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Premier League side Arsenal have joined the Rwandan community in the 27th commemoration of the 1994 genocide.

In a video message promoted by captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, forward Alexandre Lacazzette, midfielder Granit Xhaka and manager Mikel Arteta among the club's officials, the Gunners praised the Rwandans' resilience after the acts against humanity that occurred more than two decades ago.
 
"We stand together with Rwanda and Rwandans around the world to commemorate the genocide against the Tutsi. We honour the memory of more than one million victims and pay tribute to the strengths and courage of the survivors by being open about the past and we can build a brighter future," Arsenal's video stated.

"A future defined by love and respect.

"27 years later, Rwanda's growth and determination is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity. We remember. Unite. Renew."

The civil war - which was triggered by the assassination of the then president Juvenal Habyarimana - occurred between April 7 and July 15, 1994 - and it is estimated almost 800,000 people, mostly from the Tutsi community, were killed. 

Rwanda's ambassador to Switzerland, Marie Chantal Rwakazina, joined Arsenal as she explained why there is a need to remember the genocide as the complete pursuit of justice for the victims goes on.

"Denial is the last step in the cycle of all genocides and a prelude to the start of a new cycle. Today, we are witnessing an unprecedented resurgence of denial of the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Most of the deniers reside in Western cities and capitals," Rwakazina told The New Times.

"I call on all the countries to adopt laws criminalizing the denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Better prevention of genocide denial is about bringing justice to the victims and preserving evidence of the genocide. 

"We all need to focus on this and fight against genocide denial in all its forms and everywhere it may appear."

In 2018, Arsenal and Rwanda signed a three-year deal that will see the Premier League side promote the country's tourism and hospitality industries.

French champions PSG later signed a three year deal with Rwanda as well. 

The deal with Les Parisiens will see tea and coffee from the East African country exclusively be sold at Le Parc des Princes, the home stadium of PSG with a capacity close to 48,000.

Emmanuel Petit has slammed Arsenal's "ridiculous" transfer business while urging Mikel Arteta to clear out "half the dressing room".

The Gunners have gone from Premier League title contenders and Champions League regulars to also-rans on both domestic and European fronts in recent years.

Petit thinks poor recruitment has been the biggest factor in his old club's decline, and has admitted that he no longer expects anything from a squad currently being run by Mikel Arteta.

What's been said?

"For me, the biggest mistake they have made in the last few years is their ridiculous transfer activity," the former Arsenal midfielder told Ladbrokes.

"OK, it’s a question of money and they don’t have the same finances as Manchester United and Manchester City, but they’re not far behind those clubs.

"They still have the power to get big players in. But the way they’ve spent money in the last six or seven years… who is directing that? I’m just asking that question: who is in charge of these decisions? Does the manager have a say, is it his responsibility? Or is it someone on the board?

"I don’t understand the profile of players they’ve brought in – especially in defence.

"I try not to get emotional anymore when I look at Arsenal. I try to step back and put away my emotions. I try and look at them like a normal team. I have to tell myself 'don’t expect anything special from them today.' This is the way I am now."

Petit labels Arsenal a 'retreat football club'

The likes of David Luiz and Willian have faced plenty of criticism since swapping Chelsea for Arsenal, with it suggested that the north London outfit no longer have the pulling power to attract the best young talent in European football.

Petit thinks the more experienced members of Arteta's squad have been guilty of coasting, and would like to see the Spaniard get rid of the deadwood when the summer transfer window opens.

"When I look at the older players in the team, it’s like they think it’s a retreat football club, somewhere you just go for a vacation," he added. "They have ambition, but I don’t really expect them to win big games anymore.

"If you took away the name ‘Arsenal’ and looked at that group of players… average.

"At the end of the season, if I’m Arsenal, if I’m Arteta, if I’m on the board, to be honest with you, I think my main concern is getting half of the dressing room out. Honestly.

"The question is simple; how many Arsenal players would you look at and say ‘they’re one of the best in the league in that position’?"

What can Arsenal still achieve in 2020-21?

The Gunners only have the Europa League left to play for heading into the final two months of the season, having fallen way down the Premier League standings while also exiting both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Arsenal are sitting 10th in the top-flight with just eight matches remaining, ten points behind fourth-placed West Ham in the race for the final Champions League spot.

Arteta could still guide the team into the elite continental competition by delivering Europa League success, though, with the first leg of their quarter-final clash against Slavia Prague set to take place at Emirates Stadium on Thursday.

Further reading

Ugandan Premier League side Onduparaka FC have confirmed the suspension of two players for violation of the club's rules.

Without specifying the issues around the suspension of Oscar Agaba and Keline Mohamed, the Caterpillars have confirmed the duo have been suspended until further notice.

"This serves to inform all our fans and stakeholders that the club management has decided to indefinitely suspend two players for numerous cases that violate the club code of conduct," Ondparaka's statement obtained by Goal on Wednesday, read.

"Mr Oscar Agaba and Mr Kyeline Mohamed, the players in context, have been informed to serve this suspension without any direct o indirect involvement in the club's everyday activities.

"The Onduparaka management does not tolerate indiscipline of its staff or players whose actions keep our core values and principles in jeopardy. Therefore, the mentioned players shall not act in disguise as players of Onduparaka Football Club until further notice."

The two have been suspended as the second round of the Premier League - a competition seen as the most competitive in recent history - catches speed.

Meanwhile, Wakiso Giants' Edward Satulo could be sidelined for a long period after he tore a ligament during Tuesday's training session.

Satulo was part of the squad that featured and lost 2-1 to Mbarara City in a Premier League contest and his injury is set to be a big blow for a side that is fighting to get positive results and move above the relegation zone.

“We have one long term injury case and that’s 'Edward ]Satulo,” head coach Douglas Bamweyana said as was quoted by the club's portal.

“From the scan, he has torn ligaments and we don’t expect him for the rest of the season as he can only be fully back in two or three months."

On a positive note, midfielder Rahmat Ssenfuka has returned to training to boost the team. The Purple Sharsk will play Bright Stars on Wednesday, April 14 after the Uganda Cup tie against Water FC.

After a win, a draw and three losses in the last five games, Wakiso are 16th with 16 points, just above Kyetume FC, Malaba Youth Development Association FC and Kitara FC.

At the top, Vipers Sports Club are leading on goal difference over the second-placed Uganda Revenue Authority as both have 36 points while Express FC are third, a point below the leaders.

Fifa has suspended Chad from football with immediate effect, a decision taken by the Bureau of the Fifa Council.

However, the suspension will be reversed as soon as the relevant government decisions have been revoked.

“The Bureau of the Fifa Council decided to suspend the Chadian Football Association (FTFA) with immediate effect due to government interference,” a statement from the Fifa website read.

“The suspension was prompted by the recent decisions of Chadian government authorities to permanently withdraw the powers delegated to the FTFA, establish a national committee for the temporary management of football and seize control of the FTFA’s premises.

“The suspension will be lifted once the relevant government decisions have been repealed and the FTFA and its management, led by president Moctar Mahamoud Hamid, have confirmed to Fifa that the FTFA premises are again under its control.”

In December 2020, Fifa had disregarded a request from the country’s ministry of sports to dissolve the Chadian Football Federation.

On March 10, the minister for youth and sports released a statement to prevent the FTFA from performing its obligatory duties due to a reported dispute between both parties.

That saw Les Sao disqualified from the Africa Cup of Nations qualification race, just a few days prior to their fixtures against Namibia and Mali, although they sat at the base of Group A.

“Following the withdrawal of the FTF's approval by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Chad, Caf has decided to disqualify the Chad national team from the qualifiers for the Total Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021,” the Caf statement read.

“Consequently, scheduled qualifier matches between Namibia (match 106) and Mali (match 130) for Total Afcon 2021 are cancelled.

“In line with Article 61 read together with Article 64 of the Caf Regulations, Chad is considered a loser of both matches against Namibia and Mali."

Chippa United technical advisor Luc Eymael has confirmed he is preparing to return to Belgium as his services might no longer be required by the Gqeberha club, without him overseeing a single match for the second time since "political interference" is blocking him from working in South Africa.

The controversial Belgian was handed a role on the Chilli Boys' technical department on Monday and two days after he was appointed, he is set to be relieved of his duties. 

This would be a similar situation to four months ago when he was fired by Chippa just 24 hours after they had hired him as their head coach.

At that time, club owner Siviwe Mpengesi gave in to pressure from Safa and some politicians, who objected to Eymael's appointment following some racist remarks he allegedly made during his time as Young African coach in Tanzania.

"No they don't want to fire me, they want to withdraw. Yes, why fire? It is because of political interference," Eymael told Goal.

"I don't know what will happen. I'm waiting for the club to come back to me so at this moment I will wait to see what will happen.

"Perhaps I will travel to Johannesburg tomorrow [Thursday] and then I will have to have a Covid-19 test and go back to Belgium." 

Chippa's management is set to meet the technical team on Wednesday according to the club's communication manager Sisa Majola, although the meeting's agenda has not been shared.

"We will meet the management this morning, and after that we will meet with the technical team‚" Majola told Times Live.

Following his appointment on Monday, Eymael had immediately got down to work with former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Luyolo Nomandela becoming the first player to be signed during his tenure as technical advisor.

That came amid pressure, especially from opposition political party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who led the objection of Eymael rejoining Chippa in a strongly-worded statement.

"The EFF Eastern Cape rejects and condemns the appointment of the racist and arrogant Luc Eymael by Chippa United as it's new coach after the sacking of Dan Malesela," the party said.

"This racist was rejected by Safa last year when he planned his return to the country and province‚ and [Safa] announced that it intended to oppose his application for a work permit at home affairs.‚” the par

"The owner of Chippa United has once more stunned the nation and province by appointing the same racist coach. We want to reiterate our stance that we will ensure Luc Eymael won't work in our province‚ he is not welcome and we don't have room for racists in this country.

"If Siviwe Mpengesi knows what's best for his team Chippa United‚ he will withdraw the appointment of this unrepentant racist from Belgium‚ the country of King Leopold who killed black people in Africa.

"We are a country with a dark past [that] still deals … with its challenges of racism … we don't need another racist to add to our problems."

Pep Guardiola is a "magical man", according to Marcelo Bielsa, who says he's "given up" trying to imitate the Manchester City boss.

Bielsa is currently preparing his Leeds United team for a trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, where they will come up against the runaway Premier League leaders.

The Argentine has talked up Guardiola's qualities as a coach ahead of that fixture, admitting he has been unable to replicate the Spaniard's trademark playing style over the course of his own managerial career.

What's been said?

"He's a magical man. What he knows how to do is extremely difficult for me to try [to copy] and I’ve already given up, but I have genuine admiration for what he does," Bielsa told DAZN.

"Interpreting the novel decisions that he incorporates into a game is already a way of falling in love with football."

What has Guardiola said about Bielsa?

Guardiola has expressed his admiration towards Bielsa on a number of occasions, including during a press conference before City's 1-1 draw at Elland Road back in October.

The City tactician insisted he considers himself to be below the 65-year-old in the list of the best managers in the game despite boasting a far superior record in terms of trophies won.

“He is probably the person I admire the most in world football - as a manager and as a person,” said Guardiola. "I think he is the most authentic manager all the time. In terms of how he conducts his teams, he is unique.

"The value of the manager does not depend on how many titles he has won. My teams have won more titles than him but in terms of knowledge of the game, I am still below him.

“His teams are always a joy to watch; how honest they are, they always want to attack and produce good football for the spectators.”

Bielsa's record against Guardiola

Bielsa has come up against Guardiola four times on the touchline, and has yet to record a victory, losing twice and drawing twice.

Guardiola's Barcelona beat a Bielsa-led Athletic Club 3-0 in the 2012 Copa del Rey final, and the former also had the superior head-to-head record in La Liga that season.

Athletic earned a 2-2 draw at San Mames stadium in the first-ever meeting between the two managers, but Barca won the reverse fixture at Camp Nou 2-0.

How have Leeds performed in the Premier League this season?

Leeds have impressed during their first season back in Premier League, rising to 11th in the table with eight matches left to play.

Bielsa's side should comfortably avoid the drop, and could even push for a European place if they win the majority of their remaining games.

The Whites have entertained fans with their slick passing interchanges and willingness to throw men forward, scoring 47 goals, but have also shipped 48 at the other end of the pitch.

Further reading

Yanga SC defender Dickson Job has praised the tactics used by the team’s acting coach Juma Mwambusi and said he is confident the preparations they have been undergoing will give them good results in their upcoming matches.

The Jangwani giants have pitched camp at Avic, Kigamboni grounds in Dar es Salaam since the Mainland Premier League took a break to mourn the sudden demise of Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli.

And with the top-tier set to resume on Saturday and Yanga lined up to face KMC FC at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Job, who signed for the team from Mtibwa Sugar at the start of the season, has praised coach Mwambusi for his training tactics ahead of the resumption.

“We are progressing well with the preparations for our next Premier League games and the FA Cup, we have had a long period of preparation under coach Juma [Mwambusi],” Job, who is yet to feature for Yanga due to a muscle injury that kept him out of action for a long time since January, said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“The coach has improved a lot of things since he was given the squad in various areas including increasing our confidence and tactics to seek victory so, I believe we will show great changes in our next games.”

Mwambusi is handling the team on an interim basis after they moved to fire Burundian coach Cedric Kaze on March 7 after their 1-1 draw against Polisi Tanzania.

Meanwhile, Mwambusi has also praised the team’s response from training sessions since he took over, insisting they are well motivated to do well when the league resumes.

“The players are getting stronger and ready for the upcoming matches, even in practice they seem to be strong which is a good thing,” Mwambusi said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“The biggest thing I believe they will do is to make a difference and get results in future matches as everything is going well.”

Yanga are currently topping the 18-team league table with 50 points from 23 matches while rivals and defending champions Simba SC are second on 46 points but have played three matches fewer.

Ligue 1 outfit Lille believe Reinildo Mandava can emulate Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Cote d’Ivoire’s Nicolas Pepe by winning the 2021 Prix Marc-Vivien Foe.

The Mozambican left-back made the shortlist for the accolade given to the best African player in the French elite division alongside Karl Toko-Ekambi (Cameroon & Olympique Lyon) and Alexandre Oukidja (Algeria & Metz).

Nayef Aguerd (Morocco & Rennes), Farid Boulaya (Algeria & Metz), Andy Delort (Algeria & Montpellier), and Idrissa Gueye (Senegal & Paris Saint-Germain) also made the cut.

Others include Tino Kadewere (Zimbabwe & Olympique Lyon), Gael Kakuta (DR Congo & RC Lens), Boulaye Dia (Senegal & Reims) and Seko Fofana (Cote d'Ivoire & Lens)

While felicitating with the 27-year-old on his recent feats, Les Dogues are upbeat Mandava can match former players Pepe and Osimhen, who picked up the honours in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

“Huge congrats to Reinildo Mandava following his nomination for the Marc-Vivien Foe Prize, awarded to the best African player in Ligue 1. Fingers crossed our full-back can emulate recent winners Nicolas Pepe (2019) and Victor Osimhen (2020),” the French elite division outfit tweeted.

Thanks to his form in his maiden season in France, Nigeria’s Osimhen saw off competition from compatriot Moses Simon, Saint-Etienne’s Denis Bouanga, Montpellier’s Andy Delort, Monaco’s Islam Slimani plus Rennes’ trio of Mbaye Niang, Hamari Traore and Edouard Mendy to win the 2020 Prix Marc-Vivien Foe.

With that, he became the second Nigerian after Vincent Enyeama (2014) to claim the individual prize since its inception in 2009.

Winners of this year’s edition will be decided by votes of the jury made up of African sports journalists.

In the ongoing 2020-21 campaign, Mandava has featured in 22 Ligue 1 games as Christophe Galtier's men sit at the summit of Ligue 1 having amassed 66 points from 31 outings - three points ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG.

The former Belenenses man is expected to be in action when Lille travel to Stade Saint-Symphorien on Friday for their showdown versus Frederic Antonetti's Metz.

The Maroons, who boast of 16 Africans in their squad, occupy the ninth position after amassing 42 points from 31 matches.

Manchester United and Chelsea-linked winger Lucas Vazquez has dismissed ongoing transfer rumours while insisting he "will always be a Real Madrid man".

Vazquez is approaching the last two months of his contract at Santiago Bernabeu and there has yet to be any concrete news over a possible extension.

The 29-year-old is relaxed about his future amid talk of a possible move to the Premier League, though, having been a key member of Zinedine Zidane's squad once again in 2020-21.

What's been said?

Speaking after helping Madrid pick up a 3-1 win against Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday , Vazquez told reporters: "What I concentrate on is the present.

"I'm really enjoying myself this season because I'm playing and that's what makes me happy.

"A contract extension? I was and will always be a Real Madrid man."

Vazquez's record for Madrid this term

Vazquez has already racked up 33 appearances across all competitions for Madrid this season, and his continued presence could be vital as they push for glory in both domestic and European competitions.

The Spain international has only scored two goals so far, but has also set up up a further seven for his team-mates.

Zidane's stance on Vazquez 

Zidane addressed Vazquez's contract situation back in November , expressing his confidence that the club will tie him down to fresh terms before the end of the season.

"He always gives everything for us. I have always valued him and what he gives to us on the pitch," said the Frenchman.

"Now he is having the opportunity to show us what he is all about. He was a youth player for us and has Madrid in his heart. I'm happy for him and the team.

"He is an important player and the club knows it. I think it will happen that he will renew."

The bigger picture

United and Chelsea are both reportedly ready to offer Vazquez a contract if he drops into the free agency pool, while Bayern Munich has also been mooted as a potential next destination for the Spaniard.

Vazquez is not the only player at the Bernabeu awaiting fresh terms, with the future of talismanic duo Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos also a hot topic of discussion at the moment.

Zidane stressed the need for Madrid to tie Modric and Ramos down to speedy renewals in January, but time is now running out for the Blancos to arrange deals for the pair along with Vazquez.

Losing all three players would be a major blow for Madrid, who may be short on funds to invest in new signings this summer amid the financial uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.

Further reading

Bernard Parker's agent Mike Makaab says they are not in a hurry to open negotiations with Kaizer Chiefs regarding the attacker's future as his contract is nearing an end.

Parker has been with Chiefs since 2011 but his contributions at the club have decreased with no single Premier Soccer League goal in the past two seasons.

This term he has managed just an assist and a goal in 26 games across all competitions and with his Amakhosi future uncertain, Makaab says they are not desperate to extend his stay.

“We truly are not going to – and we’ve had a chat with Bernard on it – look at this seriously until closer to the end of the season‚” said Makaab as per Sowetan Live.

“We’re not desperate‚ he’s not desperate. And we’ll sit down and have a discussion with him as to how he sees his future as a player. And thereafter we’ll look at what our next step is.”

Some rumours suggest that the 35-year-old is one of the senior players who could be offloaded at the end of the season.

With Hunt able to start buying players following the end of Chiefs' Fifa transfer ban, a massive clearout is said to be on the cards at Naturena ahead of next season.

Nevertheless, Makaab who is a former coach, feels that the player has become a target of unfair criticism by a section of Chiefs fans.

“I also think that Bernard plays a much bigger role aside from what he does on the pitch‚” Makaab said.

“He’s a great role model to the younger players‚ he’s a great personality in the change room‚ he’s got incredible experience. And as I said to somebody the other day‚ Bernard doesn’t want to be playing 90 minutes every week. But players have got to put their hand up and say‚ ‘I deserve to play ahead of him‚ and when I do get the chance I’m going to show you what I can produce’.

“And unfortunately very few players have done that. And I’m talking as a football coach, not as an agent. Bernard, unfortunately, has become the target of‚ not many‚ but a certain section of the club’s supporters‚ and that’s unfair. The same as Willard Katsande and Itumeleng Khune.

“If you want to start pointing fingers at three players who have brought you so much success‚ then I’m not sure you quite understand the culture of football and the culture of your club.”

Parker was, however, Chiefs' hero last weekend when his goal helped the team edge Wydad Casablanca 1-0 in a Caf Champions League Group C match.

Juventus and AC Milan are considering a swap deal involving Federico Bernardeschi and Alessio Romagnoli, Goal can confirm.

Both players are approaching the final year of their respective contracts and extension talks have so far failed to advance.

Juve and Milan have already begun preparations for the 2021-22 season and could put into place a mutually beneficial deal that would see both players head in opposite directions.

Bernardeschi's situation at Juve

Bernardeschi has been a regular in the Juve starting XI since joining the club from Fiorentina for €40 million (£34m/$38m) in 2017, making over 140 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Thirty-six of those outings have come this term, but he has not been deployed in his favoured No.10 role too often, with Andrea Pirlo using him as both a full-back and winger on multiple occasions.

Goal can confirm that the 27-year-old is ready to embark on a new challenge in unfamiliar surroundings to reignite his career, having seen his market value drop below €30m (£26m/$36m).

Milan's stance on Romagnoli

Romagnoli had been an essential cog in Stefano Pioli's squad prior to this season, but has fallen down the pecking order since Fikayo Tomori's arrival at San Siro on loan from Chelsea in January.

The 26-year-old centre-back is still Milan's official club captain, but the Italian giants are ready to sanction his departure in order to bolster their ranks in other areas of the pitch as they prioritise the permanent signing of Tomori.

A swap deal may represent the best option for the Rossoneri because of the 30 per cent sell-on clause that was included in the €25m (£22m/$30m) deal which saw him join the club from Roma in 2015.

Could the transfer happen?

Goal has learned that officials from Juve and Milan are planning to sit down to discuss the viability of a potential exchange, with Mino Raiola set to be involved in negotiations as the main legal representative for both players.

One of Juve's main goals for the summer is to bring in a long-term replacement for Giorgio Chiellini, who will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June.

Romagnoli fits their profile as a left-footed defender with plenty of years at the top level still ahead of him, and Milan could also become a stronger side with the addition of Bernardeschi.

A lack of depth in attacking areas has ultimately prevented Pioli's side from maintaining their Serie A title challenge, with Inter currently sitting eight points ahead of them at the summit with a game in hand.

Bernardeschi has the experience and quality to add a new dimension to Milan's line-up, and the opportunity to return to his natural position as a No.10 could see him rediscover his best form.

Further reading

Robert Lewandowski’s absence will change the whole dynamic of Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final with Paris Saint-Germain, according to the Bavarians’ former star Hamit Altintop.

Poland striker Lewandowski is set to miss both legs of the showpiece tie after picking up a knee injury on international duty last week.

He is expected to be sidelined for around a month, though some reports have suggested the 32-year-old is already targeting an earlier return to action.

Bayern were able to cope without their 42-goal leading scorer on Saturday, beating RB Leipzig 1-0 in a top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash, but Altintop, who made 109 appearances for the club between 2007 and 2011, believes Hansi Flick’s side are no longer favourites to progress to the semi-finals without their main man.

What’s been said?

Speaking exclusively to Goal ahead of Wednesday’s first leg in Munich, Altintop said: “This news is very bad for Bayern Munich. Now, we will see how good they are. How will they be without Lewandowski? It is very interesting for all football supporters.

“He has been unbelievable, 35 goals in the league already, and now Bayern have to find a way to cope without him.

“Before this news, I thought Bayern Munich over two games were of course favourites. But now, without him, it will be very interesting.

"And with Neymar back, then that will make it even more difficult. This Paris team is focused so much on the Champions League. They want it bad.”

How will Bayern replace Lewandowski?

Against Leipzig on Saturday evening, Flick used Erik Maxim Choupo-Moting, the former Stoke City forward, as his No.9, with Thomas Muller behind and Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane as his wingers.

Serge Gnabry could have been another option to start centrally, but will miss out as he recovers from Covid-19, though Altintop still feels a formation change could be possible, with Flick potentially taking inspiration from former Bayern boss Pep Guardiola.

He said: “If you see the three games of the German national team, Gnabry played up front. Maybe Bayern can play that way too, a little bit like Manchester City do, where the No.9 is more of a No.10 or a No.11.

“They have played every game for nine or 10 months with Lewandowski, and now it will be different. He [Flick] has to change his system.

"The game with Lewandowski is very different. He can keep the ball, make the game fast and make it difficult for defenders with his power and quality.”

Are there likely to be any other notable absentees?

Corentin Tolisso is a long-term absentee for Bayern, the midfielder having been sidelined since February with a torn thigh tendon. Douglas Costa, meanwhile, is yet to return from a metatarsal injury.

PSG will be without full-back Alessandro Florenzi and midfielder Marco Verratti, who are both undergoing a 10-day quarantine period after testing positive for Covid-19.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team also have doubts over the fitness of striker Mauro Icardi (thigh), midfielder Danilo Pereira and left-back Layvin Kurzawa (both calf). Juan Bernat is still recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament

Further reading

Simba SC midfielder Clatous Chama has been voted the best player of matchday five of the Caf Champions League.

The Zambian midfielder was in great form for the Msimbazi giants as he set up one goal and scored two to help his side secure a huge 4-1 win against AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday.

The win enabled Simba to reach the quarter-finals of the competition with a match to spare as they have 13 points from five matches while second-placed Al Ahly are second on eight points.

According to a statement from Caf posted on their social media pages, Chama won the award after beating Amir Sayoud of Algerian side CR Belouizdad, Ricardo Goss of South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Ferjani Sassi of Zamalek FC of Egypt.

Chama becomes the second Simba player to scoop the award after winger Luis Miquissone won it in matchday two after they had gunned down Al Ahly 1-0 in Dar es Salaam with the Mozambican star notching the all-important goal.

The achievement by Chama comes just a day after he was named in the Caf team of the week alongside Miquissone after the 4-1 demolition of AS Vita at Mkapa Stadium.

The two players were involved in the four goals Mnyama scored. Miquissone's first involvement was in the 30th minute when Bernard Morrisson teed him up and the Mozambique international made no mistake from about 16-yards.

Chama scored his first in the stroke of half-time to put the hosts ahead after Zemanga Soze had equalised for the Congolese side in the 44th minute before the Zambian star then set up Larry Bwalya in the 66th minute to make it 3-1 in favour of the Tanzania Mainland league champions.

The creative midfielder, nicknamed ‘Mwamba wa Lusaka’, then completed his brace in the 84th minute when he combined well with Miquissone.

Other players who made it to the team of the week include Kaizer Chiefs duo of Reeve Frosler and Bernard Parker, Fode Camara, and Khadim Diaw from Horoya AC, Zamalek’s Mahmoud Hamdi and Ferjani Sassi, and Sayoud.

Matchday five team of the week: Goalkeeper: Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Defenders: Reeve Frosler (Kaizer Chiefs), Fode Camara (Horoya AC), Mahmoud Hamdi (Zamalek).

Midfielders: Bernard Parker (Kaizer Chiefs), Ferjani Sassi (Zamalek), Amir Sayoud (CR Belouizdad).

Forwards: Clatous Chama (Simba SC), Safeldin Maki (Al Merrikh), and Luis Miquissone (Simba SC).

Uganda Revenue Authority coach Sam Ssimbwa has expressed his displeasure at the team’s inability to get a win against Mbarara City in their first leg match in the Round of 32 of the Uganda Cup on Tuesday.

The Tax Collectors played out a 0-0 draw on a rainy evening against Mbarara at the Arena of Visions in Ndejje, a result that left coach Ssimbwa a disappointed man.

The veteran Ugandan tactician has maintained his team deserved to win the game but remained confident they still have the return leg to make things right and qualify to the next stage.

“Disappointing that we haven’t won the game but all isn’t lost,” Ssimbwa told the club’s official website. “We will prepare for Friday and try everything in our power to progress to the next round.”

Ahead of the match, the two sides had only met six times and this was to be the seventh and none of the sides had ever won a game, meaning the Tax Collectors were on a quest for just their first win against the Ankole Lions. 

Coach Ssimbwa set up with a 4-4-2 attacking formation - Mutyaba Julius starting in the midfield alongside Majwega Brian and Shafik Kagimu on either side of the flanks while Moses Sseruyidde played a bit more forward behind the two strikers.

The league top scorer Steven Mukwala and Cromwel Rwothomio were charged with the responsibility of scoring goals for the Tax Collectors while Nafian Alionzi started his first game since returning from injury.

The opening exchanges were hugely dominated by URA not only in terms of possession but also in the number of offensive chances created and it took a couple of half-chances in the first half, from Rwothomio in the eighth minute and Mukwala in the 15th minute, before Mbarara took charge of the game.

Sensing danger, Ssimbwa made some changes in the second half as he brought on Ibrahim Dada for Galiwango Ashraf, and it was around the same time when Benjamin Nyakoojo saw his header miss by inches, after an accurate corner kick from Moses Sseruyidde in the 58th minute. 

The return leg will be played at Kakyeeka Stadium on Friday, April 9.