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Pogba should have been sent off for elbowing Aurier - Mourinho

The Tottenham boss believes his side could have avoided defeat to Manchester United had the referee spotted the incident early in the game

Jose Mourinho claims Paul Pogba should have been sent off during Manchester United's 3-1 win against Tottenham on Sunday.

The Premier League clash was marred by controversy as Red Devils striker Edinson Cavani had a goal disallowed  in the first half for a foul on Son Heung-min by Scott McTominay in the build-up.

But Pogba avoided punishment earlier in the game when he tried to tackle Serge Aurier, only to catch the full-back's face with his arm.

What has been said?

"We played against a good team, lots of strong players in midfield. We had great occasions to score a second goal. We hit the woodwork and were dominant in that period," he told Sky Sports.

"My opinion was a good game. My opinion was we didn't deserve this result at all. We were unlucky because maybe Pogba should get a red card for an elbow on Serge Aurier."

Asked about United's goal which was ruled out, Mourinho said: "I don't know anything anymore [about VAR]. I watched Fulham versus Wolves. I don't understand anything anymore. Sometimes you get, sometimes you don't get. I don't know how to comment. You don't celebrate a goal because you are afraid."

How did Man Utd beat Spurs?

Despite Son opening the scoring 40 minutes into the match in north London, United were able to bounce back in the second half.

Fred equalised before the hour mark when he tucked home the rebound after Cavani had a shot saved by Hugo Lloris.

Cavani then met Mason Greenwood's cross to head United into the lead with just over 10 minutes left.

Greenwood then got in on the scoring in stoppage time when he scored from close range after Pogba teed him up.

What does the result mean for United and Spurs?

United have now won four Premier League matches in a row and remain in second place.

They have cut the gap to leaders Manchester City to 11 points after Pep Guardiola's men lost 2-1 to Leeds on Saturday.

Spurs, meanwhile, have fallen even further behind in the race for a Champions League place as they sit six points behind fourth-place West Ham.

Further reading

Original author: Peter McVitie

Cameroon striker Nchout: We will fight for Olympic ticket until the last seconds

The Lionesses forward remains optimistic about her team's chances of advancing after losing the first-leg playoff encounter to Chile

Cameroon striker Ajara Nchout is confident about her side's qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games despite falling to a 2-1 defeat against Chile in the playoff, first leg game on Saturday.

Following their shock loss to Zambia in March 2020, Les Lionesses arrived in Turkey to continue their quest to return to the Olympics in Tokyo since appearing in London 2012, having missed Rio 2016.

At the Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex in Antalya, Les Lionesses eyed a first-leg advantage over La Roja, who were looking to secure a first-ever appearance at the Olympics this summer.

With goals from Camila Saez and Carla Guerrero condemning the Africans to a first-leg loss, but the Atletico Madrid star, who netted the Lionness' goal, insists no hope is lost yet.

"Unfortunately, it was not enough to reach our goal today [Saturday]," Nchout wrote on her Instagram page.

"But we are only in the first heat, we still have our card in hand. We will fight for this qualification until the last seconds. Thank you for your continued support."

 

After an Olympic debut at London 2012, Cameroon are desperately seeking a second appearance at the Games but will have to overturn their first-leg deficit against Jose Letelier's side.

To avoid missing out on the Games for a second successive time, the Central Africans will need to make the best of their chances in the decisive return leg at the same venue in Antalya on Tuesday.

Should they be successful, they will join Zambia as the second representative from Africa in the Olympic finals draw scheduled for  April 21 at Fifa headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

For Nchout, she has scored six goals in the Olympic qualifiers and will be eager to lead her side's return to the global showpiece this summer.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

Union vs Boca Juniors: How to watch Liga Argentina matches

The Xeneize travel to Santa Fe looking to consolidate their place inside the top four in Group 2 on Sunday

Argentine football begins its program for 2021 with the playing of the Copa Liga Profesional.

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Boca was crowned 2019-20 league champions in March after coming out on top during the 23-game season, and also triumphed in the following Copa Diego Armando Maradona, which ended in January. 

In lieu of beginning a new league season, the Argentine footballing authorities have instead sanctioned another cup competition, which will run from February to May.

The 26 Primera Division clubs have been split into two groups, with each side playing each other once. 

In addition there will be one inter-zonal game every week, where Boca and River, Racing Club and Independiente and the rest of Argentina's Clasico rivals will face off in a series of clashes. 

The top four teams from each group then advance to a play-off stage, which will take place in a straight knock-out format in order to yield a single winner.

Fanatiz has the rights to the Copa de la Liga Profesional worldwide, excluding Argentina, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the Balkans.

How to watch Union vs Boca Juniors

Union have suffered a difficult Copa campaign so far, picking up just two wins in eight to lie outside of the play-off spots. 

With only one defeat to date though, the Tatengue have proved difficult to break down, and until last week's 4-1 reverse at the hands of Velez Sarsfield they stood out alongside rivals Colon as the only remaining unbeaten sides in the competition.

Boca performed a clean sweep in domestic competition over 2020 with league and cup wins, and once more start out as one of the favourites in this new tournament. 

That success, though, was overshadowed by a disappointing exit from the Copa Libertadores at the hands of Santos, extending the club's drought to 14 years. 

The pressure is on to perform at continental level, but Boca, who currently sit third in the Group 2 standings, will also be expected to reach the latter stages of this Copa as a bare minimum. 

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
April 11 2:30pm/5:30pm Union vs Boca Juniors Fanatiz

Union vs Boca Juniors team news

Franco Calderon saw red for Union and is suspended for Sunday's match, while Jonathan Galvan misses out through injury.

Boca are without Nicolas Capaldo, who tested positive for Covid 19, as well as Agustin Obando and Gonzalo Maroni, ruled out due to having had close contact with the virus.

Watch all this weekend's Copa Liga Profesional matches on Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Copa Liga Profesional matches are available on Fanatiz?

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
April 11 12:15pm/3:15pm Rosario Central vs Banfield Fanatiz
April 11 5pm/8pm River Plate vs Colon Fanatiz
April 12 3pm/6pm Huracan vs Sarmiento Fanatiz
April 12 3pm/6pm Lanus vs Newell's Fanatiz
April 12 5:15pm/8:15pm Atl Tucuman vs Velez Fanatiz

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Original author: Goal

Matchday LIVE: Sheffield United vs Arsenal in Premier League after Man Utd beat Tottenham

Join us for coverage of all the goals, incidents and talking points from a packed Sunday of football action in the English and Italian top-flight
Original author: Ryan Kelly

LIVE: Tottenham vs Manchester United

Spurs have made three changes to their side from their draw with Newcastle last time out. Aurier comes into the fold to replace Tanganga, who drops to the bench. Dier gets a recall in the middle of the backline as Davinson Sanchez misses out. Son also gets the start in place of Vinicius in the final third. 

MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: David de Gea, Juan Mata, Mason Greenwood, Amad Diallo, Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe, Nemanja Matic, Brandon Williams, Donny van de Beek.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Dean Henderson; Aaron Wan Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Scott McTominay, Fred; Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford; Edinson Cavani.

TOTTENHAM SUBS: Toby Aldweireld, Harry Winks, Gareth Bale, Erik Lamela, Joe Hart, Moussa Sissoko, Dele Alli, Japhet Tanganga, Carlos Vinicius.

TOTTENHAM (4-2-3-1): Hugo Lloris; Serge Aurier, Joe Rodon, Eric Dier, Sergio Reguilon; Tanguy Ndombele, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg; Giovano Lo Celso, Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min; Harry Kane.

Manchester United put forward a solid performance during the week to take the upper hand in their Europa League contest against Granada. Goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were enough for the victory, sustaining the momentum from their Premier League comeback win over Brighton and Hove Albion. The Red Devils can put distance between themselves and the chasing pack for a top-four place with a win this afternoon, and placing a huge dent in Spurs' hopes in the process.

Results elsewhere this weekend have not gone in favour of Tottenham, putting pressure on Jose Mourinho's men to respond. On their return to Premier League action last week, Harry Kane's brace had put them on course to defeat Newcastle, but Joe Willock's late strike denied Spurs the victory on the road. The North London outfit now need to find a victory against United, who have been strong on the road this term.

Good afternoon and welcome to the live commentary of the Premier League clash between Tottenham and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Revealed: Orlando Pirates XI against Al Ahli Benghazi - Hotto starts, Mntambo dropped

Bucs' starting line-up has been announced ahead of their clash with the Libyan giants in a Group A game on Sunday
Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

‘Back to his ultimate worst’ – How Twitter slammed Iheanacho before he silenced critics with West Ham goal

Before finding the net against the Hammers, football fans had taken to social media to voice their displeasure with the Nigerian’s performance

Kelechi Iheanacho has pulled one goal back for Leicester City in the ongoing Premier League outing against West Ham United.

The Nigerian forward picked up the ball on the edge of the Hammers box and smashed home from 25 yards out. The left-footed strike flashed past goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski who couldn’t keep it out.

The Foxes endured a torrid start at the Olympic Stadium conceding three goals in 48 minutes, with Iheanacho receiving criticism for his 'sloppy display' earlier in the game.

The Super Eagles star has been in outstanding form lately, so criticism for his performance in specific spells has been quite harsh on Twitter.

 

Original author: Shina Oludare

Onuachu scores again to help Genk extend unbeaten run against St. Truiden

The Nigeria international continued his goalscoring run as the Blue and White secured victory over Peter Maes’ men

Paul Onuachu was again on the scoresheet to help Genk extend their unbeaten run with a 4-0 victory over St.Truiden in Sunday’s Belgian First Division A game.

The lanky centre-forward has been turning heads this season and against Peter Maes’ men, he increased his tally to ensure his side clinched all three points at Luminus Arena.

Onuachu was afforded his 30th league start of the season and spearheaded the Blue and White attack in the encounter.

Genk started the game impressively, dominating proceedings and deservedly got their opening goal in the 21st minute through Theo Bongonda.

The Blue and White got their second goal four minutes later when Bryan Heynen fired home a fine effort after receiving a timely assist from Junya Ito.

Kristian Thorstvedt made it three for Genk and with four minutes before half-time, St.Truiden got a glorious chance to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a penalty but Yuma Suzuki missed from the spot.

After the restart, the Blue and White continued their domination and increased their lead in the 53rd minute through Onuachu, who hit the back of the net with a sublime effort after benefitting from Kristian Thorstvedt’s assist.

The Super Eagles striker’s effort was enough to seal the Blue and White's victory in the encounter and extend their unbeaten run to seven games.

With the win, Genk maintain second spot on the Belgian First Division A table after gathering  56 points from 33 games.

Onuachu has now scored 29 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions this season, including 27 in the Belgian top-flight.

The attacker’s impressive goalscoring performances helped him to return to the Nigeria national team when they played the Republic of Benin and Lesotho in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and he scored in each of the outings.

Onuachu will hope to continue his eye-catching performances when Genk take on Royal Antwerp in their next league game on April 18.

The forward has been with the Luminus Arena outfit since the summer of 2019 when he joined the side from Danish club FC Midtjylland.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

‘We’re not going to give up’ – Mohamed upbeat on Galatasaray’s Super Lig title chase

The Egypt international revealed the Yellow-Reds will not surrender in their quest to be crowned as Super Lig champions

Mostafa Mohamed claims Galatasaray are still determined to challenge Fenerbahce and Besiktas for the Turkish Super Lig title, despite Saturday’s uninspiring result against Fatih Karagumruk.

Following back to back defeats to Rizespor and Hatayspor, Fatih Terim's side welcomed Francesco Farioli's men to the Turk Telekom Stadium, albeit, the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

After a tough first-half that ended 0-0, Senegal international Alassane Ndao put the visitors ahead on the hour mark. Two minutes later, the hosts levelled matters through Dutchmen Ryan Babel who converted Gedson Fernandes’ assist.

Gala’s ambition of picking all points at stake suffered a huge blow as Ryan Donk was given his marching orders in the 79th minute as the honours were shared in Istanbul.

That draw ensured the Yellow-Reds remain third in the log – five points behind leaders Besiktas – and the Egyptian is adamant his side will remain in the title fight.

"We fought well; but we didn't win. It was a tough, critical game. We're not going to give up our championship goal by fighting until the last second,” Mohamed told the media, as per the Galatasaray website.

“There are many reasons for the loss of points. We were one short and had a hard time in the final minutes. Hopefully, we will make it up to you next week.”

The 23-year-old Zamalek loanee accounted for six goals in his first six games for Terim’s team, however, he has found it difficult to improve on his goalscoring form.

When asked about the reason that necessitated his inability to find the net in his last five league games, he said: "Sometimes these things happen in football,” he continued.

“I scored a goal today, but it didn't count. There was a hand before that. I hope I start scoring again in the next game.”

Galatasaray would be hoping to return to winning ways when they travel to the İzmir Ataturk Stadium on April 17 for a date with Goztepe.

Unal Karaman's Goz Goz who boast the Nigerian trio of Brown Ideye, Anderson Esiti and Obinna Nwobodo are 10th on the log having accrued 46 points so far.

Original author: Shina Oludare

Prix Marc-Vivien Foe: Who is the best African in Ligue 1?

Prix Marc-Vivien Foe: Who is the best African in Ligue 1? | Goal.com

Ligue 1

15:21 BST 11/04/2021

Lens Lyon cropped

With Prix Marc-Vivien Foe nominees for 2021 revealed, AFHQ Podcast scrutinises the candidates from various clubs across Ligue 1

Original author: Goal

Former Man Utd & Chelsea striker Falcao suffers horror injury in Galatasaray training

The 35-year-old fractured a bone in his face after a clash of heads with Kerem Akturkoglu on Sunday

Galatasaray striker Radamel Falcao has suffered a fractured bone in his face after colliding with a team-mate in training.

The Turkish club announced on Sunday that the Colombia international was taken to hospital for tests after sustaining the injury and faces a spell on the sidelines.

The 35-year-old will undergo a procedure to set the fractured bone in his face and it is not yet known how long he will be out of action.

What has been said?

A statement from the club read: "After the head collision in today's training, a fracture was detected in the facial bones of one of our players, Radamel Falcao, whose examinations were performed at our sponsor hospital Ulus Liv Hospital. 

"The treatment of our player has been planned for this evening with a closed reduction intervention under anaesthesia."

What happened to Falcao?

The former Manchester United and Chelsea forward sustained the injury when he clashed heads with Galatasaray winger Kerem Akturkoglu.

Falcao came away from the clash in much worse shape than the 22-year-old, the Turkish club said.

"Kerem Akturkoglu, who did not encounter any problems during the examinations, will be kept under surveillance for precautionary purposes," the statement added.

How important has Falcao been to Galatasaray?

Falcao has been plagued by injury this season.

The ex-Monaco hero has been limited to just 14 appearances in the Super Lig this season, but he has managed to score eight times.

He was an unused substitute as Fatih Terim's team drew 1-1 with Karagumruk in the Turkish top flight on Saturday.

Gala are currently third in the Super Lig and five points behind leaders Besiktas.

Further reading

Original author: Peter McVitie

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns could be on a Caf Champions League collision course

The Brazilians could also potentially face their former coach Pitso Mosimane and his Egyptian side Al Ahly in the last eight

Mamelodi Sundowns are one of three possible teams Kaizer Chiefs could face in the Caf Champions League quarter-finals.

Masandawana are chasing their second African title in five years in the continent's premier club competition while Amakhosi had never made it as far as the final group stage up until this season's run.

The Glamour Boys' gutsy 2-2 draw with Horoya FC in Conakry on Saturday evening saw them finishing above the Guinea side in Group C (behind group winners Wydad Casablanca) - thanks to having a better head-to-head record.

That means that as per Caf regulations, Chiefs, as runners up in their group, will play one of the teams which finished top.

The rules state also that a team can't meet another side from their previous group in the quarters - which means Wydad Casablanca won't be Amakhosi's opponents.

That leaves one of Sundowns, Tanzania outfit Simba SC or Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis as the three clubs the Soweto side could possibly be up against in the last eight.

Supporters are going to have to wait quite a while though to find out whether the South African rivals will be paired together or not - the draw only takes place on April 30.

The quarter-finals and the semi-finals are both home and away fixtures, while the final itself will be a one-off game this year (without extra time, it will go straight to penalties should the scores be level).

The dates for the quarters are pencilled in as 14-15 May for the first leg and 21-22 May for the second leg.

As one of the four 'unseeded' (second-placed) sides, Chiefs will play the first leg at home and the second leg away, which will either involve a trip to East Africa, North Africa, or Tshwane.

The semi-finals are on the 18/ 19 and 25/ 26 June and the final is scheduled for July 17, with the venue still to be announced.

The other three second-placed sides were Pitso Mosimane's Al Ahly team, and Algerian outfits MC Alger and CR Belouizdad, the team which finished behind Sundowns in Group B.

Video: Real Madrid take Clasico bragging rights to spice up LaLiga title race

Video: Real Madrid take Clasico bragging rights to spice up LaLiga title race | Goal.com

Primera División

11:53 BST 11/04/2021

Benzema Real Madrid 2021

Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona meant they ended Saturday top of the table, ahead of rivals Atletico.

Original author: Goal

Tottenham season will be a 'massive failure' if they miss Premier League top four, says Redknapp

The former Spurs boss says Champions League qualification is a necessity for Jose Mourinho's side

Tottenham's season will be classed as a "massive failure'" if they miss out on a top four finish, according to Harry Redknapp.

Spurs have slipped to seventh in the top-flight standings after 30 fixtures, five points behind Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League spot.

Redknapp says finishing lower than fourth would be unacceptable for Jose Mourinho's side, who he has backed to lay down a marker by beating Manchester United in their crunch encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

What's been said?

“I think the only way it will be deemed a success by the owners and people than run the club, Joe Lewis and Daniel Levy, is Champions League football next season,” the former Spurs boss told talkSPORT. “Anything other than Champions League football will be deemed as a massive failure.

“If they don’t make the Champions League I think it will be a really disappointing year for Tottenham, even if they win the Carabao Cup. The top four is a must for them.”

Pressed to pick a winner between Tottenham and United, Redknapp added: “I fancy Spurs. If I had to put my money down, which I normally do, I’d have to go for Tottenham. Tottenham need it badly if they want to make top four. Liverpool and Chelsea won yesterday, West Ham and Leicester playing today - I’ve got a feeling Tottenham will do it.”

What has Mourinho said about Spurs' top-four chances?

Speaking before his team's disappointing 2-2 draw with Newcastle last weekend, Mourinho admitted that Spurs will have to rely on their rivals faltering if they are to earn a place in next season's Champions League.

“To reach a Champions League position I don’t think we depend on ourselves," he told reporters.

"We depend also on results from other teams. I’m not going to say we are going to do it or not going to do it. We are going one game at a time and the last season was a very good example.

“We were quite a distance, we had a big distance to the top six positions and in the end, in the last minute of the last match we confirmed that position and we have to go in that direction.”

Tottenham's remaining fixtures

After their meeting with United, Spurs will look ahead to a clash with Everton at Goodison Park on Friday, which comes five days before they are due to play host to Southampton.

Mourinho's men will then wrap up their April schedule with a Carabao Cup final showdown against Manchester City, who have been billed as favourites to win the trophy after storming ahead at the top of the Premier League.

Tottenham will be back in top-flight action at home to Sheffield United on May 1, before completing their campaign with fixtures against Leeds United, Wolves, Aston Villa and Leicester City.

Further reading

Ayub Timbe: Vissel Kobe unveil Kenya winger after transfer move

The speedy winger has officially been paraded to the fans by the Japanese after moving to the club on March 1, 2021

Vissel Kobe have officially unveiled Kenya winger Ayub Timbe after he signed for the team three weeks ago.

The speedy winger was without a club since mid-October 2020 after he parted ways with Beijing Renhe, but he was officially unveiled by the Japanese top-flight side - captained by Andres Iniesta - on March 1, although the two parties did not give details of the contract signed.

The Japanese club have now officially unveiled the player, with photos of him greeting a few club fans being posted on their social media pages.

“Welcome to the club, Masika Ayub Timbe,” read the post on Facebook.

In a recent one-on-one interview, Timbe, who also played for EFL Championship side Reading on loan from Renhe, revealed how Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga played a hand in his transfer to Kobe.

“When I was in China I remember watching some of the Vissel Kobe games, there is one game I was so impressed about the team and since then I said to myself Kobe is really a good team and then you guys had Iniesta, you also had Lukas [Podolski], and I was always having this feeling it is a good club,” Timbe said during the interview recorded by Kobe Online TV.

“I also remember talking to my colleague Michael [Olunga] while on national team duty and he was like if you really want to go to Japan and you want a good team, it is Vissel Kobe, it is one of the best teams, like in everything, in the players, in the facilities just everything, so I just had a good feeling with the club before I even I joined.”

Timbe continued: “Almost everywhere, like when I was in Belgium and also England and when I was in Kenya, if you ask anyone do you know any club in Japan, they will say Vissel [Kobe], everyone and for me, it was easy to pick the team when they came for my services.”

Olunga left a mark in Japan while playing for Kashiwa Reysol after he won the Golden Boot in the 2020 J1 League season, when he netted 28 goals in 32 games, and went ahead to lift the Most Valuable Player award, becoming the first African to do so in Japan.

The former Gor Mahia, Thika United, and Tusker forward has since left for Al Duhail SC of Qatar and his performances in the Far East are expected to place considerable pressure on Timbe.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

Uganda Cup: Wakiso Giants gutted to let in two goals vs Water FC – Bamweyana

The Ugandan tactician was delighted to seal a Round of 16 spot but was disapointed to concede two goals against the Fufa Big League side

Wakiso Giants coach Douglas Bamweyana was left gutted after the team conceded two goals despite reaching the Round of 16 of the Uganda Cup at the expense of Water FC.

The Purple Sharks won the return leg at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium 3-1 on Saturday to qualify 5-2 on aggregate, having won the first leg 2-1.

Despite reaching the Round of 16, Bamweyana has hit out at his team for conceding two goals, insisting they should have controlled the match better and "kept everything clean".

“The challenge and our disappointment is we conceded two goals in those games,” Bamweyana said as quoted by Kawowo Sports after the game.

“We should have controlled everything better and kept everything clean but overall, the most important things to go to the next stage and these cup games are really tight and tough with teams below always putting up a stern fight especially teams above them.”

Bamweyana further challenged his players to start producing such results in the Ugandan Premier League, where they are currently struggling to win matches.

“The feeling we have is an expected one,” Bamweyana continued. “I think wins against yes a good team like Water that is in a league below us is a bare minimum.

“So we can’t say we are very happy because we were expected to do justice to that.”

Against Waters in the return leg, Tom Masiko, Ibrahim Kasule, and Ivan Bogere scored the goals on the day for the Sharks, while William Kiibi scored the opponents’ lone goal, as he did in the reverse fixture.

There was only one change from the Wakiso team that started the first leg with Lawrence Bukenya replacing Joshua Lubwama. The Sharks were dominant from start to finish but failed to break the deadlock until the half-hour mark when Masiko scored from over 40 yards.

Kasule added another after beating a few defenders in the area before slotting home as the first half ended 2-0.

A few minutes into the second half, there was a triple change with Yasin Mugume, Rahmat Ssenfuka, and Swaib Mudde replacing Kasule, Masiko, and Geriga Atendele.

Mugume made an instant impact, creating a goal for Bogere with a low cross – his first for the club. Amos Muwonge and Gadafi Wahab also later came on, for Ssekajugo and Bukenya, as we consolidated the lead before Kiibi pulled one back for the visitors.

Sharks will turn their focus to the league with a short trip to Kavumba Recreation Ground, where they will Soltilo Bright Stars.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

LIVE: Inter vs Cagliari

48' Sensi! Vicario has to unload another top save to deny the Inter man, who carves a run out of nothing down the right edge and dips a tasty shot towards goal.

46' We're back underway in Serie A. Will Inter find the breakthrough they're craving? Or can Cagliari trip them up with a major result?

Antonio Conte will have a bit to say about how his side have fared so far. There's a lot of work still to be done, of course, but he'll be frustrated they've not cracked the code up front yet.

It's all square at the interval at San Siro - and it is league leaders Inter who have been held goalless by the work of relegation contenders Cagliari and their young goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. At half-time, it is Inter 0-0 Cagliari.

45' HALF-TIME: INTER 0-0 CAGLIARI

44' Darmian and Sanchez see an attempted combination flagged for offside. It's looking like there will be no score before the break.

42' There's only one winner in this half and it's not Inter. Their inability to crack the visitors is not fatal - there is still a long way to go and they're getting close - but Cagliari will be delighted to have had so much ball.

40' Darmian prods a fast, low effort towards the near-right post and Vicario smacks it away, unable to make a clean collection. Cagliari flash the ball back downfield to ease their immediate concerns.

39' Nainggolan goes from distance! The Inter loanee looks to put his old club down with a strike from over 30 yards out, but Handanovic does well to get low and slap it away.

37' Double chance for Inter! There's a chance any goal would have been ruled out for offside in the build-up but Lukaku first miscues a cut-back in the box and Eriksen then splashes a finish wide.

35' In terms of time on the ball, this has been a very even-keeled affair compared to where the two teams sit in the table. Inter have had only 52 per cent of possession so far.

33' Nainggolan does some sterling work in cutting back to deny Sanchez and Lukaku a lovely one-two play to put the latter through one-on-one with the goal. That may have denied Inter their first goal.

31' Cagliari are keeping any chance of serious expansiveness down if they can; those gaps that they leave are so easily exploited. Inter are looking a little bit frustrated to have not seized an opener.

29' Sanchez pings a low effort in towards Vicario, attempting to beat him at the near post, but the goalkeeper has it surely covered.

28' Every ground that currently hosts top-flight football behind closed doors in Europe surely feels a little different - but perhaps nowhere is as strange as San Siro. The lack of energy is palpable.

26' There hasn't been too much from Ashley Young yet - superb in midweek against Sassuolo - but he's the initial architect of another spell of pressure, before Duncan digs the visitors out of danger.

24' Sensi! Inter feel like they are raining chances down on Cagliari now, as the midfielder flashes an effort from left to right, across the face of goal and out at the far post. Close but no coconut.

22' Skriniar! Inter think they might have the opener as Eriksen turns in a lovely delivery, but the defender is cited for a suspect push in the scramble to get to the ball.

21' Nandez does well to cut off Eriksen after Lukaku lays the ball on for the ex-Spurs man through the right channel, but Inter grab a dangerous free-kick a moment later for a foul on Sanchez.

19' The danger that Inter possess is growing, more readily apparent by the minute. They're making metres far too casually when push comes to shove against this Cagliari defence.

17' Sanchez! Oh, it's a glorious combination from the striker and his old Red Devils partner Lukaku, the latter twisting a short ball through for the former to lift home - but he's just offside. No goal.

15' This is better from Cagliari, who regather possession and position - and look in danger of creating something with it too. They press down both flanks, one after the other, to no result in the end.

13' That strike from the Denmark man has put a little bit of spark into Inter's forward momentum, and they now occupy a foothold just inside the Cagliari half. The visitors look a little bit harried.

11' Eriksen, what a hit! The former Totttenham man picks up a Sensi pass and lashes an effort towards the top-right corner - and it is a corking save from young Guglielmo Vicario to parry.

9' This could be a particularly pedestrian Sunday affair. Not that Inter will care as long as they get the result; their cushion at the summit means this is undoubtedly more desperate for the visitors.

7' Much as they were against Sassuolo, Inter seem unconcerned to be out of possession. There is a comfort to the way Conte has set up his side that they feel unhurried off the ball inside their half.

5' A stroke of luck for Cagliari, as Sensi flashes a square ball through the visitors' box and somehow finds nobody despite multiple attackers lurking. That was a sitter waiting to be tapped home.

3' Even without the presence of players like Lautaro Martinez today, there's still a fearsome quality to this Inter side. It will require Sanchez - enjoying a start - to possibly step up though.

1' We are underway in this Serie A clash between Inter and Cagliari!

The teams have emerged at San Siro and we're moments away from kick-off.

One thing likely guaranteed today? A home goal. Inter have failed to score in only one of their last 37 Serie A meetings against Cagliari, a 0-2 defeat in April 2013.

Subs: Alessandro Tripaldelli, Giuseppe Ciocci, Alberto Cerri, Charalampos Lykogiannis, Giovanni Simeone, Gaston Pereiro, Simone Aresti, Sebastian Walukiewicz, Arturo Calabresi, Kwadwo Asamoah, Ragnar Klavan.

CAGLIARI (3-5-2): Guglielmo Vicario; Daniele Rugani, Diego Godin, Andrea Carboni; Nahitan Nandez, Razvan Marin, Radja Nainggolan, Joseph Alfred Duncan, Gabriele Zappa; Leonardo Pavoletti, Joao Pedro.

Subs: Daniele Padelli, Danilo D'Ambrosio, Roberto Gagliardini, Ivan Perisic, Lautaro Martinez, Achraf Hakimi, Andrea Pinamonti, Ionut Radu, Matias Vecino, Andrea Ranocchia.

INTER (3-5-2): Samir Handanovic; Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni; Matteo Darmian, Stefano Sensi, Marcelo Brozovic, Christian Eriksen, Ashley Young; Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez.

Leonardo Pavoletti meanwhile is one of a host of changes who comes in for the visitors from the team downed by Verona last time out. 

There's four new faces for the hosts from the team who beat Sassuolo in midweek, with Alessandro Bastoni, Stefano Sensi, Marcelo Brozovic and Alexis Sanchez all into the starting line-up.

Leonardo Semplici's side, if anything, have more at stake; their future in the top tier, to be precise. They sit inside the bottom three, five points adrift of safety - and an upset today would hand them a massive boost in the battle for survival.

With only nine games left - and one in hand over nearest rivals Milan, plus an eight-point cushion - Antonio Conte's side look all but set to claim a first Scudetto triumph for a decade. But the Nerazzurri know the task is not yet done.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the 2020-21 Serie A season, as Inter look to further cement their status as champions-elect against relegation-embattled visitors Cagliari at San Siro.

Uganda's Onyango 'doesn't know who will play in World Cup qualifiers' after Magogo criticism

The experienced goalkeeper has responded after the Fufa chief claimed the players should not demand money for poor Chan show

Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango has hinted he may not take part in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers following Fufa president Moses Magogo's scathing attack on the players that featured in the African Nations Championship finals.

Magogo hit out at the players who featured in Chan for what he called "sh**tty football" as the Cranes failed to progress from a group which also had Togo, Rwanda and Morocco. 

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper has now stated he is not ready to play because he is tired of making money for the federation.

"I do not know who will play for him [Magogo] in the World Cup qualifiers because I do not have the time for that," Onyango is quoted as saying by Football256.

"I am really tired of making money for those Fufa guys, let him [Magogo] start another team and we see those who do not play ’sh**ty’ football and make the money for him."

The Premier Soccer League winner said Magogo should have just come out to clear the air on the unsettled arrears, instead of launching a scathing attack on the Chan players.

"Magogo’s public criticism of the players who played at Chan was uncalled for," Onyango added.

"It was just a matter of coming out with an explanation because the truth is Fufa owes them the money.

"I was also told that the federation did not give these players the jerseys they used at the tournament, that is being unprofessional." 

On Friday, retired Mike Mutyaba held demonstrations at the Fufa offices in Mengo to demand the unsettled allowances, only for him to be arrested.

"[Mike] Mutyaba has just exposed them, yes they embezzle players’ funds that is the truth because national team players were supposed to be paid one million shillings each monthly but all in vain," Onyango explained.

In a previous interview, Magogo was outright that the players who featured in Chan were out of order to claim the money, although he added Fufa was working hard to pay them.

"After the sort of performance that they put out in Cameroon, these players should not even be demanding payment," Magogo said.

"When you demand money, what have you put on the table? They went there and played sh**ty football and then come back and demand money. Okay, what are you demanding, what have you done?

"There has been a rumour going on that the Chan players are yet to be paid. Yes, these players have not been paid but we are working on it just like the case with the Hippos."

Uganda will start World Cup qualifiers in June as they are pooled against Kenya, Rwanda and Mali. 

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

'Let me speak!' - Furious Pique confronts referee after Barcelona lose Clasico to Real Madrid

The Spanish defender let his frustration boil over following the Blaugrana's 2-1 defeat to their Liga title rivals at Estadio Di Stefano

Gerard Pique furiously confronted Clasico referee Jesus Gil Manzano after Barcelona's loss to Real Madrid on Saturday.

Barca slipped to third in La Liga following a 2-1 defeat at Estadio Di Stefano, with first-half goals from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos wrapping up the three points for Zinedine Zidane's Madrid.

Oscar Mingueza netted a second-half consolation for the visitors, who felt hard done by after seeing Martin Braithwaite denied a late penalty, and Pique led their protests after the final whistle.

What's been said?

Barca were also left frustrated by a lack of additional time following a lengthy break in play to fix the referee's equipment, with Pique the first man to confront Manzano and his officiating team.

The Spanish defender, who was an unused substitute, could be heard telling Manzano: "You gave us little extra time, and you've been off the field for a long time."

Barca delegate Carlos Naval attempted to restain Pique, who continued by pleading: "'Let me speak, let me speak."

Real move top of La Liga

Zidane saw his team leapfrog Atletico Madrid at the Liga summit courtesy of their superior head-to-head record after their latest victory, with Barca now a point further back in third.

Madrid got off to the perfect start against Barca when Benzema produced a sublime back-heeled finish to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen at his near post 13 minutes into the contest.

Kross' deflected free-kick put the hosts 2-0 up just before the half-hour mark. Barca got themselves back into the game when Mingueza turned home a Jordi Alba cross in the 60th minute, but Madrid held on for the win despite having Casemiro sent off for a second yellow card late on.

What's next?

Ronald Koeman will now have to dust his Barca players off ahead of their Copa Del Rey final meeting with Athletic Club next Saturday.

Madrid are due back in La Liga action away at Getafe a day later, but must first negotiate the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool at Anfield in midweek - where they will defend a 3-1 aggregate lead.

Further reading

Uganda Cup: Express FC did what was required to progress vs Kyetume FC – Bbosa

The veteran tactician maintains their main focus is to win matches in the domestic cup and they did it against Kyetume FC

Express FC coach Wasswa Bbosa has stated the most important thing in the Uganda Cup is to win matches hence his happiness at advancing to the Round of 16 of the competition.

The Red Eagles picked up a 1-0 return leg win over fellow league outfit Kyetume FC on Saturday to advance 3-2 on aggregate since a 2-2 draw was recorded in the first-leg contest.

It was second-half substitute Frank Kalanda who won the game for Express after he converted from 12 yards with three minutes of normal time left to earn his team the win at home.

Coach Bbosa has come out to explain the most important thing in cup games is to win and his team did exactly that to advance, and further confirmed he has now turned his focus to the Ugandan Premier League match against SC Villa on Tuesday.

“The most important thing is we managed to win and stay in the competition,” Bbosa told the club’s official website. “The Uganda Cup only requires you to win.

“We managed to the game well and managed to win, now our focus turns to the league, the Tuesday game is huge and we don’t take it for granted so our focus is to keep our momentum going by winning on Tuesday [against SC Villa].”

On his part, goalkeeper Denis Otim was happy to keep a clean sheet and said they are ready to face any team in the Round of 16.

“We managed to win today [Saturday], we’re very glad that we managed to keep a clean sheet,” Otim told the same portal.

“I want to thank all the players, they were determined and committed because we played as a team to get the result, I also want to thank the coaches because they selected a good team and also prepared as well.

“For me, they’re the reason why we won, and now we focus on the draw [Round of 16] but whoever we get we’re prepared and for the Tuesday game [against SC Villa], we are motivated and we shall surely prepare and win it.”

The first half saw both teams contain each other with nothing to write home about save for Mutyaba Muzamiru, who tried to break down the Kyetume defence and shoot, but Joel Mutakubwa collected the shot calmly in the opening six minutes.

Martin Kizza almost broke the deadlock for the Red Eagles five minutes later when he neatly cut in from the left but his cross was calmly cleared by Mustafa Mujuzi.

After the break, the hosts kept pushing and the breakthrough came with three minutes to go, when winger Kizza made his way into the box and was fouled as he tried to control the ball, and centre referee Rajab Bakasambe pointed to the spot and up stepped Kalanda, who made no mistake to make it 1-0.

Express will shift their focus to the league and next up is an away trip to arch-rivals Villa at the Bombo Military grounds on Tuesday. The Red Eagles won the first meeting 1-0.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

FutPost.com