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Liverpool have rejected an offer from Basel for striker Liam Millar. 

The Canada international is expected to leave the Reds this summer, and the Swiss side have emerged as surprise front-runners to land the 21-year-old. 

Blackpool, Odense and New York Red Bull are also keen on the pacy forward, who can play as a winger or as a centre forward, and who made 27 appearances on loan at Charlton in League One last season.

What’s the situation?

Liverpool, Goal understands, rejected a formal offer from Basel for Millar on Friday, but are expecting a second bid next week.

The Reds are looking for a fee well in excess of £1 million ($1.4m) for a player who joined the club from Fulham in 2016.

Millar still has two years left on his contract, but is keen to move on in order to play regular football. He has played once for Liverpool’s first-team, starting their FA Cup fourth round replay win over Shrewsbury at Anfield in February 2020, and has enjoyed two separate loan spells with Kilmarnock in Scotland prior to his move to Charlton in January.

He has been capped 11 times by Canada, where he is part of a new generation of young talent which includes Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies and Lille’s Jonathan David.

Who else are Liverpool looking to move on this summer?

As confirmed by Goal earlier this week, Liverpool are open to offers for young full-back Neco Williams, who is wanted by Leeds, Burnley and Southampton, among others.

Fellow Welshman Harry Wilson is also for sale, and the Reds have been approached by Portuguese giants Benfica over a possible deal, although the sides are some way apart in terms of their valuation of the 23-year-old.

Nat Phillips would be allowed to depart if an offer of around £12m ($17m) was received, and both Burnley and Brighton have made enquiries, while midfielder Marko Grujic is also likely to move on, as is goalkeeper Loris Karius.

Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri and Takumi Minamino all face uncertain futures, although it is unlikely that all three would be moved on this summer. Decisions must also be made over the likes of Ben Woodburn, Sheyi Ojo, Taiwo Awoniyi and Kamil Grabara.

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp says it "would be crazy to write off" Germany at the European Championships, despite their struggles against Hungary in their final group stage outing.

Germany qualified for the Euro 2020 knockout stages after finishing second in the fabled 'group of death' behind world champions France, with Portugal also progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Joachim Low's side impressed during a narrow defeat to France before producing a stellar display to beat Portugal 4-2, but underwhelmed in a 2-2 draw with Hungary, with questions now being asked of whether they have the quality to get past England in the round of 16.

What's been said?

However, Liverpool head coach Klopp is in an optimistic mood ahead of Tuesday's heavyweight clash at Wembley, and believes Die Mannschaft will have benefitted from their tough examination against Hungary.

"To write off Germany now, it would be crazy, " Klopp told BILD when quizzed on his country's chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

"We played well against France, Portugal we dominated like hardly any other opponent in recent years.

"We struggled against Hungary, yes. But nothing more happened. Sometimes as a team you need such a game.

"And now we're going to make a real go of it on Tuesday."

Germany's record against England

England are being billed as favourites against Germany after finishing top of Group D, with the home crowd expected to give Gareth Southgate's side an extra lift against an age-old foe.

History in the fixture favours Die Mannschaft, though, who have won 15 and drawn four of their 32 previous matches against the Three Lions.

Only 11 of those meetings have come in a competitive setting, with Germany emerging victorious on seven occasions, including via penalty shoot-outs in the 1990 World Cup semi-finals and 1996 Euros.

The last time they faced off in a major tournament was at the 2014 World Cup as Low's side came out on top with a thumping 4-1 win in Brazil.

Further reading

Safa president Danny Jordaan has stated the Caf Champions League final between Al Ahly and Kaizer Chiefs will be a “South African affair” and will be happy with whoever wins it.

Chiefs reached their first final of the competition on Saturday after a 1-0 aggregate win following a 0-0 draw at home and 1-0 away win against Wydad Casablanca, while Al Ahly hammered Esperance de Tunis 4-0 on aggregate, a 1-0 win away and 3-0 win at home, to advance to their second straight final.

While Chiefs is from South Africa, the Egyptian giants are also coached by South African Pitso Mosimane, and while lauding the Soweto giants for making it to the final, Jordaan has stated he will be proud of whoever wins the final on July 17 because "the eventual winner will come from South Africa.”

“It is Pitso [Mosimane], who will be leading Al Ahly and while we would want Chiefs to emerge victorious, Mosimane is one of our own and we have always been proud of his achievements,” Jordaan said as per a statement on Safa’s official website.

The Safa boss has, however, described Chiefs’ win against the North African side as “massive” and lauded them for their fair-tale run in the competition.

“This win is massive, this has been a fairy-tale by Kaizer [Chiefs] in this tournament,” Jordaan continued.

“On behalf of the football family, I would like to say congratulations to Chiefs players, the coaching staff, and management. This has been a team effort and this win has lifted the spirit of the entire nation.

“South Africa is in the midst of a devastating Coronavirus pandemic and the win really gave the country something to shout about.

“We are proud of this achievement and we hope Chiefs will repeat the Orlando Pirates journey of 1995 when few gave them [Pirates] a chance but went on to lift the Champions League title in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

“I sense history repeating itself here.”

The Glamour Boys won the Caf Confederation Cup in 2001 but had never gone beyond the group phase of the Champions League until this season.

Ex-Nigeria international Samson Siasia has hit out at the government for abandoning their legends in their time of need.

The former striker played for the Super Eagles from 1984-1999, making a total of 51 appearances and scoring 16 goals in the process.

He was among the players who won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title and has also had two stints as a coach of the national team.

Despite his sacrifices, the now 53-year-old believes he is not getting what he deserves and was neglected by his country.

"I am a legend, I have played, broke my leg for this country, and also coached," Siasia said as quoted by AllAfrica.

"If I played for America - yes I have an American passport but I played for Nigeria - if I was like Michael Jordan, [the American government] would take it upon themselves. 

"The Nigerian government has not done well when it comes to my case."

Recently, the government approved the promise made of rewarding the 1994 Super Eagles squad with houses. 

Following a memo by Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the allocations in their states of preference, noting that six players and three members of the technical crew received their houses already.

Those who are entitled to get the houses are Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased).

Others are Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. Aromasodun.

However, the former striker suggests that is not enough and the Head of State should be approached on issues affecting former players.

"Now they said they gave us houses after 27 years, are we supposed to be jumping up?" Siasia posed a question.

"I am not happy, I don't know if [President] Buhari does not watch TV or does not know what is going on, or if [Sports Minister Sunday Dare] is afraid to approach him.

"He is a person, you can approach him if things like this happen." 

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Arthur Zwane says they devised a plan to avoid going pound-for-pound against Wydad Casablanca but closed the field to deny their opponents “space to punish” them.

Wydad largely dominated both legs of the Caf Champions League semi-final against Chiefs, but failed to win as they lost 1-0 at home, before being held 0-0 in Johannesburg on Saturday.

This handed Chiefs passage into the Champions League final where they will meet Al Ahly on July 17.

“They [Wydad] are a very good team, there's no doubt about it, solid team, good in defence, also very good going forward,” Zwane told the media after the match.

“But they also have their weaknesses like any other team. Whatever formation they put up there, we were still going to capitalise because we were always underdogs.   

“It worked for us, the way we planned, we knew if we go pound for pound with them - we'd open up and give them space to punish you.

"They had a few chances today but Daniel Akpeyi came to the party and the whole defence.” 

Zwane believes Wydad shot themselves in the foot by making it possible for Chiefs to go beyond the group stage of the Champions League. 

In the group stage, the Soweto giants recorded a crucial 1-0 victory over Wydad at FNB Stadium in what helped them reach the quarter-finals. 

The Moroccans sent a second-string team which lost to Chiefs in that match in early April, and Zwane is of the opinion that made it possible for the two sides to meet again later on. 

“It was never going to be an easy journey for us, we knew it was going to be tough because we're competing against the best on the continent,” Zwane continued.

“Going back to the game, we knew their strength from day one. I think they will regret the day they decided to send their 'B-team'. I think it's more of a learning [curve] especially for us that when you're on the road, you don't take anyone for granted.   

“We're obviously going to be underdogs competing against them and they paid the price because I think if they sent their best team that time - maybe things would have been different.  

“Fortunately for them, they took us for granted at that time and we gave them something to think about and surprise them.”

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has promised to deliver 100 percent for Zambia after being recalled to the squad for the 2021 Cosafa Cup in South Africa.

The veteran goalkeeper is amongst seven South Africa-based players in Chipolopolo’s 30-member provisional team for the tournament that will be held at Nelson Mandela Bay from July 6-18.

The 36-year-old last featured for Zambia in a 1-0 away 2019 Afcon qualification loss to Mozambique on November 18, 2018, but his last Cosafa appearance stretches back to 2008 when Chipolopolo finished third in South Africa.

“It is good that I am back but there is a lot of work to be done,” Mweene said as quoted by Lusaka Times.

“You have to know when the country asks you to come back; you cannot waste time or think about it.”

Zambia have been drawn in Group B that comprises Madagascar, Malawi, and Comoros, and commenting on the draw, Mweene said: “The group is tough, so I think for us we have to work hard considering that Zambia are the defending champions. It is very important to retain it.”

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations-winning best gloveman will be in familiar environs at Port Elizabeth, being South Africa-based, where he has won multiple awards for Sundowns.

Zambia will begin their title defence against the Comoro Islands at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium on July 7 but this is after Eswatini and Lesotho kick off the tournament at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on July 6, before hosts South Africa meet Botswana at the same venue later in the day.

Six-time winners Zimbabwe are in action on July 8 against Mozambique at the same venue, while West African guest nation Senegal will enter the fray as well when they debut against Namibia.

The group stage will be completed on July 14, with the semi-finals, for the three group winners and best-placed runner-up to be played two days later at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The winner of Group A, which includes South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and Eswatini, will take on the best runners-up in the semis, with the victors in Groups B (Zambia, Malawi, Comoros, Madagascar) up against the winners of Group C (Senegal, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique).

Zambia squad

Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Gregory Sanjase (Young Green Eagles), Cyril Chibwe (Polokwane City, South Africa), Lameck Siame (Kabwe Warriors).

Defenders: Roderick Kabwe (Black Leopards, South Africa), Isaac Shamujompa, Roderick Kembo (both Buildcon), Simon Silwimba, Adrian Chama (both Zesco United), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Prosper Chiluya, Benedict Chepeshi (both Red Arrows), Zachariah Chilongoshi (Power Dynamos).

Midfielders: Spencer Sautu, Benson Sakala (both Power Dynamos), Felix Bulaya, Paul Katema (both Red Arrows), Salulani Phiri (Polokwane City, South Africa), Collins Sikombe (Lusaka Dynamos), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Augustine Mulenga (Amazulu, South Africa), Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba (Zesco United).

Strikers: Jimmy Mukeya (Napsa Stars), Moses Phiri, Rodger Kola (both Zanaco), Gamphani Lungu, Supersport United, South Africa), Brian Mwila (Buildcon), Justin Shonga (Cape Town City, South Africa), Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes).

Gareth Bale has clarified his international future after walking out of an interview post-Wales' Euro 2020 exit, insisting he will continue to play for his country until the day he retires from football.

Wales failed to repeat their Euro 2016 semi-final heroics after being knocked out of the tournament at the last 16 stage in comprehensive fashion by Denmark on Saturday.

Robert Page's side suffered a 4-0 defeat at the Johan Cruyff Arena after being completely outclassed by the Danes, but most of the talk after the game was focused around whether or not Bale will carry on playing international football.

What happened?

When asked by BBC Sport if he had played his last game for Wales, the Real Madrid winger muttered under his breath before storming out of the interview, visibly frustrated with the nature of the question.

Page later defended Bale in a press conference, telling reporters: "Why would he want to answer a question about his future? For me, it's an insensitive question.

"What is the point of asking that when he's just come off the pitch after a defeat? Emotions are raw, so he's done the right thing by walking away and gathering his thoughts."

Bale clears up the situation 

Bale was far more willing to talk when he appeared in front of the microphone to speak to Welsh broadcaster S4C later in the evening.

Asked if he would still be wearing the captain's armband when Wales resume their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, the 31-year-old responded: "I want to continue to play.

"People ask stupid questions all the time, but obviously I love playing for Wales. I'll play for Wales until the day that I stop playing football."

Bale, who has hit 33 goals in 96 games for Wales, went on to insist that the Dragons are capable of making it to Qatar if they learn from their experiences at the European Championships.

"We've just started the World Cup campaign, and we need to take this experience into that," he added.

"I feel like we have a very good way of playing when we play well and we need to keep that confidence high, keep playing football and I think we can qualify for the next World Cup."

Bale's club situation 

Bale invited extra speculation over his club and international future when addressing rumours he might retire upon the expiration of his contract with Madrid in 2022.

"For me, the main thing is I don't want to say anything that's going to cause more chaos or more drama or cause a distraction," he said before the Euros kicked off.

"When the Euros finishes for us then I will sit down and decide what I want to do."

Bale rejoined Tottenham on a season-long loan deal last summer but the north London outfit are not expected to explore the possibility of a permanent deal, meaning he will likely remain at Santiago Bernabeu for another year.

The Welshman fell out of favour under Zinedine Zidane during his second spell as manager, but has said he is looking forward to working with his replacement Carlo Ancelotti again, having previously played under the Italian between 2013-15.

Further reading

Romelu Lukaku claims Cristiano Ronaldo would like to have his "power", with the Inter striker determined to put his skill set to good use by eclipsing the efforts of Harry Kane and Karim Benzema as he becomes a serious Ballon d'Or contender.

Another 30-goal haul was recorded by the Belgium international at club level last season, with only a five-time Golden Ball winner at Juventus bettering his return in Serie A.

Ronaldo continues to set the standard for many, not just in Italian football, with Lukaku among those that looks to the Portuguese superstar for inspiration - while also acknowledging his own strengths.

What has been said?

Lukaku has told reporters when asked if facing Ronaldo on a domestic stage has helped to take his game to greater heights: "On the personal level, yes.

"As a team [Inter] it was just important to win the championship. We've done it. It was exceptional, the way we were in all the big matches, we won a lot, it was a great season for us. We hope to do it next year.

"I would like to have his [Ronaldo's] dribble and the way he kicks the ball. He would like to have my power!

"How old is he, 36? [Juventus] went out in the Champions League against Porto. The way he got criticism, I was like 'wow, it's unbelievable'.

"Then the next game he scored a hat-trick. It's motivational when you have somebody in your own league who can do it in that age, then you think why couldn't I get to that level, or as close as possible? He's a player you can count on, he wins. That's impressive."

What are Lukaku's ultimate goals?

The 28-year-old has starred across two seasons with Serie A champions Inter, finding the target on 64 occasions in just 95 appearances.

Many now have the former Manchester United striker sitting among the global elite, but he feels others receive greater recognition and that is serving as added incentive to become even better.

Lukaku, who has hit three goals for his country at Euro 2020, added on forcing his way into the Ballon d'Or picture: "That's a really great goal, and my childhood dream.

"I wanted to step to the next level, to get better. People always would talk about Kane, [Robert] Lewandowski, Benzema, and say it was world-class level, with me it was always 'good form'.

"In the last two years I've shown that it's not just good form, I belong with that group. The thing I really want to do is start winning.

"The fact we won with Inter has given me more motivation to further improve. The final goal would be to win with the national team. That would be the ultimate recognition for the players here and pride for Belgium.

"I need that, the line between provocation, some people go over it. I go to the line and then I know that's the limit and then I just want to win, that's my goal.

"I think I've gotten to the next level. I keep going up. Everything's possible. It's a matter of work, finding the little things that make you better. I know I've progressed a lot, that's for sure. But I'm always looking for that little extra."

Further reading

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has congratulated Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung after his club reached the Caf Champions League final for the first time in their history.

Amakhosi advanced after drawing 0-0 with Wydad Casablanca in the semi-final second-leg match on Saturday evening. 

Chiefs were looking to avoid a defeat in order to qualify for the final following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Moroccan giants courtesy of Samir Nurkovic's goal in the first-leg encounter last weekend.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician did not hesitate to congratulate the administrator and the team at large for making it to the final.

"Congratulations chairman [Motaung] for reaching the final of Caf Champions League. Let us give credit where it's due," Mosimane posted on his official social media platform.

The South African tactician helped the defending champions the Red Devils qualify for the final as well to set up a date against Amakhosi.

They advanced after defeating Esperance 3-0 on Saturday evening to secure a 4-0 aggregate win.

Goals from Ali Maaloul, Mohamed Sherif, and Hussein El Shahat handed the Egyptian Premier League side a convincing victory over the Tunisian giants. 

Mohamed Sherif’s 67th-minute strike had handed the Red Devils a 1-0 first-leg advantage at Stade Olympique de Rades.

The 56-year-old also congratulated his players for eliminating the Tunisians and qualify for the final for a second successive season.

He further challenged his players to deliver the club's 10th Champions League title.

"Proud of the boys! Now the last big step. The most difficult one to La Decima, El Ashra. Go make history boys," he posted.

The final will be played on July 17 at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, Morocco.

Meanwhile, Mosimane believes Ilyes Chetti’s dismissal helped Al Ahly in the encounter versus Esperance.

The Algeria international was given his marching orders in the 36th minute after tripping Taher Mohamed in the penalty area.

Referee Sidi Alioum had waived off penalty appeals from the Al Ahly players, but VAR replays adjudged that Chetti had fouled the forward in the danger area.

Consequently, the left-back was sent off by the Cameroonian arbiter. 

Ex-Germany goalkeeper Rene Adler has founded a new online transfer platform, which he calls "the Tinder for players and clubs".

With the summer transfer window now open, clubs across Europe are scrambling to try and strengthen their squads ahead of the 2021-22 campaign by arranging deals for new players - with permanent deals, loans and contracts for free agents all viable options.

Former Bayer Leverkusen shot-stopper Adler, who also played for Germany between 2008 and 2013, has now launched an app named '11TransFair', which has been designed to make the process easier and give footballers more control over their futures.

What's been said?

Adler has likened 11TransFair to Tinder - one of the world's most popular online dating apps - having managed to will the platform into existence with the help of players, consultants, managers, lawyers and transfer experts.

"I call it boldly the Tinder for football players and clubs, because we also bring two parties together through matching," The 36-year-old told BILD.

"It is obvious that players want to take care of their own concerns more and more and no longer want to be completely dependent on the work of their advisors.

"But not every professional can be like the absolute top stars Joshua Kimmich or Kevin De Bruyne, who are now negotiating themselves, choosing from offers as he wants."

How does the app work?

11TransFair is free to download and active professional players will be able to download the app before being required to enter their salary requirements and select four primary attributes from 20 possible options.

The platform will initially be exclusive to the top four top divisions in Germany, and will act as a brokerage exchange between players and clubs.

If a footballer successfully lands a placement, the receiving club will then pay a commission subject to the recommendations of FIFA to the app operator.

Adler hopes 11TransFair will eventually become Europe's go-to programme for players in the transfer market, as he added: "We want to bring transparency into a non-transparent market.

"So that a player can choose not only between Lübeck and Meppen, but perhaps a Hungarian and an Australian club. They should find their best career options."

Adler's career record

Adler began his senior career at Leverkusen in 2006, and spent six years at Bay Arena before going on to take in spells at Hamburg and Mainz.

The German keeper made over 250 appearances in the Bundesliga, and also won 12 caps for his country, but sat out the 2010 World Cup through injury before missing out on a place in Joachim Low's squad for the 2014 finals.

Further reading

Simba SC coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has maintained the commitment of his players has proved that it is not easy to beat the local giants this season.

The Msimbazi giants reached the final of the FA Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Azam FC in the semi-final and they will now face rivals Yanga SC, who beat Biashara United 1-0 in the other semi.

Speaking to Goal after reaching the final, Da Rosa has maintained they are well prepared to face Yanga and further said the current Simba squad is close to unbeatable.

What has been said?

“You cannot compare Azam and Yanga, Azam is a very tough team but their profile is very different of Yanga, these are two very good teams but like I already said, I think that Simba this year is a very strong team if we raise our commitment and keep this fighting spirit I don’t think we can be beaten,” Da Rosa told Goal.

“But you never know in football, anything can happen but I am very confident with my team, they have shown me many good things, month and months [since I took over], and they are committed and they really want to win two trophies this year.”

Da Rosa on Azam game

On their game against Azam, Da Rosa explained: “We know that Azam is a good team but we knew before the match they will allow some space between the lines and in the first half we tried to exploit that but it was a little bit difficult for us and we were forced to change the strategy in the second half and play more direct.

"We had difficulties going past their defensive line but we had to score late, but what is important today [Saturday] is to reach the final, we want to win the trophy, we are happy to reach the final and I am very happy for the fans and we wait for them in the final, and I am sure with their support we can better and stronger.”

The Frenchman continued: “Today [Saturday] was not a matter of strategy but a matter of spirit, and I think we deserved the victory and it is good to our fans now we have given them two derbies [against Yanga], in the league and also the final of FA Cup.

“So we are very happy, we are very satisfied, the FA Cup is one of our targets, and like I told my players before the match, Simba must win all the cups on the local scene, league, and FA Cup, and it is very important to meet this two targets.”

After a tough game, Simba needed an 89th-minute goal courtesy of winger Luis Miquissone to sink the ‘Ice Cream Makers’ and keep their hopes of winning the double this season alive.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye sees Amakhosi facing “a very big problem” in the Caf Champions League final against Al Ahly if they adopt a defensive approach like they employed in the semi-finals against Wydad Casablanca.

Khanye believes Chiefs were lucky to get past Wydad following a 1-0 first-leg win away, before a 0-0 draw in their home leg on Saturday.

Like the game in Casablanca, Wydad largely dominated at FNB Stadium and Khanye is not pleased with the way the Soweto giants let their opponents come at them. 

“Kaizer Chiefs couldn’t complete two or three passes. I think their game plan was just to defend and it worked for them. Yes they are going to the final. But they shouldn’t approach the final like this,” Khanye told iDiski TV.

“The way you play determines your future. If Chiefs want to win the Champions League playing the way they did against Wydad, it’s going to be a problem, a very big problem.

"The club they have just survived won the Champions League in 2017, they always participate in this tournament, they always win the league title in their country.

“We need to be realistic. Let us ask this question, if you have luck, you are going to be lucky until when? Are Chiefs going to be defending like this in the final? We know Al Ahly have won this Cup before, they have been in this before and their players have experience in playing finals.”

Chiefs now meet defending champions Al Ahly in the final slated for Stave Mohamed V in Casablanca on July 17.

They come up against an Al Ahly side coached by Pitso Mosimane, who has successfully plotted against Amakhosi several times. 

What could be a major concern for Chiefs is how Al Ahly convincingly beat Esperance in their semi-final, which started with a 1-0 first-leg victory, followed by a 3-0 win on Saturday at home. 

With the Cairo giants being seasoned Champions League campaigners, Khanye is worried the Soweto giants might find the final too high a level for them. 

“You could see that most Chiefs players were freezing [against Wydad] and you could tell they had stage fright,” continued Khanye. 

“Chiefs have no balance in their team and that is what I have been predicting that they will lose. Yes it is a fact I got the prediction wrong, I thought they would lose. I’m not scared to say I thought they would lose and it is true I am still saying I am not convinced. 

“Yes, they are in the final and as South Africa, we are very happy. But we are concerned if they play like this. They are going to the final so we are concerned. Who are they going to meet in the final?

"Similar opponents [North Africans]. It’s going to be a problem again. They will defend until when?”

AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems has lauded his charges for a good display which handed them a 2-1 comeback win against Wazito FC in an FKF Premier League fixture on Saturday.

Michael Owino had put the hosts in front, but a goal from Bienvenue Shaka and Elvis Rupia's penalty ensured Ingwe emerged as winners after losing the previous game against Mathare United.

The Belgian tactician has said while AFC created many scoring chances, Wazito only managed one shot on target hence his side deserved to carry the day at Ruaraka grounds.

What has been said?

“I think like the last game [defeat against Mathare United], we made a very good performance, but we were just punished by an individual mistake then and that happens and I told my players, guys keep playing because it is out playstyle so we kept playing, we had a lot of chances but Wazito only had one chance,” Aussems told Goal after the game.

“We dominated the game and even if we scored at the last stages to win the game, it is totally deserved, we deserved to carry the day.

“I also told you earlier before this game the result was also our expectations for next week, I wanted my players to work for 45 or 60 minutes normally and after I had to make some substitutions, and you know changes can work or not work, so I hope on Wednesday and on Sunday we will have the same chances and win our matches.”

AFC came from a goal down

In the 35th minute, Wazito opened the score after Benjamin Ochan failed to stop Kevin Kimani's free-kick - Johnstone Omurwa collected the rebound and passed it to Owino, who slotted it home.

After the half-time break, Aussems made two changes as Isaac Kipyegon - the new captain - made way for Clyde Senaji, while Rupia - Kipyegon's assistant - replaced Odhiambo in the 46th minute.

The changes re-energised AFC Leopards, especially on the attacking front, and the local heavyweights equalised through Shaka’s effort in the 58th minute.

Aussems made further changes a minute after the hour mark, introducing Peter Thiong'o and Marvin Nabwire for Olilo and Eugene Mukangula, respectively and after applying pressure on Wazito continuously, AFC won an 89th-minute penalty which was converted by Rupia to make the score 2-1.

The win helped Ingwe to stay above rivals and reigning champions Gor Mahia - who were defeated by Western Stima - and are now third on the log with 40 points, four behind leaders Tusker.

Prestige aside, there is a major financial reward coming Kaizer Chiefs' way after they saw off Wydad Casablanca to book their spot in the 2021 Caf Champions League final.

It has been a long, hard road for Chiefs to make the final, and it was of course under previous coach Gavin Hunt that most of the hard slog was done – despite struggling domestically, the Soweto side managed to keep progressing in Africa.

And after crossing the continent, including Angola, Cameroon, Guinea, Morocco and Tanzania, Amakhosi secured their place in the 2021 Champions League final with a 0-0 draw over Wydad at the FNB Stadium on Saturday night.

That followed the previous weekend's 1-0 victory over the 2017 African champions in Casablanca.

By coincidence, the Moroccan city of Casablanca will also be the venue for the final, which is scheduled to take place on July 17.

Chiefs have already guaranteed themselves a whopping US$1.25 million for reaching the final against Ahly. That translates to a little less than R18 million as per the exchange rate on Sunday.

If the Glamour Boys can beat the Egyptians, that amount will double to a cool US$2.5 million - just under R36 million.

Having been on the end of a two-window Fifa transfer ban, the Soweto side have been eyeing reinforcements for months now, and will be pleased to have extra cash in the kitty in this respect.

The Glamour Boys won the Caf Confederation Cup in 2001 but had never gone beyond the group phase of the Champions League until this season.

Al Ahly, meanwhile, are the defending champions and are aiming for a 10th title.

Having guided the Cairo giants to the Champions League title a couple of months after joining them last year, head coach Pitso Mosimane will be targeting his third triumph in the Champions League.

His first success came with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016. Apart from Sundowns, Orlando Pirates are the only other South African club to have won the Champions League, back in 1995.

Samuel Eto’o is confident Leo Messi will not leave Barcelona this summer or any time in the near future.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is heading towards becoming a free agent, with no extension agreed to a deal due to expire at the end of June.

Talks regarding fresh terms are ongoing, with there still being a chance the one-club man will put pen to paper to the deal, but according to the former Cameroon international, who is now an ambassador for the Qatar World Cup in 2022, he cannot imagine Messi wearing a different shirt apart from that of Barcelona.

“I can't imagine Leo with another shirt. It is his club, his home, his love,” Eto’o said as quoted by marca.com.

"I do not think that his continuity is due to a question of money. Leo is Barcelona and Barcelona is Messi. I know [president Joan] Laporta is preparing a reliable, interesting project for him.”

On the arrival of Segio Aguero at Barcelona, Eto'o said: "Between the two of them they can add 60 goals per season, I only ask that God protects them from injury."

On playing alongside Messi, Eto'o explained: "He had everything. I felt he should score more goals, he was a very quiet boy, but it makes me happy that in one season he scored 40-45 goals.

"Playing with Messi makes games easier for you, I thank him very much.

"He may have said in the media that I helped him in the beginning, but what he gave us was more than what we could give him. I couldn't teach him how to play, because he is a God."

In a recent interview, Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman said Messi “has to finish his career at Barcelona”, with the Blaugrana boss expecting a contract extension for the mercurial Argentine to be announced “soon”.

Koeman told Sport when asked for an update on a long-running saga in Catalunya: "Messi has to finish his career at Barcelona, so I hope we can make it official soon."

Barca president Laporta has stated on a regular basis, even before he returned to office at Camp Nou, that he believes Messi will stay put.

That message has been reiterated, although he has suggested that the paperwork will not be completed imminently since Messi is currently away on Copa America duty with Argentina.

While waiting on a call from Messi, Barca are working hard to put more pieces of a trophy-winning puzzle in place alongside their iconic captain.

Deals have been done for Aguero, Eric Garcia, and Emerson Royal, while Memphis Depay has completed a switch from Lyon as a free agent.