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Edinson Cavani may have been the hero for Manchester United as they overturned a two-goal deficit against Southampton to secure a crucial 3-2 victory, but his actions online after quickly took the sheen off.

The Uruguayan striker scored two important goals for the Red Devils on Sunday, including an injury-time winner, and he rightly drank in the plaudits for his timely intervention.

However, as he was glorying in the adulation on Instagram, the veteran sharpshooter posted a racially insensitive message which could well see him punished by the English football authorities.

So, what did Cavani post on his Instagram feed and will he be banned?

What did Edinson Cavani's Instagram post say?

The offending message appeared on Edinson Cavani's Instagram stories and it read, "Gracias negrito", along with a handshake emoji.

It was soon deleted, reportedly after the offensive nature of it was explained to the former Paris Saint-Germain star. 

Cavani had been sharing and engaging with some of the messages of support he had been receiving from Man United supporters for his two-goal saviour act.

In this particular instance, a fan had written, "So, I love you Matador!" and the 33-year-old forward was apparently responding to show his gratitude.

However, the phrase he chose to use on this occasion just happens to be one of the same racially insensitive terms that Luis Suarez was alleged to have directed towards Patrice Evra during a Liverpool-Manchester United game in 2011.

Could Edinson Cavani be banned for his Instagram post?

The Football Association (FA) could potentially suspend Cavani over the content of his now-deleted Instagram post, with such offences carrying a minimum three-game ban.

A hefty fine is also a possible punishment for the transgression, along with the need to undertake an educational course.

However, a punishment will only be meted out once the FA has looked into the matter and if they decided to charge the player after assessing the circumstances.

While Cavani deleted the post relatively quickly, that does not necessarily mean he will avoid sanction, though it would be taken into account in any investigation.

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva was banned for one game and fined £50,000 ($64k) by the FA in 2019 for a racially insensitive tweet which was directed at his team-mate Benjamin Mendy.

More recently, Tottenham playmaker Dele Alli was sanctioned with similar punishment - a one-game ban, a fine and an obligation to undertake an education course - for a joke posted online relating to coronavirus.

The FA rule that may be applicable in Cavani's case is Rule E.3., which relates specifically to players' conduct and general behaviour.

Cavani's compatriot and friend Luis Suarez was hit with an eight-game ban for using the same phrase in his altercation with Patrice Evra in 2011.

In his book, Suarez wrote that he spoke to Evra in Spanish and did not use the word 'negrito' "the way it can be used in English", insisting that it was a term of endearment.

He claimed that the term "can refer to anyone with dark hair as well as dark skin", saying that he was "used to the word being used in Spanish in this way all my life."

The striker said that his wife uses the term to describe him, as his grandmother also used it to refer to his grandfather.

While the word in question used by Cavani is the same used by Suarez, the scenarios are certainly different - one being part of a positive Instagram engagement with fans and the other part of a heated disagreement.

Nigeria youth star Taiwo Awoniyi has stated he prefers to leave Liverpool after failing to secure a work permit in the UK since his arrival in 2015.

Awoniyi joined the Reds five years ago following his heroics at 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup and 2015 Africa U20 Championship where he helped Nigeria win both tournaments in the United Arab Emirates and Senegal respectively.

Since his move to Liverpool, the 23-year-old has had seven loan stints in clubs across Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

He disclosed his ambition to play for the reigning Premier League champions but he was left with second thoughts after another loan deal was agreed with Union Berlin in September for the entire 2020-21 season.

"It is my dream to play for Liverpool. But me playing for Liverpool has to do with getting my work permit," Awoniyi told ESPN.

"Without it, there is no chance for me discussing about playing for Liverpool for now.

"This season was maybe a bit tough to make the decision because honestly, I was hoping to leave permanently.

"Liverpool have been great, they have been so supportive and we always talk with the director and every time, they tell me to be patient.

"But the reason I discussed something permanent this season was just that I felt most loans I have been to, have not really been the way I want it.

"And I felt like it happens that way because the loan players get less of an advantage than the players of their own club.

"That was what made me think, okay, maybe it's time to find a home with my family."

Awoniyi opened his goal account for the season with the opening strike in Union's 2-1 Bundesliga victory over Cologne a fortnight ago.

He is looking to build on the goal as Urs Fischer's side who are sixth in the German top-flight table and aim to enter the European qualification spots. 

"Every striker wants to score. I am a player that also wants to work for the team," the Imperial Academy product said. "And to make the work you are doing on the field count is when you score the goals.

"The first three games I started, I really put in a lot of work and everyone was impressed. Some of my teammates were really feeling bad because I had not scored before then.

"Getting that goal was really something that that gave me the joy that finally it came. But now, I just have to forget about it and look forward to the next one."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has joked that he is nothing like Manchester United’s new super sub Edinson Cavani as he “was always ready and had studs on”.

During Sir Alex Ferguson’s iconic reign at Old Trafford, the Red Devils were blessed with an abundance of attacking riches. Solskjaer formed part of that fold for 11 years, scoring 126 goals in 366 appearances.

Many of those came from off the bench, with his most memorable contribution coming in the 1999 Champions League final when he snatched the most dramatic of winners against Bayern Munich to complete their historic treble.

United have looked to others for similar shows of inspiration down the years, with Cavani the latest striker on their books.

At 33 years of age, and with adjustments having to be made to life in English football, the Uruguayan has been used sparingly to this point.

He has, however, shown that none of his predatory instincts have deserted him, with his first goal for the club against Everton followed by a match-winning brace in his last outing at Southampton.

Cavani made one and scored a couple against the Saints as United battled back from two down to claim another three points on the road, but his introduction at the interval was delayed as he decided to change his studs.

Solskjaer is able to laugh about that now, having seen the experienced performer choose the worst possible time to tinker with his footwear, and is eager to avoid comparisons.

“We’re not the same types of players,” United’s manager told reporters when reflecting on Cavani’s input at St Mary’s. “I’ve not made him, he’s made himself. He reminds me of Andy Cole by the way, with his movement inside the box; he’s so sharp, clever, great timing.

“He’s not learned off me because he wasn’t ready when the second half started. I was always ready and had studs on, so he made us wait a little bit too much for my liking!”

While questioning Cavani’s time management, Solskjaer was delighted to see Cavani heeding advice that he was once given by Ferguson when it comes to the art of goalscoring.

The Norwegian added: “Sometimes, when we’ve scored goals, it had to be the 'perfect' goal, walking it in, with an extra pass and great skill.

“Edinson has been around the block and scored so many goals and played football for so long. He’s been between those posts so many times, he’s seen this game before, he’s scored that goal before.

"He knows exactly where to move and his best friend in the box is what Sir Alex always used to tell me: 'Your best friend in the box is space', and he gets into that space with perfect timing.”

Solskjaer went on to say: “He’s got all the attributes for a top-class footballer and human being.

”He’s had a great career and scored goals wherever he’s been. He’s so professional, so meticulous in his preparation, in his recovery, what he does at meal-times, before the game, during the game. So I was surprised when he didn’t have his boots on when the second half started.

“Also, to have a focal point in the box is important for us, we’ve not really had that since Romelu [Lukaku] left. Anthony [Martial], Marcus [Rashford], Mason [Greenwood], they’re different types of forwards. He gives us a great balance and a mix, so we wanted to mix it up and had an impact.”

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed the postponement of two matches which were set to take place in midweek.

After a successful start to the 2020-21 campaign on Saturday and Sunday, FKF has confirmed the match pitting Ulinzi Stars against Mathare United, and the Gor Mahia vs Zoo FC match will not be played as planned on Wednesday.

A statement obtained by Goal confirmed the postponement: “The midweek fixtures between Gor Mahia vs Zoo and Ulinzi Stars vs Mathare United have been postponed.”

Ulinzi Stars have also confirmed the latest development by stating: "Kindly note that our game against Mathare United FC has been postponed. We were originally scheduled to play the 2008 league champs on Wednesday, December 2. A new date will be communicated in due course.”

While the Gor Mahia vs Zoo postponement might not raise eyebrows because the champions are preparing for their return leg match of the Caf Champion League against APR of Rwanda, there is no clear reason as to why the Ulinzi and Mathare match has been called off.

Ulinzi, Mathare United, and Zoo are some of the ‘rebel’ clubs which have refused to endorse the broadcast deal between FKF and StarTimes, and this could be the reason for the postponement of the match between Ulinzi and Mathare United.

The Kenyan league resumed on Saturday after nine months in the cold owing to the coronavirus pandemic as AFC Leopards beat Tusker 2-1 in the first match to open the season at Kasarani stadium.

With fans banned from watching matches, AFC Leopards were the first to arrive at the match venue with Tusker, and in hand to receive the teams was FKF president Nick Mwendwa, who was happy to see the return of football.

“I am happy for the players and the teams, now they can play and do what they like doing most, playing football, and now they can earn from the sport,” Mwendwa told Goal.

It was Sudanese import David Majak who grabbed the first goal of the new campaign, after he took advantage of a misunderstanding between AFC Leopards defenders, to stab home from close range.

However, the lead was short-lived as Ingwe drew level courtesy of captain Robinson Kamura, who drilled home a low effort before Elvis Rupia made sure they left the pitch with maximum points after sending the Tusker keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.

In other matches played on Saturday, Kakamega Homeboyz edged out promoted side Vihiga United 1-0 while Bandari beat Sofapaka by the same margin.

On Sunday, Posta Rangers hammered KCB 3-0, Kariobangi Sharks thrashed Wazito FC 4-0, Nairobi City Stars beat Nzoia Sugar 2-0 while Bidco United and Western Stima settled for a barren draw.

Ugandan Premier League side Wakiso Giants have named their squad for the 2020-21 season with three previous key players missing.

As the league is set to start on December 3, the Purple Sharks have revealed the team where Tom Masiko, Hakim Ssenkumba and Ayub Kisaliita are missing despite their experience.

Wakiso Giants head coach Douglas Bamwenyana will have to trust the players for a stable campaign in the new season, unlike last season where they finished 10th.

Former SC Villa goalkeeper Samson Kirya, Rahmat Ssenfuka formerly of Police and Vipers and Lawrence Bukenya from KCCA FC are among the new signings at the club.

In an earlier interview, Bamwenyana had stated they are ready for the new season that will begin after almost nine months of football suspension due to the coronavirus.

“We are happy with our preparations and excited to showcase what we have been cooking,” Bwamenyana said as quoted by the club's website then.

“On a technical note, the further delay to kick-off was a blessing in disguise; and was used to good effect to steadily impart our philosophical ideas. 

“We await our kick-off date with excitement and optimism.”

The former Express, SC Villa and Maroons coach claimed sports is the discipline that was hugely affected by the novel Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is with mixed feelings; excitement and relief now that we will take to the pitch and play again,” Bwamenyana continued.

“I might sound selfish but it feels as though the pandemic has affected us in sport the most, probably because it is a way of life for us.”

Wakiso Giants will begin the new season with a match against Police FC.

Wakiso Giants Full Squad:

Goalkeepers:  1. Derrick Emukule, 24. Samson Kirya and 31. Kenneth Luguya

Defenders: 2. Muwadda Kateregga, 3. Alex Komakech, 5. Simon Namwanja, 13. Swaib Mudde, 14. Edward Satulo, 15. Geriga Atendele, 16. Fahad Kawooya Kalule and 25. Hassan Wasswa Ssempewo,

Midfielders: 4. Lawrence Bukenya, 8. Ibrahim Kasule, 11. Gadafi Wahab, 12. Hassan Ssenyonjo, 17. Yasin Mugume, 18. Rahmat Ssenfuka, 19. Ivan Ssebuguzi, 22. Pius Kagwa, 23. Faizul Ibrahim and 26. Joshua Lubwama,

Forwards: 9. Amos Muwonge, 10. Viane Ssekajugo, 21. Karim Ndugwa and 29. Osman Miraji.

Liverpool made sure to steer “well clear” of any rash transfer decisions during the summer window, says Peter Krawietz, with the Reds adamant that minor tinkering was the way forward.

Having brought their 30-year wait for English top-flight title glory to a close, those at Anfield faced some big decisions.

Liverpool had spent big bolstering their ranks in recent times, but have been relatively quiet on the recruitment front of late.

Kostas Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota were the only additions made ahead of their title defence in 2020-21, with Krawietz saying the call was made early on not to be drawn into a scramble for unnecessary signatures.

Klopp’s right-hand man told The Athletic: “Our conviction was total. As total as it can be. We knew that there are no guarantees, but we were convinced that the squad’s composition was ideal for the challenges that season posed.

“There were no reasons to make any fundamental changes. Unless you’re totally certain that a new player will move things forward, you’re better off staying well clear. You’re not doing your team and the new guy any favours otherwise.

“We knew that we were very well set up. We had played well and had had success but we did see the potential for development within.

“That’s always the basis for making such decisions. Finances come into it as well, but the decision not to make any changes was informed by us knowing it wasn’t necessary.”

While Liverpool resisted the urge to make any rash transfer decisions over the summer, their hand may be forced in January.

A flurry of untimely injuries at Anfield have left Klopp having to shuffle his pack on a regular basis. Many of the fitness issues he has suffered have come in defence, with the Reds down to the bare bones at centre-half.

Another proven performer may be sought over the winter, but Krawietz’s comments suggest that the Reds will not be rushed into parting with money that they do not want to spend.

Liverpool's Premier League title defence is going well so far, with the Reds second in the table on 21 points after 10 games, only behind leaders Tottenham on goal difference.

Joan Laporta has claimed that Inter tried to sign Lionel Messi for €250 million (£225m/$300m) back in 2006, but he ultimately managed to convince him to stay at Barcelona to "make history".

Messi enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom at Camp Nou after graduating to Barca's senior squad in 2004.

The Argentine made his debut at the age of 17, and opened his scoring account for the club with a delightful chip after being teed up by Ronaldinho in a clash with Albacete towards the end of his first season in Frank Rijkaard's set-up.

He soon became a regular in Barca's starting XI, attracting attention from top clubs across Europe in the process, including Italian giants Inter.

Laporta, who served as club president at Camp Nou between 2003 and 2010, says the Nerazzurri submitted a world-record offer for Messi when he was still a teenager, but he never considered selling a man who had already shown incredible potential.

"He always had offers: in 2006 Moratti gave me 250 million and said no, there I saw the esteem of Messi and his family for Barcelona," the 58-year-old said at a press conference announcing his candidacy for the next set of presidential elections in January.

"His father asked me what I would do as a father and I told him, that the best thing was to stay, I told him that we would make a team that would accompany him to achieve the greatest successes, that would touch the glory and make history. I saw his love for the club, the city ​​and country."

Messi has gone on to score a total of 641 goals in 743 appearances for Barca in total, winning 10 Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and six Ballon d'Or awards along the way.

The Argentina international did, however, push for a transfer away from Camp Nou in the summer after a disastrous 2019-20 season, before performing a U-turn on his future which eventually led to the resignation of former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his entire board.

Laporta says his main goal is to lift to the mood of gloom surrounding the club if he is elected to replace Bartomeu, and that he has already drawn up a solid plan to bring back a harmonious atmosphere on and off the pitch.

“I’m running for elections because I love the club,” he said. “We have the preparation, experience and determination necessary for the changes that the club need. We have a plan. The plan is to work.

“I want to unite all Barca fans. This is not the time to reproach or look back. In the Barca that we propose, everyone fits. Our plan is to bring back happiness to the people. It’s not a simple election promise. It’s an ethical, civic, moral, social and united commitment.”

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Thiago Alcantara is still “a few weeks” away from making his Liverpool return.

The Spanish midfielder has not featured for the Reds since the Merseyside derby against Everton on October 18, having suffered a knee injury in a challenge from Blues forward Richarlison. 

Indeed, since signing from Bayern Munich in September, Thiago has been limited to just two appearances, totalling 135 minutes. 

With fans understandably desperate to see the 29-year-old in action, and with the player yet to return to full training, Klopp moved to clarify the situation ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Ajax.

He told reporters: “So, on that day when Thiago got injured in that challenge in the Everton game, there was another bad injury [Virgil van Dijk’s ruptured anterior cruciate ligament].

“There were two scans, one was really bad news, the other [Thiago’s] was really good news because nothing was broken, nothing was ruptured, but we realise now it was still a massive impact on the knee.

"Everybody thinks because nothing was broken or ruptured that you can go after a few days, but the impact on the knee was that big that it is still not OK. It’s not massive and he trains from time to time – not in the moment – but we realise he has to go through further steps.

“I can’t say exactly when he will be fine, but it will take a few weeks still. That’s how it is.”

Klopp confirmed that James Milner will miss the game with Ajax after suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton. Liverpool will make a late check on the fitness of midfielder Naby Keita, but Trent Alexander-Arnold and Xherdan Shaqiri will miss the game. 

Alexander-Arnold, though, is closing in on a return having missed the last three matches with a calf problem.

“They are all getting closer, but not close enough for tomorrow,” Klopp said. “With Naby we have to check still, but with the other two they will not be ready.

“Trent looks quite good. Nobody gave the green light so he cannot train with the team, but I saw him today on the pitch doing his rehab stuff outside. That looks good, but it’s not my decision to decide when it is finished.

"I take the players over when I get the green light, and that didn’t happen yet, but from my rather experienced eye, let me say it like this, from what I saw today, it will not be that long any more with Trent.”

Ederson has joked that he is the best penalty taker at Manchester City, but says Pep Guardiola will not allow him to take them.

The City boss said himself that the goalkeeper was the best player in his squad at scoring spot-kicks last season when his side went through a poor run of missing penalties. Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan and Sergio Aguero all spurned chances from the spot when City missed four of seven between November and February.

Kevin De Bruyne looked to be the answer to the problem when he scored five successive times, until he dragged a spot-kick wide in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool in November.

Brazilian international Ederson has been inspired by former Sao Paulo keeper Rogerio Ceni, who recorded 131 goals including free-kicks and penalties.

Ederson was in charge of dead-ball situations with Second Division side Ribeirao, but Guardiola says he would only let him take penalties in a shootout or a friendly.

“I don't train much free-kicks. I trained penalties and when I played for Riberao I took some free-kicks but that is in the past now,” Ederson said. “I am the best penalty taker but I am not chosen to take them! 

“The most important thing is that we score goals and win the game.”

Ederson will return to Portugal on Tuesday for the Champions League clash with Porto on Tuesday aiming to secure top spot in Group C having already qualified for the knockout stages.

The 27-year-old spent five seasons with Rio Ave and then Benfica before moving to City in 2017, but his most recent game in the country was the disappointing defeat to Lyon in August.

Guardiola has said that he has "a good feeling" about the competition this season and City’s No 1 says there is no reason why they cannot go a long way in Europe.

“Of course, that is what the team is working towards,” Ederson added. “The most important thing is hard work. The team is united, dedicated, playing well. We are developing. In the last game we played really well and I hope we are continuing this good work. I think our team can go far.”

The Football Association is looking into a social media post from Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani, which contained a Spanish term which can be interpreted as offensive.

The Uruguayan posted the reply on his Instagram page on Sunday evening after he had guided Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s to victory against Southampton at St Mary’s scoring twice in the second half.

The 33-year-old was replying to a friend’s congratulatory message but deleted the post after he was made aware of how the wording could be interpreted in the UK.

He shared some of the positive messages he received from fans in the wake of the victory and responded to one post with the message "Gracias n******".

It is understood that there was no malice in the post and the striker thought he was just sending a friendly message to a friend, which is how he believes it would have been interpreted in his native Uruguay, and he had no idea there would be any issue with it.

When it was brought to his attention of how it could be interpreted, he acted quickly to delete the post. It is understood United are aware of the post but have yet to be contacted by the FA over it.

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva was handed a one game ban and a fine in 2019 after a social media post that made reference to Benjamin Mendy’s race and the FA deemed it was an ‘aggravated breach’ of their rules on social media posting.

More recently, Tottenham playmaker Dele Alli was sanctioned with similar punishment - a one-game ban, a fine and an obligation to undertake an education course - for a joke posted online relating to coronavirus.

The governing body brought in new charging policies and sanctioning guidelines for discrimination by individual participants and spectators at the start of this season and the minimum suspension, for people charged and found guilty of breaching the rules on social media, is three games.

The FA and United have not yet officially commented on the issue.

Cavani joined the Old Trafford side in a free transfer in October and has scored three goals in five substitute appearances in the Premier League.

Javi Martinez admits the time is approaching for him to experience “something new”, with the World Cup winner approaching the end of his contract at Bayern Munich.

It appeared at one stage as though the summer of 2020 would deliver a move away from the Allianz Arena for the versatile Spaniard.

He was, however, talked into staying put by Hansi Flick and has taken in 13 appearances across all competitions this season.

Martinez is pleased to be back in favour after seeing just 24 outings in 2019-20, with only 16 of those coming in another Bundesliga title-winning campaign for Bayern.

He has now passed the 250-appearance mark for the club, having been snapped up from Athletic Club in 2012.

The 32-year-old believes he is still capable of playing a prominent role for an ambitious European heavyweight, but appears set to call time on his spell in Munich at the nine-year mark as he will be dropping into the free agent pool when the 2020-21 season comes to a close.

Several players on Bayern’s books, including Jerome Boateng and David Alaba, find themselves in a similar situation.

Martinez, though, will definitely not be signing any new contract, with a man who can operate in the centre of defence or midfield already preparing to make a fresh start once his current trophy-chasing commitments are over.

Quizzed on his future ahead of a Champions League clash for Bayern with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Martinez said: “This is not the moment to discuss what will happen in June 2021. Anything can happen. I had great years here and we will see what happens

“I would like to try something new, no matter where, but something new before I end my career.

“The contract says it is the last year. I am happy to be here now and I am part of the team and that is what is important.”

Martinez, who is also a European Championship winner with his country, has enjoyed a memorable spell in Germany.

His impressive CV includes five Bundesliga titles, along with two Champions League crowns, five German Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Zico has claimed that Diego Maradona's first 'Hand of God' was scored in Italy, and that he was suspended for four games for protesting the referee's decision to give a goal.

Football legends of both the past and present have been paying tribute to Maradona following his passing at the age of 60 last Wednesday.

The former Argentina midfielder, who is widely regarded as the finest player of all time, died at his home in Buenos Aires after suffering a heart attack.

Pele, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and more have paid homage to the World Cup winner, while members of England's 1986 squad have relived their famous clash with La Albiceleste at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Peter Shilton, Gary Lineker and Glenn Hoddle were among those powerless to stop Maradona inspiring Argentina to a 2-1 quarter-final victory over the Three Lions, but his first effort in the contest was arguably the most controversial goal in football history.

The ex-Napoli and Barcelona superstar got away with punching the ball over Shilton to open the scoring, before showing off the more brilliant side of his game by scoring a superb solo goal after picking the ball up in his own half.

Zico claims Maradona also escaped punishment for handling the ball in the net two years earlier for Napoli against Udinese, and he ended up being shown a red card for sarcastically applauding the referee after the goal was given.

“It was 1984, I had just arrived in Udine. I didn’t play in Naples and he scored a brace," the Brazil great told Gazzetta Dello Sport. “We were 2-1 up but Diego scored the equaliser. The game was almost finished when they hit the crossbar and Diego anticipated our goalkeeper scoring with his hand.

“The ref and his assistant didn’t notice it. I was furious, I run behind the referee and I told him: ‘Congratulations, continue like this, you are doing well.’ I was sent off and suspended for four games.

“I often joked with him about his goal, I used to tell him: ‘You trained the Hand of God with us.’ He said: ‘You are the good part of football, I am the bad one.’"

Asked where he ranks Maradona in football's hall of fame, Zico added: “Maradona is among the best five players I’ve ever seen: Garrincha, Pele, Diego, Cruijff and Beckenbauer.” 

Kaizer Chiefs' gutsy 1-0 win over PWD Bamenda in a Caf Champions League preliminary round first-leg tie on Sunday afternoon in Limbe was especially pleasing to head coach Gavin Hunt.

In what was Amakhosi's ninth match in all competitions this season, it was just their third win.

It came at a time when the pressure had been rising after some especially disappointing results, including a shock loss to Swallows FC a few days before, not to mention a 5-0 aggregate drubbing at the hands of Orlando Pirates in the two-legged MTN8 semi-finals.

Sunday's win against PWD Bamenda also came against the backdrop of Amakhosi stepping into the unknown against a team about which very little was known. Victory was secured via an Eric Mathoho goal seven minutes from time, as well as a late penalty save by Itumeleng Khune.

Hunt was proud of his charges for the character they showed in West Africa.

"Under very trying circumstances, I thought it was an unbelievable win," he said. "I mean the travel to get to this game was unbelievable. Everything around the game was very difficult, so I thought it was a fantastic effort.

"We could have made the game safer, we had a lot of opportunities from which we didn't score, and I thought 'here we go again'," said Hunt, alluding to some of the misfortunes which his side have suffered so far this season."

There has for many years been talk of how difficult it is for South African teams playing away from home on the continent; that match officials tend to favour the home side.

The former SuperSport United and Bidvest coach alluded to this - which he believes was the case with the late penalty his side conceded - though he was careful with his words not to say so directly.

In fact he believes that it was a blessing in disguise that Chiefs' goal came so late - because that gave the home side less time to come back.

"But we got the goal, and we knew there were going to be problems after that, luckily we scored the goal nice and late.

"It should never have been a penalty, should it?" he questioned. "But I said to the players, once we score there's going to be problems. And ja, so we got a little bit of just reward."

The return match takes place at the FNB Stadium on Friday evening.

Kenya striker John Avire has reportedly moved clubs in Egypt after signing for Aswan SC.

The forward, who left another Egyptian side Tanta SC last October and has been unattached, has been unveiled by the club, who features in the Egyptian Premier League side based in Aswan city.

But despite the latest development, Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa has maintained they are not aware of the transfer.

“I don’t know if John [Avire] has moved clubs in Egypt, you are the one just telling me about the transfer, I don’t know anything, allow me to find out then I will get back with a proper answer,” Kalekwa told Goal when asked whether he was aware Avire had moved to Aswan.

Sofapaka have insisted that Avire still belongs to them and they have even said he will have to honour the one and a half year contract which he wasted while playing for Tanta.

The Harambee Stars striker left Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Batoto ba Mungu under unclear circumstances to sign for Egyptian club Tanta SC last year, a move the former immediately contested and even filed a case with Fifa.

In a recent interview, Kalekwa told Goal: “Our battle to have John [Avire] play for us is still on, it is a must whether he likes it or not we get justice, in fact, this is the right time because his contract with Sofapaka is now coming to an end.

“He doesn’t have a contract with any team, he has a contract with Sofapaka, he has absconded duty for one and half years now, the contract he had with Sofapaka will end in December, but he has not been on duty for one year and a half.

“Avire must come back, he should plan and return home, to play and see through his contract, there is no short cut about this, I think he knows this very well, and even his agent [if he has one], understands the same, without that, whoever signs him from December, then they will have to pay Sofapaka a transfer fee.”

Avire, who made two appearances for Harambee Stars in the 2019 Afcon finals held in Egypt, was at the centre of a transfer tussle involving his parent club Sofapaka and former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Secretary-General Robert Muthomi.

Sofapaka accused Muthomi of allegedly engineering the striker's move to North Africa without their consent, a move that prompted him to step aside.

Avire’s new club Aswan currently plays in the Egyptian Premier League, the highest league in the Egyptian football league system. Aswan was founded on January 1, 1930, and it's the biggest team in town, and its opponent is Al Nasr Lel Taa'den SC.

The team first appeared in the Premier League in the 1990–91 season, while the last season was in 2016–17 and the longest spell the team spent in the Premier league was for only three consecutive seasons (from 1996–97 to 1998–99).

Edinson Cavani is a frontman performing at a level that “not many strikers can reach” says Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, with the experienced Uruguayan considered to be a “nightmare” for defenders.

The Red Devils’ skipper knows all about those qualities from working with the 33-year-old forward every day in training.

Questions were asked of whether Cavani, in the latter stages of his career and having spent several weeks without a club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain over the summer, was cut out for life in the Premier League. He is, however, proving to be a shrewd addition for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Cavani proved to be United’s match-winner in their latest outing as he stepped off the bench to bag a brace in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Southampton, and Maguire says the South American is an example to all other strikers in the game.

He told MUTV: “I am so pleased for him. He has been without a club for a few months so he is coming in and catching up. He is a great professional, he is great to have around the place, he is great in the dressing room and I think you saw what he brings to the club.

“His movement when the ball is wide is to a level that not many strikers can reach. He is always on the move, always getting across people and that’s why he has always scored goals.

“So if there are any strikers out here wanting to learn and watch, I am sure they are studying his movement and what he has done in his career.

“He is great for our strikers to learn from him in training, because he is a nightmare to mark in training as well. Every day he is making those runs across you and we have seen today his movement is very, very good.”

While Cavani stole headlines on the pitch for all the right reasons against Southampton, he made uncomfortable ones off it as he basked in the glory of earning United three points, with the FA investigating a racially insensitive social media post from the ex-PSG and Napoli star.