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The Ghana women's team fought back from a goal down at home to secure a 3-1 comeback win over Morocco in the first leg of the two-legged international friendlies in Accra on Thursday.

The Black Queens went into the tie on the back of a nine-month hiatus since their second-place finish at the Turkish Women's Cup in Alanya, Turkey in March before the coronavirus lockdown. 

The Atlas Lionesses, on their own part, were playing their first international game since they won the second edition of the Unaf Women's Cup held in El Kram, Tunisia earlier in February.

Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo's team made a false start to the contest as they conceded an early penalty which Chebbak Chizlane made no mistake to convert for Morocco after just five minutes.

The hosts almost got the equaliser when Sandra Owusu Ansah found space on the edge of the box but ended up firing straight into the arms of Morocco goalkeeper Zouhair Assia in the 10th minute.

The West Africans continued their search for the leveller and this time, Faustina Kyeremeh was in a good position to break the deadlock but her header went inches wide five minutes later.

In the 26th minute, Kyeremeh found the much-anticipated breakthrough after her initial attempt was denied as the Immigration Ladies star created space inside the box to hit the back of the net.

Having seen their early lead from the spot cancelled, the Moroccans gradually lost their cool over calls made by the centre referee. Naweal Quinekh was later sent off for dissent in the 45th minute.

With the numerical advantage, Ghana made the best of it as Linda Eshun gave them an important lead, with her superbly lobbed free-kick from distance before the sound of the half time whistle.

After the restart, the visitors stepped up their game in a bid for a comeback despite being reduced to 10 players but Ibtissam Jraidi could not convert most of her opportunities in front of goal.

The Black Queens, however, wrapped up their triumph when substitute Georgina Ayisha was set up from the left flank and did not miss netting her chance in the 63rd minute to guarantee her side's victory.

Despite the win, Ghana will eye a double against the Morccoans when they meet again at the same venue on November 30.

With the scrapping of the 2020 Africa Women's Cup of Nations, the two teams will maintain their build up ahead of the 2022 edition, which serves as qualifiers for the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Jamie Vardy scored a last-gasp goal amid a dramatic finale as Leicester City clinched their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League in an enthralling 3-3 draw at Braga.

With AEK Athens losing to Zorya Luhansk in Group G's other game on Thursday, the Foxes needed a point to book their place in the last 16, and thought they had it when Luke Thomas scored his first senior goal in the 78th minute to make it 2-2.

Yet Braga, who led at half-time thanks to goals from Al Musrati and Paulinho either side of Harvey Barnes' equaliser, seemed to have snatched the win when substitute Fransergio slotted in on the counter.

It was not to be, with Leicester's talisman Vardy on hand to tuck home Marc Albrighton's cross in the final minute of stoppage time and claim a precious, progression-sealing draw.

Braga were ahead inside four minutes when, after Iuri Medeiros saw two efforts blocked, Musrati arrowed a thumping strike into the left-hand corner.

Leicester drew level with their first meaningful attack when Barnes lashrf in from a tight angle, but Braga's lead was restored when Ricardo Horta skipped past Schmeichel before squaring for Paulinho to finish.

Cengiz Under squandered a swift chance to equalise and Leicester would have been made to pay if not for a fantastic double stop from Schmeichel to deny Paulinho and Horta.

Vardy's introduction after the hour sparked life into Leicester and – after Jonny Evans had sliced wide – the pressure told, with substitute James Maddison drilling in a cross from which Thomas nudged home.

With Zorya cruising in Athens, Leicester appeared to be through but, at the culmination of a counter-attack, Fransergio powered a finish over Schmeichel to seemingly put the Foxes' progression on hold.

Vardy, however, had other ideas and, after leading a charge down the left flank, kept his position to latch onto Albrighton's delivery and side-foot into a gaping goal.

What does it mean? Foxes into last 32

Leicester had been hunting a club-record fourth straight European win, though in the circumstances this result will no doubt feel like a victory.

While their place in the knockouts is secure, Brendan Rodgers' side still have first place in the group to play for, though they can at least afford themselves some wiggle room in the final two fixtures.

Unplayable Vardy keeps on rolling

No player has scored more goals for Leicester City in major European competition than Vardy, who is now level on four with Riyad Mahrez.

The 33-year-old has scored 10 goals from 10 appearances in all competitions already this season.

Praet passed by 

Rodgers elected to play Dennis Praet in a deeper midfield role than the Belgian – who was taken off at half-time – is accustomed to, but the former Sampdoria playmaker failed to impress, managing just 23 touches and attempting only 22 passes, with only four of those coming in Braga's half.

Key Opta Facts

- Braga have lost just one of their last 11 home games in European competition (including qualifiers – W6 D4), scoring 24 goals in total.
- Leicester have conceded three goals in consecutive matches for the first time since December 2019, when they did so against Manchester City on Liverpool.
- Thomas, aged 19 years and 169 days, became Leicester's youngest goalscorer in a European competition.
- Portugal forward Paulinho has had a hand in eight goals in 12 Europa League appearances for Braga since the start of last season (seven goals, one assist).

What's next?

Leicester host struggling Fulham on Monday, while Braga face Farense in their next league outing.   

Legon Cities striker Asamoah Gyan believes the club's early struggles in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) is partly due to offensive inadequacies as he nears his debut for the side.

The Ghana legend joined The Royals on a one-year deal in October but has had to bid his time to play his first game for the club due to a lack of match fitness.

Without the Black Stars all-time scorer, the Accra-based outfit has been unable to score in open play in two games so far; they relied on a penalty to hold Berekum Chelsea to a 1-1 draw on matchday one before falling 3-0 to Great Olympics, leading to the sacking of coach Goran Barjaktarevic.

“For me I think it's something about our attitude," Gyan told Legon Cities FC TV.

"We weren’t giving enough and I think the players have agreed with me. We’ve had a couple of meetings and everybody agrees with our attitude approaching games [being a problem].

“It's rather unfortunate that we’ve gotten one point out of two games. It happens but what we need to do is we need to show our attitude and aggression - that we want to win games.

“That is how we can win games.

"Our build up play is very slow, we’re struggling offensively, we don’t create chances enough.

“That is what we are working on. Everything depends on our training. We are working on our weak points and everything so we can exhibit it on the field on matchday."

Legon have set their sights on their first three points of the season ahead of Friday's encounter with Medeama at home at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Reports say Gyan is likely to feature in the matchweek three tie.

"Yeah, anything is possible. We can beat them, [Medeama],” Gyan said of Legon Cities’ chances against Medeama.

“[It's about] how we approach the game, how we are willing to play. Tactically, coaches can make their tactics but mentally, when you are not there, it will not work.

“So we have to make sure we go there with the same mentality. Give everything we have and the victory can come when we do everything right on the field and we are tactically disciplined. With effort also, I think everything will be okay."

Ghana last kicked a ball in the GPL in 2003 when he was on the books of Liberty Professionals. 

Celtic were again tormented by Lukas Julis in another 4-1 defeat to Sparta Prague as they crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday.

Neil Lennon's Bhoys had lost by the same scoreline at home to Sparta earlier in the month and Odsonne Edouard's opener in the away fixture provided only a brief moment of respite before the hosts responded.

Dismal defensive lapses allowed David Hancko and Julis - the hat-trick hero in Scotland scoring twice this time - to prematurely end this year's European adventure.

And Sparta substitute Srdan Plavsic added the final flourish in the closing seconds.

The brutal conclusion was at odds with an encouraging Celtic start which saw Edouard lead a brilliant break 15 minutes in and tie Hancko in knots on the left-hand side of the area, finally shooting across goalkeeper Florin Nita to find the net via the post.

But the hosts were level after 26 minutes as Hancko hit back, controlling David Pavelka's scuffed shot before lashing past Scott Bain from close range when Celtic failed to clear a corner.

And the turnaround was complete seven minutes before the break as Borek Dockal's low ball through the box was inexplicably allowed to reach Julis at the far post for a simple finish.

It could, and perhaps should, have been three heading into half-time after Ladislav Krejci became the latest home player to find space in the Celtic area, but he headed Dockal's free-kick against the post.

Edouard came to the fore again following the restart but saw a low free-kick saved smartly by Nita, who was then grateful to make a far more routine stop as the Celtic forward sent a tame effort straight into his arms.

Lennon's men kept pushing, but Mohamed Elyounoussi's mistake allowed Sparta to counter and David Moberg Karlsson crossed for Julis to sweep in once more 10 minutes from time.

The humiliation was not yet over and Plavsic beat Bain to the ball outside the area and slid into the empty net to condemn the Hoops to a repeat of their Celtic Park nightmare.

What does it mean? Ten in a row talk a long way off

This was supposed to be Celtic's crowning season. After nine straight Scottish Premiership titles, they again held the upper hand over rivals Rangers heading into the new campaign.

But Lennon's second spell in charge is falling apart quite spectacularly. They have just two wins in nine across all competitions and, while an early European exit perhaps represents an advantage in the title race, they look some way short of Steven Gerrard's men right now.

Julis haunts Hoops again

Julis had scored only three goals in 19 Europa League appearances. Then he met Celtic.

The striker scored with three of five shots - two on target - in the away fixture and was even more clinical this time. All three of his efforts were sent goalwards and his two goals proved decisive.

Jullien and Ajer all at sea

Neither Christopher Jullien nor Kristoffer Ajer played in the first game - Shane Duffy and Nir Bitton paired for that painful outing - but this new Celtic centre-back duo fared no better.

The second goal, which turned the tide after the visitors had looked capable of restoring their advantage, saw Ajer - who did not make a single interception - fail to cut out a routine cross, while Jullien was seemingly unaware of the lurking Julis.

Key Opta Facts

- Since it was rebranded in 2009-10, Celtic have won just two of their 24 away games in the Europa League.
- Julis has scored five goals in his last two games in the Europa League, two more than he netted in his first 19 in the competition.
- Edouard has been directly involved in six goals in his last eight Europa League games (four goals, two assists).
- Edouard has also scored in two of his last three away appearances in the competition, after scoring in just one of his first six.

What's next?

Could the Scottish League Cup provide a much-needed distraction for Celtic? They face Ross County on Sunday. Sparta are at Teplice in the league on the same day.

Nicolas Pepe was on the scoresheet as Arsenal won 3-0 at Molde to secure their place in the Europa League knockouts.

The winger was chastised for being sent off for a headbutt on Ezgjan Alioski during the 0-0 Premier League draw with Leeds United last Sunday.

Pepe was handed a chance for redemption by boss Mikel Arteta and duly responded with an impressive performance capped by a fine goal that broke the deadlock at Aker Stadion.

Reiss Nelson doubled the Gunners' lead and Folarin Balogun scored his first goal for the club as they made it four wins from four in Group B, of which they are almost certain to finish top.

Pepe was arguably Arsenal's brightest player in the first half as he attempted three shots and completed 100 per cent of his passes from the right wing.

Nelson had the Gunners' best opening but his low effort from Alexandre Lacazette's set-up was well saved by Andreas Linde with his foot.

The clearest chance of the half fell to Sheriff Sinyan, who slid in to meet Eirik Hestad's low cross with the goal at his mercy but somehow turned the ball back across the line and off goalkeeper Alex Runarsson.

Pepe rattled the crossbar with a spectacular strike just after the restart, but he had more luck with his next effort, placing a shot high past Linde from inside the box after pulling down Nelson's cross.

Eddie Nketiah had a tap-in disallowed for offside, but it was 2-0 before the hour mark, Nelson side-footing home from six yards after a low cross from Joe Willock.

Arteta took the chance to give game time to Emile Smith Rowe and Balogun off the bench, and the latter got his first senior goal with his second touch, turning well before firing through a disappointing attempted save.

What does it mean? Pepe leads Gunners into next round

Arsenal have 12 points from four games, leaving them six clear of Molde at the top of their group.

Their place in the last 32 is now guaranteed with two matches to spare and a point will be enough to ensure they finish top of the standings.

Molde will be overtaken by Rapid Vienna on goal difference if the Austrians beat Dundalk, who are without a point.

Pepe responds in style

Arsenal's record signing is facing a three-game Premier League ban but delivered the kind of response here his coach will have wanted.

Pepe attempted six shots and created four goalscoring chances, the most of anyone on the pitch.

A sore point for Sinyan

Molde played well in the first half and would have had a deserved lead had Sinyan managed to convert a chance that looked easier to score than miss.

To make matters worse, he proceeded to collide with the post in painful-looking fashion and did not seem comfortable for the rest of the match.

Key Opta Facts

- Arsenal have won their opening four group-stage matches in a European campaign for the first time since the 2005-06 season, in the Champions League, when they went on to reach the final.
- Norwegian sides have lost their past five home meetings with English teams in all European competitions by an aggregate score of 14-0. 
- Since beating Sheffield United 2-1 at the start of October, 12 of Arsenal's 13 goals in all competitions have come in the Europa League, with the only exception being Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's penalty at Old Trafford in the Premier League. 
- Pepe has been directly involved in nine goals in his 10 Europa League games for Arsenal (five goals and four assists), netting in each of his past three appearances in the competition. 
- All four of Nelson's goals for Arsenal have come in different competitions (Europa League, Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup).
- Balogun scored with his first ever attempt for Arsenal's senior team.

What's next?

Arsenal, who host Rapid Vienna on matchday five, are next in action against Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday. Molde host Haugesund before next Thursday's trip to Dundalk.

Martin Keown has expressed his belief that Mikel Arteta is changing Arsenal's brand of football, while insisting that the Gunners boss doesn't fully "trust" his players yet.

Arteta received widespread praise for salvaging an eighth-place Premier League finish and FA Cup glory for Arsenal after being handed the managerial reins at Emirates Stadium midway through the 2019-20 campaign.

The Gunners were tipped to build on that platform by regaining a place in the Champions League, but consistency has proved elusive for the north Londoners at the start of the new season.

Arteta's men are already five points adrift of the top four after nine fixtures, having only picked up 13 points from a possible 27.

Arsenal were handed their fourth defeat of the season before the international break as Aston Villa ran out 3-0 winners at the Emirates, and they failed to get back to winning ways away at Leeds United over the weekend.

A 0-0 draw at Elland Road did little to ease the growing sense of unease among supporters, with Arteta's methods suddenly being called into question amid a lack of cutting edge in the final third of the pitch.

Keown says the Spaniard has abandoned legendary ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's time-honoured attacking philosophy in favour of a more pragmatic approach, with previously expressive players losing their way after being forced to adopt more disciplined roles.

“I think the brand of Arsenal's football is changing," the former Gunners defender told BT Sport ahead of his old club's trip to Molde in the Europa League.

"When you think of 22 years under Arsene Wenger, so much creativity, expression, belief from the manager that anything was possible.

"Here we are with a brand new manager, one who I think is going to be outstanding. But maybe there is too much instruction.

"Players going backwards, under Arsene Wenger, no, no, that ball has to go forward. Arteta played very well under Wenger, so he will know.

"I think he wants them to express themselves and play, but I think that comes with trust and you stop with the information, and rely on the individual to go and create the play.

"Maybe it’s just a little bit of balance. He’s still a young manager, but very successful already - it’s still early days - but at the moment, he doesn’t have quite the right balance between attacking and defending.”

Carlos Vinicius scored twice as Tottenham claimed a comfortable 4-0 win over Ludogorets and edged closer to a place in the Europa League knockout stage.

Brazilian striker Vinicius, on a season-long loan from Benfica, netted for Spurs for the first time with two clinical finishes in a one-sided match on Thursday.

But the pick of the goals belonged to Harry Winks, as a spectacular long-range effort drifted over Ludogorets goalkeeper Plamen Iliev from 53.7 yards, before Lucas Moura added a fourth with a crisp finish.

The win moved second-placed Spurs level with Group J leaders Royal Antwerp on nine points, although the Belgian side are ahead courtesy of their head-to-head record.

Gareth Bale, in search of his 200th career goal, tried his luck with two free-kicks and a long-range effort early after Jose Mourinho made 10 changes from the side which beat Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday.

But it was Vinicius who opened the scoring for Spurs after he got on the end of Dele Alli's deflected pass and calmly slid the ball home.

His second goal owed much to Alli's unselfish play after the midfielder cut the ball back for Vinicius to tap in from close range following Tanguy Ndombele's burst forward.

Ludogorets struggled to get out of their own half and were unable to register a single shot in the first half, with goalkeeper Joe Hart touching the ball just seven times before the break.

Bale got himself into a good position after the interval only to be denied by Iliev at the far post following Matt Doherty's knockdown.

Iliev was embarrassed after 63 minutes, though, when Winks collected the ball from a throw-in on the left flank and remarkably picked out the top-right corner, via the crossbar, with the Ludogorets keeper off his line.

Alli and Vinicius were both involved again when Spurs notched a fourth, Moura the beneficiary as some clever link-up play allowed him to fire home.

Iliev at least partially redeemed himself late on when he saved from substitute Harvey White from close range, but Tottenham eased to another three points.

APR striker Jacques Tuyisenge has confirmed he is ready to face his former club Gor Mahia in a Saturday Caf Champions League tie.

Tuyisenge, who left Gor Mahia in 2019 for Petro Atletico of Angola, joined the Rwandan heavyweights in the last transfer window but he has been recently battling an injury.

He has, however, declared he is ready for the preliminary round tie in Kigali on November 28.

“Yes, I got injured while I was with the national team Amavubi but since I arrived at the club I was put under good care. I am now in good form and I am training well,” the Rwandan international told the club’s website.

“I am 100% ready to represent APR during the Saturday game.

“I will be there given that I have been exercising which means I am in good form. I have no problem now and I am sure I will be there.”

The forward was not involved in the midweek friendly match against Association Sportive d'Arta of Djibouti which APR won 2-0.

“For now, I do not know what the coach’s plans are although he chose to bench me during the friendly,” he added.

“He is the one who knows why but that does not matter for me because I have to stick on what the coach plans.”

Tuyisenge’s confirmation of readiness for the weekend clash came after his former teammate Kenneth Muguna said Gor Mahia will not focus on him alone.

“So far the preparations are good as the players and the coaches are equally doing a good job. I can only say the team is good to go,” Muguna said in a separate interview.

“We are taking the game with a positive mindset but it is not about playing against Tuyisenge because we will be playing against the whole APR, not just one player.

“There are some dangerous players in the team and that is enough reason to focus on all of them and not just one person.”

The Gor Mahia captain also called for individual and general performances to heighten in order to deal with the pressure that is bound to be felt.

“If we perform at the highest level individually and as a team, then I know we will come out with a good result,” Muguna added.

“There is always pressure in what you do and we expect it this time around. We have been dealing with it.

“To beat pressure, one must believe in what he or she is doing, believe on the teammates and the coach and his game plan and that is the only way to deal with pressure.”

The return leg will be played between December 4 and 6 in Nairobi.

NorthEast United showed resilience and looked like a rejuvenated side in the second half to come from behind and register a 2-2 draw against Kerala Blasters in the 2020-21 Indian Super League clash on Thursday. 

Kerala Blasters scored twice in the first-half through Sergio Cidoncha (5th minute) and Gary Hooper (45th minute). The visitors, on the contrary, lived dangerously as they defended poorly and allowed the opponents to create ample opportunities. However, in the second half, Gerard Nus' team changed the tide of the game as they struck through Kwesi Appiah (51st minute) and substitute Idrissa Sylla (90th minute) to bag a point.

Nus was impressed by the Highlanders' performance in the second half and he believes his side showed character. He also mentioned that the NorthEast United, through their brilliance in the second half, proved that they can defend and register comebacks.

"I think we showed today that we can adapt to the situation. We are a team that can come back into the game even if the situation is not in our favour. We showed character, we showed how good we can defend but we also definitely showed how we can keep possession, execute combinations. We had many more chances than them, we had a lot of possession. So proud about the performance tonight," Gerard Nus said in the post-match interview. 

The Spanish coach appreciated the first-half performance from Kerala Blasters and said that they are a good side. He further added that Kerala Blasters have some fantastic players and a great coach in Kibu Vicuna. 

"We conceded two goals because they are a really good side. You see the first one, that set-piece, something that we knew about but the team did really well and they have fantastic players, a great coach and this happens," he added. 

Safa Banouk was the heroine of the match as the Morocco U20 women's side secured a 1-0 win against Ghana in Thursday's friendly.

The Black Princesses were meeting their Moroccan counterparts for the second time in 2020 following March's warm-up in Morocco, with the encounter ending 3-2 at the Mohammed VI Stadium.

Milot Pokuaa and Faustina Akpor could not save Yusif Basigi's team from defeat as Ghizaine Chebbak, Ouinekh Hanane and Hanane Ait El Haj's strikes gave the Atlas Lionesses the win.

In a quest for revenge, the Black Princesses made a bright start to the contest but failed to profit from several chances spearheaded by Mukarama Abdulai against the Moroccans.

Morocco, however, found a breakthrough before the break when Banouk broke the deadlock with the winner in the 38th minute.

After the break, Basigi's side fought hard to gain a comeback into the encounter through Abdulai in most attempts but the visitors held their nerves to the death to celebrate their double triumph.

Following the defeat, the Princesses will seek to regroup in a bid to redeem themselves against the Morccoans at the same venue on November 30.

With the 2020 U20 Women's World Cup cancelled, the two teams will continue preparations ahead of next year's qualifiers for the 2022 edition.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a "f*cking bully!", according to Dimitar Berbatov, who says the Tottenham midfielder has been a "rock" for Jose Mourinho.

Hojbjerg completed a £15 million ($20m) move to Tottenham from Southampton on August 12, bringing to an end his four-year spell at St Mary's.

The 25-year-old committed to a five-year deal with the north London outfit, and has since enhanced his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League.

Hojbjerg has been a fixture in Mourinho's line up at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, forming a formidable partnership with Moussa Sissoko in the middle of the pitch across 15 appearances in all competitions.

Berbatov has praised the Portuguese for recognising that the Denmark international was exactly the kind of player Spurs had been missing, while expressing his belief that the ex-Southampton star has been the unsung hero during his old club's rise to the top of the Premier League table.

"I think one of the major things in the Spurs team, from what I have seen so far, are the people in the middle of the park. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a f*cking bully, a rock in front of the defence," the former Tottenham striker told Betfair.

"He knows what he can and can't do and he's playing to his strengths. He doesn't really get much praise but he's there and he's doing all the work.

"Mourinho knew exactly what he wanted when they went into the market for a midfielder, and he certainly got all that and more in Hojbjerg."

Berbatov also reserved special praise for Sissoko, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, before insisting that Tottenham's 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend proved that they have what it takes to compete for the Premier League crown.

"Mousa Sissoko also plays a massive part alongside him and it's pleasing to see Tanguy Ndombele getting more and more games under his belt," he added.

"I don't really know what else to say about Harry Kane and Son, it's obvious they are amazing. Every player is producing great football at the moment and long may that continue.

"In the past, we've seen Mourinho favour a strong midfield, he has his own ideas about how his team should be structured and, at the moment, it's working perfectly for him.

"Spurs proved that they are serious title contenders with their win over Manchester City. It was a great win and it was probably exactly how Mourinho wanted the game to go.

"Even though I admire seeing the patient passing style of football with the ball on the ground, sometimes if you play like that and have 60 or 70 per cent of the ball you can still lose, as City did against Spurs.

"City cannot change their style of play and Spurs were so prepared for them, so focussed and in the end fully deserved the win. It's a big statement, it showed that they are ready and that they can challenge this year for the title."

Tanzania Mainland League giants Azam FC have parted ways with head coach Aristica Cioaba and his counterpart Costel Birsan.

The Ice-cream Makers reached the decision after recent struggles which have seen the team drop from top position. On Wednesday, the 2014 champions suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Yanga SC which greatly contributed to the club's decision.

"As Azam FC, we would like to notice our fans and football family at large that we have parted ways with head coach Aristica Cioaba on mutual consent," the Chamazi-based team announced on Thursday.

"Midfielders coach Costel Birsan has also been fired; all coaches are from Romania."

The 2014-league champions have confirmed their immediate plans as they look for replacements.

"As it stands, assistant coach Bahati Vivier, from Burundi, will now be in charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce otherwise," Azam continued.

"We take this opportunity to thank Cioaba and Costel for their contribution to the team in the entire period they were with the team and we wish them the best in their future endeavours."

Aristica Cioaba was re-appointed as Azam coach in October 2019.

The Romanian took the position of former coach Etienne Ndayiragije who was appointed Tanzania national team coach on a permanent basis. The tactician made a return to the team he parted ways with in 2018 following 'poor results'.

After starting the season on a high, the team started to drop points with the game against Mtibwa Sugar where they fell by a solitary goal. They went on to draw 1-1 with JKT Tanzania at the Azam Complex before bouncing back with a 3-0 win over Dodoma Jiji FC.

However, they once again shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at home to Mbeya City before recording back to back defeats to KMC and Timu ya Wananchi by 1-0 scorelines.

Azam have so far managed to get eight wins, a draw and three losses in the 12 matches played and are currently on 25 points.

Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna has stated they will not focus on Jacques Tuyisenge alone during the Caf Champions League encounter against APR in Kigali on November 28.

The Kenyan champions will visit their Rwandan counterparts for a preliminary round clash and since Tuyisenge, who left Gor Mahia in 2019 has since joined APR, Muguna cautioned it would not be prudent to focus only one player even if he is the dangerous one.

“So far the preparations are good as the players and the coaches are equally doing a good job. I can only say the team is good to go,” Muguna told Final Whistle.

“We are taking the game with a positive mindset but it is not about playing against Tuyisenge because we will be playing against the whole APR, not just one player.

“There are some dangerous players in the team and that is enough reason to focus on all of them and not just one person.”

The Kenyan Premier League-winning midfielder also explained how they are ready to deal with the pressure that will come with the two-legged encounter.

“If we perform at the highest level individually and as a team, then I know we will come out with a good result,” Muguna added.

“There is always pressure in what you do and we expect it this time around. We have been dealing with it.

“To beat pressure, one must believe in what he or she is doing, believe on the teammates and the coach and his game plan and that is the only way to deal with pressure.”

Gor Mahia fans will not be in a position to offer their support for the team due to the ban on social gathering but Muguna has stated they are ready to fight for good results just for them.

“I think we will miss our fans because they have always been part of us,” he concluded.

“We are going to miss them big but I know they are always very passionate and I know they will support the team even at home just because of the love they have for us.

“We love the team also and we will make sure we fight and keep it where it belongs even if the fans are not going to be there.”

Kerala Blasters dominated the proceedings in the first half of the match against NorthEast United on Thursday but failed to secure all three points from the fixture.

Sergio Cidoncha took five minutes to put Blasters in front and their lead was doubled from the spot by Gary Hooper just before half-time. 

The complexion of the match, however, changed in the second half as the Highlanders looked like a completely different side and came from behind to equalize 2-2. Kwesi Appiah cut the deficit short in the 51st minute while substitute Idrissa Sylla, who troubled the opposition defence with his quick movement, scored the equaliser for the visitors. 

Kerala Blasters head coach Kibu Vicuna was disappointed with the final result as he believes that his team lost two points in the game. He also mentioned that his team started the match well and were on top initially but the match was wide open after the first goal.   

"I think we played really well in the first half, we had the ball, we controlled the match but after the first goal the match was very open and we don't like it when the matches are open. I think we are on our way but we're of course very upset and disappointed because today we lost two points," Kibu Vicuna said in the post-match interview. 

Vicuna was also delighted with Cidoncha's performance as he thought the Spanish midfielder played really well. The 49-year-old also mentioned that Sahal Abdul Samad was not fit to play in the match.  

"Yes, I think Sergio is playing really well, he scored a goal and he participated really well during the match. Sahal was not ready physically to play this match. Hopefully, he is ready to play in the next game," Vicuna added. 

Kerala Blasters will next take on Chennaiyin in an away fixture on Sunday.

Ahmed Musa has debunked reports of his potential transfer to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, revealing his ambition to play in the top-flight.

The Nigeria international is currently without a club after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in October by mutual agreement.

The fleet-footed winger has since been linked to the Hillsborough Stadium outfit but the 28-year-old has now distanced himself from the rumours.

"I don't know where the story [potential move to Sheffield] is coming from because I don't pay attention to rumours and gossip," Musa told BBC Sport Africa.

"With due respect to the club, I left Saudi Arabia to continue my career at the top level in Europe and that's the ambition.

"It's true that there is genuine interest from different clubs, but my agent Tony [Harris] is the one handling that.

"He knows what I want and I also know I want to play at the highest level at this stage of my professional career.

"I said when I left Saudi Arabia that my utmost desire is to challenge myself competitively at the top level both at the club and national team level.

"I've continued to keep myself fit for the next challenge and that is the only mindset I need right now. But, like every player representing the country, I want to play at the highest level."

Musa spent two years with Premier League club Leicester City but struggled to establish himself at the King Power Stadium.

The forward, subsequently left the Foxes in 2018 to team up with Al Nassr in his quest to enjoy more playing time but has now put his disappointment at Leicester behind him.

"For some reasons, things didn't actually work out there [at Leicester], but you can't focus too much on the past," he continued.

"I'd rather try to write a better story if another opportunity to play in the Premier League presents itself."

Besides playing for Leicester City, he also starred for Russian Premier League club CSKA Moscow, where he had two stints.

Musa is currently Nigeria national team captain and has 95 caps for the Super Eagles since he made his debut in 2010.

The forward played a key role as the West Africans secured their third Africa Cup of Nations title in 2013.

Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew reveals he is yet to regain full fitness despite making a return to action on Wednesday after a brief spell on the sidelines.

The 30-year-old was a 46th-minute substitute for the Jack Army in their 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, capping his comeback with a sublime finish to fetch his side the equaliser.

He had been in the treatment room since sustaining a hamstring injury while on international duty with Ghana earlier this month.

"I haven't done too much in the past 10 days. We knew I wasn't 100 per cent ready to start," Ayew explained, as reported by his club's official website.

“If he could have left me out, the gaffer would have done that to prepare me for Sunday, but that's football; you need to be ready.

“As the game was going on, I was preparing to come on. It was important to warm up well and not feel any pain in my hamstring, especially as it's an injury I've had for the first time in my career.

“I had to take care of it, the physio's been doing a great job on me - hours of work trying to get me back as soon as possible.

“I was a bit doubtful for Wednesday night but after this, I'm quite happy with how it felt.

“It wasn't the best, but it'll be better over the next few days and hopefully I'll be 100 per cent on Sunday."

Swansea are set to play as guests of Nottingham Forest on matchday 14 of the Championship on Sunday.

Wednesday's strike has taken his goal tally to six for the season, having featured in 12 games.

He is unarguably the Jack Army's talisman, a status underlined last season when he netted 16 times in 46 league games to finish the term as the club's top scorer and most valuable player.

Ayew rejoined Swansea for a second spell in 2018 after an unsuccessful stay with West Ham United.

He first transferred to the Wales-based Premier League club in 2015 from French outfit Olympique Marseille.

Borussia Dortmund director Michael Zorc has dismissed the ongoing transfer rumours surrounding Real Madrid-linked striker Erling Haaland.

Haaland has solidified his reputation as one of the most deadly strikers in European football since joining Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg for £18 million ($24m) in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old has hit a staggering 33 goals in his first 31 outings for BVB across all competitions, with his latest double coming in a 3-0 home win over Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The Norwegian frontman is attracting plenty of high profile admirers after his bright start to life at Westfalenstadion, and is already being tipped to move onto an even bigger club, despite being tied to Dortmund through to 2024.

Real Madrid have been among those credited with an interest in Haaland, who reportedly has a €75 million (£67m/$89m) release clause in his current contract, which will become active in 2022.

However, Zorc is paying no attention to the speculation surrounding the ex-Salzburg star's future, as he told a press conference ahead of BVB's Bundesliga clash against Koln on Saturday: "We plan for the long term with Erling. [Rumours] do not have to be dealt with at all.

"I will see him with us for a long time."

Asked if it is important to carefully manage the weight of expectation on Haaland's shoulders at this stage of his career, the Dortmund chief responded: "You don't have to ground him at all.

"He exudes such a positive dynamic. Why should we slow it down now?

"He is leading the way, that is very good for us. I do not believe in artificially slowing positive developments."

Haaland will likely return to Lucien Favre's starting XI when Koln arrive at Westfalenstadion this weekend, with Dortmund aiming to keep the pressure on Bundesliga leaders Bayern with only a point separating the two sides.

BVB will then start preparing for another European encounter against Lazio on December 2. Favre's men will book their place in the Champions League knockout stages if they see off the Italian giants on home turf, having already picked up nine points out of a possible 12 in Group F.

South Africa Football Association (Safa) president Dr Danny Jordaan says a “piece of football has died” following the passing away of Diego Maradona.

The Argentina great died at the age of 60 at his home in Buenos Aires of a heart attack on Wednesday.

Jordaan’s fondest memory of Maradona was when the former Barcelona and Napoli forward was in South Africa for the 2010 Fifa World Cup which was the first time the tournament was staged on the African continent.

Arriving in South Africa as Argentina coach, Maradona was keen to prove to the world that he was the right man to lead La Albiceleste amid doubts over his pedigree to lead the team.

Argentina had almost missed out on qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

“Maradona was a football man. He put a human face on football. He was always accessible to football supporters and to the youth,” Jordaan told the Safa website.

“He would immediately take the ball, juggle with it and pose for pictures. Maradona was a supporter of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa and the entire African continent. At one stage, he told me he was worried as Argentina almost failed to qualify for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. That qualification helped him to live his dream – to be the coach of his country in an African World Cup.”

While in South Africa, global media was on Maradona’s tail wherever he went, at one time mingling with school kids in Pretoria as well as South African football greats, a show of humility Jordaan praises.

“The staff behind the delivery of the event took pictures with Maradona at the headquarters of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. He then went to FNB Stadium to meet former South African footballers and that was a rewarding experience for both parties,” said Jordaan.

“So with Maradona’s death, a piece of football has died, the human face of football. He is clearly one of the greatest footballers ever to walk the earth. We will miss him, all those who worked in the 2010 Fifa World Cup, football will miss him.”

Argentina’s participation at the quadrennial tournament in South Africa ended at the quarter-final stage after they were drubbed 4-0 by Germany.

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Doctor Khumalo says he closely witnessed how Diego Maradona enjoyed a high status in Argentina during the South African’s brief spell in Buenos Aires with Ferro Carril Oeste in 1995.

Maradona passed away aged 60 on Wednesday of a heart attack, plunging the football world into mourning.

During his stint at Ferro Carril Oeste, on loan from Chiefs, Khumalo revisits the day at Boca Juniors’ home of La Bombonera where his team had visited for a league match.

Khumalo remembers how Argentina’s most iconic football ground reverberated when Maradona entered the stadium with his family.

“I remember the game we played against Boca Juniors on a Sunday‚ and we were warming up and I was wondering what all the hullabaloo was about,” Khumalo told Times Live.

“Because the stadium gets full at about 11 am. And‚ you must understand‚ that man is seen as a godfather of football‚ because football in Argentina is a sort of religion.

“In Argentina even the smaller teams get crowds. But when we played Boca‚ that was when I felt‚ ‘I am in Argentina’. I think there was five‚ 10 minutes left of the warm-up and I heard the crowd chanting‚ ‘Ma-ra-donna’. And I thought‚ ‘But this guy’s not playing’.

“Only to find that at the Boca Juniors' stadium he’s got his own private suite. So he just walked in with his family. And when I looked up I saw [Claudio] Caniggia‚ Maradona‚ the likes of [Gabriel] Batistuta‚ and I was like‚ ‘Wow.’”

Maradona was a La Bombonera hero after two stints as a player at Boca Juniors, punctuated by a spell in Europe where he turned out for Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla.

Khumalo explains how fans reacted at the sight of Maradona while inside La Bombonera as if they were on pilgrimage at a sacred place.

“And then what he [Maradona] does is he walks up to the front of his private suite‚ where there’s like a glass‚ and he’ll bow east‚ bow south‚ and bow west,” said Khumalo.

“And when he bows the crowd [in that stand] acknowledge him by raising their hands and say something in Spanish – and the stand at the other side does the same. So it’s sort of a synchronised way of greeting. So I was trying to figure out if Maradona is the one who invites those guys [Canigga, Batistuta and Diego Simeone] to his private suite.

"But I must say that guy is something else‚ not just in Argentina but the whole of South America.”

Ferro Carril Oeste lost 2-1 to Boca Juniors that day, with Khumalo playing the entire match and he was to return to La Bombonera in May 1998 for Bafana’s international friendly match against Argentina.

South Africans will also have memories of Maradona when he graced the 2010 Fifa World Cup as the Argentina coach.

Even though La Albiceleste’s campaign ended at the quarter-final stage after being thrashed 4-0 by Germany in Cape Town, the Maradona effect was felt.

“I did say that without Maradona the World Cup in South Africa would never be the same,” said Khumalo. “And Maradona‚ even as a coach‚ was one of the stars of the World Cup.”