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Putellas' Euros in doubt due to knee injury

The South Africa international impressed in his first game for the Seagulls as they sent the Exiles packing from the FA Cup

Percy Tau made a winning debut for Brighton and Hove Albion as the Seagulls dumped Newport County out of the FA Cup.

The 26-year-old was introduced for Alireza Jahanbakhsh with scores still tied at 0-0, and he put up a fine showing to help Graham Potter’s men scale the League Two side’s hurdle.

Solly March's goal in the closing stages of normal time appeared to have earned the Premier League side victory against Michael Flynn’s men, nevertheless, the hosts equalised in the sixth minute of stoppage time through Adam Webster.

During the extra time, Brighton fluffed several scoring opportunities with Lewis Dunk having his header getting saved by Tom King. The visitors had one last good chance when Neal Maupay teed up Tau 12 yards out, but he lowered his shot wide.

However, it was Brighton that reigned supreme during kicks from the penalty mark with Jason Steele making four shoot-out saves.

After completing loan spells at Belgian sides Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge and Anderlecht, Tau was recalled to the Annex Stadium giants having scored four goals in 14 league games for the Purple and White in the Belgian elite division.

Before making his maiden appearance, manager Potter had expressed his desire to help the former Mamelodi Sundowns’ star settle quickly.

“I think he has made the most of his time there. He has had some fantastic experiences in Belgium," Potter told the club website.

“As a footballer, you have got a path and you want to go one way, but sometimes you are knocked off and you have to find another path and he has done that.

“He has made the most of his experiences in Belgium and now he is here with us and we are happy for him to be here.

“Percy is pleased to be here permanently and so are we. Now we have to help him settle in and help him enjoy his football.”

On his own part, Tau is delighted with the chance to make his mark in England.

“I am blessed to be here – it has been a long journey and I am grateful for the opportunity in front of me," said Tau.

“There has always been excitement back home since I signed for Brighton. I have been out on loan and now they're celebrating the fact that I am back and ready to play.”

He could be handed his Premier League debut when his team face Manchester City on January 13.

Original author: Shina Oludare
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Ronaldo sets another goalscoring mark with late strike in Juventus win

The Portuguese star's longevity has led to yet another unmatched record thanks to a late goal against Sassuolo

Cristiano Ronaldo's latest strike for Juventus has further written the Portuguese into the sport's history books as he set another goal-scoring mark.

The veteran striker struck late in Serie A to add some gloss to the Bianconeri's 3-1 victory over Sassuolo, helping Andrea Pirlo's side to close the gap on leaders Milan in their pursuit of another Scudetto crown.

Juventus saw Weston McKennie and Paulo Dybala forced out due to injury, but the Serie A champions were able to take the lead through a Danilo strike.

Gregoire Defrel provided the equalizer for 10-man Sassuolo, who were up against it after seeing Pedro Obiang sent off just before halftime.

Unfortunately for Sassuolo, they were unable to overcome their disadvantage, with substitute Aaron Ramsey, who replaced the injured McKennie, firing in the 82nd minute.

Ronaldo then sealed the three points in stoppage time, scoring his 15th goal of the season in the process.

While most goals for the 34-year-old are simply a case of adding another to his already remarkable tally, his latest is another reminder of the Portuguese star's longevity.

With Sunday's goal, Ronaldo became the only player to score at least 15 goals in each of the last 15 seasons in the top five leagues, having reached that mark in every campaign since 06-07.

Ronaldo and Juventus currently sit fourth in La Liga, seven points being league-leaders AC Milan with a game in hand.

Juve also sit four points before second-place Inter and one point behind third-place Roma, who have each played one more game than the defending champions.

Next up for Juve is a Coppa Italia clash with Genoa on Wednesday before focus turns towards a clash with Inter on Sunday.

Another cup clash will follow for Juve as they'll then face Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana on January 20.

Juve will also be looking ahead to the Champions League knockout stages, where they will face Porto in February in the round of 16.

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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Napoli eye Arsenal's Tierney

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal
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QPR boss Warburton dismisses Osayi-Samuel’s link to Celtic

The Nigerian forward has been delivering impressive performances for the Rs which have reportedly generated interest from a number of clubs

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Warburton has dismissed reports linking Bright Osayi-Samuel with a move away from the club.

The Anglo-Nigerian has been turning heads since he teamed up with the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium outfit in 2017.

In the last campaign, the 23-year-old forward bagged five league goals amid other dazzling displays for QPR.

Osayi-Samuel formed a productive partnership with his compatriot Eberechi Eze, who left the club for Premier League side Crystal Palace in the summer, to help the Rs finish in mid-table.

In the current season, the winger has found the back of the net three times and provided three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.

The forward’s current deal with Queens Park Rangers is set to expire in the summer and he is yet to agree on an extension.

Osayi-Samuel has reportedly generated interest from a number of clubs including Scottish Premiership sides Celtic and Rangers as well as Fenerbahce.

QPR boss Warburton believes reports linking the forward with a move away from the club are mere speculation and he hopes the forward will not be distracted with the rumours by continuing his fine form. 

"Apparently he’s going to Celtic and Fenerbahce and Rangers as well. I hope he’s got a good passport," Warburton was quoted, as per West London Sport.

"It’s all rumours and it keeps the media going. My only concern is Bright working hard, training well and performing well."

Osayi-Samuel will be expected to help Queens Park Rangers return to winning ways when they take on Luton Town on January 12, following their recent run of poor results.

The winger has previously featured for Blackpool before leaving to team up with the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium outfit.

The forward was born in Nigeria which makes him eligible to feature for the three-time African champions and he is also qualified to represent England.

It is expected that Osayi-Samuel will join the likes of Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses among players who ditched the European country for the Super Eagles.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
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Aribo, Balogun & Zungu help Rangers extend unbeaten league run against Aberdeen

The African stars were in action as Steven Gerrard's side continued their impressive run of results in the Scottish top-flight

Nigeria duo Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun, and South Africa's Bongani Zungu helped Rangers extend their unbeaten Premiership run to 23 games with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen on Sunday.

The victory stretched the Gers' dominance at the top of the Premiership table with a 22-point lead over second-placed Celtic, who have four games at hand.

Rangers had an early chance to gain the lead at the Pittodrie Stadium after Alfredo Morelos was brought down in the penalty area, but James Tavernier failed to convert from the spot in the 28th minute.

Aberdeen, unfortunately, were consequently reduced 10 men after Ryan Hedges was shown a straight for his challenge on Morelos.

Four minutes later, Morelos opened the scoring for Steven Gerrard's men after combining with Ryan Kent.

After the break, the Colombia striker made it 2-0 for the visitors but Matthew Kennedy halved the deficit for Aberdeen in the 62nd minute.

Aribo and Balogun were in action for 90 minutes while Zungu came off the bench to make his ninth substitute appearance for the Gers, after replacing Ianis Hagi in the 82nd minute.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder is yet to start a league game for Rangers since he completed a season-long loan move from Amiens in October.

Balogun has been a key fixture in Gerrard’s defensive set-up and he has played in 13 league matches so far, while his compatriot Aribo has made 15 Premiership appearances with four goals to his name.

The African trio will be aiming to help the Gers boost their push for a first top-flight crown since 2011 when they travel to Motherwell for their next league game on January 17.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
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Marine 0-5 Tottenham: Vinicius hat-trick and history for Devine as Spurs sail through

Marine 0-5 Tottenham: Vinicius hat-trick and history for Devine as Spurs sail through

Tottenham's Premier League quality told as non-league Marine's FA Cup adventure was ended at the third round.

Carlos Vinicius scored a first-half hat-trick as Tottenham cruised past non-league Marine in a 5-0 FA Cup third-round rout.

The Brazilian scored twice from a combined range of around three yards and added a sumptuous third following Lucas Moura's top-quality free-kick.

Alfie Devine was introduced at half-time to become Tottenham's youngest ever player and the teenager, at 16 years and 163 days, made a swift impact to drill home the fifth on the hour.

That completed the scoring at Rossett Park as eighth-tier Marine, who are 161 places below Spurs in the English league pyramid, inevitably succumbed against top-flight opponents.

Neil Kengni interrupted Spurs' early monopoly of the ball to crash a 35-yard dipping shot off the crossbar but, after surviving the heart-in-mouth moment, Dele Alli teed up Vinicius to jink past Bayleigh Passant and finish on the goalline.

Vinicius tapped in again on the rebound after Matt Doherty's side-foot volley from Alli's cross-field dink was parried into his path, and Lucas quickly made it three with a superbly executed free-kick.

More good work from Alli eventually led to Vinicius brilliantly looping home into the left side of the goal to complete his hat-trick.

With the game won, Jose Mourinho introduced Devine for the second period and he flashed a fierce shot past Passant at the near post from Lucas' pass on the hour mark.

From there, Spurs were able to take their foot off the pedal a little and coast comfortably into the hat for round four.

What does it mean? Job done for Spurs

Save for Kengni catching Joe Hart unawares to rattle the woodwork, Spurs were never troubled and completed the job with routine professionalism. They comfortably came through their first tie against non-league opposition since 1995 when they defeated Altrincham.

Alli and Vinicius enjoy run-outs

Alli has fallen way down the pecking order under Mourinho and his long-term future at Spurs still remains in doubt. His class was on display here, though, with the midfielder finishing with an assist, five key passes and 85.7 per cent pass completion.

Vinicius too is having to show patience as back-up to Harry Kane, but for strikers scoring is always fun. He missed a late chance but scored with all of his shots on target in a clinical display.

No shame for Marine

The FA Cup always produces surprises but this was never likely to do so. Having said that, Marine – playing in the third round for the second time having gone out to Crewe Alexandra in the 1992-93 season – left it all out on the pitch against opponents of vastly superior quality and were a credit to the competition.

What's next?

Tottenham have a decidedly tougher task at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday. Sadly for Marine, their domestic league remains suspended as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

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Mohammed Kudus: Ghana star completes injury return in Ajax's draw with PSV

The 20-year-old graced the pitch for the first time since upsetting his meniscus against Liverpool in October 

Ghana prodigy Mohammed Kudus completed his comeback from injury as a late substitute as Ajax and PSV played out a 2-2 draw in the Eredivisie on Sunday.

After three months out, the attacking midfielder joined the fray as an 80th-minute substitute in the matchday 15 fixture at Johan Cruijff Arena.

In the end, an Eran Zahavi double for PSV and goals from Quincy Promes and Antony Santos for Ajax settled the fixture.

On his Champions League debut, Kudus was hauled off the pitch after just six minutes after upsetting his meniscus following a challenge with Liverpool's Fabinho in their group stage opener in October.

Tests after the match revealed significant damage, prompting Ajax to announce the Ghanaian was set to spend "many months" in the treatment room.

After two months, however, the 20-year-old made a return to training ahead of the club's December league fixture with FC Utrecht.

The Lancers, however, resolved against using the Ghanaian in any of their three games before the Christmas break, instead opting to unleash him in the New Year.

Kudus joined the Dutch giants in a five-year deal from Danish outfit Nordsjaelland last July following a series of fine performances during the 2019-20 season.

He got his Ajax career off to a bright start, delivering three assists and one goal in five competitive outings for the club at the time of his injury.

His return will also be a huge boost for Ghana ahead of the resumption of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March.

Following a promising scoring debut against South Africa in the Afcon qualifiers in November 2019, Kudus was forced to pull out of the Black Stars' two friendly matches against Mali and Qatar in last October due to an injury.

He returned to action shortly after the international games, giving Ghana hopes of recalling the midfielder for November's Afcon qualifying double-header against Sudan.

The West Africans' hopes were, however, short-lived as the Accra-born picked up another injury against Liverpool.

The Black Stars are set to face South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in their next batch of international assignments in March. 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
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Teenager Devine sets records tumbling with Tottenham debut and goal in FA Cup rout

The 16-year-old made his senior bow off the bench against Northern Premier League outfit Marine to become the north London side's youngest ever player

Teenager Alfie Devine set a pair of club records for Tottenham Hotspur as Jose Mourinho's side delivered a comfortable defeat of non-league Marine in the third round of the FA Cup.

The 16-year-old, born on August 1, 2004, made his senior debut off the bench against the Northern Premier League outfit to become the north London side's youngest player in their history.

With a first-half hat-trick for Carlos Vinicius and an effort for Lucas Moura in the bag, Devine arrived as a half-time replacement for Moussa Sissoko, etching his name into the club's history books.

The central midfielder and England youth international made it a maiden appearance to remember just under a quarter-hour later when he stepped in off the left side and coolly slotted his side's fifth goal of the match past goalkeeper Bayleigh Passant at the near post on the hour mark.

His strike made him the youngest senior goalscorer in Spurs history, at 16 years and 162 days.

Devine also became the youngest player to score for a Football League or Premier League club in the FA Cup since George Williams for MK Dons netted almost a decade ago against Nantwich in November 2011, at the age of16 years and 66 days.

Vinicius meanwhile became the first player to score an FA Cup hat-trick for a side managed by Mourinho since Frank Lampard nabbed a trio of goals for Chelsea in January 2007, in a 6-1 demolition of Macclesfield Town.

Moura's goal meanwhile was his first from a direct free kick since October 2016, when he scored one against Nancy while playing for Paris Saint-Germain.

The performance reaffirmed not only Tottenham's skill under Mourinho this season but also the depth of talented youth in their squad, with Harvey White and Jack Clarke among other bright young starlets included by the Portuguese.

Spurs return to Premier League action on Wednesday with a game against Aston Villa, before they face bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United as they look to reignite their bid for the title.

They also are one step away from Carabao Cup glory for the first time since 2008, having booked their place in the final against Brentford earlier this month.

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Ryan Mason plays down significance of Harry Kane's solo lap of honour

45' + 4' HALF-TIME: JUVENTUS 0-0 SASSUOLO. 

45' + 3' KULUSEVSKI POPS IT OVER! Sassuolo are all over the place since going a man down, but they escape once again as Kulusevski misses the empty net after Ramsey’s work inside the penalty area drags Consigli off his line! How has he missed?!

45' + 2' CHANCE FOR JUVE! Frabotta is played into the six-yard box, which invites Consigli to fly at the full-backs feet. The Juventus defender manages to push it ahead out of the goalkeeper’s reach for Ronaldo, but the Portugal international is unable to turn the ball into the open net - as it’s played just too far ahead!

45' Concerning scenes as now Chiesa is down receiving treatment, following a challenge from Obiang. The referee has been instructed to go to the monitor to review the foul, as the yellow card he has shown may not be enough!  

42' After coming back onto the pitch, Dybala is down once again as it appears he will not be able to shake off the injury. There’s some movement on the bench, with Kulusevski appearing to prepare himself.

40' Ramsey gets on the end of Arthur’s square pass outside the penalty area and hits a first-time strike - the effort dragging well wide of the target.

38' Play is stopped as Dybala is down holding his knee after coming back to put in a challenge on Traore in order to dispossess him. The Juventus forward has come off the worse of the two, as the medical staff give him some treatment.

36' With just under 10 minutes remaining, it seems as though the two sides will head into the interval level. It would be a fair assessment of the first half, as neither side have done enough to put themselves ahead.

33' Ramsey gets into an argument with Chiriches as the former Arsenal and Tottenham players have a go at each other during a tussle in midfield. Juventus have won the free-kick, but it’s getting a bit feisty out there.

31' Arthur’s lazy pass from midfield out to Chiesa on the edge of the penalty area is intercepted, as Juve continue to struggle to find some rhythm. They’ve had more possession, but Pirlo’s side haven’t been able to do much with it.

29' Locatelli is calling for a free-kick right on the edge of the penalty area after he’s dropped to the floor following an acrobatic pass to the flank, but the referee points to the touchline and instructs Sassuolo to resume the game from a throw-in, following a Juventus deflection on the pass.

27' Sassuolo have the ball on the edge of the Juventus 18-yard box, but Pirlo’s side’s defensive organisation means there’s no room for the visitors to play through. It’s going to take quite the pass to unlock the block in front of Szczesny’s goal.

25' Ronaldo gets on the end of a superb pass from Bonucci over the top, but Chiriches’ sliding challenge inside the penalty area blocks the shot and wins his side a goal kick.

23' Sassuolo are determined to keep hold of possession from goal kicks, playing it short in an attempt to reel Juventus in. It’s a risky strategy, one that doesn’t work on this occasion as Kyriakopolous loses the ball on the wing and allows the hosts to mount another atack.

21' Juventus have only lost one of their 14 Serie A meetings with Sassuolo (W10 D3) and have beaten them the most often in the competition (10) with 35 goals conceded by the Neroverdi.

16' Chiesa is immediately swarmed by three defenders as Juventus attempt to work some room down the right. The winger had an exceptional match in midweek against Milan, scoring twice in their 3-1 win.

14' The ensuing free-kick is tapped short by Locatelli to Traore, but the latter’s attempted strike is very poor and fails to test Szczesny at all.

11' Juventus work a lovely opportunity to shoot after Bentancur’s chip over the top of the defence falls to McKennie on the 18-yard line. A clever backheel gets Frabotta free, but his shot is blazed over the crossbar!

9' Dybala attempts to find Ronaldo from the corner, but it’s Djuricic who rises highest - clearing the danger temporarily.

7' Kyriakopolous uses his left foot to put a low cross into the area, but both Juventus centre-backs are well-placed to handle the danger.

5' Dybala puts a cross into the area from the right, but Ronaldo is beaten to the ball by Ferrari, who leaves the striker down on the pitch as he clears the danger. 

3' The corner is dangerous as it’s flighted into Ferrari, but the centre-back is unable to take his chance as he fails to turn his effort towards Szczesny. 

2' Djuricic has time to set himself before firing a shot from outside the area after Traore’s deflected cross - but Bonucci gets in the way and puts it behind for a corner. 

1' Sassuolo get the match under way from the kick-off! 

Sassuolo make five changes from their 2-1 win over Genoa last Wednesday. The back four sees two changes as Ayhan and Rogerio make way for Chiriches and Kyriakopoulos at centre-back and left-back respectively. Magnanelli is dropped to the bench in favour of Obiang, who partners captain Locatelli in midfield. An injury to Domenico Berardi sees Defrel play the right wing, while Traore is preferred to Boga on the other flank. 

Juventus make three changes from their 3-1 win over Milan in midweek. A positive COVID-19 test for Matthijs de Ligt sees Demiral enter the defence, while Ramsey and Rabiot are dropped to the bench in favour of McKennie and Arthur in midfield.

SASSUOLO SUBS: Francesco Magnanelli, Gianluca Pegolo, Marlon Santos, Giacomo Raspadori, Jeremie Boga, Nicolas Schiappacasse, Federico Peluso, Rogerio, Jeremy Toljan, Kaan Ayhan, Brian Oddei, Maxime Lopez. 

SASSUOLO XI (4-2-3-1): Andrea Consigli; Mert Muldur, Vlad Chiriches, Gian Marco Ferrari, Georgios Kyriakopolous; Pedro Obiang, Manuel Locatelli; Gregoire Defrel, Filip Djuricic, Hamed Junior Traore; Francesco Caputo.

JUVENTUS SUBS: Alessandro Di Pardo, Gianluigi Buffon, Federico Bernardeschi, Nicolo Fagiolo, Giorgio Chiellini, Alvaro Morata, Manolo Portanova, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Adrien Rabiot, Aaron Ramsey, Carlo Pinsoglio. 

JUVENTUS XI (4-4-2): Wojciech Szczesny; Gianluca Frabotta, Merih Demiral, Leonardo Bonucci, Danilo; Weston McKennie, Arthur, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Chiesa; Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala.

With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let’s take a look at how the two sides are lining up today - starting with the hosts!

One place and one point back of Juventus, Sassuolo can get into fourth place in their own right with the three points today; though they haven’t beaten the Bianconeri since 2015. If last year's two thrilling and high-scoring draws were anything to go by, we can expect this fixture to be laden with goals.

A win today puts Juventus into the top four having played a match less than those above them. Back-to-back victories against Udinese and Milan have given Andrea Pirlo’s side reason to believe they can challenge for the title, though they’ll have to successfully navigate a tough upcoming schedule, with a trip to Inter following their match with Sassuolo in Serie A.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the Serie A fixture between Juventus and Sassuolo!

  217 Hits

Video: Breaking News - Real Madrid crowned LaLiga champions

The South African continued with her impressive displays this season as she played a part in her side's crucial winner on Sunday

Thembi Kgatlana made an impactful showing for Eibar after creating a penalty to inspire her side's 1-0 win at Athletic Club in a Spanish Primera Iberdrola encounter on Sunday.

The South Africa international earned her seventh start of the season for Iker Dorronsoro's team following her superb contribution in Eibar's 2-0 victory at home over Logrono in the midweek.

Having endured nine matches without a win, Athletic were hoping to end their disappointing run against the league newcomers but were held to a goalless draw in the first half of the contest. 

With the tie looking destined for a stalemate, Kgatlana created the opportunity that saw her fouled in the penalty box, earning her side a scoring chance from the spot. 

Sara Navarro, on her part, left nothing to chance, converting the winner from the spot for the visitors a minute from full-time at the Lezama Stadium.

The result saw Eibar moved to eighth position on the Spanish top-flight log with 20 points from 14 matches this season.

Besides her five goals this term, Kgatlana, who played from the start to the finish of the game, has nowed contributed in 11 goals scored by Eibar in 13 outings on her debut season in Spain.

Compatriot Noko Matlou lasted the duration in her second game, ensuring back-to-back clean sheets for Eibar along with Equatorial Guinea's Ruth Alvarez, but there was no action for Nigeria's Charity Adule. 

After two wins on the bounce, they will hope to maintain their highflying form against Real Sociedad at home on January 24.

 

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
  211 Hits

Khabib Nurmagomedov announces he will be at Camp Nou to watch Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain

Bucs were held to a 1-1 draw by the Beautiful Birds in a PSL match on Sunday. Goal runs the rule over the individual performances of the Bucs players
Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  160 Hits

'Good professionalism, good dynamic' - Mourinho hints at Premier League return for Alli after Spurs FA Cup win

The midfielder was in the starting XI and played an important role as his side ran out comfortable winners against their eighth-tier opponents

Jose Mourinho singled out Dele Alli for special praise after Tottenham's 5-0 FA Cup third round win against Marine on Sunday and hinted he could make his return to the Premier League fold.

Alli was involved in each of Carlos Vinicius' three goals against the eighth-tier hosts, first teeing up for the forward and then playing a key role in the build up to the others. Lucas Moura and record-breaking 16-year-old Alfie Devine also found the net as Spurs secured a place in the next round.

Alli has been reduced to a bit-part role at Tottenham this season, having played just 75 minutes of Premier League football spread out over four matches, but the 24-year-old's attitude on his return to the starting XI on Sunday impressed his manager, who said he could feature against Aston Villa this week.

"I am really happy with his attitude in the game, of course we didn't want to risk much," Mourinho said, speaking to BBC Sport. "The pitch is a bit dangerous and their enthusiasm can put the creative ones in some risk, but I am happy - good professionalism, good dynamic from him and Gedson [Fernandes] to start trying to create, so really pleased for the performance.

"He was here today and of course it was not the match to measure the quality, but the professionalism and attitude and I am very happy with it, I will not be surprised if next Wednesday, Dele is playing with us."

Vinicius, who joined on a season-long loan from Benfica in October, had not scored for the north London club before Sunday and Mourinho was happy to see him play a crucial role, while he was proud to see Devine among the goals, too.

"It is nice for [Vinicius]," he said. "Of course, for a striker that doesn't play a lot because in front of him is the big one - every time he has a little chance to play, like in the Europa League, he is there for us and we are very happy.

"It is good for the kid [Devine]. This season we have managed to give minutes to young guys - Dane Scarlett youngest one to play in the Europa League, now for Alfie to come to his area, he is not far from here, to make his debut and score his first goal is good for him and a good feeling for everyone at the academy."

Spurs progressed to the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday when they beat Brentford and are now fourth in the Premier League, sitting four points behind Liverpool with a game in hand.

"Of course, in the Carabao Cup we reached the objective to be in the final. In the FA Cup this is a little first step," Mourinho said of their campaign so far. "In the Premier League the table is a bit fake, we have had some very good results and some disappointing ones, but not bad at all."

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Aboubakar, Boupendza score, Akintola and Ghezzal grab assists as Hatayspor hold Besiktas

The African stars delivered spectacular performances for their respective clubs at Hatay New Stadium

Vincent Aboubakar found the back of the net, Aaron Boupendza scored twice, while David Akintola and Rachid Ghezzal got assists as Hatayspor played out a 2-2 draw against Besiktas in a Turkish Super Lig game.on Sunday.

Cameroon international Aboubakar has been in scintillating form for the Black Eagles this season and continued to impress at Hatay New Stadium.

The centre-forward was handed his 12th league start and utilized the opportunity to register his ninth goal of the campaign.

Gabon international Boupendza increased his tally to 12 league goals for Hatayspor this season after joining the side last summer from French club Bordeaux.

Nigerian winger Akintola and Algeria international Ghezzal also gave good accounts of themselves in the encounter.

Aboubakar opened the scoring in the sixth minute of the game after receiving a sumptuous assist from Ghezzal, who made his 11th league appearance in the match.

Hatayspor levelled proceedings almost immediately when Boupendza fired his effort past goalkeeper Ersin Destanoglu after benefitting from Akintola’s assist.

In the 23rd minute, Boupendza gave his side the lead for the first time in the encounter after he was set up by Mesut Caytemel.

With four minutes before the first-half break, Ghezzal was again involved when he sent a timely pass to Cyle Larin, who hit his effort into the back of the net.

Despite efforts from both sides to score the matchwinning goal, the game ended with a share of the points at the end of full time.

Aboubakar and Akintola featured for the entirety of the match while Ghezzal was replaced in the 68th minute for Georges-Kevin Nkoudou.

Boupendza, meanwhile, played for 90 minutes before making way for Mirkan Aydın while Hatayspor and Ghana midfielder Isaac Sackey was brought on for Adama Traore in the 74th minute.

With the draw, Besiktas moved to the top of the Super Lig after gathering 35 points from 17 games while Hatayspor are sixth with 28 points from 17 outings.

The African stars will hope to continue their impactful contributions for their respective clubs in their next games.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  296 Hits

Mapinduzi Cup: Azam defeat Malindi to set semi-final date with Yanga SC

Captain Aggrey Morris scored the lone goal to help the Ice-cream Makers qualify to the last four.

Azam FC have sealed their place in the semi-final of the Mapinduzi Cup after labouring to a 1-0 win over Malindi FC at the Amani Stadium on Sunday night.

Captain Aggrey Morris scored the lone goal to help the Ice-cream Makers qualify to the last four.

The 2014 Tanzania Mainland League champions had collected a point from their Group C game against Mlandege after settling for a 1-1 draw. On their part, Malindi managed a goalless draw with the latter as well.

With Mlandege leading the group with two points, it meant Sunday's winner would automatically qualify for the semi-final. 

The Tanzanian heavyweights thought they scored in the second minute when Iddi Selemani tapped the ball on target, but the officials were not moved as they felt the ball did not cross the line while the replays suggested otherwise.

From that point onwards, both teams played cautiously to avoid conceding since it would have lowered their chances of making it to the next phase of the competition.

Seemingly, the match was headed for a goalless draw but Azam FC managed to get a penalty in the 60th minute.

Selemani managed to get into the danger zone, and in his bid to cross the ball to the teammate, it hit the hand of a defender and referee Nasri Salim had no option but to hand the 2018/19 FA Cup champions a penalty.

From the spot-kick, Morris managed to keep his cool to send Sheikh Abdalla the wrong way.

It happened to be the winning goal, and the Ice-cream Makers are now safely into the semi-finals.

Earlier, defending champions Mtibwa Sugar were eliminated from the competition by Wekundu wa Msimbazi after falling 2-0 on Saturday night. 

The Selemani Matola-led charges scored their goals through Dilunga and Miraji Athumani.

In the sixth minute, Sugar Millers' goalkeeper failed to keep out a good cross from the left and Hassan Dilunga headed the ball into an empty net to give his team a deserved advantage.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi doubled their advantage in the 37th minute owing to poor defending.

Kenya international Francis Kahata managed to pick out Chris Mugalu, whose poor touch gave the defenders a chance to clear it.

However, the defence failed to take their chance and the striker reclaimed the ball and Athumani converted from close range to double the advantage.

Azam will now play Yanga SC in the semi-final while Simba will play Namungo.

 

Original author: Seth Willis
  280 Hits

Percy Tau named in Brighton squad to face Newport County

The South Africa international has been inserted straight into Graham Potter’s FA Cup squad

South Africa international Percy Tau has been included directly in the Brighton & Hove Albion squad to face Newport County in the FA Cup on Sunday evening, only days after returning to the club.

The forward returned from his loan spell at Anderlecht on Thursday after the Seagulls decided they wanted him back in their squad to battle against relegation from the Premier League.

He had spent the last two seasons on loan in Belgium since joining Brighton from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018, after being unable to secure a work permit to play in England.

However, the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union has changed the rules regarding players' ability to play in England despite not having the required number of caps as per the previous EU guidelines, prompting Brighton to recall Tau.

He was immediately registered for the Seagulls' FA Cup campaign and has been named among the substitutes for their Third Round tie against Newport.

Brighton boss Graham Potter has opted to lead the line with Andi Zeqiri, Neal Maupay and Alexis Mac Allister, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Solly March operating in wide areas against Michael Flynn's side.

Speaking ahead of Tau's potential debut, Potter talked up the attacker's time in the Jupiler League with Anderlecht.

“I think he has made the most of his time there. He has had some fantastic experiences in Belgium," Potter told the club website . “As a footballer, you have got a path and you want to go one way, but sometimes you are knocked off and you have to find another path and he has done that.

“He has made the most of his experiences in Belgium and now he is here with us and we are happy for him to be here," Potter added. “Percy is pleased to be here permanently and so are we. Now we have to help him settle in and help him enjoy his football.”

Tau also spoke excitedly about the prospect of finally making his mark with the south-coast club.

“I am blessed to be here – it has been a long journey and I am grateful for the opportunity in front of me," Tau told the club website. “There has always been excitement back home since I signed for Brighton. I have been out on loan and now they're celebrating the fact that I am back and ready to play.

“We don't have many South Africans playing in the Premier League. We used to in the past, but at the moment we don't so it gives them pride to see me with Brighton.”

Original author: Goal
  299 Hits

GPL wrap: Aidoo's equaliser spares Hearts of Oak's blushes in Accra 

The Phobians could only secure a point on matchday eight of the Ghana Premier Leaves League

Hearts of Oak came back from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw with Elmina Sharks on matchday eight of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

James Bissue broke the deadlock for visiting Sharks in the 22nd minute but Victor Aidoo drew the Phobians level in the 67th minute at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The result leaves Hearts fifth on the league table while the away side occupy the 11th position.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Ashanti Gold picked up a 2-1 away win over Great Olympics to move top of the table. Gladson Awako gave the home side a 14th-minute lead but Amos Addai and Yaw Annor hit back for the Miners at the Accra Sports Stadium.

At the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem United were held to a 1-1 draw by King Faisal, denying the Hunters a chance to take a two-point lead at the top of the standings. Moro Salifu scored first for Bechem but Kwame Peprah fetched the equaliser for the visitors just a minute after half-time. Faisal sit bottom of the league table.

Karela United have fallen down to third on the log following a 3-1 away loss to seventh-placed Eleven Wonders. Diawisie Taylor was on target for Karela but goals at the other end from Mohammed Tetteh, Nana Kobina Osoh and George Amponsah ensured three points for the home side.

A Paul Atta Agyei 14th minute goal earned Berekum Chelsea a 1-0 home win over Inter Allies at the Golden City Park. The Blues are 13th on the log, three spots above relegation-trapped Allies.

Ghana U20 striker Precious Boah was the star of the show as Dreams FC handed Ebusua Dwarfs a 2-0 away defeat in Dawu. On the table, Dreams are just one spot above Dwarfs who sit one position above the relegation zone.

On Saturday, Medeama beat Aduana Stars 2-0 at Tarkwa's Akoon Park, thanks to goals from Agyenim Boateng in either half. The two teams are tied on points on the 10th and ninth positions, respectively.

The matchday eight action, however, started on Friday when Joseph Adjei's penalty gave Legon Cities a 1-0 victory over fourth-placed Wafa, the Royals' first win of the season.

On Monday, Asante Kotoko, 12th on the log, will host eighth-spotted Liberty Professionals in the last game of the match week.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
  325 Hits

Wijnaldum reveals Liverpool dressing room reaction to shock Aston Villa equaliser in FA Cup

The Reds ultimately sealed a comfortable progression to the fourth round but only after Louie Barry's first-half strike had helped give them a scare
  268 Hits

Abigail Kim's Fiorentina bow to Juventus in Italian Supercoppa final

The Liberian-born American could not inspire her side to glory as they suffered a defeat to the league champions on Sunday

Abigail Kim was at her best for Fiorentina but they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in Sunday's Italian women's Supercoppa final at the Aldo Gastaldi Stadium.

The 21-year-old, who previously starred for NWSL outfit Orlando Pride, has not disappointed since she landed in Italy in September, scoring twice in four matches for the Serie A giants.

The Liberian-born American was handed a starting role in the final against the champions after she netted the opener in her side's 2-1 semi-final victory over Refiloe Jane's AC Milan last Wednesday.

Antonio Cincotta's side made a fine start to the contest, caging the Bianconere in the opening stages until Arianna Caruso set up Barbara Bonansea for Juve's opener five minutes from the half-time break.

Some 10 minutes after the restart, Bonansea doubled the lead for Juventus when she netted from the right corner, for her brace of the day.

Fiorentina, however, fought to come back into the tie thanks to attempts from Kim, Tatiana Bonetti and Valery Vigilucci but they could not beat in-form goalkeeper Laura Giuliani.

The result saw Kim and Fiorentina miss the chance to celebrate their first silverware this season at the expense of Juventus. 

On her fifth appearance, Kim was in action for 72 minutes of the game before she made way for Margherita Monnecchi but could not help her side avoid defeat.

Following the Supercoppa final defeat, Fiorentina will focus on their league campaign as they welcome San Marino on January 17.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
  235 Hits

Zinnbauer cries foul as Orlando Pirates' penalty claim vs Swallows FC was denied

The 50-year-old tactician also rued the Buccaneers' missed chances in the original Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer says his side should have been awarded a penalty against Swallows FC on Sunday afternoon.

The Buccaneers were held to a 1-1 draw by the Beautiful Birds in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match which saw Zinnbauer's side denied what could have been the decisive opportunity to break the deadlock.

Frank Mhango sent a through pass to Fortune Makaringe‚ who bust into the Swallows box, but he was brought down by Tlakusani Mthethwa's challenge in the second-half. 

However, the match referee Jelly Chavani booked Makaringe for diving and Zinnbauer was disappointed by the officiating after Deon Hotto was also wrongfully ruled out for offside. 

"Clear penalty. Then Hotto in the last five minutes. Never, never offside. Then we had another chance for Hotto," Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV. 

"It was also unlucky. The weather. He was sliding. When you concede in the last minute, it's very disappointing."

The German tactician was also unhappy with the state of the playing surface as the two teams played on a pitch which was severely waterlogged throughout. 

"The first half was a problem with the field. It's very wet and it's not easy for the players," he continued. 

"We normally want more possession when we play at home. With this weather, it's not possible. The ball was stopping on the pitch."

Zinnbauer was also disappointed to see his side concede in stoppage time when Kamohelo Mahlatsi cancelled out Ben Motshwari's opener. 

"We had more opportunities. Swallows are a good team. I think we had to wait for a solution and possibilities to score. What's important is the result at the end of the day," he added. 

"The weather is not normal. It was not normal. You have to adapt to this field. I don't know how many times in the season you have such a field. I think it's not a lot of times.

"You have to adapt to this and then you can score. We scored first but we didn't defend enough in this moment and you give the points away."

Pirates will be in action on Wednesday as they take on Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) in a PSL match at Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  358 Hits

Orlando Pirates 1-1 Swallows FC: Courageous Birds fight back to hold Bucs in Soweto Derby

Orlando Pirates 1-1 Swallows FC: Courageous Birds fight back to hold Bucs in Soweto Derby

Ben Motshwari scored his first goal of the season, but it was not enough to earn the Buccaneers a victory

Swallows FC showed courage as they fought back to hold Orlando Pirates to a 1-1 in a PSL match which was played at Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon

Ben Motshwari grabbed a late goal to hand the Buccaneers the lead, but Kamohelo Mahlatsi had other ideas as he netted in stoppage time. 

The Buccaneers were targeting nothing but a victory after suffering their first defeat of the season when they lost 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns away last weekend.

Paseko Mako and Thabang Monare were recalled to the starting line-up as coach Josef Zinnbauer made two changes to the team which faced Sundowns.

Meanwhile, Swallows were hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the current season having edged out Cape Town City 3-2 at home in midweek.

Coach Brandon Truter made one change to the starting line-up which took on City with Fawaaz Basadien replacing Zaphaniah Mbokoma, who was sent off against the Citizens. 

The Birds were the better side in the opening exchanges and they threatened first through Thabo Matlaba, whose long-range effort was well-save by Pirates goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands.

Swallows were then forced to make an early change after former Pirates captain Matlaba picked up a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Sfiso Hlanti.

The visitors continued to attack and Ruzaigh Gamildien forced Sandilands into a fine diving save as the Birds pushed for the opening goal. 

The Bucs defence was then caught napping when Hlanti delivered a quality cross into the box, but Gamildien's effort was brilliantly saved by Sandilands from close range.

Pirates improved towards the half-time break as they began keeping possession and linking up well in the opposition's half, with Motshwari pulling the strings in midfield. 

However, Swallows keeper Virgil Vries made a smart save to deny Wayde Jooste at the near-post to ensure that the first-half ended with the two teams locked at 0-0.

Possession was shared evenly by the two teams after the restart, but the Birds looked more dangerous whenever they pushed forward.

Kgaogelo Sekgota's headed effort was blocked by Sandilands, who also came out to pull off a spectacular save to deny Gamildien in a one-on-situation.

Zinnbauer made a double substitution just after the hour-mark as he introduced an attack-minded duo of Frank Mhango and Siphesihle Ndlovu.

Pirates took control of the match towards the end of the game and Deon Hotto was sent through in goal, but Vries came out to deny his Namibia teammate from a one-on-one situation.

The Buccaneers thought they had snatched a late winning goal when Motshwari placed his effort into the top corner to make it 1-0 to Pirates with five minutes left.

However, they were denied a win by second-half substitute Mahlatsi, who scored for Swallows from close range in stoppage time to ensure that the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The result saw Swallows remain second on the league standings - two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while Pirates remained sixth on the log.

Pirates will be away to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Wednesday and Swallows are set to travel to Limpopo to face Baroka FC on Saturday. 

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  286 Hits

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