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Arsenal defender William Saliba has arrived in France ahead of his move to Marseille.

The Gunners have been in talks with the Ligue 1 side for weeks over a loan deal for the 21-year-old centre-back, who spent the second half of last season with Nice.

And an agreement has now been reached, with the defender having been given permission to travel to France to complete his switch to the Stade Velodrome.

What’s the latest?

Saliba flew to France on Tuesday morning to undergo a medical and complete his move to Marseille.

Arsenal expect the transfer to be finalised in the next couple of days, with Saliba set to join Gunners team-mate Matteo Guendouzi on loan at the Stade Velodrome for the season.

Marseille had been keen to include an obligation to buy option in the loan deal for Saliba, but Arsenal refused the request during negotiations.

Does Saliba still have a future at Arsenal?

This will be Saliba’s third loan move since his £27 million ($37m) move to Arsenal in 2019, adding to spells with Saint-Etienne and Nice.

He has yet to make a single competitive appearance for the Gunners and will have just two years left on his contract when his stint with Marseille comes to an end next summer.

Arsenal insist the young defender does still have a future at the club, however, and say that his situation will be assessed again at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

What's next for Arsenal?

Arsenal are now expected to press ahead with their pursuit of Ben White.

The Gunners have already seen multiple bids rejected by Brighton for the 23-year-old centre-back, who has been away with England at Euro 2020.

But talks between the two clubs have continued, with Arsenal confident of getting a deal done for the defender which will total around £50m ($70m).

Saliba’s exit and an injury to Gabriel Magalhaes mean that Arsenal currently only have Rob Holding, Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari as available senior centre-backs.

Further reading 

Middlesbrough striker Uche Ikpeazu has sensationally claimed he is still open to play for Nigeria despite earning two call-ups to play for Uganda.

The 26-year-old was born to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother in England and has on two occasions received calls-up to play for the Cranes, in the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying matches, which did not materialise.

His first call-up by then-coach Johnathan McKinstry was for the Afcon qualifying double-header against South Sudan, but the former Wycombe Wanderers striker did not make his debut after the game was cancelled owing to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

His second call was for the World Cup qualifiers by stand-in coach Abdallah Mubiru, but he was unlucky again as the matches were postponed to September.

Ikpeazu has now said he will not mind making a switch to play for the Super Eagles if a chance arises since he has not played for Uganda yet.

“And now that I am at Middlesbrough, my mind is telling me to play for the national team of Nigeria, that is a fact and I believe that I can achieve that because I have got all the tools and the ability to go and do well for the Super Eagles,” Ikpeazu said as quoted by completesports.com.

“Like I said before, I am still available for one reason or the other, having not managed to play for Uganda and when I was in Nigeria, my good friend, Odion [Ighalo] was even convincing me that I should play for the Super Eagles with the ability that I have got.

“Ighalo really believes in me, it is nice, you know that I have people of that magnitude who really believe in me and what I am about, I want to play for Nigeria, my name is Uche Ikpeazu.

“I am a ‘Naija’ boy and that is what I want to do [play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria] and I believe that I can help the country.”

On why he picked to play for Uganda ahead of Nigeria before, Ikpeazu said: “To be honest, it is a tough one because I am Nigerian-Ugandan and I am very proud to be one and of course, from a very young age, I had always pointed out the fact that I wanted to represent Nigeria.

“I am not going to hide away from that neither am I going to shy away from that because that is something I said in the past but sometimes in football and life, there are circumstances that things just don’t work out.

“Sometimes, things just don’t go the way you want them to but you have to make decisions and at the time when Uganda called me up, I was in a difficult point in my football career in terms of I wasn’t playing at Hearts of Midlothian [Scotland].

“And the thing is that I was lacking in confidence but the then-Uganda coach, Johnathan McKinstry was pivotal to one of the reasons why I wanted to play for the Ugandan national team.”

“He called me up to play in the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifiers and at that time, I was excited about the prospect of playing for Uganda but unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

“And that was not going to be the first of the instances where I was supposed to go and play for Uganda but a couple of other times, I was injured as two days before going to camp, I sprayed my ankle.

"And I think that was like a breakpoint for me to review what was really happening and I felt that it wasn’t just meant to be as I was sad that every time I was called up, an issue would crop up.

“But obviously, if I had played for Uganda, I would have represented the country very well and would have been very happy that I did that the same way I play my football.

"And that is because at the end of the day, that is my country but it was just difficult for me because I was really excited about playing for Uganda but obviously, I then moved to Wycombe Wanderers and did well in the Championship.”

Guest Feature | Lotfi Wada

Canon Yaounde side of the late 1970s and early 1980s, who defeated the likes of Enugu Rangers and Gor Mahia en route to their greatest successes, deserve to be considered among Africa's all-time great teams.

Crowned on their African Cup of Champions debut in 1971 after beating Asante Kotoko, Canon Yaounde again reached the heights of Africa six years later, this time in the African Cup Winners' Cup.

Facing Enugu Rangers' mighty generation including Christian Chukwu and Aloyisius Atuegbu, the Cameroonians fell hard in the last stage, and came back home empty handed.

It was a failure which helped Le Kpa Kum lean some big lessons which would help them in the future.

Returning to the Caf Champions League a year later after this Winners' Cup disappointment, a more mature Canon Yaounde would gun down their opponents en route to the semi-finals, with Green Buffaloes and Al-Merreikh Omdurman among those who were swatted aside.

In the semi-final, Thomas Nkono and friends came up against the same Enugu Rangers side who had prevented them from capturing the ACWC a year beforehand.

Unlike the ’77 final, when Rangers won 5-2, the ’78 meeting was a cagey affair, which Canon eventually won on penalties.

1977’s demons were exorcised, and Canon were set to play their second African final in two years, but they now had a much tougher obstacle in front of them: Hafia Conakry, who were currently in the midst of Guinean football’s golden era.

At the time, Hafia were playing their fifth African Cup of Champions Cup final in the period of seven years, and aiming for a fourth crown.

In a packed Stade du 28 Septembre, the Guinean favourites failed to break down a studied and solid Canon Yaounde defence, led by the mythic Nkono between the sticks, and were forced to a 0-0 draw before the return leg in Yaounde.

Showing a different style from the one previously seen in Conakry, the Cameroonians would ease past the Guineans 2-0 to win their second title, ending Hafia Conakry's dynasty and starting their own.

A year later, the red and green tornado would bulldoze their way to clinch the same African Cup Winners' Cup final they lost years earlier at the hands of Enugu Rangers.

Without any problems, Le Kpa Kum smashed Gor Mahia in what is still the greatest score registered in an African final: 8-0 on aggregate, including a 6-0 victory in the return leg.

It was a sublime triumph, which led to Nkono becoming the first and only goalkeeper to win the African Player of the Year award.

Still hungry after an unprecedented Champions' Cup-Winners Cup back-to-back triumphs, Theophile 'Doctor' Abega, Gregoire Mbida, the evergreen Jean Onguene, Jean Daniel Eboue, Ephrem Mbom, Ibrahim Audu, and the peerless Nkono were in the hunt for a third Champions Cup title.

Unlike the previous African crowns, Nkono's band now had to win their title outside their den of the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.

In the first leg, in Garoua, they were held to a surprise 2-2 draw by Congolese side AS Bilima, who had eliminated Canon’s countrymen—Union Douala—in the previous round.

It left Union with it all to do in Zaire.

Two weeks later in the mythical Tata Raphael cathedral, theatre of historic events, and in front of an ultra optimistic crowd, waiting for the crowning of their champions US Bilima, three cannon shots from the veteran Onguene Manga and Dr Abega translated Canon's domination into goals and steered their side towards a 3-0 victory and a deserved third African Cup of Champions.

Canon’s ‘Galacticos’, and their flamboyant football, had reached the pinnacle of African football, and the masterclass embodied—perfectly—the style and panache they boasted during their previous years of dominance.

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

Lionel Messi has "suffered a lot" with comparisons to Diego Maradona, says the son of an Argentine icon, but a man that has finally broken an international trophy duck is considered to be one of the best to ever play the game.

An all-time great that has spent his entire club career at Barcelona has added a Copa America crown to the countless collective and individual honours that have been secured across a memorable spell at Camp Nou.

The relief at bringing that barren run to a close this summer was clear for all to see, with Messi cementing his standing alongside 1986 World Cup winner Maradona, who passed away at the age of 60 in November 2020, at the very top of a global talent list.

What has been said?

That has not been an easy journey, with a 34-year-old star of the present forever likened to a legendary countryman, but Diego Maradona Junior is pleased to see that debate being brought to a close.

He has told TyC Sports: "Diego was Diego and Messi was Messi. 

"The one who criticises Messi does not understand anything about football. He suffered a lot when they compare him with my father."

Maradona Jr added on seeing Messi claim a senior international trophy: "It was an incredible relief. 

"The kids deserved it. We just won again after my old man left. 

"I miss him too much. I miss the talks. If there is something that helped us bond a lot, it is the love for the Argentine jersey."

One of the greatest

Maradona captured the imagination of a football-mad nation when putting in inspirational performances for Argentina, while his club career was sprinkled with a mercurial dose of magic dust.

Messi has scaled similar heights, as a six-time Ballon d'Or winner, and will also go down in history as one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of boots.

Maradona Jr added: "I adore Messi, I love him. 

"There has never been one in the history of football that has his quality. 

"I see him so happy now that he achieved this title with the national team. It makes me very happy."

Messi's attention is now set to turn back to domestic matters, with no new contract signed as yet at Barcelona after reaching the end of his previous deal and becoming a free agent.

Further reading

Lamontville Golden Arrows have responded to reports indicating their captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is set to join PSL giants Orlando Pirates.

The 25-year-old player was one of the most outstanding players in the PSL during the 2020/21 season which saw him being handed Abafana Bes'thende's club captaincy.

Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are believed to be interested in the new Bafana Bafana international, who made his debut for South Africa against Uganda in a friendly last month. 

According to Sowetan, Pirates have tabled a good offer and Arrows are keen to sell him.

“Arrows are keen to sell now because of the offer Pirates tabled compared to what Sundowns have put in the past,” a source told the publication. 

“Even though it is not clear how much they have put on the table, it is a good offer and Arrows are happy about it and will sell.”

When contacted for a comment by the same publication, Arrows team manager Nonceba Madlala insisted that she has not been informed of any movement involving the players. 

“You can speak to our media officer [Vusimusi Vilakazi] about that. I have not been told anything about that,” Madlala said.

While Pirates football administrator Floyd Mbele explained that was not aware of the deal as he is currently on leave.

Reports linking Sibisi with Pirates intensified after his former coach at Arrows, Mandla Ncikazi, joined Pirates' technical team last month.

Ncikazi brought out the best in Sibisi as Arrows achieved their highest finish in the PSL after they finished fourth in the recent campaign.

Sibisi made 27 appearances in the league and he also featured in the Nedbank Cup as Abafana Bes'thende succumbed to a 5-4 defeat to AmaZulu FC following a 1-1 draw in a Round of 32 match.

Pirates have already signed midfielder Goodman Mosele, defender-come-midfielder Kwanda Mngonyama, winger Monnapule Saleng, and defender-come-midfielder Bandile Shandu in the current transfer window.

The Buccaneers are expected to make more signings having been linked with Arrows goalkeeper Sifisi Mlungwana, Highlands Park winger Lefa Mogaila and Baroka FC striker Evidence Makgopa.

Bucs will take their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs on in the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup clash at Orlando Stadium on August 1.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has explained why he didn't celebrate after saving Bukayo Saka's penalty in the Euro 2020 final.

Italy lifted the European Championship trophy for the second time in their history after beating England 3-2 on penalties at Wembley on Sunday night.

Donnarumma was the hero for the Azzurri as he denied both Jadon Sancho and Saka from 12 yards, but he seemed nonplussed after the victory was confirmed before being mobbed by his team-mates.

What's been said?

The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain after leaving AC Milan, has now admitted that he was unaware of the scoreline in the shootout after keeping out the Three Lions' fifth spot-kick.

Saka had the opportunity to take the contest into sudden death after Jorginho saw his effort saved by Jordan Pickford, but failed to beat the towering Donnarumma as he threw out a strong hand to palm the ball away.

"I didn't celebrate on the penalty because I didn't realise we had won," Donnarumma told Sky Sport Italia.

"I was already down after Jorginho's missed penalty and I thought we had lost, but instead I had to continue.

"Now, with VAR, they always look at your feet because you can't be in front of the line, so I turned to the referee to see if everything was okay.

"Then I saw my team-mates coming towards me and everything started from there. I didn't understand anything!"

What happened before the shootout?

Italy made the worst possible start to the match by conceding in the second minute, with Luke Shaw firing past Donnarumma at the back post after meeting a pinpoint Kieran Trippier cross.

However, Roberto Mancini's side gradually began to dominate proceedings thereafter, and got the reward for their constant pressure shortly after the hour mark as Leonardo Bonucci bundled home from close range.

The contest eventually went to extra time with the scoreline locked at 1-1, but penalties were needed after a goalless extra 30 minutes, and Italy coped best with the pressure to deny England their first international trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

Donnarumma's stellar Euro 2020

Donnarumma's penalty heroics capped a superb all-round tournament for the PSG-bound star, who is now revered as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the business.

The Italian played 718 minutes during his country's seven matches, more than any other player, and recorded three clean sheets en route to becoming the first keeper since Peter Schmeichel in 1992 to win the Player of the Tournament accolade.

Further reading 

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 Soweto giants from South Africa will feature in their first-ever final in the competition when they take on the Red Devils from Egypt at Stade Mohamed V in Morocco on Saturday.

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.

What has been said? 

“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 the training and we believe the plan is going to be giving us the greatest result.

“We need to not forget what the coaches always say, that it is not going to be easy. It’s a good side we’re facing in the far right now.”

Billiat has also sent a message to the club's fans, promising them they are only 90 minutes away from glory.

Billiat message to Chiefs fans 

 “I just want to say to the supporters, you have been nothing but the best to us throughout difficult times, and we love you. And we appreciate the belief that we have with the team,” Billiat continued.

“I think we just 90 minutes away from the glory that you deserve. And we thank you for all the support that you have been giving us on all the platforms.

“We miss you, we miss you in the stadium and we can’t wait till the day we’re going to have you back in the stadium, giving us that extra motivation that you always give us any play.”

Chiefs reached the final after eliminating Wydad Casablanca 1-0 on aggregate while Al Ahly booked their place in the second straight final after a 4-0 aggregate win against Tunisia's Esperance.

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

Simba SC communications officer Haji Manara believes Yanga SC should play in the Caf Confederation Cup and not the Champions League.

Tanzania has four slots in continental competitions - Wekundu wa Msimbazi will play in the Champions League, so too the second-placed team, Yanga in this case. 

As it is, Timu ya Wananchi will play in the Champions League alongside Mnyama while Azam FC, who are set to finish third in the league, will play in Confederation Cup alongside Biashara Mara United, who lost in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Normally the winner of the FA Cup gets the final Confederation Cup slot, but with Simba and Yanga in the final, and Azam the other semi-finalist already secure of their places, the final berth went to Biashara.

Why is Manara against Yanga playing in Caf Champions League?

"They are not league champions, why should they get a privilege to play with the champions?" Manara posed a question to Goal.

"Simba should play in the Champions League alongside the Zanzibar Premier League champions since they are under Tanzania. That is how it should be and not the other way round."

Where should Yanga play?

The vocal official went on to insist the Jangwani Street-based charges should be playing in Africa's second-tier competition.

"Yanga should play in the Confederation Cup because they are in the FA Cup final. And it will happen just because Simba cannot play in two competitions. So let Yanga and the team that will finish second in Zanzibarian league play in the second-tier competition," he added.

Meanwhile, Simba coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa believes they won the Mainland Premier League title in May after winning four matches in a row.

The Msimbazi giants were crowned champions on Sunday after beating Coastal Union 2-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with goals from John Bocco and Chris Mugalu enabling them to reach an unassailable 79 points, nine more than second-placed Yanga and with two matches to play.

But according to the French tactician, who arrived at the club on January 24 to replace Belgian Sven Vandenbroeck, the league title was already won in May after their exit from the Caf Champions League, when they lost 4-3 on aggregate to South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals.

"But I think we won the title in May when we played four matches and won four times without losing, it was very important, it was very key for our season," Da Rosa told Goal.

"That was the turning point, and I think that Simba completely deserved to win this league, we were dominant, we scored many goals and we did not concede many goals and it shows you Simba is a very strong team."

Zambia international Enock Mwepu has vowed to continue chasing his dreams after training for the first time with new club Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old midfielder moved to the Premier League side from Red Bull Salzburg and became the first signing for manager Graham Potter this window, after agreeing to a four-year contract ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

Mwepu has vowed to continue to chase his dreams and is ready for the Premier League season to kick off after his first training session with Brighton.

“The first day at my new home,” Mwepu wrote on his Instagram page. “Living my dreams continues, can't wait to the start of the Premier League and keep chasing your dreams."

On Tuesday, Zambia Football Federation boss Andrew Kamanga described the recent move by three Zambian players to England and Scotland as breaking new ground for the country.

Apart from Mwepu, Patson Daka also signed for Leicester City in the Premier League while Fashion Sakala was signed by Scottish giants Rangers.

“Twenty-four hours is a long time in football, but a week may even be longer. However, it would be a gross injustice for me to share my football thoughts this week without noting the laudable moves to the Premier League of two of our Chipolopolo players Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka,” Kamanga said as quoted by Zambia FA’s official website.

“This is creditworthy coming after Fashion Sakala was signed by Scottish Giants Glasgow Rangers. Daka has moved to 2015-16 English Premiership champions Leicester while Mwepu is now on the books of Brighton & Hove Albion.

“Their destinations may not be the Mecca of football but speak of the possibilities of our players breaking new grounds with hard work.

“Our last players to have broken into the English Premiership albeit with little success were Collins Mbesuma who had signed for Portsmouth in 2005 while Emmanuel Mayuka signed for Southampton in 2012. It did not exactly end in glory but re-opened the doors through which Fred Mwila senior and Emment Kapengwe had opened in 1967 when they signed for Aston Villa.”

The statement continued: “It has always been the desire of my Faz administration to see Zambians plying their trade in top leagues in Europe. We have invested a lot of effort in revamping grassroots football that we consider a nursery of talent.

“Our junior teams from the U15, 17, 20, and 23 have been re-activated to ensure that promising talents are groomed and regularly nurtured for possible export to foreign leagues. It is only by providing a solid foundation that our players will be adequately prepared for the rigours of international club football.

“Our latest exports to the English Premiership have had a steady move through the junior national ranks where they even won the under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 on home soil.”

British F1 driver Lando Norris has been left "shaken" after being mugged and seeing his watch stolen during chaotic scenes at Wembley for the Euro 2020 final.

Norris was one of a whole host of sporting figures and celebrities in attendance at Sunday's showpiece, which was contested between England and Italy.

Large groups of ticketless supporters also tried to gain entry, and the motor racing star was caught up in the mayhem following the final whistle.

What happened?

It has been reported that Norris had his £40,000 watch stolen en route to his McLaren sports car just outside Wembley.

The British motor racing team have now revealed that a police investigation is under way and, although their driver was left unhurt, he is still suffering from shock after the incident.

"McLaren Racing can confirm that Lando Norris was involved in an incident, after the Euro 2020 final match at Wembley, during which the watch he was wearing was taken," McLaren's official statement reads.

"Thankfully, Lando was unharmed but he is understandably shaken. The team is supporting Lando and we are sure that racing fans will join us in wishing him all the best for the British Grand Prix this weekend.

"As this is now a police matter we cannot comment further."

Chaos reigns at Wembley

The Metropolitan Police made 83 arrests during and following the European Championship final, with it reported that 53 of those came at Wembley Stadium.

Officers were forced to deal with a number of public order offences, actual bodily harm, drunk and disorderly behaviour, and criminal damage incidents as supporters clashed with gameday staff after breaching security cordons before kick-off.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor has said of the ugly scenes: "Throughout the course of the Euros tournament, the vast majority of people have watched the matches responsibly and safely, and enjoyed the build-up to last night’s final.

“However, the unacceptable scenes we saw yesterday were a small number of people intent on using the football as an excuse to behave appallingly towards other members of the public and officers."

Who won the final?

The off-field events served to detract from a compelling final which saw England take a second-minute lead through a Luke Shaw half-volley before Leonardo Bonucci tucked home an equaliser midway through the second half.

The match went to extra time, but neither side could find a winner in the additional 30-minute period, with penalties needed to decide the destination of the major international trophy.

Italy ended up coming out on top 3-2 in the shootout thanks to successful efforts from Domenico Berardi, Bonucci and Federico Bernardeschi, securing their second Euros title at the expense of the Three Lions, whose 55-year wait for silverware continues to drag on.

Further reading

Manuel Locatelli admits interest from Juventus "is pleasing", with the Euro 2020 winner appearing to rule out a move to Arsenal being made this summer.

The Sassuolo star caught the eye for his country at this summer's European Championship, with impressive performances put in when providing cover for Marco Verratti.

His stock was already high prior to that, with Serie A giants in Turin plotting a move , but others - including Premier League heavyweights - have joined the hunt for his signature over recent weeks.

What has been said?

Locatelli claims to have been paying little attention to transfer talk while on international duty, but told Sky Sport Italia of the admiring glances he is attracting: "Up until now, I haven’t really thought about it, I couldn’t.

"The interest from Juventus is pleasing, they are a great team and I have said it several times."

The bigger picture

Locatelli stepped off the bench to help Italy to glory in the Euro 2020 final.

He was not required to take a penalty as England missed three of theirs to hand the Azzurri a continental crown.

The 23-year-old had, however, stepped up in a semi-final shootout with Spain, only to see his effort kept out.

He was willing to walk forward again, but was happy to see others get the job done for Roberto Mancini's side.

Locatelli added on fluffing his lines against Spain: "The world was collapsing around me and he [Giorgio Chiellini] kept repeating to rest assured, because we would have won.

"He told me the same [against England] and apparently he was right. I would have taken one. Anyway, luckily the others did it."

Further reading

Former Kenya international Mike Kisaghi is confident Kaizer Chiefs will stop Al Ahly in the final of the Caf Champions League but only if their striker Samir Nurkovic keeps up his form.

Amakhosi will play in their first-ever final in the competition as they come up against the Egyptian giants at Stade Mohamed V in Morocco on Saturday.

Ahead of the final, Kisaghi, who was the number one goalkeeper for FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia and also played for Kenya before he retired, believes Serbian striker's performance during the final will determine whether Chiefs will beat Al Ahly to the trophy or not.

What has been said?

“We know how Samir [Nurkovic] has helped Chiefs this season especially in the competition and his form in the final will be very important, for the team,” Kisaghi told Goal.

“He has single-handedly lifted the team in the competition this campaign, and his presence in a match is always a huge threat for the opponents, they know what he can do, he is a very good number nine, he knows how to read the game and can punish you with a slight mistake.

“He is also very good in the air, he can trouble the defenders as well, we saw what he did against Simba SC of Tanzania during their first meeting in South Africa.

“He was the one who troubled Simba with his pace and also his powerful headers, he did the donkey work to help his side, and also ejected Wydad [Casablanca], and what I know, if he stays fit and turns up with his qualities in the final, then Al Ahly will be in trouble.”

The 29-year-old striker joined Chiefs from Slovaklian lower-tier side Komarno in July 2019 and he managed 13 Premier Soccer League goals in his debut season for the Soweto-based club.

He has gone ahead to be the team’s lead striker and scored the key away goal which enabled Chiefs to eliminate Wydad Casablanca in the semi-final first leg to set up a final date with the Red Devils.

Who will carry the day between Chiefs and Al Ahly?

On where he thinks the game will be won, Kisaghi said: “I have a feeling it will be a very close battle, we don’t expect too many goals in such a final, we might see the game heading to penalties.

“Both teams are good defensively and it is the reason I believe, the team whose strikers will turn up and play to coach’s instructions then will carry the day, also in the midfield I will expect a good battle, Chiefs have ridden their luck to reach the final, and they might cause an upset.”

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

Marcus Rashford will still "put his hand up" for penalties at Manchester United, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who insists that the striker won't be affected by his Euro 2020 final miss.

England suffered another painful penalty shootout defeat in their first European Championship final appearance on Sunday, losing 3-2 to Italy after 120 minutes of action left the two teams locked at 1-1.

Rashford missed the target from 12 yards before Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka saw their spot-kicks saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the Azzurri ultimately securing their sixth international title at Wembley.

Solskjaer backs Rashford

Solskjaer has now come out to praise Rashford for having the courage to take a penalty on such a huge stage, and has no doubt that the 23-year-old will continue to take on the same responsibilities at club level.

“You know the thing is when you step up to take a penalty, I think you’ve already won,” The United boss told the club's official website. “You’ve taken on the responsibility and I’m sure many of the players are hoping I don’t want to take a penalty.

“So I think it’s a great character trait to step up and say I will deal with it, [and] the consequences. You might be the hero or the one who misses. That’s football.

"You learn from it and definitely come back stronger. I’ve not seen many people, at this club anyway, who lay down and say I’ll not take a penalty anymore.

"I know Marcus is going to put his hand up and say he wants to take one for us.”

England fall at last hurdle

England missed the chance to secure their first trophy since the 1966 World Cup after losing to Italy, and will now be reflecting on what might have been.

Gareth Southgate's men took an early lead through Luke Shaw, but shut up shop thereafter instead of pushing for a second goal, and were eventually punished when Leonardo Bonucci levelled proceedings from close range in the 67th minute.

Italy went on to hold their nerve in the shootout while the Three Lions buckled under pressure, with Solskjaer well aware of the fine margins on such occasions after overseeing United's Europa League final loss to Villarreal last term.

“Obviously, we know the feeling the whole of England had after the game,” he said. “One kick decides the whole mood. An even game, maybe Italy bossed possession a little bit, of course, but when it comes to penalty shoot-outs, anything can happen, as we know from our own last game.

“It’s hard on the boys but that’s football sometimes. You just have to deal with it and move on. I know the whole atmosphere in the country has been so great and, of course, it’s an anti-climax. I know that.”

Solskjaer's praise for Shaw

Solskjaer also reserved special words of praise for Shaw, highlighting the polished technique he showed to score his first international goal.

“I’m so happy for Luke. I was watching it and ‘what’s just happened?'” the Norwegian said of the full-back's stunning second-minute volley. “He started the attack and we’ve encouraged him to get into the last third.

“We know how technically gifted he is and skilful he is and he hit the ball very, very sweetly. He keeps his eye on the ball, straight laces and its margins again – off the post and in, not off the post and out. That’s football for you. Luke deserves all the luck he can get. He’s had a tremendous couple of years with us.”

Further reading 

Contract talks with Lionel Messi are "progressing adequately", says Barcelona president Joan Laporta, with La Liga giants still hoping to get a talismanic presence tied to fresh terms.

The Blaugrana are unable to put a deal in place at present as they have no room within their salary cap, meaning that costs need to be cut by sanctioning sales.

Every effort is, however, being made to remain in close contact with a six-time Ballon d'Or winner that has dropped into free agency and just savoured long-awaited international glory with Argentina at the Copa America.

What has been said?

Asked for an update on discussions during the presentation of Mago Pop's show 'Nothing is Impossible', Laporta told reporters: "[Messi's renewal] is progressing adequately.

"All the Catalans, Barcelona, Catalunya and the entire football world are happy because Leo won the Copa America.

"It is very exciting to see the best player in football history get excited about winning a title like this and he made all of us cry with joy.

"He is very happy, we are all happy, I am happy for Leo who has managed [to win the Copa America], together with his team-mates, and that Argentina are once again in the elite, and [I am] also [happy] for [Sergio] Aguero.

"I am happy for Messi's family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who are recognised, admired and loved for having this bond with Leo."

Will Messi be at Barcelona in 2021-22?

Laporta has stated his confidence on a regular basis that a deal will be done with a club icon.

Messi has spent his entire career to date with the Blaugrana and has offered no indication that he is considering a change of scenery.

A push for the exits at Camp Nou was made in the summer of 2020, but those plans were shelved as the South American superstar revealed to Goal that he would be staying put.

His lucrative contract has come to an end, meaning that others could swoop in, but Barca are doing all they can to keep an all-time great on their books.

There has been plenty of talk regarding a two-year deal being ready to sign, with summer arrivals also waiting to be registered once financial issues are cleared up.

Further reading

Hearts of Oak board member Frank Nelson Nwokolo has revealed the club will add reinforcements to the team ahead of their participation in the Caf Champions League next season.

The Phobians are set to represent Ghana in next season's continental inter-club competition after emerging as winners of the Premier League on Sunday.

A 1-1 draw with Liberty Professionals confirmed Hearts' place as Ghana champions with a game to spare.

“If we are going to go to Africa we have to do some additions to the team. We also need to do some introductions because we are going to play with big teams," Nwokolo told Citi Sports.

“We know our boys are very good but at the end of the day we want to prove that we equally are very good.

“The teams we are going to meet need to know that we are not there just to add up to the numbers, but we are there for a reason. That reason is for us to do what we have done in the year 2000 and 2004 by lifting the trophies in Africa.

“Certainly, we need those game changers, and we will bring them into the club. We know they are there."

Hearts have now won the Ghana Premier League on 20 occasions, three fewer than arch-rivals Asante Kotoko.

It is the Accra-based outfit's first success since 2009.

"It’s like, there is something unique in the Hearts of Oak team," Boadu, who joined Hearts from Medeama in March, has said, as reported by Africa-Foot.

“Because when I came, they welcomed me and supported me a lot, especially the management and the supporters as well.

“They were always advising me, encouraging me, they told me that I can do it so I should push it up.

"I will make sure I will not be swollen headed. I will make sure I work extra. This is a motivational cup or win, so it will prepare me to go higher and higher."

Hearts, the second most successful club in GPL history, are set to play Wafa in their last match in the 2020-21 Premier League.

Marcus Rashford has said that he has "felt no prouder moment" representing England at Euro 2020 and says that he "will never apologise for who I am and where I came from" after he was subjected to racist abuse once more following the Three Lions' penalty shootout heartbreak against Italy in Sunday's final.

Gareth Southgate's side took Roberto Mancini's Azzurri all the way through extra-time with the score level at 1-1, only to be edged out 3-2 on spot kicks, with Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka the three players to see their efforts fall short, sparking a slew of slurs from a vocal minority on and off social media.

Rashford and Sancho were brought on in the final minutes ahead of the shootout, with Rashford ultimately hitting the left post. The Manchester United man admits that he felt off ahead of the decisive moment - but he has nevertheless hailed the supportive spirit of his squad and most of the community around him back home as something "unbreakable".

What has been said?

"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," Rashford wrote. "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.

"I've grown into a sport where I expect t read things written about myself. Whether it be the colour of my skin, where I grew up or, most recently, how I decide to spend my time off the pitch I can take critique of my performance all day long, my penalty was not good enough, it should have gone in but I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from.

"I've felt no prouder moment than wearing those Three Lions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me on in a crowd of tens of thousands. I dreamt of days like this. The messages I've received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response on Withington had me on the verge of tears.

"The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up. I'm Marcus Rashford, [a] 23-year-old black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I have nothing else, I have that.

"For all the kind messages, thank you. I'll be back stronger. We'll be back stronger."

Nation rallies to Rashford amid abuse

The scenes across social media and near Rashford's home in Withington where a mural to the player was vandalised in the aftermath of Sunday's result have since been stemmed by an outpouring of support for the player and team-mates Sancho and Saka.

Southgate - who has insisted that the decision to bring on the former pair late with little acclimation for spot-kicks rests with him - paid tribute to the forward's character in the immediate aftermath, while captain Harry Kane offered a sharp rebuttal to those hurling abuse among England fans earlier on Monday.

Back home, messages of goodwill and support have been posted throughout the day upon the defaced mural, while Rashford himself shared letters he had received from school children following Sunday's game.

The bigger picture

That such abuse continues to blight the English game, even as Rashford, along with other figures such as Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings within the England squad, continue to make huge strides to combat it, remains a stain upon the country's sporting reputation.

England's first appearance in a major final since they won the 1966 World Cup is more than vindication for the progress made by a youthful squad on the pitch, who will look to regroup and support each other in September as they prepare for a bout of Qatar 2022 qualifiers.

The Three Lions are expected to continue with Southgate at the helm until the end of the tournament next December, while Rashford will look to impress with United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before then as the Red Devils look to break their silverware drought.

Further reading