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U.S. men's national team boss Gregg Berhalter said he did not believe how good Gianluca Busio was until he got the midfielder in camp, despite consistent praise from Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes.

Vermes recently spoke to Goal about Busio's potential, likening the midfielder's game to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo.

And, as Busio looks set to move to Serie A side Venezia in a multi-million dollar transfer, Berhalter says he's now a believer after the teenager earned his third USMNT cap in a 1-0 win against Canada in the Gold Cup on Sunday.

What did Berhalter say?

"Peter's been singing his praises for the last couple of years and I didn't really know what he was about until I started working with him," Berhalter said after the USMNT's 1-0 win over Canada in their Gold Cup group stage finale. "When I see this kid in training and games, he is special.

"For him to deal with the game like he did and play the way he did, it shows a lot about his quality. I thought, in the beginning of the game, he was excellent in his position. Again, we asked him to have a complicated role moving up in offense and down in defense and he was able to understand it, grasp it and perform well."

Berhalter full of praise for Sands and Robinson

Busio wasn't the only youngster to earn the praise from Berhalter after what ended up as a fairly ugly 1-0 win over Canada.

He also discussed the rise of Miles Robinson and James Sands, both of whom shined after captain Walker Zimmerman went down with an injury.

Robinson is seen as a player that could play his way into the World Cup qualifying squad, and Berhalter acknowledged that the Atlanta United defender has leveled up in recent days.

"When you have speed like he does,  it makes it so much easier on your group, whether that's stepping in or it's recovering behind you," Berhalter said. "He had a number of one-v-one duels, I think of one in the second half against [Tajon] Buchanan, who is a really good player, and he handled it well.

"Miles has taken the next step and now it's about in knockout games, can he recover now and then, in a knockout game, can you repeat that same type of performance?"

Sands, meanwhile, shined in a unique role that saw him step into the midfield in possession.

The NYCFC youngster has shown that he has plenty of ability on the ball, and Berhalter believes there's more to come from Sands in the weeks and years to come.

"with James, I really liked him moving up into midfield," Berhalter said. "He gave us a numerical advantage and we're happy with it. I think at times it worked really well.

"James, in the first 20 minutes was, I think, one of the best players in the field. He dominated the game stepping forward, winning the ball, really calm on the ball, and then as it went, like most of the team, it was hard to sustain that level."

Further reading

U.S. men's national team fullback Shaq Moore's early tap-in on Sunday set the record for the fastest goal in team history, surpassing Clint Dempsey in the process.

Moore scored just 20 seconds into the USMNT's Gold Cup group stage finale against Canada, darting in on the back post to slide home a low cross from Sebastian Lletget.

And that gave him the fastest finish since in U.S. Soccer's database, which goes back to 1989, as he usurped Dempsey.

Dempsey's finish

The previous record-holder for quickest strike was what just might be the former USMNT forward's most famous international goal - a 2014 World Cup-opening finish against Ghana after just 34 seconds.

It was one of Dempsey's 57 USMNT goals, which has him tied for joint-most with Landon Donovan.

Moore continues to shine

Moore has been one of the USMNT's top players throughout the group stage, having shined throughout the start of the Gold Cup.

He put in a Man of the Match-level performance in the opener against Haiti before starting again in the 6-1 win over Martinique.

Moore, 24, plays his club soccer in the Spanish second division for Tenerife.

Further reading

Former Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o and former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf paid glowing tributes to former South Africa President Nelson Mandela.

The former footballers took to their social media pages to celebrate the late African leader on his posthumous birthday.

Mandela Day is an international day celebrated on the birthday of Mandela (July 18) annually.

He was renowned for his leadership traits across the continent before he died at the age of 95 on December 5, 2013.

“One of the biggest highlights of my life was meeting the late Nelson Mandela who has always inspired me to use my talents to help others, particularly disadvantaged youth through education, health and sport,” Eto’o wrote on Instagram.

“As Mandela Day 2021 draws to a close, remember there is still time to honour his legacy by giving 67 minutes of your time in service of others - symbolising the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice.”

“Every day I look at this photo and remind myself what Nelson Mandela meant in my life. The energy I get from that smile. His legacy is in our hands now. Let’s keep it alive and move it forward to unite the world,” Seedorf wrote on his Instagram page.

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has taken to social media to commend his supporters after they suffered a 3-0 loss to Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League final.

Akpeyi was in between the sticks for 90 minutes as the South Africans bowed to the Red Devils in Casablanca on Saturday.

The Nigeria goalkeeper has been criticised for his performance after goals from Mohamed Sherif, Mohamed Magdi Kafsha and Amr Al Sulaya powered Pitso Mosimane's side to victory.

The win sealed Al Ahly's 10th Champions League crown in history and their second title in a row as they defended their 2020 trophy.

Akpeyi expressed disappointment with the result, however, he reserved praise for his supporters who stood by him in the face of adversity.

“Every champion has once lost a fight (Sadly so) but they’ve never lost their dream no matter the opinion about them, nature do conform to them at the right time,” Akpeyi wrote on Instagram.

“To everyone who have been standing with them through thick and thin, I salute your courage, when the limits are broken, all the joy that is assumed to be lost you will receive them in one package I’m grateful to have come this far.”

Meanwhile, former Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Olumide Akinroyeje has absolved Akpeyi of blame following the defeat.

“I feel it is unwarranted blaming Akpeyi for Kaizer Chiefs’ loss to Al Ahly. He did his best and we must accept the fact that the Egyptians were the better side,” Akinroyeje told Goal.

“The red card no doubt slowed down the South Africans and destabilized their game plan against the well organised Egyptians, but they did not help matters for themselves as they preferred to sit back instead of moving forward.

“Seeing how Chiefs were defending in the second half, I knew they were going to make errors. That led to pressure on the defenders and the goalkeeper was meant to pay for that.

"In football, defending starts in front and not only in the last line. So, I won’t agree with those saying Akpeyi cost his team victory. The scoreline was not an accurate reflection of his performance.”

Mexico is aiming to secure safe passage to the Gold Cup knockouts on Sunday when they face Group A leaders El Salvador in Dallas.

Watch Mexico vs El Salvador on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

El Salvador's place in the next round has been confirmed after victories over Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago, but Mexico need a win or a draw to go through. El Tri could still advance should they lose, but that will depend on Trinidad & Tobago failing to win against Guatemala.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), this year's Gold Cup games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

With Hirving Lozano's tournament over, Orbelin Pineda is set to continue deputising, while Rogelio Funes Mori should start as he looks to add to his tally of two goals in this tournament so far.

Mexico have no suspensions or fresh injuries to worry about ahead of the game, meaning Gerardo Martino will have a full squad to choose from, though Edson Alvarez picked up a yellow card in the first game.

Predicted Mexico starting XI:  Talavera; Rodriguez, Salcedo, Araujo, Gallardo; Herrera, E. Alvarez, Gutierrez; Corona, Funes Mori, Pineda.

Seattle Sounders star Alex Roldan scored in El Salvador's win over Guatemala and will be a focal point, while Darwin Ceren brings plenty of experience to the midfield.

Narciso Orellana and Walmer Martinez are carrying yellow cards.

Predicted El Salvador starting XI: Gonzalez; Larin, Gomez, Zavaleta, Tamacas, Henriquez, Orellana, Ceren, Perez, Monterroza, Rivas.

Recent results & head-to-head

Last five results

Head-to-head

Michael Olise should represent the Nigeria national team at international level instead of England, France, or Algeria, according to Goal readers.

Born in England to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, the winger is eligible to represent the Super Eagles, Desert Foxes, the Three Lions, or Les Bleus.

Having shined at EFL Championship side Reading, the 19-year-old was signed by Premier League side Crystal Palace on a five-year contract which will keep him in Patrick Vieira's squad until 2026.

Knowing that he would be on the radars of the four countries due to his talent and ability, we asked our readers where the Eagles' new boy should pledge his international commitment.

In a poll conducted on the Goal Africa Twitter handle, a massive 75 percent of voters want the youngster to pitch his tent with three-time African champions Nigeria.

Should this happen, Olise will increase the budding talent in Gernot Rohr's squad ahead of the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations.

Some 9.7 percent of voters would love to see him represent Euro 2020 runners-up England, but perhaps not many Nigerians would fancy this decision having in mind that many of the country's prospects have played for the Three Lions in the past.

Names like John Fashanu, Bukayo Saka, Fikayo Tomori, Carlton Cole, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Tammy Abraham, John Salako, and Ugo Ehiogu readily come to mind.

Despite playing for France U18 team on two occasions, only 8.1 percent expect him to represent the 1998 and 2018 World Cup champions. 

Playing for reigning African champions Algeria seemed unlikely as only a tiny 7.3 percent anticipates him to represent the North African side. 

Recently, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish had talked about what the arrival of Olise means to the Selhurst Park giants.

“I’m delighted that Michael has joined us at Crystal Palace,” he told the club website.

“We have been monitoring him extremely closely for an extended period of time, and have been impressed by his consistent performances for Reading at such a young age.

“He clearly has an abundance of talent that I’m sure will excite all of our supporters, and clearly shows our direction of travel for this window.”

Atlanta United have dismissed head coach Gabriel Heinze after just 13 regular-season games.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender posted just a 2-4-7 record in MLS while feuding with star striker Josef Martinez in the weeks leading up to his dismissal.

Atlanta have now moved on from Heinze after just a few months, pointing to a "variety of issues relating to the day-to-day leadership of the team led the club to this decision".

What was said?

“This was certainly not a decision we wanted to make at this point in our season, but it was the right one for the club,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales.

“Gabi is a talented coach and is undeniably passionate about his craft and the sport of soccer. We are grateful to him for his service; and wish him all the best in the future.”

What went wrong?

In addition to the on-field struggles that have the club sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference, Heinze also feuded with Martinez, who has established himself as the club's biggest star in its young history.

Martinez, who has scored 79 goals in 91 career MLS matches, has been made to train on his own in recent weeks for what Heinze called a "coach's decision".

The Venezuelan star did not feature in Atlanta's loss to the New England Revolution on Saturday, with Heinze saying after the game that he did not fear for his job.

“I talk to Darren Eales and Carlos Bocanegra every day,” Heinze said just one day before his eventual dismissal. “I understand the position that they’re in. But they have always been alongside me. They’ve always seen how we do things.

"I’m not going to change their minds if something happens. I don’t need support. What I plan to do is to keep working.”

Heinze's road to Atlanta

The former defender established himself as one of the Americas top coaches in recent years in stints with Argentinos Juniors and Velez Sarsfield.

He led the former to promotion before resigning and taking over at the latter several months later, leading them to two consecutive Copa Sudamericana qualifications.

Heinze chose to step away at the end of the 2019-20 season, eventually taking over at Atlanta United.

In doing so, he replaced Frank de Boer, who had been dismissed for also failing to lead the 2018 MLS Cup champions anywhere close to the top of MLS like his predecessor, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino.

Further reading

Victor Osimhen scored four goals as Napoli beat Anaunia 12-0 in a pre-season friendly match on Sunday.

The Super Eagles forward scored all his goals in the first half as the Parthenopeans grabbed a 7-0 lead before the half-time break.

After Eljif Elmas broke the deadlock in the fourth minute, Osimhen doubled Napoli’s lead four minutes later.

Konstantinos Manolas made it 3-0 before the former Lille star found the back of the net in the 20th, 35th and 37th minutes to give his side a 6-0 lead.

Just on the stroke of half-time, Stanislav Lobotka added the seventh goal for Luciano Spalletti’s side.

At the break, new coach Spalletti opted to change his entire team with Andrea Petagna replacing Osimhen, while Amir Rrahmani entered for Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly and Algeria's Adam Ounas came off for Gennaro Tutino.

The party continued in the second half as goals from Gennaro Tutino, Luca Palmiero, Amato Ciciretti, Zinedine Machach and Andrea Petagna later sealed the Italian manager’s first victory since he replaced Gennaro Gattuso at the helm in May.

Prior to Sunday’s encounter, Spalletti lavished praise on Osimhen, who scored 10 goals in 24 Serie A matches last season, describing him as a complete striker.

"He will certainly be a foothold for us and a strength of this team,” Spalletti said. “He is a complete striker, he knows how to score and he knows how to fight for his teammates.

“It is clear that he also has aspects to improve and this is where we need to work, but it has already given great availability.”

Next up for Napoli is another friendly encounter against Serie C club Pro Vercelli on July 24 before they travel to Germany to take on Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for a warm-up fixture on July 31.

Spalletti’s men will begin their 2021-22 league campaign against Venezia on August 21.

Kenya’s Emerging Stars registered a winning start in the 2021 Cecafa U23 Cup after beating Djibouti 3-0 at Bahir Dar, in Ethiopia on Sunday.

It was Ulinzi Stars striker John Njuguna who scored the opener for Kenya in the 11th minute before goals from Reagan Otieno and Benson Omalla, in the 64th and 88th minutes, respectively, gave the team a good start in the tournament.

Coach Stanley Okumbi was elated with the positive start but was disappointed not to win by a bigger margin.

“We have won…yes, but I think we could have scored more,” Okumbi told Goal.

“We dominated the game from the first whistle and especially the second half and we deserved to score more than we did but a win is a win and we are happy for the positive start.”

The Emerging Stars will be looking to carry the momentum from the win into their second match of the tournament when they take on South Sudan on Wednesday.

Okumbi is confident Kenya have what it takes to beat South Sudan.

“Our display against Djibouti was very solid and I know the boys will up their game against South Sudan, I am confident we will get a win in the game,” Okumbi continued.

Kenya are leading Group C, which also comprises South Sudan on three points while Djibouti are without a point.

Meanwhile, Uganda settled for a 0-0 draw with DR Congo in another match at the same venue.

On Saturday, hosts Ethiopia drew 3-3 in the opening Group A fixture.

Kenya XI: Brian Bwire (GK), Frank Odhiambo, Fredrick Alushula, Bernard Ochieng (C), Vincent Wasambo, Boniface Muchiri, Henry Meja, Paul Reagan, Yidah Sven, John Njuguna, Lewis Bandi.

Subs: Caleb Omondi (GK), Brian Wepo, Alfred Tanui, Sylvester Ahono, Josphat Lopaga,  Austine Odhiambo, Steiner Musasia, Oliver Maloba, Marvin Nabwire, David Odhiambo, Benson Ochieng, Bonface Mwangemi.

Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Marc Guehi from Chelsea.

The defender has signed a five-year deal with the Eagles, joining in a deal believed to be around £20 million ($28m).

The 21-year-old came through the Chelsea youth ranks after joining the club in 2007 but made just two senior appearances for the club before making the permanent switch to Selhurst Park.

What has been said?

"I’m very excited. It’s a great opportunity for me to come to such a big club in the Premier League. I’m really excited to get going," he told Palace's website.

"[The club is taking] a really exciting direction with the new gaffer that’s come in. A lot of good young players are here and obviously such a stable club with top players really enticed me and made me want to come."

Guehi's career so far

After progressing through the youth ranks at Chelsea, Guehi to make his senior debut in the Carabao Cup clash against Grimsby, followed by a second appearance against Manchester United in the next round of the tournament, 

The centre-back then spent 18 months on loan at Swansea before returning to Stamford Bridge this summer.

He made 59 appearances in all competitions for the Welsh club, helping them reach the Championship play-offs in each of the last two seasons.

He could make his debut in the Premier League against his former side as Patrick Vieira's men start the campaign with an away game against Chelsea.

Further reading

Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars continued their drive for the Nigeria Professional Football League title on Sunday after defeating Dakkada FC 2-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Sai Masu Gida’s quest of emerging as Nigerian champions had suffered a huge blow following a 1-0 defeat at Sunshine Stars in their last outing.

Against the Uyo-based outfit, they returned to winning ways to secure all points at stake without the presence of their inspirational captain, Ahmed Musa.

Rabiu Ali gave Ibrahim Musa’s team the lead in the 38th minute and two minutes later, Ebuka David doubled the hosts’ advantage to go into the half-time break with a two-goal cushion.

Despite a frantic push by the visiting side to make comeback, they were unable to beat goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo in the Pillars goal.

At the end of 90 minutes, coach Danlami Kwasau and his returned home with heads bowed low.

With this win, Kano Pillars climbed to third on the table having accrued 58 points from 33 games, three points behind leaders Akwa United who occupy the summit of the NPFL table.

Kennedy Boboye’s Promise Keepers stuttered in the title race having been held to a 1-1 draw Rivers United, who are currently ranked fifth.

After a goalless first-half at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port-Harcourt, Akwa United took the lead in the 53rd minute through Atshimene Charles.

However, Stanley Eguma’s team ensured that the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note thanks to Bamba Bakari’s effort three minutes from full-time.

Kano Pillars will continue their chase for a fifth Nigerian elite division diadem when they travel to Enugu Rangers on July 21.

According to reports, former Leicester City star Musa could join a Turkish elite division team before the end of July.  

NPFL RESULTS AT A GLANCE

Adamawa United 0-0 Sunshine Stars
Enyimba 2-1 Jigawa Golden Stars
Heartland 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Kano Pillars 2-0 Dakkada FC
Katsina United 1- 1Lobi Stars
Nasarawa United 1-0 MFM FC
Plateau United 4-0 Ifeanyi Ubah FC
Rivers United 1-1 Akwa United
Warri Wolves 1-0 Kwara United
Wikki Tourist 1-0 Abia Warriors

AC Milan have announced the signing of Fode Ballo-Toure on a four-year deal from Monaco, that will keep him at San Siro Stadium until June 2025.

The 24-year-old becomes the newest player in Stefano Pioli's team after Olivier Giroud completed a permanent switch from Chelsea on Saturday.

Last season, the Senegal international played 24 Ligue 1 matches, six of which were starts as Monaco finished third on the league table.

The France-born defender began his career at Paris Saint-Germain where he spent 12 years before moving to Lille in 2017 for a two-year spell, and he later joined the Stade Louis II outfit in 2019.

Although he played for the French youth teams at the U16 and U21 level, Ballo-Toure ditched the world champions to play for Senegal on the international scene earlier this year.

“AC Milan is delighted to announce the permanent signing of Fode Ballo-Toure from AS Monaco. The defender has signed a contract with the Rossoneri until 30 June 2025 and will be wearing the number 5 jersey,” read the club statement.

“Fode, born in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (France) on 3 January 1997, spent his youth career with Paris Saint-Germain, before moving to LOSC Lille in 2017, with whom he made his Ligue 1 debut and where he made 47 appearances in one and a half seasons.

"In January 2019, he moved to AS Monaco, with whom he played 74 games.

“Fode collected 8 caps with the France U21 team, with whom he played the 2019 Uefa European Under-21 Championship. Of Senegalese origins, Fode made his debut with the Senegal National team in March 2021, collecting four caps.”

Ballo-Toure will be the third African star in the Rossoneri’s set-up, after Algeria’s Ismael Bennacer and Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie.

He is expected to provide competition for Theo Hernandez in the left-back position as Pioli's men aim for the Scudetto and Uefa Champions League success.

AC Milan finished second in the Italian top-flight last season, and they will begin their 2021-22 campaign with a league clash against Sampdoria on August 21.

Watford gained Premier League promotion after a year away and their summer business has certainly caught the eye in recent weeks for varying reasons.

The Hornets’ signing of Emmanuel Dennis from Club Brugge raised a few eyebrows owing to the underwhelming nature of the forward’s last campaign, which included a rather torrid spell in the Bundesliga with Koln.

Despite the reservations about the new boy’s attitude, Goal explained the logic behind the forward’s acquisition, whose finest hour to date were those pair of goals against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In early July, Xisco’s team completed the temporary signing of Oghenekaro Etebo from Stoke City for the 2021/22 season.

Given the Premier League’s popularity in Nigeria, this is a positive move for the diligent midfielder. His move to Stoke in 2018 was met with criticism and some admiration, with observers either reckoning he should have decided on his future after the World Cup or understanding why a switch to England had its merits at the time.

The midfielder’s arrival in Hertfordshire prompted interesting comments from Amaju Pinnick, president of Nigeria Football Federation.

“Watford FC is gradually becoming a Super Eagles camp,” said Pinnick as per a statement made available to Goal by the NFF media department. “I told Mr Giaretta that we have six players at Watford FC now and three of them are regular Super Eagles teamers and therefore, we need to forge a stronger relationship with the club.

“Watford are returning to the Premier League in the coming season, so it is a good feeling all around.”

While the initial statement may have been a tad hyperbolic, the presence of so many Nigerians at Vicarage Road immediately increases the interest in the club from enthusiasts in the West African nation.

Throw in the Super Eagles status of William Troost-Ekong and his important role under Xisco in the promotion campaign, instantly making him the most eye-catching West African from the glut of players.

Tom Dele-Bashiru, Isaac Success and Scotland youth international of Nigerian descent Dapo Mebude comprise other players who hail from the populous nation, and the latter’s recent claim reminded fans why they might consciously or unwittingly root for the Hornets next season.

“[Watford are] a massive club, I have watched them in the Premier League for a few years,” Mebude told the club's official portal. “I have been a fan of the Premier League and watched players like Troy Deeney, and Odion Ighalo who is a countryman of mine, so there are a lot of things that attracted me.”

In truth, the ex-Manchester United striker’s time at the club increased their popularity among supporters of the country, with his performances and goals causing several people to tune in whenever Watford played.

Ighalo, by and large, got Nigerians invested in the Hertfordshire club when he thrived and the current situation could prompt a similar reaction, if not higher.

Admittedly, the influx of new players suggests Xisco may still have to let players leave either on loan or permanently and Success’ position at the club is precarious. The forward’s injury hell meant he missed a chunk of their promotion year, and while he would love to prove himself, game time cannot be promised in 21/22.

Troost-Ekong’s journey to the Premier League is particularly charming. He didn’t make the grade at Fulham or Tottenham Hotspur, leaving him to put his dream of playing PL football on ice for around a decade.

The 27-year-old gave up Serie A football at Udinese for a move to Watford, a transfer that might have surprised some but made sense to the defender. Aside from his ambition to play in English football’s top division was an inclination to be closer to his family.

After the irrepressible Ismaila Sarr netted to seal the Hornets’ 1-0 win over Millwall which confirmed their elevation to the Prem, the ex-Bursaspor man couldn’t hide his happiness.

“It’s amazing. I can’t really put words to it now,” said Troost-Ekong, speaking in the moments after Watford sealed promotion. “It’s one of the best days in my life and my career so far. We worked so hard for it and now we’ve done it, so I’m really pleased for all the boys.”

In 21/22, Nigerians will root for the perceived-to-be problematic Dennis, the tenacious Etebo and the defensive rock that is Troost-Ekong.

Ighalo got fans invested in Watford, but the aforementioned triumvirate ought to take that interest up a notch as Xisco seeks to withstand the Premier League pressure cooker.   

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says it is still unclear if Marcus Rashford must undergo an operation this summer.

The 23-year-old has been struggling with a shoulder problem since last year and may require surgery in the wake of England's Euro 2020 campaign.

But Solskjaer says they have not come to a decision so far and are still in talks with medical experts.

What has been said?

"No, we’re looking at the best options," Solskjaer told reporters when asked if Rashford will have an operation.

"Of course, he went away just to reflect on it a little bit. We have to take the best course of action for him and the club.

"We’re still addressing that with the experts."

Solskjaer defends Rashford

Rashford was one of three players who faced racist abuse after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.

Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all published statements reflecting on the loss and hit out at the abuse they have received.

Solskjaer says he was saddened by the discrimination they received as he defended his player.

"It’s very disappointing and sad," he said.

"They play football, they do the best for the club, do the best for their family, do their best for their country and are brave enough to step up and take penalties, that’s a win in itself."

Further reading

Simba SC completed the Tanzania Mainland League season in style as they defeated Namungo FC 4-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday evening.

Chris Mugalu struck a brace with Meddie Kagere and captain John Bocco ensuring their names were on the score sheet as well.

Having sealed their 22nd league title and fourth in a row earlier this week, the newly crowned champions played the game under no pressure and that made them more lethal as they tried to score with every opportunity they had.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi had won the last round away 3-1 and having also won one and drawn once as well in the previous two matches, it was obvious they came into the match as favourites.

It took the champions 19 minutes to open the scoring. Mugalu dispossessed the opponent in a dangerous area before passing the ball to Kagere, and the Rwandan had no difficulty finding the back of the net.  

Five minutes later, Mnyama doubled the advantage - a swift counter-attack ended with the ball at the feet of Shomari Kapombe. He passed it to Mugalu and the towering Congolese easily beat the goalkeeper to double the advantage.

Simba went into the half-time break with a two-goal advantage but they could have scored more if they took the many chances created.

In the 67th minute, Mugalu completed his double - Clatous Chama passed the ball to Luis Miquissone.

The Mozambican was fouled 25 yards from the goal and he restarted fast, passing to Kapombe whose cut-back found the attacker in a prime position and he finished the move with ease to score his 15th goal of the season.

In stoppage time, Bocco was fouled in the danger zone and the referee had no option but hand the Msimbazi Street-based charges a penalty. 

The Tanzania international rose to the occasion, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal his Golden Boot this season. It was the 16th goal in the just concluded campaign.

Simba ended the season with 83 points from the 34 matches they played. Mnyama won 26 matches, drew five, and lost three. They scored 78 goals and conceded 14 in the process.

Nashville SC midfielder Hany Mukhtar has scored the fastest hat-trick in Major Soccer League history.

The former Germany youth international of Sudanese background achieved this feat within six minutes during Saturday’s 5-1 defeat of Chicago Fire.

Mukhtar found the net first in the tenth minute before firing past goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth again in the 13th and 16th minutes.

In doing so, the 26-year-old becomes the player to have scored thrice within the shortest time in the history of the American elite division.

Furthermore, it was the Sudan prospect’s maiden treble for club and country since he began his career at Hertha Berlin in 2012.

Unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions, Gary Smith’s men welcomed Raphael Wicky’s side to the Nissan Stadium.

Nashville took the lead just ten minutes into the game. Profiting from an erroneous pass from a Chicago defender, Mukhtar slotted the ball past Shuttleworth after he was teed up by Charles Sapong.

Three minutes later, the midfielder doubled his team’s advantage with a better finish. Receiving a low cross on the edge of the box from Daniel Lovitz, he impressed with a few stepovers before bending his effort past the opposing goalkeeper.

The visitors’ ambition of launching a comeback suffered a massive setback as Johan Kappelhof was then given his marching orders by referee Lukasz Szpala for a foul on Sapong.

Mukhtar took the ensuing free-kick and curled it into the top left corner of the goalkeeper’s net.

Six minutes before the half-time break, Sapong extended his team’s lead to four after profiting from a moment of carelessness from Fire’s defenders.

Despite looking dead and buried, Raphael Wicky's side remained resolute as they pulled a goal back in the 47th minute courtesy of Ignacio Aliseda, with Przemyslaw Frankowski credited for the assist.

Two minutes after the hour mark, the hosts completed the rout through Cameroonian Brian Anunga, who was assisted by Dylan Nealis.

Three minutes later, Mukhtar was substituted for Alex Muyl. Cote d’Ivoire’s Ake Loba was not listed for the game nor was Tanzania's Irakoze Donasiyano and Senegal's Dominique Badji.

Thanks to this result, Nashville SC climbed to fifth in the log after accruing 22 points from 13 outings so far.

Saturday night’s Caf Champions League final afforded Pitso Mosimane yet another opportunity to corral a slice of African football history.

The 56-year-old has, among a few other things, become the fifth coach to retain the Caf Champions League title and the second in Al Ahly history, having become only the third man to win it with two different clubs when his side beat SC Zamalek in last year's final.

This year’s challenger Kaizer Chiefs presented an altogether different challenge, as well as an interesting wrinkle: Mosimane only won five (and lost eight) of 18 meetings in all competitions against Amakhosi in his eight years in charge at Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, Ahly have only lost once in the competition this term, and lived up to their favourites tag with a strong performance - and a 3-0 victory - against the first-time finalists from South Africa.

By any measure then, Mosimane has been a roaring success in Egypt, vindicating the club’s gamble in bringing him over from Sundowns.

Such a radical departure in terms of coaching appointment (the South African is the first non-Egyptian African manager the club have ever appointed) was always going to heap the pressure on right away, but if it has made the task of leading Ahly particularly difficult, the former Bafana coach has worn that added strain remarkably well.

Of course, considering the history, financial muscle and government patronage Ahly enjoy, competing for (and winning) the biggest trophies on offer is not just expected, but an imperative on which the coach’s job security hinges.

That fact is handily illustrated by the fact that only three other men have held the position beyond 50 matches since the turn of the millennium; to whom much is given, much is demanded. “As a head coach at Al Ahly, if you do not win the Caf Champions League and the domestic league, you have to look for another place immediately,” Mosimane recently observed, matter-of-factly.

There is a paradox at play when it comes to managing at a big club like Ahly.

By virtue of their sheer size, success is at first expected, then comes to be taken almost for granted, and finally becomes somewhat underrated.

With so many advantages, the job the coach does to synthesize a working harmony can quickly lose some of its lustre, creating a false perception of ease from the outside.

This phenomenon was easily observable when Pep Guardiola managed Bayern Munich: so outsized and cartoonish was their dominance – which he helped create – in Germany that the very validity of the Spaniard’s work began to be questioned.

With such outrageous talent at his disposal, how could he (or indeed anyone else) not win?

Mosimane has thankfully not stayed long enough to wear out his goodwill just yet; besides, he already has the one trophy that Guardiola was unable to attain as a final riposte to the critics.

However, the situation is not altogether dissimilar. With such a deeply ingrained winning culture already in place at Ahly, just what is it then that would set the former Mamelodi Sundowns boss apart?

How long would it take for the casual, trophy-hoovering brilliance of his side to be held up as proof that any old coach could win with the same group? Trophies are always desirable, but familiarity can breed contempt and, ultimately, dissatisfaction. It is a bothersome shortcoming of success: not even it can outstrip the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility.

Being an ambitious, intelligent manager, this will not be lost on Mosimane.

Even if he fulfils the destiny that awaits him on Saturday and claims a third African title, it grants a stay-of-execution at best.

Understanding this level of volatility then, perhaps his wider legacy will ultimately concern the imprint he leaves on Egyptian football as a whole and the national team in particular.

Ahly have always had a great influence on the composition of the Pharaohs – seven of the starting 11 for their 3-0 semi-final victory over Esperance were Egyptian internationals, and a further four came off the bench on the night.

Much like Guardiola’s spell at Bayern Munich led to a greater league-wide focus on control and patient possession, and directly contributed to Germany’s World Cup win in 2014, the impact of Mosimane’s Ahly stewardship may only become evident as his style leads an evolution of the national side.

Over the last decade, the Pharaohs have shed the bold attacking strategy that won three consecutive Africa Nations Cups and adopted a stealthier, more counter-based approach.

The results have been mixed-to-negative: they reached the final of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations playing utterly uninspiring football, and were unceremoniously dumped out on home soil by – ironically enough – South Africa in 2019.

Before those two, they failed to qualify altogether for three editions.

The seed for regaining a position of strength on the continent probably lies in the work Mosimane is undertaking with Ahly.

Under the South African, the nine-time African champions espouse a short-passing style, clean build-up play through the thirds and are aggressive in their use of width in attack, all tenets that the Pharaohs have largely abandoned in favour of sitting deep and seeking to exploit the pace of Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet on the break.

With so many of the Egypt squad at Ahly, the eventual fruit of Mosimane’s success could be changing the face of Egyptian football.

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder William 'Naughty' Mokoena has urged the Soweto giants to sign SuperSport United marksman Bradley Grobler.

The Buccaneers finished third on the 2020/21 PSL standings and they were the lowest-scoring team among the top five teams as they netted 33 goals compared to champions Mamelodi Sundowns' 49.

Pirates have been active in the current transfer window having signed centre-back Kwanda Mngonyama, right-back Bandile Shandu, midfielder Goodman Mosele and winger Monnapule Saleng.

Having played with prolific strikers Sibusiso Zuma and Dennis Lota at Pirates, Mokoena feels that it is imperative for the club to address its scoring problem.  

"They need to strengthen the striking department. They have been busy buying defenders which is good," Mokoena told Goal.

"However, when you look at how Pirates plays under the coach [Josef Zinnbauer], they are very good going forward. They have the speed and everything needed to unsettle any defence.

"But they don't have someone who can finish the chances they create. So, they need a reliable striker, who can finish the opportunities they tend to create through their attacking midfielders."

Grobler has been on the radar of Pirates in the past and the Soweto giants have been credited with an interest in Baroka FC's 21-year-old marksman Evidence Makgopa in the current transfer window.

"I would prefer Grobler over Makgopa because of his experience and finishing ability in the final third. Makgopa is still young and he is still learning," Mokoena stressed. 

"On the other hand, Grobler has been a Bafana Bafana international for many years. So, for him to gel quickly at Pirates, it will be easy."

Makgopa was named PSL Young Player of the Season at the end of the recent campaign, while Grobler scooped the PSL Golden Boot accolade. 

Mokoena, who played for both Bafana and the South Africa under-23 national team, explained that it would be a great piece of business if the Buccaneers were to sign both strikers.

"However, at the same time, Makgopa would also be a good acquisition for the future by the club if they were to purchase both players," the 46-year-old said. 

"He would learn from the experienced players at Pirates including Grobler. So, it would be good for Makgopa to learn from a player like Grobler."

Pirates are set to take on their archrivals Kaizer Chiefs in the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup match at Orlando Stadium on August 1.