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Tottenham booked a place in the EFL Cup final as Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-min got the goals in a 2-0 victory over Brentford.

Thomas Frank's Championship promotion-chasers headed into the match bolstered by a 16-match unbeaten run and victories over four other Premier League sides in this season's competition, but Sissoko's 12th-minute header punctured any early enthusiasm.

The visitors posed enough questions of Spurs in their usual eloquent style and Ivan Toney had a 63rd-minute header disallowed for offside.

Son then streaked clear of their defence to hammer home his 16th goal of the season and grant Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho his latest shot at silverware.

Brentford finshed with 10 men after Josh Dasilva's ugly lunge caught Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

They had given themselves an uphill task by allowing Sissoko far too much room to glance home Sergio Reguilon's left-wing cross in a first half of few chances.

Toney outmuscled Davinson Sanchez to get on the end of Bryan Mbeumo's floated 34th-minute delivery, although Hugo Lloris was equal to a looping header.

The Brentford striker arguably caused his own goalkeeper more discomfort when Lucas Moura's header from Son's corner spun off Toney, with David Raya saving superbly as he tumbled backwards to his left.

Serge Aurier made a vital last-ditch challenge to thwart Toney after Mbeumo got the better of Sanchez five minutes into the second half.

Aurier and Son spurned presentable chances and Toney thought he had equalised for Brentford, only for a VAR review to show he was fractionally offside.

That close shave roused Spurs from their second-half torpor and Harry Kane combined with Tanguy Ndombele for the latter to slide Son through for an emphatic finish.

A spirited Brentford were sapped by that strike and needed another impressive intervention from Raya to prevent Kane from adding further gloss to the scoreline.

Dasilva was deservedly dismissed six minutes from time after leaving Hojbjerg with an ugly gash on his shin.

What does it mean? Mourinho's League Cup love affair continues

Mourinho has lifted the three-handled trophy on four occasions and it was his first honour in English football with Chelsea back in 2005. It was also the last major prize Spurs were able to collect, back in 2008. Victory over either of the other semi-final combatants - his former club Manchester United or Pep Guardiola and holders Manchester City - would surely by richly enjoyed by Mourinho if he and his players can complete the job at Wembley in April.

What's next?

Both sides turn their attention towards the FA Cup this weekend, with Brentford hosting Championship counterparts Middlesbrough and Spurs travelling to non-league Marine in the most intriguing tie of the third round.

U.S. national team striker Alex Morgan has revealed that she and her family have tested positive for Covid-19. 

Morgan, who recently returned to the United States after a short spell with Tottenham, announced the diagnosis with a post on Twitter.

It wasn't immediately clear whether Morgan's husband Servando Carrasco and infant daughter Charlie were both also infected, or if other family members caught the virus as well. 

"Unfortunately, my family and I closed out 2020 learning that we had contracted Covid while in California over the holidays," Morgan said on Twitter. 

"We are all in good spirits and recovering well. After our isolation is completed, I will follow US Soccer's return to play guidelines to ensure my body is fully recovered and I can join my team-mates back on the field soon. Be safe and happy new year."

Morgan now appears unlikely to be included on Wednesday when the USWNT announces their roster for their January training camp.

The 31-year-old is the second high-profile USWNT player to contract Covid-19 recently, with Lindsey Horan removed from the roster for November's friendly against the Netherlands after testing positive. Horan has since recovered.

Morgan joined Tottenham in September, leaving her NWSL side Orlando Pride on a short-term deal. 

The striker made just five appearances for the club, scoring two goals, as she battled a knee injury during her time in the Women's Super League. 

Morgan was also working her way back to fitness after she gave birth to Charlie in May.

Morgan had initially planned on aiming to return to the field in time for the Tokyo Olympics last summer, but was given a reprieve as the competition was pushed back by a year due to the pandemic.

“I definitely feel like I have been able to really just take a step back and go on my own timeline which has been so nice and so unexpected,” Morgan said in an interview with U.S. Soccer in November. “When I first got pregnant it was going to be the complete opposite.”

Morgan made her first appearance for the USWNT in more than a year when she came off the bench against the Netherlands.

Mamelodi Sundowns central midfielder Mothobi Mvala is looking forward to playing in the Caf Champions League group stage after the Brazilians progressed on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was on the scoresheet as Masandawana secured a 3-1 win over Jwaneng Galaxy in the Caf Champions League first-round first-leg match in Pretoria.

The result saw the PSL champions advance to the group stage after defeating the Botswanan champions 5-1 on aggregate. 

Nicknamed Sledge, Mvala netted Sundowns' second with a header from Aubrey Modiba's corner-kick, his third goal in four competitive matches this term.

"It was a good game. We implemented what we have been practising at training regarding the set-piece," Mvala told the club's social media platforms. "We knew that it was not going to be an easy game, but we had to work harder than them and we are now through to the group stage."

Mvala, who joined Masandawana from Highlands Park prior to the start of the current season, has managed to live up to his reputation as a goalscoring midfielder at the Tshwane giants. 

"For me personally, I have this good feeling because it is my first time in my career that I am playing in a Caf club competition," he added. "I am looking forward to being part of the team which will play in the group stage."

Mvala's teammate, Lebohang Maboe said it was imperative for Sundowns to qualify for the Champions League group stage. 

"I think it is a big step for us to reach the group stage. It is what the club expects from us," Maboe also told the club's social media platforms, "but it was not an easy game - starting in the first-half we should have done ourselves some justice by getting an early goal and probably put them on the back foot."

Maboe, who played the entire match as a playmaker, was pleased by the team's overall performance as Manqoba Mngqithi's side dominated the match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. 

"We finally got that goal and we knew that the game had to open up," the former Maritzburg United midfielder continued. "We had to get the second one then the third one.

"We tried to control the game which we did. Yeah, overall I think we had a good game."

Sundowns have now turned their attention to their PSL encounter with Baroka FC which will be played on Saturday. 

Wolfsburg forward Omar Marmoush has completed a loan move to German second division outfit FC St. Pauli.

Since joining the Bundesliga giants from Egypt Premier League side Wadi Degla, the Egypt U23 star has starred for the senior team as well as Wolfsburg II.

However, having been frozen out of Oliver Glasner’s squad at the Volkswagen Arena – making just one substitute appearance for the Wolves in the 2020-21 campaign, he has been loaned to second-tier side for the rest of the season.

“The Boys in Brown have strengthened in attack by taking Omar Marmoush on loan from VfL Wolfsburg to the end of the season after director of sport Andreas Bornemann agreed terms with the player and officials of the Bundesliga club,” the club announced in a statement.

At the Millerntor-Stadion, Marmoush joins Nigeria's Afeez Aremu in Timo Schultz’s squad. He has expressed his delight teaming up with the Bundesliga 2 strugglers.

“I’m very happy the deal has gone through,” he told the club website. “I want to bring my strengths to St. Pauli and get as much playing time as possible, of course, to take the next step in my development.

“I look forward to getting started and getting to know my new teammates.”

St. Pauli are currently 17th in the log having accrued just eight points from 13 games played so far, and manager Omar feels the youngster’s addition is a big plus.

“Omar can be used flexibly in attack and thus gives us additional options up top and on the wings,” said the club boss. “He can make goals as well as score them.

"We’ve lacked punch up front recently and we hope to pose more of an attacking threat with this addition.”

This sentiment is also echoed by club’s director of sport Andrea Bornemann: “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find any consistency in attack this season due to injuries, so we wanted to add a player in this area who can play in different positions. Omar Marmoush has that versatility.”

The Egyptian could make his debut when St. Pauli take on Wurzburger Kickers on Wednesday evening.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has responded to Jurgen Klopp’s Manchester United penalty jibe, suggesting that managers who keep bringing it up are trying to influence referees.

Klopp brought up United’s penalty record unprompted after his side lost 1-0 to Southampton in the Premier League on Monday night. 

“I hear now that Manchester United had more penalties in two years than I had in five and a half years,” the Liverpool manager said. “I've no idea if that's my fault, or how that can happen.” 

United have been awarded 11 penalties in all competitions this season, with six of those coming in the league, while Klopp’s side have been awarded five in the league – a minimal difference. 

But perhaps Klopp was talking more about the fact United have won 42 in all competitions since Solskjaer took over in December 2018, compared to Liverpool winning 19 in the same time frame.

“I don’t count how many penalties they have, so if they want to spend time on worrying about when we get fouled in the box, I don’t spend time on that,” Solskjaer replied when asked about other managers’ fascination with United being awarded penalties.

Klopp isn’t the first manager to mention United’s penalty record. 

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard brought it up in his pre-match press conference ahead of last season’s FA Cup semi-final and Solskjaer believes that could have impacted Mike Dean’s decision-making during the game, as he thought Anthony Martial should have been given a spot-kick after a possible foul from Kurt Zouma.

“I can’t talk on behalf of other managers, why they say things like this,” Solskjaer said. “Obviously I felt it worked last year in the semi in the FA Cup because Frank spoke about it and we had a nailed-on penalty that we should have had that we didn’t get. 

“So maybe it’s a way of influencing referees. I don’t know, but I don’t worry about that. When they foul our players it’s a penalty. It’s just when it’s inside the box.”

Solskjaer will have a chance to get one over on Klopp when the Red Devils travel to Anfield on January 17.

Christy Ucheibe and Jolina Amani will lead SL Benfica out against South Africa's Jermaine Seoposenwe's SC Braga in the 2019-20 Portuguese League Cup final at the Aveiro Municipal Stadium on Wednesday.

The meeting will be the fifth between the two teams in all competitions since the first in 2019, when Braga claimed a 2-1 victory, but Benfica have celebrated three wins in four meetings.

To book a final spot, Benfica emerged leaders on the log with two wins and one draw in three matches, wrapping up with a 4-0 thrashing of city rivals CF Benfica in February. 

Benfica will be without South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana, who was pivotal in the progress to the final before moving to Spain and SD Eibar earlier this year, but can count on Nigeria's Ucheibe and Cape Verde's Amani.

The African duo Ucheibe and Amani have been impressive for The Eagles this season, contributing three and four goals respectively.

On the other hand, Braga finished second in the four-team group, with two wins in three games, including a 3-0 win over Sporting CP to book their final spot.

When the two finalists met in the group stage, Benfica ran out 3-1 winners.

Miguel Santos will miss the services of departed Nigeria's Chinaza Uchendu, Sierra Leone's Shade Pratt and Cameroon's Farida Machia, but can only rely on South Africa's Seoposenwe.

Seoposenwe will be eager to record her first title success for Braga on her debut season, as will Ucheibe and Amani for SL Benfica.

Wednesday's final will be a preamble to January 13's final of the 2019/2020 Portuguese Women's Cup, where both Braga and Benfica will meet again at the same venue, giving Seoposenwe, Ucheibe and Amani the chance to complete a cup double within a week.

Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the Caf Champions League group stage after securing a 3-1 win over Jwaneng Galaxy in their first round second leg match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Kermit Erasmus opened the scoring before Mothobi Mvala and Thapelo Morena extended Masandawana's lead, while Tebogo Sembowa grabbed Botswana champions Galaxy's late consolation goal. 

Masandawana were looking to avoid a defeat in order to advance to the group stage, having claimed a 2-0 win in the first leg in Lobatse a fortnight ago.

Kennedy Mweene, Andile Jali and Erasmus made their return to the starting line-up as head coach Manqoba Mngqithi made three changes to the team which faced Orlando Pirates over the weekend.
 
On the other hand, Galaxy were hoping to cause an upset by eliminating a much-fancied Sundowns side, who looked set to reach the Champions League group stage for the sixth year running.

Mngqithi's counterpart Losikalame Keatlholetswe made three changes to the team which took on Masandawana in Botswana, with Thabang Sesinyi, Gofaone Molapi and Gilbert Baruti being recalled to the starting line-up.

Galaxy threatened first through former Orlando Pirates midfielder Ricardo Lourenco, whose deflected shot was well saved by Mweene in the Sundowns goalposts a few minutes into the game.

Although Masandawana dominated possession, they were unable to seriously test Galaxy goalkeeper Katlego Mbise as Erasmus and Aubrey Modiba placed their efforts wide of the target.

Lourenco was consistently looking to shoot from range whenever he was in possession of the ball, and he forced Mweene into a magnificent diving save with a curling shot which was heading for the top corner.

The hosts upped the tempo with the half-time break fast approaching and they managed to break the deadlock following a quick move down the left-hand side.

Peter Shalulile burst into the box before playing a cut-back pass for Erasmus, who tapped home to make it 1-0 to Sundowns seven minutes before the half-time break.

Mbise then produced a fantastic double save to deny Modiba to ensure that the first-half ended with Sundowns leading 1-0 on a sunny day in Pretoria.

Masandawana continued to dominate the match after the restart and they were awarded a penalty after Molapi was adjudged to have fouled Shalulile in the box.

Sundowns' stand-in captain Ricardo Nascimento then stepped up and he was denied by Mbise, who dived to his right to pull off a brilliant low save. However, this did not deter the hosts as they piled pressure on Galaxy and they deservedly doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Mvala headed home Modiba's corner-kick to make it 2-0 to Sundowns.

The momentum was with Mngqithi's men in the closing stages of the match and they extended their lead to 3-0 through Thapelo Morena, with second-half substitute Keletso Makgalwa grabbing an assist. 

Makgalwa, who had injected some pace into the Masandawana attack, delivered a delightful cross which was turned home by Morena with nine minutes left. 

However, the Tshwane giants went to sleep at the back and they were punished by Tebogo Sembowa, who pounced on a poor backpass by Mvala, and he netted to make it 3-1 in the 89th minute. 

The goal proved to be a consolation for Galaxy as Sundowns held on to win 3-1 on the day and they advanced to the group stage after winning the tie 5-1 on aggregate, while Galaxy crashed out of the tournament.

Sundowns will be in action this weekend as they take on Baroka FC in a Premier Soccer League match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

The Mumbai City juggernaut continued as they breezed past Bengaluru 3-1 in their ninth match of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) on Tuesday at the Fatorda Stadium.

The Blues were simply no match for the Islanders as the latter outclassed Bengaluru on the field. 

After the match, Mumbai manager Sergio Lobera suggested that they had come prepared to counter Bengaluru during setpieces and also convert the ones they get. Two out of the three goals Mumbai City scored came via setpieces.

"I am very happy because we performed very well. We spoke before the game and when the plans get executed it makes me very happy. About setpieces, we knew Bengaluru's potential and my assistant (Jesus) Tato worked very well on this to not only defend setpieces but also score from setpieces," said Lobera.

The former Las Palmas manager also mentioned that he was happy that his side got off to a bright start scoring two goals in 15 minutes but he felt that the team should have utilised the chances they got and bury the game in the first half itself.

"It is very important to start the games well and I am happy that we did that but after that, we had a lot of chances to score the third goal and seal the match. We need to improve that but I am very happy with how we started the game."

Ahmed Jahouh picked up his second red card of the season after the Moroccon midfielder was booked twice in the game and was given the marching orders in the dying minutes of the game. Lobera said that the player must learn from his mistake.

"Obviously he (Ahmed Jahouh) is a very good player, but he needs to avoid these situations. He needs to learn because it is a big mistake to lose a player for the next game and it was possible to avoid that."

Lobera's side has been excellent in the first phase of the league and the coach wants this run of form to continue. "It is good and I am happy and I don't want this to change. We had a very short pre-season and it is not easy to implement new things. We have 24 new players. We have to maintain this level and improve a lot of things."

Young Africans coach Cedric Kaze has explained the reason he is targeting signing a striker in the mini-transfer window.

Despite leading the 18-team league table on 44 points from 18 matches and remaining unbeaten, the Burundian tactician has revealed the club are still in the market for a striker and they will bring someon on board before the window closes on January 15.

Kaze has now explained he needs to see his team score more goals in the second round of the Mainland Premier League in order to have a better goal aggregate, which is why they are determined to add strength to the attacking zone by signing one striker.

“Having been very successful in the defensive zone in the first round, we now want to make sure we add more edge to the attacking zone and that is why we are in the process of recruiting another striker who will strengthen the area,” Kaze said, as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“We want to see our team score more goals, to have a better balance of goals scored and conceded if we want to finish in a better position in the standings.”

Reports have already indicated the Jangwani giants are in the process of signing Congolese striker Ferebory Dore to boost their striking options.

In an earlier interview, Yanga vice-chairman Fredrick Mwakalebela, confirmed the club’s leadership and the technical bench had met with the players to urge them to forget the results of the first round and start with a new pace in the second round.

“Our strategy is to start the second round faster, we have already talked to our players to forget the results of the first round and now look at the second round to make sure every match we get three points,” Mwakalebela said, as quoted by Sokalabongo. “What we are looking for is to start the second round as if we do not have points, that will help a lot to achieve our set targets for the season.

“The fans are trying hard to show up on the field and they have been supporting us, so the players have a debt to pay them which is nothing but to win the major league title.”

Mwakalebela continued: “If the leadership is doing its job well, we will make sure we give the players everything on time so they can do well and win the championship.”

Yanga, who are leading the 18-team table with 44 points from 18 matches, have now shifted their focus to the Mapinduzi Cup which will kick off on Tuesday in Zanzibar.

Namungo FC have qualified for the final preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup after a 5-3 aggregate win over El Hilal Obayed following the 3-3 draw against the 10-man hosts at Al-Hilal Stadium on Tuesday.

Hussein Galangat scored a brace while Ibrahim Ainsoor scored another one for the hosts, while their visitors replied through Stephen Kwame Sey, Blaise Bigirimana and Edward Charles Manyama.

The Tanzanian outfit came into the match with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, with Sixtus Sabilo and Sey having scored the goals for them.

It seemed like the job was done when Ghanaian Sey scored the opener after just two minutes, and with the Sudanese side not at the races, the visitors didn't hestitate to take advantage.

Namungo became overconfident when they managed to get the away goal, and they were eventually punished in the 13th minute when Galangat scored from close range.

A few moments later, the hosts took a deserved lead when Ainsoor capitalised on casual defending to further boost the home team's confidence.

The second goal motivated Obayed and created confusion and tension on the visitors' side. It was not surprising when Galangat completed his brace in the 19th minute to give Hilal a 3-1 lead on the day

However, Hilal Altabaldy's momentum was halted in the 22nd minute when Galangat was sent off after committing a serious foul on an opponent.

From that moment, the tide turned in favour of Namungo, who capitalised on the numerical advantage and sought to reduce arrears.

Burundian Bigirimana reduced the deficit in the 39th minute to ensure the gap reduced to just one goal ahead of the half-time break after a thrilling half, and Namungo came out of the blocks strongly after the pause.

Five minutes after the break, Manyama was there to score the equalizer to make it 3-3 and seal progression to the final preliminary round of the competition.

Neither of the two teams would get another goal in the remaining 40 minutes as the Tanzanians held on to progress.

It is the first time Namungo, who are the 2019/20 FA Cup finalists, are taking part in the continental competition.

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has expressed his confidence that star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will commit to a new deal with the club.

The 29-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League's top players, and was named PFA Players' Player of the Year last season.

The Belgian joined City from Wolfsburg in August 2015 in a club-record £55 million ($67m) deal, and signed a five-year contract in January 2018.

Though his contract won't expire for another two-and-a-half-years, City are keen to tie the playmaker down to fresh terms that will keep him at the club for even longer. 

According to a report in The Times, De Bruyne rejected City's initial contact offer this week and was unhappy with the terms that were presented to him.

Guardiola, though, believes that De Bruyne will eventually sign a new deal, but has admitted that he is in the dark about the negotiation process.

"I'm pretty sure that he will stay but at the same time we have to respect the process," Guardiola told Sky Sports. 

"I don't know what's going on because I didn't speak with Txiki [Begiristain, Man City director of football] but he knows how we perceive him - not just as a football player, but as a person, how important he is for the club. But I'm not worried.

"At the end it's his decision and hopefully it's going to finish well."

De Bruyne has scored three goals and added 12 assists in all competitions this season as City look to regain the Premier League title they lost to Liverpool last season, as well as win their first Champions League title. 

Following a 3-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday, City have drawn to within four points of league-leading duo Manchester United and Liverpool, though they have a game in hand on the former and two in hand on the latter.

In the Champions League, meanwhile, City have advanced past the group stage and will take on Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach in the round of 16. 

Cup competitions will occupy City this week though, as they face Man Utd in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday before an FA Cup clash against Birmingham City on Sunday.

Leonardo Castro’s first half strike sent Kaizer Chiefs into the group stage of the Caf Champions League following a 1-0 first-round second-leg victory over Primeiro de Agosto away at 11 November Stadium in Luanda on Tuesday.

After the first leg ended 0-0 at the FNB Stadium on December 23, Chiefs went through on a 1-0 aggregate scoreline as they extended their run of clean sheets to four games in this competition so far this season.

For all their domestic troubles, progressing to the group phase for the first time ever is a huge feat for Amakhosi.

Coach Gavin Hunt started a similar squad he started in the home leg, making a few changes by bringing Bernard Parker, Castro and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo into the lineup.

The Soweto giants looked a completely different side from the outfit that has been struggling on the domestic front.

Their major threat came from set-pieces, with Eric Mathoho heading just over the bar from a Khama Billiat freekick after Castro had been fouled 15 minutes into the match.

Another Billiat freekick three minutes later was a cause for concern for the hosts as Siyabonga Ngezana's diving header went off target.

With Chiefs the more threatening side, Agosto responded through Honduras forward Bryan Velasquez, who lobbed Akpeyi, but Mathoho was on hand to clear the goal-bound ball in the 26th minute.

Amakhosi escaped another raid on 31 minutes after Mabululo’s headed effort went over the bar before another dangerous attack four minutes later had Daniel Akpeyi save Manico’s powerful daisy-cutter.

Billiat continued to be a menace to the Agosto defence, shooting just wide following some nice exchanges with Castro a few moments later.

The resultant counter-attack from the goal-kick caught Chiefs defenders napping, with Mabululo breaking loose, but his low drive narrowly missed the goal despite beating Akpeyi in what was the best chance of the first half.

Castro then broke the impasse four minutes from half-time when he connected with Billiat’s cross from the left.

The goal appeared to have fired up Chiefs, who saw Ramahlwe Mphahlele heading just over the cross bar from yet another Billiat freekick just before the break, although Agosto had a decent change after the restart when Velasquez sent a free kick against the side netting after Bernard Parker had fouled Natael on the edge of the box.

The Angolans showed hunger to claw their way back into the match, with Mabululo missing a point-blank header from a cross from the left on 53 minutes, and the pressure from the hosts kept Chiefs defenders busy, with Velasquez firing wide in 63rd minute after getting his shot away despite the attentions of Chiefs defenders.

Hunt then introduced Samir Nurkovic for Castro and the Serb awakened Chiefs’ momentum as Agosto's fizzled out.

The hosts appeared to have given up and did not cause problems for Amakhosi towards the end as the visitors were firmly in control of the contest, although Congolese defender Bobo Ungenda headed wide in what was Agosto’s last meaningful effort of the game five minutes from time.

Benjamin Tetteh was the hero for Yeni Malatyspor in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Sivasspor in a Turkish Super Lig fixture.

Looking like his team would begin the new year on a losing note following Erdogan Yesilyurt and Max-Alain Gradel’s goals for the visitors, the on-loan Sparta Prague striker ensured that the four-goal thriller ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

Hamza Hamzaoglu’s side into the game with the ambition of ending their three-game winless streak, however, it was the Braves who took an 18th-minute lead through Yesilyurt. The German midfielder profited from a poor defending from the hosts to head past goalkeeper Ertac Ozbir after meeting Robin Yalcin's cross.

Nevertheless, they levelled matters seven minutes later courtesy of Cote d’Ivoire forward Moryke Fofana, who acrobatically converted a cross from Morocco defender Issam Chebake.

In a goal-laden first half, Gradel put Sivasspor ahead in the 32nd minute after rising tall to head home a cross from Yesilyurt from a hurriedly-taken corner. That effort was the Ivorian’s fifth in his debut season for Rıza Calımbay’s squad since he joined them from Toulouse.

Not willing to go down without a fight, Yeni came out stronger in the second-half, even if they bungled several scoring chances.

Their tenacity paid off three minutes after the hour mark through Tetteh, who slotted into an empty net after his initial header was punched to his path by goalkeeper Ali Sasal Vural.

Sivasspor would have their luck to blame in the 80th minute as VAR adjudged Mustapha Yatabare’s strike for an offside. With no goals scored in the final minutes of regular time, honour was shared at the New Malatya Stadium.

Tetteh and Chebake were on parade for the home side from start to finish, while Fofana was replaced in the 65th minute by DR Congo’s Jody Lukoki with Nigeria’s Sincere Seth, Burundi's Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Zimbabwe's Teenage Hadebe not dressed for action.

For Calımbay’s Braves, Gabon’s Aaron Appindangoye and Yatabare played for the entirety as Gradel was substituted for Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Kayode in the 81st minute. That was not the case for Mali's Mamadou Samassa, Cote d'Ivoire's Arouna Kone and Morocco's Faycal Fajr who were not considered for action.

With this result, Sivasspor are 13th in the log having accrued just 19 points from 16 outings as Yeni Malatyaspor occupy the tenth spot with 21 points from the same number of games.

Bengaluru succumbed to their third consecutive defeat in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) as they went down 1-3 against Mumbai City on Tuesday.

The Blues head coach Carles Cuadrat suggested after the match that his side lacks consistency and he has given up on fighting for the top spot in the standings which could get them an AFC Champions League slot.

"We have to improve in a lot of different aspects," said Cuadrat after the match. "We know that some of our players are not in their best shape. Some have muscle issues and some like Ashique. He was one of our fittest players at that moment of the season but that is not an excuse. With the squad, we have, honestly ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City are more consistent. As a club, we have to understand that our role is to try and play for the play-offs because ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai are going to fight for the Champions League slot."

Bengaluru were completely overwhelmed by a dominant Mumbai City at the beginning of the match as the Islanders scored twice within 15 minutes. The Spanish coach suggested that they had come prepared for such a situation but unfortunately their plan of charging at Mumbai with counter-attacks did not work due to their profligacy in front of the goal.

"We had our match plan. We were ready for that kind of a game but the real truth is they played very well. They knew where the spaces were and our plan was to try and be compact and go out for counter-attacks with fast players like (Deshor) Brown, Suresh (Wangjam), Cleiton (Silva) and Sunil (Chhetri). But we couldn't score the chances we created, it was not our day.

"They got the advantage in the first 15 minutes and then it became difficult for us. The guys put a lot of effort and had the attitude and we were close to giving them trouble at 2-1 but Mumbai City deserve the three points."

Cuadrat pointed out that the decision to change the backline which had conceded the least number of goals last season has affected the performance.

"The change of players makes me try and teach the new players to play the game in the way we want them to play. The club this season decided to change the defence and our defence was the best last season and did not concede many goals. I have to respect the decisions, I am a worker at the club and the club decided to release Nishu Kumar and Albert Serran.

"My job is to teach the new players to try to understand the way we play. It is a hard job and I love it. We have to keep going and improving and try to be competitive."

The Government of Ghana has lifted its Covid-19-induced behind-closed doors directive on the Premier League, but only a maximum of 25 percent of fans will be allowed into various match stadia.

Also, all other existing safety and health protocols will still be observed.

The above directives were contained in a press release signed by Minister for Youth and Sports, Isaac Kwame Asiamah on Tuesday, as seen by Goal.

The league, which started in November, initially received a green light to commence with a 25 percent capacity intake but the Government of Ghana made a U-turn on the eve of the first match.

"Before November 2020, there was a spike in the country's coronavirus cases,"  the Government of Ghana explained in its press release. "This necessitated the issuance of an administrative directive that the twenty-five (25) percent seating capacity announced earlier should be put on hold and that football matches should be played behind closed doors.

"This administrative directive was in consonance with the president's desire to protect lives and livelihoods," the statement continued. "Ghana has made significant progress in combating the disease of late.

"Government has therefore eased the restriction of playing behind closed doors. Seating at all stadia will therefore be limited to twenty-five (25) percent seating capacity as previously announced by the president. All existing safety and hygiene protocols are still in force.

"The Inter-Ministerial Taskforce will continue to monitor the evolving Covid-19 situation and will advise when spectators will be allowed to all stadia in the country."

The Premier League returned for the 2020-21 term in November after the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the 2019-20 season in March last year.

The championship, which received clearance in October as part of government's gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions, has reached the matchweek seven stage.

Last month, Ashanti Gold were hauled before the GFA Disciplinary Committee for breaking the coronavirus safety protocols as viral social media videos showed the presence of fans for their home game against King Faisal. 

Presently, Ghana has 905 active coronavirus cases, with an overall statistic of 55,168 confirmed cases, 53,928 recoveries/discharges and 335 deaths. This figures are provided by the Ghana Health Service.

Manchester City manager ​Pep Guardiola has admitted his side "don't have many players" available to face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

City saw their match against Everton postponed last week after a number of players and staff tested positive for coronavirus, but they were able to face Chelsea on Sunday in a match they won 3-1.

The club has seen six players test positive recently, with Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker and Eric Garcia those confirmed to have the virus along with three unnamed players.

Ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final against their fierce local rivals, Guardiola has admitted that the virus has taken its toll on his squad.

"We don't have many players," Guardiola told Sky Sports. "To play one, two games is okay but if sustained for a long time - and you can use just 14 or 15 players - it will be more difficult.

"But like everyone in the world, we have to adjust in our lives and our profession as much as possible. We don't have an alternative.

"The important thing is the guys who have Covid recover well and the others try to avoid it as much as possible."

Not every City player has been diligent about avoiding risk, however. The club released a statement on Sunday condemning the actions of Benjamin Mendy, who flouted Covid-19 rules to host a New Year's Eve party.

"While it is understood that elements of this incident have been misinterpreted in the reports, and that the player has publicly apologised for his error, the club is disappointed to learn of the transgression and will be conducting an internal investigation," the statement read. 

The breach came during a period in which 40 players across the Premier League tested positive for the virus, a new weekly high. As Covid-19 surges across England, Guardiola knows that City are far from the only side affected.

"There are other clubs, like Newcastle, for example; every club is fighting about the dangers with Covid," he said. "This situation is completely new. It looks like we are an island inside the society. It's like everything is locked down except ourselves.

"When the people say football players are special, maybe it's the truth. We didn't believe it before; I always thought the doctors, teachers, architects, every person is the same. But it looks like everything is closed but our business.

"They have to be careful what they do. Social distance, be careful and be lucky because even doing as best as possible, there are risks."

Sadio Mane is a “package deal” for Liverpool and little should be read into his recent struggle for goals, says John Barnes.

The Senegal international has been a prolific presence for the Reds throughout a memorable spell on Merseyside.

A healthy return of 88 goals has been recorded through 193 appearances, with those efforts helping to deliver Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League crowns.

Mane has, however, found the target on just two occasions through his last 13 games, and three times in 18 outings.

He is not the first to endure such a drought, with Roberto Firmino seeing his value called into question when going through a barren run, but Barnes sees no cause for alarm at Anfield.

The Reds legend told BonusCodeBets on Mane’s contribution: “This is very much the same thing we talked about last year with Firmino; where we won the league by 20 points yet people were complaining that he wasn't scoring enough goals. Yet, he was playing every game and contributing to the team’s overall performance.

“Firstly, it’s important to remember that Mane has been one of the most important players in the team and his form is excellent. Perhaps not excellent in terms of number of goals scored, but excellent in terms of what he does for the team. I’d even say that Mane has a lot to do with why we’re at the top of the league; and that’s done both on and off the ball.

“His goalscoring, his creativity - it’s a package deal. So I don't see why it's all doom and gloom for a team that's top of the league.

“And yes, the last two games haven't gone our way, but that could easily be turned around and I expect them to do so.

“So I don’t think it’s fair on anyone in that team to start complaining and saying that the players are under-performing, when this is exactly what happens in football. You win some and you lose some - simple as that.

“But Liverpool is a fantastic team and the way they play shouldn’t be criticised nor scrutinised. Like any team, you’ll have good days and not so great days - but it all comes down to consistency; and that is something that this team has proven to be.” 

Mane drew his latest blank in a 1-0 defeat against former club Southampton, with the defending Premier League champions now winless in three and offering hope to the chasing pack that they could be knocked from the loftiest of perches.