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Former Bafana Bafana head coach Molefi Ntseki is seeking legal advice following his dismissal by the South African Football Association late last month.

The 51-year-old tactician was fired by the association after Bafana failed to qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals which will be hosted by Cameroon.

Ntseki's agent, Thato Matuka explained that they have forwarded the termination letter to their legal counsel for them to go through it.

The legal counsel will then advise Ntseki and Matuka on what action to take from there onwards.

"It's not a question of happy or unhappy, the contents warranted for us to seek legal advice," Matuka told Daily Sun. 

"Maybe we're not reading it correctly, this is why we wanted a legal person to interpret it better for us, and guide us on the way forward."

Matuka also confirmed that Safa is yet to meet with Ntseki for an exit interview even though it is a mandatory process after every parting of ways.

"Again, maybe it is how we parted, it was not normal," he said.

Safa has reportedly begun the process of finding a new head coach for the senior national team ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers which will start in June 2021.

Matuka also disclosed that Safa is yet to ask Ntseki to submit a report explaining what happened that led to Bafana failing to qualify for the Afcon finals, subsequently leading to his dismissal. 

"The last time we heard about the report was during a media briefing last week. Safa requested the report at the press conference and they have never told us anything about it," he added. 

"Nobody requested a report, though it is ready. Maybe it goes back to how we parted. It was not normal. Nobody has said anything to us except for the termination letter." 

Ntseki was appointed Bafana head coach in August 2019 replacing British tactician Stuart Baxter, who had led the team to the 2019 Afcon quarter-finals in Egypt.

Prior to that, Ntseki had a successful stint as South Africa under-17 head coach guiding the team to the 2015 Caf U17 Africa Cup of Nations and 2015 Fifa U17 Fifa World Cup finals.

Everton midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin has revealed his delight to return from two career-threatening injuries.

The 25-year-old had only played two games for the Toffees since joining the club in the summer of 2019 from Bundesliga side Mainz 05 due to injury problems before returning against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

The midfielder suffered a thigh injury in 2019 and had to undergo surgery, just as he was about to return from the setback, he damaged his Achilles tendon in training in May 2020.

Gbamin has now fully recovered from his injury woes and has appreciated the support he received during his difficult time while also recollecting the journey to his recovery.

“The feeling [coming on] was great. I was waiting for this moment for a long time,” Gbamin told the club website.

“I have been patient and working hard to come back. It was not easy. Finally, being there on Monday night was unbelievable.

“When I was waiting to come on, I was thinking, ‘It’s been a long way until this time’. I was very, very happy and I think you could see that on my face. I was smiling and it was a great moment.

“The fans have been amazing. They were sending me messages on social media and stuff like that [during rehabilitation] and it was very, very warm for them to think about me.

“When I came here, it was like a second family. Everybody in the club was working around me. You feel like you are home, you know? It is special.

“I was close to the comeback after the quadriceps injury. I was thinking I would get some time [on the pitch] and be back playing [before the end of 2019/20] because of the Covid outbreak and all the stuff around the world [delaying the season].

“But, after a few training sessions, I had the Achilles [injury] and it was hard in the moment. But after, I was always positive.

“In my head, I thought, ‘It can be worse – some people in the world don’t have the chance to play football’. I knew it would be a long way to recovery after this injury.

“The Achilles is always very difficult because you can lose your calf, your power and stuff like that. But I was confident.

“I was supported by everybody around me. I received a lot of messages from the fans, [telling me] to not keep my head down.

“At these times, without playing many games for Everton, it was hard. I had played only one-and-a-half games.

“I had to think positively in this time because if I was thinking negatively, I would go down, for sure. My family, here, and the people in Everton were really, really good with me and I want to thank them for that.”

Gbamin will hope to make his fourth appearance for the Goodison Park outfit when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion on April 12.

Peter Odemwingie’s hat-trick goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers has been picked as one of Andy Johnson’s best for West Bromwich Albion.

During his time at the Hawthorns, former Nigeria international Odemwingie found the net thrice when the Baggies subdued their Black Country rivals Wolves 5-1 in a Premier League game at the Molineux on February 12, 2012.

This achievement was recalled because of WBA’s 5-2 demolition of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the weekend – which helped the club hit 500 goals in the Premier League. The Welshman then picked his top five favourite West Brom goals in the competition.

Johnson – who starred for the club between 2001-2006 - explained why the Nigerian’s effort made the cut alongside that of Geoff Horsfield, Chris Brunt and James Morrison.

“Five goals at Chelsea to hit 500 in the Premier League. There were five goals I had to choose for this feature. So I thought why not pick one of the five we scored at Wolves, and if you’re going to pick any one of those, it has to be Peter’s hat-trick goal,” Johnson wrote on the West Brom website.

“I think just like Chelsea last Saturday, that win at Molineux will go down as one of our most memorable Premier League results of all time.

“It’s a result Albion fans will talk about for years and years. You don’t put five past your rivals at their own ground every week.

“It was a fabulous team performance and a brilliant individual display from Odemwingie who thoroughly deserved to go home with the match ball. I loved his celebration too.”

Having featured for West Bromwich Albion between 2010 to 2013, Odemwingie moved Cardiff City and later joined Stoke City. Having completed his loan move to Bristol City, he teamed up with Rotherham United on a permanent deal and then Indonesia Madura United where he ended his career.

Allardyce’s men would be hoping to consolidate on their Blues triumph when they host Ralph Hasenhuettl’s Southampton on Monday night.

As it stands, the relegation battlers are 19th on the table having garnered 21 points from 30 outings in the 2020-21 campaign so far.

Former Ghana international Felix Aboagye has advised Black Stars coach CK Akonnor against playing to the favour of "friends" should he want to stand a chance of leading the team to Africa Cup of Nations glory next year.

The Black Stars are set to make another attempt to end a long wait for a fifth continental title, having last month secured qualification for the next tournament to be hosted by Cameroon between January and February.

Akonnor, who came under fire for the Black Stars' most recent call-up, was appointed as Ghana coach in January last year.

"The coaching job is a different dimension altogether. You are being judged by results and at the moment he has passed one hurdle," Aboagye, who represented Ghana at the 1996 and 1998 Afcon tournaments, said, as reported by Footballghana.

“And the other hurdle that he has to pass is building a winsome team that can go to Cameroon and bring the trophy that has eluded Ghana for quite a very long time.

“So, the ball is in his court, he has to take it very seriously to make sure that at least he will not make friends out of it.

“He has to be serious about his job, he should pick the best from the country and make sure they go and represent the country and bring the trophy back home."

Ghana's last Afcon success came at Libya 1982.

Last month, the Black Stars beat Sudan, South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe to the top spot in Group C in the qualifiers for Cameroon.

Next year's appearance will be the West Africans' 23rd outing at the continental showpiece.

“He [Akonnor] is going to be a hero when he is able to do it [win the Afcon] which has eluded so many coaches for a very long time," Aboagye added.

“So the ball is in his court, he is mature enough now as a [former] player and as a coach, so we can say much but he has the authority, he has the power to do whatever that he wants.

“So the advice I will give him is that he should take the job very very seriously and make sure that he builds a very very winsome team.

"He should pick players who are available, who are playing day-in and day-out and make sure that he builds a winsome team that can go and bring the trophy back to Ghana. I have the trust in him that he has the ability and the capabilities to do that."

The final tournament draw for the group phase of Afcon has been scheduled for June 25.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) FC coach Morley Byekwaso has lauded the impact made by striker Julius Poloto after recovering from injury. 

The midfielder has been out nursing a knee injury since December 2019 when he was involved in the 4-0 win over Proline in the Ugandan Premier League. Last week, the striker came off the bench to score as the Kasasiro Boys claimed a 3-0 win.

On Wednesday, the 21-year-old was once again on target as the Kasasiro Boys defeated Nyamityobora 4-2 in the Round of 32 in the Uganda Cup. 

The tactician has now explained why he always enjoys having the youngster in the team.

"I am extremely happy for him now that he is back and in fine shape," Byekwaso said after Poloto's impact in the domestic competition.

"He has been one of our top players in the last three seasons but unfortunately he has struggled so much with injuries. Let us pray he keeps fit and injury-free because whenever he shines, he will always put the team on top."

On Wednesday, in the game played at the Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, Bright Anukani, Poloto, Sadat Anaku, and Samuel Ssenypnjo scored for the Garbage Collectors while Clinton Kamugisha's brace is all that Nyamityobora managed from the domestic tie.

Anukani gave Kasasiro Boys a third-minute lead from outside the box with a delightfully taken strike. Assistant captain Poloto doubled the lead in the ninth minute with another clinical shot.

Nyamityobora scored in the 23rd minute via Kamugisha to have the deficit before Anukani was denied what could have been his brace by goalkeeper Tom Musinguzi three minutes later.

Four minutes after the half-hour mark, Anaku scored to stretch KCCA's lead. A combination between Herbert Achai, Poloto, and Charles Lwanga almost resulted in a fourth goal for the Premier League side but the latter's header hit the woodwork.

As the second half began, Kamugisha struck again for the Fufa Big League side before KCCA coach Morley Byekwaso made a change in the 65th minute replacing Anaku with Joseph Bukenya.

Steven Sserwada, Keziron Kizito, and Ssenyonjo came on for Anukani, Ashraf Mugume, and Lwanga for the Kasasiro Boys. Ssenyonjo scored the fourth goal for the Byekwaso side after he connected to a corner delivered by Bukenya.

Uganda striker Derrick Kakooza is being hunted by several clubs after impressive displays for Police FC and Hippos.

The teenager helped the Uganda U20 team finish second in the 2021 U20 Africa Cup of Nations held in Mauritania. The Cop scored five goals en route to the final where they lost 2-0.

However, the teenager had done enough to show his potential and ability, and it is for this reason suitors have come from around the world, aiming at getting his services.

"We have received many offers from all the clubs that you have ever dreamt of," the striker's agent Geoffrey Kayembe Ssolo confirmed on Thursday. 

"We are not looking at money, we want to go for the best choice that will offer him the best [in terms of playing time and development]. In a short time, we will reveal to you his new club and the whole of Uganda and Africa will be proud."

The youngster was signed by the Police FC junior team from Naguru Police Academy and went on to gain promotion to the senior team in 2017 while a student at St Mary's Kitende High School.  

Meanwhile, BUL FC have progressed to the Uganda Cup Round of 16 after beating Black Power FC 3-1 in the second leg tie on Thursday in Jinja.

Joseph Ssemujju, Peter Oketch, and Robert Mukonghotya scored for BUL to ensure they progressed courtesy of a 5-1 aggregate score against Black Power.

Ssemujju would have opened the scoring in the 15th minute but he missed the target from close range. Five minutes later he made amends and broke the deadlock in favour of the hosts.

In the 25th minute, Oketch scored the second for BUL before Deogratius Ojok failed to stretch the lead further at the half-hour mark. At half-time, the Jinja club was leading by an aggregate of 4-0.

Mukonghotya scored the third goal as BUL took a commanding lead in the 86th minute after Black Power had denied them a clean sheet when they scored in the 82nd minute from a penalty by Michael Siwa.

The overall winner will play in the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

Kampala Capital City Authority FC head coach Morley Byekwaso has registered his concerns over goals conceded against Nyamityobora in the Uganda Cup duel on Wednesday.

Although KCCA emerged 4-2 winners over the Fufa Big League side at the Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, Byekwaso was far from being impressed by the display at the back. Bright Anukani, Julius Poloto, Sadat Anaku and Sam Senyonjo scored for Kasasiro Boys while Clinton Kamugisha's brace denied the hosts a clean sheet.

"We conceded very lousy goals because of the unseriousness which our defenders showed," Byekwaso said as was quoted by Sports Nation.

"As I told you two days ago, we have been playing a team which is very physical, they have an experienced coach and I knew this would happen because whenever I have met him, he has been very outstanding."

The national U20 side's tactician also explained why missed chances affected them big during the showdown.

"I think they thought our opponents were weak then it later proved to be a strong team so we missed a lot of chances. Had we scored all those chances you wouldn’t have seen us struggling," he added.

"But I think we shall insist on teaching the players on how to overcome such situations and also overcome big games."

The coach hopes they will be able to correct the mistakes witnessed in the first leg, when facing Nyamityobora on Saturday.

"But all in all the second leg will judge who will go through and we hope to rectify our mistakes when we head into the return leg in Mbarara," the tactician, who was appointed to succeed his former boss Mike Mutebi, affirmed.

"We are going to battle it out in a game which is not going to be easy but I think we shall qualify."

Byekwaso had also praised Poloto who has had an impact despite missing the Premier League first round due to an injury. The assistant captain was sidelined by a torn muscle before he made a return against BUL FC.

"I’m extremely happy for him," the coach lauded the star. "He has been out of play for three seasons struggling with injuries and we pray he continues to shine.

"I am extremely happy for him now that he is back and in fine shape. He has been one of our top players in the last three seasons but unfortunately, he has struggled so much with injuries.  

"Let us pray he keeps fit and injury-free because whenever he shines, he will always put the team on top."

Nyamityobora will host the Kasasiro Boys at the Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara for the second leg showdown.

Six Nigerian Women's Premier League teams will lock horns at the Super Six tournament which will be held to decide the champion of the 2020/21 season from April 19-25 in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Bayelsa Queens, Delta Queens, Rivers Angels, Edo Queens, FC Robo and Sunshine Queens will participate in the competition having finished in the top six of the NWPL table after 13 games.

In a statement, the NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi announced that the seven-day event will be played at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium Agege Stadium, with participating clubs expected to arrive on Sunday, 24 hours to kick-off.

The schedule also confirms that the top six clubs will play five matches each during the tournament, with three matches scheduled to take place on the opening matchday, Monday, April 19.

The second round of three matches will be held on Tuesday, April 20, and Wednesday, April 21 will be a rest day for all six clubs, while the third round of three fixtures resuming on Thursday, April 22.

The fourth round continues on Friday, April 23 before another rest on Saturday, April 24, while the final round of games of the round-robin competition, comes up on Sunday, April 25. 

The decision to determine the champion and relegated teams by playoffs were announced by Aisha Falode headed by the Nigeria Women Football League, following a virtual vote by the 14 top-flight clubs. 

The development became necessary as the country raced against time to submit its representatives for the Caf Women's Champions League, resolving for a Super Six and eight-team relegation play-off.

"The clubs rallied round and called for a meeting where their decisions were put to votes leading to the early conclusion of the season to enable Nigeria present representatives for the Caf Women Champions League," Falode told media.  

"This has been the dream of women's football players, club owners, the media and other proponents, for so many years. The result of this is the re-emergence of the Super Six after an earlier decision to play a straight league of 13 matches over 26 weeks. 

"I wish the six clubs; Bayelsa Queens, Delta Queens, Rivers Angels, Edo Queens, FC Robo and Sunshine Queens, good luck as they battle for the title and tickets for the Caf Women Champions League."

Nigeria will present two teams in the maiden edition of the Caf Women's Champions League, having claimed the wild card entry, as the reigning Africa Women's Cup of Nations champions, Goal can exclusively confirm.

This also means the Nigerian winner at the Super Six will earn an automatic ticket to the final phase of the competition, while the runners-up will play in the zonal qualifier for a ticket to the final.

BUL FC have progressed to the Uganda Cup Round of 16 after beating Black Power FC 3-1 in the second leg tie on Thursday in Jinja.

Joseph Ssemujju, Peter Oketch and Robert Mukonghotya scored for BUL to ensure they progressed courtesy of a 5-1 aggregate score against Black Power.

Ssemujju would have opened the scoring in the 15th minute but he missed the target from close range. Five minutes later he made amends and broke the deadlock in favour of the hosts.

The forward had a chance to make it 2-0 but his effort hit the side netting in the 23rd minute as BUL looked settled and more determinant than a side they defeated 2-0 in the first leg at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe two days ago.

In the 25th minute, Oketch scored the second for BUL before Deogratius Ojok failed to stretch the lead further at the half-hour mark. At half time, the Jinja club was leading by an aggregate of 4-0.

Dennis Mugulusi and Dennis Oola were introduced by BUL in the 46th minute for Peter Onzima and Oketch respectively.

Douglas Bithum was injured in the 65th minute and Mukonghotya replaced him while Ssemujju was withdrawn for Anwar Ntege.  Mukonghotya scored the third goal as BUL took a commanding lead in the 86th minute after Black Power had denied them a clean sheet when they scored in the 82nd minute from a penalty by Michael Siwa.

Meanwhile, Mbale Heroes FC have appointed Hassan Kheri as the new head coach to replace Bobic Odawa after the loss to Gaddafi FC in the Uganda Cup.

Odawa had overseen four games in which they ended up losing three. Kheri has laid down his plans of helping the club pick good results in future games.

"The main thing we have here is the history of this club," the new coach said according to Sports Nation. "Mbale Heroes are a historical club which has been in Uganda, playing in the Super League then, winning the Uganda Cup but didn’t represent the country due to a lack of money.

"But now Fifa and Caf came up with a procedure of sponsoring each team that wins and that is why Proline FC were able to do it last time because of Caf money, not Fufa money because it is doing the same in other countries and that is why they put stages in these tournaments if you pass through to another stage, you get a different amount of money.

"And I thank Fufa that it has introduced it in the Uganda Cup where the winner gets Ush50 million and each club knocked out at the Round of 32 gets Ush1.5 million but I don’t want us to stop at that. 

"We can’t lose to Gaddafi by just one goal. We can turn the theme around and this where Mbale Heroes have a history."

Mbale Heroes came close to earning Premier League promotion but lost 1-0 to Kitara in the playoffs last season.

Borussia Dortmund are relaxed about transfer interest in Erling Haaland and have not set a deadline to decide his future, says sporting director Michael Zorc.

The 20-year-old Norwegian is currently one of the most in-demand players in world football, with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Manchester United all vying for his signature.

Dortmund have repeatedly said they have no plans to sell the striker this summer, with Zorc revealing he has reiterated the club’s stance to his agent Mino Raiola.

What did Zorc say about Haaland’s future?

Dortmund are no strangers to dealing with transfer speculation surrounding one of their star players, with Manchester United heavily linked with a move for England forward Jadon Sancho last summer.

Sancho ultimately ended up staying in Germany, with Dortmund reportedly setting the Red Devils a deadline to come up with an acceptable offer that came and went.

The club do not appear to be using such tactics on this occasion though, with Zorc equally relaxed about Raiola’s trip to Spain last week to hold talks with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"I don't see the need to set deadlines [for transfers] at the moment.” said Zorc.

"With Erling Haaland, we have a clear stance which we have communicated to the parties involved.

"Yesterday I spoke to Mino Raiola. We've made our intentions very clear. It's no problem when Alfie [Haaland's father] and Mino want to take a sunbathe on the Mediterranean Sea.

"I am relaxed because I know what we want."

The bigger picture

Dortmund have been consistent in their desire to keep Haaland despite the intense interest in his services.

They see him as central to their future plans under new boss Marco Rose, who takes over this summer, and showed with Sancho last year that they will not be bullied into selling a prized asset.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League may increase the pressure to sell but they would still demand a sky-high fee for a player who still has three years left on his contract.

Such a fee may prove prohibitive for even the game’s biggest clubs given the financial hit caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

A release clause worth a reported €75 million (£67m/$92m) also kicks in next year, meaning those clubs may yet decide to sit tight for another 12 months.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Kearyn Baccus has urged his teammates to adopt an attacking approach than playing for a draw when they meet Horoya AC in Saturday's Caf Champions League Group C match.

It is the final game of their group and they are tied on eight points with Horoya who held them 0-0 in the reverse fixture at FNB stadium in February.

This has left Amakhosi needing to record at least a scoring draw to progress to the last-eight of this competition.

"The boys are in good spirits, we are ready to go for Saturday. We want to do well in the Champions League since we are not doing so well in the PSL at the moment," Baccus told Chiefs media.

"But we are all ready and excited. We are in good spirits. For me I would rather attack and lose than defend and draw so I think if we play our all-out attack and go for it, we have nothing to lose. The experience for the young boys[from the Champions League] is massive. Like you see [Happy] Mashiane is doing really well and they are stepping up which is good. 

"It is a difficult time where we really need them. But as older players, we also have to do our bit and hopefully, we can do well on Saturday and get a result."

While Amakhosi have been struggling at home this season in both the Premier Soccer League and knockout competitions, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals might work as a consolation in a difficult season.

They would take solace in the feat especially that it is the first time they participated in the Champions League group stages.

Baccus' teammate Reeve Frosler says they go into the Horoya match feeling confident after they beat Wydad Casablanca 1-0 last weekend at home.

"We are feeling confident and good. Our last Caf result was very good for us. We take that confidence into this match and hopefully we can continue to do well in the competition," said Frosler.

"I think for us the most important thing is to stay confident in ourselves and trust our abilities that we are playing away. It should be a different ball game but we have to be patient and know that we can do it. We just have to believe in ourselves and we go past this step."

Frosler feels that their Champions League experience can come in handy for Bafana Bafana.

"The Champions League gives us a lot of experience at continental and international level," Frosler said.

"Hopefully we will take this experience and learn from it so that when we get a chance to represent our countries we can then understand what it feels like playing in Africa. We will know how to manage games and situations. It helps us as we grow as footballers in our careers."

Jorginho "wants to return to Italy", according to his agent Joao Santos, who says the Chelsea star is interested in Juventus, Inter and Milan.

Chelsea forked out £50 million ($69m) to bring Jorginho to Stamford Bridge from Napoli in July 2018, and he has since established himself as a key member of the squad.

However, the Italian midfielder has been tipped to make his way back to Serie A this summer, with his agent now claiming that he would welcome the chance to embark on the next chapter of his career in his homeland.

What's been said?

Santos told Radio Kiss Kiss of Jorginho's transfer desires: "He wants to return to Italy: if Napoli will have the will to bring him back to the squad, we will be well disposed.

"He costs 50 million euros and still has a two-year contract. I think [Roman] Abramovich will propose a renewal shortly anyway.

"Juve? [Fabio] Paratici knows football. He is not interested only in the Bianconeri, but also in Inter and Milan."

What has Jorginho said about his future?

Jorginho has already admitted that going back to Italy at some point holds great appeal to him, having been asked if he plans to take in a second spell at Napoli following Chelsea's 2-0 win against Porto in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday.

“I had a wonderful experience and I’m very fond of the city and the fans," said the 29-year-old. "Now, honestly, I’m not thinking about it because my concentration is all on Chelsea, but if there’s the possibility, one day, you don’t know when, to return, of course I would like to.”

Jorginho's record at Chelsea

Jorginho has racked up 128 appearances for the Blues to date, scoring 16 goals while also providing four assists.

The Italy international helped Chelsea win the Europa League in his first season at the club, and has also picked up runners' up medals in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Bigger picture

Jorginho has enjoyed a prominent role in Thomas Tuchel's set-up since the German's arrival at Chelsea in January, and his continued presence could be vital to their chances of finishing the season with a trophy - with a Champions League and FA Cup double still up for grabs.

Speculation over the former Napoli star's future will likely increase at the end of the season, though, despite the fact he is contracted to remain in west London until 2023.

Chelsea have yet to open talks with Jorghino over an extension, and their resolve could be tested if one or more of the top clubs in Serie A launches a summer bid.

Further reading

Namungo FC have been held to a 1-1 draw with Ihefu in a Tanzania Mainland League match played at the Kasim Majaliwa Stadium in Lindi on Thursday.

Raphael Loth scored for the visitors with Ibrahim Ali replying for the hosts.

The Thursday game was a relief for football lovers in the country after more than a month.

The visitors started the match on a high and after several failed attempts, they managed to get their goal in the 23rd minute. Namungo failed to clear the ball from their danger zone and they ended up conceding a corner.

It was brought in well and after failure by the Ruangwa-based charges to clear the danger, the ball eventually fell to Loth who tapped in from close range and ensure his team went to the break with a lead.

The Tanzania Caf Confederation Cup representatives had to wait until the 62nd minute to equalise. 

A long ball from the back was controlled well by Abdulhalim Humoud and he picked the advancing Ali, and the latter unleashed a volley which the goalkeeper could do nothing about.

Despite late pressure by the 2019/20 FA Cup finalists, the debutants held on to get a point on the road. 

After the draw, Namungo are 10th on the table with 28 points from 19 matches played. They have won seven matches, drawn as many, and lost five. They have scored 16 goals and conceded as many.

Ihefu are second last with 21 points after 25 games. They have won five matches, drawn six, and lost 14.

In another top-tier assignment, Mbeya City and Kagera Sugar settled for a goalless draw.

Namungo FC XI: Jonathan Nahimana, Miza Kristom, Japhary Mohamed, Frank Magingi, Kalos Protus, Abdulhalim Humoud, Ibrahim Abdallah, Steve Nzigamasabo, Stephen Sey, Lukas Kikoti, Sixtus Sabilo

Subs: Lucas Chembeja, Rogers Gabriel, Hamis Fakhi, Fred Tangalo, Adam Salamba, ErickKwizela, Hashimu Manyanya

Ihefu XI: Deogratius Munish, Omary Kindamba, Hassan Mwasapili, Michael Masinda, Osca Masai, Samwel Onditi, John Kitenga, Raphael Loth, Abeid Heradi, Omary Mponda, Joseph Mahundi

Subs: Isihaka Luhamba, Mando Mkumbwa, Godfrey Kuwanza, Enock Mkanga, Jordan John, Paul Luyungu, Shaban Hamis

Kaizer Chiefs have announced Leonardo Castro has a broken nose and did not travel to Conakry for Saturday's Caf Champions League Group C final match against Horoya AC.

Castro sustained the injury on Tuesday in the Premier Soccer League 2-2 draw against Stellenbosch in a match he grabbed Chiefs' first goal.

The Colombian was injured while featuring in his first match upon returning from another spell on the sidelines where he missed five games.

It is a huge blow for Chiefs who will also be without another forward Samir Nurkovic who is suspended after being red-carded in their last Champions League game against Wydad Casablanca.

"While Chiefs will be missing goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, striker Samir Nurkovic through suspension, and Leonardo Castro because of a broken nose, Amakhosi do have Khama Billiat in their travelling party and will be hoping the duo will be able to play some part in Chiefs' quest to get the result they need in Conakry," the club said in a statement.

Before receiving the injury update on Castro after the Stellenbosch match, coach Gavin Hunt had placed much hope on the Castro-Khama Billiat combination to give them victory in Conakry.

Chiefs are sitting third in their group with eight points, the same as second-placed Horoya and the situation has left the Soweto giants needing to score on Saturday.

But if they manage to beat their opponents, they would become the first South African club to beat the Guineans away after Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits failed to do so previously.

The reverse fixture between Chiefs and Horoya ended goalless at FNB Stadium in what was Chiefs' first ever Champions League group match.

In the travelling squad that left for Guinea on Thursday, Chiefs also left behind Anthony Akumu, Philani Zulu, Kgotso Moleko and Darrel Matsheke.

They welcome back Erick Mathoho and Dumisani Zuma who both missed the Wydad game last weekend.

Itumeleng Khune is expected to start in goal in the absence of the injured Akpeyi.

Caf president Patrice Motsepe and Simba SC's bankroller Mohamed Dewji have been listed among the richest persons in Africa in the Forbes 35th annual World’s Billionaires' list.

New Caf chief Motsepe - who was elected unopposed to take the mantle from Ahmad Ahmad - ranks above Dewji as he is in position nine with a fortune worth $3 billion.

Dewji, a passionate football lover who is understood to have invested billions in Wekundu wa Msimbazi, is the only East African to have made it into the latest list.

Forbes has listed Dewji's fortunes as standing at $1.6 billion above Youssef Mansour of Egypt at $1.5 billion. Othman Benjeloun of Morocco with a fortune of $1.3 billion is 15th while South Africa's Michiel Le Roux stands in 16th position with wealth worth $1.2b.

Zimbabwe's Strive Masiyiwa and Yaseen Mansour of Egypt are 17th and 18th respectively with wealth worth $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion respectively.

Under Dewji, Simba have been able to sign key players assembled to pursue their Caf Champions League dream.

After faltering at the preliminary stage in the 2019/20 season, the investor pursued key players like Bernard Morrison, Joash Onyango, Perfect Chikwende, Taddeo Lwanga, Larry Bwalya, Chris Mugalu and Peter Muduhwa in an effort to strengthen the team.

Currently, Simba top Group A of the Champions League - with 13 points - after picking four wins and a draw and have not lost a single game.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi have also made their targets in the Africa club's premier competition known. As they have already qualified for the quarter-finals, the Tanzanian giants are now targeting to reach the penultimate stage.

Apart from the continental targets, Simba have been dominant in the local front having been Mainland Premier League champions for the last three seasons. Indeed, they lifted the league title, the FA Cup and the Community Shield in the 2019/20 season.

Apart from the investment in the playing unit, the Msimbazi giants built a modern training ground in Bunju, Dar es Salaam.

When Dewji made a move to acquire the club's majority stake four years ago, he stated why there was a need to have the giants compete at a higher level in the country. 

“Simba fans need to see their club winning top honours and it is important that we recruit top-quality players, hire outstanding coaches and if we set aside 4bn/- per season, we will certainly be an edge above our competitors - Young Africans and Azam FC," stated the investor then.

"I want to see Simba win the Caf Champions League title. Our club is not supposed to be where it is at the moment, running four seasons without winning the league title is unacceptable."

Since his takeover, Wekundu wa Msimbazi have not experienced financial difficulties as was the case before his arrival.

Currently, with three games in hand, they are standing second to archrivals Yanga in the Mainland Premier League chart.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that offside calls could be automated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with further advances in technology planned amid ongoing criticism of VAR.

A highly-respected ex-Gunners boss is currently filling a role as chief of global football development for FIFA.

With a prominent position within the games’ governing body being held, the Frenchman is well placed to pass comment on the changes being lined up that are intended to make life easier for match officials and eradicate mistakes caused by human error.

What has been said?

Wernger has told FIFA’s Living Football show: “The automated offside I think will be ready for 2022. Automated means it goes directly from the signal to the linesman and the linesman has on his watch a red light that tells him offside or not offside.

“At the moment we have situations where the players are on lines to see if they are offside or not. On average, the time we have to wait is around 70 seconds, sometimes one minute 20 seconds, sometimes a little bit longer when the situation is very difficult to appreciate.

“It is so important because we see many celebrations are cancelled after that for marginal situations and that's why I believe it is a very important step.

“The semi-automated goes first to the VAR, who signals it to the linesman. I'm pushing very hard to have the automated offsides, which means straight away the signal goes to the linesman.”

How are the plans progressing?

The semi-automated system was trialled by FIFA at the 2019 Club World Cup and positive progress has been made since then.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which oversees and governs football’s rulebook, has said that it will continue to review the offside law and the technology that is being put in place to make decisions easier to come by.

Wenger added: “FIFA and IFAB have always maintained that the final decision will remain with the referee, with technology being introduced to provide the officials with the best support available.”

The bigger picture

FIFA has already introduced Video Assistant Referees to football at the highest level across Europe, with leading domestic divisions and major international tournaments now using VAR.

That system has not been universally well received, with many big calls still being questioned while controversy is never far away when it comes to offside decisions that can be determined by a matter of millimetres.

The use of pitch-side monitors has also faced criticism, with inconsistency from officials still existing, while plenty are calling for the speed of VAR rulings to be increased as games can become disjointed after lengthy delays in play.

Further reading

Jorginho has revealed that he intends to return to Napoli “one day”, but the Italy international insists Chelsea will continue to get his full commitment for the foreseeable future.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who secured a switch to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2018, has never made any secret of the fact that he would like to retrace his steps to Naples.

Such a switch remains part of his long-term plans, with the Brazil-born star eager to head back to familiar surroundings before the day comes to hang up his boots.

What has been said?

Quizzed again on a potential return to Napoli by Sky Sport Italia, Jorginho has said: “I had a wonderful experience and I’m very fond of the city and the fans.

“Now, honestly, I’m not thinking about it because my concentration is all on Chelsea, but if there’s the possibility, one day, you don’t know when, to return, of course I would like to.”

When does Jorginho’s contract expire?

The classy midfielder is tied to Chelsea through to the summer of 2023.

Big money would be required to free him from that agreement, with a prominent role being held down in Thomas Tuchel’s plans in west London.

It may be that Jorginho allows his deal to run down before returning to Italy as a free agent.

The bigger picture

For now, Jorginho has plenty to occupy his thoughts for club and country.

Further talk of a second spell at Napoli can wait, with major silverware being chased down.

Chelsea are in the process of trying to tie up a top-four finish in the Premier League, while also progressing positively to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Once a domestic campaign comes to a close, Jorginho is poised to head off on European Championship duty with Italy.

Quizzed on whether he would rather make the final of that competition or get a shot at Champions League glory, Jorginho said: “It’s impossible to choose. I’d take both, of course.”

Chelsea have established a 2-0 lead over Porto in the first leg of their continental clash, while the Azzurri are due to face Turkey, Wales and Switzerland in the group stage of this summer’s rescheduled Euros.

Further reading