watch them a lot.

“I used to look at Ronaldinho on YouTube. That was a big thing for me. He used to try things that no-one else would try and that made me like him a lot.

“I didn’t have a team that I supported, though. I just idolised a lot of great players.”

Sancho is currently tied to a deal at Dortmund through to 2022 and the Bundesliga giants have made it clear that they will not be sanctioning a sale without a fight.

Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe has urged former club Leeds United to beef up their ranks and dreams to see South African players such as Percy Tau and Bongani Zungu playing in the Premier League.

Formerly on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns, Tau recently saw his loan deal with Club Brugge coming to an end and will return to Brighton & Hove Albion, while Zungu has been linked with a move to Rangers in Scotland.

Speaking exclusively to Goal just after his club gained promotion to the English top-flight, Radebe also praised manager Marcelo Bielsa, who he regards as a brilliant tactician.

On the other hand, the retired central defender also shared some advice for the current generation at Elland Road, saying they must work harder than before to sustain their top-flight status.

“I think one of the players that I would like to see in the Premier League following from our footsteps as African players, Percy Tau comes to mind,” Radebe told Goal.

“He’s one of the players that I’d definitely love to see in the Premier League. We have Bongani Zungu. He’s another player that I’d love to see in the top-flight.

“I know we [Leeds] are struggling with the defenders and goalkeepers but I’d like to see more of the young players going up and impress in the top-flight.”

Leeds sealed their promotion when they beat Eric Tinkler's ex-team, Barnsley, 1-0 on Thursday night and the former Kaizer Chiefs defender admitted he is very excited by the prospect of seeing his old employers compete with England's top clubs again.

“You can imagine how I feel, I’m so excited like a kid before Christmas. It’s absolutely amazing and if there’s any club that deserves to be in the Premier League, it’s Leeds,” added the Bafana legend.

“I mean it’s Leeds United, I’ve heard the fans of other clubs praising Leeds and that shows what a big club it is and what impact it has as well as the excitement it brings in the Premier League.

“But it’s been too long, you know and now we’re back where we belong - I hope we sustain the status for a long time.”

On what can the current generation do better to ensure they avoid heading back to the Championship, the 1996 African Cup of Nations winner called on them to work even harder than before.

“I think, one thing that will be an issue on individual players, they must not let it get to the head because there’s no doubt about the quality in the team, but there’s going to be competition among the individuals,” continued the 51-year-old.

“Obviously to stay in the Premier League, we need to reinforce and ensure the club stays in the Premier League. So, for them to sustain their status, they will need to work harder than we did.

“With Bielsa, I think we’ve got a brilliant coach. He’s one of the best managers that I’ve ever seen and we are lucky to have him as a club.”