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Hearts of Oak claimed bragging rights, three points and an advantage in the title race as Daniel Barnieh Afriyie struck to ensure a 1-0 home triumph over rivals Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

The Ghana U20 captain found the back of the net after half-time in the top-of-the-table clash, his goal ultimately ending as the separating factor in the matchday 31 fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

While teams were tied on points heading into the Super Clash, the Phobians have now moved three points clear in the lead, with only three more rounds of matches to go.

Hearts coach Samuel Boadu entrusted Afriyie to lead the side on the day, with support from playmaker Razak Salifu and winger Patrick Razak. Ghana international Mohammed Alhassan was deployed at centre-back.

Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama, who scored and set up another goal in Kotoko's last match against Karela United, was expected to turn on the magic for the Porcupine Warriors once again, alongside Ghana centre-back Ismail Abdul Ganiyu.

Surprisingly, Ghana goalkeeper Razak Abalora lost his Kotoko starting place to Kwame Baah.

The hosts began strongly, taking the game to the visitors and won two corner kicks within the first two minutes.

In the fourth minute, Hearts tested Baah after Salifu played a short free-kick to Emmanuel Nettey, but the latter's shot was no worry for the goalkeeper.

In the 20th minute, Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah was called into action, saving Patrick Asmah's free-kick.

At the opposite end once again, Baah had to react appropriately to keep out Mohammed Fatawu's effort after he received a looping pass from Frederick Ansah Botchway.

After the half-time break in the 62nd minute, Gyamfi attempted to find the back of the net with a first-time shot following a Gama through-ball but the shot went off target.

In the 66th minute, Afriyie finally broke the deadlock for the Phobians from close range, shooting first-time on a half-turn beyond Baah after a low shot was drilled into the penalty box.

Kotoko tried to mount a comeback, but with their struggle to create clear-cut scoring chances, they were left helpless as referee Daniel Laryea brought the game to an end after four minutes of injury time.

Ante Budimir has hailed the impact of Luka Modric on the Croatia international side.

The Real Madrid midfielder has played a key role to his side progressing to the last-16 of Euro 2020, notably starring as his side defeated Scotland 3-1 in Glasgow to move into the knockout stages.

Budimir, who turns out for Osasuna in La Liga, has said that hard work is the secret to the longevity of Modric, who is 35 years old and is expected to lead his country against Spain on Monday.

What did he say?

“When we play a game in training, it is usually old against young and he wants to beat the youngsters,” the striker told Goal. “We take it very seriously, like a real match. You see those details of wanting to win these games. It is something that motivates you, because you see that he gets serious and says that you have to win.

“We know the player he is. Seeing how he prepares for training, then also how he performs in games, trying to attack and defend, to be the leader ... He is a very good example.

“He plays at a top level, he has won everything and for him nothing changes, be it in qualifying against Malta or Cyprus, or now against Scotland or England in the European Championship.

“I really like his preparation before training: he goes to the gym, rests himself, takes care of the details, warms up for the session ... You can see that he has concentration for training, that he is prepared; it's not that he comes out and suddenly plays like a top star.”

Modric’s influence

Modric may take training games against young players seriously, but he also helps new faces to settle into the international scene.

“With me and with other youngster, he is the first to give support from the start,” Budimir said. “He says that the player whose debut it is has to enjoy the game and that it is the other 10 who have to contribute more. The player who debuts has to remember it beautifully. He helps you. He cares about these things.”

Further Reading

Any speculation about the future of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ought to be dismissed immediately according to our resident Manchester United supporter on the latest edition of Fan View.

Speaking to Goal , Ghana-based Usmane Ahmed has revealed his overwhelming support for the Norwegian coach and insists that Solksjaer’s progress with the club is testament to his aptitude for the role.

Despite Ahmed’s conviction, things didn’t go entirely to plan for United legend Solskjaer last term, as he was unable to end the Red Devils’ trophy drought as they were defeated by Villarreal in the Europa League final.

They didn’t truly challenge Manchester City for the title either, having been well off the pace against Liverpool in the season before.

“I stand ‘Ole in’,” Ahmed told Goal , when asked where he stood on the Solskjaer In vs Solskjaer Out debate. “That’s for sure.

“I am 100 percent with Ole,” he added, “and I stand with [him] rain or shine, good or bad, because he knows the philosophy of Manchester, he knows what it means to coach Manchester, he knows what it means to play for Manchester United.

“He knows the ins and outs of Manchester United, and from what I saw from two years, three years to now, there has been nothing but progress.”

Indeed, Solskjaer has steadied the ship since replacing Jose Mourinho at the helm of the Red Devils.

He has sought to cultivate an attractive style of play, moved to give prominent roles to younger players, and improved United’s standing year on year.

“That’s what I’m seeing,” Ahmed continued. “His first season, he ended up third, now second.”

Our United fan believes that a positive transfer window for the Red Devils could help Solskjaer achieve his aims…and perhaps even challenge for the title…during the 2021-22 season.

“Next season, who knows what might happen with the right recruitment in,” he concluded. “If we get the right recruitment, then the next season can be massive for Manchester United.

“We already have Bruno Fernandes, and if you see the signings that Ole made, [you wouldn’t] worry.

“I see the next signings will be better than he has already made,” Ahmed concluded, “there will be nothing but success next season.”

So far, the only deals United have done this window have been outgoings, with goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira departing on free transfers.

Uefa has denied reports in the Dutch media that claimed it has banned Netherlands supporters from taking rainbow-coloured flags and symbols into the Euro 2020 fan zone in Budapest.

Dutch website Nu.nl reported that Netherlands fans had their rainbow symbols confiscated by security as they entered the fan zone ahead of Sunday’s last-16 clash against the Czech Republic.

However, European football’s governing body has released statement clarifying that it is the local authorities who have responsibility for fan zones, while reminding the Hungarian Football Federation that rainbow flags – a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community - are not considered political and should be allowed into the Puskas Arena for the game.

What did UEFA say?

In a statement, UEFA said: “Contrary to some reports in Dutch media, UEFA would like to clarify that it has not banned any rainbow-coloured symbols from the fan zone in Budapest, which is under the responsibility of the local authorities. UEFA would very much welcome any such symbol into the fan zone.

“UEFA today informed the Hungarian Football Federation that rainbow-coloured symbols are not political and in line with UEFA’s #EqualGame campaign, which fights against all discrimination, including against the LGBTQI+ community, such flags will be allowed into the stadium.”

The bigger picture

The Munich authorities wanted to light up the stadium ahead of Germany’s game against Hungary as a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community and in protest against anti-LGBT legislation that has recently been passed in Hungary.

There have also been allegations of anti-LGBT+ chants and banners being displayed in Budapest earlier in the tournament.

However, UEFA blocked the request because it believed it was designed to be a political message towards the Hungarians, which controvenes UEFA regulations, despite stressing that the rainbow flag is not a political symbol.

The decision sparked anger across Germany, with several other football clubs lighting up their stadiums in rainbow colours in protest. Germany captain Manuel Neuer has worn a rainbow-coloured captain’s armband throughout the tournament, while several supporters wore rainbow colours for the Hungary game, including a fan who invaded the pitch during the Hungarian national anthem.

Having made its stance clear to the Hungarian Football Federation regarding rainbow flags inside the stadium, it is hoped the scenes allegedly witnessed in the fan zone will not be repeated when supporters enter the Puskas Arena on Sunday evening.

Further reading

Onome Ebi has recorded her first hat-trick for club and country after striking thrice in FC Minsk’s 11-0 obliteration of FK Gomel on Sunday.

Having lost their last five league matches – where they leaked 55 goals – Gomel travelled to Stadium FC Minsk with the ambition of ending their abysmal run.

Nonetheless, they returned home with a basket full of goals conceded as the Nigerian inspired the visitors’ destruction.

Ten minutes into the game, Karina Stankevich rifled an unstoppable shot past Anna Shilo to give the hosts a well-deserved lead.

A minute later, Anastasiya Pobegaylo doubled the lead while unlikely Nigerian hero Ebi made it three in the 17th minute.

In the goal-laden first half, Pobegaylo scored Minsk’s fourth goal in the 28th minute with the Super Falcons defender increasing the lead for her team on the half-hour mark.

Melana Surovtseva and Natalia Asmykovich’s efforts in the 33rd and 36th minute, respectively, gave Volodymyr Reva’s side a comprehensive 7-0 lead at half-time.

The seven-time Belarusian Premier League winners were not done yet as they continued their harvest of goals in the 47th minute thanks to a cool finish from defender Anna Kashinskaya.

Even with the introduction of Anastasia Borovichenko, Valeria Selitskaya and 16-year-old Anna Reut, that could not prevent the visiting side from conceding more goals.

Ebi completed her treble in the 81st minute as Elizaveta Pinchuk and Tatiana Shereshovets completed the annihilation.

Thanks to her heroics, the defender becomes the oldest Nigerian and African ever to find the net on three occasions in a game.

The 38-year-old was in action from start to finish for Minsk, whereas her compatriot Otu Ibianang was an unused substitute.

Thanks to this result, Reva’s side occupy the second position on the log having accrued 36 points from 13 games.

For Gomel, they have now conceded 127 goals from the same number of outings. As it stands, they sit in the ninth position with just three points.

While Minsk would be hoping to continue their pursuit for an eighth league diadem with a date versus Dinamo Brest on June 30, Gomel welcome Vitebsk to the Stadyen DYuSSh-8 on the same day.

Jesse Were scored a treble to inspire Zesco United to a 7-2 Zambian top-tier win over Buildcon at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sunday evening

Timu ya Ziko scored the remaining two goals through Samson Mkandawire, John Chishimba, and Tafadzwa Rusike while the visitors got their two goals courtesy of Brian Mwila who scored a brace.

It took the newly crowned champions just two minutes to take the lead. Team Kopala conceded a penalty in the second minute and the towering Kenyan rose for the occasion to give his team the lead.

The 32-year-old scored his second in the 13th minute before completing his hat-trick in the 23rd minute.

Mwila reduced the deficit in the 37th minute to ensure the half-time result was 3-1 in favour of the champions.

Were needed a minute after the pause to score his fourth of the game after a slow start by the visitors. But three minutes later, Mwila scored the second to give his team hope of making a comeback and at least end the season on a high.

10 minutes later, Timu ya Ziko recovered their three-goal lead when Mkandawire found the back of the net. Buildcon looked lost and there was no surprise when Rusike added the fourth in the 71st minute.

Chishimba scored the final one for Zesco to ensure the season ended in style.

Zesco ended the campaign with 22 wins, five draws, and seven losses, scoring 54 goals in the process and conceded 26.

Zanaco finished a distant second with 55 points. They managed 15 wins, 10 draws, and nine losses. They further scored 50 goals and conceded 36.

Zesco and Zanaco will now represent Zambia in the Caf Champions League in the 2021/22 season.

Final day results:
Forest Rangers 1-1 Nkwazi
Green Buffaloes 1-1 Leopards
Kabwe 3-2 Indeni
Kitwe United 0-1 Power Dynamos
Lumwana Radiants 0-1 Green Eagles
Napsa Stars 0-0 Nkana
Young Green Eagles 0-0 Lusaka Dynamos
Zanaco 0-0 Red Arrows
Zesco 7-2 Buildcon 

Former Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete has advised Mainland Premier League side Yanga SC to be extra careful when appointing coaches and signing players in order to gain stability.

Kikwete, a known Yanga fan, additionally, pointed out numerous issues that need to be looked at keenly in order to make Timu ya Wananchi a competitive force. The fourth president of Tanzania was speaking during Yanga's annual general meeting that was convened on Sunday in order to vote and approve the changes that are going to change certain aspects of how the club will be run.

"Be careful when looking for coaches and players as frequent changes can be good, but at times they turn disastrous. The fans and the stakeholders should also be patient," Kikwete said.

"The players should get their salaries and allowances on time and that will erode the feeling that no one cares about their affairs. If you do not do that, you will just be a group of people and not a technical bench. If the things I've mentioned are not done, we won't be able to complete our mission. Attracting investment will also be impossible.

"Yanga are a team that I adore; when they lose, it hurts me deeply, and when they win, I always celebrate for a long time, and I believe we will win on Saturday [against Simba]."I am happy about the roadmap unveiled that is meant to take our team to higher levels and I urge each member to always be available to advise the board on how we can build our team."

The former head of state urged objective criticism in order to strengthen the club, as well as financial transparency by officials.

"Where there is a weakness, we point them out and where there is deserved praise, we praise them accordingly. But let the criticism be done with the ambition of building a team. If there is work, let us work as we do not want leaders to turn the club into their own projects," added Kikwete.

"If compulsory auditing of our financial books is not anchored in the constitution, then let it be outlined in the new manifesto that we have launched. One of the reasons that made me attend the meeting is how the agenda has been set, they have been done in a very professional way and if implemented to the end, we are going to be successful because it shows where we are and where we want to be in the future."

Yanga have looked more competitive this season and apart from lifting the Mapindizu Cup in Zanzibar, they have qualified for the Federation Cup final, although they have lost ground in the Premier League title race.

RB Leipzig, Southampton and Brighton have joined the likes of Aston Villa and Milan in the race for Tino Livramento, Chelsea's Academy Player of the Year.

The 18-year-old attacking full-back has just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and the European champions are trying to convince him to sign a new deal amid the interest.

However, the Blues' attempts to sign Inter's Achraf Hakimi could lead the homegrown star to explore alternative options, even if Paris Saint-Germain are strong favourites to win the race for the Morocco international.

Why do so many clubs want Livramento?

Simply winning the youth player of the year award at Cobham puts him in the company of Mason Mount, Billy Gilmour, Conor Gallagher, Fikayo Tomori, Reece James and Dominic Solanke.

He has earned that title through 46 appearances over the last two seasons. In these outings, he has 21 goal contributions, with four goals and 17 assists.

Those numbers reflect his speed and creativity in matches, where he also provides important defensive contributions. Despite being born in England, he's eligible for a Portuguese passport, which is helping to attract clubs beyond the Premier League and Championship.

Who are Chelsea signing?

It is not too late for Chelsea to sign Hakimi but they are set to be beaten to him by PSG, who are prepared to offer more money up front.

The 22-year-old could end up costing around £60 million ($83m) which is just below the Serie A champions' initial asking price as they look to raise funds in financially uncertain times.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's main focus remains on signing a world-class striker, with Tottenham's Harry Kane and Dortmund's Erling Haaland both primary targets.

The deal has been described by sources as 'complicated' due to the reluctance of both clubs to sell them, as well as the exceptionally high wages being demanded.

There are a host of player sales going on behind the scenes, with loanees and fringe players to be offloaded before the new season. Another focus is on contract renewals for both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, which will accelerate after their participation at Euro 2020 ends.

Further reading

Like Euro 2020, Olympics 2020 was postponed by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is set to take place in 2021 instead.

The football tournaments may not carry the same appeal as the World Cup, European Championship or Copa America for some, but there is plenty to be excited about, with elite athletes going head to head.

When does the football begin at the Olympics then and which teams are playing? Goal brings you all the details.

When does the Olympics 2020 football tournaments start?

Football kicks off at the 2020 Olympics in Japan with the women's tournament scheduled to begin on Wednesday July 21, 2021.

The men's tournament is scheduled to kick off a day later on Thursday July 22, 2021.

Games will take place from the early to late evening in Japan, which means they will be broadcast in the morning and afternoon in the United Kingdom, from 8:30am to 12:30pm BST.

Followers in the United States will have to get up extra early to watch games, with games kicking off at around 3:30am to 7:30am ET.

The women's tournament will conclude with the final on August 6, while the men's tournament wraps up a day later on August 7.

Which teams are in the men's Olympics 2020 football tournament?

A total of 16 teams from six continental federations will compete in the 2020 men's Olympics football tournament.

They are Under-23 teams with a maximum of three over-age players permitted to take part.

Brazil are the defending champions and their squad features veteran face Dani Alves, while two-time winners Argentina will be among a number of teams vying for gold.

Spain are also competing in the tournament and will be eager to add to their solitary gold for football which they picked up in 1992.

The France team competing will not resemble the one that won the World Cup or the one that played in Euro 2020, but it will feature a number of familiar faces, including Andre-Pierre Gignac and Florian Thauvin.

Germany, who were runners-up in 2016, take part in this year's competition too, as do Egypt, Australia and Japan.

Which teams are in the women's Olympics 2020 football tournament?

*Team GB does not compete in UEFA competition, but its constituent teams do.

A total of 12 teams from six continental federations will compete in the 2020 women's Olympics football tournament

The USWNT is the most high profile competitor, featuring star names such as Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, and they'll be looking to add a fifth gold to their collection.

While England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compete individually in FIFA competition, they will be represented by Team GB at the Olympics.

The Team GB selection is mostly made up of England players, with two players from Scotland and one player from Wales.

Among the other big teams competing for gold are the Netherlands, who are playing in their first ever Olympics tournament, Brazil and Australia.

Unlike the men's tournament, the women's competition is not an Under-23 affair, but a fully senior competitive international tournament. It is considered second only to the World Cup in terms of importance.

Click here to see all the women's Olympics football squads

Kaizer Chiefs caretaker coach Arthur Zwane thinks Wydad Casablanca paid the price for underestimating the Soweto side earlier in the Caf Champions League tournament.

Saturday's tense 0-0 draw in Johannesburg was the fourth time the two clubs from the opposite end of the continent have met this season in the Champions League.

It followed the previous weekend's trip to Morocco when Chiefs secured a 1-0 win in the first leg of the semi-final doubleheader.

Prior to that, the clubs had faced each other in the opening group phase. In the opening meeting, Amakhosi traveled to Ouagadougou (a neutral venue was used due to Covid-19 issues) and were given a 4-0 hiding.

They managed to avenge that result in the return game five weeks later with a 1-0 home win - without which Chiefs would never have even emerged from Group C.

According to Zwane, who at that point was assisting Gavin Hunt, the Moroccan team fielded a weakened team that day back in early April, which has ultimately come back to haunt them.

“Look‚ we knew their strengths from day one. I think they will regret the day they decided to send their B team‚” he told the media after Saturday's match in Soweto.

Zwane thinks that Wydad were overconfident after their 4-0 win.

“I think it’s more like a learning experience. That when they [Wydad] are on a roll‚ they don’t take anyone for granted.

“We were obviously going to be underdogs. We’re not good enough to compete against them," he continued.

“And they paid the price. Because I think if they had sent their best team that time, maybe things would have been different."

Wydad had certainly been the favourites ahead of the two-legged semi-final showdown against a Chiefs side which did so badly (by their standards) on the domestic front this season that Hunt was fired.

Hunt was replaced by Stuart Baxter, although the Brit has been up in the stands for the two semi-final matches as he awaits his work permit.

Chiefs will play Egyptian side Al Ahly in the final, scheduled for July 17 in Casablanca.

Marcos Llorente says he intends to stay at Atletico Madrid but has not ruled out making a move this summer.

The 26-year-old was one of the star figures of Atletico's La Liga winning campaign, scoring 12 and assisting 11 goals in 37 appearances. Only star forward Luis Suarez was directly involved in more goals for the Rojiblancos.

Llorente has three years left on his deal in the Spanish capital and he says he discussed the possibility of an extension with the club, but that nothing came of it.

What has been said?

"I have many years left [on my contract]. My idea is to stay, I'm fine, I'm happy at Atletico Madrid," he said to AS.

"We have had a great season winning La Liga. Anything can happen in football, but I don't think about that kind of thing. I am happy and now I am with the national team.

"There were conversations a long time ago, it is true, but nothing happened and the negotiation was not completed. I have no problem."

Where could Llorente go?

The former Real Madrid player has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Reds lost Georginio Wijnaldum this summer when the Netherlands star's contract expired and he opted to join Paris Saint-Germain.

Llorente's agent said last December that the Anfield side had reached out to him to discuss a possible move.

"I have received many calls from Anfield for Marcos Llorente. Marcos and I have always talked about this and he wants to stay, so there is not much else to do," he told Cadena SER.

Meanwhile, The Mirror claimed last month that United were lining up a bid worth £68 million ($94m) for the attacking midfielder.

Further reading

Euro 2020 has entered the knockout stage, with some of the continent's biggest names still in the mix in the race to get their hands on the trophy.

Defending champions Portugal emerged from the so-called 'Group of Death', as did reigning world champions France and three-time European champions Germany.

There are sure to be plenty of ups and downs in the three rounds before the final, but when will the ultimate decider take place? Goal brings you all the details, including how to watch on TV.

On this page

When is the Euro 2020 final?

The Euro 2020 final will be played on Sunday July 11, 2021. Kick-off time has been set at 8pm BST (3pm ET).

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How to watch Euro 2020 final on TV & stream live online

In the United Kingdom (UK), BBC One and ITV will both broadcast the Euro 2020 final live on TV. The game will also be available to watch live on BBC iPlayer and the ITV Player.

The game will be broadcast live in the United States (U.S.) on ESPN, TUDN and Univision, with ESPN+ and Univision NOW streaming.

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Which teams are in the Euro 2020 final?

The two teams competing in the Euro 2020 final will be confirmed on July 7, when the second of the two semi-finals is complete.

Among the tournament favourites are France, Belgium and England, with Italy also impressing. However, the teams must first navigate through a number of rounds in order to advance to the final.

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Where is the Euro 2020 final being played?

Wembley Stadium in London is the venue of the final. The home ground of the England national team, it has a capacity of 90,000.

Interestingly, Wembley will also host both semi-final games, meaning whoever contests the tournament decider will have familiarised themselves with the stadium.

Wembley - in its original form - has played host to the European Championship final before, at Euro 96, when Germany defeated Czech Republic 2-1 thanks to a Golden Goal by Oliver Bierhoff.

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How many fans can attend the Euro 2020 final?

Over 60,000 supporters will be permitted to attend the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on July 11.

Around three weeks beforehand, on June 22, the UK government gave the green light for the mammoth stadium to operate at 75 per cent capacity for the event.

It also confirmed that Wembley could operate with over 60,000 fans for the two semi-finals, which are scheduled to be played on July 6 and July 7.

Fans wishing to attend the games will need to meet a number of criteria, such as producing a negative Covid-19 test or proof of full vaccination, 14 days in advance of attendance.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin welcomed the announcement, saying: "It is great news that so many fans will be able to watch the final three matches of the Euro 2020 at Wembley.

"The last 18 months have taught us – both on and off the pitch – how integral fans are to the fabric of the game.

"This tournament has been a beacon of hope to reassure people that we are returning to a more normal way of life and this is a further step along that road."

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Barcelona outcast Jean-Clair Todibo has completed a permanent move to Nice in a deal worth an initial €8.5 million (£7m/$10m).

Nice have exercised their option to buy Todibo outright following the completion of his six-month loan spell at the Allianz Riviera.

The 21-year-old was unable to establish himself at Camp Nou after joining Barca on a free transfer three years ago, but impressed at Nice in the second half of the 2020-21 campaign, and will now continue his development in his homeland.

What's been said?

Barcelona have confirmed Todibo's departure in an official statement on their website , which reads: "OGC Nice has reported to FC Barcelona that it shall exercise its right to purchase Jean-Clair Todibo, who has been playing on loan to the French club since the end of the 20/21 season.

"The operation is valued at 8.5 million euros, plus a further 7 million euros in variables. The Catalan club withholds a percentage on any future sale of the player.

"FC Barcelona wishes to publicly state its gratitude to Jean-Clair Todibo for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the very best of success in the future."

Nice have also issued a press release welcoming Todibo back to the club, having been convinced he would commit his future to the club for some time already.

The Ligue 1 outfit have stated: "OGC Nice and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for the permanent transfer of Jean-Clair Todibo! He said it right from the start: 'In my mind, I will be at OGC Nice next season. And the one after that as well!'

"Following a six-month loan, where his performances impressed everyone, Jean-Clair Todibo (21-years-old) has officially signed for Les Aiglons, confirming his first words on the Cote d’Azur. 

"Now he is officially back home, to continue his progression, both individually and with the team."

Todibo's Barca career and record at Nice

Todibo signed a four-year deal with Barca after leaving Toulouse in January 2019, and made his debut three months later in a La Liga clash with Huesca.

The French centre-back only appeared in four more first-team matches for the Blaugrana, who sent him out on loan to Schalke and Benfica before Nice came calling in the winter transfer window.

Todibo quickly managed to nail down a regular spot in Adrian Ursea's starting XI, making 15 Ligue 1 appearances to help Nice finish ninth in the table, while also chipping in with a goal.

Further reading 

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has described Kaizer Chiefs as a mysterious side after they qualified for the Caf Champions League final.

Mosimane's Red Devils and PSL side Amakhosi will clash in the ultimate stage of Africa's premier club competition.

“Kaizer Chiefs are a mysterious team, despite occupying a low place in the South African league, they qualified for the Caf Champions League final. It is difficult to study them because they score a lot of goals and concede a lot of goals," Mosimane said in an interview in Cairo as per KingFut.

Although Mosimane is confident with his current side, he was quick to admit that they are not at a level they can be compared with the club's previous generation that boasted great players like Mohamed Aboutrika and Mohamed Barakat.

“We do not have Aboutrika and Barakat, these are the big names that Manuel Jose had, this generation is different and new, we are currently much smaller than them, every championship we achieve earns us confidence, but there is no comparison with the great golden generation," added the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana head coach.

The PSL-winning coach also had a message to the fans after they progressed to the Champions League final yet again: “My message to Al Ahly fans is that they are the 12th player and I ask them to always be patient," he concluded.

"We have not yet reached the strongest and the best level, but we can do that with the passage of time."

Goals from Ali Maaloul, Mohamed Sherif, and Hussein El-Shahat saw the Egyptian giants defeat Esperance 4-0 on aggregate and booked a second consecutive final slot.

Separately, Mosimane conceded they were helped by Ilyes Chetti's red card in the 36th minute: "We have to be honest, the red card helped us. It happened early, and it was well deserved," he observed.

“I told the players and told you on Friday that it will be an open game. However, we managed to have the upper hand in both games. “Esperance is a big team and we respect them a lot, but after conceding the first goal, the game was further complicated for them."

Al Ahly will be looking to win their 10th Champions League title against Amakhosi who will be appearing in the final for the first time when they meet in Casablanca on July 17.

Franklin Sasere says Lugano are still a “work in progress” after demolishing Losone Sportiva 11-0 in Saturday’s pre-season friendly.

The Nigerian striker was on target thrice as the Swiss Super League side began their preparations for the 2021-22 campaign on a blistering note.

DR Congo prospect Christopher Lungoyi as well as Portugal youth international of Ghanaian origin Asumah Abubakar scored twice, with Reto Ziegler, Mattia Bottani, Kevin Monzialo and Carlo Manicone completing the rout.

In a chat with Goal, the former Sunshine Stars forward is not flattered by the outcome, claiming Abel Braga’s men would keep working hard.

“We played a good brand of football, scored plenty of goals, however, we are not carried away,” he said.

“Even at the scoreline, our opponents gave us a good fight and we are pleased to have kept a clean slate.

“As our manager said to us, we should not celebrate the massive scoreline before there is still a lot of work to be done and we are a team in progress.

“In the coming weeks, we will take on other teams and before the start of another season, we would have reached that peak where we could boast that we would have a good season.

“Our target is to compete for the Swiss top-flight – which will earn us a place in the Uefa Champions League.”

After an impressive spell at Nigeria Professional Football League outfit Sunshine Stars, Sasere was handed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee – a deal the player claimed would brighten his chances of playing in the Champions League.

Nonetheless, he was loaned to Maltese Premier League side Hamrun Spartans on a season-long loan move in 2020 with the aim of getting regular playing opportunities.

There, he scored 14 goals as Mark Buttigieg’s team won the Maltese elite division diadem for the first time since the 1990-91 campaign.

With his return to the Cornaredo Stadium, he would be hoping to be a key figure in Braga’s squad despite the presence of former Chelsea star, Demba Ba.

In the 2020-21 campaign, Lugano finished in fourth position after accruing 49 points from 36 games.

The race for Euro 2020 top scorer is typically competitive, with some of the best strikers in the competition fighting it out for the top individual title.

Winning the European Championship outright earns you continental glory, but it is also an opportunity for star forwards to battle it out for individual honours.

Goal is compiling the individual goal tallies for the highest-scoring Euro 2020 players below.

*Up to date as of games played on June 26.

Cristiano Ronaldo currently leads the pack as Euro 2020 top scorer with five goals to his name, the Portugal captain breaking numerous scoring records in the process.

He broke France icon Michel Platini's previous record of nine goals scored at European Championships when he netted a penalty against Hungary before scoring his 11th goal in stoppage time.

Ronaldo has set even more milestones, becoming the oldest player to score for Portugal at a major tournament at age 36 years, 130 days. He broke the record set by Pepe at World Cup 2018 (35 years, 124 days).

The Juventus forward also become the oldest player to score at least two goals in a European Championship match, surpassing the record set by Andriy Schevchenko when he was 35 years, 256 days.

He is followed by Czech Republic sensation Patrick Schick, Sweden's Emil Forsberg, Belgium's Romelu Lukaku and Georginio Wijnaldum with three goals apiece.

Italy star Francesco Acerbi has hinted that he would prefer to face Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Romelu Lukaku in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, as he believes that the Portugal captain "is more markable" than Belgium's in-form striker.

Acerbi played the full 120 minutes of Italy's 2-1 victory over Austria in the round of 16 on Saturday, with all three goals coming in extra time following a goalless first 90 minutes at Wembley.

Roberto Mancini's side will face the winner of Portugal's clash with Belgium in the next round, and Acerbi admits he would fancy his chances of stopping Ronaldo more than Lukaku, who he sees as a "complete player".

What's been said?

Asked after the Austria game which man is more difficult to cover from a defensive standpoint, the Italy centre-back told reporters: “Maybe Lukaku, because he’s a complete player, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, who always scores.

“As a centre-forward, Lukaku is more difficult to mark because he has more physique, he has power and is a bit more of a striker.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the classic forward, but he is more markable than Lukaku.”

Ronaldo & Lukaku compared at Euro 2020

Ronaldo is currently leading the way for the Golden Boot at the European Championship, having hit five goals in his first three appearances at this summer's tournament.

The 36-year-old scored twice in a 3-0 win over Hungary and once in a 4-2 defeat to Germany before netting two penalties in their 2-2 draw with France - becoming the joint all-time top scorer in international football in the process.

Lukaku, meanwhile, scored a brace in Belgium's opening group stage win against Russia, and although he was unable to get on the scoresheet in their subsequent triumph over Denmark, he took his tally to three goals in three games with a trademark finish against Finland.

Acerbi on Italy's latest performance

Acerbi went on to admit that Italy weren't at their free-flowing best against Austria, but was pleased with the mental toughness they showed to set up a heavyweight last-eight encounter.

“We were bad, but also efficient,” he said. “Austria closed down and maybe we were a bit tense. Maybe we had to dribble a little more at certain times in the match, but this is a game that is won in a dirty way.

“When you play an inside-out game, there’s a bit of fear. You are aware of your strengths but also aware of the strengths of the opponent, because Austria have great players. They are strong, physical and capable of putting you in difficulty.

“We knew it would that from the second phase it would be difficult, especially mentally. Now every game is important. Being a bit tense is normal. Now, we’ll meet either Belgium or Portugal, then if we win it’s France, they are strong teams, which perhaps will make you play better. But they have much more quality.”

Further reading