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Newell's Old Boys have wasted little time in making their play for Lionel Messi, with a favourite son of the Argentine outfit hitting free agency in Barcelona.

A six-time Ballon d'Or winner has seen his contract expire at Camp Nou, meaning that he could enter into discussions regarding a move away from Catalunya.

Fresh terms are still expected to be agreed at some stage, but Newell's have made it clear that doors would be swung open in Rosario if a familiar face wanted to take a "risk" and return to his roots.

What has been said?

Newell's have posted on Twitter, with Messi's contract at Barca ending on June 30: "Hi Leo, are you there? 

"In Argentina just now is July 1. (He who does not risk does not win)"

Will Messi sign a new contract?

An all-time great has spent his entire senior club career to date with Barcelona.

He has taken in 778 appearances for the Blaugrana, registering a record-setting haul of 672 goals.

A memorable spell in Spain has delivered 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, with the history books being re-written on a regular basis.

Messi did, however, make one push for the exits in 2020, only to then soften that stance as he revealed to Goal that the final 12 months of a lucrative deal would be honoured.

That agreement has now come to a close, but those at Camp Nou remain confident that no parting of ways will take place.

Club president Joan Laporta has stated on a regular basis that he believes a new contract will be agreed, with discussions still being held as Messi shines for his country at this summer's Copa America.

The 34-year-old has stated in the past, though, that he would like to retrace his steps to Newell's, with the club that first spotted his talents as a youngster bidding farewell to a future superstar in 2000.

Further reading

Harambee Stars coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee has revealed he had to give his 2008 Tusker FC Cecafa Cup-winning squad players condoms for protection.

The team had struggled to prepare for the competition as the former chairman Patrick Naggi did not facilitate what was needed. The current Kenya coach explains how he motivated the players to ensure they perform despite the difficulties faced.

"It was not easy for us to prepare for the Cecafa competition in Dar es Salaam. First of all, our training camp was to be held at Nanyuki but I was told there was no money. I did not get full support and I felt it was sabotage," Mulee explained at Arocho Live.

"After 23 hours we reached Dar es Salaam; it was hours before playing Simba SC. I had to motivate my players so I told them to focus on the prize because by winning it everyone will be Ksh100,000 richer. 

"We defeated Simba 3-2 in the opening match and I gave my players an off [day] to go and have fun. I also asked the doctor to give them condoms to use in case the urge [to have sex] became stronger.

"But no one was allowed to bring a woman in camp, they were to finish their businesses outside the camp. It was a way of ensuring they are having mental health. I had to find a way of making them relax."

According to the now 53-year-old coach, Naggi, who had not even called to congratulate the team on their performance in Tanzania, was in the dressing room moments before the Brewers played Uganda Revenue Authority in the final but with a different agenda.

"It hurt me that the chairman had refused to support me and now he followed me to the dressing room minutes before the final saying we will take 50% of the prize money if we win, but if we don't we will get nothing," Mulee continued.

"I told him off; there was no way I was going to do that. And I warned him against telling the players such."

True to his word, Tusker defeated URA 2-1 to be crowned and the players shared the prize money. On reaching Nairobi, the club parted ways with the tactician. 

Through its educational department, LaLiga Business School, LaLiga will be collaborating with one of the biggest football clubs in Africa, Al Ahly SC, to launch a course within its MBA program. The course is set to launch in Madrid, starting November 2021.

LaLiga’s “The MBA of LaLiga”, is focused on preparing people who want to lead change in the sports and entertainment industry and features the participation of top professionals in the sports industry.

Also, it will draw from case studies from across LaLiga and its 42 clubs, as well as from other sports, entertainment stakeholders and technological and digital environments, employing first-hand cutting-edge methodologies together with LaLiga’s own operational techniques and efficient mechanisms.

During the course, a case study will be conducted about Al Ahly SC, titled: “From regional leadership to international prestige: the journey of the African Club of the 20th Century with the biggest fan base.”

Egyptian superclub Al Ahly will play in the Caf Champions League final against South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs in Casablanca on 17 July 2021.

“Our partnership with Al Ahly SC will provide a fresh international mindset to the world of football as our aim within this program is to help professionalise the global sports industry and to capture the talent of today and tomorrow. The more internationally qualified and diverse people we have working in the industry, the better-equipped football will be for growth," says Jose Moya, Director of LaLiga Business School.

Secured internships and international field trips to New York and Miami are some of the other interesting benefits of the program, alongside practical sessions with managers from top worldwide clubs and organizations such as Al Ahly SC, Premier League, Serie A, and the MLS. 

“Our mission in Egypt is to foster strategic collaborations such as this. Our relationship with Al Ahly SC has been strong since the very start, and we look forward to collaborating on bigger projects in the coming future,” according to LaLiga delegate in Egypt, Juan Fuentes.

The program contains six complete modules including; Management in the sports industry, new marketing, digital and technological disruption, media and entertainment, major sports events, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

While each course is built upon the same values and with the same objectives, the speakers are varied and students will learn from experts specific to each country, in addition to 20 hours of instruction from LaLiga teachers.

The MBA is open to international applicants, including Egyptians. Students from all over the world are expected to join the program and places are limited to ensure the quality of the Master and the personalised attention to each of the attendees.

The program will run in Madrid from November 2021 until July 2022 and will be taught completely in English. 

“Whether they are already working within football or brand new to the industry, we’re offering courses that were not previously available and can help people approach football with a fresh business mindset,” Moya added.

People interested in the program can find out more through the following link.

Borussia Dortmund have, in a statement to the stock market, confirmed Jadon Sancho's £73 million ($101m) move to Manchester United.

A statement reads: "The player Jadon Sancho is about to move from Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA to Manchester United Football Club Limited. 

"Both clubs and the player reached an agreement on this today. If the transfer is realised, Manchester United will pay BVB a fixed transfer fee of EUR 85.0 million.

"The contractual details now have to be coordinated and documented. 

"The formal processing of the transfer is also subject to the successful completion of all necessary medical tests and examinations, a coordination procedure with the player's previous club and the proper and timely processing in accordance with the provisions of the FIFA Transfer Matching System (FIFA TMS)."

More to follow...

Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengesi has revealed Lehlohonolo Seema is set to sign a lucrative deal elsewhere after leaving the Eastern Cape side. 

Seema returned to the Chilli Boys at the end of the 2020/21 PSL season with the team having finished 15th on the league standings.

The 41-year-old tactician steered Chippa to a victory and a draw against National First Division outfit Richards Bays during the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs. 

The Chilli Boys are expected to be awarded two walkover wins over Royal AM, who failed to honour their playoff fixtures due to their ongoing court battle with the PSL in which they aim to be reinstated to the top of the 2020/21 NFD standings.

Mpengesi has now confirmed Seema has parted ways with the club amidst rumours linking the Lesotho tactician with Lamontville Golden Arrows. 

"We said goodbye to Seema as he has a big contract elsewhere.....we welcome other applications," Mpengesi told Marawa Sports Worldwide on Wednesday night.

The Arrows coaching job is currently vacant following Mandla Ncikazi's departure with the 52-year-old tactician having joined Orlando Pirates' technical team last month.

Abafana Bes'thende need a replacement for Ncikazi, who left the KwaZulu-Natal side following a successful 2020/21 campaign with the club. 

Ncikazi guided Arrows to their highest finish in the PSL as the team finished fourth on the league standings and his achievement has earned him a big move to Pirates. 

Seema, who is a former Pirates captain, has been nomadic since he left his first head coaching job at Bloemfontein Celtic in July 2020.

The former Lesotho international joined Chippa shortly after leaving Celtic and he guided the Chilli Boys to safety with the team avoiding relegation to the NFD during the 2019/20 season.

However, Seema was dismissed by the Eastern Cape side due to a poor run of results in December 2020 and he moved to Black Leopards midway through the recent 2020/21 campaign. 

He parted ways with a struggling Leopards side towards the end of the term and he returned to Chippa early last month. 

Harry Kane has hit back at his critics after finding the target in England's thrilling 2-0 victory over Germany at Euro 2020, with the Tottenham striker pointing out that he is "playing on the pitch for a reason".

Doubters had started to question the 27-year-old's ongoing presence in Gareth Southgate's plans after seeing him struggle for a spark through three outings in the European Championship group stage.

A proven performer has, however, delivered when it matters most, taking his international goal tally to 35 in 58 appearances, and believes the perfect response has been offered to those writing him off.

What has been said?

Kane has told England's official YouTube channel: "I’m playing on the pitch for a reason so, of course, people from the outside, fans, pundits, the media are going to have their opinion.

"But I’m here, I’m doing it, I’m the one that trusts my ability 100 per cent - and I’ve worked hard to get to this point.

"I’ve not just been thrown on to that pitch for any old reason. I’ve worked hard my whole life, dedicated my whole life to be there. So when I’m out there I’m pretty focused, especially as a striker.

"When maybe you’re not scoring, or the chances aren’t coming your way, just be ready for the next one - and that’s what has happened."

What is next for Kane?

Having helped to secure England a first victory over Germany in the knockout stages of a major competition since 1966, Kane is now readying himself for a quarter-final clash with Ukraine on Saturday.

He will have a leading role to play in that contest, with Southgate continuing to hand him a No.9 berth and the captain's armband.

On his leadership role, Kane added: "I’m the captain of the team so I try to lead by example, not just with the ball but without the ball, whether it’s talking and helping guys out."

The Spurs striker currently has his full focus locked on international commitments, but questions continue to be asked of his future at club level.

Goal has been able to confirm that Manchester City have a £100 million ($138m) bid in the pipeline for a prolific Premier League frontman, while talk of interest from the Blues' arch-rivals United refuses to go away.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs have announced the appointment of Kaizer Motaung Junior as the club's new sporting director.

The 39-year-old focused on his studies after he retired from professional football in January 2014 and he has since obtained a bachelor of commerce degree.

Motaung Jr, who spent just over 10 years as a Chiefs player, will work with the club's head of technical, Molefi Ntseki and football manager, Bobby Motaung according to the following statement:

"As part of the process of making notable and meaningful changes at Kaizer Chiefs, the Club is delighted to announce the appointment of former player Kaizer Motaung Jr. as Amakhosi’s sporting director," a club statement read on Thursday.

"Kaizer Jr. will officially take up this new position on 1 July 2021."

"Among many important responsibilities that the position entails, Kaizer Jr. will be driving increased levels of performance and effectiveness throughout all the areas of the club’s football operations."

"He will work with the head of technical, Molefi Ntseki and football manager, Bobby Motaung as they promote a strong understanding of how each component of football operations can best support the first team and academy, as well as recruitment of players and technical staff at all levels."

"Kaizer Jr. will also be responsible for engaging with Amakhosi’s wider business functions to fully align the Club’s operational vision and business model."

Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung explained that the former Chelsea FC academy player was a suitable candidate due to his football background and educational qualification. 

“We are really proud to have Kaizer Jr. take up this new role of sporting director,” Motaung told the club's official website. 

“The position could not have gone to a more suitable candidate when you look at his football training from a young age, as well as the fact that he obtained a B.Comm degree, a rare achievement for footballers under the age of 40.

"It was also important for us not to immediately rush him after his retirement as he needed time to adequately familiarize himself with the boardroom matters and equip himself with more education.”

The site also revealed that Motaung Junior has been hands-on at the Naturena-based giants for the past two years working within the different departments and functions of the institution.

The former 1860 Munich reserve team player says he will help ensure Amakhosi remain a household name in world football with the team set to face Egypt's Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League final on July 17.

“I am thankful to the Chairman, Motaung, for the honour and opportunity to serve the Club at this level. This appointment is a clear indication of his belief in my abilities, which I don’t take for granted," he said. 

“I am a student of the game and have remained one even after I hung up my boots in January 2014. I will work within the structure and ensure I play my part in ensuring that we take Kaizer Chiefs to new heights and reclaim our rightful position in African football.”

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues. We need to maintain Kaizer Chiefs as a household name in world football and we’ve shown that it can be done after reaching the Caf Champions League final for the first time," he added. 

"Our task will be ensuring that there are proper and solid structures in place from U13, U15, U17, U19, Reserves, up to the senior team."

The draw for the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers (AFC region) took place on July 1, 2021, at Kuala Lumpur.

12 teams from the second round have qualified for the third round of the qualifiers. Seven group toppers from eight groups (Qatar will not play the third round as they are the host country) and five best runners-up teams qualified from the second round.

Based on the special FIFA Ranking released for Asian teams on June 18, top seeds Japan and Iran were placed in Pot 1 of the draw, with Pot 2 comprising Australia and Korea Republic while Pot 3 had Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Pot 4 contained Iraq and China PR, followed by Oman and Syria in Pot 5 and debutants Vietnam and Lebanon in Pot 6.

The matches are scheduled to be played on September 2 and 7, October 7 and 12, and November 11 and 16, 2021, as well as January 27 and February 1, March 24 and 29, 2022.

The respective group winners and runners-up will directly qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while the third-placed teams will advance to the Asian playoff to determine the side that will advance to the intercontinental playoff.

Here is how the two groups look like

News of Manchester United agreeing a £72.9 million ($101m) deal with Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho has conjured up mixed emotions for those being left behind in Germany, with Erling Haaland's father, Alf-Inge, saying: "F*ck, but all the best!".

The Red Devils have finally got their man after many months of talks, with the England international winger set to return to his homeland at the end of a promising Euro 2020 campaign for the Three Lions.

His departure will leave an obvious hole in Dortmund's attacking unit, with prolific Norwegian frontman Haaland among those to have benefited considerably from the presence of a regular source of assists.

What has been said?

With Sancho heading for the exits, Haaland's father is aware of how difficult the 21-year-old will be to replace.

He has said on social media: "F*ck. But all the best Sancho. You will be missed."

The bigger picture

Sancho and Haaland struck up a formidable partnership from the moment the latter arrived in Dortmund during the winter transfer window of 2020.

Goals aplenty were delivered by an exciting young duo, with opponents struggling to contain the considerable threat they posed.

DFB-Pokal glory was secured in 2020-21 as the pair starred in pursuit of major silverware, while a late rally in the Bundesliga delivered a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

Haaland ended the season with 41 goals to his name across all competitions, while Sancho found the target on 16 occasions and contributed a further 18 assists.

His skill set is now being taken to Old Trafford, forcing Dortmund to move in a different direction.

It remains to be seen how long Haaland will stick around before he treads a similar path, with interest in the 20-year-old striker continuing to build across Europe.

Further reading

Germany lacked a "Plan B" and former manager Joachim Low is to blame for their Euro 2020 exit after not putting players in their right positions according to Markus Babbel, who says the idea they did not have enough squad depth has him "laughing [himself] to death".

Low's 15-year reign as Germany national team manager came to an end on Tuesday as his side were beaten by England 2-0 at Wembley in their last-16 clash, having failed to create many clear-cut chances from their 3-4-3 formation.

Euro 96 winner Babbel says Low's tactical rigidity cost Germany, highlighting the Bayern Munich trio of Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane being deployed in roles they do not fill for the Bundesliga champions.

What has been said?

Before falling to defeat through second-half goals by Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane, Germany troubled England in the early stages, most notably when Timo Werner was denied one-on-one by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. And Babbel says failure to build on that chance was indicative of Germany's problems.

Speaking to Goal and SPOX, Babbel said: "They lacked the conviction that they could do it. The team started well, that should have given them confidence. You could feel that the English were afraid of us, but suddenly we became more and more passive, we couldn't hold the ball as soon as England became a bit more aggressive.

"The result was rapid ball losses and the atmosphere in the stadium gradually seemed to have made an impression."

Kimmich, usually a central midfielder for Bayern, was deployed at right wing-back, while Muller and Sane played in different roles than they often fill for their club.

Former Liverpool defender Babbel feels Low was not creative enough with his selections, and has no time for the idea that he did not have the numbers required to deploy his best players in their primary roles.

He said: "Insisting on three at the back without having a Plan B irritated me very much. It's always hard when players are not in their best position. Joshua Kimmich can play on the right, but in my opinion he radiated a high level of dissatisfaction. He wanted to play No.6.

"Nobody can tell me that you can't find a defender on the right. I'm laughing myself to death! It doesn't have to be a Cafu that constantly initiates every attack. Closing the side is enough and Matthias Ginter, Emre Can or Niklas Sule would certainly have managed it.

"Leroy Sane didn't play in his favourite position either. He feels comfortable on the right side, with us he constantly had to come over to the left, which only increased his already cracked self-confidence.

"The same applies to Thomas Muller. Muller has found his best position around the striker at Bayern. He still did well at the European Championship, but why don't we let our boys play where they are best? You have so much time to prepare for a tournament like this and then you lack a Plan B.

What does the future hold?

Germany must now turn their attentions to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup - having been eliminated at the group stage in Russia 2018 - under incoming manager Hansi Flick, and Babbel thinks the treble-winning ex-Bayern boss can get the best out of his players.

He said: "It has to be based on the performances and not on the age group. The World Cup is coming up next year and we don't have an over-aged or poor quality team. However, it has to become more dominant and self-confident again and appear completely different.

"Flick has to do this in the short term. He has already impressively demonstrated at Bayern that he can do that. In the future, too, talented people will keep coming who want and will fight for their place."

Werner is one man in particular Babbel wants more from, saying the Chelsea striker must be more selfish and determined to be the go-to forward under Flick, rather than being happy filling a reserve role.

"That's why I can no longer hear statements like Werner's that it wouldn't be so bad not to play from the start and that he would be a team player. He must get angry when he sits on the bench! If it is the case [that he is on the bench], then of course he has to put himself at the service of the team, but the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I hear such statements.

"As a Champions League winner, you have to claim to be in the starting line-up. 'Gnabry has to stand in line', should be heard from him instead."

Further Reading

Lionel Messi is officially a free agent after seeing his contract expire at Barcelona, but club president Joan Laporta claims "everything is on track" when it comes to keeping a six-time Ballon d'Or winner at Camp Nou.

An Argentine superstar has, after allowing his deal to run down, been free to speak to teams outside of Spain since January, with the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain said to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

No discussions have been held, though, and despite making one push for the exits in 2020, there remains confidence in Catalunya that fresh terms will be thrashed out with a man who has spent his entire senior club career with the Blaugrana.

What has been said?

Laporta has told El Transistor when asked for an update on a long-running contract saga: "We want Messi to stay and Leo wants to stay, everything is on track.

"We have the issue of fair play, we are in the process of finding the best solution for both parties."

Can Barca afford a deal?

It has been revealed that the Liga giants are €1.2 billion (£1.1b/$1.5b) in debt, which is making life difficult when it comes to negotiating new contracts and getting fresh faces on board.

Messi is line in a new deal, though, and the likes of Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay have been snapped up as free agents.

Laporta added on the obstacles he is having to overcome in a second spell as Barca president: "When I arrived in 2003, and as it was all new, we made a small revolution and everything went well. Now I am rejuvenating and people are very excited. 

"The challenge is enormous because it is going to demand a lot of us and I like it because I am prepared."

Will the Super League happen?

Barca had been hoping to generate funds by joining the much-maligned European Super League, but fierce opposition to those plans has led to the project being shelved.

Laporta expects it to be pushed through at some stage, with elite sides across the continent looking to add another money-spinning competition to their schedule.

"We are in a very complicated economic situation; in the market there is no money, you have to remove and change things - that’s why there’s the Super League.

"[La Liga president] Javier Tebas has to be clear that the Super League will not affect the Spanish League; Barca will want to win the league every year. 

"Sooner or later the English clubs will regret the decision they have taken to leave the Super League."

Further reading

Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler says he loved his stint with Orlando Pirates as he learned how to work under pressure.

The 50-year-old tactician took charge of the Buccaneers in January 2014 following the departure of Roger De Sa as he was promoted from assistant to head coach. 

It was Tinkler's maiden head coaching job having previously served as De Sa's assistant at Bidvest Wits, before the duo moved to Pirates in September 2012.

The Bafana Bafana legend had inherited a Bucs side that had lost to Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the 2013 Caf Champions League final.

“I loved my time at Orlando Pirates. Obviously, expectations are extremely high and for some people that all depends on how you measure success,” Tinkler said on iDiski Times.

“But I think yes, obviously, the year that I was the head coach, we got to the Caf Confederation Cup final, we got to the Nedbank Cup final and unfortunately lost in both those competitions."

Under Tinkler's guidance, Pirates were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel on aggregate in the two-legged 2015 Caf Confederation Cup final, before losing 3-2 to SuperSport United in the 2016 Nedbank Cup final.

Tinkler also served as Vladimir Vermezovic's assistant at Bucs when the Houghton-based giants clinched the 2014 Nedbank Cup. 

“But the memories are still there, and the performances are still there. I know and obviously, football people know how difficult it is to get yourself into those finals, it doesn’t come easy," Tinkler continued. 

“So, I look back on it with fond memories, but no better place to learn how to work under pressure than at Orlando Pirates. Obviously, I think that boded well for me in my career.” 

Tinkler left Pirates in June 2016 after the Soweto giants finished seventh on the PSL standings and he was replaced by Muhsin Ertugral. 

The Roodepoort-born tactician has gone on to become one of South Africa's top coaches having won major trophies with Cape Town City and SuperSport United. 

He guided Cape Town City to their first-ever major trophy when they clinched the 2016 Telkom Knockout Cup in his first spell with the club, before leading SuperSport to the 2017 MTN8 title. 

Kenya international Michael Olunga has explained why he had to sign for Japan's Kashiwa Reysol despite the criticism that greeted the move.

The Al-Duhail SC striker moved to the J1 League after his loan spell with Girona FC in La Liga ended and the move was seen as a wrong career decision since many felt he should have remained in Europe. 

"People can advise you, which is good, but you, as a person, are the one who knows the pros and cons for each and every move you make. Of course, every move will be governed by different factors and circumstances. That is why I had to make a move that was going to satisfy me as a player," Olunga told Jalang'o TV.

The former Tusker striker also revealed the tough conditions he gave to Kashiwa Reysol before he agreed to take their offer.

"I gave my condition to Kashiwa Reysol. I made it known to them that I was not playing at the previous clubs and for me to make the move and join them, I must be guaranteed enough playtime because that was the only way my value was going to be raised," he explained.

"I decided to make the move after they guaranteed to me that I was going to play 75% of the games in the season. As a player, I knew what I wanted, I knew where the shoe is pinching, and I knew what I wanted.

"I didn't start the first game, but I did start the second and scored, but it's worth noting that I arrived at a time when Kashiwa Reysol were on the decline. I played 10 games and scored three goals that season, but we were relegated. I can say that was the biggest test in my career because I had never played in the second division in my life. 

"We fought and returned to J1 and before the season began, I promised myself to fight for the top scorer's award. Reysol had never produced a J1 League top scorer and I targeted breaking that record. I managed to break it in the end, but it was not easy since I was the only English-speaking player, the other foreigners were Brazilians."

After two years with Kashiwa Reysol, Olunga signed for Qatar's top-flight side Al-Duhail in 2021.

It has been nothing but excitement for Manchester United fans after news of the club's reported imminent signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho emerged.

A long-term target, the winger is all but set to move to Old Trafford after United and Dortmund agreed a 73 million ($101m) fee for the England international.

He is expected to soon undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.

United fans have greeted the news with utmost joy, but the mood has not necessarily been by fans of some other clubs; a section of fans believe he will only prove his worth if he can follow in the footsteps of Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz who won the Champions League in his first season with The Blues after a similar famous move from German side Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

Below are the best African reactions to Wednesday's development. 

First early evening clash for Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the AFC Champions League (ACL) group stage and it's an opportunity to reignite their hopes of reaching the second phase of the most elite club competition in Asia as they take on Pohang for the second time in Group G.

It just wasn't the JDT that everyone expected to turn up after a dominating display against Ratchaburi, even if it was against a side much stronger than the Thai team. A combination of tiredness, heavy pitch, silly mistakes and refereeing decisions put paid to the Southern Tigers' hopes of notching their second straight win in the group.

Changes are expected as Benjamin Mora continues to juggle the demand of playing every three days with his players already looking tired towards the latter stages of the last two matches. But the Malaysian champions do have a big squad and today could see some players being given an opportunity to play themselves into first-choice reckoning.

Match details

TV channel and Live Streaming

Squad news

JDT will be without the services of Mauricio and Azrif Nasrulhaq who are both suspended after collecting two yellow cards and that will be where the main concern is for Mora. A toss up between Adam Nor Azlin and Aidil Zafuan for the centre-back slot while S. Kunanlan or Matthew Davies could be asked to fill in at left back if La'Vere Corbin-Ong is deemed not fit enough to participate.

There might be worry further up field as well with JDT's midfield looking less functioning than usual in the previous outing against Pohang. Afiq Fazail was a pale shadow of his former self and struggled to impose himself in the game which could open up an opportunity for Syamer Kutty Abba or even Danial Amier for a chance to strut their stuff against the Koreans.

What the coaches said

Benjamin Mora 

"Tomorrow (Thursday) we will have another chance to redeem the mistakes we made and improve the things we did correctly. We know how they (Pohang) play because we played against them on Monday and we know how they are going to do it on the field. We are fully prepared for the next match because we want to win some points. We want to win games and we came to try our best.

"There is no other exception as we are going to go with everything we have and avenge our defeat. It has been three very tough games with plenty of physical and mental demands but this is a normal thing when you play many games at a high level in a short time. We have been doing the recovery sessions with the players the best we can and physically we have almost everyone ready to play.

"The 4-1 defeat against Pohang was not very fair on us. It’s very rare for a team to get three penalties in a match, but we are committed to not make these mistakes again when we face them tomorrow. We will have to be good and certain in our finishing as well and I think it’s going to be another good game.”

Kim Gi-dong 

“Rather than focusing on Johor Darul Ta'zim’s football, we need to maximise our strong points. Our focus is Pohang’s football and tactically there’s going to be some changes in attack and defence because we still don’t know how Johor Darul Ta’zim will play in this next game. On matchday we have to make a reaction, like how our opponents play on the offence and how they are fielded defensively.

”I can’t really reveal who is going to play tomorrow for tactical reasons but of course the young players will get opportunities to play in this tournament. Our team is not at their best physical condition because some of the players are injured while others are not in the squad. But compared to the domestic league, they will be getting a lot of playing time.

“Of course we need to get results from this tournament but at the same time the younger players can experience football at this level and that will be good for their development and that will help the team.”

Group results thus far

Current standings

Defeat in the third match of the group has put JDT back in a precarious position and really need all three points in this return fixture to put some spark back into their push for a place in the knockout stage as that will set them up nicely before a meeting against group leaders Nagoya in the next game. .

Past meetings v Korean teams

Three penalties dominated the last game against Pohang as JDT would no doubt felt let down by their own players' performances as well as that of the match officials. All the more disappointing for them considering they were the ones that took an early lead. A defeat that dropped them down a spot in Group G.