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Ghana U24 defender Frank Assinki has expressed his surprise by the number of goals they conceded during their Asian tour.

The Black Meteors touched down in Accra on Thursday after twice taking on each of Japan and South Korea.

In all, Samuel Paa Kwasi Fabin's outfit picked the ball from the net 15 times - 10 against the Samurai Blue and five against the Taegeuk Warriors. 

“So far I have regretted because I did not expect such score lines," Assinki, who plays club football for Danish fold Koge, said, as reported by Africa-foot.

“I never expected the huge scoreline, you know although it’s a football game but we shall move on because it’s a lesson for us.

“There are mistakes to correct, we shall do so and move on.”

Ghana first faced Japan in back-to-back games before moving on to square off against South Korea.

In their first match, the Black Meteors suffered humiliation as they were handed a 6-0 defeat by the Samurai Blue.

Four days later, there was more misery for Fabin's outfit, although not as embarrassing as the first game, as they lost 4-0.

After drawing a blank in their first two games, Ghana found their scoring boots against South Korea but it was still not enough to save them from more defeats.

In their first match, the Black Meteors succumbed to a 3-1 loss before falling 2-1 in the second fixture on Saturday.

“The results and the performance showed clearly that they shouldn’t have gone to play the friendly," former Meteors coach Michael Osei told Happy FM.

“If you look at the previous team we built with Ibrahim Tanko [as head coach], it was a solid team. We had time to search for the players with the quality to play.

“Looking at the team we took to Egypt [for the Africa U23 Cup of Nations], we couldn’t even get the squad that played the qualifiers but we had a good team.

“What happened clearly showed the coach and the players were not ready so it was going to be difficult for the whole team."

The Asian tour was part of Ghana's preparations for the 2023 Africa Games.

Former Inter Milan striker Alessandro Altobelli said it will be difficult to replace wing-back, Achraf Hakimi, if he leaves the club amid interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

In his debut season in Italy, Hakimi played a crucial role in the Nerazzurri's victorious Serie A campaign with his defensive and attacking contributions from the flanks.

He provided eight assists and scored seven goals in 37 league appearances.

He has now become a transfer target for Champions League winners Chelsea while French champions PSG are also making efforts to secure his services.

While uncertainty over Hakimi's future grows, Altobelli - a member of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning squad - explained the qualities the two-time Caf Youth Player of the Year brings to the San Siro Stadium.

"To me, a player like Hakimi is irreplaceable, he’s one of the best in Europe, dare I say in the world,” Altobelli was quoted by Football London.

“He’s a generous and hard-working wing-back, he’s superb during the attacking phase and he’s now learned how to be efficient during the defensive one as well.

“He drives forward with the ball so many times during a game, he’s one of those box-to-box wing-backs, he doesn’t stop running during a game.

“Not only does he have the work rate, but he backs it up with his quality in possession.

“Losing him will be a big blow for Inter, he can’t be replaced, at the moment the market doesn’t offer a substitute for Hakimi."

Altobelli urged Inter Milan to keep the former Real Madrid defender, however, he believes Hakimi can adapt quickly in any environment after shining in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund for two seasons.

“I would do everything to keep him, but if Inter can cash in, then for the club’s sake I say sell him, it will be a huge loss, but he can do well at any club," the 65-year-old continued.

“Chelsea are now European champions, and they won the Champions League displaying great football, but I think Hakimi would fit right into that team. 

“It’s only normal that good players are sought out and that they will end up playing for the top teams with the financial means to buy them.”

Ghana captain Andre Ayew has been asked to consider the Ghana Premier League and Asante Kotoko after he released a farewell message to Swansea City fans.

Now a free agent, the 31-year-old is in search for a new club, having brought a second stint at Liberty Stadium to an end. 

Earlier this month, Swansea announced the attacker's departure after their unsuccessful quest for Premier League promotion, but a prompt move into international action with Ghana meant he had not had the chance to address the Jack Army. 

After posting an emotional goodbye message on social media, hundreds of fans have reacted, a section calling on him to make a return to Ghana. 

Below are the best reactions:

Chelsea are still in talks with Inter over signing Achraf Hakimi during the summer window, and are offering to swap players to reduce the price.

It is understood that Blues full backs Marcos Alonso and Davide Zappacosta are among the players being offered as make-weights.

Alonso has been a long-term target for the Serie A giants, while Zappacosta has put himself in the shop window after a successful loan spell at Genoa. The swap is designed to encourage Inter to drop their £68.8m (€80m/$96m) asking price for the 22-year-old, and offload some unwanted players at the same time.

What about PSG?

PSG remain in competition with the Blues for the Morocco international, who was among Antonio Conte's stars that won Serie A last season.

Talks have recently gone cold between the French giants and Hakimi, but could yet be revived. PSG are reported to have had a £56.1 million ($79m) bid rejected already.

Who else could Chelsea sign?

Hakimi is seen as a great opportunity in a non-priority position. The Blues' main focus has always been to add another goalscorer to the squad after an underwhelming season in the final third, despite winning the Champions League.

Chelsea's desire is to add a world-class striker, and while talks with Romelu Lukaku led nowhere they remain in the mix to sign either Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland or Tottenham's Harry Kane.

Both transfers requireowner Roman Abramovich to sanction what would be record breaking deals for a Premier League team to convince clubs who are reluctant to sell.

Further reading

Alexander Isak has been dubbed an "exceptional talent" after the Arsenal and Liverpool-linked star turned in an eye-catching performance for Sweden in their Group E victory over Slovakia at Euro 2020.

Emil Forsberg's penalty roughly a quarter-hour from time was the only goal of a clash markedly low on high-quality football, with Sweden fortunate to come away with three points from Saint-Petersburg after a cagey opening draw with Spain.

However, as he did four days prior against Luis Enrique's side, Real Sociedad forward Isak was the pick of the bunch for Janne Andersson's side with a man-of-the-match winning turn drawing plaudits from figures across the game at the full-time whistle

What has been said?

Andersson hails forward

Speaking to UEFA's official website in his post-match comments, Isak's coach was quick to hail his impact while adding that the best is yet to come for the 21-year-old.

"It's really good to see him on the pitch, he's a huge talent," Janne Andersson said. "He's a young player who's still got a lot of room for improvement. I think there is a lot more to come from him. He played really well today."

On the result, Andersson added he was delighted to have taken four points from his side's opening two games in Group C to put them firmly in the mix for a knockout stage spot, saying: It's good to have four points after two games.

"We've played seven games this year, and conceded just one goal. Our attack deserved more today, they were fantastic at times."

Striker primed for major move?

Isak's stock was already on the rise following his instrumental part in Sociedad's 2019-20 Copa del Rey triumph, the final of which was not played until April this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

His individual display amid a dour Swedish performance in Saint-Petersburg may now help take it to new levels, particularly if Andersson's side progress to the knock-outs, as seems likely following their win.

Liverpool and Arsenal are among those linked with his talents, though on the strength of his recent form, Real are unlikely to let him go without a fight.

Further reading

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has permitted 5,000 fans to attend the two Caf Champions League semi-final games on Saturday. 

Esperance welcome defending champions Al Ahly to the Stade Olympique de Rades while Wydad Casablanca host Kaizer Chiefs at the Mohammed V Stadium in another intruiging fixture.

Caf disclosed on Friday that the host teams - Esperance and Wydad requested fans presence in their stadiums for the first-leg clashes, and it was accepted after consultations with government and health authorities in Tunisia and Morocco.

Prior to Saturday's games, continental games involving clubs and countries in Africa have been behind closed doors or opened to limited audience in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.

"CAF has approved the attendance of 5000 supporters for the matches Esperance (Tunisia) v Al Ahly (Egypt), and Wydad (Morocco) v Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Semifinal first leg, scheduled on Saturday 19 June 2021," the statement read on Caf's website.

"Esperance faces Al Ahly at Stade Olympique De Rades, Tunis, while Wydad receives Kaizer Chiefs at Complexe Mohamed V Stadium, Casablanca.

This is after receiving an application from the host member and approvals from governmental and health authorities in Tunisia and Morocco.

"CAF has stressed that all medical precautions should be followed at all times in respect to CAF Covid-19 health protocols."

After dumping Algeria's CR Belouizdad in the quarter-finals on penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 aggregate score, Esperance will be focused on stopping Egyptian giants Ah Ahly who have won the Champions League for a record nine times.

The Red Devils stopped Mamelodi Sundowns with a 3-1 aggregate win, which started with a 2-0 victory in the first-leg.

Elsewhere in Casablanca, Wydad - who grabbed a late goal to send MC Alger packing with 2-1 aggregate win in May - will aim to go beyond the semi-final this year when they battle Kaizer Chiefs.

They suffered a 5-1 loss to Al Ahly at this stage last year.

Chiefs, on the other hand, advanced into the Champions League last-four for the first time in their history after they defeated Simba SC 4-3 on aggregate.

The second leg fixtures are scheduled for the following week (June 26) and it is unknown yet if fans will be granted access for the games.

Orlando Pirates have 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. 

Pirates have confirmed the addition of Ncikazi to their technical team on a three-year contract: 

"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."

Ncikazi was at the helm at Arrows as they achieved their highest ever finish in the PSL last season with Abafana Bes'thende securing a fourth spot finish. 

The retired defender is happy to have joined the Soweto giants where will form part of a technical team which is led by head coach Josef Zinnbauer. 

“I am pleased to be here and look forward to getting started,” Ncikazi said on the club's official website. 

Ncikazi is expected to work with former Maritzburg United head coach Fadlu Davids as Zinnbauer's two assistants at the Soweto giants.

The site also revealed that the team will start its pre-season training next month as they prepare for the new 2021/22 campaign. 

"Orlando Pirates technical team and players are scheduled to start pre-season on July 1," another statement read.

Ncikazi transformed Arrows into top three hopefuls during the recent campaign as Arrows competed with Pirates, AmaZulu FC, and Mamelodi Sundowns for Caf inter-club spots after replacing Steve Komphela as the head coach in October 2020.

The former AmaZulu player has also held roles as an assistant coach at African Wanderers, Durban Stars, Polokwane City, Free State Stars, Maritzburg United and the South African women's team.

Maritzburg handed Ncikazi the opportunity to be the head coach in the PSL in July 2015 following the departure of his long-time friend Komphela, who had joined Kaizer Chiefs.

However, Ncikazi was dismissed by the Team of Chiefs just two months into the 2015/16 season due to a poor run of results.

Games between Scotland and England tend to have an edge to them, with the historical rivalry between the two enhanced by the familiarity of both sets of players.

Clashes have been keenly contested and the overall share of the spoils is even enough, though the Three Lions edge it.

So, when did Scotland last come out on top against The Auld Enemy in a football match? Goal takes a look at their head-to-head record.

When did Scotland last beat England?

A 1-0 victory at Wembley on November 17, 1999 was the date of Scotland's last victory against England in football.

It was the second leg of a Euro 2000 qualifying play-off and Don Hutchison scored the winning goal.

Unfortunately for Scotland, however, it was not enough to secure passage to Euro 2000, as England had won 2-0 in the first leg at Hampden Park.

Paul Scholes scored both goals for the Three Lions on that occasion, setting Kevin Keegan's side up well for the second leg. Indeed, despite losing at Wembley, they progressed with a 2-1 aggregate score.

Scotland have failed to defeat England in their four subsequent matches prior to their Euro 2020 meeting, losing three and drawing once.

What is Scotland's record vs England?

As of June 17, 2021, Scotland had played England on 114 occasions, winning 41 games, losing 48 and drawing 25.

Their June 18 meeting with the Three Lions at Euro 2020 represents their 115th encounter.

The first ever fixture between the sides, which is officially recognised by FIFA as the first international football match, was played on November 20, 1872 at Hamilton Crescent. It ended a 0-0 draw.

England recorded the first win of the rivalry the following year in 1873, beating the Scots 4-2 in London, but Scotland exacted revenge the following year, winning 2-1 in 1874.

While England can claim to be the stronger team based on results in the 20th and 21st centuries, Scotland enjoyed greater success in the early years of the encounter.

More Scotland vs England content

Lille defender Reinildo Mandava survived an attempted carjacking in Mozambique when he was going for a friend's wedding in the province of Zambezia.

The 27-year-old recently returned to the Southeastern African country for his vacation after helping Lille win the 2020-21 French Ligue 1 title.

However, his offseason turned to a nightmare on Thursday when armed men shot at his car several times in an attempt to steal it.

He was said to be on his way to the wedding of Gildo Vilanculos - his teammate in the Mozambican national team who played for Portuguese club Maritimo.

There was no human damage aside from the bullet-riddled car.

According to reports, Reinildo spent the night at the police station and he is expected to go to Quelimane with police escort - capital of Zambezia province - on Friday before returning to his hometown Beira - the capital of Sofala Province - where he has been enjoying his holiday.

Meanwhile, Lille have confirmed the attack and they have sent their best wishes to the 27-year-old who made 29 appearances in the French top-flight last season.

"Reinildo was the victim of an attack in Mozambique on Thursday," the club wrote on Twitter. 

"Fortunately the player is in good shape and we can send him our best wishes!”

Thanks to Lille’s Ligue 1 triumph, Reinildo made history as the first player from Mozambique to win any of Europe’s top five leagues.

He moved to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on an initial loan from Portuguese club Belenenses in January 2019 and the deal was made permanent after six months.

Christophe Galtier's side triggered the purchase option in Reinildo's contract and handed him a three-year deal which will expire in June 2022.

His superb performances for Les Dogues last season earned him a nomination for Prix Marc-Vivien Foe (Best African player in Ligue 1) for 2021 which was later awarded to Lens' Congolese forward Gael Kakuta. 

In addition to his recognitions, the 27-year-old made the UNFP Ligue 1's Team of Year for the 2020-21 season alongside his teammate Benjamin Andre and Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe, Keylor Navas, Neymar, Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos.

Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu is closing in on a move to Belgium's top side KAA Gent, Goal can reveal.

Okumu has been allowed by his Swedish club, IF Elfsborg, to travel to Ghent and complete talks with the Belgian side. The former Chemelil Sugar centre-back has had an impressive season with Elfsborg and attracted reported interest, mainly from Lorient and Reims of France and from Rangers FC and Celtic of Scotland.

"He is in Ghent for formal talks with the club. Negotiations have been ongoing and if everything is agreed on, he will become Gent's new player soon," a source close to Okumu told Goal.
 
Crouch, as the former Real Monarchs star is known, joined the Swedish side after participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Harambee Stars in 2019. Although Kenya did not do well in the tournament, the centre-back showed brilliance especially after being called to fill the void that injuries created in the national team.
 
Since then, he has been an undroppable figure for Harambee Stars as he has also established himself as one of the key players at club level. Recently, Okumu stated he was ready for a new challenge away from Elfsborg.

"Yes, definitely [will take the next step]. The most important thing is that I have already made an impression here," Okumu said.

"When I have done that, both I and the club are satisfied... I think we have the same interests here, so I will take the next step."

After completing his secondary education at Kakamega High, where he featured in national tournaments alongside his Harambee Stars teammate, Eric Ouma, Okumu joined Chemelil Sugar before he secured a move to the Free State Stars of South Africa. From Free State Stars, the towering defender joined AFC Ann Arbor and Real Monarchs in the United States before Elfsborg - his first European team - signed him two years ago.

Ghana star Andre Ayew has sent an emotional message to Swansea City players, coaches and fans following his departure from the club.

Earlier this month, the Swans announced Ayew's exit as a free agent after the club’s unsuccessful bid to return to the Premier League.

The Black Stars captain was an outstanding figure in Steve Cooper's squad having finished the last two seasons as the club's top scorer with 33 goals in 92 Championship appearances in total.

In his farewell message, Ayew stated that it was ‘difficult’ for him and his teammates after they lost the play-off final by 2-0 to Brentford but he went further to thank the club faithful and the management for the love shown to him during his stay.

"Hi Jack Army, this is your boy Andre. I’m here to say goodbye. Since the final, it was a difficult period for us, the players and for me personally and the team as a whole, I decided to stay quite a little bit," Ayew said in an Instagram video.

"Just wanted to let you guys know that I am so grateful for what you guys have done for me. Thank you so much for the support, thank you so much for the love.

"I came to the club three times at different periods, I've always succeeded, thanks to you guys it is something I will never forget. I'm very proud to have won this shirt with dignity, I am going to miss everyone. I want to thank the staff, the coach Steve Cooper, the players, the physios, the cooks but it's time to say goodbye.

“It is not easy for me, I wish I could have played again in the Premier League with Swansea but that's football.”

Ayew had two spells at the Liberty Stadium – when he was first signed from Marseille in June 2015 but he immediately left the club after an impressive debut campaign to join West Ham United.

After a year and a half at West Ham, Ayew returned to Swansea City where he has been since January 2018 but he was sent out on loan to Fenerbahce for the 2018-19 season.

While his next destination remains unknown, the 31-year-old assured that he will return to the club in the nearest future.

“I will be back, I don't know if as a player again or as something but to just come and see you guys, I will be back. It is a club I have in my heart and I will never forget what you guys have done for me. Thanks so much and God bless,” he added.

Aymeric Laporte says switching international allegiance from France to Spain was not meant as a swipe at Les Bleus or their coach Didier Deschamps, but was simply the best move for his career and his golden chance to play at a major tournament.

The Manchester City central defender was born in France and played for them through the youth levels, including making 19 appearances for their Under-21s.

However, Laporte was never handed a senior cap by the world champions and has instead chosen to represent Spain, being eligible through his Basque heritage.

What has been said?

Opening up on his decision to represent Spain to Marca, Laporte said national team manager Luis Enrique had got in touch directly about him changing nations, and he had jumped at the chance.

Laporte said: "It is a long story from a long time ago. He called me and told me that he was interested in having me, and wanted to know if I was interested in competing in a European Championship. He told me that it was very feasible that I could play for Spain, and I was delighted."

He said he had expected backlash, but he was certain that choosing to play for Spain gave him the best chance of reaching a major tournament - something he did as he started for his new country in their opening game of Euro 2020, a 0-0 draw with Sweden.

Laporte said: "It keeps bothering you. You are never going to please everyone. It is a delicate subject, but in the end I have to do what I believe is the right thing. I have always tried to keep the utmost respect for everyone and to play.

"Yes, I do feel comfortable and also very happy. I am in a stage of my life in which I am very happy and I am taking advantage of it. Here I am like a child living his dream. I was looking forward to being here and I'm freaking out every second."

Laporte said he had been given his family's blessing to play for Spain, thanks to his ancestors hailing from the Basque region. He was born in Agen in France, and said that the French FA had been surprised when they learned of his decision not to play for them.

He said: "As it was a somewhat delicate subject, I discussed it with my family and told them what my intention was and they understood. They, in a way, saw it very clearly. What Spain has given me, not only now and throughout my career, has nothing to do with France.

"Most of them knew about my situation. Not because of playing for Spain, but because they didn't count on me in France, only partially. I had been holding out for a long time, waiting for something. Yes, they were surprised because I did not speak about this, but happy because they know what I wanted."

Further Reading