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Ligue 1 side Rennes have announced the signing of Loic Bade from RC Lens.

Following an impressive outing in the 2020-21 campaign where he featured in 31 French topflight games for the Blood and Gold, the defender of Ivorian descent has been handed a five-year contract.

That deal will keep the 21-year-old Frenchman at the Roazhon Park until 2026, albeit, the fee involved is undisclosed.

“Highly wanted after a full season in Ligue 1 Uber Eats, the ex-Lensois chose the Rennes project. Solid central defender Loic Bade has signed a five-year contract with the Red and Black. Originally from Hauts-de-Seine, Loic Bade was born on April 11, 2000, in Sevres,” a statement from the club website read.

Under manager Bruno Genesio, Bade would be hoping to continue his growth in professional football.

Despite having options to choose from, the youngster claimed the project at Rennes excited him. Thus, he decided to team up with the club that would help him realise his ambitions of playing in Europe.

"I am very happy to be involved with Stade Rennais F.C. I am officially Red and Black, and it is a great joy,” Bade told the club website.

“There were other clubs, but my choice was made naturally. I had ambitions. It is a very thoughtful choice. I think it's the right one.

“It is important to me to remain in France. Their sports project quickly excited me. I was convinced by the goals of the club. It suited me.

“There are advantages to arriving at this time of preparation. I will have time to adapt to my new team. I can't wait to get to know the Rennes fans.”

Meanwhile, the club’s technical director Florian Maurice stated that the defender was a priority, and they had to recruit him.

"We absolutely wanted to recruit him. It was a priority,” said Maurice.

“He had a great season with Lens. We followed him all season. He has been studied in every aspect.

“He is still a young player and does not yet have much experience, but we should not have any fears. He has character and he's really a classy guy.

“I am convinced of its qualities. They are very interesting, both physically and technically.

“We have a team that plays, and we want players who take the balls out from behind. It meets the characteristics that the coach asks for.”

Bade, who is eligible to represent France or Cote d’Ivoire at the international level could make his debut when Rennes square up against Le Havre on Friday.

Victor Moses scored a goal as Spartak Moscow cruised to a 4-2 win over Croatian top-flight club Sibenik in a pre-season friendly match on Monday.

After completing a permanent switch from Chelsea on Friday, the 30-year-old scored his second goal for the Russian Premier League club in four days.

The same day he penned a two-year deal with Rui Vitoria's side, Moses found the back of the net as Spartak held NK Bravo to a 2-2 draw at the Landskron Stadium.

Jorrit Hendrix opened the scoring for the People's Team in the 36th minute and Moses doubled their lead after finishing a fine team movement just before the break.

After the restart, Marko Juric inspired the Croatians' fight-back with his strike from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute which led to their equaliser seven minutes later, courtesy of Delic’s effort.

Spartak Moscow, however, restored their lead and secured the win with goals from Maksim Glushenkov and Mikhail Ignatov in the 68th and 85th minutes respectively.

Monday's encounter brought an end to Spartak's pre-season training tour in Austria and they will return to Moscow to continue their preparations for the 2021-22 campaign.

They are scheduled to face league rivals Sochi, Rubin Kazan and Khimki in the coming days before they open their 2021-22 Premier League season with a trip to Rubin Kazan on July 24.

Following his triumph as Spartak Moscow’s Player of the Month award in May, Moses assured the club faithful of his 100 per cent as they aim to win the top-flight crown after they finished second last term.

He said: “Thank you. I really appreciate this. I'll do my very best to help the team, most importantly try to achieve more things this season than we did last year," Moses said in a video on the club's YouTube channel.

"The most important thing is to enjoy football and I'll definitely do that this year and help the team to win the league."

Former DR Congo boss Florent Ibenge has been appointed as RS Berkane’s new permanent manager after signing a two-year contract.

The 59-year-old, who was previously coach of the Leopards, Shanghai Shenhua and Vita Club, will succeed Juan Pedro Benali in Berkane.

The Oranges Boys have now officially unveiled Ibenge at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, as they expect him to build a formidable team ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

“July 5 at the club's headquarters officially signed coach Florent Ibenge on a two-season contract,” the Moroccan club wrote on Instagram.

“The signing of the former DR Congo coach and Vita Club team came after agreeing on all the details of the contract and setting the goals he will work on during the next two seasons.”

The retired centre-back will take charge for the first time in the Botola Pro on Thursday when RS Berkane travel to Ittihad Tanger in the last game of the season.

Ibenge began his managerial career at French side ES Wasquehal in 2008 before heading to SC Douai between 2010 to 2011.

Thereafter, he was named as manager of Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua in April 2012 before he was shown the way out after just one month in charge.

Shortly after his first stint with Vita Club in 2014, he was named as head coach of the DR Congo senior national team.

However, he ended his five-year reign as Leopards manager following the country’s Round of 16 exit at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Before then, he had led the country to the 2015 Afcon finals, where they finished third – their best finish in the biennial African football showpiece since 1998.

Thereafter, he returned to Vita Club for a second spell in August 2019.

After an impressive outing in the 2019-2020 campaign where they won the Caf Confederation Cup and placed third in the Moroccan elite division, RS Berkane have been struggling recently.

This season, they were unable to qualify for the knockout stage of the Confederation Cup after finishing third in Group B, where they faced JS Kabylie (Algeria), Coton Sport (Cameroon), and NAPSA Stars (Zambia).

With a game left in the Moroccan league, the Berkane-based outfit occupy the fifth position after accruing 33 points from 25 matches.

Somali national team manager Said Abdi Haibeh claims N’Golo Kante deserves to win the 2021 Ballon d’Or and not Lionel Messi.

Messi, 34, has emerged as one of the leading contenders to win the individual diadem as various of his rivals have fallen by the wayside after their countries crashed out of Euro 2020.

Although Barcelona endured a lacklustre 2020-21 campaign, the Argentina captain boasts of 33 goals and 13 assists in all competitions – which puts him in pole position to claim the prize for a record seventh time.

Even at this, the Ocean Stars’ leading figure has a contrary opinion – insisting the France international is more deserving of the prize – notwithstanding Les Bleus’ Round of 16 defeat at Euro 2020.

Kante has impressed tremendously in the Chelsea midfield this season, and was named man of the match in both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid and won the gong again in the final against Manchester City.

“One player who has been underestimated is N'Golo Kante whom I was very lucky to meet in 2019 in London,” Haibeh told Goal.

“He is a top player. There is a saying that goes ‘the world is covered 70 percent by water and the remaining 30 is covered by Kante.

“It was a quote made by Thomas Tuchel when he first saw him in training. He said two people are meant to be covering the space he was covering, and he was so pleased with him.

“To see him win the Premier League with Leicester City and heading for Chelsea to win the league is incredible.

“He also helped the French national team win the Fifa World Cup before going ahead to win the Champions League.

“Right now, I believe he is definitely the right man to win the award 100 percent in my opinion.”

Messi’s displays at the Copa America have been inspiring, having recorded three goals and three assists in his last two games.

As such, the 50-year-old thinks he could beat Kante to the Ballon d'Or if he can guide the Albiceleste to the title.

“I think he is also good enough to win the Ballon d’Or again now that he is playing for Argentina in Copa America. He helped the team qualify for the semi-final,” he continued.

“Although he had a difficult season in Barcelona, if he goes on to win Copa America, that will put him in pole position to win.”

Harry Kane has revealed he's been in touch with former manager Jose Mourinho during Euro 2020 but has yet to make contact with new Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Kane has scored three goals in two knockout-round matches for England, helping the Three Lions reach the semi-final stage where they'll face Denmark on Wednesday. 

The striker, who has been linked with an exit this summer, spoke highly of Mourinho, who was sacked by Spurs in April and appointed Roma boss in May.

What was said?

“He’s great, he’s been texting me as well,” Kane told talkSPORT about Mourinho. “It’s common knowledge we have a great relationship and got on really well.

“I really respect him as a manager and person. I wish him all the best at Roma. It's great to have one of the best managers in the world on your side.

“I will always respect him and hopefully be in contact with him for the rest of my career.”

On Nuno, Kane added: “Whenever a new manager comes in, I guess there’s a level of excitement around the club. Obviously, I’ve not been there and not had any contact with him.

“I’m away with England now and my full focus is on here. Hopefully, we’ve got a week left.

“He’s a great manager and did a great job at Wolves and got them playing a really good way. Let’s get back and I’m sure we’ll be in contact after the tournament.”

Kane's future

Kane has not publicly stated that he wants to leave Spurs but he has made no secret about his desire to win trophies.

Goal understands that Manchester City have made the 27-year-old their top target this summer, with Pep Guardiola keen on adding the forward to help replace Sergio Aguero.

But Spurs are not likely to allow Kane to leave easily, particularly because he signed a two-year contract extension three years ago which ties him to the north London club until 2024.

On Sunday, Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici said that keeping Kane is a “goal for the club."

Further reading

Everton’s new manager Rafael Benitez could struggle to get the best out of Nigeria midfield star Alex Iwobi, according to the majority of Goal Africa readers.

Benitez returned to Merseyside last Wednesday but, this time around, not to join Liverpool but their city rivals the Toffees on a three-year deal.

The Spanish tactician replaced Carlo Ancelotti, who left his role at Goodison Park at the end of the 2020-21 season to re-join Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The former Newcastle United and Real Madrid manager clearly has a lot on his plate, which includes assisting players like Iwobi to attain their top form which could, in turn, help the team better their 10th-place finish last term.

According to a poll conducted on Goal Africa's Twitter page, 44.2 percent of people voted that Benitez would get the former Arsenal midfielder to perform at his best while a greater percentage of voters (55.4) think otherwise.

Iwobi joined Everton from the Emirates Stadium in August 2019 but he has struggled to impress in the last two seasons.

He has only contributed two goals and two assists in 55 Premier League appearances for the Toffees.

Last season, the Super Eagles midfielder played in 36 games in all competitions and he scored one goal each in the Premier League and the League Cup.

A few months ago before his departure, Ancelotti stated that Iwobi’s limited playing time at Everton might be a result of massive competition in the team.

“He is professional, but of course when there is competition sometimes you play and sometimes you are on the bench,” the Italian said.

“He is not a frustrating player because he is really professional, really serious, always ready, not at all is he a frustrating player, because he is a really good professional with a fantastic attitude."

Iwobi battles Gylfi Sigurdsson, Andre Gomes, Abdoulaye Doucoure, RIcharlison, Fabian Delph, Allan and Bernard for playing time in the middle of the park.

During the 2020-21 campaign, Iwobi was drafted to fill the wing-back position on several occasions due to an injury crisis in Ancelotti's team.

The 24-year-old proved his versatility and also displayed his defensive skills.

Brazil and Peru renew acquaintance once more when they collide in the Copa America 2021 semi-final at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos.

A repeat of the 2019 Copa final, the two sides have already played each other in this tournament, with Brazil coming out on top in their Group B encounter.

Peru will be eager to avoid a similar outcome to that game and they will need a major effort if they are to pull off an upset against Neymar and Co. to reach the final.

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

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

Fox Sports 1 is showing the game live on TV in the United States (U.S.), with Univision and TUDN USA also providing coverage. An online stream for the match will be available on the Fox Sports App, Univision NOW and the TUDN App.

The BBC Red Button service will have the game on TV in the United Kingdom (UK). BBC iPlayer is the online streaming service providing live coverage.

Team news & rosters

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus will sit this one out after being sent off for a high kick on Eugenio Mena in the quarter-final victory over Chile.

Neymar is expected to feature, despite showing signs of tiredness last time out, but head coach Tite has shown a willingness to rotate players throughout the tournament.

Predicted Brazil starting XI: Alisson; Sandro, Militao, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Fred, Paqueta; Richarlison, Firmino, Neymar.

Andre Carrillo, who has scored two goals in this tournament, was sent off in the quarter-final win over Paraguay, so will sit the game out.

Peru will look for inspiration from the likes of Gianluca Lapadula and Yoshimar Yotun.

Predicted Peru starting XI: Gallese; Corzo, Ramos, Santamaria, Lopez; Yotun, Tapia, Pena, Cueva, Garcia; Lapadula.

Recent results & head-to-head

Last five results

Head-to-head

Harry Maguire sees "no reason" why Luke Shaw cannot be the best player on the pitch for both club and country, as the England defender continues to enjoy a superb Euro 2020.

The left-back has been one of the form players for Gareth Southgate's side, carrying over his excellent domestic efforts with Manchester United to the international stage this summer.

Two crucial assists in the opening stages of Saturday's quarter-final second half against Ukraine further cemented his standing, and speaking ahead of Wednesday's semi-final with Denmark, Red Devils team-mate Maguire has been quick to hail his contributions, chalking it up to a stronger mental fortitude.

What has been said?

"I think first and foremost his ability has always been there," the centre-back told a pre-match press conference before the Three Lions' clash with the Danes. "He has great ability, he has every attribute to be one of the best left-backs in the world.

"I would probably say the main difference I feel within Luke is his mentality, in terms of pushing himself and really the demands he is putting on himself now to not just be a six out of 10 in each and every game, not to play comfortable.

"[it's] to go and push on and be himself and push himself to be the best player on the pitch, because there’s no reason why he can’t do that with all the attributes and ability that he has."

Defender 'happy' for new Southgate contract

Maguire also touched upon the news that his international manager looks set to be rewarded with fresh terms at St George's Park through 2024, news that has been met with a peculiar mutedness despite England's strong record under his watch.

The former Leicester City man - who established himself as a Three Lions mainstay under Southgate - had nothing but praise for his coach, adding: "I can only speak on behalf of myself but I am sure everyone is so happy in terms of coming to the England camps and the way he has made it so enjoyable for everyone.

"Obviously winning football matches over the past three years has really helped that along. Like I say, I can’t speak highly enough of Gareth and what he has done for me personally and the trust and faith he has put in me."

The bigger picture

Shaw's rich vein of form has been a key contributing factor to England's steady growth throughout Euro 2020, as the Three Lions look to reach a first major tournament final since 1966 this week.

After a relatively cautious opening win over Croatia and a goalless draw with Scotland caused concerns, the left-back has proved critical to the steady head of steam gathered by the national team, with comfortable wins over Germany and Ukraine booking their passage to the semi-finals.

He - and Maguire - will likely be called upon to combine once more as they look to see off a Danish side who have grown their own momentum across a tournament initially marked by the trauma of Christian Eriksen's collapse.

Further reading

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has credited former Genk manager Peter Maes for switching his playing position from centre-back to midfield.

Last season, the Nigeria international was drafted into the heart of the Foxes’ defence on several occasions and he delivered some impressive performances.

His initial knowledge as a centre-back has also helped him shine in the Premier League as one of the best defensive midfielders in the division.

The 24-year-old, who moved to King Power Stadium in January 2017, disclosed that his role was changed at Genk after he played for Nigeria's youth teams and his former side Nath Boys as a defender.

“I started my career as a central defender during my days in Nath Boys. Even in the U-17, U-20, national team…I was a defender,” Ndidi told the Guardian Life.

“Until I got to Genk. I was actually signed as a central defender by Genk until a new coach, Peter Maes came in and asked me if I ever played as a no. 6 in the midfield. I said, ‘No. I have never played there’ and he replied, ‘I’ll like to try you there'."

Ndidi further revealed his admiration for former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel before they linked up together in the Super Eagles set-up.

“Growing up, I played as a central defender. But I have always admired Mikel Obi. You know, growing up, he was big. I always looked up to him,” he continued.

“I even wore the number 12 shirt, just like his jersey number at Chelsea. My teammates started keeping the number 12 shirt for me. That’s how much I admired him and his style of play.”

The former Genk midfielder won the maiden silverware in his career last season when Leicester City clinched the FA Cup title.

Although he was recognised as the Premier League’s top tackler for three consecutive seasons, the 24-year-old is aiming for more titles with Brendan Rodgers’ side and in his national team.

“For me, I want to work harder and win more trophies with my club and national team,” Ndidi added.

“The personal recognitions come when the team is doing well.

"So, for me, I just want to win with the team and the individual accolades will come. I am a team player, and I just want to win.”

Lamontville Golden Arrows have confirmed ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Lehlohonolo Simon Seema as their new coach, taking over from Mandla Ncikazi.

The Hlokozi-born tactician parted ways with Arrows on June 16 despite having enjoyed a successful 2020/21 season with the KwaZulu-Natal side.

He led them to a top-four finish in the concluded season, but went on to join Bucs as a member of the technical bench.

The Backheel Boys have now confirmed the arrival of the youthful tactician as their coach for their new campaign. 

"We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lehlohonolo Seema as our new head coach," the club confirmed on Monday through their official social media platform.

"We wish him well in the position and look forward to the continuation of growth in the side."

The 41-year-old has thanked the club for the opportunity, whilst praising his predecessor for the work he had done with the team.

"First I would like to thank the chairlady [Mato Madlala] for allowing me to come and work in the Golden Arrows set-up especially after the season they have had," Seema told the media.

 "I must make a special mention to coach Mandla [Ncikazi] that he has laid a good foundation and good group here.

"It is my first day in training and I could see the brotherhood that is here, the solidarity and players that are willing to work hard. Coach Mandla [Ncikazi] did a good job with the technical team that was here, that I found here. I did not come with anyone..."

The ex-Lesotho midfielder also shed light on how he aims to lead the team to improve on the results posted last season

"The players were looking at the new coach [asking] 'what is he coming with?' Seema continued.

"I told them straight that it is still going to be football, nothing much that will change because it is the machine that has been moving. I just became part of the group to come and guide; just to be part of the technical team that has worked hard with these players here... the expectations are high. 

"Let us see if we can surpass what was achieved last season, at least get there where we are. We are working hard and looking forward to a great season."

Former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa midfielder George Boateng believes Chelsea attacker Callum-Hudson Odoi may have to reconsider his international career with England should he not see a long-term future with the Three Lions.

The 20-year-old has become the subject of speculation after recently opening the door for a possible switch to the Black Stars after not being selected for England’s squad for the ongoing Euro 2020 Championship.

He was born to Ghanaian parents in England, making him eligible to pledge his allegiance to either side.

“My advice would be that if you don’t see a future there [England] for you to play regular football, [then consider Ghana] because let’s not make a mistake here, Hudson-Odoi is an outstanding world-class footballer,” Boateng, who was born in Ghana, but played international football for the Netherlands, told Citi Sports.

“He is only going to get better and it will be a shame if he only ends up having five or six caps for England and doesn’t make a final tournament like a World Cup or European Championship ever in his career.

“But the possibility of representing Ghana and playing at the World Cup stage in a team with top-class players and if he plays for Ghana, it will send out a message to many other players, who would want to play for Ghana.”

Hudson-Odoi has already played three times for England. He made his debut against the Czech Republic in March 2019 and played his last game against Kosovo in November that same year.

Per Fifa’s eligibility rules, he can only apply for a switch to Ghana three years after his last appearance.

“I think obviously when you’re young, you have the opportunity to play for England throughout all the years, from under 15 to under 16 all the way up,” the winger continued.

“When they obviously gave me the opportunity to come I was in the country already. It’s something that I already had in my mind, set on already playing for England.”

His statement has gingered Ghana, whose President Nana Akufo-Addo and football association president Kurt Okraku both held separate meetings with the winger over the possibility of a switch last month.

Ghana skipper Andre Ayew has stated he is in no rush to decide his next club following his departure from Swansea City.

The 31-year-old is currently unattached after leaving the Jack Army in June following the expiration of his contract.

He was previously linked to Brighton and Hove Albion in England and former French club Olympique Marseille.

"There are a lot of things in the pipeline in various leagues. I feel that I have what it takes to play in the best divisions, whether it is in England or France or Italy… I don’t have a particular place [for now],” Ayew told Joy FM on Monday.

“There also offers coming in from the Gulf, the Asia side etc… So I need to take my time and make the right decision for me, but also for the nation with all [Afcon and World Cup qualifiers] we have coming ahead.

"I will take my time, look at it very well and hopefully, sooner than later we will all be clear on something because I know that my fellow brothers and sisters, all Ghanaian people are waiting for that with a lot of impatience."

Ayew first joined Swansea in 2015 and made a return to the club in 2018 for a second spell.

In his last two seasons at Liberty Stadium, he registered 35 goals combined, each time finishing as the club's top scorer.

"Honestly I think [signing for Swansea] is one of the best decisions I took in my career. It’s a place that I really felt at home. I felt that the people were always there for me on the pitch and off it," he remarked.

“The club, from the owners to the groundsmen, I knew everyone so I was at home. Being there gave me that feeling that I am free to express myself on the pitch or do things outside the pitch too.

"I had the confidence from everyone, that belief that you have to make something happen.

“The decision to leave one day was going to come, sooner or later. I wanted to get back to the Premier League to continue with the club. That was my first aim after I didn’t know what was going to happen. We all knew that if we didn’t go up, I would have to leave the club."

Ayew has also previously played for West Ham United, Turkish fold Fenerbahce and Arles-Avignon in France. 

Mario Balotelli looks set to join Turkish side Adana Demirspor this summer, with the club's chairman claiming that negotiations are "85 per cent" complete as the former Italy international looks to bolster his World Cup hopes ahead of Qatar 2022 next year.

The veteran striker, who has spent a colourful career hopscotching around a host of European clubs, spent the second half of last season with Serie B side Monza, with whom he came close to achieving play-off promotion to Serie A

Now, he is poised to play in his fourth different country, as he reportedly looks to reignite his hopes of forcing his way into Robert Mancini's thinking, as mooted by the president of the Blue Lightnings.

What has been said?

"The negotiation with Mario Balotelli is 85% [complete]," chairman Murat Sancak told A Spor. "He contacted us and told us he wanted to come here. He will arrive in Turkey next week".

Sancak was happy to deliver answers as to why Balotelli had chosen to move away from Europe's big leagues, indicating that it is driven by a desire to earn a recall to the international fold with the Azzurri, as well as adding that his wages will be covered in part by club sponsors.

"Balotelli wants to come here to go to the World Cup," he added. "The sponsor will pay half of his salary.

"They say that Balotelli is crazy but nobody has to worry: We are from Adana and we will be able to manage him":

Former Golden Boy makes next career swerve

Having started his senior career with a spell at Lumezzane before he moved to Inter as a teenager, Balotelli has become renowned as much for his on-and-off-field controversies as his talents on the pitch.

A three-time league winner with the Nerazzurri and later a Premier League champion with Manchester City, his stock has fallen substantially in recent years, having gone from Nice to Brescia to Monza.

His hopes in making the move to Turkey seem to be to force his way back into contention for his country - an achievement that would be no mean feat given the Azzurri's current undefeated streak in world football, a run that has left them among the favourites to win Euro 2020 this month.

Further reading

Former Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Darren Keet has signed for Cape Town City on a three-year deal.

The Bafana Bafana shot-stopper joins City as a free agent following the expiry of his short-term contract with National First Division side Cape Umoya.

He is a direct replacement of Peter Leeuwenburgh, who returned to the Netherlands to play for Eredivisie side FC Groningen. 

“I’m just excited to join the club, I’m really looking forward to it. I think it is going to be a great next couple of years for me,” Keet told City’s media. 

“I’m from Cape Town, I grew up in Cape Town but I have only played my professional football outside Cape Town. So I am excited to be back and to be part of Cape Town and a team like Cape Town City.  

“Cape Town City is a team which always wants to win trophies so I’m excited with the partnership we will have, trying to give our best week in, week out so the club can achieve its goals.”

Joining City ends speculation about Keet’s future after he hinted at returning to Gauteng a few days ago. 

The goalkeeper revealed that Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs had approached him. 

Keet will be reunited with City coach Eric Tinkler whom he has previously worked with. 

“I’m looking forward to working with coach Eric Tinkler again,” added Keet. 

“I have known him from my first team Bidvest Wits when he was an assistant coach with us. I’m looking forward to rekindling that relationship whereby we had some success.

"It would be nice to do it again in Cape Town. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and to work with some players I have worked with at Bafana Bafana before.  

“It is going to be a whole new thing for me. But I’m looking forward to everything, what the club is, what the club stands for, to what the fans are and also just being a part of Cape Town again."

Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy Omollo has revealed he made a joke with the AFC Leopards technical bench over why they wanted "to put Ezekiel Owade" in trouble, just minutes after the penalty shootout at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

The two rivals were playing in the Football Kenya Federation Shield Cup final and when it seemed neither will get a goal in regulation time, Ingwe decided to replace John Oyemba in goal.

It is at this point the former Kenya international commented in jest that Owade will not help them. Coincidentally, Gor Mahia scored all their four penalties with Leopards missing two, to hand K'Ogalo the Caf Confederation Cup ticket that comes with winning the domestic cup.

Was it right for Leopards to change goalkeepers?

"When I saw Owade coming in for Oyemba, I joked with [Leopards' goalkeepers' trainer Lawrence] Webo asking 'why do you want to put Owade in trouble?'" Omollo revealed to Goal on Monday.

"Bringing Owade was a tactical blunder on our opponents although they wanted to play a psychological game on us. But it did not pay dividends because we were mentally strong and managed to score our penalties. 

"It was a statement from the team, that we can fight and get results despite the odds being against us. We have been playing after three days, and with the tiny squad we have, it has not been easy."

How did Omollo rate Leopards on Sunday?

"I have never seen Ingwe play as they did, they were hungry and made us work," the former Posta Rangers coach continued.

"They dominated the proceedings, and had many chances to score but they did not use them. When it came to penalties, the boys held their nerves to ensure we win.

"Leopards should wait for their turn [to represent the country] but they played well, that I admit."

Was it a penalty?

K'Ogalo captain Harun Shakava fouled Elvis Rupia in the danger zone and many expected the referee to award Ingwe a penalty, but he waved play-on. The former defender has commented on the issue.

"It is football, and the referee's decision is always final, I cannot change it," he concluded.

Football Kenya Federation Premier League sides AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia have reached an agreement with Betsafe to reduce sponsorship fees.

Citing the challenges they have faced recently, the local heavyweights have explained why they have entered into a new agreement with their financial partner almost six months after signing the partnership deal.

When they first signed the three-year deal in December 2020, AFC Leopards were to get KSh40 million per year while Gor Mahia were to receive KSh55 million per year from Betsafe.

The clubs have, however, not stated what amount they will receive after the new agreement was signed.

What has been agreed on

"For a long time now, the betting industry has encountered a backdrop of external challenges. This includes the Covid-19 pandemic, a ban on mainstream advertising and fans not being allowed in the stadia; these factors have negatively affected our principal sponsor Betsafe," statement by the AFC Leopards chair Dan Shikanda, seen by Goal, read.

"Despite the challenges mentioned, Betsafe has continued to strongly support the club and our activities, especially during these unique times.

"For these reasons, we’ve had frank, honest and intense discussions with our partners on how to proceed with our fledgling relationship. Consequently, we have agreed on a minor adjustment to our sponsorship engagement over the three seasons.

"Furthermore, it has been agreed that the second-year sponsorship will start right away despite the current season still in progress. I, therefore, urge the Ingwe family to continue supporting our principal partner, Betsafe, for the faith and commitment they have shown to our club."

Gor Mahia's statement

"We have had intense discussions and we are happy to announce that for the interests of our fans, our players and the sustenance of our league activities, we have reached a mutual agreement with Betsafe on a minor reduction in the sponsorship fee," Gor Mahia said on their part.

"Furthermore, our sponsor Betsafe have gone a step further and have made an advanced payment even before the second season starts as a strong gesture of the long-term commitment to supporting the club's activities."

The clubs have addressed the issue around the sponsorship deals after rumours had it that the betting firm was ready to cancel the deal altogether had the teams not agreed on a fee reduction plan.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Championships may have ended prematurely as Portugal were defeated by Belgium in the Round of 16, but CR7 will always remember this tournament as the competition in which he equalled the record for men’s international goalscoring.

Previously, the record was held by Ali Daei of Iran, who registered 109 goals for the Asian heavyweights between 1993 and 2006.

Ronaldo matched that tally, albeit in 178 international outings to Daei’s 149, when he netted twice against France in Portugal’s final group game.

Ex-Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has played his own part in Ronaldo’s record, having been part of the Black Stars side that faced Portugal at the World Cup in Brazil seven years ago.

In this unique oral history with Goal , Dauda talks us through his memories of that tournament, of the Black Stars’ highs and lows, and—of course—of that performance against Ronaldo and Portugal.

While the game ended in disappointment for the West Africans, with Portugal winning 2-1 to eliminate them from the World Cup, it’s a fixture—and an experience—that lives long in the memory of Dauda, as he told us for this feature.

While the Ghana keeper was at fault for Ronaldo’s 80th-minute winner, as he reached his half century of international goals and dumped the Black Stars out of the tournament, the stopper also made some big saves to keep the European side at bay.

Particularly impressive was his first-half block from a Ronaldo header, as Dauda achieved something that few keepers can say they managed—keeping CR7 out from point blank range.

Of course, that tournament is remembered as a low point in Ghanaian football due to the controversies that overshadowed their competition campaign—notably involving Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng and John Boye.

However, there was much to celebrate for Ghana and Kwesi Appiah—the first sub-Saharan manager to lead his own country to a World Cup.

There was, of course, that sublime play-off victory over an Egypt side who had previously won a trio of Africa Cup of Nations consecutively.

Then, there came the 2-2 draw against Germany in Fortaleza, as Ghana came back from 1-0 down to lead the European giants, only do be undone by a Miroslav Klose equaliser in the 71st minute.

That was one of only three goals Germany conceded en route to winning the title, and the only occasion during the tournament when they failed to defeat their opposition.