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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has set Mason Greenwood a challenge to keep his spot in the Manchester United first team as he admitted the "sky is the limit" for the promising forward.

The 18-year-old scored a brilliant goal against Brighton on Tuesday, his 13th in all competitions during the 2019-20 campaign, and the Norwegian was full of praise for the youngster ahead of Bournemouth’s visit to Old Trafford on Saturday.

He told reporters: "We have done well over the course of the season giving him more and more exposure, more and more game time, it’s not easy being a young boy.

"He could still play in the FA Youth Cup team, but he's performing off the bench or when he starts and he's developed fantastically this season.

"The sky's the limit, it's up to him he knows what he should do, can do, and must do to continue playing, but that's between us."

After convincing victories against Sheffield United and Brighton in their last two Premier League outings, Solskjaer suggested he could name the same XI that he picked in both of those matches against struggling Bournemouth.

"I've got to wait and see," he added. "A couple got some knocks - bruises - if there are a couple of changes don't be surprised. Not just because of fitness, but there are so many games.

"It would be nice to play the team that played so well against Sheffield United and Brighton but let's wait and see how everyone is after training. I've got many, many reasons to play the same team but also have reasons to rotate."

Midweek results mean United are now just two points behind Chelsea in fourth and three points behind Leicester in third with six games left to play.

While many believe Solskjaer’s side have an easy run-in as they push for a Champions League spot, the United manager has warned against complacency.

He said: "I've seen lots of quotes that we have an easy run-in but next the five games... Bournemouth we lost, Aston Villa we drew at Old Trafford, Southampton we drew too.

"We lost to Palace, lost to West Ham... there are teams we've got a point to prove against and we have to improve on the last performances [against those teams]. It's not an easy game [against Bournemouth]."

Real Madrid have moved to the top of the La Liga Santander standings since the restart following the Covid-19 enforced break, but Zinedine Zidane’s team could face their stiffest challenge since the return when they travel north to face Athletic Club on Sunday afternoon. Both these teams' last La Liga meetings at San Mames have been draws, while their clash at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this season also finished all square.

Three draws in their last four La Liga games has seen Barcelona lose their advantage at the top, so Lionel Messi and company will be going all out for victory at Villarreal on Sunday evening. This fixture ended 4-4 last season, and more drama is very likely this time again.

The weekend kicks off Friday evening with Atletico Madrid at home to Real Mallorca. Atleti are still well set for third place after Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou, while Mallorca remain in the bottom three but got a big confidence boost with their 5-1 midweek win over Celta Vigo.

That result will have focused minds at Celta that they are still not safe from the drop, so the Galicians will be aiming for three points on Saturday afternoon at home to a Real Betis team with just one win away from home all season in La Liga Santander.

Real Valladolid and Deportivo Alaves are also not yet mathematically safe from relegation, so will want to continue their good form since the restart when they meet at the Jose Zorrilla later Saturday. Alaves have won all four of the most recent meetings between these teams, including a 3-0 when they met last November.

Granada and Valencia have both seen their hopes of playing European football next season hit by recent poor form, but three points when they meet on Saturday evening would get them back on track. Valencia, who parted ways with coach Albert Celades this week, have won three and drawn one of their last four visits to the Nuevo de Los Carmenes.

Espanyol against Leganes on Sunday afternoon is a huge relegation six-pointer, with both teams in danger of losing sight of the sides above the bottom three. Leganes won their reverse meeting 2-0 in December in southern Madrid.

Osasuna at home to Getafe brings together two teams who have over-achieved so far this season, and still have plenty to fight for. The visitors will be looking to improve on their poor recent record at El Sadar, where they have not scored on any of their last five La Liga visits.

Monday evening has Levante hosting Real Sociedad. The home side got their first La Liga win at their temporary home at La Nucia in their last home game against Betis, while fitness problems for super-influential Norwegian playmaker Martin Odegaard has really hurt La Real since La Liga returned.

Sevilla strengthened their grip on fourth place with a 3-0 win at Leganes midweek, and Julen Lopetegui’s side can move closer to sealing Champions League qualification with a win on Monday at home to Eibar. This fixture promises goals - with 19 across their last five La Liga meetings, including the Basque side’s 3-2 victory when they last met in September.

Watch La Liga Santander live this weekend on SuperSport 7 and GOtv’s SuperSport Select

Barcelona suffer on the pitch for having such a wide-ranging club model, former president Sandro Rosell believes.

The Blaugrana have endured a tumultuous season with off-field issues - including an apparent row between Lionel Messi and the board - playing out in the background as their La Liga title defence stutters.

Barca have not won the Champions League since 2014-15 either and face a battle to progress through a last-16 tie with Napoli this term.

But for all of the club's problems, Rosell suggests Barca would be more competitive if they did not also run teams at various other levels and in a number of other sports.

Joan Laporta's former adviser, who was Barca president himself from 2010 to 2014, even claims the FC Barcelona Foundation saps their resources.

"As an entity, we have to evolve towards a 'mas club' model," Rosell told Sport .

"Barca is too many things. You have to sit down and analyse in depth if you really need the professional sections, the amateurs, the Foundation...

"If we don't, we will lose rope. We cannot cover everything, and everything that is not football causes us to lose competitive capacity with the big clubs in Europe, who are only dedicated to football.

"You have to sit down, discuss it, explain it in an assembly and, if necessary, hold a referendum. Someone has to dare to do it.

"I know it is uncomfortable. The easy thing is to use cheap demagoguery and attack this debate, but it has to be done."

Rosell, who spent 645 days in prison as part of a money laundering investigation but has since been acquitted, was also asked who he would sign for the club if he were to be reinstated as the Catalan club's president.

“Neymar,” the 56-year-old said. “He is the only player, along with Messi, who really makes a difference. He has a great personality on the field.”

Of Neymar's off-field antics, however, he added: “Of course, I would make two contracts. One sporting and one behavioural.”

Rosell's successor and current Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has also come under scrutiny from the Spanish state, with the entrepreneur under investigation for alleged tax fraud relating to the transfer of Neymar in 2013.

Gabriel Jesus should be ignoring any interest being shown in from the likes of Inter, says Rivaldo, with the Brazilian striker urged to remain at Manchester City and under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.

At just 23 years of age, those at the Etihad Stadium have high hopes for the South American frontman. They do, however, have another in the form of Sergio Aguero on their books, and the Argentine remains their go-to man in the final third of the field.

That is restricting the opportunities for Jesus to shine from the start, with the hot prospect often having to make do with an impact role from the bench.

He is getting a chance to impress at present, with Aguero ruled out through injury, and continues to boast a notable strike rate that has seen him net 63 times in 142 appearances.

Jesus is also benefitting from working with Guardiola daily, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss expected to bring even more out of a player with potential still to be unlocked. With that in mind, Rivaldo feels his fellow countryman should be committing his long-term future to City.

The former Brazil international has told Betfair: “Sergio Aguero may have ended his season after a bad injury so Gabriel Jesus could have a great chance here of establishing himself as a regular starter in this decisive phase of the season.

“For that reason, Jesus needs to focus and build confidence by regularly scoring goals and help his team achieve their objectives.

“There are also rumours that Internazionale would try to sign Jesus if they sell Lautaro Martinez to Barcelona, but if it was me I would prefer to stay at City.

“Additionally, Gabriel Jesus is already settled to English football, to the city of Manchester and is being coached by one of the best, so I believe he should continue at the club as it might be the best option for his career at the moment.”

No formal approaches have been made for Jesus as yet, but the long-running saga involving Martinez at Inter may have a far-reaching impact on the summer transfer market. Any move for the Argentine, as Barcelona continue to circle, will set into motion a domino effect that sees a number of other strikers fall under the microscope.

French prosecutors have asked for Karim Benzema to stand trial in connection with an attempted blackmail in 2015 of Mathieu Valbuena over a "sex tape" alleged to have involved the Real Madrid striker’s former international team-mate.

The Real Madrid striker was alleged to have been involved in an attempt by blackmailers to extort money from a fellow France international ahead of a friendly against Armenia five years ago.

Valbuena was reportedly contacted by blackmailers who threatened to leak an intimate video of him, and Benzema is suspected of encouraging his ex-team-mate to meet their financial demands.

Benzema has consistently denied any involvement with the alleged blackmail plot, and has always insisted that he only broached the subject with Valbuena to warn him that such a tape existed.

Valbuena has previously alleged that Benzema urged him to pay up in order to avoid any footage surfacing in the public sphere, and condemned his compatriot's actions during an in-depth interview in November 2015.

Valbuena, the former Marseille and Lyon player who now plies his trade in Greece with Olympiacos, told Le Monde: "I was more than disappointed. I told myself that it was quite simply a lack of respect. You can’t behave like that with anyone."

Benzema has not played for his country since, with France head coach Didier Deschamps publicly expressing his belief that the forward "crossed the line", and the Versailles prosecutor has now requested a trial against the 32-year-old, along with four other suspects.

“Some people can give speeches that can have consequences that go beyond any form of understanding, and I can never forget that,” Deschamps told Europe 1 in January 2019. “At that moment I considered that a line had been crossed.

“I pick French players, all of them are French and it has never occurred to me to not select someone based on their colour or religion. And in the same way the other way around, I would never pick someone based on the same criteria, because that would be just as bad or worse.”

Benzema has been enjoying one of his strongest seasons yet in a Madrid shirt.

The Frenchman has hit 22 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Zinedine Zidane's side, who are currently sitting top of La Liga, four points ahead of arch-rivals Barcelona.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer has expressed disappointment with how the Soweto giants handled George Maluleka’s contract situation, saying it’s a blow to let him go.

The retired left-back believes Amakhosi still have a long way to go to match Mamelodi Sundowns’ success because coach Pitso Mosimane is a step ahead when planning for glory.

Kannemeyer’s sentiments come after ‘Mido’ turned down an offer to extend his stay with coach Ernst Middendorp’s men and signed a pre-contract with the Brazilians.

He was eventually unveiled at Chloorkop this week.

“It is a big blow and we are going to have to see how that will unfold. I am not sure who they have in their development in the Multichoice Diski Challenge (MDC) to step up at this point since George left,” Kannnmeyer told Phakaaathi.

“I have always said that over the last 10 to 15 years, Chiefs have not really stepped up to the plate and signed players, and the unfortunate part [or fortunate for Sundowns] is that Sundowns have been buying the players and having the success.”

Having played for both Sundowns and Chiefs in his career, the Cape Town-based legend has urged the Premier Soccer League (PSL) log leaders to buy quality players, saying he doesn’t see anyone capable of replacing Maluleka.

“You do not buy success but you buy quality players and the coach will make that work and coach Pitso Mosimane has done that very well,” he added.

“It unfortunate for Chiefs that they haven’t done what Sundowns have been doing and that is the downfall, because now who will step up to George’s place? I don’t see anyone who can step up.”

The Naturena-based giants are still banned by Fifa after they were found guilty of illegally signing Madagascan midfielder Andriamirado ‘Dax’ Andrianarimanana, who was shipped out to Black Leopards, but they have appealed the decision.

As part of the sanction, Chiefs are not allowed to sign players for two consecutive transfer windows and they have since retained midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase, goalkeeper Brylon Petersen and left-back Philani Zulu this week.

On the other hand, they released midfielders Kabelo Mahlasela and Joseph Molangoane whilst also parting ways with the 31-year-old former Ajax Cape Town midfielder.

Azam FC midfielder Frank Domayo has come out to apologise to Shomari Kapombe of Simba SC after his careless tackle resulted in the defender to be stretched off during their FA Cup clash on Wednesday.

The Wekundu wa Mzimbazi needed goals from John Bocco and Clatous Chama to beat the ‘Ice Cream Makers’ 2-0 and advance to the semi-finals of the domestic Cup where they will now take on rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) on July 12.

However, despite the win against Azam, Simba lost their key defender to a reckless tackle from Domayo, who has now come out to apologise to the player, insisting he was not intending to injure him.

“It was not my intention to foul him that is why immediately after the incident, I wanted to shake his hand to symbolise fair play but instead, he was furious and wanted to beat me,” Domayo is quoted by Daily News.

“I really apologise to him for that and later, I will call him personally to apologise. Such things happen in football due to high tension among players especially considering the fact that we lost the match.”

Meanwhile, Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck believes the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) should take appropriate action against Domayo over the tackle.

“It was a bad tackle on him [Kapombe] and I have to clearly look at it once again on the Television. But for now, it is early to evaluate the scope of his injury but what I have been told is that we might miss him throughout this season," Vandenbroeck told the same publication.

“I think the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) should analyse the incident and take appropriate action on the player behind the incident.”

On beating Azam, Vandenbroeck said: “We defended and attacked as one team and I can say it was my biggest win. The positive thing though is that we have made it into the next stage of the competition.

“We dominated the whole 90 minutes creating many scoring chances mainly in the second half and not giving our opponents opportunities to score.”

On Friday, Kapombe underwent scans to reveal the extent of the injury and the club now says he is out of danger.

Odion Ighalo is happy to be “judged on goals” at Manchester United, with the Nigerian striker eager to prove himself as a “great addition” for the Red Devils.

A promising start has been made in that quest, with the target found on five occasions through 12 appearances.

The former Watford frontman is still waiting on a first Premier League effort for United, but has contributed significantly to FA Cup and Europa League causes.

Ighalo has matched a record that has stood for 95 years along the way, with goals recorded in each of his first four starts for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

The 31-year-old, who has seen a loan from Shanghai Shenhua extended through to January 2021, is determined to offer even more and is aware of the need for end product to be delivered on a regular basis.

Ighalo told United Review: “With strikers, we are being judged on goals.

“Sometimes, when you don’t score goals, you’re sad. As long as the team wins, that’s the most important thing but, as a striker, I would like to score in every game.

“That is what you are being judged on – goals, goals, goals.

“It’s the measure of a striker – how many goals you have scored. It is what people want to know about.

“That’s why we’re always eager to score goals and why, every time I’m on the pitch, I give my best to try to make sure I can create chances and score goals. But if I don’t score then, as long as we win the game, and my team-mates score, it’s okay for me.”

Ighalo has played a part in United going unbeaten through 14 games in all competitions, with his value to the collective cause being recognised by Solskjaer and many of his team-mates.

The boyhood Red Devils fan is delighted to be showcasing what he is capable of, with his ability and experience proving to be useful assets at Old Trafford.

Ighalo added: "We have a good squad with good lads and good players, who are ready to work to give everything they have for the team.

"So it's a privilege for me to join them, to play with these great lads – the young ones, the mature ones. They are good people and you see the atmosphere is always great.

"People are happy coming to work to do their job, smiling and all that. Me, I'm a happy guy, you know. I'm always around them and sharing with everyone – who is playing, who is not playing, who is down.

"We just laugh and talk about everything. I’m happy if the manager thinks I'm a great addition to the team but the squad is fantastic.

"I am happy to always encourage the young ones as well, to push them to achieve their dream and work hard."

Former AFC Leopards captain Martin Imbalambala is desperate to raise Ksh4,000 needed for medication.

The midfielder lost his eyesight in 2018 and was taken to Kikuyu hospital for examination.

The MRI scan revealed the problem was caused by a misfiring nerve. He was put under medication but almost two years down the line, he is yet to fully recover and his inability to get frequent medical attention is exacerbating the problem.

"I was put under medication which cost KSh2500 a month which was quite expensive for me," Imbalambala, who was a free agent by the time of the incident, told Goal on Friday.

"The last time, I got medical attention was two months ago at Sabatia Eye Hospital. I was given medicine which helped me a bit. I was to get back for more checkups in April but could not raise the Ksh4000 which was needed.

"The doctor's strike did not make things better at the time, and I remained helpless to date."

The former Vihiga United player has now asked well-wishers and fans to help him get the money needed for medication.

"All I need is Ksh4000 to help me get to the hospital and get attended to by the doctors," he added.

"Right now I am in my home at Chavakhali and I cannot do anything due to my condition. I need to get back to my former self and be able to help my family as well but I cannot do it on my own.

"I am requesting my fans and well-wishers to help me get the money for treatment, it is the only thing I am desperate for right now."

Imbalambala left Leopards in 2015 and signed a short-term contract with Nakumatt FC in June the same year.

However, he did not last at the team and his next move was at Western-based side Kakamega Homeboyz, but the lanky midfielder was axed by Homeboyz alongside former Harambee Stars winger Patrick Oboya.

He went on to join the then National Super League side Vihiga United, who were restructuring, hoping to seal a move to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

The player was later released by the club owing to several off-pitch issues.

Mason Greenwood is already looking “like Cristiano Ronaldo” at Manchester United, claims Dimitar Berbatov, with the 18-year-old forward being backed to follow in illustrious footsteps.

Another highly-rated product of the Old Trafford academy system has been enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2019-20.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has offered the youngster regular outings, and seen that show of faith rewarded with an impressive haul of 13 goals.

It took Ronaldo until his fourth season with United to better that mark, with the Portuguese going on to become a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and all-time great.

Berbatov believes Greenwood boasts the potential to tread a similar path, with there plenty to be excited about when it comes to a teenage talent shining on a senior stage.

The former Red Devils striker told The Mirror: "Greenwood, against Brighton, was like Ronaldo.

"His left foot is unbelievable along with his vision, I don't think many signings are needed to take United to that next level.

"They need to be really classy players to make the difference, someone who is going to be better than the current squad of players."

Solskjaer is aware that United have another rough diamond on their hands in Greenwood, with the intention being to polish him into a talismanic presence.

The United boss has said: "He's getting better. You can see clearly that he's maturing and improving, he's only 18 still so we will see more from him.

"I've said it throughout the year that as long as we can get him faced up in and around the box he'll create chances for us but in this game [a 3-0 win over Brighton] his hold-up play and his link-up play and general movement was fantastic as well.

"It's great when he can go inside and outside, both to his left and right.

"He's a special talent, a special kid that we are going to look after, try to develop into a top, top player.

"He's doing well now but he is still young and has things to learn. He knows that but we have a special talent there we have to nurture."

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has forgiven forward Bernard Morrison and promised to use his services until the end of the season.

The Ghanaian player has not been a regular starter for the Jangwani Street-based giants, only managing to come on as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw against Azam FC after the Mainland Premier League resumed on June 13.

The player is at loggerheads with the club after it emerged he had been approached by rivals Simba SC over a possible transfer in the coming window, a move which irked Yanga’s top brass who vowed to teach him a lesson by asking the coach to bench him in the remaining matches.

Eymael has now told Goal he has forgiven the player after he reported to training on Thursday as they prepare for their next league matches against Biashara United and Kagera Sugar.

“I have forgiven [Morisson] and I am now ready to work with him,” Eymael told Goal on Friday.

“He came to training on Thursday and apologised to me and the players and he also came to me after training for a long chat and explained to me why he has not been coming to training.

“I think I have understood his situation and like a father, I have forgiven him, I don’t want to keep a grudge with the player, I have told him I am ready to work with him, he has also promised to commit himself with good displays.”

Asked whether the player will now be involved in the coming match against Biashara United, Eymael said: “Morrison has shown the commitment to come back and get involved but let us wait and see, I don’t want to comment on that issue now.

“What I am sure about, he will definitely be available to play against Simba in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, for the next two away matches in Shinyanga, I don’t think he will be able to make the squad.”

In a recent interview, Morrison - who initially signed a short-term deal with Yanga although there has been a push and pull between him and the team since the league resumed - did not hide his love for Yanga supporters even though contract issues have threatened their relationship.

The former Orlando Pirates star admitted he had lost trust with some of the Yanga officials but said he did not have issues with fans.

“First of all, I would like to say thank you to the fans for their support during our last game against Azam. I was away for the last two games but when I came, they showed me love so I will thank them and always appreciate their support,” Morrison told Global TV.

“On matters of contract, I have heard people say I do not want to play for Yanga and a lot of other things but I just want them to know that when I got into this country I trained and played in two games before I even had a contract with Yanga.

“That shows I have a love for the club and I came here to work. When I spoke with the coach, he told me to have trust with the management and him because they will bring the contract since they were still talking about it.”

Yanga are keen to finish the season in the second position and also clinch the FA Cup.

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Themba Zwane says he is hungry for more success at the Tshwane giants.

The man nicknamed Mshishi is one of the best players in the country and he has enjoyed a lot of success during his time with Masandawana.

Mshishi has helped Sundowns win eight major trophies including three Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles and he has set his sights on his fourth league winner's medal.

The Brazilians are the most decorated team in the history of the PSL having won a record nine league trophies.

“It will mean a lot to me,” Zwane said of the possible record 10th championship when speaking to the club's official website.

“When I came to Sundowns in 2011, I told myself that I want to create history and make history to repeat itself," the 30-year-old player, who joined Sundowns from lower division side Vardos FC, continued.

"To be honest I was ready for anything and I manage the pressure because I know what people want from me. I am expected to deliver at all times.”

Sundowns are placed second on the league standings - four points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs - but have a game in hand.

The current season has been suspended since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the campaign is expected to resume soon.

Zwane has been very influential for the Brazilians this season having netted 13 goals and registered 10 assists across all competitions.

“The secret is that you need to be consistent and work hard. Remember that at Sundowns we have a lot of quality players so if you don’t do that they will take your place,” he said.

Last season, Mshishi hit the back of the net 11 times and registered seven assists and he credited his teammates for his consistency and outstanding performances.

“I am trying to improve the ‘Mshishi’ of last season of course. I only compete with myself, and give credit to my teammates because they make things to be easy for me," he concluded.

Zwane has also helped Sundowns clinch the Caf Champions League title, Caf Super Cup title, two Telkom Knockout Cups and a Nedbank Cup title.

Leroy Sane has completed a move to Bayern Munich from Manchester City that could be worth up to €60 million (£55m/$67m).

The 24-year-old winger, who had spent four seasons at the Etihad Stadium, has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga champions.

A switch to the Allianz Arena for Sane had been in the pipeline for some time, with Bayern first making their interest known during the summer of 2019.

An untimely injury scuppered those plans, with a serious knee problem picked up in a Community Shield clash with Liverpool.

Sane has, however, worked his way back to full fitness and will now be returning to his homeland to open the next chapter in his career.

He has told Bayern’s official website: “FC Bayern is a great club with big goals - and these goals suit me as well. I'm looking forward to the new challenge and can't wait to train with the team.

“I know Hansi Flick from the U21 national team, we had a very good relationship there. I want to win as many trophies as possible with FC Bayern, and the Champions League is the top priority.”

Bayern’s CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on acquiring the services of a top target: “We’re very happy to welcome Leroy Sane to FC Bayern.

“He is an outstanding player who has proven his qualities over the past few years, especially in the national team.

"Our goal is to gather the best German players at FC Bayern and the signing of Leroy emphasises this goal. I would like to congratulate Hasan Salihamidzic on successfully concluding the transfer.”

Salihamidzic added: “We’re delighted Leroy is to be a Bayern player. Leroy is a difference-maker and will strengthen our team with his quality.

“With Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Leroy, we’re now even better equipped at a very high level in the wide positions that are important for our game.

“I would like to thank Manchester City for the trusting and constructive negotiations. I would also like to thank our president and chairman of the supervisory board, Herbert Hainer, who supported us with this transfer right from the start under the difficult circumstances of coronavirus.”

Sane took in 135 appearances for City on the back of a 2016 transfer from Schalke, with 39 goals and 45 assists recorded across 135 appearances.

He helped the Blues to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup triumph and two League Cup successes.

On parting with an exciting talent, former Bayern boss Pep Guardiola told City’s official website: “We wish Leroy all the best in this new chapter of his career.

“Leroy has been part of one of the most special periods in this club’s history and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone here at Manchester City.”

Director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “From arriving as a fledgling young talent four years ago, we are proud of the contribution Leroy has made since joining Manchester City. He leaves with many friends and fond memories of his time at the Etihad.”

Kenya’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opponents Comoros are confident that they won’t be affected by the tournament rescheduling announced by the Confederation of African Football on Tuesday.

President Ahmad Ahmad announced that the 33rd edition of the biennial competition had been postponed by a year to January 2022 following a Caf Executive Committee meeting, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, with the confederation unable to schedule all outstanding qualifiers before the end of the year.

The news comes as a blow for the Harambee Stars’ Group G opponents Comoros, who are unlikely group leaders after taking four points from their opening two matches, but head coach Amir Abdou is optimistic that their qualification ambitions won’t be affected.

“This period of confinement has slowed us down in terms of our progression, but we will still continue with the staff and the players,” Abdou told Goal. “We’ve done a lot of interaction, a lot of video work with the players, and it’s allowed us to work on some aspects we had in terms of the team.

“We remain optimistic for what’s coming and we respect the decision,” he added. “We wait, wisely, the upcoming decisions to be ready to attack and pick up our qualification matches.”

Currently ranked 133rd in the world, the Comoros have never qualified for the Afcon finals, having first attempted to qualify for the 2010 edition.

However, under the stewardship of Abdou, they have made significant strides in recent years, taking five points during the 2019 Afcon qualifying campaign and holding both Morocco and Cameroon at home.

Previously, during the 2018 World Cup qualifying, they reached the second round of qualification for the first time, and defeated Togo in their first 2021 qualifier to register their first away victory in either major qualifying campaign.

“We’re in a good dynamic,” Abdou continued, “but the standings are anecdotal, we’ve only just started the competition, it’s a mini-championship.

“It’s true that right now we’re the leaders, but things can change quickly—either upwards or downwards.

“In terms of motivation, we’re here, we’re very motivated to reach our objectives, we want to do beautiful things for our people and for all of my players involved, so for us, the objective is to prepare well to reach qualification.”

Comoros followed up their 1-0 victory over Togo in Lome in November with a 0-0 draw against Egypt in Moroni, further demonstrating their ability to stifle and stymie the continent’s biggest footballing nations.

They were due to face the Harambee Stars in a double-header in March, but the fixtures were postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While Kenya began qualification strongly—with a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Alexandria—they failed to break down Togo in their next fixture, after being held 1-1 in Kasarani.

ATK's defensive midfielder Michael Regin has reached a zenith in his career graph at the age of 32 after winning the Indian Super League (ISL) last season.

Having won the I-League in the 2018-19 season with Chennai City FC, Regin ended up winning both of India's domestic leagues back-to-back. It was a satisfying moment for a player who has had to go through a lot of challenges, including not playing professional football during his peak years.

Regin is part of a crop of footballers from Tamil Nadu who were brought into national conscience by the emergence of Chennai City. Regin, his younger brother Michael Soosairaj, Chennaiyin FC midfielder Edwin Vanspaul and Odisha FC winger Nandhakumar Sekar were all given their chance to shine by Rohit Ramesh-owned Chennai City. Regin was quick to heap praise on them.

In fact, his excellent performances for Chennai City in the 2017-18 season saw Soosairaj being bought for good money by Jamshedpur FC who then sold him for a huge fee to ATK.

"Let it be me, Soosai, Nandha or Edwin, every player who came out of Chennai City have done well. If they were not there, there is no doubt we wouldn’t have reached anywhere. We played with them even before they were in the I-League. We won the CFA Senior Division title with them," Regin told Goal.

Regin details how Rohit Ramesh's insistence on promoting local talent when Chennai City gained entry to the I-League helped all of them. It is a policy that Chennai City and Rohit Ramesh have stuck to with unwavering belief. It has also brought them success with the I-League title coming their way in the 2018-19 season.

Despite the likes of Edwin and Regin leaving the club after 2018-19, Chennai City have continued to back young talent and it is an approach that Regin has heaped praises on.

"Rohit Sir called me when I was going for a Santosh Trophy camp (in 2017), he asked me to come and play for the team since they were going to the I-League. He told me he was looking to give chances to a lot of local players and promote them. I was not sure how it was possible but he has done it as he envisioned it.

"A lot of Tamil Nadu players have come out of Chennai City and even now the squad has primarily local talent. They continue to achieve good results. The performance has not gone down. They were a huge part in my life and I cannot forget them and Rohit sir," expressed Regin.

Rohit Ramesh himself was quick to point out that the club always had belief in Regin that he will come good despite his injury troubles. "I’m happy we had given him that platform! Despite him being injury prone, we stuck with him and believed he can reach the heights like his brother! Wishing him more success in the coming future," Rohit told Goal.

The ISL final this time around also pitted Regin against his former teammate Edwin Vanspaul who has had a breakthrough season with Chennaiyin FC where he excelled in midfield. Regin, who missed the majority of the season with injury, had cemented his place in the ATK midfield towards the business end of the season. Naturally, the final saw the two 'friends' clash, with Regin guilty of hacking down Edwin during one particular passage of play.

"Edwin, he’s like my brother. Yeah, there was a tackle on him. If I missed a ball, the coach would’ve killed me. So, I had to go for that ball. It was in the air, he also went for it. I mistimed it and ended up fouling Edwin out. I immediately apologised to him," said Regin.

Regin was quick to point out the importance of the Chennai Football Association (CFA) leagues which have traditionally played a huge role in giving opportunities to aspiring players from the state. Regin himself, Nandhakumar, Soosairaj, Edwin and countless others from the state have come through after excelling in the CFA leagues. However, the league did not take place from 2019 after a High Court ruling had declared the results of CFA election held in 2018 null and void.

"Chennai league is a first step for many local players. I played both second, first and then played senior division. It gives a lot of exposure to local players. I used to enjoy playing in that league. Nobody would have known me If I’d not played there. I got a job only because of playing there.

"I don't understand what is happening, but a lot of players are suffering. Everybody cannot play for Chennai City FC and come up. They cannot give a chance to every player. There needs to be the league in the city. It is such an important part for a Tamil Nadu player," reasoned Regin.

The Coronavirus pandemic has affected the world of football and domestic football in India has been on hold since March 14. The Indian Super League (ISL) final between ATK and Chennaiyin FC was the last bit of action Indian football fans witnessed before the country went into a rigorous nationwide lockdown.

The last I-League match was played between Mohun Bagan and Aizawl FC at the Kalyani Stadium on March 10. Mohun Bagan had picked up the all-important win which helped them to secure the title before the season was suspended.

The Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown affected everybody but more so the foreign contingent of the I-League. While the overseas players in the ISL had ample time to leave the country, Most I-League players were stuck because there was no clarity on the curtailing of the league. When the lockdown was imposed by the Government, there was no clarity for the AIFF on when it could resume the league.

The decision to end the league finally was taken only on April 21, 2020. As a result, the overseas players could leave India only after that decision was taken. Many of them have managed to get back to their countries. However, with commercial flights suspended, there are some who are still stuck in the country.

We take a look at the foreign players of all 10 I-League clubs who are still stuck in India.

Mohun Bagan  

Mohun Bagan had arranged for the repatriation of their three Spanish players, Francisco Gonzalez Munoz, Francisco Morante and Joseba Beitia along with Spanish coach Kibu Vicuna and his assistants Tomasz Tchórz and Paulius Ragauskas on May 4. Tajikistan international Komron Tursunov left the country on May 28.

The only foreigners who are left behind in India are Senegalese striker Papa Babacar Diawara and Trinidadian international defender Daneil Cyrus. Both players are still in Kolkata and are waiting for international travel to resume.

East Bengal

East Bengal’s Spanish brigade which consisted of Juan Mera Gonzalez, Jaime Santos Colado, Marcos De La Espada Martinez, Victor Perez and coach Mario Rivera and his assistant Marçal Trulls Sevillano left the country along with Mohun Bagan’s Spanish group on May 4. The only Spaniard who had stayed back at that time was physical trainer Carlos Nodar.

Nodar was accompanied by Costa Rican World Cupper Johnny Acosta and Senegalese midfielder Kassim Aidara who stayed in Kolkata until the middle of June. Aidara was the first to leave on June 14 followed by Nodar and Acosta on June 18 and 19 respectively.

Punjab FC

Other than Cameroonian striker Aser Pierrick Dipanda Dicka and Nigerian defender Eze Kingsley, all the other foreign recruits of the club had left the country before the nationwide lockdown on March 25.

While Dipanda is still stuck in Punjab, Kingsley had travelled to Kolkata and is currently residing there.

“I am still in Punjab. I chatted with my consulate and they told me that they can do nothing as it is not they who decide. Now I have to wait until the international travelling in India resumes,” said Dipanda to Goal.

Even though he is not really enjoying his stay in India, Kingsley had a completely different perspective. He told Goal, “I am in Kolkata currently. I will be here until international flights start working. The cases are on an increase in my country. So I don't want to take a risk.”

Real Kashmir FC

Three Real Kashmir FC players Loveday Enyinnaya, Gnhere Krizo and Armand Bazou are yet to return to their respective countries due to Coronavirus pandemic. The three players are stuck in Kashmir and are residing in the club’s facilities.

Scottish head coach David Robertson, his son and Real Kashmir defender Mason Robertson and English striker Kallum Higginbotham had left the country on May 7 in a special flight arranged by the British High Commission. Zambian defender Aaron Katebe has also left the country.

Gokulam Kerala

Five out of Gokulam Kerala’s six foreign players from last season are still in Kolkata. Forwards Henry Kisekka and Atuheire Kipson (from Uganda and Rwanda respectively) are waiting for their medical test results, based on which they are expected to leave on July 4. Trinidadian footballers Andre Ettienne, Nathaniel Garcia and Marcus Joseph are waiting for their embassy’s response.

Spanish coach Fernando Santiago Varela and Afghanistan international defender Haroon Amiri left the country on June 10 and June 15 respectively.

It must be noted that all the players’ expenses have been taken care of by the club during the nationwide lockdown even though their contracts had expired.

Chennai City FC

Every single foreign player from Chennai City have left the country. The club had reached out to the respective embassies of the footballers and made sure that the players made their way back to their country. Spanish players - goalkeeper Nauzet Santana, defender Roberto Eslava, midfielders Fito and Sandro Rodriguez - left towards the end of April on a repatriation flight while coach Akbar Nawaz left for Singapore later.

Aizawl FC

All foreigners of Aizawl FC, except Matias Veron, were stranded in the country until July 1. Veron was the first foreign player to leave the country in May. Justice Morgan and Richard Kassaga left Aizawl for Kolkata on July 1. While Kassaga travelled to Mumbai on July 2 and then took a flight back to Uganda on the same day, Justice Morgan’s flight to Nigeria is on July 4.

Ugandan defender Joseph Adjei is still in Aizawl but he is expected to fly back by the first week of July. Unfortunately, midfielder Abdoulaye Kanouté will have to stay back in India for a longer time as he cannot return to Mali due to the ongoing civil war in the country.

The club provided accommodation to all the foreigners during the lockdown and have also paid for their flight tickets.

Churchill Brothers

Four footballers - Willis Plaza, Dawda Ceesay, Robert Primus and Abu Bakr - are still stuck in Goa and are waiting for the international travelling to resume in India. Portuguese striker Socrates Pedro and Ghanaian midfielder Kalif Alhassan had left the country before the lockdown.

NEROCA

All six NEROCA FC foreigners are still stuck in India amidst the nationwide lockdown - Ousmane Diawara and Boubacar Diarra (Mali), Taryk Sampson and Marvin Phillip (Trinidad & Tobago), Attila Busai (Hungary),Philip Adjah (Ghana). The foreign players will fly back to their respective countries once international flights resume.

TRAU

Unlike their city rivals, TRAU FC had managed to send back their entire foreign contingent - Oguchi Uche, Joseph Olaleye, Joel Sunday and Princewill Emeka (all Nigeria), Gerard Williams (St. Kitts and Nevis), Isaac Isinde (Uganda) - before the nationwide lockdown was implemented on March 25. 

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has recommended the name of former Director of Coaching Gabriel Joseph for the Dronacharya Award, Goal has learnt. 

Gabriel Joseph, who hails from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, could become only the second football coach after Syed Nayeemuddin to receive the honour which is annually awarded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for outstanding and meritorious work in the field of coaching, should he win the award.

The veteran coach has worked with the AIFF as a consultant and advisor and also served as the Director of Coaching. He has also had worked with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as an instructor and as an assistant coach for the India national team when Syed Nayeemuddin was the head coach.

Last year, the recipients of the award were Mohinder Singh Dhillon (Athletics), Rambir Singh Khokar (Kabaddi), U Vimal Kumar (Badminton), Sandip Gupta (Table Tennis), Sanjay Bhardwaj (Cricket) and Merzban Patel (Hockey). The only other football coach to have received the award, Nayeemuddin, won it in 1990. 

Gabriel is a renowned figure in the coaching community, having played a part in the development of many Indian coaches who have earned AFC licenses under his tutelage. He has also worked with the likes of Western India Football Association (WIFA) to help with coaching education.

The Dronacharya award from the Government of India will be a well-deserved accolade for the maestro should he win it.

Odion Ighalo’s strike against Norwich City has been nominated for Manchester United Goal of the Month award for June.

The 31-year-old forward has been in fine form since joining the Red Devils in January on loan from Chinese Super Lig side Shanghai Shenhua.

Against Norwich, the former Nigeria international was handed his 12th appearance and scored a sublime goal to help Ole Gunnar Solskjær's men secure a place in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

The former Watford marksman opened the scoring in the encounter when he volleyed home from close range, leaving goalkeeper Tim Krul with no chance.

The strike is the forward’s fifth goal since teaming up with the Old Trafford outfit and has now been shortlisted for the best goal award in the month under review.

Ighalo will compete with Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, who beat him to the Player of the Month prize in March, and Mason Greenwood for a chance to scoop the award for the second time.  

The forward won the accolade in March when his brilliant strike against LASK in a Europa League game was adjudged the best effort in the month.

Ighalo was handed a loan extension by the Old Trafford outfit last month following his eye-catching performances which have endeared him to the Red Devils fans.

The forward enjoyed great success in his first spell in the Premier League as he scored 36 goals in 90 league appearances for Watford during his three-year stay with the side.

The striker also showed his consistency in front of goal for Chinese sides Changchun Yatai and Shanghai Shenhua before making a stunning switch to the Old Trafford.

Ighalo will hope to open his Premier League account for the Red Devil when they square off against Bournemouth on Saturday, having failed to find the back of the net in his last seven league matches.