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Khassa Camara have big boots to fill this season at NorthEast United FC, tasked with the role of replacing former Highlanders' Colombian midfielder Jose Leudo.

Leudo was a leader on and off the pitch for the club in the past two seasons and Camara will be expected to fill the void left in midfield. 

Jersey Number: 6

Professional debut

Born in Chatenay-Malabry, France, Camara played his youth football at French third division club ESTAC Troyes before getting promoted to their senior team in the 2011-12 season. Unfortunately, Camara did not play a single game in his first year of senior football. He finally made his senior debut against Montpellier in 2012.

Experience in France and Greece

He continued to play at the club for three more seasons, before going on loan to French third division club Boulogne where he played nine matches.

After playing three seasons in France, the defender moved to Greece to play for Ergotelis FC where he played just seven matches before terminating his contract with the club. He then joined fellow second division club Xanthi FC.

Camara spent four and half seasons with Xanthi and had appeared in 79 league matches. Before coming to India, Camara had appeared in a total of 148 matches in various leagues in Europe scoring seven goals.

International Experience

Camara made his international debut back in 2013 against Canada in an international friendly and had started in the match for his team. He played in two more friendly matches against Canada before being part of the Mauritanian squad in the 2018 World Cup qualifying rounds. The midfielder appeared in three matches in the qualifying round against Tunisia twice and South Sudan once.

He also played in the African Cup of Nations qualifying round last year and had appeared in three more matches against Mali and Angola. He played only eight times for his national side and scored once. 

Last stint

The Mauritanian last played for Greek second division side Xanthi FC. After his contract got over with Greek club, the forward came to India to join NorthEast United.

It is often said that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. ATK Mohun Bagan have followed this idiom to the hilt and it reflects in their squad-building exercise.  

The think tank remains the same with Antonio Habas at the helm of affairs and the management has obliged the coach by retaining all key players who had played a significant role in landing their third ISL (Indian Super League) title in six years. 

To put things into perspective they have retained 21 players from the previous campaign, the most by an ISL side. Also, they have not chopped and changed in the overseas contingent as only Tiri and Brad Inman has been added to their roster, with the Spanish centre-back a direct replacement for retired defender Agustin Garcia. 

In the attacking third, it will be business as usual for Roy Krishna who will continue to lead the lines with David Williams as his chief aide. In midfield, Habas can rely on his trusted personnel like Edu Garcia, Javi Hernandez, Carl McHugh, Pronay Halder, Jayesh Rane. All of them have been together for more than a year and have forged a brilliant understanding amongst them. 

However, in defence, there might be a couple of changes with Sandesh Jhingan and Tiri set to be the likely partners for Pritam Kotal in a three-man backline. Prabir Das will slot in his usual right wing-back position with either Michael Soosairaj or Subhasish Bose on the opposite flank. Arindam Bhattacharya will keep his place under the sticks. 

Therefore, we find that Habas can field his strongest XI with eight players on the pitch who have been playing together from the previous season, a luxury hardly any other ISL team can afford. Barring Bengaluru FC, who have also just made three new overseas signings, most teams have made wholesale changes to their squad. 

Bagan's arch-rivals East Bengal have assembled a completely new-look unit with a brand new foreign contingent and a domestic crew with only three faces from the previous setup. Similarly, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United, and Hyderabad FC have made six new overseas signings while Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa have made five each. Mumbai City, on the other hand, has completely revamped their foreign contingent.  

It is widely acknowledged that a team that has been together for a considerable period of time tends to be more fluid in transitions and executing training ground routines on the pitch. Moreover, the players are also in tune with Habas' methods which is a bonus for them. 

It is likely that the coach will stick to his 3-5-2 system that is well drilled into the players. Each of them knows their job and it will not be surprising if they kick-off from where they finished in the previous campaign. 

However, a lack of proper pre-season and the absence of any pre-season friendlies could have an adverse impact. 

Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has acknowledged they will face a tough battle to secure maximum points against Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday.

The Harambee Stars held the island nation to a 1-1 draw in the first meeting played on Wednesday and will now be seeking to get a win against the same side in the reverse fixture set for Moroni.

Kenya coach Mulee, who started his reign in charge of the national team with the 1-1 draw, after replacing Francis Kimanzi, has now told Goal they must be ready to throw everything at Comoros because “it will be a difficult game.”

“It is not going to be an easy game,” Mulee told Goal. “We have to accept that Comoros have a good squad, they are a very good side when playing at home, they also did good away as they beat Togo 1-0, so it will not be an easy game.

“However, what I know in football, if you plan well, you will get the result you want, we have the chance to cause an upset, we have the chance to turn the tables against them, it is possible, I know we can do it with good mentality.

“Looking at how they played in the first meeting, they are a very solid side defensively, they troubled us at the back and they also have a very good goalkeeper [who kept them in the game at Kasarani], so we must devise ways of breaking them down.

“Moroni is a very difficult hunting ground but we will try as hard as we can to compose ourselves and do the job, we are confident and will make sure we get a decent result out there.”

Kenya are yet to win a match in the qualification campaign with their two other matches also ending in identical 1-1 draws - against Egypt away and Togo at home.

On Saturday, Egypt secured a 1-0 win against Togo to move top of Group G with five points, the same as Comoros, while Kenya are third on three while Togo have a single point.

The win by the Pharaohs was potentially a good result for Kenya and Comoros, as whoever wins the match on Sunday night will move top of the table with six points.

France manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed Kylian Mbappe is set to be involved in their next Nations League clash against Sweden. 

Mbappe has sat out of Les Bleus past two matches due to a lingering hamstring injury with Deschamps' side losing 2-0 against Finland before bouncing back with a 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday. 

With just one goal from two matches, Mbappe's absence has been felt in the final third and France are now poised to welcome the Paris Saint-Germain star back into the fold when they face Sweden on Tuesday. 

"He will be there, he is keen and he is ready," Deschamps said when asked about Mbappe's availability. 

On his side's win against Portugal, the France coach added to TF1: "It’s great to see the players like that, to come out and win here. This victory is deserved, with a lot of solidarity, also of quality. We achieved our goal, we wanted to finish first. Whatever happens in the last game, we'll stay first. It’s good to reach the goals, I’m very proud of the players.

"It's not always easy, especially during these complicated times. Some have club situations which are not the best. But when they meet there, there is still that competitive spirit and tonight they have proven that the France team is still a great team.

"Taking into account the quality of the opponent, obviously this is a benchmark match. I'm not talking about the one we played three days ago against Finland but in a game like today there is less need to warn them about the goal. They prefer to play these matches but the group is there and present. They have proven that the state of mind is still there." 

PSG manager Thomas Tuchel is now set to sweat on the fitness of Mbappe and noted prior to the international break that clubs are powerless when it comes to how players are used by their countries.

“It's the right of the national team to call up players. We cannot do anything," Tuchel said. “If the boys are injured and can't play, I always prefer that they don't play.

“It's a super important phase, a good time to recover for players, but we have confidence that they will be treated well, that they have good care and good preparation. It's the truth. We have confidence in these people who are responsible for the national teams.

“If the players are called up, there's nothing we can do."

Timo Werner was delighted to mark his return to Leipzig with a brace in Germany's 3-1 win over Ukraine on Saturday.

After Leroy Sane cancelled out Roman Yaremchuk's opener at Red Bull Arena Leipzig, Werner scored a double as Germany went top of Nations League Group A4.

Werner, RB Leipzig's all-time leading goalscorer, left the Bundesliga club for Chelsea in June, but starred back at his previous home.

The forward was pleased with his brace and said Germany were only getting better.

"My first goal was really simple because the assist from Leon [Goretzka] was very, very good," Werner told DFB.de.

"To score two goals here in Leipzig, where I had four great years, is a great feeling. I always enjoy returning to Leipzig. It's a shame that we couldn't have any fans in here.

"Overall, it was a good performance. Our form is picking up and going forward things are looking pretty good. We're also getting more solid at the back.

"We are working hard so that we can have a good Euros next year."

Goretzka also set up Sane's equaliser and his five total shots were the most of any player on the pitch. Ilkay Gundogan, meanwhile, completed 97 of 104 passes and had 67 in the opposition half, which was 26 more than the next best – defender Niklas Sule.

Germany coach Joachim Low was satisfied with his side's performance.

"That wasn't an easy game for us. Everyone saw that Ukraine can play," he said.

"In the first half, we set a high tempo and had the game under control, in the second we weren't quite so determined and lost the ball a few times. Overall, I think we can be satisfied.

"We had to replace a few players, but we were still able to find our rhythm. We brought tempo and a threat to the game with our three quick forwards, who kept our opponents busy all game.

"In defence, we tried to break down Ukraine's passing channels early, which is why we tested Robin Koch in the middle. He did a good job. Toni Kroos will return to the team on Tuesday against Spain."

Germany are a point clear of Spain ahead of their meeting – their final group games – in Seville.

Fernando Santos defended his decision to start Diogo Jota on the bench as Portugal fell to France in the Nations League.

N'Golo Kante's 53rd-minute goal proved to be enough for France on Saturday as the world champions claimed top spot in Group A3 and a place in the Finals.

Santos opted for a front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix in Lisbon, with Jota introduced shortly after Kante's goal.

The Liverpool forward had eight passes in the opposition half, as many as Silva managed in his 72 minutes, but finished without a shot on goal.

But Santos said the attack was not Portugal's problem against France, defending the decision to start Jota from the bench.

"As I said before, this team played in France and did very well there. And I don't remember someone asking me why Diogo Jota did not start the game," the Portugal coach told a news conference.

"Jota is definitely a top-quality player, everybody knows that. So is Bernardo, and the same goes for Cristiano. And Felix, too. If Jota had played and the team's performance wasn't good, you would ask me why Bernardo or Felix didn't play as Felix is in top form at Atletico Madrid and Bernardo is Bernardo. That's normal.

"I understand your question and I am alright with it. It's normal to listen to these questions after the game.

"But I don't believe this was our problem. We had collective issues and we couldn't stop France playing. And perhaps one or another problem in the midfield, too."

The loss ended Portugal's Nations League defence after they were crowned inaugural champions last year.

While Santos lamented their exit, he was looking ahead to their final group game against Croatia on Tuesday.

"Bad, very bad. It's difficult for me, it's difficult for the players too. It's obviously difficult to take it. And we won't probably sleep tonight. But even without sleeping, tomorrow we need to focus on Tuesday's game," he said.

"We have responsibility to feature in that game and we represent Portugal. The Portuguese fans are used to seeing this team playing well and winning games. Fortunately, we have won many games. I believe tonight was my fourth defeat at the national team since I got here. Therefore, we have to keep our heads high.

"Obviously it will be difficult tomorrow but we must move on and focus on the game against Croatia. We must go there and play well, as this team is used to doing."

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is open to ending Gedson Fernandes' loan from Benfica early with a January return now possible. 

The 21-year-old midfielder joined Spurs on an 18-month loan in January this year but he has made just one appearance for the club this season after featuring in 13 matches last campaign. 

With Tottenham now well stocked after a successful summer window, the Portugal international is set to struggle for regular minutes and Mourinho has floated the idea of Gedson returning to Benfica when the transfer window re-opens. 

Though happy to have him in his Spurs squad, Mourinho is seemingly willing to sanction an end to the loan should the player or Benfica request it come January. 

"For me it is never a problem, but a solution. Having him in the squad, even if he is not called up and not playing, is an extremely comfortable situation," Mourinho told SportTV.

"I will never be the one to push him or say that I don't want him here. But I understand the situation of the kid and Benfica.

"If the club wants to end the relationship here, we will be here to collaborate, because we want the good of the player. Benfica has the power to decide and will be accepted by us."

Prior to joining Tottenham, Gedson has established himself in Benfica's first-team squad after nearly a decade in their youth set-up. 

Speaking to Spurs' website in April, the young midfielder conceded he has found the transition to the Premier League surprisingly tough.

“It’s completely different to what we saw on the TV. When I made my first minutes, I couldn’t believe it because everything felt so slow but at the same time everything was so fast on the pitch. It’s something different to learn," Gedson said.

"Mentally, I think when you play the first few minutes of a game, you feel so tired. After that you feel okay, you feel comfortable, so you can play your game but yes, in the first few minutes, they are crazy moments.

"You are alert, you want to see what’s happening but, at the same time, you have no time to wait and watch around to see where your man is. You need to be focused. Your head has to stay in the moment."

The South Africa Under-23 side went down 3-2 to Saudi Arabia in friendly match played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday evening.

Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa, as well as Cape Town City forward Fagrie Lakay, were on target for David Notoane's team.

The match was the first of two friendlies between the countries with the next fixture set to take place on Tuesday. The games are being used as part of the South Africa Under-23 team's preparations for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The Games were postponed this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and will now take place in July and August, 2021.

In Saturday night's friendly, the visitors got themselves off to a good start by taking the lead in the 42nd minute when Lepasa, recently on target for Pirates in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, finished clinically from a great ball into the box by Lakay.

But the lead was shortlived as the Saudis equalised just before the half-time whistle through Ayman Alkhulaif.

The hosts had the opportunity to go in front shortly after the restart when they were awarded a penalty. But Golden Arrows goalkeeper Sifiso Mulungwana came to his country's rescue by keeping out Khalifa Aldawsari’s spot-kick.

However, when Saudi Arabia were awarded yet another penalty, this time in the 87th minute, Nasser Oloran had the beating of Mulungwana.

The late drama was far from over as Lakay added to his assist with a neat finish from a tight angle just before 90 minutes to put South Africa on even terms at 2-2.

But it wasn't to be their night as Ramzi Holan scored an injury-time winner.

South Africa are one of three African sides which qualified for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The others are Ivory Coast and Egypt. In the Women’s competition, Zambia will be Africa’s sole representative at the Games.

The draw for the Olympic football fixtures will take place on April 8, 2021.

Legon Cities new signing Asamoah Gyan watched from the sidelines as his side and Berekum Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw in the opening game of the 2020-21 Ghana Premier League (GPL) on Saturday.

Signed on local Transfer Deadline Day in September, the Ghana legend was declared not match-fit ahead of the matchweek one tie, having only returned to the pitch after a long absence.

He was out of action since parting ways with Indian Super League outfit NorthEast United in January.

In the end, two first-half goals saw Legon and Chelsea share the spoils at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Captain Stephen Amankona scored the opener for visiting Chelsea in the 22nd minute, converting from the spot after Kofi Owusu was fouled in the box.

In the 34th minute, Legon skipper Jonah Attuquaye restored parity for the hosts, also finding the back of the net from a penalty.

"Asamoah Gyan is one experienced player and he’s still got some problems with injury," Legon Cities head coach Goran Barjaktarevic said ahead of Saturday's season opener.

We are working to get him fit because it is very important when he comes back, he comes back in good shape."

While Gyan was not on the pitch on Saturday, he still played a key role for The Royals from the sidelines.

The former Sunderland, Udinese and Rennes striker was captured by television cameras on multiple times hurling out instructions to his teammates from the sidelines.

It is unclear if he will play any part in the club's next game, an away tie against Great Olympics in what will be a local derby in Accra.

The 34-year-old has made a return to the Ghana Premier League for the first time since 2003 when he left Liberty Professionals for Udinese.

He is currently Ghana's all-time top scorer and most capped player, having netted 51 goals in 109 internationals for the Black Stars.

The Legon versus Chelsea clash was originally set to follow a clash between Hearts of Oak and Aduana Stars but the fixture was called off on Friday evening over confirmed cases of coronavirus infections within the camp of the former side. 

France booked their place in the Nations League Finals at the expense of holders Portugal as N'Golo Kante's second international goal secured a 1-0 win in Lisbon.

The World Cup winners and the European champions came into Saturday's match tied on 10 points at the top of Group A3 through four matches, but the head-to-head primary tie-breaker made this clash pivotal after a goalless draw in France.

Kante's strike proved the difference as the Chelsea midfielder stepped up in the 53rd minute after the plethora of attacking talent at both ends had misfired.

France were without Kylian Mbappe due to a hamstring injury, but Anthony Martial might have had a first-half hat-trick and would have been relieved to see Kante come to his aid.

The first miss from the Manchester United forward came as he ran onto Antoine Griezmann's incisive pass but was quickly confronted by Rui Patricio, who had earlier saved comfortably from Kingsley Coman and this time blocked bravely.

France remained on top and Martial should have scored as he turned Adrien Rabiot's wayward acrobatic effort onto the crossbar from four yards, before Patricio made another sublime stop from a close-range attempt.

Fortunately for the visitors, Cristiano Ronaldo was similarly wasteful with a header over the top on the stroke of half-time.

It was Ronaldo's failing which would prove costly following the restart as Patricio spilled Rabiot's low shot and the unlikely figure of Kante pounced to prod into the net.

Jose Fonte directed an unmarked header onto the post as Portugal threatened a response, but that was as close as they came.

Ronaldo was unable to forge a first career goal against France to rescue his side, although he teed up Joao Moutinho for a powerful blast that drew an outstanding save from Hugo Lloris.

What does it mean? Revenge at last

France have won the World Cup since losing the Euro 2016 final on home soil, but they had not beaten conquerors Portugal since that painful occasion.

Deservedly dumping Fernando Santos' side out of a tournament they won last time out would have been particularly satisfying – especially without Mbappe.

It will be Portugal's turn to seek a response as the teams meet once again in Group F at Euro 2020.

Griezmann the creator

In Mbappe's absence, many might have expected Griezmann to step up as France's chief goal threat. Instead, he was their creator.

The Barcelona forward had just one shot, which missed the target, but played three key passes. His gorgeous ball to Martial after 12 minutes deserved a better finish.

Patricio pays price

Although Portugal came into the match later in the second half – finishing with 18 attempts – they were outplayed before the break and relied on Patricio to come to their rescue time and again.

The Wolves goalkeeper made six saves but should have dealt with Rabiot's shot better, instead committing a costly error.

What's next?

France play Sweden and Portugal visit Croatia in the final round of Nations League group games on Tuesday, but the results are now largely academic.

Germany put themselves in pole position in Nations League Group A4 heading into a crunch clash with Spain as Joachim Low's side came from behind to beat Ukraine 3-1.

Timo Werner scored either side of half-time following Leroy Sane's equaliser as Leon Goretzka turned in a dominant midfield display in Leipzig. 

It was far from plain sailing for Germany on Saturday, however, with Andriy Shevchenko's depleted Ukraine side – who hit the post three times – taking a 12th-minute lead. 

Goretzka set up two goals in the space of 10 minutes to give Germany the advantage by the interval and while defensive solidity evaded the hosts, Werner's second wrapped up the points.

One of four players to keep his place in Germany's starting XI, Philipp Max created two chances inside the opening five minutes, with Goretzka and Robin Koch failing to hit the target. 

Yet Max was partly at fault as, against the run of play, Ukraine took the lead – the PSV defender's weak challenge enabling Oleksandr Zubkov to squeeze the ball back for Roman Yaremchuk to lash home. 

Ukraine's lead lasted just 11 minutes, Goretzka robbing Oleksandr Zinchenko of possession before setting up Bayern Munich team-mate Sane, who arrowed a left-footed strike across Andriy Pyatov. 

Goretzka had his second assist in the 33rd minute, crossing for Werner to head in from close range after getting on the end of Koch's delightful pass. 

Ukraine were inches away from equalising early in the second half, as Zinchenko's deflected effort hit the upright. 

Sane then sent a tame finish straight at Pyatov, but – after having a hopeful penalty appeal for handball dismissed – Germany had their third in the 64th minute. 

Ilkay Gundogan fed Matthias Ginter, whose cross was swept home by Werner via a deflection. Marlos and Moraes did strike the woodwork at the other end, but the visitors failed to muster a comeback.

What does it mean? Germany and Spain set for decider 

With Spain drawing 1-1 in Switzerland, Germany top the table heading into a showdown with Luis Enrique's team in Seville. 

Germany – who amassed 20 shots against a Ukraine side shorn of several key players due to injuries and positive coronavirus test results – only need to avoid defeat to progress to next year's Nations League finals at the expense of their next opponents.

Goretzka runs the show 

Goretzka has developed into one of the finest box-to-box midfielders in Europe and was at his scintillating best here, registering two assists and a game-high five attempts. 

His only disappointment will come with not getting himself on the scoresheet, the 25-year-old heading a great chance at Pyatov in the closing stages. 

Defensive issues will worry Low

While Germany's attack purred into life, their defence is still very much a work in progress.  

Ukraine only managed six attempts, but had their luck been different the three which struck the woodwork could easily have seen Low's side slip to a defeat.

What's next? 

Estadio La Cartuja hosts Germany's crucial match with Spain on Tuesday, while third-placed Ukraine face Switzerland in Lucerne. 

Sergio Ramos missed two second-half penalties on his record-breaking appearance for Spain but Gerard Moreno rescued the visitors a late 1-1 draw against 10-man Switzerland in Saturday's dramatic Nations League clash.

The captain, who earlier blocked a shot on the line, was twice foiled from the spot by Yann Sommer on his 177th international appearance, which saw him become the most-capped European male player.

Ramos' misses on his big night appeared as though it would cost Spain dear as Remo Freuler's 26th-minute half-volley put Switzerland on course for a first Group A4 victory.

But the hosts, who lost Nico Elvedi to a red card for his part in the second penalty at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, were denied in the last minute as Gerard spared Ramos' blushes and prevented Spain from falling to successive defeats in the competition.

Unai Simon was surprisingly selected in goal for Spain - the only player to retain his place from the 1-1 friendly draw with the Netherlands - and he was equal to Xherdan Shaqiri's shot from a tight angle 19 minutes in.

But Switzerland, who held Germany to a 3-3 draw last time out, did not have to wait much longer to make the breakthrough as Freuler sent Breel Embolo's cross spinning away from Simon with an impressive first-time finish.

That made it three games in a row Spain have conceded, having kept a clean sheet in the previous three, but they should have been level before half-time - Sommer keeping out Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Oyarzabal before Ferran Torres missed a sitter.

Ramos was right in the thick of the action in the second half, denying Haris Seferovic with a block on the line after Simon was left stranded a long way from goal, 92 seconds before heading the ball against Ricardo Rodriguez's arm to win a penalty.

The Spain skipper attempted to pick out the bottom-left corner but Sommer guessed the right way to push the ball past the post.

He had a chance to redeem himself when Elvedi slid in on substitute Alvaro Morata to give away another penalty, earning a second yellow in the process, but Ramos' tame attempt was a simple one for Sommer to keep out.

There was to be one more late twist, though, as Gerard met Sergio Reguilon's cross and fired past Sommer eight minutes after being brought off the bench to salvage a point for Spain.

What does it mean? Spain relinquish control of top spot

Keeping out the opposition has become an issue for Spain but scoring at the other end is arguably a bigger problem, having now netted only three goals in their last five matches.

Luis Enrique does not want to be judged until after next year's rearranged Euro 2020 finals but he fast needs to find a resolution to his side's lack of cutting edge, having managed a whopping 20 efforts against Switzerland but converting just one of them.

With one point from their last two Group A4 matches, Spain are now a point behind Germany - 3-1 winners over Ukraine in Leipzig on Saturday - ahead of the final-game shoot-out between the sides in Madrid on Tuesday.

Sergi-woe Ramos

It seemed almost destined that Ramos would steal the headlines for Spain on the day he overtook Italy great Gianluigi Buffon as European football's most capped footballer.

In many ways he still managed to do exactly that for the wrong reasons as he twice failed to beat Sommer, who became only the second goalkeeper to save a Ramos penalty after Croatia's Danijel Subasic in June 2016.

Reguilon to the rescue

Gerard scored with one of only four touches of the ball after being brought on as a late substitute - his fourth goal for Spain, all of them coming in the month of November (three in 2019 and one in 2020).

He was served the goal on a plate by left-back Reguilon, who had more touches (113) than any player on the field and also chipped in with two clearances, which no Spain player could match.

What's next?

Spain now know they have to beat Germany in Seville on Tuesday to finish top of Group A4 and qualify for next year's finals. As for Switzerland, they trail next opponents Ukraine by three points in the battle to avoid relegation.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is suffering from "mild" Covid-19 symptoms, Egypt's team doctor Mohamed Abou Elela has confirmed. 

Salah returned a positive test on Friday, ruling him out of his nation's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo on Saturday - which Egypt managed to win 1-0. 

While a number of Premier League stars have tested positive for the coronavirus, the majority have been asymptomatic, with Salah unfortunately dealing with some minor symptoms of the illness. 

“He’s a mild case - he doesn’t have severe symptoms,” Abou Elela told the Associated Press. “He has to self-isolate in Egypt until his test returns negative and then, of course, he can travel back.

“The concerns from the Egyptian authorities are because Mo for Egypt is special. Everyone here wants to help and ... to do whatever the whole country can do."

Asked if Salah likely caught the virus while attending his brother's wedding in Cairo earlier that week, Abou Elela added: “I cannot deny. No one knows because ... unfortunately, we still don’t know everything about the virus. My answer is maybe yes, maybe no."

Egypt has had over 110,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 to date and suffered over 6000 deaths. The United Kingdom has, however, fared much worse with over 1,300,000 cases and 51,000 deaths. 

Salah's recent attendance at his brother's wedding had come under scrutiny with images shared online suggesting he broke coronavirus guidelines, but local mayor Maher Shtayyeh has leapt to the Liverpool star's defence. 

"All what has been said is false, it does not make sense to hug someone five times in the same wedding,” Shtayyeh told Goal.

“Also Salah was extremely cautious during the one-hour wedding, he never took his mask off except for taking photographs. Salah is fine now, he does not show any symptoms, I talked to his father and uncle.

“Trezeguet was the only player who came to the wedding with Salah, he was also extremely cautious."

Egypt next face Togo again on Tuesday with the side currently on a five-match unbeaten run and top of their Africa Cup of Nations qualification group. 

Salah must now spend the next week in self-isolation and will likely miss Liverpool's next Premier League match against Leicester City on November 22. 

The President of the Nigeria Federation Football (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, called a meeting with the Super Eagles technical crew on Saturday morning after the disappointing 4-4 draw with Sierra Leone.

The three-time African champions surrendered a four-goal lead against their West African neighbours in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Friday.

Alex Iwobi’s brace and goals from Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria a comfortable lead in the opening 45 minutes but the Leone Stars came from behind after the restart to secure a point in Benin.

The result led to an outcry from football enthusiasts across the country but Pinnick, in his reaction, urged the Super Eagles to get over the draw and aim for an improved performance at the National Stadium in Freetown, on Tuesday.

Nigeria who sit atop of Group L with seven points after three matches, visit Sierra Leone on Tuesday for the reverse fixture of Friday’s clash.

Before departing Benin for Freetown, the Super Eagles technical crew had a meeting with the NFF management to discuss Friday’s result but the conclusion is yet to be made public.

“President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick charged the players to put the disappointment behind them and be ready to give their all and redeem their image in Freetown on Tuesday,” the NFF announced.

“NFF President Pinnick has also summoned a meeting with the technical crew of the team for Saturday morning.”

Nigeria are aiming to make their 19th appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon 2022, after they won bronze in Egypt last year.

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa also issued an apology on the behalf of the team and assured Nigerians that they will make it up in Freetown.

Conor Gallagher has spoken about his development as he takes an increasingly prominent role with England's Under-21 side after making the loan move from Chelsea to West Brom this summer.

Gallagher is taking in his first Premier League action after making his senior football breakthrough in the Championship last season across moves to both Charlton Athletic and Swansea City.

Having narrowly missed out on promotion with the South Wales club, the 20-year-old opted to move to the Baggies on a season-long loan after Frank Lampard recommended the club to the homegrown star.

Gallagher, who played in a 3-1 win for England's U21s over Andorra on Friday night, spoke about his continued development in his bid to come back to Stamford Bridge.

"I will always give 100 per cent, no matter what. Whether it is West Brom or Chelsea, I will always give my best for the team," Gallagher said after the match at Molineux Stadium.

"I am just happy to be playing in the Premier League. I am very happy at West Brom and excited to play in more games. I have started well at West Brom even though results haven't gone our way, so I just need to keep that going and stay consistent. Hopefully, the results there will then improve."

The Blues starlet was then asked whether Lampard is keeping tabs on his development: "I believe so, as people know he is a great manager even though I am not at the club. I know the guys are watching and hoping I do well."

Friday's match was only Gallagher's fifth cap for the Three Lions at the U21 level but he now looks well-placed to start at the Under-21 European Championships in the summer.

Gallagher knows that performances at this level are being watched by senior manager Gareth Southgate, having seen the likes of Reece James, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden make the step up in recent months.

"It gives every young English player hope," he continued. "[England U21 coach] Aidy [Boothroyd] said it has been 22 players in the last four years that have gone from the 21s to the seniors which is a very high number.

"So yes, to see boys like Jude go up into the seniors is great to see and it shows we are doing a good job here and gives hope. The amount of young English talent around the country is amazing.

"We have 17-year-olds to 21-year-olds in our squad and there's a lot of competition but it is all healthy. When someone wears the shirt, they have to take their chance."

England's U21s have already qualified for the Euros this summer but they have a final match of their group against Albania on Tuesday night. Upon his return, Gallagher's West Brom have an away trip to Manchester United next Saturday.

France coach Didier Deschamps paid tribute to his charges on Saturday after Les Bleus squeezed past Portugal to book a place in the UEFA Nations League finals. 

The reigning World Cup holders came into the international break in far from perfect shape due to the struggles several key players have been facing in the club game. 

Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Raphael Varane are among the France stars who have endured a muted start to the 2020-21 season, while Deschamps' plans were further interrupted by the withdrawal of Kylian Mbappe after the Paris Saint-Germain striker failed to recover from injury in time for Saturday's game. 

Earlier in the week, Deschamps had admitted that Pogba's struggles at Man Utd have "mentally impacted" him.

Les Bleus nevertheless came through to down inaugural Nations League champions Portugal and make it through to the semi-finals with a game to spare, with N'Golo Kante's goal sealing a tense 1-0 victory in Lisbon. 

And Deschamps was delighted to see how his men overcame their club strife to come through for their country. 

"It’s great to see the players like that, to come out and win here. This victory is deserved, with a lot of solidarity, also of quality," the coach explained to TF1 after the final whistle.

"We achieved our goal, we wanted to finish first. Whatever happens in the last game, we'll stay first. It’s good to reach our goals, I’m very proud of the players.

"It's not always easy, especially during these complicated times. Some have club situations which are not the best. But when they meet here, there is still that competitive spirit and tonight they have proven that the France team is still a great team.

"Taking into account the quality of the opponent, obviously this is a benchmark match. I'm not talking about the one we played three days ago against Finland but in a game like today there is less need to warn them about the goal. They prefer to play these matches but the group is there and present. They have proven that the state of mind is still there."

Varane added to TF1: "We are happy with the victory and the way [we played]. We had the right spirit of solidarity. We could have scored in the first half. We had chances but we were solid and united because they were dangerous in the air. They managed to put danger in front of the goal but we responded. 

"The final four was the goal from the start. We wanted to win to ensure qualification, but above all with style. We are really satisfied tonight. This is our benchmark game over the past few months, we have seen everything, good things, good combinations, good defense all together.

"We will be able to rely on this to project ourselves towards the next objective."

France close out their group commitments on Tuesday at home to Sweden, who need to at least equal Croatia's result against Portugal to avoid relegation from the Nations League top tier. 

Kevin De Bruyne has come to the defence of Kyle Walker after Roy Keane had labelled the Manchester City right-back "an idiot". 

Those remarks came after Walker gave away a penalty in a recent 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League with Keane revealing his long-held belief that the defender is far too prone to major errors. 

The 30-year-old recently reached a century of games for Pep Guardiola's side since leaving Tottenham in 2017 and Walker's Belgium team-mate has now hit back at Keane's claims. 

"I think from the moment that Kyle came to the team, he's been one of the most consistent performers with us," De Bruyne said.

"He's never injured, he plays all the time. He's reliable and he's a really good defender. I think the job that he does is a really good job.

"Obviously when you compare every position it's different. You can't compare the work that Kyle does to, for instance, Trent [Alexander-Arnold] at Liverpool. Trent is the more offensive player and Kyle has to play a different role for us, but he does it really well and there's a reason why he's playing all these years at this level for all these teams. It means he's been really good.

"Okay, what Roy Keane says...he's a different man and everybody knows that. But, okay, it's his opinion and he'll take it on the chin. He's going to be fine with it."

England manager Gareth Southgate has also recently defended Walker from Keane's comments which he believed crossed a line. 

"I think he’s playing extremely well. Observations and analysis are fine, I think personal criticism less so, I think we have to be careful about that," Southgate said of the criticism. 

”I’m very happy with what Walker is doing. He’s playing every game for his club because the manager trusts him and feels he needs him so if he’s doing that for Pep it’s an indication of the quality." 

Walker wasn't included in the match-day squad for England's recent 3-0 win over Republic of Ireland with the Three Lions next set to face Belgium in the Nations League on Sunday.