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Manchester City 5-3 Monaco & the arrival of Kylian Mbappe

The Hippos coach expects some tough matches against their regional rivals in the age-group tournament that will be played in Tanzania

Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso believes their game against South Sudan in the Cecafa U20 competition will be a tough one since their opponents know the way they play.

South Sudan have been making massive developments in football, and recently, their senior team defeated their Ugandan counterparts by a solitary goal in their Group B Africa Cup of Nations qualifier staged at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. 

In 2018, the U23 side also suffered a similar fate as they fell to their neighbours in the 2019 Afcon qualifiers. It is for these reasons that the tactician anticipates a tough game in the forthcoming competition which will also be Zone 5 Afcon qualifiers for the U20 team.

"Most of their players have grown in Uganda and are aware of our playing style; you could see the way they played the senior team," Byekwaso said ahead of the team's departure to Tanzania where the competition will be held.

"South Sudan have developed in recent years and for sure, they will be a tough team to beat. We need to step up and ensure we give our best.

"Being our first game, it will be crucial for us to get a win and avoid unnecessary pressure."

After their opening Group B game against South Sudan on November 23, the Hippos will entertain Burundi in their next assignment two days later.

Group A is made up of Tanzania, Somalia, and Djibouti while Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan are pooled together in Group C.

Among those selected to represent the country are for the tournament that will take place from November 23 to December 6 is son to Uganda’s music star Bebe Cool, Ssali Alpha Thierry.

Gavin Kizito has recovered from a malaria attack that sidelined him from the KCCA FC friendly during the week and has been named in the travelling squad.  

Ivan Asaba has also been named after he had suffered a strain on his ankle while Andrew Kawoya, Ivan Eyamu, Robert Kitabalwa, Sunday Opio, Umar Lutalo, Jamal Masiko, Wilber Wamala and Derrick Kakooza have all been omitted after training for eight days with the rest.   

Final Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jack Komakech and Denis Ssenyondwa Kaala

Defenders: Richard Bbosa, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Kenneth Ssemakula, Joseph Kafumbe

Midfielders: Isma Mugulusi, Steven Sserwadda, Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Ivan Asaba, Yiga Najib, Ashiraf Mulindi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Alpha Thierry Ssali

Forwards: Ivan Bogere, Richard Basangwa, Faisal Wabyoona, Raymond Onyai

 

Original author: Seth Willis
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LIVE: Newcastle vs Chelsea

70' The game has gone very sloppy since Chelsea's second goal, which has effectively killed off the contest. It looks as though Carroll is about to be brought on for the hosts, giving the visitors a different threat to deal with.

68' Joelinton thinks he is in behind but a delayed offside flag goes up. Almiron has looked lively since being introduced from the bench.

67' Tammy Abraham has scored 23 goals in all competitions since the start of last season, which is 11 more than any other Chelsea player.

63' With a little over an hour played, Newcastle have still yet to register an attempt on target. Chelsea could easily have scored four or five but instead they have just the one goal - and even that was scored by an opposition player.

61' SHOT! Joelinton controls the ball nicely and really should be testing Mendy from the shot at the very least, but his curler sails over the crossbar. The tide is turning at St James' Park, it seems!

59' Rudiger's clearance cannons off Hayden and, just like that, the midfielder is one-on-one with Mendy. He is unable to keep the shot down, though, and it would have been ruled out anyway as the clearance hit his arm.

58' Ziyech is unable to get on the end of Chilwell's deep delivery. He picks up possession and sends in a cross of his own, which Darlow gets behind.

57' Chelsea striker Timo Werner could become just the fourth different German player to score in three consecutive Premier League matches, after Jurgen Klinsmann (three times), Dietmar Hamann (in March 1999) and Leroy Sane (in October 2017).

55' CLOSE! Zouma leaps highest and gets to Mount's right-sided corner ahead of Schar but cannot keep his powerful header on target. It still somehow remains 1-0!

54' POOR FROM WERNER! It is a horror moment for Schar as he takes far too long to clear the ball and Werner takes it off him. The Germany international only has Darlow to beat - again - but tries to square for Ziyech and the pass is cut out.

52' Chelsea have dropped off a fair bit since about the 35-minute mark. Lampard may well be looking at his back-up options as we approach the hour. Almiron has been sent to warm up for Newcastle.

50' Lampard's men have not really found their rhythm early in the second half. Newcastle are getting into their opponents' faces far more but need to start creating some chances.

48' Lascelles came out for the second half in his kit but soon decided he was unable to play any part. Schar, as expected, is positioned between Clark and Fernandez, whose own goal separates the sides.

46' RESTART! Newcastle get us back under way at St James' Park. Chelsea have not lost a Premier League game when leading at half-time since December 2018 away at Wolves.

Newcastle saw just 21 per cent of the ball in a one-sided first half and Bruce will surely be tempted to tweak things at the interval. Lascelles twice went down injured and may be unable to play any further part. As for Chelsea, Lampard has the likes of Jorginho, Hudson-Odoi and Giroud among his subs.

Chelsea take a 1-0 lead into half-time through Fernandez's own goal after 10 minutes. Lampard's men should be a little more comfortable at the break, but a mixture of good goalkeeping from Darlow and a poor finish from Werner when through on goal means it is still all to play for.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: NEWCASTLE UNITED 0-1 CHELSEA

45' + 1' Lascelles has gone to ground for a second time. One minute has been added on but that will likely be doubled to account for this latest stoppage.

44' Lewis hangs up a cross to the back post and Murphy heads down towards the penalty spot. There is nobody in a black and white shirt waiting to get on the end of it and Chelsea clear their lines.

42' Newcastle are up to 21 per cent possession now - a slight improvement on the opening 20 minutes! The hosts have had a couple of promising opportunities in the first half but Chelsea will feel they should be two or three goals ahead.

40' Ziyech's latest delivery is pretty poor, the Chelsea winger curling the flat right-sided cross into the hands of Darlow.

38' Ziyech takes a quick free-kick over the top of Newcastle's defence and Werner looks the favourite to get to it, but Darlow reads the danger well and gets two hands to the ball.

37' Lascelles takes the ball off Werner at full stretch but has pulled up in the process. The Newcastle defender temporarily leaves the field but is soon back on and seems okay to continue.

35' CHANCE FOR NEWCASTLE! Abraham gives away the ball and Newcastle counter. Saint-Maximin cuts inside Zouma but he slices his shot and it goes behind off Rudiger.

33' The home side are starting to be a little braver with their play. It may well be that Werner's big miss a little earlier proves to be a turning point in the match.

31' BETTER FROM NEWCASTLE! The ball drops nicely for Longstaff to strike but he instead passes to Saint-Maximin. The winger's attempted flicked pass to Lewis runs through to Mendy. For the first time today, Chelsea were caught out at the back there.

29' BIG CHANCE! Chelsea's pressing pays off as possession is turned over high up the pitch once again. Mount feeds the ball to Abraham and he plays in Werner, who has just Darlow to beat. The striker is too precise with his finish, rolling the ball inches past the post.

27' SHOT! Kovacic gives the ball away in midfield and Joelinton has a chance to run at Chelsea's exposed defence. Instead of doing that, though, he tries to beat Mendy from just inside his own half but scuffs the shot well off target.

25' Murphy gets forward for pretty much the first time today but is unable to get the better of Chilwell down the Newcastle right. More of that is needed if United are to have any hope of claiming a point today.

23' CHANCE! Ziyech sends in another delightful cross form the right. Werner stays onside and looks certain to tuck it away near the front post, but he is unable to make clean contact with the ball.

21' The home side have a chance to counter but they are far too slow in getting the ball forward and Chelsea get every player back. Incidentally, it has been 11 months since Newcastle won a Premier League match that they conceded first in.

19' Newcastle have had just 19 per cent of the ball so far. If their plan was to sit deep in the hope of snatching a point, Steve Bruce will surely need a tactical rethink. Chelsea are looking in the mood for a second.

17' No player has scored more Premier League own goals since Federico Fernandez's Newcastle United debut in August 2018 than he has - five, level with Brighton and Hove Albion's Lewis Dunk.

15' Werner uses his pace to get in behind. The angle is against him and he instead attempts to square the ball for Abraham, but the pass is just out of his team-mate's reach at the back post.

13' Chelsea's goal was deserved on the basis of the opening 10 minutes - they have dominated from the off. Newcastle have been incredibly deep but are now pushing forward, with Manquillo's shot from the edge of the box blocked.

11' Fernandez argued he was fouled by Chilwell when attempting to clear the ball but the goal is allowed to stand following a VAR check.

9' ANOTHER SAVE! Darlow is quick to react again, this time to push Abraham's header over the crossbar after the striker glanced Ziyech's inswinging cross on goal.

8' Abraham holds up the ball inside the box and tees up Kovacic to blaze over. James also had a shot blocked by Manquillo before that in what has been a dominant start from the visitors.

6' Chelsea have already settled into a nice rhythm. They are knocking the ball around in search of an opening and, having already come close through Werner, you would not bet against them finding a breakthrough soon.

4' BIG SAVE! Kovacic turns over possession and Kante takes over by poking the ball through for Werner. The Germany striker's angled drive towards the bottom-right corner is pushed around the post by Darlow.

2' Joelinton goes on a positive run forward in the opening 15 seconds. He wins a free-kick for his side which is headed on by Saint-Maximin into the middle, where Chilwell is waiting to clear behind.

1' KICK-OFF! Chelsea, who can climb into top spot with victory at St James' Park, get us up and running in the first Premier League game of the day.

Both sets of players are out on the field and kick-off is now just a few moments away. This match will be played behind closed doors, as will be the case for every Premier League game for the foreseeable future.

Rudiger is brought in for his first Premier League appearance of the season in Chelsea's only change from their win over Sheffield United. Thiago Silva only returned from international duty on Friday and is not included in the squad. With Jorginho and Azpilicueta among the subs again, Kante will captain the visitors today.

Newcastle are without leading scorer Callum Wilson as the striker has failed to recover from an injury sustained against Southampton two weeks ago. Joelinton comes into the side in place of Wilson in one of four changes. Manquillo, Hayden and Clark, making his first Premier League appearance of 2020-21, replace Schar, Hendrick and Almiron.

Chelsea subs: Jorginho, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, Olivier Giroud, Emerson Palmieri, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Andreas Christensen.

CHELSEA XI (4-3-3): Edouard Mendy; Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger, Ben Chilwell; Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante (c), Mason Mount; Hakim Ziyech, Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner.

Subs: Jonjo Shelvey, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, Andy Carroll, Mark Gillespie, Miguel Almiron, Jeff Hendrick.

NEWCASTLE XI (5-4-1): Karl Darlow; Javier Manquillo, Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles (c), Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis; Jacob Murphy, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Allan Saint-Maximin; Joelinton.

Chelsea lost 1-0 in this corresponding fixture last season through Isaac Hayden's 90th-minute strike. In fact, Newcastle United have lost just one of their last seven home Premier League meetings with today's opponents (W5 D1).

Newcastle lost 2-0 away to Southampton in their last match before the international break and are down in 13th, four points behind fifth-placed opponents Chelsea. Frank Lampard's men are six games without defeat in the league and have won back-to-back matches.

Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of the Premier League meeting between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park.

  168 Hits

'Bright is playing an exhibiton match' - Shyam Thapa slams East Bengal's foreign players after Kolkata derby defeat

The City Football Group acquired majority stake in Mumbai City back in November 2019...

As Mumbai City prepare for their first Indian Super League (ISL) game of the 2020-21 season on Saturday, the City Football Group family members took to social media to wish them luck.

The Islanders, owned by the City Football Group, will take on NorthEast United at the Tilak Maidan in Goa on Saturday.

 

 

Saturday's fixture is Sergio Lobera's first game in charge of Mumbai City. The former FC Goa tactician has given the Mumbai-based team a new look with the addition of several high-profile stars including Bartholomew Ogbeche and Adam Le Fondre. He has also brought in a few of his star players from the Gaurs, namely Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall and Mandar Rao Dessai. 

The seventh season of ISL kicked off on Friday as ATK Mohun Bagan beat Kerala Blasters 1-0 in the opener. Roy Krishna scored the only goal of the game and kickstarted the race for the Golden Boot as well. 

Original author: Goal
  172 Hits

Player quits game at HT over mental health abuse

The Swedish superstar is top of the scoring charts in Italy at 39 years of age, and shows no signs of slowing down

Roma legend Francesco Totti has paid tribute to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s longevity, saying the AC Milan forward can play until he is 50 years old.

Ibrahimovic has confounded his detractors since returning to Serie A with Milan in January. With eight goals in five league games so far this season, the 39-year-old has been the key figure in his side’s early title challenge, with Milan two points clear at the top of the table after seven games.

Totti was speaking to Ibrahimovic at the launch of an autobiography by Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, who played for Roma in the 1990s and managed Milan from 2015-16.

Totti and Ibrahimovic never played together, but Mihajlovic was certain about what would have happened if they had.

"Zlatan with Totti in the team would have scored at least twice as many goals, but so would Totti,” Mihajlovic said.

Ibrahimovic is closing in on 500 club goals in his illustrious career, and Totti doesn’t expect to see him stop any time soon.

“Zlatan could play on one leg. He could go until he’s 50 at this level. Seeing you play is a pleasure. The physical strength, the technique, the plays that people never expect. I am proud to see you again on the pitch.”

Serie A is proving a happy hunting ground for veteran forwards this season, with Ibrahimovic top of the scoring charts and 35-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo in second.

Totti, meanwhile, played for Roma until he was 40. His career might not have endured if he had taken the advice of then-director of football Walter Sabatini, who also spoke at Mihajlovic’s event.

“Many years ago, I said that Totti was like the light on the roofs of Rome at sunset - a light that does not want to die,” he said.

“He was a great player all the way. When I was there, there were difficult times. I have a great regret: I told him to stop playing, because I was afraid to see him in decline.

“I would have been sorry to see him going towards the end on the pitch. On reflection, I was talking bullsh*t. Because he played and he was still having fun. Sorry Francesco, that was one of the mistakes I have made in my life.”

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URA FC desperate to secure home ground as Fufa refuses Lugazi Stadium

Only seven out of 16 top-tier teams have fully complied with club licensing requirements

Ugandan Premier League (UPL) side Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) FC are desperate to secure their home stadium after the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) refused to grant them permission to use Lugazi Stadium.

The four-time champions are among the clubs that were denied a top-tier licence by the Federation after failing to meet the standards set, specifically a quality home ground. The Tax Collectors had initially submitted the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited Stadium which was deemed fit to host utmost the Fufa Big League.

"We submitted Lugazi stadium but Fufa has deemed it unfit yet we have done all the necessary improvements as requested," the club's head of communications Patrick Ochieng' told the Sports Nation.

"We have to look elsewhere, and by next week, we will have got the solution."

In the second round of the abandoned 2019/20 season, URA used Luwero Stadium and Arene of Visions in Ndejje. However, the former has not been passed for this season following the failure to build dressing rooms for players.

"The league is going to be broadcast on TV, so we want stadiums that fit the standards," Fufa Stadium Inspection Committee Chairman John Kalibbala Crizestom clarified. 

"Lugazi did not meet the required standards because it lacks a full-fledged furnished dressing room, the goalposts are not to the standards, there is no warm-up space, and there is a [crease] in the middle of the pitch because the stadium was recently used for cricket, among other [activities]."

Initially, the Tax Collectors were using Namboole Stadium but the facility is not available since it is currently used as a Covid-19 medical centre. 

The stadiums that have been given the greenlight to host top-tier matches are Lugogo Stadium, Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru, Wankulukuku, St Mary's, Green Light in Arua, Tororo's King George and Kabaka Kyabaggu.

Of the 16 clubs in the top-tier, only seven have managed to meet the requirements set to be eligible to play in the league next season. The seven teams are the defending champions Vipers SC, KCCA FC who finished second, Express FC, Wakiso Giants, Onduparaka FC, Police FC and MYDA.

Original author: Seth Willis
  296 Hits

England Right-Back Options - Ranked

Fans were concerned after the left-back missed his country's Nations League game with Slovakia during the international break

Andy Robertson says he is fit to play for Liverpool in their top-of-the-table clash with Leicester City on Sunday after a gruelling international break.

The Scottish left-back had been fighting a hamstring niggle but helped his country qualify for Euro 2020 with a historic win over Serbia.

Robertson’s absence from Scotland’s squad in their following game against Slovakia raised concerns about his fitness but he returned for the defeat to Israel, and he says he only missed the second game as a precaution.

"Yeah, I feel fit, feel ready to go," Robertson told Liverpool’s official website. "I think I just got a tighter hamstring than usual against Man City, first and foremost.

"Then obviously the game on Thursday for Scotland was a huge one and 120 minutes and penalties had taken its toll on me.

"Sunday, I wasn't ready and just took a bit more time to recover from the game. But there weren’t any real concerns about it. It was just the [risk] of doing anything worse to the hamstring was quite high on Sunday and the manager had made the call not to play me. Wednesday, I was good to go.

"Now I'm ready to go for Sunday, I feel fully fit, I feel ready. I know some people were quite concerned but I suppose with the amount of injuries we've had, people have become used to it. But I'm fully fit and ready to go."

Liverpool’s growing injury list over recent weeks has become a regular story, but Jurgen Klopp has been boosted by the possible return of Thiago and Fabinho ahead of Sunday’s trip to Leicester.

Robertson is adamant that the remaining squad haven’t been affected by the injuries, and have been going about their business as usual.

"Nothing changes," he said. "We let everyone else focus on reading the long list of injuries and things like that.

"But the boys that are fit, we can only concentrate on the lads that are out on the training pitch and the lads that are fit, and to go and play the games.

"We have a big squad, we have a squad full of quality, we've got a good few young players that have already made massive strides and are probably ready to make the next step.

"If you train with us and you play with us, we believe, the manager and the coaches believe that you're good enough to play for Liverpool and that doesn't change.

"Look, obviously I'm gutted for everyone that's injured, especially the long-term ones. But part of us just need to do them proud on the pitch and try to focus on our own game – and get the results that will maybe help keep a smile on their face when they're going through a tough time."

  180 Hits

Arsenal Closing in on Dijon Goalkeeper Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson

The strike was the first for the Golden Boot leading forward after their matches had been suspended due to positive tests in October

Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga scored as Kashiwa Reysol were defeated 2-1 by Sagan Tosu on Saturday in a J1 League showdown.

It was the first time Olunga’s side were coming into action since their actions were temporarily suspended after six players tested positive for the coronavirus in late October.

Daichi Hayashi scored the opener for Sagan Tosu in the 53rd minute while the second was scored by Fuchi Honda. So, Olunga’s effort in the 87th minute was not enough for Kashiwa Reysol to pick at least a point.

Although the team failed the Sagan Tosu test, Olunga’s goal saw his tally jump to 24 as he chases the Golden Boot award in the J1 League. The former Girona striker remains the leading scorer after 27 games.

Olunga was named in the J1 League team of October after he got a number of goals that stretched his lead in the Golden Boot race.

The former Thika United and Gor Mahia striker was on target twice when Kashiwa Reysol defeated Yokohama FC 3-0 on October 3.

He also registered a brace against Vissel Kobe on October 10 as his side picked up a 4-3 win against the league rivals. His stellar form also saw him get a goal against Shonan Bellmare on October 18 and the last goal of that month came against Gamba Osaka although Kashiwa Reysol lost the two games.

The towering striker missed Kenya’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros in November after some of his teammates and head coach returned positive coronavirus tests. Harambee Stars picked just a point from the double-header as they drew 1-1 at home before they lost 2-1 in the second game.

According to head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, Olunga would have assisted Kenya in a big way by scoring goals had he been present.

“Olunga is a top striker, we all know him and we all know what he can do, and if you look at the chances we created, both in Kenya and away in Comoros, he could have scored a couple of goals,” Mulee told Goal in a separate interview.

“He [Olunga] is a striker who uses half a chance to score goals, so I must admit we missed his services a lot, he can turn a half-chance to score, he can score from nowhere, we really missed him.

“He is the engine of the team, Olunga is our key striker and his absence was indeed a blow but like I said before, we don’t have to cry over spilt milk, we must accept and move on and if possible use what we have.”

Kenyans would hope the Kashiwa Reysol striker will be available in the remaining Group G matches against Egypt and Togo.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  180 Hits

Solskjaer's son: My dad does feed me

The midfielder has been limited to two appearances since teaming up with the Toffees and is now close to returning to action

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Jean-Philippe Gbamin is in the last phase of his recovery from a hamstring problem.

The Ivory Coast international teamed up with the Goodison Park outfit from German Bundesliga side Mainz 05 on a five-year deal in the summer.

The defensive midfielder was recruited as a direct replacement for Senegal international Idrissa Gueye, who joined French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Gbamin has, however, been struggling with injury problems since his arrival at Goodison Park which has limited his appearances to two games.

In his second game for the Toffees against Watford in August 2019, the 25-year-old suffered a thigh injury and had a surgery which ruled him out of the remaining 2019-20 season.

Just when the midfielder started regaining his fitness, he suffered an Achilles tendon in training in May and has since been on the sidelines.

Ahead of Everton’s Premier League game against Fulham on Sunday, Ancelotti has revealed Gbamin is now nearing a return to action.

"Gbamin is in the last part of his recovery, I think he will be here in two or three weeks to be ready to train and play," Ancelotti told the club website. 

"We have Coleman not available for this [Fulham] game, and then the others are quite fit and in good condition.

Gbamin was a consistent performer for Mainz 05 during his three-year stay, featuring in more than 85 Bundesliga games.

The Ivory Coast international will hope to replicate similar performances for Everton when he overcomes his injury setback.

Everton are currently seventh on the Premier League table after gathering 13 points from eight games. A victory against Fulham could see them climb into the top five.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  75 Hits

Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold advised against Africa yet again

Ferrando wants to instill a winning mentality in his FC Goa squad...

FC Goa have not beaten Bengaluru FC in six of their last seven meetings so far and this is something which they would look to overturn under the guidance of Juan Ferrando. 

The Goan outfit, under new coach Juan Ferrando, host Bengaluru FC at the Fatorda stadium in Goa as the two teams open their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign on Sunday.

"Everybody knows that the pre-season was very short and the problem for us and other teams is that all the players were out of action for seven months. I feel that all the teams are not ready for 90 minutes," opined the Spanish coach.

"It's time to pay attention to the mentality of the players and it's very important to take care of injuries. In these situations, we need to forget stress and to improve the team game-by-game," he added.

The former Volos FC made a point stating that while in Europe players have a strong mentality, this is an area which needs to be focussed on in order to make the players understand its importance. 

"Tomorrow (Sunday) we play against a very good team because we know Bengaluru are with the same coach (Carles Cuadrat) and more or less with the same philosophy. Now it's a new chapter and a new (FC Goa) team with only six weeks of working together. There are some points that are difficult but there are positives and all players ready for tomorrow.

"In Europe, it is totally different. Everybody had a strong mentality (in Europe). I hope day-by-day it gets better but it's normal. Here it's necessary to help the players to understand the mentality."

Ferrando believes that Ishan Pandita, through his experience in Spain where he played in the lower divisions, would certainly help his Indian team-mates. 

"He is a new player for us. I hope he gives a better performance and helps the team. This is the same with all players. Now he has a good opportunity in the ISL. He is working hard and he is of help to the Indian players with his experience from Spain."

Sergio Lobera was at the helm of FC Goa for close to three seasons where he led the club to a play-off spot on each occasion. Ferrando will be expected to at least match the same feat, if not go one better. 

"Lobera has done a wonderful job with very good games. Goa was the champions of the regular season last year. Now it's a new chapter, with new young players. We have to be compact with the new players and our mentality is the same - to do better day-by-day and game-by-game and win. Last season is in the past and now the most important is the present. The past was wonderful but today is a new day," he maintained.

Asked about his priroties between winning the ISL trophy or finishing atop the standings, Ferrando answered stating that professional football is all about getting results.

"My mentality is to win every game, not only (ISL) trophy. When we play 11 versus 11, it's very important that everybody has the mentality to win because when you are professional, you need to have the mentality to win games. This is not an academy to learn - here we need to give high performance and the only objective is to win."

Lenny Rodrigues has played for Bengaluru FC in the past before joining the Goan franchise two seasons back.

"Bengaluru has a strong team and so do we. t's not about Bengaluru being strong but the mentality of the players. If you're mentally strong, you can do better. Everyone is giving their best in the training sessions and so I think we are ready for tomorrow," the Goan echoed Ferrando's sentiments. 

Original author: Anselm Noronha
  240 Hits

Fifa selects 19 African match officials for 2023 Women's World Cup

The list of appointed referees representing the Confederation of African Football for the next tournament has been released
Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
  357 Hits

MLS-bound Messi shows what is coming to Americau

The encounter, where Uganda’s Kizza made another appearance, marked the end of the Canadian side’s journey this season

Victor Wanyama and Mustafa Kizza’s Montreal Impact were defeated 2-1 in the Major League Soccer Cup playoff match on Friday as their season came to an end.

Kizza – who was making his second appearance - was introduced in the second half while Wanyama was missing completely as he is yet to link up with club teammates after international assignments.

The win helped the eighth-seeded New England Revolution advance and will either play the top-seeded Philadelphia Union or second-seeded Toronto FC on Tuesday.

The Revs took the lead in the 38th minute via Carles Gil's effort, a goal that gave the side the lead in the second half.

Rommell Quioto equalised for Montreal Impact in the 61st minute when Amar Sejdic sent a free-kick that the Honduran met and headed home after it had been cleared by Rudy Camacho.

Clement Diop made a number of saves that kept Kizza’s side in the game but his heroics were undone by a late Gustavo Bou’s winning goal in the fifth minute of added time.

The Argentine struck from a distance to hand New England Revolution a late win as Montreal Impact’s journey in the MLS came to an end.

Thierry Henry, who had claimed his side were going into the match as underdogs, lauded his players despite the dramatic loss.

“Personally, I have nothing bad to say about the desire of my team tonight,” Henry said according to ESPN.

“I'm proud of them and of the season they had on the emotional level with everything they had to go through. They fought until the end.”

The Arsenal great was, however, hurt by Bou’s winning goal for the New England Revolution.

“Allowing a goal like that in the last second of the game hurts. It could have happened before with New England having a few chances,” Henry said.

“We have to congratulate New England for what they did.”

It was the Revs’ first play-off victory since 2014 and their manager Bruce Arena managed to register his 33rd career play-off victory.

“I thought both teams played extremely hard,” former D.C. United manager said.

“Give Montreal credit. They battled for 95 minutes. We scored, I think, two outstanding goals. And it's nice to get both Carles and Gustavo back on the field together.

“I just think we played well.”

Kizza’s season has now ended after recently joining teammates at the Canadian side from KCCA FC.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  246 Hits

FC Barcelona target LA Galaxy defender Julian Araujo

The Buccaneers coach has refused to complain about the recent recess from club football despite some of their players being busy in action

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids has hailed the November Fifa international football period, saying it afforded them to work on certain aspects of their game, while some of their players will go into Saturday’s Premier Soccer League showdown against SuperSport United at home “refreshed”.

Pirates were last involved in action on November 8 when they eliminated rivals Kaizer Chiefs from the MTN8 before they sent nine players for international duty with various countries.

Davids feels that players who remained behind had time to recharge their 'batteries', especially those who have featured in the team’s six games across all competitions so far this season.

“The break was good in the sense that we could work on certain things,” Davids told Pirates' media.

“But also knowing that our internationals were gone, nine players away, two players injured, not having a full squad to prepare, that gave a chance to players who had played all the games to reload, refresh and get ready for the next match.

“When facing a club like SuperSport, we know it always brings goals, it also brings us to tactically prepare in detail. So we have to be prepared for SuperSport aggressively in defence and in attack as well.”

Pirates players expected to be back from injury include chief forward Frank Mhango who could combine with new signing Jean Marc-Makusu against SuperSport.

Forward Tshegofatso Mabasa who is yet to play a match this season also returns from injury together with defender Bongani Sam.

While Davids says they have adequately prepared for SuperSport despite the Fifa international break, SuperSport coach Kaitano Tembo was singing a different tune.

Matsatsantsa had six players with various national teams and Tembo says having some of his men away disrupted their preparations for the Pirates game.

“International call-ups have an impact on preparations because some of the players only came back on Thursday and this means we only have one day to prepare,” said Tembo as per Times Live.

“You can’t really prepare properly because you need to have all the players and the other thing is that you are not sure how they are feeling because of the travelling. Some might be fatigued and you will only know their mental and physical state once they are back."

SuperSport and Pirates have played six games each this season after both reached the semi-finals of the MTN8.

Original author: Michael Madyira
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Derby County 0-2 West Ham United: Player ratings as Hammers secure FA Cup progression

The 30-year-old Roma defender was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford but was only told as much late in the window

Chris Smalling says he was shocked at the way Manchester United handled his departure from the club.

The 30-year-old joined Serie A giants Roma on a permanent transfer this summer after a successful loan spell last season, when he was deemed surplus to requirements following the signing of Harry Maguire.

Smalling says he was only told late in the window that he wouldn’t be needed at Old Trafford – a decision which left him in "a sh*t situation".

“I guess that was maybe the lowest point at United,” Smalling told the Telegraph.

“That was the shock I didn’t expect. How it was handled... if I was told earlier that summer - and I don’t want to have a dig at Ole - I would have made other plans.

“I knew that my days under Ole were pretty much numbered. I was just a bit frustrated.

“One, I would like to have been told earlier and then, secondly, I was only able to go with just a day left of the Italian window being open.

“The English window had shut. I was left in a very sh*t situation. I had to decide. After I had that chat [with Solskjaer] it was a case [from him] of, ‘I’m not sure when your next game will be’.

“In an ideal situation I would have known early in the summer and made plans and it almost got to the stage where I had a day left.

“My wife had just had a kid as well. There was a lot going on that happened at the last minute.”

Despite his disappointment, Smalling bounced back in Italy, making 37 appearances in his first season and helping Paulo Fonseca’s side to a fifth-place finish.

His move was made permanent this summer despite at one point seeming unlikely due to the England international’s price tag, but Roma were keen to keep him.

Smalling missed the start of the 2020-21 season through injury but returned before the international break, and will be hoping his new side can keep up their early-season form which sees them fourth in the table. Roma host 15th-place Parma on Sunday.

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Man United's Rashford awarded an MBE

The Foxes boss has provided an injury update on the Nigeria international ahead of their clash against the Reds

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed Wilfred Ndidi is recovering well from his groin injury but will not play a part when they take on Liverpool on Sunday.

The Nigeria international suffered the injury during the Foxes’ victory over Burnley in September and has since been sidelined from games.   

Ndidi has only made two Premier League appearances for Leicester in the 2020-21 campaign, missing their last 10 matches. 

The midfielder was also not involved in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Sierra Leone due to the injury problem.

Ahead of their clash against the Reds, Rodgers explained the 23-year-old will not feature in the encounter but expressed his delight with the progress he is making with his recovery.

"Ricardo’s in training with the group, which is great news, and he’ll most probably play in a reserve game next week. He’s progressing really well,” Rodgers said in a pre-match press conference.

"Wilf is out on the field. He still has a number of weeks to go, but he’s progressing well. Soyüncu, likewise, is maybe a few weeks away, but training with the squad."

Ndidi has been a consistent performer for Leicester since teaming up with the club from Belgian First Division A side Genk in 2017.

Ndidi has made more than 120 Premier League appearances for the Foxes since his arrival at the King Power Stadium.

Last season, the midfielder featured in 32 league games, starting 29 of the outings to help Leicester secure a Europa League ticket after finishing fourth.

Ndidi will hope to be fit before the Foxes’ December busy schedule to help his side finish as high as possible in the first half of the season.

Leicester City currently sit on top of the Premier League table with 18 points from eight games and a win over Liverpool would help them extend their lead in the division.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
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Messi needed a professional to negotiate Barcelona exit, not his dad – Crespo

The Real Madrid head coach is adamant that the France international is "untransferable" after speculation had linked the Red Devils with a move

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane insists that star defender Raphael Varane is non-transferable amid links with Manchester United.

United have been long-term admirers of Varane and the Premier League giants are reportedly preparing an offer for the 27-year-old France international.

But Zidane dismissed speculation over Varane's future at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the Frenchman has won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies among other honours since arriving in 2011.

"It's not just me [who wants to keep him]," Zidane told reporters ahead of Saturday's clash against Villarreal. "He is part of this club, we were very lucky to be able to bring him to Madrid.

"He has a great career, he's achieved a lot since he's been here. Of course, he is untransferable for the club, for the coach that I am, for people in general.

"That's clear and unambiguous. Now we can't stop people from talking. They're not just talking about Varane, but about all the players, Real Madrid ones and others.

"But for Varane, my position is clear, and it's the same as the club's position."

Varane has made seven La Liga appearances this term and 10 across all competitions for Spanish champions Madrid.

He has more clearances (27), headed clearances (13) and blocks (four) than superstar captain and team-mate Sergio Ramos in Spain's top flight this season, while Varane has an 80 per cent tackle success rate and 30 duels won.

Ramos is, however, unavailable to face Villarreal having picked up an injury while on international duty with Spain. There were fears that Varane would also be missing, although he was included in Zidane's squad for Saturday's match.

Eden Hazard is also back in the squad after missing the 4-1 defeat to Valencia due to coronavirus, although Eder Militao, Karim Benzema and Casemiro are absent.

Madrid are fourth in the standings, four points adrift of leaders Real Sociedad with a game in hand following the international break.

After beating Villarreal at Alfredo Di Stefano in July, Madrid could win two consecutive Liga games against Villarreal for the first time since September 2014.

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Video: ZeBet Betting Preview Episode 9 | Goal.com

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Original author: Goal
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Pogba setback as star injured taking free kicks

After Kenya failed to pick meaningful results against Comoros in their last engagements, Goal looks at players who might help win the remaining ties
Original author: Kiplagat Sang
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Wanyama yet to taste MLS victory as Henry concedes ‘hard to take’ Toronto FC defeat

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists he wants Lionel Messi to finish his career at Barcelona.
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Mikel Arteta Is Now More Important Than Anyone Else at Arsenal - Even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Amavubi captain is doubtful for Timu ya Wananchi's outing this weekend in the Tanzania Mainland League

Yanga SC midfielder Haruna Niyonzima is doubtful for his team's game against Namungo on Sunday after being involved in an accident on Wednesday night.

The Amavubi captain's car crashed on his way from the national team's residential camp in Nyamata to the capital Kigali. The player was injured as his car was involved in a head-on collision with an oncoming truck as he was trying to avoid hitting a man on a bicycle.

There were no causalities but the player sustained minor injuries.

If he misses out it will be a blow for the 27-time league champions who are aiming at going top of the table with a win if Azam FC falter away to KMC on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Ruvu Shooting went fourth on the Tanzania Mainland League table after a 3-0 win over Mbeya City.

The administrative side opened the scoring in the 12th minute when William Patrick tapped in a good cross from the right by in-form Abraham Mussa.

The hosts doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute this time around through a well-taken free-kick. Zuberi Dabi was fouled outside the 18-yard area and Mussa was given a chance to score. 

He managed to spot a gap and capitalized on it to double his team's advantage.

The scorer became the provider in the stoppages; the ball found its way to the right and Mussa took his time before picking Fully Zullu Maganga who headed home the team's third and fourth of the season.

Dodoma Jiji FC and Biashara Mara United settled for a 1-1 draw in another league match played on Saturday.

After a goalless draw in the first half, it was the visitors who opened the scoring after 62 minutes. The debutants gave away a penalty which was slotted in by Lenny Kisu.

However, the Francis Baraza-led team also conceded a penalty in the 78th minute and Khamis Mcha made no mistake from 12 yards to ensure the teams share the spoils. 

Tanzania Prisons were held to a goalless draw by Mtibwa Sugar. The hosts put in a good performance, creating several opportunities to get a goal, but the strikers left their scoring boots at home. 

Original author: Seth Willis
  223 Hits

BG Pathum and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha to bid goodbye after 2020 season

The veteran Malaysian international will have to seek a new team for 2021 after it was revealed that his time at BG Pathum is up.

Norhsharul Idlan Talaha or more affectionately known as Mat Yo, will have to seek greener pastures come the 2021 season after it was revealed that his contract with BG Pathum will not be renewed.

According to Goal Thailand, Mat Yo's contract will only stay at the Thai League 1 club until the end of his current contract tenure which is December of 2020.

The 34-year-old made his first big move outside of Malaysia prior to the start of the 2020 season, choosing to leave Pahang for BG Pathum.

He was selected to start in his very first game against Muangthong United way back in February but has only made one other start since, with only a mere three more substitute appearances.

Mat Yo has struggled to shine in the league and has yet to find the back of the net in a competitive game for BG Pathum but could still end up with a winner's medal as his club currently heads the standings.

On the homefront, Johor Darul Ta'zim bid farewell to Diogo Luis Santo and the Brazilian is touted as the one to take up Mat Yo's place in BG Pathum's side for the 2021 season.

Not only that, Thai international Teerasil Dangda is also expected to be added to the squad for next season, which explains why BG Pathum has decided against renewing Mat Yo's contract.

However with Mat Yo unlikley to be hanging up his playing boots anytime soon, he will not be short on offers from Malaysian teams ahead of the 2021 season.

Original author: Ooi Kin Fai
  349 Hits

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