Looking for Soccer News?

Kenya U23 head coach Stanley Okumbi has named the squad that will take part in the upcoming Cecafa Cup set to take place between July 18 to 31 in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Gor Mahia sensations Caleb Omondi and Frank Odhiambo have been maintained in the Emerging Stars squad.

Omondi and Brian Bwire of Kariobangi Sharks are the goalkeepers kept for the regional competition while Odhiambo is among the defenders. Both Omondi and Odhiambo were elevated to the senior team by formed Gor Mahia head coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto, who quit last week.

AFC Leopards duo Lewis Bandi and Austin Odhiambo also kept their places since they been impressing with Ingwe in the FKF Premier League. Bandi - since he was introduced when Isaac Kipyegon was injured in May, has never looked back after featuring prominently for the local giants.

Okumbi has chosen to travel with just three strikers: Benson Omala of Gor Mahia, Henry Atola of Tusker, and Alfred Tanui of Kisumu All-Stars for the tournament. Kenya are in

Group C alongside South Sudan and Djibouti while Uganda, Tanzania and DR Congo are in Group A. 

Hosts Ethiopia - who have been in camp for over a month now - are in Group B with Burundi and Eritrea. Uganda will face DR Congo in the opening game on July 18 before Ethiopia clash with their northern neighbours Eritrea on the same day.

The top teams in each pool will book the semi-final slots while the best runners-up from the three groups will get a place in the knockout phase too.

While the team that is classified in the ninth position after the group stage will not play more games, the other teams classified fifth to eighth will play in a mini-contest to determine the rankings.

The Cecafa semi-finals will be held on July 28 before the final on July 31 and all games will be played at Bahir Dar Stadium in Northern Ethiopia.

Kenya's Cecafa Squad: 

Defenders: Sylvester Owino (Kakamega Homeboyz), Bernard Ochieng (Wazito FC), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Maha), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Bonface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Wepo (KCB FC).

Midfielders: Yidah Sven (Nairobi City Stars), Marvin Nabwire (AFC Leopards), Vincent Wasambo (KCB FC), Austine Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Regan Otieno (KCB FC), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Josphat Lopaga (Posta Rangers), Steiner Musasia (Posta Rangers), John Njuguna (Ulinzi Stars), Boniface Muchiri (Tusker FC), David Odhiambo (Kakamega Homeboyz)

Forwards: Benson Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Henry Atola (Tusker), Alfred Tanui (Kisumu All-Stars)

Erling Haaland will remain at Borussia Dortmund as their search for a replacement for Jadon Sancho goes on, according to the club's head of first-team football Sebastian Kehl.

Haaland is attracting attention from a whole host of top clubs after a stellar 2020-21 campaign at BVB, who he helped win the DFB-Pokal and finish fourth in the Bundesliga by scoring 30 goals in 32 domestic appearances.

However, Dortmund have repeatedly insisted that a prized asset will not be sold this summer, and Kehl reiterated that stance before their opening pre-season friendly against FC Giessen on Tuesday night.

What's been said?

Asked for an update on Haaland's future, the BVB chief told Sky Germany: "There is nothing new on this matter. He is in our plans. Erling will return this week and he will be very hungry.

"He wants to play football, he feels comfortable with us and he will be eager to score many goals."

Who has been linked with Haaland?

Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been linked with Haaland in recent months, but it has been suggested that Chelsea will be his most likely next destination if he leaves Dortmund this year.

As confirmed by Goal, the Blues have already made contact with the German club and the striker's representatives over a possible deal, but it has been reported that he could cost up to £150 million ($208m).

Dortmund's transfer plans

Dortmund are currently prioritising the signing of a new winger, with England international Jadon Sancho now on the verge of completing a £73m ($101m) switch to Manchester United.

The Bundesliga giants reportedly have their eye on 19-year-old PSV star Noni Madueke, and Kehl has now confirmed that they will look for a player with a similar profile to the outgoing Sancho.

"We definitely want to do something [in the transfer market]," he said. "We want to remain ambitious – but under what circumstances?"

"We are carefully evaluating how things are developing. We will not do any crazy things.

"Maybe his successor will be a player who we'll develop into a top player – as we did with Jadon."

Further reading 

 Safa has confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs’ chief scout Walter Steenbok is one of the three people who have been short-listed for the technical director position. 

Steenbok was linked with the job two months ago as Safa look to find a replacement for Neil Tovey, who served as the organization's permanent technical director for five years before he left in June 2020 after his contract expired.

Frans Mogashoa, who is Safa's head of coach education, has been serving as an acting technical director since Kaizer Chiefs legend Tovey's departure, but the country's football governing body seems to be close to finding a new permanent technical director. 

Safa chief executive officer Tebogo Motlanthe revealed that they are just waiting for the technical committee to finalize things before they can announce Tovey's replacement. 

“Walter came to present to the [Safa] technical committee with the two others. The decision has not yet been made‚” Motlanthe told Sowetan.

“He is one of the candidates. We are just waiting for finalisation from the technical committee.” 

Mauritius Football Association (MFA) technical director Zunaid Mall and a former Safa technical officer in Gauteng Joe de Oliviera have also been linked with Safa's technical director job.

Motlanthe went on to state that level four lockdown for Covid-19 has slowed the process of finding a new technical director. 

“We met last time‚ and then Covid happened and the President [Cyril Ramaphosa] spoke. But we are pushing to have it finalised as soon as possible‚” he concluded.

When contacted for a comment by the same publication, Chiefs’ communications manager Vina Maphosa indicated that he was in the dark regarding Steenbok's potential appointment by Safa.

“I have not had any information on that‚” Maphosa said with Amakhosi busy preparing for the 2020/21 Caf Champions League final against Egypt's Al Ahly on Saturday.

Steenbok, who has also worked for Mamelodi Sundowns as a scout, is believed to have discovered former Chiefs star Knowledge Musona in Zimbabwe. 

The experienced tactician coached Basotho Tigers in the National First Division and Benoni Premier United in the PSL.

He has a Masters Degree in Sport Directorship from Manchester Metropolitan University. 

Further Kaizer Chiefs reading 

In any competition, when participating teams finish level be it in a league or a qualifying group, they have to be separated to find a winner.

There are two ways to handle the situation, one is to use the head-to-head record, or sometimes it can be done by applying goal difference.

For instance, in the Uefa Champions League when teams finish level on points in the qualifying group the head-to-head record is used and that means if team A beats team B at home and then draws away Team A will finish above Team B in the table.

So how do competitions in Africa apply the head-to-head or goal difference rule when teams are level on points?

How does the Africa Cup of Nations rank teams?

In the Africa Cup of Nations, the following tiebreakers are applied as per (Regulations Article 14):

1.   Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams

2.   Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams

3.   Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams

4.   Away goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams

5.   If more than two teams are tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams were still tied, all head-to-head criteria above were reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams

6.   Goal difference in all group matches

7.   Goals scored in all group matches

8.   Away goals scored in all group matches

9.   Drawing of lots

What about African Nations Championships?

In the group stage of African Nations Championships, teams are ranked according to points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss), and if tied on points, the following tiebreaking criteria are applied, in the order given, to determine the rankings (Regulations Article 74):

1.   Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams

2.   Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams

3.   Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams

4.   If more than two teams are tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams are still tied, all head-to-head criteria above are reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams

5.   Goal difference in all group matches

6.   Goals scored in all group matches

7.   Drawing of lots

How does it apply in the Caf Champions League?

The deciding tie-breakers in the Champions League are as follows under order (Regulations III. 20 & 21):

1.   Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams

2.   Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams

3.   Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams

4.   Away goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams

5.   If more than two teams are tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams are still tied, all head-to-head criteria above are reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams

6.   Goal difference in all group matches

7.   Goals scored in all group matches

8.   Away goals scored in all group matches

9.   Drawing of lots

What about the Confederation Cup?

In the Confederation Cup, teams are also ranked according to points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss).

If tied on points, the following tie-breakers are observed under (Regulations III. 20 & 21):

1.   Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams

2.   Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams

3.   Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams

4.   Away goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams

5.   If more than two teams are tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams are still tied, all head-to-head criteria above are reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams

6.   Goal difference in all group matches

7.   Goals scored in all group matches

8.   Away goals scored in all group matches

9.   Drawing of lots

Meanwhile, preliminary rounds of the Caf World Cup qualifiers have also been applying the head-to-head rule and it goes all the way to the late stages.

Ghanaian wonderkid Kamaldeen Sulemana is weighing up his options ahead of a potential transfer this summer, with Manchester United among those interested in the teenage forward

The 19-year-old, who has been compared to Neymar, has been attracting attention from all over Europe, but is yet to make a decision on his future. 

Sulemana has been impressing at Danish side FC Nordsjaelland having come through the Right to Dream academy in his homeland, and he has caught the attention of the likes of United, Ajax and Rennes.

Who is Kamaldeen Sulemana?

Sulemana was discovered at the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, before being transferred to Nordsjaelland, and he signed his first professional contract with the Danish side in January 2020.

He is most comfortable on the left wing, but is capable of playing anywhere across the forward line and has established himself as one of the most dangerous dribblers in the Superliga.

He scored four goals in 13 appearances in his debut campaign in Denmark, and finished last season with 10 goals to his name.

His coach Flemming Pedersen compared him to Brazilian star Neymar due to his playing style, telling TV3 Sport in May: "We are talking about a player with potential on a par with Neymar, and maybe even more than that, because he is even faster."

Where could Sulemana move to?

Manchester United are one of a number of clubs who have scouted and continue to monitor the teenager, but Ajax appear to be favourites.

Sulemana could follow in the footsteps of his former team-mate and friend Mohammed Kudus, who signed for the Eredivisie champions in 2020. Lyon, Monaco, Rennes and Bayer Leverkusen are three other clubs who are reportedly interested in the teenager. 

"It’s not our decision - it's Kamal’s decision as much as it’s ours," Nordsjaelland chairman, Tom Vernon, told Goal. "We get many bids for many players all of the time at FCN, and it’s really about when you feel ready to take your next step.

"He’s having a think about that and he understands what his options are."

'He does things that you can't imagine'

Vernon, a former Manchester United scout who founded the Right to Dream academy, has watched the forward’s career closely for years, and believes he does not get enough credit for how good he is.

"People think it’s just his speed that make him stand out, but it’s a combination of that and his tactical awareness, which maybe he doesn’t get enough credit for. Because he’s so fast, people just tend to look at his speed," Vernon said.

"But he’s tactically very aware and can play in multiple positions. Then there's his imagination in one-on-one and tight situations, similar to Dams (Denmark star Mikkel Damsgaard), but he does things that you can’t imagine and haven’t been seen too often.

"As a winger or a lead attacker, he’s pretty unique."

Further reading

Reigning Europa League champions Villarreal announced the signing of Boulaye Dia from Ligue 1 side Reims on Monday evening.

The 24-year-old forward teamed up with the Yellow Submarine after representing the Red and Whites for three seasons at the Stade Auguste-Delaune.

Signed for an undisclosed fee, Dia was handed a five-year contract after passing his medical test under the supervision of ASISA. That will keep him at the Spanish elite division side until 2026.

"Villarreal CF have reached a transfer deal with Stade Reims for French-Senegalese striker Boulaye Dia, who will wear yellow for the next five seasons," a statement from the club read.

"Boulaye Dia will already train with his new teammates on Wednesday under Unai Emery at the Sports City.

"At 24, Dia has been one of the sensations of the top French championship, showing himself as a powerful, fast and skilled striker with the ball at his feet."

Blessed with great speed, the African featured in a total of 88 matches for the Red and Whites while finding the net on 28 occasions.

In the 2020-21 campaign, he featured in 36 French elite division games with 14 goals to his credit. However, his team finished 14th in the log after garnering 42 points from 38 outings.

Following his move to Estadio de la Ceramica, the Senegalese star becomes the third African in Unai Emery's squad. Others include Samuel Chukwueze [Nigeria] and Aissa Mandi [Algeria]. 

Dia is likely to make his debut when Villarreal take on Valencia during Friday's pre-season outing.

Born in Oyonnax France, the youngster began his career at Jura Sud in 2017 before moving to Reims II a season later.

Thanks to his impressive displays, he was promoted to the club’s first team where he impressed under manager Oscar Garcia.

On the international scene, he was invited by coach Aliou Cisse to represent the Lions of Teranga on October 1, 2020. Eight days later, he made his bow in the West African side’s 3-1 defeat to Morocco.

With his country taking part in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, Dia is expected to be listed as Senegal chase their maiden African title.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is adamant that Emile Smith Rowe will not be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer. 

Smith-Rowe, 20, has become the focus of transfer attentions from Aston Villa since the window re-opened. 

Despite the Villans' pursuit, Arsenal are not interested in a sale and rejected a £30m ($42m) bid for his service.  

What was said? 

"Without a question. Yes. He will stay here. 100%," Arteta said in quotes published by The Athletic when asked about his young charge. 

When queried on Villa's interest, the manager replied: "No comment."

Smith Rowe netted his side's only goal in an otherwise disappointing 2-1 friendly reverse at the hands of Hibernian on Tuesday, and Arteta was pleased to see him pose more of a threat inside the area. 

"He knows that it is a part of the game he needs to get better at. We are working on it a lot and you could see the positions that he took today. He created two or three big chances," he added. 

'The best player at this club last season'

Another of Arteta's young charges experienced heart-break at the weekend, as Bukayo Saka erred England's fifth, decisive shoot-out kick to seal Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy. 

"I have [spoken to him], we all have," the manager explained. 

"He's been down, but the support, the love and the admiration of everybody in world football I think is the biggest trophy that he can have.

"He had an incredible season, he was the best player in our club for the whole season, he played for England, he earned the place to play right there at 19.

"What else do you want? Yeah the cup, but you cannot have everything in this football."

Further reading

Italy star Giorgio Chiellini has admitted he put a "curse" on Bukayo Saka before the England teenager's decisive penalty miss in Sunday's Euro 2020 final. 

Saka saw his spot kick saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, handing Italy the European title after the two teams drew 1-1 over 120 minutes. 

Just before Saka took the kick, Chiellini screamed "Kiricocho!" – a word that's been used by footballers for decades to impart bad luck on the opposition.

What was said?

Responding to a question from ESPN, Chiellini responded in Italian: “Hello Christian, I confirm everything! Kiricocho!”

A video from UEFA also clearly shows the veteran defender shouting the word just prior to Donnarumma's title-winning save on Saka.

What is the Kiricocho curse?

Juan Carlos 'Kiricocho', or Quiricocho according to some versions of the story, was a hardcore supporter of Argentinian club Estudiantes de la Plata during the 1980s.

The fan even attended some of the club's training sessions, but Estudiantes head coach Carlos Bilardo began to notice that his players mysteriously seemed to get injured whenever Kiricocho was present.

Bilardo, as the legend goes, told Kiricocho to attend training sessions of Estudiantes' rivals, hoping to utilise his powers to help, rather than hurt his side. 

"Kiricocho was a kid from La Plata who was always with us, and since that year we were champions [in 1982], we adopted him as our mascot," Bilardo once remarked.

"He was a good kid but then I didn't see him again. The last time I was coaching Estudiantes [in 2003-04] I asked after him and nobody knew anything."

The legend of Kiricocho has since spread throughout the footballing world, with players now routinely using the word when they want to put a curse on their opponents.

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp has underlined how Ibrahima Konate was so pleased to join Liverpool, that he had his shirt presentation in five different venues in Paris.

The six-time European kings activated the release clause in the 22-year-old’s contract at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, signing the defender on a five-year deal and a fee worth £36 million ($50m).

With the arrival of Konate at Anfield, he becomes a contender to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Premier League side’s back four.

Also, the German tactician expressed his delight to have the France prospect (of Mali descent) in his star-studded squad ahead of the new season.

Excited to work with him, Klopp stated he has a bright future based on his exploits at the Red Bull Arena.

“First of all, obviously he is very excited! I saw on social media he had his own shirt presentation in five different venues in Paris! Great,” Klopp was quoted by Liverpool website.

“He is a good guy, I knew that before. Physically, because of the situation, we met now [for] the first time here – apart from the games when we played Leipzig, obviously. 

“He is a good guy, he is really happy to be here. I’m really happy to have him around. He is a young boy still, unbelievably young, but experienced already. [He] played some really good stuff in the past and hopefully even better stuff in the future. 

“But for him, it’s now the first pre-season with us as well, we don’t know a lot about the player, that’s always how it is with new players.

“So, we try to be careful as well, try to be in constant conversations with him about how he feels and these kinds of things. It’s a completely normal process and yeah, [it’s] really good to have him here.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend John Barnes claimed the money spent in Konate this summer makes him the favourite to partner Van Dijk.

"It will be interesting to see who starts in central defence for Liverpool alongside Virgil van Dijk next season. In the long term Joe Gomez will be fine, but he’s young and he’s had his injury problems,” he told Goal.

"Having splashed out so much money on a centre-back in Ibrahima Konate, they’ll probably start with him alongside Van Dijk - presuming Van Dijk is fit for the start of the season - but it’s always good to have competition for places."

England and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has expressed his gratitude to the fans that flocked to his mural in order to leave messages of support and encouragement. 

The 23-year-old erred from the spot on Sunday as England lost out in the Euro 2020 final at the hands of Italy, with his mural in Manchester subsequently defaced by hateful messages.

He also received racist and abusive messages on social media since that miss, but he also highlighted the many supporters who have backed him at this painful time. 

"Overwhelmed"

On Tuesday Rashford took to Twitter in order to share photos of the letters and memorabilia left at the image of him which stands in his hometown of Manchester. 

"Overwhelmed. Thankful. Lost for words." he wrote on the social media website to accompany the messages. 

One of the cards left stated: "You are a hero, Marcus, thank you," while another letter affirmed: "Thank you for lifting the nation's spirit and being a hero for all children. 

"You are a well-respected and talented football player. Thank you for everything that you do." 

"All I can say is sorry"

The previous day, Rashford had penned an open letter apologising for his shoot-out miss, while vowing he and England would be back better than ever in the future. 

"I don't even know where to start and I don't even know how to put into words how I'm feeling at this exact time," he explained. "I've had a difficult season, I think that's been clear for everyone to see and I probably went into that final with a lack of confidence.

"I've always backed myself for a penalty but something didn't feel quite right. During the long run-up, I was saving myself a bit of time and unfortunately the result was not what I wanted.

"I felt as though I had let my team-mates down. I felt as if I'd let everyone down. A penalty was all I'd been asked to contribute for the team. I can score penalties in my sleep, so why not that one? It's been playing in my head over and over since I struck the ball and there's probably not a word to quite describe how it feels.

"Final. 55 years. One penalty. History. All I can say is sorry. I wish it had [have] gone differently. Whilst I continue to say sorry, I want to shout out [to] my team-mates. This summer has been one of the best camps I've experienced and you've all played a role in that. A brotherhood has been built that is unbreakable. Your success is my success. Your failures are mine."

Further reading

Germany-born striker Eunice Beckmann is in line for a Ghana debut after receiving a call-up for the Black Queens' upcoming Africa Women's Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria.

The 29-year-old, currently on the books of FC Koln, has been handed a second invitation after failing to honour a first call-up in 2016.

Born to Ghanaian parents in the German city of Wuppertal, the former Bayern Munich forward represented her country of birth at U19 level.

She is among a squad of 38 players announced for the upcoming Nigeria showdown, via the Ghana Football Association's official website on Tuesday.

Ghana captain Elizabeth Addo has also been invited as expected, as have Djurgardens club mate Portia Boakye and new Real Betis signing Grace Asantewaa.

Ghana and cup holders Nigeria are set to face off in the first round of qualifiers for the tournament to be hosted by Morocco next year.

The winners on aggregate will progress to the second round where the 11 nations, who will ultimately join the hosts for the final tournament, will be decided.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Fafali Dumehasi (Police Ladies), Abigail Tawia Mensah (Berry Ladies), Victoria Agyei Antwi (Kumasi Sports Academy), Martha Annan (Sea Lions), Cynthia Konlan-Findib (Pearl Pia Ladies) Mary Neequaye (Immigration Ladies)

Defenders:  Ellen Coleman (Lady Strikers), Beatrice Sesu (Police Ladies), Philicity Asuako (Police Ladies), Janet Egyir (Hasaacas Ladies), Susan Ama Duah (Berry Ladies), Justice Tweneboaa (Ampem Darkoa Ladies).

Midfielders: Priscilla Okyere (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Sonia Opoku (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Mary Essiful (Soccer Intellectuals), Nina Norshie (Berry Ladies), Veronica Appiah (Hasaacas Ladies), Grace Adams (Berry Ladies).

Forwards: Vivian Konadu (Thunder Queens), Doris Boaduwaa (Hasaacas Ladies), Uwaisa Mawia (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Rasheeda Inkoom (Prisons Ladies), Gladys Anfobea (Lady Strikers), Sandra Owusu-Ansah (Supreme Ladies), Ayisha Yakubu (Pearl Pia Ladies), Jacqueline Asamoah (Kumasi Sports Academy), Millot Pokua (Hasaacas Ladies), Elizabeth Owusua (Sea Lions), Sophia Agyakwa (Soccer Intellectuals), Alice Kusi (Fabulous Ladies).

Foreign-based players: Elizabeth Addo (Djurgarden IF, Sweden), Portia Boakye (Djurgarden IF, Sweden), Princella Adubea (Racing Feminas, Spain), Jennifer Cudjoe (Gotham FC, USA), Sherifatu Sumaila (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Eunice Beckmann (FC Koln, Germany), Grace Asantewaa (Real Betis, Spain), Linda Eshun (Club Deportivo Parquesol, Spain), Wasila Dawura-Soale (LSU Soccer, USA)

Joel Matip is close to returning to training, according to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The former Cameroon international suffered an ankle ligament injury in the 3-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in January.

And as a result of that setback, he was ruled out of the rest of the 2020-21 campaign as the Reds surrendered their Premier League title to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Nevertheless, the 29-year-old was part of the English top-flight side’s 34-man squad currently preparing for the new season in Austria.

On Tuesday, Matip joined in the day’s first session alongside Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold as the quartet continue on the road back to the first team.

While giving an injury update on the four players, the former Borussia Dortmund boss insisted the African star would not be rushed into training with the first team.

“No, they aren’t [at the same level as the others], but it’s different,” Klopp told the Liverpool official website.

“Let’s start with: all four look really good, I have to say. Look really good.

“Now we are in constant talks with the medical department, the fitness department, the rehab department about what is right for them today: do they have to do maybe a little bit more than the rest of the group, do they have to do a little bit less?

“So, especially Virg and Joe will not have double sessions now for the first few days with the team; they have a second session of the day but it’s with Andreas Schlumberger, with the rehab department, physiotherapy, these kinds of things.

“That’s for these two. [They] look really good. I don’t know exactly when we can make the next steps but it will happen in the next four weeks, for sure – we will get a big step forward.

“Joel looks good, absolutely, he is the closest probably to normal training and then we will see when we get him started for playing.”

Matip joined Liverpool in 2016 after representing Bundesliga side Schalke 04 for seven seasons.

The 19-time English top-flight champions will begin their campaign with an away game against Norwich City on August 14.

Inter have categorically dismissed claims from Sporting CP that they acted in an improper manner by terminating Joao Mario's contract, as the Portuguese side prepare legal action over his move to rivals Benfica. 

Sporting contend that the player was released in order to circumvent a hefty transfer clause that would have come into effect had Inter sold him to Benfica. 

But the Nerazzurri, who signed Mario in 2016 from Sporting, countered with a strongly worded statement in which they assured that the accusations were "unacceptable". 

What was said? 

"FC Internazionale Milano is aware of the statement released to the media by Sporting Clube de Portugal," Inter signalled in a statement released on the club's official website on Tuesday.

"The comments are unacceptable, extremely serious and – most importantly – without basis in truth.

"The club will protect its image and reputation in the relevant forums."

What are Sporting's allegations? 

The Lisbon club believe that in releasing Joao Mario just before he signed with their arch-rivals Benfica, Inter have deliberately avoided the triggering of a clause which would impose a financial penalty on the club should they sell him to a different Portuguese team. 

Sporting also claim they attempted to sign the Portugal midfielder themselves but were rebuffed by the reigning Serie A champions.

“Inter refused our proposal, they rescinded the contract with Joao Mario in order to get him to sign for Benfica,” the statement maintained.

“It is our belief that this workaround was used to avoid a clause signed in 2016. We will defend the interests of the club and sue for damages caused by the violation of these agreements.

“In 2016, Inter and Joao Mario accepted the clause to pay an extra €30 million in case of sale to another Portuguese club.”

Further reading

Gold Cup 2021 Group D begins on Tuesday when Qatar faces Panama and Honduras locks horns with Grenada in Houston, Texas.

Watch Gold Cup on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar are the tournament's special guests this year, having been invited by CONCACAF and a testing start awaits against two-time runners-up Panama. Honduras has reached the final of the Gold Cup three times and emerged victorious in 1981, so will be determined to reach the knockouts at the very least.

Ahead of the games, 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), the 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.

Qatar vs Panama team news

Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez will look to the likes of Mohammed Muntari, Almoez Ali and Hassan Al-Haydos for inspiration at the Gold Cup.

The roster is entirely home-based and boasts plenty of experience as well as a blend of youth.

Predicted Qatar starting XI: Al-Sheeb, Khoukhi, Hassan, Salman, Hisham, Ro-Ro, Boudiaf, Hatem, Al-Haydos, Ali, Muntari.

Former Leeds United boss Thomas Christiansen is at the helm of Panama and his squad for the Gold Cup includes the likes of Pumas striker Gabriel Torres and MLS veteran Anibal Godoy.

Predicted Panama starting XI: J. Calderon, Machado, Peralta, Cummings, Palacios, Griffith, Godoy, Cordoba, Barcenas, Fajardo, Torres.

Honduras vs Grenada team news

Franklin Flores was a late addition to the roster, replacing the injured Michaell Chirinos. Maynor Figueroa and Boniek Garcia - named after legendary Juventus star Zbigniew Boniek - bring vast experience to the team, while Boavista forward Alberth Elis and Dallas midfielder Bryan Acosta will be key players. 

Predicted Honduras starting XI: Lopez, Figueroa, D. Rodriguez, Alvarez, Pereira, Acosta, D. Flores, A. Lopez, Martinez, Elis, Bengston.

The Grenada roster is a mixture of home-based talent and players plying their trade in the lower leagues in England. 

Predicted Grenada starting XI: Belfon, Pierre, Sterling, Paterson, Noel-McLeod, McQueen, Theodore, John-Brown, Noel-Williams, Lewis, Charles.

Recent results

Kenya have been pooled in Group C of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup scheduled to be played from July 17 to August 1 in Ethiopia.

Countries will field their U23 teams as they aim at developing players for senior teams. The Emerging Stars have been grouped with Djibouti and South Sudan hoping to top the group.

Group A is comprised of defending champions Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo who come in as visitors. The hosts are in Group B with Burundi and Eritrea.

The top teams in every group will make it to the semis alongside one best runner-up.

Coach Stanley Okumbi believes preparations have been good and his charges are ready for the challenge.

"We have had good training sessions in camp since day one, and we are still giving our best," Okumbi told Goal after the final training session on Tuesday ahead of the team's departure to Ethiopia on Wednesday.

"From what I have seen, we are capable of going all the way and win the competition. The spirit is good and the players are upbeat about getting positive results in this regional competition.

"It is also a challenge for the selected players to show what they are capable of doing. They have a chance to show they are ripe for consideration in senior team future engagements."

Harun Mwale, Bernard Ochieng, and David Odhiambo are the only senior players in the team.

Emerging Stars provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), Caleb Otieno (Gor Mahia), Dolph Junior Owino (Nairobi Stima) 

Defenders: Jimmy Ndungi (Tusker), Portipher Odhiambo (Vihiga Bullets), Silvester Owino (Kakamega Homeboyz), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards), Boniface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Harun Mwale (Ulinzi Stars), Benard Ochieng (Wazito), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia) 

Midfielders: Marvin Nabwire (AFC Leopards), Sven Yidah (Nairobi City Stars), Vincent Wasambo (KCB), Faraj Ominde (Tusker), Reagan Otieno (KCB), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Josephat Lopaga (Posta Rangers), Steiner Musasia (Posta Rangers), John Njuguna (Ulinzi Stars), Austin Ochieng (AFC Leopards)  

Forwards: Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Henry Meja (Tusker), David Odhiambo (Kakamega Homeboyz).

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has named his 28-man squad for the Caf Champions League final against Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa scheduled for Saturday, July 17 at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, Morocco.

The tactician has not made any surprise inclusions or omissions from the squad as Al Ahly aim for their 10th title.

The Egyptians want to successfully defend their crown while their opponents are targeting their maiden Champions League title.

Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy leads the goalkeeping department with Ali Maaloul leading the defence. Mali midfielder Aliou Dieng and Mahmoud Mohamed are part of the midfielders in Mosimane's squad.

The attacking department will be led by the likes of Walter Bwalya and Mohamed Sherif.

This will be the second time the two teams are meeting with the first one coming in 2002 in the Caf Super Cup. The Red Devils had won the 2001 Champions League while Amakhosi had won the African Cup Winners' Cup in the same year.

The Egyptian side went on to win the trophy after claiming a 4-1 win.

The Red Devils made it to the final after a 4-1 aggregate win over Esperance de Tunis while Chiefs made it to the last two with a 1-0 aggregate win against Wydad Casablanca.  

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat has warned his teammates they can forget about beating Al Ahly in the final of the Caf Champions League if they don't stick to their game plan during the match. 

The 30-year-old Billiat has cautioned his teammates to stay focused and not give the game away by being in the right place and sticking with their game plan until the final whistle.

"We can only give it away if we don’t apply certain things that can make a difference in the game, which is being in the right space. Managing the space as well and make sure we stick to the game plan," Billiat told Chiefs Media as quoted by Idiskitimes.

"The coach is showing us in training and we believe the plan is going to give us the greatest result."

Al Ahly squad:

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy, Ali Lotfy, Mostafa Shobier

Defenders: Mahmoud Wahid, Mahmoud Metwally, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Ayman Ashraf, Badr Benoun, Saad Samir, Ali Maaloul, Mohamed Hany, Hamdy Fathy

Midfielders: Aliou Dieng, Amr El Soulia, Afsha, Karim Nedved, Mohamed Mahmoud, Akram Tawfik, Walid Soliman

Forwards: Hussien El Shahat, Mahmoud Kahraba, Marwan Mohsen, Mohamed Sherif, Salah Mohsen, Walter Bwalya, Taher Mohamed Taher, Junior Ajayi 

Further Caf Champions League final reading