Looking for Soccer News?

England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will be fit for Wednesday's Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark.

Saka was forced to miss Saturday's 4-0 win over Ukraine in the quarter-final with a slight knock he picked up in training. 

But the England boss has said the 19-year-old will be ready to go as England look to book a place in the European Championship final for the first time.

What was said?

“He should be fine,” Southgate said of Saka.

“He did declare himself available for the [Ukraine] game but we had not really had the chance to see him on the pitch and working at the level we felt would vindicate that decision.

“He will go back into full training with the group on Monday and he should be fine.”

How has Saka performed at Euro 2020?

The Arsenal man did not make an appearance in either of England's first two games, but he started their third game against the Czech Republic and was hugely impressive.

Saka was named UEFA's Star of the Match against the Czechs, which earned him a start in England's last-16 match against Germany. 

England won't be satisfied with semi-finals

Southgate led England to the semi-final at World Cup 2018, where the Three Lions were eliminated by Croatia. 

Whereas Southgate said England could have been satisfied with reaching the last four three years ago, they have a different outlook this time around.

“We’ve knocked off so many hoodoos or perceived barriers already and I feel like this group of players will feel this is just the next challenge,” he said.

“I guess the interesting part for us is we won’t feel totally satisfied if it’s just a semi-final, whereas maybe three years ago although there was massive disappointment after the semi-final there was a feeling we’d come a long way.

“Now we’ve replicated what we did there, but that won’t be enough to fulfil the group."

Further reading

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has hinted that he could include some Nigeria Professional Football League players in his squad for their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers which will begin in September.

He was on the bench as the home-based players suffered a 4-0 defeat to Mexico in an international friendly game on Sunday.

Despite the disappointing score, Rohr commended the NPFL stars for their efforts in Los Angeles and he is looking forward to working with some of them in his regular team during the next final window.

“Mexico is number eleven in the world and they showed why," the former Bordeaux manager told the NFF media. "Our young team is the best professional players from Nigeria playing at home. They tried too so well, they learnt a lot and I saw some interesting players who could be part of the next World Cup qualifiers in September.

“This match today, we learnt a lot and that’s why we are happy to see this match in these conditions like a normal football game.”

After qualifying for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, the Super Eagles have their sights set on the World Cup in Qatar next year.

Rohr concluded that Sunday’s encounter against Mexico came as a good lesson for the home-based players who could play a part in their qualifying campaign to the global competition.

“In September we will have the World Cup qualifiers and we will start at home against Liberia on the third in Lagos and few days later we will go to Cape Verde for the second game,” he added.

“We have a group of four teams and we have to finish first in this group and then progress to the play-off where we will play against any team from the other nine group.

“It is a long way to the World Cup but today’s match has given me the idea of some of the local players that can be part of some of these big games.

“We want to qualify for the World Cup like the last time and then meet teams like Mexico who showed how good they are with their movement, speed, fitness and technique. So it was a good lesson for our local players today and I think that Mexico are one of the favourites for the Gold Cup.”

Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici says that keeping Harry Kane is a “goal for the club”.

Kane has previously hinted of his desire to move on from Spurs, indicating that he wants to be playing in the biggest competitions and the biggest games. Tottenham, meanwhile, have failed to qualify for European football next season.

Interest is thought to come primarily from Manchester United and Manchester City, although Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the prolific forward, who is a three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner. A tug of war could ensue between the player and the club, with the balance of power in favour of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side due to the fact that Kane is under contract until 2024.

What was said?

Paratici has admitted that no talks have taken place between him and the England striker, who is presently on international duty at Euro 2020.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Juventus chief said: “To keep Kane isn’t only a goal for me, but for the club. He is a top player. I was lucky in my time at Juventus, I saw so many great strikers and I want to enjoy Kane too. 

“I can’t wait to see him. He’s one of the best strikers in the world, he has great physique and also a fine technique. He can shoot with both feet, he gives the team-mates many assists. 

“I haven’t talked to him yet because I don’t want to disturb our players during Euros.”

What next for Kane?

Kane’s focus is presently on firing England to glory at Euro 2020, where they will play a semi-final against Denmark on Wednesday.

After a barren spell of form for the national team, Kane has burst into life in recent matches, netting a late goal against Germany then scoring twice in a 4-0 win over Ukraine in Saturday’s quarter-final rout in Rome.

Further reading

Nigerian coach Paul Aigbogun has rated Mexico’s 4-0 win over the Super Eagles as a ‘great experience’ for the home-based players.

The former Flying Eagles boss assisted Gernot Rohr on the bench at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Sunday following the absence of Joseph Yobo and NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen.

Nigeria turned to their league players to execute the friendly match due to the unavailability of their foreign-based stars.

During the encounter, Atletico Madrid star Hector Herrera scored in each half, while Rogelio Funes Mori and Jonathan dos Santos also registered their names on the scoresheet.

Aigbogun, in his post-game reaction, said Gerardo Martino fielded his best El Tri team as they wrap up preparations to defend their Concacaf Gold Cup title with the 2021 edition set to commence on Saturday.

“This was their last preparatory game before the Gold Cup. We knew they are going to play their strongest team,” the former Warri Wolves manager told the NFF media.

“It was a great experience for our team. I think we probably played the youngest team you have seen in the national team for a while now.

“A lot of them made their debut. I think it was a fantastic experience for them playing against a quality side like Mexico.

“It’s a privilege for them to play in a massive stadium like this and in front of the crowd too.”

Enyimba forward Anthony Iwuala, who wore the captain’s armband for 90 minutes, is seeking more exposure for the NPFL players after Sunday’s defeat which he described as an ‘unlucky fate’.

“It was a great experience for us as an African player,” Iwuala said.

“It was a very big game because we wanted to show our quality and we are very happy to have this great opportunity. But we are unlucky that it ended this way but it is a great experience for us.

“Our hope is to take it further to Europe to get more opportunity and to get more exposure and work ahead for the greater task.”

Kano Pillars continued their push for the Nigeria Professional Football League title on Sunday, subduing Lobi Stars 3-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Sai Masu Gida’s hopes of emerging as champions had suffered a massive blow following their 2-1 defeat to MFM FC in Lagos in their last time out.

Against the Ortom Boys, they got their act together to hit three past Kabiru Dogo’s men in the keenly contested game in Kano.

In a game characterised by several misses from the hosts, it was Umar Hassan who put Kano Pillars ahead in the 37th minute after putting the ball past goalkeeper Mustapha Aliko.

Despite a desperate push by the visiting side for an equaliser, the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Ibrahim Musa’s team.

Four minutes into the second half, Pillars raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of David Ebuka, who profited from some shambolic defending by Lobi defenders.

Rabiu Ali put the game past Dogo’s side with his team’s third goal three minutes after the hour mark.

The visitors put up a brave fight, but they were unable to launch a comeback as goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo put up a commanding display in between Pillars’ goalposts.

Although former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow star Ahmed Musa was on parade from start to finish, he could not register his name on the goalscorer’s sheet.

Even at that, he gave Lobi Stars’ backline restless moments with his darting speed and trickery.

With this win, Kano Pillars climbed to second on the table having accrued 55 points from 31 games – two points behind Akwa United who occupy the summit of the NPFL table.

Kennedy Boboye’s Promise Keepers stuttered in the title race having been held to a 0-0 by Plateau United, who are currently ranked ninth.

Kano Pillars continue their chase for a fifth Nigerian elite division diadem when they travel to relegation-threatened Sunshine Stars on July 11.
 

NPFL RESULTS AT A GLANCE

Adamawa United 1-1 MFM FC
Enyimba 1-1 Rivers United
Kano Pillars 3-0 Lobi Stars
Katsina United 3-0 FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Kwara United 2-0 Enugu Rangers
Plateau United 0-0 Akwa United
Warri Wolves 2-0 Abia Warriors
Wikki Tourist 2-1 Dakkada FC
HEARTLAND 0-1 Sunshine Stars

Former Nigeria U17 and U20 coach John Obuh has applauded the exposure given to the Nigeria Professional Football League players in Sunday’s international friendly match against Mexico.

Although Gernot Rohr's outfit suffered a 4-0 defeat to the North Americans, Obuh stressed how the encounter will boost the experience of the home-based players.

Hector Herrera's double and lone goals from Rogerio Funes Mori and Jonathan dos Santos secured Mexico’s dominance over the three-time African nations at the Los Angeles Coliseum, in a match they dominated from start to finish.

“We have to look at it from so many angles, despite the fact that the calling to was so impromptu,” Obuh told Goal.

“It still has an advantage, it depends on the angle anybody looks at it. But for me, I don't think the reason was because they were not called to camp early.

“We know the Super Eagles is not like a club side where you will bring players and camp them for a longer time. We might see the result as not being a good one but at least we have been able to have the cohesion.

“There's no way those players that went for the trip would not get something out of it, if not for any other reason, they have been able to visit America. Once you have that kind of advantage as a player, it exposes you more.”

Obuh, who led Nigeria to a second-place finish at the 2009 Fifa U17 World Cup on home soil, is backing the NPFL players to turn in a better performance in the future if another chance arises.

“These players that have travelled to play Mexico, if there's any opportunity again and you take them to go and play, the kind of result we would get now won't be the same,” the 61-year-old continued.

“You would see a better result that will have to do with the exposure which they were able to gain. I don't want to look at it from the angle of the 4-0, but I want to look at it from the opportunity given to the boys and the positive aspect of it.”

Rohr's regular squad of players were unavailable for the encounter as they are preparing to start their pre-season with their respective clubs.

Nigeria’s 4-0 defeat to Mexico has justified Gernot Rohr’s assertion that players from the Nigeria Professional Football League are not good enough for the Super Eagles, according to Samuel Olatunji-Okuku.

Fielding largely local-based stars, the West Africans were outclassed by El Tri in Sunday’s international friendly staged in Los Angeles.

While some has praised Rohr’s men for putting up a daring fight against Gerardo Martino’s men, the respected football administrator claims the result has further exposed the deteriorating state of the country’s league.

Thus, he claims the German tactician was not out of place by relying on foreign-based professionals for their international engagements.

“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything better than this from these guys judging by the standard of our league in recent years and even our performance in Caf tournaments,” Olatunji-Okuku told Goal.

“It’s vindication for Rohr, who has always said the standard of the players in the Nigerian league isn’t good for the Super Eagles. This is what has been exposed against the Mexicans.

“As a club owner, I can categorically state that Nigeria’s problem isn’t about lack of talents but the way we develop these talents.

“Our boys were exposed in that game. They don’t know when they should apply a zonal marking or man to man marking especially in the box. This is due to lack of quality training at that level.”

Most of Mexico’s goals were a question of clumsy defending and the well-travelled administrator has questioned the kind of drills NPFL defenders are being taught at their respective teams.

“Against Mexico, you can see a player chasing the ball to two different passers when he should have stayed in his position,” he continued.

“On several occasions too, the defenders failed to act, and their reaction was rather too late. And at this level, no one needs to remind you that as a defender being reactive will most definitely be too late.

“I don’t know the criteria they used in selecting these boys, I don’t know if they’re the best in the league.

“I hope we tell ourselves the truth now and we go back to back to the developmental stage – grassroots - teach these boys properly. If we fail to do this, another heavy defeat awaits us in future.

“This isn’t the time to tell ourselves nice things to make ourselves feel better, let’s go back to improving the quality of our coaching - a standard should be set.”

PSV head coach Roger Schmidt has admitted that star duo Denzel Dumfries and Donyell Malen will both likely leave the club in the near future. 

The pair both made a major impression with the Netherlands at Euro 2020, leading to transfer interest from across Europe after they also proved their value at PSV. 

Dumfries has been linked with Inter, Bayern Munich and Everton, while Malen is reportedly on the radar of Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

What was said?

Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, Schmidt said of the pair: “I no longer expect them to return to De Herdgang [PSV’s training complex]. It was already clear after last season that they wanted to take a step abroad. I still expect that.

“If there is no transfer, we will look at it again. It will be a challenge in terms of fitness. That goes for Dumfries and Malen, but also for Cody Gakpo.

"They will only join later and will now have to stay fit individually. It would of course be good for us if they are there, then we have more options.”

An in-demand duo

Malen has put himself on the radar of some of Europe's biggest clubs with his goalscoring exploits in the Eredivisie, having netted double-digit league goals in each of his past three seasons.

The 22-year-old has been eyed by Dortmund as a potential replacement for Jadon Sancho, while Liverpool are reportedly hoping to add him as depth for their forward line. 

Dumfries caught the eye at Euro 2020 with the Netherlands, scoring two goals in his country's four matches while proving a constant threat on the right flank.

Inter are considering a move for the 25-year-old, with star wing-back Achraf Hakimi on the verge of being sold to PSG.

Dumfries reportedly has a €15 million (£13m/$18m) release clause in his contract, and is also attracting attention from Bayern and Everton.

Further reading

Matteo Guendouzi says he is worried about the situation at Arsenal following their miserable season.

The Gunners will be absent from European competition in 2021-22 after finishing eighth in the Premier League last season and only reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Mikel Arteta's team are aiming for a stronger campaign in the English top flight next term and Guendouzi hopes they can finish in the top four to secure a return to the Champions League.

What has been said?

"To see that the club failed to qualify for a European competition for the first time in 25 years hurts deeply. That affects me emotionally a lot," he said to Bild.

"Arsenal are a big club in Europe that deserve to be in the Champions League every year. That's normal for me, an institution like this deserves only the best.

"Arsenal must return to where it belongs. I don't know the reasons for the failure because I wasn't there last season. But I'm concerned about the club's situation because Arsenal deserve great things.

"I am a Gunner from the bottom of my heart and will remain so, no matter what."

Guendouzi looks to the future

The French midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Lorient in 2018, spent last term on loan at Hertha Berlin and is unlikely to return to the north London side for the upcoming campaign.

Instead, he is close to completing a move back to his homeland to join Marseille, with fellow Arsenal player William Saliba to follow.

"My dream has always been to develop myself at the highest level and to win the maximum number of titles," the 22-year-old said.

"I am a competitor and greedy for titles. I want to meet the greatest champions as team-mates and opponents, live my dreams, work hard to meet my expectations.

"I'm under contract with Arsenal and we have mutual obligations. There is interest from clubs from different leagues.

"Right now I'm 100 per cent focused on my recovery. In due time, I will decide with my advisors and my father which direction we are going."

Further reading

Dele Olorundare believes Nigeria will learn valuable lessons from the heavy defeat to Mexico in Sunday’s international friendly.

Parading a squad predominantly made up of players plying their trade in the Nigeria Professional Football League, Gernot Rohr’s men were overpowered 4-0 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in the absence of the German.

Hector Herrera’s double as well as strikes from Rogelio Funes Mori and Jonathan dos Santos were enough for all El Tri to stroll past the West African side in the United States of America.

Nigeria leaked two goals in the opening four minutes before going on to concede two more goals in the second half as they failed to muster a single shot on target.

The ex-international was not staggered by the way Rohr’s team fell apart, so he refused to be too downbeat at the final scoreline. 

“I feel it was a good result for the Super Eagles because I wasn’t expecting much from them,” Olorundare told Goal.

“Look at the Mexicans, they paraded highly experienced players who play for big teams in Europe.

“So, it would have been irrational hoping the result ends the other way around.

“Personally, I see the result as an eye-opener for the team and the experience gathered would be useful for the players going forward in their careers.

“Also, I am pretty sure they would put up a better showing in subsequent international games. Indeed, it was a good experience and Nigerians should not write them off judging by the result.”

Notwithstanding the scoreline, the former Sunshine Stars and Shooting Stars goal machine is appealing to the Nigeria Football Federation to organise more games for the team in a bid to make them a formidable unit.

“When I learnt about the international friendly, it gave me a lot of joy because this is what we have been clamouring for overtime,” he continued.

“The result may not be encouraging but I will beg the NFF that they should continue with this initiative because I strongly believe with matches of this magnitude, our home-based professionals would gel better a become a force to be reckoned with.”

Nigeria’s next focus would be on their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualification campaign which begins in September.

To stand a chance of qualifying for the global football showpiece billed for Qatar, the three-time African champions must negotiate their way past Cape Verde, Central African Republic and Liberia in Group B.

Chelsea and USMNT midfielder Christian Pulisic has found himself at the centre of a storm involving a goliath grouper.

On Saturday, a video went viral on social media showing the 22-year-old sitting on a boat, juggling a ball over one of the giant fish, which was held on a line.

Pulisic, rather embarrassingly, lost control of the ball and fell into the water, on top of the fish, which struggled as a result.

What was said?

Pulisic, who played 43 times for Chelsea last season and scored six goals, was criticised by the Blue Planet Society, a volunteer pressure group campaigning to end the overexploitation of the world’s ocean.

On its Twitter account, it posted: “Abusing a threatened goliath grouper for a social media video is a new low.”

What is a goliath grouper?

A goliath grouper is a large saltwater fish found in tropical waters. It can be found most commonly in waters off the eastern coast of the Americas, including Florida Keys, the Bahamas, much of the Caribbean and the Brazilian coast. It is less commonly found off the coast of Africa from Congo to Senegal.

Its conservation status is classed as ‘vulnerable’, which means there is no immediate concern over its future.

However, due to the fact that they tend to spawn in large aggregations and return annually to the same locations, this makes them vulnerable to mass harvesting. 

As such, a harvest ban was imposed because the population was in rapid decline. It has been protected in the USA since 1990 and the Caribbean since 1993. 

The fish have a slow growth rate, which means that the population will take some time to return to its previous state.

Further Reading

Timo Werner was mistakenly referred to as the Chelsea and Germany goalkeeper when he attended the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The striker has been criticised for his lack of goals for club and country over the last year.

And his wastefulness in front of goal seems to have caused some confusion around his position, as  Sky Sports'  reporter interviewed him by the track in Austria.

What was said?

The TV channel spoke to the 25-year-old ahead of the Formula One race and called him the "Chelsea and Germany goalkeeper".

The ex-RB Leipzig star either did not hear the mistake or simply shook it off and continued the conversation as normal.

Werner backs England to win Euro 2020

Werner attended the Grand Prix just days after Germany were eliminated from Euro 2020.

The attacker made three appearances as his side crashed out at the last-16 stage with a 2-0 defeat to England.

The Three Lions are through to the semi-finals after beating Ukraine 4-0 on Saturday and Werner believes they have what it takes to go on and win the tournament.

He said: "Yesterday for sure was a brilliant game from them, they were the better team in the game on Tuesday [against Germany] so they have it all, what you need to win the Euros and I wish them all the best."

Further reading

Brazil became the surprise last-minute host of Copa America 2021 after it emerged that Argentina and Colombia would not be able to co-host the South American tournament.

The fourth Copa since 2015, the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar have been to the fore, with Argentina and Brazil among the favourites to lift the coveted trophy.

With the competition heading towards a conclusion, Goal brings you all you need to know about when the final is, how to watch it on TV and more.

On this page

When is the Copa America 2021 final?

The Copa America 2021 final will be played on Saturday July 10, 2021 at 9pm local time in Brazil.

Due to time difference, in the United Kingdom (UK), it will strictly take place on Sunday July 11 at 1am BST.

In the United States (U.S.) it will be played at 8pm ET on Saturday July 10.

Return to top

How to watch Copa America 2021 final live on TV & stream online

BBC has the broadcast rights for the Copa America in the UK and it will be available to watch live on the BBC Red Button service. It will be available to stream live online through the BBC iPlayer.

Fox Sports 1 and Univision will show the Copa final on TV in the U.S., with streaming platforms such as the TUDN app, Univision NOW and the Fox Sports app also showing the game.

Return to top

Which teams are in the Copa America 2021 final?

One of Brazil or Peru will play Argentina or Colombia in the Copa America 2021 final.

The teams will be confirmed on Wednesday July 7 (in the UK) following the conclusion of the second of the two semi-final games.

Return to top

Where is the Copa America 2021 final being played?

Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro will host the Copa America 2021 final.

It is the second Copa final in a row that the iconic venue will host, having last been the stage for the 2019 Copa America final, and the third time overall.

Situated in the Maracana region of Rio de Janeiro, the stadium is one of the biggest football grounds in the world and has played host to two World Cup finals as well as the Olympics.

First opened in 1950, its current capacity comes in at just under 80,000 for football matches, but the venue remarkably held nearly 200,000 spectators in the past.

Return to top

How many fans can attend the Copa America 2021 final?

Fans are not expected to be permitted to attend the Copa America 2021 final due to public health restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.

No spectators have attended any of the competition's games and, while there have been some rumours of a limited number being allowed into the Maracana, nothing official confirms that suggestion.

Return to top

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has backed Kenya’s representatives Tusker and Gor Mahia to do well in continental football next season.

The Brewers will represent the country in the Caf Champions League after finishing at the top of the 18-team table by the end of June 30 as directed by Football Kenya Federation while Gor Mahia beat rivals AFC Leopards 4-1 on penalties to win the Shield Cup and a ticket to the Confederation Cup.

Shimanyula has told Goal the two teams will do well in their respective competitions and that they deserved to earn their tickets.

“Tusker and Gor Mahia is a good representation for Kenya in continental football,” Shimanyula told Goal on Sunday. “I want to congratulate them especially Gor Mahia for beating AFC Leopards, they deserved the ticket more than AFC.”

Tusker will be returning to the continental scene for the first time since 2016 while Gor have participated in this stage for the last three years.

However, Shimanyula has warned the two teams they will not finish among the best five teams in the top-flight table when the league concludes on August 22.

“But I want to warn the two teams [Tusker and Gor Mahia] they will not be among the top five teams when the season comes to an end, it will be tough for them now they have clinched tickets for continental action and may relax and forget we are still playing in the league,” Shimanyula continued.

“I have a feeling Homeboyz, Nairobi City Stars, KCB, and even Ulinzi Stars will now fight for the title, we still have at least six matches to play and it gives us the urge to win our matches, and I know the other teams will also fight to at least finish at the top.

“But for Tusker and Gor, I don’t see them making it, they have already achieved what they really wanted [ticket to continental] and may not be interested to finish at the top.

“It may end up being the first time in history that Kenya will have a Champions League representative who did not win the league, just mark this down and ask me when the season ends.”

On Sunday, Homeboyz roared into a 3-1 win against visiting Ulinzi Stars with the goals coming from Shami Kibwana, who notched a double, and Allan Wanga.

Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumdzo Manenzhe has insisted Josef Zinnbauer needs to be respected. 

The Buccaneers have been credited with an interest in Steve Komphela, who is currently part of the Mamelodi Sundowns technical team as the senior coach.

Komphela has reportedly been earmarked by Bucs management as a potential replacement for Zinnbauer at the Houghton-based giants.

Zinnbauer's future at Pirates is said to be uncertain after he failed to guide Pirates to a top-two finish in the PSL in the recent 2020/21 season.

"Steve Komphela is contracted to Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have a coach in Josef Zinnbauer, we need to respect that," Manenzhe told the media. 

It has been speculated that a release clause amount of R28 million in Komphela's contract at Sundowns could hold up his reported move to the Soweto giants.

Reports linking Komphela with the Buccaneers intensified after his former assistant at Maritzburg United and Lamontville Golden Arrows joined Pirates last month.

Manenzhe, who was on the books of Pirates between 2002 and 2007, has backed the club's decision to add Ncikazi to its technical team. 

"Bringing in Ncikazi will definitely take the Pirates technical team to another level. [The] reason I'm saying that, is you look at the style that Arrows was playing last season," he said.

"The model, the philosophy that Ncikazi had, winning games in style. For Arrows to be able to stay in the top three for most of the season speaks volumes."

Ncikazi steered Arrows to their highest finish in the PSL as the team finished fourth during the recent campaign having replaced Komphela as the head coach prior to the start of that particular season.

"Bringing him in will (add) a different dynamic to Orlando Pirates and being South African, understanding the strengths and weakness of players will add value," Manenzhe added. 

"If he can bring the same mentality he had at Arrows, I see Pirates aiming higher." 

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

Gor Mahia booked a Caf Confederation Cup ticket after outwitting AFC Leopards 4-1 in the Football Kenya Federation Shield Cup final at Nyayo Stadium on penalties on Sunday.

After a 0-0 draw at full-time, the Mashemeji clubs had to engage in the shootout in order for the winner to be determined and Gor Mahia emerged superior after Ingwe failed to convert two of their opening spot-kicks.

Sydney Ochieng, Kenneth Muguna, Samuel Onyango, and Clifton Miheso scored for Gor Mahia while Washington Munene scored the only goal for AFC Leopards after Isaac Kipyegon and Said Tsuma were unable to convert their penalties.

The first chance for Gor Mahia came in the fourth minute when Geoffrey Ochieng delivered a good cross from his flank, but Muguna could not quickly collect it inside the area before AFC Leopards cleared it away. Although Ingwe nervously dealt with the resultant corner kick, Gor Mahia should blame themselves for not capitalising on the chance. 

Elvis Rupia almost opened the score for AFC Leopards in the fifth minute when he made his way past a Gor Mahia marker and unleashed a powerful strike from close range that hit the crossbar.

K'Ogalo launched good build-up in the 20th minute with John Macharia playing a key role as he delivered a final pass to Tito Okello but AFC Leopards defenders scrambled to clear before the South Sudanese star could settle and pull the trigger.

Gor Mahia's Frank Odhiambo, who has established himself as one of the key players under Manuel Vaz Pinto, was lucky not to receive a yellow card in the 27th minute when he dangerously tackled Rupia. Austine Odhiambo took the free-kick at the edge of the box, but Gor Mahia's wall blocked his shot.

After falling back to contain Gor Mahia a few minutes before the half-hour mark, AFC Leopards engineered a counter-attack in the 32nd minute, but Rupia ended up shooting off target after a clinical low pass from Lewis Bandi landed in his path.

K'Ogalo came close to breaking the deadlock again in the 50th minute when he received a pass from the left-wing but while unmarked in AFC Leopards' area, he shot directly to Jeff Oyemba's waiting hands. In the 54th minute, Odhiambo exited the pitch, and Peter Thiong'o - an attacking midfielder - was introduced in his place as coach Patrick Aussems made his first change.

The second changes for Ingwe came in the 72nd second minute when Harrison Mwendwa and Collins Shivachi were replaced by Washington Munene and Hansel Ochieng respectively and while Gor Mahia's Samuel Onyango came on for Macharia.

Gor Mahia have now won the domestic trophy for the 11th time in their history and have assured themselves of continental football yet again next season.

AFC Leopards XI: Jeff Oyemba, Collins Shivachi, Lewis Bandi, Clyde Senaji, Isaac Kipyegon, Said Tsuma, Collins Shichenje, Austine Odhiambo, Brian Wanyama, Harrison Mwendwa, Elvis Rupia.

Subs: Ezekiel Owade, Robert Mudenyu, Caleb Olilo, Bienvenue Shaka, Eugene Mukangula, Marvin Nabwire, Hansel Ochieng.

Gor Mahia XI: Gad Mathews, Frank Odhiambo, Charles Momanyi, Geoffrey Ochieng, Harun Shakava, John Macharia, Kenneth Muguna, Ernest Wendo, Clifton Miheso, 

Subs: Caleb Omondi, Joachim Oluoch, Fred Nkata, Andrew Juma, Samuel Onyango, Sydney Ochieng, Nicholas Omondi, Jules Ulimwengu.

Christian Eriksen has been pictured in public for the first time since he was discharged from hospital following his cardiac arrest during Denmark's Euro 2020 clash with Finland.

The Inter playmaker was rushed to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen after he collapsed during the Group B clash at Parken Stadium, where he was fitted with a cardioverter defibrillator.

Having been discharged on June 18, Eriksen has kept a low profile since returning home to continue his recuperation with his family, but has now been spotted out and about for the first time since the incident after he was photographed with a fan.

Where was Eriksen spotted?

Having been said to have spent most of his time since his discharge at Odense, the 29-year-old was seen at Tisvildeleje, 60km or so from Copenhagen, ahead of his side's ultimate quarter-final victory over the Czech Republic.

He was seen posing for a photograph with a fan, Bjorn Bindzus, who was filming an advertisement at the nearby beach area, which was later uploaded to Instagram.

In the shot, Eriksen is seen looking somewhat hale and healthy as he smiles for the camera.

What has been said?

Quoted by Danish newspaper BT, Bindzus stated: "I was nervous and completely speechless when I had to ask about the picture. But I'm proud that I did it and I'm very happy today.

"We were at a photoshoot for a commercial when I suddenly saw him while we were having lunch. So I waited to ask him until he had finished talking to his girlfriend. And he said yes right away.

"I didn't see the incident against Finland, but he looked healthy. It was really nice to see.

"I mostly watch football when the national team is playing, and here my favourite player is without a doubt Christian Eriksen. I'm proud of myself that I have that image."

The bigger picture

Having suffered an opening defeat after they returned to the field against Finland mere hours after his collapse, Denmark have since rallied superbly to complete a fairytale run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

Though they were ultimately downed by world number one Belgium in Group B, a blowout win over Russia booked their place in the knockout stages, where a 4-0 win over Wales in the last-16 took them through to the quarter-finals.

With Friday's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic completed, they now head to Wembley to face fellow host nation England in the semi-finals, as they look to emulate the heroics of Euro 1992, when Denmark stunned the continent to claim the trophy.

Further reading