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Gor Mahia Secretary-General Sam Ochola has stated his letter authorising the StarTimes partnership deal stands overruling the club’s chairman Ambrose Rachier.

In a presser on Tuesday, Rachier suspended Ochola for endorsing the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and StarTimes deal claiming he did so without consulting other officials.

In response, Ochola has maintained he signed the letter as he is empowered by the statutes that have established his office.

“I am the custodian of the communication in the club and Head of the Secretariat for all the club’s dealings. The letter signed on behalf of Gor Mahia to FKF stands and will remain valid,” Ochola said in a document obtained by Goal.

“Guided under articles 2 (b), 11 (a), 19, 79 (a) (c) and 81 of the FKF constitution, coupled with limited time, before the league's kick-off and of course participation in the Champions League this weekend in Rwanda, I signed the document in good faith and absolute fairness to our beloved club as the Secretary-General.”

The newly-elected official further revealed what pushed him to sign the letter that has now threatened the team that is preparing for the Caf Champions League.

“Yes, I signed the document,” Ochola added. “We had numerous discussions in the Executive Committee members’ meeting where we resolved to sign the club to the newly created FKF Premier League,” he added.

“Gor Mahia are participating in local and international football courtesy of FKF as the representative of Fifa in Kenya. Should Gor Mahia stop playing football because of an individual? No.

“It was never because I was being coerced, cajoled or blackmailed as the chairman purported yesterday. I have signed many documents for Gor Mahia as the Secretary-General and Head of the club’s Secretariat including contractual ones and I wonder whether these are also illegal under Article 15 of the club.”

The Secretary-General also shed more light on the contentious issue of the money the clubs are set to receive from the FKF-StarTimes partnership.

“The chairman alleged that FKF has not disclosed the amount of cash in the StarTimes partnership,” he concluded.

“This is the summary; every club gets KSh10 million for league participation, the sponsor also footing bills on branding, pays for referees, and covers production cost.

“Today, the chairman of Gor Mahia, who also doubles up as the chairman of KPL, knows that KPL gives a fraction of this sponsorship.

“Gor Mahia are broke! We want to gather any available monetary support to reduce the gaping operational cost even if there are no kickbacks to individuals; it is for the sake of the club.”

Adam Le Fondre's late penalty (90+5') secured a win for Mumbai City against a 10-man FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Wednesday. 

FC Goa were dominant and looked more likely to break the deadlock but a red card offence from Redeem Tlang at the end of the first half put the team in a spot of bother. Mumbai City couldn't find the opening even with the numerical advantage until Lenny Rodrigues handled the ball inside the box to allow Le Fondre to step up and convert the spot-kick. 

Both teams underwent a few changes after their winless starts to the season. Juan Ferrando made three alterations to the team which drew against Bengaluru FC. Saviour Gama, Redeem Tlang and Alberto Noguera replaced Sanson Pereira, Princeton Rebello and Jorge Ortiz.

Lobera, on the other hand, made four changes in Mumbai lineup as Amey Ranawade, Cy Goddard, Mourtada Fall and Farukh Choudhary came in place of Mohammed Rakip and Bartholomew Ogbeche, injured Raynier Fernandes and the suspended Ahmed Jahouh, 

Goa looked the dominant side in the first half as they enjoyed plenty of the ball and created several chances to score. They were more fluent in their gameplay compared to Mumbai who failed to settle into the game throughout the first half. Lobera missed Ahmed Jahouh’s services at the centre of the park as his team failed to create chances without the Moroccan midfielder dictating play. 

Igor Angulo came close to scoring his third goal of the season in the eighth minute of the match when he received pass inside the box from Alberto Noguera but his heavy first touch allowed Sarthak Golui to close the gap and block his effort.

After a stale period of play, the home team were jolted with a blow in the final few minutes of the first half when Redeem Tlang lunged into a tackle on Hernan Santana with a high foot. The awful tackle was punished with a red card, reducing Goa to 10 men. 

Goa were able to maintain the same momentum after the restart and continued to create chances. Angulo had an early chance after the break to score the opening goal. After receiving a pass from Len Doungel at the centre of the pitch, the forward did well to dribble through the middle and skip past Fall but his effort from the edge of the box rolled wide. 

They once again got a chance to break the deadlock in the 60th minute. Lenny Rodrigues whipped in a cross into the box and Ivan Gonzalez attempted a shot. Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh produced a stunning reflex save to keep the scoreline intact. 

The easiest chance of the match fell to Mandar Rao Dessai who had an empty net in front of him when Le Fondre drilled a low cross into the box from the right but the former Goa skipper couldn't connect properly and ended up sending the ball into the stands. 

Lobera's side finally scored in the dying minutes of the match after Lenny Rodrigues handled the ball inside the box and gave away a penalty. Le Fondre scored his maiden ISL goal from the spot and secured three points for his team. 

Asamoah Gyan will mark his Ghana Premier League return under a new coach after the club parted ways with Bosnian-German trainer Goran Barjaktarevic.

The Accra-based outfit has announced the development after days of media speculation about the coach’s future following the club's disappointing 3-0 loss to Great Olympics in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) on Friday.

The Royals have drawn one and lost one of two league games thus far. Gyan, though, is yet to make an appearance for the side due to match fitness concerns following his signing in October.

"Legon Cities announces that manager Goran Barjaktarevic has left the club with immediate effect," Cities have announced in a statement.

"The club would like to thank Goran for his services during his time at Legon Cities FC and to wish him success in the future.

"A new manager will announced in the coming days."

Barjaktarevic joined Cities ahead of the 2019-20 GPL season which was ultimately terminated midway due to outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

His team struggled throughout the campaign with an early battle with relegation, and eventually found themselves just one point and one spot above the drop zone after matchday 15 when the championship was truncated.

This term, The Royals' fortunes have not been any different as they settled for a 1-1 home draw with Berekum Chelsea in their league opener before falling heavily to Olympics on Friday.

Eleven Wonders coach Ignatius Osei Fosu, ex-Ghana and Cameroon assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko and former Asante Kotoko boss Bashir Hayford have all been linked to the vacant Cities job.

The club has had to do without marquee signing Gyan so far following his return to domestic club football for the first time in 17 years.

After leaving Liberty Professionals for Italian outfit Udinese in 2003, the 35-year-old has gone on to represent the likes of Sunderland, Kayserispor, Al Ain, Shainghai SIPG, Al Ahli Dubai and Indian Super League outfit NorthEast United.

He is currently Ghana's all-time top scorer and most capped player, having netted 51 times in 109 internationals. The forward also currently stands as Africa's all-time top scorer at the World Cup after reaching six goals (in all tournaments) during the 2014 event in Brazil. 

President of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has appealed his five-year ban from football-related activities at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

Fifa’s adjudicatory chamber of the Independent Ethics Committee found him guilty of abuse of office, misappropriation of funds and, offering gifts and other benefits as Caf president and Fifa vice-president.

In addition to the sanction, the Madagascan – who disclosed his intention to run for a second term in office - was also hit with a fine of 200,000 Swiss Francs.

According to a statement released by the Caf president’s team, the sentence was passed to prevent Ahmad from being re-elected to the presidency of Caf.

“On Tuesday 24 November 2020, Mr Ahmad Ahmad, President of Caf and vice-president of Fifa, announced that his counsels are filing an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in order to firmly contest the sentence pronounced by the adjudication chamber of the Fifa Ethics Committee,” the statement read.

“A sanction of a five-year ban from exercising any activity related to football – at national and international level – as well as a fine of CHF 200,000 was pronounced by the Adjudicatory Chambers of the Ethics Committee on Monday 23 November 2020, against the President of Caf and Fifa Vice President, Mr Ahmad Ahmad.

“This decision was not rendered in a fair and impartial manner. During the months of the investigation conducted by the Investigatory Chamber of the Fifa Ethics Committee, headed by Mrs Maria Claudia Rojas, against the Confederation of African Football and its president, many surprising procedures have been noted.

“Thus, Fifa gave a mandate to the audit firm PwC to investigate the administration of African football, even though this firm had been working for Caf and under a mandate from the latter, thus creating a conflict of interest and a problem of obvious lack of impartiality.”

“In addition, rumours about the possible involvement of Fifa in the work of the Ethics Committee have constantly resounded in the European and African press. Leaks of information relating to the ongoing procedure – which is supposed to be strictly confidential – and systematically unfavourable of President Ahmad, have been made public through the press, preventing, in fact, a serene investigation from taking place,” it continued.

“Even the hearing of president Ahmad, who was notably refused the right to examine some of his witnesses during a hearing conducted at the prosecution’s double pace, was not held according to the expected and usual standards.

“As a result of these irregularities, the facts presented in a high questionable manner by the investigatory Chambers to the Adjudicatory Chambers of the Fifa Ethics Committee. Moreover, the latter hastened to issue an urgent and immediately enforceable decision, without providing the grounds of the sentence, despite its seriousness. The reason for such haste could be that this sentence would prevent president Ahmad from being re-elected to the presidency of Caf in the elections scheduled for March 2021, despite the many supporters already declared in his favour.

“An appeal will therefore be made before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge this incomprehensible and shocking decision. Furthermore, he will request for the stay of the decision, so as not to aggravate the prejudice he is suffering and allow him to campaign for his re-election to the precedency of Caf.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic only expects to be out for "one or two weeks" with his recently sustained injury and the AC Milan striker has given another strong indication he wants to make a Sweden comeback.

The in-form Ibrahimovic limped off with a hamstring issue after scoring twice as the Rossoneri beat Napoli 3-1 in the Serie A encounter on Sunday.

There were concerns the 39-year-old could be sidelined for a month, but he allayed those fears after being named Swedish Player of the Year for a 12th time.

Ibrahimovic said in an interview with Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet: "It's nothing serious. Only one or two weeks [out]."

The veteran recently hinted he is ready to end his international retirement by posting an image of himself in a Sweden jersey on social media, captioned: "Long time no see."

Sweden head coach Janne Andersson responded by saying the former Barcelona and Manchester United man must prove he wants to play for his country again before he considers recalling him.

Ibrahimovic again suggested he is keen for a return to the international stage ahead of the delayed Euro 2020 next year, having last represented his country at Euro 2016.

"Yes, I miss the national team. It is no secret," he said.

"I want to be in Friends Arena, I want it to be the Yellow Wall or what we now call it. You come out, you have the yellow shirt and you see that it is full... Do I miss it? Of course.

"The one who does not miss it - he has already ended his career. And I have not finished my career."

Ibrahimovic says he is not even considering when he might retire, having scored 20 goals in 24 Serie A matches since returning to the club in January.

"I'll keep going as long as I can make a difference, otherwise it's not fun,” he added. “I have to feel alive. In any case, I will continue as long as possible. As Mino [Raiola, his agent] says: 'squeeze the orange as long as you can.'"

Milan return to Serie A action on Sunday when they host Fiorentina at San Siro.

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has passed away at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack. 

The Gimnasia coach had been hospitalised at the start of November, days after celebrating the landmark birthday, after complaining of low spirits and fatigue. 

Tests at the La Plata clinic revealed a blood clot on the brain, which doctors later revealed was operated on successfully. 

Maradona was subsequently released from hospital as an outpatient to continue his convalescence, which he carried out in his dwelling in a private neighbourhood near Tigre, northern Buenos Aires. 

But on Wednesday morning he suffered cardiac arrest, and paramedics at the scene failed to revive him. 

The Argentine national team's official Twitter account confirmed the news on Wednesday, paying tribute to one of the nation's favourite footballing sons. 

"You will be eternal in every heart of the football world," the message stated as it bade farewell to the superstar.

Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia also expressed his "deep grief" after learning the news.

Maradona began his professional career with Argentinos Juniors at the age of 16 and went on to be considered one of the greatest players ever to step onto a football field. 

The diminutive left-footed forward went on to represent Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys as a player, and the likes of Racing Club, Dorados, Gimnasia and the Argentina national team later as a coach. 

It was with the Albiceleste, though, that his name was immortalised. 

Diego was instrumental in taking Argentina to their second World Cup triumph in 1986, captaining the team that prevailed over West Germany in the final under the stewardship of Carlos Bilardo. 

He scored five goals over the course of the tournament to finish second behind England's Gary Lineker in the top scorer rankings, with the pair meeting in a quarter-final match which has entered the annals as perhaps the most iconic, and certainly most controversial, in the World Cup's 90-year history. 

The Argentina No. 10 scored twice to take down England in a 2-1 victory, the first goal scored with his infamous 'Hand of God' and the second after dribbling around several opponents in what would soon be dubbed the 'Goal of the Century'. 

Maradona also helped his nation reach a second consecutive World Cup final four years later, only to fall to West Germany. 

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has pretty much been left without a choice in its decision to approach the Supreme Court (SC) of India to seek an extension of term for the current Executive Committee. 

The committee’s term is set to end on 21st December 2020 but the lack of a Constitution that purportedly does not conform to the National Sports Code has meant that the Indian FA are unable to hold elections to form the next Executive Committee. 

The issue kicked off in October 2017 when the Delhi High Court (HC) annulled the last AIFF elections which were held in December 2016 when Praful Patel was elected as the President. The Delhi HC stated that the elections were held without following the then newly-implemented National Sports Code and appointed former Chief Election Commissioner SY Qureshi as an independent administrator to look after the AIFF’s affairs until fresh elections were held. 

The AIFF went on to approach the Supreme Court against the decision, arguing that India was in danger of being de-recognised by FIFA which only allows an elected body to run an affiliated FA. 

“The High Court had set aside the election of the AIFF committee. We are seeking a stay on it (high court’s order). Under the FIFA Rules, a country is recognised only if there is an elected body and if there is no elected body, a country is de-recognised by the FIFA,” the AIFF counsel told the bench back then. 

The Supreme Court duly stayed the High Court’s ruling in November 2017 but appointed two ombudsmen (Qureshi and former India goalkeeper Bhaskar Ganguly) to formulate a new AIFF constitution within eight weeks and then conduct elections. The court allowed the current Executive Committee members to discharge their duties till then. 

However, the ombudsmen haven’t finalised a constitution even after three years and have asked the court for an extension of the deadline multiple times, most recently in February 2020. 

With the term of the Praful Patel-led Executive Committee set to wind down, the Indian FA are in a tight bind. They are unable to conduct fresh elections due to the lack of a constitution (still not finalised by the court-appointed committee). The last elections were contested because the legality of the existing constitution was challenged. 

As far as Indian football is concerned, the next few years are very important. India is set to host the 2022 U17 Women’s World Cup (after the 2020 event was cancelled) and the 2022 AFC Women’s Asia Cup. India has also bid for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup hosting rights. 

If the term of the current committee expires and the court appoints an ad-hoc administrator to take charge of Indian FA, there is a high chance of FIFA banning India - a development that poses significant risks to the marquee events mentioned above. The damage could also extend further. 

In such a scenario, the AIFF has been left with no other option but to seek an extension to the term of the current office-bearers until the new Constitution is ready for which they have sought the direction of the Supreme Court

Nothing is ever as it seems for the campaign, as Raven Software brings a gripping single-player Campaign where players will come face-to-face with historical figures and hard truths, as they battle around the globe through iconic locales like East Berlin, Vietnam, Turkey, Soviet KGB headquarters, and more.

The single player campaign:

The single player campaign is set in the cold war era of Ronald Reagan, where the Democratic West is in conflict with the Communist Soviet bloc. Tensions are high as the 2 superpowers clash for resources and influence in regional battles like Vietnam & East Berlin.

A cunning and effective Russian mole agent code named Perseus, which some regard as myth, is the primary target of the elite black ops team. This powerful figure is rumored to be able to change the balance of the Cold War, so an elite group of operators are sent with the consent of the US President to go after them.

Purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold campaign here

In the hunt to take down Perseus, you will be battling in conflict zones across the globe. Places includes Vietnam, East Berlin and other western cities with Perseus appearance.

Missions within the Campaign include a variety of differing playstyles, such as close quarter, stealth, all-out warfare, and long-range combat scenarios. There are also multiple difficulty options, which fit a wide scope of players from those new to the franchise (Recruit) to seasoned experts (Veteran) and hardcore players (Realism).

With nine core missions followed by two alternate endings, here is a full list of the Black Ops Cold War campaign missions:

COLD WAR MISSIONS 1 - NOWHERE LEFT TO RUN

President Ronald Reagan has authorised hits on two Iranian targets. After acquiring intel that they are residing in the Netherlands, Bell, Woods, Mason and co. are sent to the streets of Amsterdam where they intend to sweep their safe house and put a stop to their threatening behaviour. This mission does leave nowhere to run, but that doesn't mean that you can't drive...

COLD WAR MISSIONS 2 - FRACTURE JAW

Fracture Jaw gives us our first taste of the Viet Cong guerrilla warfare that was pivotal in the Cold War. In 1968, the CIA Orders Russell Adlers' SOG team to secure a valuable asset hidden in a Da Nang firebase, the former capital of the country. Plunging the team into the depths of Vietnam, you'll also get an overhead shot of the beautiful capital, albeit you'll be reigning fire on it from a chopper gunner.

COLD WAR MISSIONS 3 - BRICK IN THE WALL

The first stealth mission is introduced in Brick in the Wall. With a new stealth system implemented in the Black Ops Cold War campaign missions, Bell will be instructed to take down a Berlin-based Russian mobster by the name of Anton Volkov, who has heavy ties to Perseus. Make sure you're not seen as it’s kill or capture in Brick in the Wall.

MISSION 4 - RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT

The fourth mission sends the squad to a fourth country. This time, Woods and Bell infiltrate a secret facility in the Soviet Republic of Ukraine in search of intelligence about Perseus’ plans and whereabouts.

COLD WAR MISSIONS 5 - Echoes of the Cold War

From the gathered intel, Perseus has been found to be plundering an abandoned Yamantau base in search of information. With the squad heading to the mountains of Bashkortostan, Russia, soviet Major General Nikita Dragovich is left behind. Combining stealth with explosives, the only way out is by praying to the heavens.

COLD WAR MISSIONS - End of the Line

Perseus has taken one step forward in the nuclear warfare race and is threatening Europe. With the Soviet Union striking fear into Europe, the team heads to Cuba in order to commandeer the stolen Green Light nuke from Perseus. 

COLD WAR MISSIONS 8 - Break On Through

In need of more information, OP 40 deploys Bell to search a mysterious bunker deep in the jungles of Vietnam. Bell will have learnt from the best when it comes to searching her own mind, with the numbers expert Mason by her side. The bunker reveals more than just its components. Upon the search, you might want to keep an ear out for the undead... 

COLD WAR MISSIONS 9 - Identity Crisis

Mission 9 is the tipping point of all of the Black Ops Cold War campaign missions. After subjecting Bell to a dangerous interrogation, Russel Adler reveals the truth about Bell's past. Here you will have to trust your instincts and choose the fate of the world.

With this, the Black Ops Cold War campaign concludes, leaving scope to continue the storyline in either DLCs or when Treyarch takes the reigns again in two years time. 

Uganda international Luwagga Kizito earned a brace in Hapoel Kfar Saba's 3-2 win against Maccabi Haifa in an Israeli Premier League encounter on Tuesday.

Kizito scored the first goal for Hapoel Kfar Saba in the 48th minute after Ofri Arad had opened the scoring for Maccabi Haifa in the 22nd minute.

An own goal by Arad in the 53rd minute saw Hapoel Kfar Saba take the lead before the Uganda forward added his second in the 70th minute with a penalty kick.

Australian international Nikita Rukavytsya scored the second for Maccabi Haifa in the ninth minute of added time but the late goal was not enough to hand the visitors a point.

Hapoel Kfar Saba are sixth with 10 points from seven and will next be up against Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 29.

Meanwhile, in the English Championship, Uganda striker Uche Ikpeazu was not involved again as Wycombe Wanderers recorded a 0-0 draw against Huddersfield on Tuesday.

The draw meant Ikpeazu’s side failed to move up away from the relegation zone.

Wycombe Wanderers’ manager Gareth Ainsworth said the team is now looking a stronger side than before despite failing to win at home.

“The players are learning as they go, which is a great sign, and I think there are certain teams who have started well who are having a wobble now,” Ainsworth told BBC Sports.

“We're definitely not wobbling now. We started with a wobble but we're definitely learning and we're building.

“If we're keeping clean sheets every week then, by far, we'll be in the Championship [next season], so it's something to be proud of.”

On his part, Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan said the draw came at a good time after they had been frustrated by Stoke City.

“It was a very tough game and one with a lot of interruptions,” Ainsworth said.

“It was a game that was full of free-kicks but for us, it was important after our defeat [at Stoke] to keep a clean sheet.

“We created one clear chance, in the second half we didn't create many chances and that was because we were very focused on Wycombe's game.

“They had a lot of set-pieces and it's very difficult to play against but we continued to defend through it and it was very important for the team to get a point from this game.”

Ikpeazu missed Uganda’s November African Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Sudan due to an injury.

Mason Greenwood is "going to be a beast", according to Rio Ferdinand, who says the Manchester United teenager has Ruud van Nistelrooy's "precision" in front of goal.

Greenwood has been a revelation for United since bursting onto the senior stage in 2019-20.

The 19-year-old scored 17 goals to help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side earn a third-place Premier League finish and make it through to three semi-finals, forming one-third of a fearsome attacking triumvirate alongside Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

Fitness issues have hampered the England international in the early stages of the new season, but he returned to the Red Devils' squad for a Champions League clash with Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday after recovering from a bout of illness.

Greenwood impressed after coming on as a second-half substitute at Old Trafford, providing the assist for Daniel James to round off a comfortable 4-1 victory, and he will be in contention for his fourth Premier League start of the season when United take in a trip to Southampton on Sunday.

Ferdinand sees similarities between the young forward and Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 games for the Red Devils between 2001 and 2006, and thinks he is destined for stardom because of his natural instincts in the final third.

The United legend told BT Sport of Greenwood's potential after his latest European display: “He looked very sharp. The passing forward in the No.10 spot, Van de Beek coming in there, and it just again showed his difference. Daniel James looked impressive when he came on too.

“He’s going to be a beast to go with the technique he’s got, the understanding, his spatial awareness, he plays off both feet.

“I want to go and watch training. That’s what he gets out of me. I want to go and watch his technique, him lashing balls into the back of the net.

"We talk about Ruud van Nistelrooy, it excites you when you see finishers that finish aggressively, but with precision. He has that in abundance.”

Ferdinand's former United team-mate Paul Scholes, meanwhile, believes Greenwood is already the most deadly player in the box on United's books.

“He physically looks stronger now than the last time we saw him. He’s a big, strong and powerful lad, and he’s only going to get stronger as well," said the Old Trafford great.

"I think out of the three or four forwards they have, he’ll be the best finisher as well."

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana is back again contesting for the 2020 Fifa Puskas Award.

The long-range shot in Sundowns’ 1-1 draw against Cape Town City will see Kekana contesting against the likes of Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez and Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min, who are also part of 11 players nominated for this gong.

It is not the first time for Kekana to be listed for this award after his Bafana Bafana goal against Cameroon in March 2016 was also considered for that year’s honours.

He, however, did not make it into the three finalists from a preliminary selection that included Barcelona captain Lionel Messi and Neymar who also could not progress further.

This time around, Kekana would be hoping to go a step further by being considered for the final three.

“The winner of the FIFA Puskas Award will be selected by an international jury comprising a panel of Fifa legends and by the fans from all over the world registered on www.fifa.com. Each of the two groups of voters within the jury has the same electoral weight,” said Fifa in a statement.

Voting is already open and will close on December 9 before three finalists are announced two days later.

The winner will be crowned at The Best Fifa Football Awards on December 17 and the 2020 winner will replace Hungarian Daniel Zsori, who won it last year.

Kekana’s goal against Cape Town City was also voted as the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League Goal of the Season.

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has warned his players to be very cautious when they take on Plateau United FC in their preliminary round first leg match on Sunday.

The Belgian tactician has admitted despite the team signing off for their first meeting with the Nigerian outfit with a huge 7-0 win against Coastal Union in the Mainland Premier League, his players should not be carried away by the result and must remain focused to tackle “a difficult opponent.”

Simba were on the rampage at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on Saturday as they tore Coastal Union to shreds with a hat-trick from captain John Bocco, a double from Clatous Chama, and goals from Hassan Dilunga and Bernard Morrison handing the champions victory.

“There is a risk after winning 7-0 because people become too confident but we do not need to be like that because we will face a strong opponent,” Vandenbroeck told Daily News.

“It was a good preparation, good image but we still need to be aware of the danger that awaits us in Nigeria,” added the Belgian tactician whose team has now managed to score a total of 29 goals, more than any other on the table.

On winning the league tie 7-0, Vandenbroeck explained: “Generally, I cannot say much because the 7-0 win shows that we were very dominant of the whole game but in the second half, our tempo slowed because we were already 5-0 up and in the mind of players, they knew that they were traveling...that was logic.”

Vandenbroeck has also received a huge boost with two key players – striker Meddie Kagere and winger Luis Miquissone – making the 24-man squad to Nigeria for the clash that will be played in Abuja.

After the first leg at New Jos Stadium, Plateau United will travel to Dar es Salaam for the return leg which will be staged at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on the weekend of December 4. 

Simba’s fans will be keen to see some improvement, following last year’s unimpressive display after they were knocked out in the preliminary round by UD Songo from Mozambique.

Whereas in the 2018/19 season they managed to reach the quarter-finals, it was in 1974 when Simba managed to get into the semi-finals but were knocked out by Egyptian side Ghazl El Mahalla.

Goalkeepers: Aishi Manula, Ally Salim, and Beno Kakolanya.

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Gadiel Michael, Mohamed Hussein, Erasto Nyoni, Ibrahim Ame, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Kennedy Juma.

Midfielders: Jonas Mkude, Mzamiru Yassin, Said Ndemla, Rally Bwalya, Hassan Dilunga, Francis Kahata, and Clatous Chama.

Strikers: John Bocco, Meddie Kagere, Miraji Athumani, Bernard Morrison, Luis Miquissone and Ibrahim Ajibu.

Tyquan Terrell discloses that watching the video clips of "favourite Africa Player" Sadio Mane has made him a better player.

The 22-year-old attacking sensation has risen through the ranks for Saint Kitts and Nevis, representing the Caribbean country at U20 and U23 level before making his senior international debut against Grenada in the Concacaf Nations League.

In a chat with Goal, the talented player, who has been scouted by several Major League Soccer outfits like Los Angeles FC, Minnesota FC United and FC Dallas, revealed he looks up to the Liverpool star due to the example he continues to set on and off the pitch – explaining how watching his video clips helps him improve his game.

“I’ll say my favourite African footballer is Sadio Mane of Liverpool and Senegal. I like the way he plays, his speed, dribbling ability and his knack for scoring great goals,” Terrell told Goal.

“Off the pitch, one thing that stands him out is his humility and how he gives back to his people. He is keen on ensuring that his people are well looked after and never worries about fancy things of life.

“More often, I go on YouTube to watch some of Mane’s video clips and try as much as possible to recreate his moves during games. Watching him has also helped me become hungry for goals.

“Another player that catches my fancy and we have the same playing pattern is Peter Odemwingie. He is sleek and blessed with tactical abilities.

“During his active days as a footballer, he caused a lot of troubles for defenders and his ability to use both legs made him a delight to watch.”

Being an ardent follower of African football, Terrell is not ruling out the possibility of representing an African club in future.

“The South African and Egyptian leagues are so strong that they have produced great talents over the years, but who knows what the future holds?” he continued.

“Well, I'm sure it will be a good experience and good opportunity to learn about African culture. But for now, I’m currently focusing on my club football and international career with Saint Kitts and Nevis."

Hearts of Oak boss Edward Nii Odoom believes his team were let down by poor finishing in their Ghana Premier League (GPL) encounter with Ashanti Gold on Tuesday.

In their first taste of action since the commencement of the league earlier this month, the Phobians gave away a lead on two occasions as they were held to a 2-2 draw by visiting Ashanti Gold in a match week two clash at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Kojo Obeng Junior (Hearts) and Hans Kwofie scored twice each to cancel out each other.

"I'm very disappointed with our performance in the first half," Odoom said in a post-match press conference.

"We created lots of glorious opportunities in both first and second half but failed to utilise then.

"My midfielders went off in the first half but I saw some positive in the due to how they connected in the second half.

"I will have to work on them and the finishing and my attackers going forward."

Obeng Junior broke the deadlock for Hearts in the 33rd minute from close range before Kwofie hit back for Ashanti Gold it the 57th minute.

Ten minutes to full-time, Patrick Razak outwitted his marker on the far side with a beautiful piece of skill before sending in a delightful cross which was timeline met in the air by Obeng Junior for Hearts' second goal of the day.

Ashanti Gold, however, did not give up as they fought back to snatch another equaliser two minutes to full-time, courtesy of Kwofie.

“It's the team first before the individual, so with my colleagues, I think we are going to gather ourselves and put up a good performance this season for Accra Hearts of Oak,” Razak, who was adjudged Man of the Match, said in a post-match interview.

“I will say I’m impressed because our ambition is for the team to win. And I think everybody has given his best, but so far as we did not get a win, we’ll say our performance was not encouraging.

"So we will try and work on our performance and our team shaping and I think we will come back strongly."

Hearts have had to wait until matchday two to get a first taste of 2020-21 GPL action due to tge postponement of their opening day fixture against Aduana Stars due to coronavirus safety concerns. 

Former Zimbabwe captain Peter Ndlovu says fatigue could be creeping into Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat’s game, causing loss of form, and suggests that the player needs rest.

Since arriving at Kaizer Chiefs from Mamelodi Sundowns in June 2018, Billiat has struggled to play the football that saw him being crowned the 2016 PSL Player of the Season as well as earning him a nomination for the 2016 Caf African Player of the Year.

Eleven goals and 10 assists in all competitions in his debut Chiefs season were followed by just three goals and two assists last term.

After starting eight games for Chiefs across all competitions this campaign, Billiat has not a single goal to his name but has managed four assists.

His statistics in Amakhosi colours are a far cry from the numbers he posted while at Sundowns, especially during the 2015/16 season.

“He has played lot of football, that what we must know also, loss of form is caused by too much football, and must be aligned with rest,’’ said Ndlovu as per The Herald.

“There are a lot of things going around a player, involving fatigue and mental [issues], but loss of form is just a temporary thing, but it’s how you come back. How I managed all these things, during my playing days, was you look at what can bring you back into the game, so you have to contribute for the team, with or without the ball.”

Billiat’s struggles have even seen him being benched by Zimbabwe coach Zdravko Logarusic when the Warriors faced Algeria for a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Harare last week.

Despite such a rare scenario to start from the Zimbabwean bench, Ndlovu believes that his compatriot will bounce back from the loss of form.

“And, you have to actually play for the team, so Khama will do that and he is going to do that. I hope this message helps him get through anything, and it’s not only from me but also his teammates, and also his captain in the national team, and other players around him," Ndlovu said.

“You know, when you have a good player, you always pat him and say ‘come on boy we need you now,’ and they will feel the importance, they feel that they are very important and will rise to the occasion. “So, for Khama, nobody will take that quality away from him, and he will come back and believe you me, he is a quality player.”

Billiat continues his quest to improve his showing when Kaizer Chiefs play Cameroonian champions PWD Bamenda in Friday’s Caf Champions League preliminary round, first leg away match.

Luis Suarez and Heung-min Son are among the nominees for the FIFA Puskas Award 2020 with the field narrowed down to 11 nominees ahead of The Best awards ceremony.

The award, which is given to the player who scored the best goal of the year, is truly global and nominees can be found across the world at all levels of competition.

Icons such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah and Neymar populate the list of previous winners, but the beauty of the competition allows more obscure goals to receive global recognition.

So who are this year's Puskas Award nominees? We have listed all the goals for you to watch below, as well as the details on how to vote.

Puskas Award nominees:

Shirley Cruz | Costa Rica vs Panama | January 28, 2020

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Giorgian de Arrascaeta | Flamengo vs Ceara SC | August 25, 2019

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Jordan Flores | Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers | February 28, 2020

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Andre-Pierre Gignac | Tigres vs Pumas | March 1, 2020

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Sophie Ingle | Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women | January 19, 2020

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Zlatko Junuzovic | Red Bull Salzburg vs Rapid Wien | June 24, 2020

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Leonel Quinonez | Macara vs Universidad Catolica | August 19, 2019

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Heung-min Son | Tottenham vs Burnley | December 7, 2019

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Luis Suarez | Barcelona vs Mallorca | December 7, 2019

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Caroline Weir | Man City Women vs Man Utd Women | September 7, 2019

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Which goal gets your vote?

You can take part in the The Best FIFA Puskas Award poll on FIFA's official vote here.

Voting is open until December 9, 2020 and the winner will be announced at The Best awards ceremony in Zurich on December 17, 2020.

Donny van de Beek says he is comfortable playing wherever Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs him in Manchester United's midfield following an impressive display during the 4-1 Champions League victory over Istanbul Basaksehir.

Van de Beek has had to be patient since his £40 million ($55m) move to Old Trafford, but was dominant during the European clash on Tuesday night.

Deployed in a deeper role alongside Fred, the Dutchman's discipline in that area allowed Bruno Fernandes to be freed up to excel further up the pitch.

Fernandes scored twice in the opening 20 minutes as United dominated in midfield, and Van de Beek said he is happy to play further back should that be what Solskjaer requires.

“It worked really well,” Van de Beek told MUTV . “Some games I play No.10 and sometimes the coach needs me in the control position. That is fine for me because before, when I played at Ajax, I was playing in those positions, so it is okay.”

United now need only one point to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages from their final two group-stage games, having recovered from a shock defeat away to Basaksehir in the third match of the group.

Van de Beek was pleased with United's reaction to the 2-1 defeat in Turkey, but admitted their second-half performance - in which Basaksehir scored a free-kick and hit the crossbar as they threatened to get back in the match - was not acceptable.

He said: “It was a good reaction from the away game. [To win] 4-1 at home I think you can be happy.

“The first half was really good especially the first 30 minutes and we played nice football and scored nice goals. In the second half we lost too many balls and gave them some chances but the last five minutes we controlled the game again.

“We had some chances in the second half to make the fourth goal before we did but we lost too many balls, and then the control of the game you lose that. It was not good from our side.”

United now only need to avoid defeat at home to PSG or away to RB Leipzig to advance.

“It is not finished but we are in a good position. We need to keep working and everything will be fine," Van de Beek said.

Kenya international Michael Olunga scored his 25th goal in the 2020 J1 League season when Kashiwa Reysol defeated Kashima Antlers 4-1 on Wednesday.

Leo Silva’s and Kim Seung-Gyu's own goals were among the goals that were scored in the mid-week encounter.

Olunga, Yuta Kamiya, and Cristiano da Silva were the other scorers as Kashima Antlers played their 30th game while Kashiwa Reysol engaged in their 27th match.

Silva’s 26th-minute own goal gave Kashiwa Reysol a lead but it was cancelled out by Kim Seung- Gyu’s own goal in the 56th minute.

Olunga handed a lead to Kashia Reysol in the 75th minute as he scored his 25th goal of the season.

This is the second straight time the Kenya international has scored since resuming actions after they were forced into self-isolation when their camp reported six coronavirus positives in late October.

The Harambee Star was also on target when Kashiwa Reysol went down 2-1 to Sagan Tosu on November 21.

Da Silva added the third in the 83rd minute with an assist from Ataru Esaka, who had also helped Olunga score a few minutes before.

Kamiya scored the fourth for Kashiwa Reysol in the first minute of added time to hand the 2019 J2 League champions a big win. The victory is the first for Olunga’s side after they had failed to win in the last two games.

November is turning out to be another good month for Olunga, who is chasing the Golden Boot award. In October he was named in the team of the month after his exploits for the club given the number of goals he amassed.

The former Girona striker missed Kenya’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros in earlier this month after some of his teammates and head coach returned positive coronavirus tests.

The Harambee Stars picked up just a point from the double-header as they drew 1-1 at home before they lost 2-1 in the second game.

As his Golden Boot award dream remains very much alive, Olunga will be in action against Vegalta Sendai on December 1.

Kawasaki Frontale have been declared winners of the league title already given they lead with 75 points, 17 more than Gamba Osaka who are second with four matches to go.

Jack Wilshere has admitted he is still an "Arsenal man" and that returning to Emirates Stadium would be a "dream".

Wilshere spent ten years in Arsenal's senior squad after signing his first professional contract in 2008, racking up 198 appearances for the club across all competitions.

The former England international contributed 14 goals and 30 assists to the Gunners' cause in total, but ultimately failed to live up to his potential due to a series of injury problems.

Wilshere eventually decided to leave the Emirates in the summer of 2018, having grown frustrated by a lack of regular minutes, and subsequently joined West Ham on a three-year deal.

The midfielder's fitness struggles continued at the London Stadium as he only featured in 19 games across two seasons, and his contract was eventually cancelled by mutual consent last month.

The 28-year-old has been on the lookout for a new club ever since, and although he has welcomed the prospect of undertaking a new challenge abroad, Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers are reportedly leading the race for his signature.

Wilshere says Arsenal would be his first-choice next destination because he remains an avid supporter of the club, but the experienced playmaker acknowledges the fact it is unlikely the north London outfit will look to bring him back.

The ex-Gunners star told the ITV Football Football Show when quizzed on the possibility of a return to the Emirates: "Listen, you never know. I'm an Arsenal man. There's nothing, I've not spoken to anyone or anything but that would be the dream.

"I'm not stupid to know that there's probably no chance of it happening but I'm an Arsenal man, I love the club and want to see the club do well."

Wilshere was also asked how he thinks Mikel Arteta has fared in his first year in the Arsenal hot seat, to which he responded: “I’ve heard he’s really good, a lot of people who were there when I was there have left, but a few are still there.

“He’s really hands on, it’s really coach-led, is what I’ve heard, he knows what he wants and where he wants his players to be. He wants hard work every session and I think you can see that when he first came in.”