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Gor Mahia suffered a huge blow in their quest to retain the FKF Premier League title after losing 2-1 against Western Stima in a match at Thika Stadium on Saturday.

K’Ogalo went into the fixture seeking to bounce back to winning ways and put pressure on table-toppers Tusker and KCB, but it was not the case as the Powermen scored through Rodgers Ouma, in the fourth minute, and Michael Karamor in the 60th minute to take home maximum points.

Though Gor tried a late comeback after defender Geoffrey Ochieng scored in the 82nd minute, Stima held on to earn revenge against a side that had beaten them 3-1 in the first round meeting.

It was Stima, who had lost 2-1 against Tusker in their last league assignment, who started the game on a high note and it only took them four minutes to take the lead, Ouma meeting a cross from a corner taken by Baron Oketch to beat keeper Gad Mathews with a powerful effort.

The goal awoke a sleeping K’Ogalo, who started to attack in search of the leveller, and in the 13th minute James Macharia had a good chance to score after being put through by Karim Nikiema, but his weak effort was gathered by keeper Stephen Otieno.

In the 27th minute, Macharia once again combined well with Nikiema but Stima defender Kennedy Odhiambo reacted quickly to clear the ball out for a fruitless corner.

Stima then attacked Gor in the 36th minute, Laban Otieno delivering a cross from the right which Oketch, who was the captain of the day, soared high despite the presence of Gor defenders, but his glancing header went inches wide.

Laban was then booked in the 39th minute for a hard tackle on Geoffrey Ochieng, and from the resultant free-kick, K’Ogalo launched an attack but Sydney Ochieng’s effort also went wide.

Stima went into the half-time break leading 1-0 and after the resumption, Gor made the first change of the game, Sydney coming on for Clifton Miheso, but in the 51st minute, Stima were reduced to ten men after Rodgers was sent off for dissent.

But despite being a man down, Stima continued to attack Gor and in the 60th minute, they were awarded a penalty after defender Harun Shakava was punished for bringing down Oketch, and up-stepped Karamor, who sent Mathews the wrong way for a 2-0 lead.

Gor then were forced to make a second change, Fred Nkata coming on for Macharia in the 67th minute, but they had to wait until the 82nd minute to reduce the deficit when Miheso floated in a cross which Ochieng headed past keeper Otieno.

Despite K'Ogalo making a series of attacks to try and snatch a draw, the Stima defence remained tight at the back to secure their third win of this campaign.

Gor Mahia XI: Gad Mathews, Philemon Otieno, Frank Odhiambo, Geoffrey Ochieng', Haron Shakava, Kenneth Muguna, John Macharia, Sydney Ochieng', Abdul Karim, Ernest Wendo, Jules Ulimwengu

Subs: Caleb, Joachim, Nkata, Juma, John, Charles, Victor, Miheso, Nicholas.

Western Stima XI: Stephen Otieno, Bulimo Clinton, Vitalis Akumu, Joseph Mukisa, Kennedy Odhiambo, Geofrey Ojunga, James Odhiambo, Rodgers Ouma, Baron Oketch, Laban Otieno, and Michael Karamor.

Subs: Richard Aimo, Edwin Odhiambo, Bolo RichDonald, Swaleh Mbaruku, Brian Steve, Yusuf Juma, and Bravo Otieno.

Simba SC needed a 90th-minute strike by Luis Miquissone to defeat Azam FC by a solitary goal at Majimaji Stadium in Songea to qualify for the FA Cup final.

It was a win that ensured Wekundu wa Msimbazi play rivals Yanga SC in a Kariakoo Derby final.

Saturday's opponents had faced off last season at the quarter-finals stage with Mnyama winning the tie 2-0 courtesy of goals from Clatous Chama and John Bocco, en route to meeting Yanga in the semis, where they also won 2-0 to reach the final.

Despite the defending champions starting the match better than their rivals, they struggled to get clear-cut chances. The best chance of the first half, arguably, was in the 30th minute.

Azam won a corner which was brought in by Selemani, Salum Abubakar controlled it before unleashing a powerful shot which Tanzania international Aishi Manula managed to parry.

With Mnyama almost assured of successfully retaining the league title, it was the Ice-cream Makers who pushed harder for the win but the former were calm on the ball.

When it seemed the match will go to penalties, the Mozambique attacker was fed the ball in a good area and he took no time to release a powerful shot that the Uganda keeper Mathias Kigonya could not stop.

It was the goal that sealed Simba's place in the final where they will play Yanga.

Timu ya Wananchi secured their place in the final after a hard-earned 1-0 win against Biashara United on Friday. 

Yanga went into the fixture seeking their first final in three years and they were rewarded in the 21st minute when striker Yacouba Songne scored the all-important goal to sink Biashara.

The overall winner will be representing Tanzania in the Caf Confederation Cup alongside the team that will finish third in the Tanzania Mainland League.

The East Africa nation will enter four teams in Caf competitions next season owing to good performance by Simba, who reached the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League, where they fell 4-3 on aggregate to Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa.

Simba XI: Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Taddeo Lwanga, Clatous Chama, Yassin Mzamiru, John Bocco, Rally Bwalya

Azam FC XI: Mathias Kigonya, Nicholas Wadada, Bruce Kangwa, Aggrey Morris, Daniel Amoah, Bryson Raphael, Ayoub Lyanga, Mudathir Yahya, Obrey Chirwa, Salum Abubakar. Iddi Selemani

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) League Committee, on Saturday, has decided that the I-League 2021-22 season will be held at Kolkata.

Due to the prolonged Coronavirus pandemic situation, the tournament comprising of 13 teams will be held behind closed doors with teams having to stay in a bio-bubble for the entire duration of the I-League. A maximum of 10 teams for the I-League Qualifiers will also be held at a single venue, Bengaluru.

More to follow...

AFC Leopards fought back to register a 2-1 win over Wazito FC in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League meeting at the Utalii ground 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. 
 
AFC Leopards began the meeting as the stronger side and won three consecutive corners in the first two minutes, but were unable to get a meaningful result.

The crossbar denied Austin Odhiambo in the 12th minute after the attacking midfielder manoeuvred his way into the Wazito penalty area before he launched a ferocious shot.

The clearest first chance for Wazito came in the 33rd minute when Kenya U23 star Musa Masika created himself some space, but he struck a curling effort from inside the area that went wide.

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.

Ingwe could have equalised, but Fidel Origa was alert and quick to make a goalline clearance in the 37th minute as the visitors attacked in search of a goal.

After the half-time break, Patrick 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.

Wazito's Francis Kimanzi made changes in the 80th minute by introducing Brian Musa, Whyvonne Isuza and Vincent Oburu for Ellie Asieche, Owino and Origa, respectively.

After applying pressure on Wazito continuously, AFC Leopards won an 89th-minute penalty which was converted by Rupia to make the score 2-1.

As a result, Ingwe are above Gor Mahia - who were defeated by Western Stima - and are now third on the log Kenya with 40 points, four behind leaders Tusker.

Wazito FC XI: Fredrick Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Johnstone Omurwa, Maurice Owino, Fidel Origa, Amos Asembeka, Ellie Asieche, Musa Maika, Kevin Kimani, Michael Owino.

Billy Gilmour will become "an important player for Chelsea in the near future", says Mateo Kovacic, with the Scotland midfielder enhancing his reputation at Euro 2020.

The promising 20-year-old took in just one appearance at the tournament, but a star showing was put in during a 0-0 draw with England at Wembley.

Gilmour's potential has now been noted around the world, with a loan move away from Stamford Bridge being mooted, but Kovacic expects the youngster to be a key part of the Blues' plans for many years to come.

What has been said?

Croatia star Kovacic said of Gilmour, who saw his Euros cut short by a positive Covid-19 test and Scotland's group-stage elimination: "Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to play against Billy but I did talk with him on the phone as soon as it came out that he was positive.

"Of course I was very sad about that because he is doing excellently and he is my team-mate. I felt sad for him.

"He has had an excellent season and his qualities cannot even be brought into question. He is still a young player but he has played a lot of good matches for Chelsea and for his national team.

"He is definitely going to be one of the better players for Chelsea and an important player for Chelsea in the near future."

Kovacic, who provides competition for places in Chelsea's engine room, added: "I have seen Billy’s abilities from the first time he started training with the first team. 

"He can become a really excellent player, so it is up to him to work hard and to get better with each day. I am sure that, with his personality, he is going to do that."

The bigger picture

Gilmour took in another 11 appearances for Chelsea last season, to go with the 11 he made in 2019-20.

His progress has been stunted by a lack of regular game time, with exit talk being sparked in west London as a result.

Thomas Tuchel has talked up Gilmour's potential, but has found it difficult to work an emerging talent into his plans.

A summer switch could now be on the cards, with Premier League new boys Norwich among those said to be keen on putting a loan deal in place.

Further reading

Manchester United forward Amad Diallo has revealed that his mother cried after he made his debut appearance for the club in a Uefa Europa League match against Real Sociedad on February 18.

The Ivory Coast international completed a move to Old Trafford from Atalanta in January and he did not waste time to adapt to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.

He was introduced as an 83rd-minute substitute for Mason Greenwood in the first-leg of United’s Round of 32 clash against the Spanish club.

A few weeks after his maiden outing, Diallo opened his goal account for the Red Devils with the opening goal in their 1-1 draw with AC Milan, also in the Europa League.

The series of memorable events came as surprise to the 18-year-old, however, it brought joy to his mother’s face.

“It was all so hard to believe,” Diallo the club’s website. “A few years ago, I could never have expected such a thing. To score my first goal for Manchester United.

“After the game, when I got home, I looked at myself in the mirror and just couldn’t believe it had happened. But life is like that, it gives you things you do not expect.

“Two weeks earlier, after I made my United debut against Real Sociedad, I called my mum after the game and she was in tears, saying that she couldn’t believe it. For me, it was an incredible feeling because getting to play at the highest level only happens once in a lifetime.

“Mum was really proud of me. She was always confident that I would make it to the top, but she always told me to stay humble, to work hard and never give up. So, when she saw me play those eight minutes or so, it was everything to her. We couldn’t believe it.

Diallo, who made eight appearances in all competitions for Manchester United last season, also shed light on how religion plays a big role in his life.

He continued: “It’s all just incredible, and all of this, I think, is thanks to God. I am a Muslim, I pray a lot and I do everything that I am asked to do as a Muslim so, when I pray, I ask God to give me strength and to grant me good health. Because when you are healthy, you can do lots of things. I am a true believer and I have to thank God for all of these ingredients in my life.

“I pray to thank him every day. Before going on to the pitch, I say my Bismillah and I do the same when I leave the pitch to always thank God. I always do this, it is important for me. Religion helps me a lot and always has.”

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

Serge Gnabry has sought to explain why Jamal Musiala is now known as 'Bambi' in the Germany squad, with the Bayern Munich forward also seeking to defend club colleague Leroy Sane from the criticism that has come his way.

Joachim Low has pieced together a squad for Euro 2020 duty that blends youth and experience, with there no magic formula to be found for making that mix work on a star-studded international stage.

Musiala did, however, catch the eye when helping Die Mannschaft to a dramatic 2-2 draw with Hungary and a place in the last 16, with the 18-year-old Bayern starlet endearing himself to impressed team-mates and a demanding fan base.

What has been said?

Talking up Musiala's qualities ahead of a meeting with England on Tuesday, Gnabry has also shed light on why the wiry youngster has picked up a new nickname, telling reporters: "Leroy gave him the nickname Bambi. He's a sweet little boy, quite a pleasant guy. 

"His footballing qualities are exceptional. As you saw against Hungary, he can help the team extremely. I am completely convinced of him. His time will come, it is just a case of when."

What about Sane?

While Musiala, who snubbed England when pledging international allegiance to Germany, is catching the eye, Bayern team-mate Sane has seen his value called into question on the back of a forgettable showing against Hungary.

Gnabry remains convinced that the 25-year-old winger will come good, saying: "With the talent and playing strength he has, he will always be successful. 

"Things haven't gone so well yet. But when he gets his chance, he has to take it.

"I don't notice anything in his game. Against Hungary, he showed a good game, worked defensively. He can build on that."

He added on the jeers that were directed at Sane in Munich: "We never need whistles. I can't understand why people whistle."

Is Muller ready?

Another member of Germany's strong Bayern contingent is vastly-experienced forward Thomas Muller.

The World Cup winner was brought back from the international wilderness to figure at Euro 2020, but he has been nursing a slight knee injury of late.

Asked if he will be ready for a crunch clash with old adversaries England at Wembley, Muller said: "If I had problems, I wouldn't have trained today. 

"The injury is not hindering me. I am experienced enough to deal with it. I am convinced that it will not be a problem for Tuesday."

The 31-year-old went on to say of his search for a first goal at another major tournament: "I'd love to score my first European Championship goal, but the important thing is that we progress. 

"If my position is then less scorer-heavy, I can sleep easy with that. I'll do what's required to win."

Further reading

Kylian Mbappe may be one of the best players on the planet, but Jerome Rothen claims the Paris Saint-Germain forward's ego has become "problematic" and can no longer be managed by France boss Didier Deschamps.

At 22 years of age, a mercurial talent has already collected four Ligue 1 titles and World Cup trophy - while now being in the process of chasing down European Championship glory.

Plaudits have rained down on the hottest of prospects, with ex-PSG and Les Bleus player Rothen suggesting that power has gone to Mbappe's head as he becomes increasingly difficult to coach.

What has been said?

Rothen, who won 13 caps for his country and figured in their squad at Euro 2004, has told RMC Sport of Mbappe: "That he is the leader on the pitch, no problem... that it [his ego] goes off the field too, that bothers me.

"I think Didier Deschamps can no longer manage it and it is problematic. It is even surprising that he lets Kylian Mbappe do so many things. 

"It can be seen in his performances on the pitch. Today, we cannot say that Kylian Mbappe has had a successful Euros.

"Is he in the right frame of mind like he was at PSG throughout the end of the season? I would say no.

"We expect much better from Kylian Mbappe. Everyone thinks that Mbappe is one of the best players in Europe. But if you immediately put him in the category of the very best, you cannot be satisfied."

Too much power?

Mbappe's ability dictates that he will remain a prominent part of Deschamps' plans at this summer's European Championship, despite being yet to find the target.

He has looked lively through three games, as France topped the so-called 'Group of Death', and is doing all he can to break a duck on the most prominent of international stages.

Rothen is, however, of the opinion that Mbappe should be kept off free-kick duty, with Les Bleus boasting better options in that department.

He added: "Is he aware that he does not have the class of some [of the others] in the group on set pieces?

"Maybe he scores them in training. But I watch all of Mbappe's matches. Do you remember a magnificent free-kick? From 25 metres? 

"On the other hand, I remember some from [Antoine] Griezmann, from [Paul] Pogba. That's two already, a left footer and a right footer. So what is he [Mbappe] doing there?"

France will be back in Euros action on Monday when facing Switzerland in the last-16.

Further reading

Marcel Desailly believes the France team cannot get any stronger than they currently are.

Didier Deschamps' team are the favourites to win Euro 2020 to add to the World Cup title they claimed three years ago.

Les Bleus finished top of Group F with five points from games against Germany, Portugal and Hungary and former star Desailly is confident following their recent performances.

What has been said?

"France convinced me. They finished first in the group of death. I am satisfied," he said to La Provence.

"With the 4-3-3, they are playing much higher than at the World Cup. Our three midfielders are conquerors, with the incredible help of Benzema and Griezmann. They are not afraid of anyone. We have all these facets that can vary. 

"Once we have scored, and this is what happened against Germany, the opponent plays higher, which opens up space for the famous speed of Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema. We are good in all areas."

He added: "Honestly, I do not see how the France team can progress. We have all the elements. When it is necessary to play in another register, longer for example, Olivier Giroud will come to the forefront of the attack. 

"We are talking about the world champions! If they are all together at their best, at the same time, which is the case, they adapt to the opponent. 

"We're f*cking strong, it's amazing, and it's not 11 players. [The 1998 team] had a very strong group and a magic weapon, Zinedine Zidane. Behind, the group was solid.

"Now, it is a sum of individualities at their best which adapt to the match, to the opponent, to the moment. There is everything in this team."

Desailly eyes the treble

The former Chelsea defender was part of the France team that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

But he believes the current side can do one better and go on to lift this year's European Championship and then the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"When I found out the next opponent that we respect a lot, instinctively I put myself in the position of a quarter-finalist, and I looked at the teams that we were going to meet at this stage of the competition," he said.

"They can do like the Spaniards in the opposite direction. We have the feeling that the progress of the France team will continue during the next World Cup, they can do it again!"

What next for France?

France will take on Switzerland in the last-16 on Monday.

The winner will go on to meet either Spain or Croatia in the quarter-finals.

Further reading

Harry Kane claims to have had no contact with Tottenham regarding his future, with the England captain focused on Euro 2020 as talk of £100 million ($139m) bids from Manchester City rages around him.

The prolific frontman was expected to push for a switch away from north London this summer as he looks to land the major silverware that has so far eluded him.

City are ready to open their doors to a proven Premier League performer, with Pep Guardiola looking to replace Sergio Aguero at the Etihad Stadium, but Kane says domestic matters will not become a distraction for him while away on international duty.

What has been said?

Quizzed on the speculation he is generating, Kane has told reporters: "It doesn't really bother me about the outside noise. When I'm here I'm with the boys, I try to help the boys, be a leader in the team."

On his dealings with Spurs, the 27-year-old added: "I have good luck messages and things like that but nothing to do with the personal stuff with the club really.

"If I'm totally honest I don't really read anything, no media.

"The most important thing is about us as a group and as a nation and when you are in these tournament modes, sometimes it's easy to get caught away with other stuff but the experience I've had in the last few tournaments, is just to focus on this and do what you can in the moment and leave no regrets."

Will the goals come for Kane?

Kane hit 33 goals for Tottenham across all competitions last season and now sits seventh on the Premier League all-time list with 166 efforts to his name.

He is, however, still waiting to open his account at Euro 2020, with three goalless outings taken in at the group stage by a man who collected a Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup.

On his barren run and the furore it has generated heading towards a last-16 showdown with Germany on Tuesday, Kane said: "People are quick to change their mind, it wasn't too long ago when I won the Golden Boot and I was the best thing in the world.

"People were raving about you, and that's why I've always said, as a footballer, you can't get too high or too low, you just have to have that neutral mode. Self-belief is a huge thing.

"I've always believed in myself. I could go 10, 15 games without scoring but give me a chance and I'd back myself to score it. Like I said, I'm in a good place.

"Going into Tuesday night, physically, I'm in the best shape of the tournament so far, and that's what I kind of wanted going into this.

"I felt maybe in Russia I started on fire, scored loads of goals, then maybe didn't have my best performances in the most important games, the quarters and the semi-finals, so coming into this, physically, I wanted to make sure I was peaking at the right time.

"Obviously we won't know until Tuesday night if that's the case, but the way I feel, that's the way I feel it's going."

Further reading

The mission was clear for Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) after their opening day defeat to Nagoya Grampus, win against Ratchaburi or let slip a glorious opportunity to break into the knockout stage in only their third ever season in Asia's top club competition.

What transpired in the narrowest of victory margins was a display so dominant that the Thai club was playing second fiddle to the Malaysian champions for the majority of the match. The Southern Tigers had the lion share of possession for a good 75 minutes, three times as many attempts at goal than their opponents and clearly head and shoulders better than their counterpart.

Despite making changes to his side with regulars like Afiq Fazail and Safawi Rasid dropping to the bench, it was a much more fluent JDT performance albeit against a lesser opponent in Ratchaburi than what Nagoya was a couple of days back. Safiq Rahim may be slower than before but still possess the necessary passing quality in a match which JDT dictated.

In truth, this was a match which JDT should have won by a few more goals as the scoreline doesn't quite do justice to what was produced. Bergson could have given them a first half lead but a poorly placed penalty put paid to that hope before a little bit of individual quality from Leandro Velazquez sent JDT on their way early in the second half.

Velazquez earned the official man of the match award with his tireless display behind Bergson but it was another member of the squad who may have just stole his thunder. Teenager Arif Aiman continues to impress and in the 73 minutes he was on the pitch, caused so much trouble to Ratchaburi's left back Kiatisak Jia-udom that the latter was brought off at the hour mark to be replaced by Jirawat Thongsaengphrao.

On the evidence of his performance, it was easy to understand why JDT's head coach Benjamin Mora decided to keep Arif in the starting line-up instead of the more experienced Safawi. Both Safawi and Arif did not have a good outing against Thailand for the national team in the World Cup qualifier but the latter is showing greater bouncebackability than his more illustrious compatriot who is seemingly in a bad slump.

It was a tremendous performance from the 19-year-old in this game where he showed plenty of bravery and courage to continually put his marker on the backfoot with his desire to take on his marker whenever they get isolated down the right hand channel. 

Very often young players can have great games without necessary impacting the game but the same cannot be said of Arif's performance against Ratchaburi. With three chances created, he not only won his personal duel but alslo had the final pass made with the right decision. Had his team mates been more clinical, Arif would certainly have a few assists under his belt from this game.

Apart from tending to a couple of corner kicks, this was a match which Farizal Marlias had very little to do. With JDT controlling the game, Ratchaburi were denied space to attack and thus created very few openings to test the Malaysian international. Much of the good defensive work was done in front of him with Shane Lowry stepping up to the plate and performed well.

Ratchaburi had clearly earmarked Mauricio to be the better defender compared to Lowry and set out to have striker Junior Mpia Mapuku go up against Lowry, in hope that there will be chances for the Congolese players to exploit. But Lowry was having none of that, with the Australian defender marking Mapuku completely out of the game.

The last few Super League matches leading up to the international break showcased JDT's defence was there for the taking and steps were quickly taken by the management to bring in another player to shore up that area of the pitch, knowing full well that the experienced Aidil Zafuan could struggle in physical battle against a big strong striker like Mapuku.

While new signing Shahrul Saad may be earmarked to eventually take up the mantle and be the preferred choice at the heart of the defence alongside Mauricio, for the time being Lowry is proving that this is a shrewd piece of business that will only help JDT in the immediate term.

The government has declined the Football Kenya Federation's request to have the Kenya U23 team use the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium for Cecafa preparation.

Stanley Okumbi has already summoned a provisional squad that has been training at the Ruaraka ground and FKF reached out to the government to have the two national facilities available for the team preparing for the July regional tournament. However, the request has been turned down by the ministry of sports who said the stadiums are already engaged.

"Reference is made to your letter requesting a training ground in preparation for the upcoming Cecafa tournament dated 20th June 2021," a letter signed by the Sports Director General Pius Metto read.

"We wish to inform you [FKF] that the Kenya Olympic team is currently utilizing both Kasarani facilities while Nyayo Stadium is used by Kenya Rugby between 24th June to 11th July 2021."

Okumbi is already working with players preparing for the tournament that will be held in the northern city of Ethiopia of Bahir Dar. FKF's hope to have the Nyayo and the Kasarani stadiums available for the Shield Cup final between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards was also denied.

The two government-owned facilities have not been opened to football matches since the second ban of contact sports was lifted in May. Ruaraka and Utalii grounds have been the available pitches for the Premier League sides. Initially, the clubs were using the main Kasarani pitch and the adjacent Kasarani venue for matches that were broadcast live.

Okumbi recently reinforced the squad by calling up 10 more players to join the rest before the junior competition where each team will be allowed to field up to three senior players.

Kenya Squad in training: 

Goalkeepers: Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), Caleb Otieno (Gor Mahia), Dolph Junior Owino (Nairobi Stima)

Defenders: Jimmy Ndungi (Tusker), Portipher Odhiambo (Vihiga Bullets), Silvester Owino (Kakamega Homeboyz), Moses Mudavadi (Nzoia), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards), Boniface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Yussuf Mainge (AFC Leopards), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Wepo (KCB), Harun Mwale (Ulinzi Stars), Benard Ochieng (Wazito), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)

Midfielders: Joshua Nyatini (Posta Rangers), Marvin Nabwire (AFC Leopards), Sven Yidah (Nairobi City Stars), Vincent Wasambo (KCB), Faraj Ominde (Tusker), Reagan Otieno (KCB), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Peter Thiong’o (AFC Leopards), Francis Mwangi (Mwatate United), Ambrose Sifuna (Sofapaka), Josephat Lopaga (Posta Rangers), Steiner Musasia (Posta Rangers), John Njuguna (Ulinzi Stars), Dennis Musamali (Nzoia Sugar), Elisha Wekesa (Nzoia Sugar), Austin Ochieng (AFC Leopards), Musa Masika (Wazito FC), Alpha Onyango (Midfielder) Keegan Ndemi (Bandari)

Forwards: Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Henry Meja (Tusker), Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), Ken Wanyonyi (Bungoma Superstars), Alfred Tanui (Kisumu All-Stars), David Odhiambo (Kakamega Homeboyz), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari).