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Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has recalled Heartland goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa to the national team for next month’s international friendly against Mexico in the United States of America.

The goalkeeper’s last involvement for the Super Eagles was against Brazil on October 13, 2019, in Singapore.

In that encounter, which ended 1-1, the 32-year-old was an unused substitute as Rohr preferred Francis Uzoho in goal before he was substituted for Maduka Okoye in the 63rd minute.

The three-time African champions’ game against the Tricolor will take place on July 3 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

However, Nigeria will be parading only Nigeria Professional Football League stars against the Concacaf nation.

Others invited for the clash against Mexico are Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble, Rivers United’s Ifeanyi Anaemena, Enugu Rangers’ Ibrahim Olawoyin and Kwara United’s Stephen Jude.

The invited players are expected to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja on Tuesday, June 22 with their travel documents. Nonetheless, only 22 players will make the trip to the USA.

The last meeting between the two countries was in a friendly match en route to the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

After 90 minutes of entertaining action, the Super Eagles and El Tri settled for a 0-0 draw at the Georgia Dome, with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa making a couple of fine saves to deny Stephen Keshi’s men.

For Mexico, who are the most successful team in the Concacaf Gold Cup with eight titles, this game is part of their MexTour series.
 

INVITED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); John Noble (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Olisa Ndah (Akwa United); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors); Tope Olusesi (Rangers International); Ifeanyi Anaemena (Rivers United); Christopher Nwaeze (Kwara United); Enyinnaya Kazie (Rivers United); Mohammed Zirkiflu (Plateau United); Imoh Ubot (Enyimba FC); Tebo Franklin Degaulle (Nasarawa United); Lawal Oriyomi Murtala (Kwara United)

Midfielders: Anthony Shimaga (Rangers International); Seth Mayi (Akwa United); Uche Nwasonaya (Plateau United); Samuel Nnoshiri (Katsina United); Ekundayo Ojo (Enyimba FC)

Forwards: Anayo Iwuala (Enyimba FC); Stephen Jude (Kwara United); Ibrahim Olawoyin (Rangers International); Charles Ashimene (Akwa United); Chinonso Ezekwe (Rangers International); Auwalu Ali Malam
(Kano Pillars); Neurot Emmanuel (Plateau United); Abdulmutalif Sanusi (Katsina United)

Italy equalled their all-time record unbeaten run with a 1-0 win against Wales on Sunday.

The Azzurri maintained their perfect start to Euro 2020 with a third straight win in Group A.

Roberto Mancini's team have now gone 30 games without defeat and could set a new national record if they win their first knockout tie of the competition.

When was the record set?

Mancini's men have equalled a record which has stood for 82 years.

Vittorio Pozzo was the coach as Italy went four years without defeat between October 1935 and July 1939.

In that time they won their second consecutive World Cup and won the gold medal in the Olympics in 1936.

What did Mancini say?

Italy have lost just two matches since Mancini took charge, and the last team to get the better of them was Portugal in a Nations League match in September 2018.

Mancini admits that his side are far from being able to replicate the achievements of Pozzo's team and warned that his players must not get complacent.

“Pozzo won many important trophies too, so we’re still far behind that level. Anyone who goes through to the Round of 16 can win the Euros, that’s for sure,” he said.

“Every game is difficult, we mustn’t think that we can win every game or that any of this is to be taken for granted.

“We thank the people of Rome for all they’ve done for us and hope everyone can get back to enjoying themselves.”

Further reading

Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars suffered a massive setback in their quest to win the 2020-21 Nigeria Professional Football League title after losing 1-0 to Jigawa Golden Stars on Sunday evening.

Ali Kalla’s 80th-minute effort was all the Badaru Boys required to subdue the visiting Sai Masu Gida at the Hadejia Township Stadium.

Going into the crunch league outing, Jigawa had gone on an abysmal run that saw them fail to win any of their last seven league games – bowing 2-1 to Heartland in their last time out.

For Pillars, they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Kennedy Boboye’s title-chasing Akwa United.

In dire need of a win, Ibrahim Musa’s team travelled to Hadejia with the ambition of returning to winning ways.

Five minutes into the game, Olasunkanmi Quadri was cautioned by the centre referee for a clumsy tackle.

The first half produced no goals as chances were few, although it was the visiting side that looked the most promising in attack.

Kano Pillars stepped up their performance in the second half, although they could not get a much-needed goal thanks to impressive defending by Gilbert Opana’s side.

With the game looking destined to end on a no winner, no vanquished note, super-sub Kalla scored the winner after firing past goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso with ten minutes left on the clock.

Combining effectively with Nwangwa Nyima and Ali, Musa led Pillars’ charge for an equaliser, but they ended up being defeated.

“It was a very difficult game and I am glad that we emerged victorious after 90 minutes,” Opana told the media.

“Kano Pillars are a very strong side with quality players. So, I will say our determination powered us to victory.”

The defeat saw the Sani Abacha Stadium giants drop to third place on the NPFL log, having garnered 49 points from 28 outings.

Akwa United, who silenced Adamawa United 2-0 on Saturday, remain at the summit of the Nigerian top-flight with 53 points from the same number of matches. Elsewhere, Jigawa Golden Stars are 14th with 33 points.

Musa and his teammates would be hoping to return to winning ways when they host Ifeanyi Ubah United in their next outing on June 27.

Eden Hazard believes he will need to change his playing style because of his recurring ankle injury.

The Belgium winger has been ravaged by injuries since moving to Real Madrid two years ago.

Hazard, 30, was limited to just 10 starts in La Liga and the Champions League in 2020-21 as he endured several spells on the sidelines throughout the campaign.

What has been said?

The Belgium star admits he is still not ready to play a full game but insists he can still shine for club and country.

"We'll see how the game goes, but I may not be ready for 90 minutes," he said at a press conference ahead of Monday's game against Finland. 

"I'm going to play as many minutes as possible at a high level. If it's 50, it's 50. If it's 60, it's 60. We will see. 

"I never doubted my qualities, but whether I would be 100 per cent fit for the European Championship. 

"I broke my ankle three times, it will never be the same as it was 10 years ago. But I know that if I'm in shape, I can prove myself on the pitch. That's what I'm working on now."

Hazard at Euro 2020

The former Chelsea star has come off the bench in the second half of his side's first two matches.

Belgium are already sure of a place in the next round, meaning Roberto Martinez could make some changes to his side for the final group-stage match against Finland on Monday.

Martinez has said that Hazard should start the match and the player is eager to get in shape ahead of the last 16.

"I am not 100% yet, but I am ready to start. But that was the plan, to bring me in gradually," he added.

"It is especially important to be completely fit in the knockout phase. Then I have to be in top shape.

"We have to work to get even better. We are doing our best to get better, starting with tomorrow. The tournament is still long and we are trying to get as far as possible. 

"There are still areas for improvement, but we are here to work on it."

Further reading

Yanga SC needed two late goals against Mwadui to win 3-2 and keep their hopes of winning the Tanzania Mainland League alive.

Bakari Mwamnyeto, Yacouba Songne and Waziri Junior scored for Wananchi while Aniceth Revocatus struck a brace for the visitors at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday night.

Having won the first round 5-0, the 27-time champions came into the match as favourites, but they were shocked after seven minutes.

Walace Kiongo was left unmarked on the right wing and he crossed the ball to Revocatus, who headed the ball past Farouk Shikhalo who took over from the suspended Metacha Mnata in the Yanga goal.

The Jangwani Street-based charges answered in the 22nd minute. Fiston Abdul Razak was fouled in a good area and Saidi Ntibazonkiza played the ball into the box, where Mwamnyeto rose highest to head home and bring the teams back to level terms.

Mwadui had to wait until the 65th minute to get their second from Revocatus, who capitalised on lack of concentration at the back.

It looked like the visitors would hand Simba the title, but in injury time, Songne and Junior struck in quick succession to hand the former champions maximum points.

Yanga are now on 67 points from the 31 matches they have played, three fewer than defending champions Wekundu wa Msimbazi.

Wananchi have won 19 matches, drawn 10 and lost two, scoring 49 goals and conceding 21. Mnyama have won 22 games, drawn four and lost two. They have scored 65 goals and conceded just 11.

Azam FC come in third with 63 points from the 31 matches they have played from which they have won 18, drawn nine and lost four.

Yanga SC XI: Faruk Shikhalo, Paulo Godfrey, Kibwana Shomari, Dickson Job, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Mukoko Tonombe, Deus Kaseke, Zawadi Mauya, Fiston Abdul Razak, Feisal Salum, Said Ntibazonkiza

Subs: Ramadhan Kabwili, Adeyum Saleh, Said Juma, Haruna Niyonzima, Waziri Junior, Tuisila Kisinda, Yacouba Songne

Mwadui XI: Mussa Mbisa, Jackson Salvatory, Elia Isaya, Majid Kibondile, Mgeveke Joram, Makyada Makolo, Walace Kiongo, Marckiad Mazella, Aniceth Revocatus, Roshwa Rashid, Hashim Mohamed.

Subs: Kelvin Kayego, Denis Richard, Ambrose Nkingwa, Salim Juma, Salum Maulid, Amri Msenda, Said Ally

Kaizer Chiefs are looking to reinforce their squad with the signing of South Africa under-23 international Kgaogelo Sekgota.

The talented winger enjoyed his breakthrough season in the PSL during the recent 2020/21 campaign as he established himself as a key player for Swallows FC.

Sekgota, who was part of the South Africa under-23 side which recently faced their Egyptian counterparts in two friendly matches, made 26 competitive appearances for Swallows and scored three goals in the process.

His agent Bally Smart has now confirmed that the Glamour Boys are interested in the former Vitoria Setubal player.

"Yes, I am aware of their interest [in Sekgota]," Smart told Goal. 

Sekgota was said to be on the radar of Chiefs and Swallows prior to the start of the 2020/21 season, but Amakhosi were unable to bring in new players due to the club's Fifa transfer ban.

The 23-year-old player, who was nurtured in the Polokwane United FC academy, ended up joining Swallows from Portuguese club Setubal in November 2020. 

Sekgota had been linked with Chiefs and Swallows after impressing at the now-defunct Bidvest Wits in the second round of the 2019/20 campaign while on loan from Setubal.

A left-footed attacker who is blessed with speed and dribbling ability, Sekgota helped Wits reach the 2020 Nedbank Cup semi-finals where they lost to eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Seshego-born player could be heading to Chiefs, whose transfer ban will come to an end on July 1. 

The one-year deal which Sekgota signed when he joined Swallows will expire at the end of this month and he would move to Chiefs as a free agent.

Sekgota would compete with the likes of Happy Mashiane and Dumisani Zuma for a place in the starting line-up at Amakhosi, who have a new head coach in Stuart Baxter.

Before joining Setubal in 2018, Sekgota was on the books of FC Stumbras and he helped the team clinch the 2017 Lithuanian Cup having scored twice in three appearances in the competition. 

The stocky player was teammates with Mamelodi Sundowns striker Kermit Erasmus at Setubal in the 2018/19 season.

He was also part of a youthful Bafana Bafana squad that finished fifth at the 2019 Cosafa Cup in Durban. 

Former Simba SC attacking midfielder Zamoyoni Mogella has revealed what Simba SC learnt from their Caf Champions League encounter against South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi were eliminated by the Premier Soccer League side in the quarter-finals and Mogella has stated the encounter emphasised the need for Simba to sign players who are good in aerial challenges.

"Simba specifically need a striker who is superb in aerial duels and can score in those situations, unlike the current strikers," Mogella told Mwanaspoti.

"The lack of such strikers is the reason why Simba did not get into the semi-finals. Although that is a challenge, I do not think Simba have a big competitor in Tanzania, they can be fully tested only by their African peers.

"The semi-final match against Kaizer Chiefs also showed us we are short of a defender who can superbly deal with aerial threats and we really need such a defender because he will be central to our ambitions.

"We must learn from the game against Kaizer Chiefs, especially from the first game, and see the need to cover the areas we were weak.

"Generally, looking at the team, we need a striker and a defender who can deal with opponents that are good aerially.

"We also need new full-backs because we have been too dependent on Mohamed Hussein and Shomari Kapombe. If those players are injured, we will be in big trouble.

Boniface Pawassa, a retired Simba star, also shared his opinion on what Wekundu wa Msimbazi could do in order to get to the semi-finals next season.

"Simba have got good midfielders, but for now they need one who is pacy, especially in areas that are dangerous against their rivals. They also need a new striker because when John Bocco plays, he drops and attacks in quick succession, a cover should be a priority," Pawassa said.

On his part, head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa revealed his priorities in the upcoming transfer period: "I am not going to prioritise the signing of local players because those that I have now are better and I would like to remain with them for a long time. But anyone who expresses the need to leave, will be granted permission to do so, but we will sign their replacements," he said.

"We are going to sign foreign players because that is what we need."

Simba lost the first leg by a 4-0 margin before picking up an inconsequential 3-0 victory in the second leg.

Ethan Ampadu made unwanted history at Euro 2020 as he was sent off during Wales’ clash with Italy.

The Chelsea youngster, who spent last season at Sheffield United on loan, was late to a challenge with Federico Bernardeschi in the centre circle and was dismissed as a result.

He made unwanted history as he became the youngest player to be sent off via a straight red card in the history of the European Championship – and also the first at Euro 2020.

Nevertheless, the call was perceived to be a tight one by those watching on social media as it proved a split reaction between Twitter users.

What was said?

There was a large portion of those watching the game who defended the 20-year-old.

There were those, however, who felt the decision was fully justified.

Meanwhile, there were those who took a more moderate approach.

Further Reading

Former Orlando Pirates winger Bennett Chenene believes coach Josef Zinnbauer has overstayed his welcome at the club and he should be replaced by Ruud Krol.

The German tactician has been under immense pressure at the Bucs helm, and despite guiding them to their first trophy in six years - the MTN8 - a section of the fans believe he has failed to help the players realise their potential.

The supporters believe their team should have staged a serious challenge for the PSL title.

"Yes, to be honest, the coach didn't do well though he had a good squad," Chenene told KickOff on Sunday.

"I won't have a problem with the club releasing him and replacing him because I don't think he did well. As for the players who must leave the club, I don't know yet, but as for the coach, he must leave. 

"This is not how Pirates play. We have always known Pirates for being good with counter-attacking football, but now our team is just normal."

The 37-year-old believes the Sea Robbers should borrow a leaf from rivals Kaizer Chiefs, who brought back Stuart Baxter to help them get back to the top of South African football.

"Everyone who played for Pirates knows the culture of the club is attacking football," Chenene continued.

"Nowadays every team matches Pirates. Pirates should be different from other teams. They must just bring back Krol.

"Chiefs have brought back Stuart Baxter. So they must just swallow their pride and bring back Krol."

The 72-year-old Krol guided Pirates to a treble in the 2010/11 season before leaving for CS Sfaxien of Tunisia the following year.

Recently, the club announced the appointment of former Lamontville Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi.

The Hlokozi-born tactician parted ways with Arrows on Wednesday despite having enjoyed a successful 2020/21 season with the KwaZulu-Natal side. 

Ncikazi was then linked with Chippa United, who are currently preparing for the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs, but he has since joined the Buccaneers. 

"Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Mandla Ncikazi," a club statement read. 

"The 52-year old joins the Bucs technical team department on a three-year deal."

Caf president Patrice Motsepe, the former Mamelodi Sundowns president, has given the green light for an African Super League.

Motsepe says the concept of an African Super League is already in discussion. He also mentioned that Caf plans to learn from their European counterparts on how to go about it.

"We are assessing and in preliminary discussions to start an inclusive and broadly supported and beneficial Caf African Super League," he said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters.

"We have been following the attempts by some top European clubs to form a Euro Super League and will learn from their experience and pitfalls."

Motsepe has been the Caf president since March after replacing Ahmad Ahmad, although according to the Reuters report, it was actually Fifa president Gianni Infantino who first mooted the concept of an African Super League.

Infantino's suggestion was that the African Super League would have 20 permanent member clubs, as well as others who would qualify via regional play-offs. He predicted it would bring in US $3-billion over a five-year period.

Motsepe supports the idea and believes a Super League would “contribute to African football becoming globally competitive and self-sustaining”.

Apart from the financial windfalls a Super League would potentially bring, Motsepe also hopes that such a competition could help improve African football's global image.

"There is a poor perception of Caf concerning its adherence to governance, auditing, ethical, financial and management good practices," he said.

“These negative perceptions may, to some extent, be confirmed by the incriminating and damning audit which identified irregular, unethical and improper transactions and conduct."

The European Super League idea was met with huge opposition, particularly by fans, other clubs, ex-players, and even current players.

This resulted in it being called off.

Twelve of Europe's leading teams had agreed to create the league - six Premier League clubs in Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus from Italy, and Spanish sides Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane isn't getting carried away after his side defeated Esperance 1-0 in Saturday’s Caf Champions League first-leg, semi-final clash.

Mohamed Sherif’s 67th-minute goal handed the Red Devils a crucial away victory at the Stade Olympique de Rades.

The Egyptian Premier League side need just a draw against Moine Chaabani’s men in the second leg to stand a chance of claiming a tenth African title.

While acknowledging that his players gave their best against the Tunisians, the South African insisted the last-four showdown was far from decided.

“Our players were able to deal well with the game. They gave everything they had and therefore we were able to achieve a positive result,” Mosimane told Al Ahly’s official website.

“However, I made sure to tell the players that we have still not qualified yet to the final.

“Al Ahly and Esperance have a long history of games which prove that winning the first leg doesn’t mean that you’ll qualify to the final.

“We still have a game to play in Cairo and that is what captain Mahmoud El Khatib, Al Ahly’s president, said to the players after the game.

“Moreover, we respect Esperance and their head coach, as they are a big team in Africa.”

The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician had earlier stated Al Ahly did not want to make excuses despite the pre-match drama that clouded their fixture versus Esperance in Rades.

His team had to abandon their pre-match warm-up as the police reacted with 'gas bombs' against the hosts’ fans.

Subsequently, the game was delayed for an hour due to a clash between the authorities and the fans.

"We are dealing with all circumstances. Against Al-Hilal last season, the atmosphere was more difficult because the fans of the Sudanese team stormed the field," he said as per Kingfut

"We don’t have any problem dealing with such situations.

"The difficulty was that the team ate their last meal three hours before the match, and after it was postponed for an hour, the team did not eat for four hours, and because of this, we lacked energy in the last minutes of the second half.

"We didn’t want to make excuses. We had to be very focused during the match, and I’m not saying that because we won."

The German football association (DFB) could be hit with a fine because of Manuel Neuer's rainbow-coloured captain's armband.

Goal and SPOX can confirm reports from RTL and NTV that UEFA has launched an investigation into the DFB and the goalkeeper for wearing the special armband.

Neuer has been wearing the rainbow colours to show support for the LGBT+ community during 'Pride Month' but UEFA views it as a political statement.

Why might Germany be punished?

Neuer has worn the rainbow-coloured armband during the Euro 2020 clashes against France and Portugal.

He also wore it in the pre-tournament friendly win against Latvia.

UEFA has determined that it is a political symbol and has prohibited such demonstrations from players and teams.

UEFA criticised for lack of LGBT+ support

The investigation into the DFB comes just as European football's governing body has faced criticism over claims Budapest could be given a bigger role in Euro 2020.

Denmark and Chelsea star Pernille Harder has called on UEFA to "step up" and refrain from moving more matches to Hungary after the government introduced new anti-LGBT+ legislation.

The Puskas Arena has hosted two matches in the summer tournament and there are still two more to be played in the Hungarian capital - the Group F clash between Portugal and France and a last-16 tie.

But UEFA has not ruled out moving the Euro 2020 semi-finals and final from Wembley if Covid-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom are not lifted. The Times recently reported that government ministers are discussing a proposal to exempt UEFA officials, guests and sponsors as well as international broadcasters from having to quarantine for 10 days after arriving in the UK.

What has been said?

Budapest has been highlighted as the favourite alternative to host those matches, but Harder has called on UEFA to look elsewhere.

Harder tweeted: "Devastated to see that the Hungarian parliament passed new anti LGBT+ legislation this week criminalising education and advertising of LGBT content to young people. We, the LGBT+ community, are people. We are human beings. We deserve the right to be treated like everyone else.

"My thoughts are with the people of Hungary but especially the various LGBT communities in the country. The football world has another opportunity to step up. I hope that UEFA will take this seriously and reconsider moving more Euros games to Budapest. Equal game?"

LGBT+ discrimination at Budapest

UEFA is currently investigating claims of discrimination at the Puskas Arena during the two matches it has hosted so far.

Images of anti-LGBT+ banners in the arena were shared on social media during Hungary's defeat to Portugal and UEFA announced it has appointed an investigator to look into the matter.

A statement read: "In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding potential discriminatory incidents which occurred in the Puskás Aréna, Budapest, during the 2020 European Championship group stage matches between the national teams of Hungary and Portugal on 15 June 2021 and between the national teams of Hungary and France played on 19 June 2021."

What legislation did Hungary pass this week?

The concerns surrounding discrimination in Budapest come just days after the government passed controversial legislation.

The legislation bans schools from disseminating content deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change.

Viktor Orban's Fidesz party attached the changes to a separate bill penalising paedophilia, making it difficult for other parties to vote against.

The nationalist prime minister has increasingly railed against the LGBT+ community and been heavily criticised by anti-discrimination and human rights groups.

Further reading

Torquay United goalkeeper Lucas Covolan scored one of the most dramatic goals of the year as he netted a stoppage-time equaliser in the National League play-off final against Hartlepool.

It proved a fruitless goal, however, as his side went on to suffer a 5-4 defeat in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw through extra-time.

With Torquay trailing 1-0 to Hartlepool late in normal time, the goalkeeper advanced when his side won a throw in 30 yards from goal. The ball was ultimately thrown into the box and he headed home amidst a ruck of players.

It was a strike that was reminiscent of Brazilian compatriot Alisson, who scored a vital winner for Liverpool against West Brom in a Premier League encounter back in May.

Lucas' effort, however, did not ultimately yield a reward.

What was the reaction?

Naturally, there was a flurry of reaction on social media, with Alisson regularly referenced in the celebrations of a rare goal scored by a keeper.

Liverpool even joined in the fun, naturally taking the opportunity to remind fans of the season-changing contribution their shot-stopper made in their late push for the Champions League spots.

Who is Lucas Covolan?

Covolan is a 30-year-old goalkeeper who started his playing career in Brazil with Vasco de Gama’s Under-20 side. From there, he played for various lower league sides in his homeland before being released by Rio Branco in 2014.

Two years later, he had moved to England, where he began playing for Whitehawk. He also turned out on loan at Lewes before moving to Worthing and ultimately Torquay at the start of the 2019-20 season.

Lucas played 23 matches in the National League this season, conceding only 17 goals and keeping 11 clean sheets. He was also in goal for the dramatic 4-2 extra-time win over Notts County in the play-off semi-final.

Egypt international Ahmed Zizo Sayed disclosed that he wants to retire at Egyptian Premier League side, Zamalek.

After completing a short-term deal at Portuguese side, Moreirense, the 25-year-old midfielder joined the Cairo-based giants in 2018 for an undisclosed fee.

Since his arrival, he has been a key figure in Patrice Carteron’s star-studded squad.

On June 16, 2021, he made his 100th appearance for the club as they silenced Aswan 3-0 in a league game.

However, he has sought to bring the speculation regarding a move to Al Ahly and the Gulf region to a close in a recent interview.

“I’m happy that I played 100 matches with Zamalek, and I hope to continue and make my 200th match and then the 300th,” Sayed told Zamalek’s official website.

“I would like to tell the Zamalek fans that things are looking promising during this period, and you will have some good news in the coming days.

“Zamalek has played a major role in helping me have a successful career, and I hope to stay here until I retire.”

Unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions this season, the midfielder is expected to play a crucial role when Carteron and his team square up against Misr Lel Makasa in an Egyptian Cup game on Tuesday evening.

Also, Zamalek currently lead the Egyptian elite division log having accrued 58 points from 26 games - 15 points ahead of closest challengers Al Masry.

Sayed began life in the Belgian Pro League – making his debut against Waasland-Beveren on March 29, 2014 – replacing Souleymane Diomande after 50 minutes.

In the 100 games played for the Egyptian giants, he boasts 15 goals and 15 assists while playing a crucial role in the club’s Caf Confederation Cup, Egypt Cup, Egyptian Super Cup, and Caf Super Cup triumphs.

On the international scene, the former Lierse and Nacional star made his Pharaohs debut in 2019 and has been a key face in Hossam El Badry’s squad.

He is likely to make his first Africa Cup of Nations debut when the North African side travels to Cameroon in a bid to win their eighth African diadem.

Kenya striker Michael Olunga has revealed the reason he turned down offers from Italy and Spain to sign for Al Duhail SC in Qatar.

After a stellar display in the Japanese J1-League with Kashiwa Reysol, and also having featured in Spain for FC Girona on loan, the towering Harambee Star shocked many when he decided against moving to Europe to pen a four-year contract with the Qatari Super League side in January 2021.

Many of his fans back home had anticipated him to make a move to Europe and his move to Duhail was interpreted negatively.

Olunga has come out to clarify he had offers from top clubs in Italy and Spain but he could not sign the deals because the teams he was negotiating with at that time were not promising him playing time which was his main concern.

“I had several offers before going to Qatar, from La Liga and Italian leagues but as a player, I wanted to move to a place where I can play regularly and a good team which plays top football and not a team fighting relegation,” Olunga told Arocho Live on Sunday.

“I am a competitive player, I had several offers on the table and I analysed them, I can even show you [some of the offers are in my email even now], I also check my style of play if it can fit any team before I sign for them.

“I can also not rule money factor in my transfer, of course, you check what the team is offering, we are footballers and we have a future to look after, we have live’s to live, we have seen many players come out of football and they start to struggle financially.

“We must have a balance of both, money and where to play, so myself I want to thank God for what he has given me and I am looking forward to the new season.”

On his switch to Japan from Girona, Olunga said: “Of course everyone loves money, not Olunga alone, it is a factor when you make transfer moves [that you sign a good deal with good money], but the key thing is I moved to Kashiwa [Reysol] because I felt it was a good opportunity to get playing time,”

“At Girona, I was restricted to a few matches and you know as a player, we all fight to play and represent our country outside there, so when Resyol came for my services, my first question to them was if I will be able to play 75 percent of their matches.

“It was part of my contract that we signed with them, it was a must they give 75 percent of the matches, I asked them how sure were they I will play, because I was not ready to warm the bench because I knew if I play there regularly, then everyone will notice my talent.

“When I joined, I stayed there for two seasons, and I really enjoyed my stay there, I became the first African to win J1-League MVP, also set a record of the most scored goals in one season for Reysol, it shows you I left a mark before I left there, I made Kenya’s name, most of them know Kenya as an athletics nation but I proved them.”

Olunga is currently in Kenya on holiday.

The World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA), in partnership with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, are presenting a unique Freestyle Challenge for fans of the sport across the world to showcase their footballing skills.

With the tournament in its qualification stage, Goal brings you everything you need to know.

What is the WFFA?

The WFFA was formed back in 2011 as the official world governing body of freestyle football which has come a long way and is now a recognised sport, as co-founder and CEO, Dan Wood has explained.

"Freestyle football for us began just 10 years ago. I stumped into the sport in 2005 and met athletes who were performing on the streets, doing tricks and getting picked up for TV commercials but there was no real structure for doing more so I got together with the community whom I befriended by chance and decided to create something new, a platform for anyone in the streets to pick up a ball, express themselves and live this full time," he stated.

Among the nine ambasssadors for the BVB Freestyle Challenge, six-time World champion Erlend Fagerli also spoke about his journey as a freestyle football professional.

"I started with freestyle football in 2009. I did a few tricks before that when I played some football. But in 2009 I discovered the sport freestyle football through Youtube and it clicked instantly with me," the Norwegian freestyler recalled.

What is the BVB Freestyle Challenge?

Borussia Dortmund representative in China, Martin Zhang, explained what exactly the challenge is. "We started this challenge at the beginning of this month and then in the whole month of June fans all over the world will have a chance to upload their skill videos. Then in the grand finale, we will have BVB judges who will select three winners," he said.

"It all started with an interactive challenge for our fans in Asia. It was a call-out for all our fans globally to showcase their skills and luckily, we got connect to Dan (Wood) very quickly and then we got Erlend (Fagerli) on board with us and other freestylers so they can promote the freestyle football world with regular football," Zhang added.

When and where does it take place?

The qualification period begins June 1 and will run till June 30. There on, 16 contestants with the most votes will be invited for the final stage. 

The final stage of the tournament will be held in July 2021 wherein, once selected, the 16 participants will be required to submit a new video for the jury’s consideration.

What is the prize?

Zhang mentioned of the exciting rewards that are in store for the lucky winners. "Each winner will get a BVB merchandise box with 600 Euros and signed products by the freestylers and BVB legend Patrick Owomoyela.

"It is all about participation. We want our fans to showcase their skills. The three winners will be categorised one as pro, amateur and the third category will be for most creative and entertaining video," the BVB official mentioned.

What are the rules?

To read the full rules and FAQs, and upload your videos, click here.

Manchester United should drop their interest in Declan Rice and do all they can to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, says Nicky Butt.

The Red Devils are said to be among the top candidates to sign Rice from West Ham.

Former United midfielder Butt, however, believes they have enough options in midfield already.

What has been said?

“For me, next season has to be about getting some silverware back in that trophy cabinet,” said Butt, who served as United's head of first-team development before leaving the club in March.

“It's about getting the right players who will allow you to challenge for trophies. It's a winning club, so we can't go this long without silverware.

“I think Man Utd are solid enough in midfield. I keep hearing things about Declan Rice, but is he a better player than Scott McTominay?

“I'm not sure; I think with McTominay, Paul Pogba and obviously Bruno Fernandes, we're in a good place in the middle of the park.”

United urged to go after Varane

Butt feels it is at centre-back where United need to prioritise this summer.

They have been linked to Varane, with recent reports claiming Madrid rejected an offer from the Old Trafford side and Butt sees the 28-year-old as the ideal option to slot into the back four alongside Harry Maguire. 

“The biggest thing that needs addressing for me at Manchester United this summer is that centre-back position; we need a partner for Harry Maguire," he added.

“Everyone talks about Raphael Varane. I understand he's a little bit older than most people would perhaps like, but you just have to go back to the days of Teddy Sheringham.

“I think we bought him when he was 32, and we went and won the treble with him. If Varane is available, then I'd go all out for him.”

Will Varane leave Madrid?

Goal  reported this week that the France international has not yet come to a decision regarding his future.

His contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires next year and there is still a chance he will sign an extension.

Further reading