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Mathew Olorunleke has warned Nigeria they cannot afford to get carried away if they are to defeat Sierra Leone on Friday evening.

The Group L leaders face the Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as they continue their push for an early place in Cameroon 2022.

Victory for Gernot Rohr’s men and a draw at least in Freetown will hand the three-time African kings their 19th appearance at the biennial African football fiesta.

Nevertheless, the former Reggiana, Bagnolese and Juve Stabia defender has stressed Rohr’s team must be wary of the West Africans who are hoping to cause an upset to reive their stuttering Afcon ambitions.

“There is no result before a game is played,” Olorunleke told Goal.

“Trust me, these Sierra Leoneans can be dangerous and will go all miles to do their own part to get a win. So, the Super Eagles must avoid complacency and place as if it’s a do or die affair.

“I have a feeling Nigeria will get the result because they have a stronger team compared to Sierra Leone, nevertheless, the visitors must not be underrated because the three points are not given before the game.”

Although the game will be played in an empty stadium to curtail the spread of Covid-19, he former Bagnolese manager discloses that recent happenings in the country is enough motivation for the players to brush aside John Keister’s team.

“I strongly believe that Nigeria will definitely do better against Sierra Leone because so much is being expected from the team,” he continued.

“Here, we are not talking about winning but winning convincingly. The players must put into consideration happenings in Nigeria in recent times to get the goals.

“Football is the only thing that brings Nigerians together notwithstanding the religious and tribal differences.

“So, the onus is on the Super Eagles to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, and I believe they will deliver.”

The country finished third at the 2019 edition of the continental championship staged in Egypt, defeating Tunisia 1-0 in the third-place play-off at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo.

Manchester United’s Odion Ighalo scored the only goal against the Carthage Eagles in the third minute.

Liverpool have been plunged into confusion after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced forward Mohamed Salah has tested positive for coronavirus - before deleting its statement.

Salah is currently on international duty with Egypt, who initially stated on Friday that their star player would have to enter self-isolation.

A now-deleted statement on the EFA website said: "The medical swab conducted on our national football team showed that our player, Mohamed Salah, the star of Liverpool, is infected with coronavirus after his test came back positive, although he does not suffer from any symptoms, while the other members of the team tested negative.

"Our international star underwent the medical protocol after contact between the doctor of the team, Mohammed Abu Al-Ola, and his English club Liverpool, in addition to isolating him inside his room and also isolating all contacts.

"Our star is subject to more checks during the coming hours."

However, the EFA has now removed that statement and has put out a different announcement, saying three players from Egypt and their opponents on Saturday, Togo, have tested positive and will have a second test before the match.

If Salah is positive for coronavirus, it is a fresh blow for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who has already lost central defender Joe Gomez during this international break. The England international was injured during a training session and had to undergo surgery on his knee. He now faces months out.

Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also long-term absentees with injury for the Premier League champions.

The only silver lining for Liverpool is the case of Xherdan Shaqiri. He posted a false positive when initially being diagnosed with coronavirus while on international duty with Switzerland last month and did not have to miss any games after passing the second round of testing.

However both Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara have previously tested positive and were forced to miss the Premier League visit to Aston Villa, which Liverpool lost 7-2 in a stunning collapse.

Salah had been called up for Egypt ahead of a double header against Togo in Africa Cup of Nations qualification. They play at home on Saturday before travelling to the west African nation for the return fixture on Tuesday.

The forward was recently filmed dancing at his brother's wedding, with no social distancing or protection such as face masks. He has also trained with his Egyptian team-mates, with reports in Africa now suggesting the continental Champions League final between two Egyptian sides - Al-Ahly and Zamalek - could be at risk.

The CAF Champions League final is currently scheduled for November 27.

Salah has been in superb form for Liverpool this season, scoring eight goals in as many Premier League games, and 10 strikes in 13 matches in all competitions.

The Reds will now be sweating on the fitness of their star attacker, ahead of a return to English top-flight action at home to current Premier League leaders Leicester City on November 21, followed by a home Champions League clash against Atalanta four days later.

England women’s home match against Norway that was due to be played on December 1 in Sheffield has been cancelled.

The Norwegian Football Federation has confirmed that it would be unable to travel due to Covid-19 considerations in the country. The Lionesses are still due to report for a training camp later this month, with more information regarding the schedule to follow at a later date.

England head coach Phil Neville said: "While I am disappointed for our fans and players, I fully respect Norway’s decision not to travel.

"These are still challenging times where health and safety for all is the most important thing to consider.

"We will still look to get the squad together for the final time this year, and continue the work we have been doing in integrating younger players and building for the future."

England women's team haven't played a match since March 11, when they were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the SheBelieves Cup - their seventh defeat in 11 games.

Neville's side were due to face Germany on October 27 although, like the Norway game, that match was also cancelled, with a member of the Lionesses' backroom staff having recorded a positive Covid-19 test at the time.

Jill Scott was due to win her 150th cap in that game, with Neville having confirmed that the 33-year-old Manchester City midfielder would have played in the fixture.

Should she be selected in England's next match, Scott will become only the second player to reach the 150-mark, with Reading midfielder Fara Williams having earned 172 caps for the Lionesses.

Away from the international stage, the Women's Super League continues on Saturday, with the Manchester derby taking place at Leigh Sports Village.

Casey Stoney's United side are currently top of the WSL after six matches, one point ahead of second-placed Arsenal, while City are in fifth.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are two points further back but have a game in hand on the two teams above them, with the Blues facing Arsenal on Sunday.

There could well be a full debut for Tottenham star Alex Morgan this weekend too, with the USWNT forward yet to start for Spurs following her arrival from Orlando Pride back in September.

Gordon “Fiddle” Thornsberry was crowned the best FIFA player in North America when he won the EA Sports FIFA 20 Summer Cup Series North America.

Representing FC Cincinnati in the eMLS, Fiddle knows more than most about how to win on the game, having also picked up back-to-back trophies last season at the eMLS League Series One in Philadelphia and eMLS League Series Two in Portland.

"Fiddle" spoke to Goal about transitioning from FIFA 20 to FIFA 21 and the players, formations and tactics he believes can give even amateur players an edge.

Goal: Do you think the meta (the best way to ensure victory) has changed in FIFA 21?

Gordon Thornsberry: "The meta of FIFA 21 is quite similar to FIFA 20. The build-up to scoring a goal is exactly the same but the only difference is now you need to have some skill moves to beat the final defender to finish a good chance."

Which players do you think fit this meta?

GT: "The type of players that fit this meta are most like past years - players that have skill moves, decent weak foot, and pace.

"Cards such as Harry Kane don’t really have a place in the meta because of their lack of pace on and off the ball."

Have you managed to find any players you’d consider are overpowered?

GT: "When I think of OP (overpowered) players I think of R9 (Ronaldo Nazario) because he finishes everything and no defender can take the ball off him.

"A cheaper card that is still very OP to me is Ousmane Dembele. Great skills and can finish with both feet." 

Who have you found to be the best players by position in FIFA 21?

GT: "Goalkeeper: Nick Pope. He’s a very good chemistry link to Joe Gomez and so far, the best 'keeper I used on this game to bail me out in some situations.

"Defender: Raphael Varane. French and Real Madrid chemistry link to Ferland Mendy. Both players are a must in your team because Varane is tall, fast, and a very hard tackler you need in the back.

"Midfielder: The obvious answer is Ruud Gullit due to him being the best midfielder every year but my cheaper option would be inform Renato Sanches. He is strong defensively and also very good on the ball. 

"Attacker: Ronaldo Nazario. The card costs almost 10 million coins for a reason. He single-handedly wins games for me with the type of things he can do on the ball."

How do you think the ability to lock on to players and control runs has changed things?

GT: "For me, this new addition has not changed anything yet. I have not found the best use for it. Maybe this will change as the meta develops as the season continues though."

Do you have any advice on defending and scoring in FIFA 21?

GT: "My advice on defending, scoring, any facet of the game is patience. You don’t need to win the game every time you touch the ball. Play smart and try to put yourself in good positions and you’ll give yourself a chance against anyone in the world."

Have you found any skill moves to be really effective?

GT: "The go-to skill move has to be the 'Elastico'. There was recently a patch that slowed this move down a little bit but I believe it’s still a very good move that every player should know how and when to use." 

What’s your go-to formation and do you use any specific instructions?

GT: "The formation that I go to is 4-2-3-1 with very minimal instructions. I like to keep games very structured and smart. It’s very balanced from the defense all the way up top.

"But if I need a formation to press and come back in a game with its 4-1-2-1-2 narrow."

Raul Jimenez has confirmed that Manchester United made contact over signing him in the summer and has refused to rule out a move to Old Trafford in the future.

The Mexico international, who enjoyed an impressive 2019-20 campaign that saw him score 27 goals in all competitions for Wolves, was on the Red Devils' radar as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked to bolster his attack.

Indeed, United have been looking at signing Jimenez since January 2020, with Goal having reported that the Premier League side made enquiries over the availability of Jimenez and team-mate Ruben Neves.

Solskjaer's side ultimately decided to bring in Odion Ighalo on loan from Shanghai Shenhua on January 31, while they also moved for Edinson Cavani on a free transfer in the most recent transfer window.

Jimenez, meanwhile, committed his future to Wolves by penning a new three-and-a-half-year contract at the beginning of October although his latest comments suggest that he would be open to a move away from Molineux.

He told TUDN: "One day I woke up and uventus wanted me, another Manchester United and what I know is that there were approaches made. But an agreement was never reached and nothing was close. I'm very happy at Wolves."

He added: "The truth is I am very happy in Wolverhampton. It's never wrong to be in a place where you are well but they know that I am not satisfied [with my form], I always look for more.

"It (a move) did not happen this time. If it happens at some point then it will have to be what is best for me, for Wolves and the team that I join. But I am very happy at Wolves and being considered a very important player."

Nuno Espirito Santo's side are currently ninth in the Premier League table, with Jimenez having scored four league goals in eight appearances at the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

The former Benfica striker, who joined Wolves in a club-record £30 million ($39m) deal in 2019, is currently on international duty with Mexico and is due to face South Korea in a friendly on Saturday evening before a clash with Japan three days later.

Vipers SC midfielder Karim Watambala has described his Uganda senior debut in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers as "a proud moment" after he made an appearance against South Sudan.

Watambala was introduced in the second half when Khalid Aucho was injured and was part of the squad that pushed hard and delivered a 1-0 victory for the Cranes at the St Mary’s Stadium.

“It was a special moment and I couldn’t enjoy it more than I did,” the 2019 Cecafa winner told the club’s website.

“The coach [Jonathan McKinstry] said ‘just enjoy it, get on the ball, try and get a few touches in and just enjoy the game’.

“I think it is a proud moment. You work hard to get there and the club and coach have helped me so it is just a proud moment getting some minutes in the national colours.”

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder described what the moment was like when he just got onto the pitch against the Bright Stars, who were especially resolute in their defence.

“I just tried to get into the game, got a few touches, so it was good, but I now have to keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard,” he added. “When my chances come, I have just got to take them.

“I think the coach has done a brilliant job and helped me improve so much since he saw me make my debut for my club [Vipers SC]. I am not the first one [to make my debut] and l know how it feels donning that Cranes jersey.” 

Watambala would be hopeful for a start on November 16, especially after McKinstry explained the need to have new players face South Sudan in Nairobi.

“We are likely to make changes in the second game because energy levels are important,” the Irish coach said.

“You saw players had to leave everything on the field and so yes a number of new players are going to start the second game because we need fresh legs.

“We expect another tough the encounter which is going to take another 90 minutes of intensity to get the results we want.

“Everyone knows the status of the group and our number one priority is to maintain our top position in the group after South Sudan games as we said.”

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has backed former Old Trafford team-mate Angel Gomes to enjoy a glittering career.

Gomes departed the Red Devils at the end of his contract in the summer and took up a challenge in France by signing for Lille. However, he was immediately loaned out to Boavista in Portugal – his father’s homeland.

In a side fighting against relegation, the 20-year-old has excelled for the club in the early weeks of the campaign, chalking up three goals and four assists in only five outings.

“It is a pleasure to talk about him, I feel that he is doing very well in Boavista,” Rashford told A Bola. “We speak regularly on the phone and I have congratulated him several times. It's a good sign.”

The Manchester United forward picked out Gomes’ strike from virtually the halfway line against Moreirense as being typical of what he can produce.

“He scored that incredible midfield goal that went viral. A great goal really! But with his talent, nothing surprises me,” he said.

“He has incredible skill. Whoever plays alongside him realises that he is an exciting talent.

“Having trained with him since I was very young, it is easy to see his success and to predict that he will have a bright future.

“Having him train with us at that time was a great experience and opportunity. I remember that during training he faced us all without fear, and always wanted to have the ball.

“We have had similar experiences growing up. We lived in the same houses at the club and were on the same development program, aimed at selected players.

“We always got along very well. We lived together for about three years. I was able to provide guidance on my first experiences with the first team.

“He has everything to reach the top. He plays as an attacking midfielder but personally I see him as someone who thrives on the pitch with the ball, so he can play in other positions with equal success.

“It is easy to play with him. It was something very natural, because he is always looking for a quick pass, which surprises defenders and creates opportunities to score.

“I can thank him for a lot of goals. He's a great team player and one of the things I most hope will happen is to play with him again. It is a wish that I trust will come true!”

Kenya Deputy President William Ruto has challenged the Harambee Stars to defeat Comoros at Moroni and come home with maximum points.

The two teams settled for a 1-1 at Kasarani on Wednesday in Group G of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

M'changama Youssouf put Comoros ahead from a free-kick but Masoud Juma equalised for the  Harambee Stars in the second half after the visitors had been reduced to 10 men.  

"We understand it was a tough game for you but you have given the best despite the challenges involved," Ruto told the players ahead of their Saturday departure to the Southeastern coast of Africa.

"As Kenya, we are confident you will go to Comoros and beat them. I am confident, from what I have seen here, there is a high chance of coming back home with a win."

The 53-year-old went on to give the national team Ksh 1 million to motivate them, promising more if the team performs well in the campaign.

"This [money] is meant for your dinner, but we will further appreciate you if you give us a positive outcome on Sunday," Ruto continued.

"The Covid-19 situation has not made it easy for most of you since you have not trained for some time, but the spirit is there and with better preparations, I am sure you will perform even better."

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa confirmed they will charter a flight for the Harambee Stars as they travel to face Comoros on Sunday.

"It will be a chartered flight for the boys, we want them to feel good," Mwendwa told Goal on Friday.

"Now that we have motivation partners, we have this kind of thing, we are flying by private jet to go for matches starting with Comoros and that is what we need to give, that is what we can do.

"We will hire a chartered flight to take the team to Comoros, it will be hired like a person hires a bus, it will wait for us at the airport, take us to Comoros, wait for us again in Comoros, and bring us back to Kenya."

On the incentives they have lined up for the team, Mwendwa told Goal: “Allowances were being paid by Ministry of Sports but the policy of the government was Sh1,000 at home…you see, so for football players, it is really paltry so what counts for this boys is when they win what do they get?

"And it is the reason our partners Odibet gave out Sh2.5million [against Comoros had they won] and the money had already been given to the team captain, he had it in his pocket, now we are debating, away it will be Sh5million if they win.

Joe Gomez’s injury has put an “enormous amount of stress” on the Liverpool squad and Jurgen Klopp should consider signing a new defender in January, says Jamie Redknapp.

The Premier League champions were dealt a huge blow earlier this week when Gomez was forced to withdraw from the England squad after suffering a knee injury during training.

The 23-year-old has since undergone surgery on the injury, but now looks set to sit out a large portion of the 2020-21 campaign as he begins his recovery.

His absence means Liverpool’s defensive resources are now perilously thin, with fellow centre-back Virgil van Dijk also sidelined for much of the campaign with a knee injury of his own, leaving only Joel Matip and Nathaniel Phillips available as natural centre-back options for manager Jurgen Klopp.

Midfielder Fabinho, who has regularly filled in as a central defender, is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League last month, while full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to be out until December with a calf problem sustained in last weekend’s draw at Manchester City.

Redknapp, who made 308 appearances for Liverpool between 1991 and 2002, believes the Merseysiders would have been able to cope with the loss of just Van Dijk, but this latest injury blow means Klopp may be forced into the transfer market.

"From an England point of view, it's a disappointment for Gareth Southgate, but for Jurgen Klopp, if this is a long-term one and you've got no Virgil, no Joe Gomez, that puts an enormous amount of stress on this squad from a team that were red-hot favourites at the start of the year," he told Sky Sports.

"It's certainly going to change things and for everybody else involved, that back two have been so impressive at times. It's not been easy with no Virgil at the moment, but no Virgil and no Gomez is going to make it even more difficult.

"You don't want to bring in someone for the sake of it for £40 million or £50m because you know you've got someone coming back really quickly. But if you've lost Gomez as well, you're certainly looking to get into the market and try and bring in someone in January or as quickly as you can, be it a loan, be it a signing - but it's not going to be easy to get players in.

"Your hands are tied to a certain extent because straight away, everyone knows you're desperate so the prices are going to get inflated. Liverpool have worked the market so well, they've not always bought the big stars, they've made them stars. Virgil may be the opposite, they paid £75m for him but what his fee now would be, maybe three times as much as that because he's such an incredible player.

"Defenders are at a premium because there's not many good ones around that can play like Virgil, that can defend like Joe Gomez, who is still a young man.”

Redknapp also expressed his disappointment for Gomez on a personal level, with the 23-year-old set to play a key role for club and country prior to his injury.

"I'm choked for Joe Gomez if it is a bad injury,” he added. “He's a young man who has already had knee injuries and come back brilliantly. I'm a big fan of his, he seems like a really good, down-to-earth player.

"I remember seeing him many years ago playing for Charlton in the FA Youth Cup and thinking, 'This is a star of the future' and he's certainly proved that at Liverpool. I just hope it's not going to be anything too serious.

"I suffered with injuries playing for England and it's really hard to deal with because you're so proud that you're there, but you also know it's costing you an enormous amount of time in your career.

"I broke my ankle twice playing for England, tore my hamstring playing for England, it cost me an enormous amount of time. Of course you wouldn't swap it for the world, but there is something so frustrating because it should be the highlight to play for your country but when you come back injured, it's frustrating for everybody.

"Right now, Liverpool need Joe. I thought he was unlucky with the penalty decision [against Man City] but his form has been really good and he's looked like a real leader.

"When you've got someone like Van Dijk who is so instrumental and he leads from the front, sometimes you can afford to hide behind someone like that who is so great but without Virgil, everyone else has to step up and become a leader.

"I'm sure we were going to see Joe impress even more than before because of the pressure that was perhaps on him and you become even more serious about your business because you can't rely on the colossus of Van Dijk."

CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying returns this week as the 10 South American nations compete for a place at World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

And the pick of the round arrives on Friday as Colombia host Uruguay in Barranquilla.

CONMEBOL qualifiers can be watched through Fanatiz. The streaming platform offers the option to watch each game in the US..

How to watch Colombia vs Uruguay on US TV

What has happened to Colombia & Uruguay so far in CONMEBOL's World Cup 2022 qualification?

Colombia kicked off their campaign in style last month with a 3-0 victory Venezuela, as two goals from Luis Muriel inspired them to a winning start.

Carlos Queiroz’ side followed that up with a valuable point in Chile thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Radamel Falcao.

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Uruguay, meanwhile, have made a less impressive start, following up victory over Chile in Montevideo with a 4-2 humbling at the hands of Ecuador.

With reigning continental champions Brazil coming to town on Tuesday in round four, La Celeste face a tricky week in their quest to put some points on the board before the long wait for the return of qualifiers in March next year.

Colombia and Uruguay team news and preview

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez as no further injury concerns going into the clash after goalkeeper Yonathan Irrazabal, defender Alexis Rolin and midfielder Gabriel Neves replaced Martin Silva, Sebastian Coates and Fede Valverde.

Colombia will be without Radamel Falco this month after he picked up a hamstring injury on club duty and defender Santiago Arias is also missing following his terrible ankle injury suffered last month.

Tottenham's Davinson Sanchez is a doubt after joining his team-mates late this week for personal reasons, but goalkeeper David Ospina appears to have overcome a minor knock and is back in contention.

Probable Colombia XI: Ospina; Orejuela, Mina, Murillo, Mojica; Barrios, Uribe, Cuadrado; James; Muriel, Zapata.

Probable Uruguay XI: Martin Campana; Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Vina; Nandez, Torreira, Bentancur, Rodriguez; Suarez, Cavani/Nunez.

CONMEBOL's World Cup 2022 qualification table ahead of Matchday 3

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Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos is confident that his side will hit their best form in the coming weeks.

Los Blancos sit fourth in La Liga, having lost two of their nine fixtures to date, while they have also been in patchy form in the Champions League. Madrid were flirting with elimination after only taking a single point from their first two games, but victory over Inter has gone some way to remedy that situation.

Nevertheless, more is expected of the Bernabeu side, but Kroos is backing them to deliver in the weeks ahead.

“We do lack something. That's not a secret. Everyone can see it,” he admitted to Marca. “We're not missing a lot ... we need to be consistent. If you look at the results, they go two good, one bad, two good, one bad. We have to do better.

“You watch some games and you realise that you can do much better - against Barcelona, the first half against Inter and another one. We can, of course, improve, but we lack consistency.

“If we did well against Barcelona, we also have to against Cadiz or Shakhtar Donetsk at home. There's a big difference. Sometimes it's very good and others it's very bad. We have to improve if we want to win something.

“We're going through a very strange situation for everyone. We're playing every three days, we had little time off, we ended last season very late, we couldn't sign players in the summer ... Now there are injuries, some have to stop because of Covid, but I don't like finding excuses.

“We put out a starting line-up that can beat the opponent in every game.”

Kroos backed his manager Zinedine Zidane amid growing anxiety that he might not be able to salvage the situation.

“Everyone knows that, if you don't get results and you don't meet expectations at Real Madrid, there are questions. That's why we're at this club. It's normal.

“With Zidane, we've already had times like this and we normally come out of bad runs.

“A few weeks ago, after losing against Cadiz and Shakhtar, we went to Barcelona and had an amazing game. We got through that and the boss is the first person to know what happens at this club if you don't get results.

“In the end, what we have to do is improve and try to win games. The boss will find the solution.”

Madrid will face second-placed Villarreal when they return from the international break.

RB Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell has not ruled out the possibility of an Indian footballer getting a chance to play for the Bundesliga team as part of their three-year strategic partnership with Indian Super League (ISL) outfit FC Goa.

"Basically, I would never exclude anything. The cooperation starts step by step. It starts by helping each other. We at Leipzig can also learn something - the different mentality and different mindsets - and India is a huge country with many inhabitants. If we manage to educate and train well to get very good players, I will not deny if that talent has enough potential to play at Leipzig," he said.

However, Vivell added, "But that is not the main focus here. What we want to do is that we want to get to know this very exciting club, FC Goa, and what the result will be remains to be seen."

He added, "Basically, what the player wants to have is always the first step. So in this cooperation, the first thing is to help FC Goa in not making mistakes that we have made. I think this experience can help them (FC Goa) train and educate young Indian talent into their full potential with good scouting because scouting a player at an early stage and leading him through the academy to bring him to the senior team is actually what the first aim of a club should be."

The official was asked whether the Bundesliga club will visit India with their first team. Vivell replied, "We hope that this will be the case next summer but it will depend on the development of the pandemic."

With the soccer camps set to start by January 2021 (the registrations have already begun), FC Goa's director of football Puskur plans to steadily extract the benefits of the tie-up with Leipzig.

"Right now we are focusing only on youth development, and RB Leipzig can add a lot of value. Post that, we will steadily move to the next phase where we feel that we have a solid understanding to develop a technical partnership," he continued.

"The second step when crossing countries is permissible (due to the Coronavirus pandemic) we will have some exchange of knowledge where coaches and players from Leipzig can come to India to exchange knowledge that will hopefully help us for the future."

Young Africans (Yanga SC) boss Cedric Kaze has scooped the award as the best manager for the month of October in the Mainland Premier League.

The Burundian tactician, who joined the Jangwani giants after the exit of Zlatko Krmpotic, won three straight matches, against Polisi Tanzania, KMC and Biashara United which moved them from third position to second.

Kaze won the award ahead of Aristica Cioaba of Azam FC and Francis Baraza of Biashara United.

Meanwhile, Simba midfielder Clatous Chama has explained why he decided against joining rivals Yanga.

Yanga are understood to have listed the Zambian as their primary transfer target but Chama said the demands made by one official from the club pushed him away from listening to the offer.

“My agent video called one of Yanga bosses and told him that we were together and were discussing the possibility of joining the club when my current contract ends,” Chama told Mwanaspoti.

“During the talk, the official revealed to me what offer Yanga were putting on the table. But the trick lied in the demands he made as he wanted to pocket a certain amount of money should I sign for Yanga.

“Without dwelling much on that talk, I cut the story short and told my agent that I still have an active Simba contract and so, there was no way I was going to sign another contract with another club.

 “The Yanga boss even wanted to travel to Zambia for more talks but I told my agent I would not meet with him at all.”

The Zambian further stated his chances of remaining with Wekundu wa Msimbazi are high even though contract extension talks are yet to be finalised.

“Negotiations between me and Simba are taking a good direction and there are a few demands I have made before I can extend the contract with the club,” the former Lusaka Dynamos star revealed. “But I can confirm the talks are going on well.

“If we continue with the talks as we have done and because I believe Simba officials are going to agree with me, then I am going to sign a new contract in the next few days.”

 Simba signed Chama in 2018 on a one-year deal which was later extended by two years. The contract is expected to expire at the end of the season.

Nigeria surrendered a four-goal lead to draw 4-4 against Sierra Leone in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game on Friday evening.

Alex Iwobi’s double and strikes from Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze handed the Super Eagles an impressive first-half lead before a brace from Al-Hadji Kamara and efforts from Kwame Quee and Mustapha Bundu ensured the game ended in a draw.

As a result, Nigeria remain on top of the Group L standings with seven points from three games, ahead of second-placed Benin (four), who host Lesotho (one) on Saturday, while Sierra Leone are in third with two points.

The Super Eagles got their qualifying campaign off to a flying start after securing victories over the Republic of Benin and Lesotho in November 2019 before the outbreak of Covid-19.  

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr preferred Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in goal, after delivering fine performances in last month’s friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia.

Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Kevin Akpoguma and Zaidu Sanusi formed a four-man defence while Oghenekaro Etebo and Joe Aribo, who missed the Super Eagles friendlies in October due to injury problems, were handed starting roles, combining with Iwobi in the midfield.

Napoli attacker Osimhen spearheaded the attack while captain Ahmed Musa and Chukwueze were preferred on the flanks.  

For Sierra Leone, Mohamed Kamara, Umar Bangura and Quee were included in the starting line-up as coach John Keister aimed to get their qualifying campaign back on track.

The game started on a bright note with both sides charging for goals but Nigeria was the better side in the opening 30 minutes.

The Super Eagles hit the ground running in the encounter when Everton star Iwobi opened the scoring, firing home a fine strike from the edge of the box.

Sierra Leone came close to levelling proceedings in the 20th minute but missed the glorious opportunity and seemed to pay for the missed chance when Nigeria doubled their lead two minutes later.

Osimhen connected with a fine cross from Sanusi and hit his effort into the back of the net beyond the reach of the Leone Stars goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

The Super Eagles continued to dominate proceedings and Iwobi got his second in the encounter when he lofted his effort past Kamara in the 27th minute.

Chukwueze made it 4-0 for the three-time African champions in the 29th minute with an individual effort, firing a superb strike into the top corner before Quee pulled one back for Sierra Leone moments before the half-time break.

The second-half continued in a similar fashion as the Super Eagles continued their domination and Chukwueze came close to scoring his second but it was ruled offside.

Nigeria coach Rohr introduced red-hot Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho for Musa while West Bromwich Albion centre-back Semi Ajayi was brought on for Balogun in the 65th minute.

Sierra Leone, however, pushed for a comeback with Kamara reducing the deficit in the 72nd minute before Bundu scored the third for the Leone Stars eight minutes later.

Kamara then notched the all-important equalising goal with four minutes left to full-time to ensure his side shared the points with the Super Eagles at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
 

Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has played down the prospect of Florian Neuhaus leaving the club to join Bayern Munich.

Many of the Bundesliga’s top players find their way to the Allianz Arena, with Robert Lewandowski, Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka just three of the names the German champions have plucked from rivals in recent years.

Eberl reacted angrily to the proposition that Neuhaus could do the same, with the 23-year-old having impressed in Germany’s international friendly victory over the Czech Republic in midweek.

“I've been doing this for 12 years now and we’ve always had our players link with other clubs - just like our coach, incidentally,” he grumbled to Sport1. “That is sometimes difficult.

“I sometimes ask myself: ‘What do we want?’ On one hand, we want to have a competition in which clubs other than Bayern can become champions. But on the other hand, these players are all being linked with this club in the media again. Why not just say: 'Hey, cool! Something is developing in Gladbach.’

“Why shouldn't Florian Neuhaus stay with us?! Meanwhile, the reflex reaction is always: ‘Good game, good development, but where is he going?’

“It always happens too quickly for me.”

Meanwhile, Eberl does not foresee the player departing in the near future.

“Flo knows what he's got with us,” he said. “He plays with Gladbach at the highest level, in the Champions League.

“Of course, I also know that our players have the potential to go to the biggest clubs at some point. It was no different with Roman Neustadter, Granit Xhaka or Mahmoud Dahoud, for example. But we managed these and other departures well previously.”

The 23-year-old Neuhaus, meanwhile, who has played in seven Bundesliga matches for Gladbach this season, was not nearly so definite when quizzed on the prospect of moving to Bayern.

“I don’t want to commit myself,” he said after the midweek matches. “Bayern’s a big club. I’ve got to know a couple of guys from there in the national team and they only speak positively about the club.”

Having made his second international appearance, he will hope to make his competitive bow in fixtures against Ukraine and Spain in the Nations League this week.

Victor Osimhen had to be stretched off in considerable pain as he suffered an injury to his wrist in Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.

The Napoli forward, who scored Nigeria’s second goal in the eight-goal thriller at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, was replaced by Paul Onuachu in the 78th minute of the game.

Osimhen was challenging one of the Leone Stars defenders when he tangled and fell awkwardly on his wrist.

The former Lille and Wolfsburg forward was quickly surrounded by his teammates, before being carried from the pitch by a motorised stretcher.

Coach Gernot Rohr will be hoping that the injury to his form player - who has contributed four goals in his last four games - is not too serious ahead of the return leg billed for Freetown in four days' time.

Despite racing to a 4-0 lead within 29 minutes, the three-time African champions collapsed in the second half and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye leaked four goals with Al-Hadji Kamara getting a brace, while the duo of captain Mustapha Bundu and Kwame Quee found the net as well.

Given the obvious severity of the injury, former Real Madrid midfielder and La Liga ambassador Mutiu Adepoju immediately tweeted a message of support for the 21-year-old.

“Get well soon Victor Osimhen and I hope the injury won't keep you out for long,” Adepoju tweeted.

Despite the draw in Benin City, Rohr’s men lead Group L with seven points from three games.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is being hurt psychologically by his situation at the club, according to France national team boss Didier Deschamps.

Formerly the world’s most expensive player, Pogba has struggled to hold down a regular spot at Old Trafford over the course of the last 18 months, having been hampered by injury, illness and a loss of form.

His struggles continued in the international arena in midweek as he was a member of the France squad that surprisingly lost 2-0 at home against Finland.

“He’s not in his best form, of course. I knew that before the game,” Deschamps told the media on Friday. “This match was meant to give him some rhythm. He knew that he would only play for an hour.

“It’s hard to remember to be positive. Obviously, he’s not in one of his better periods.

“Like all players who have a club situation that is not positive, they are also impacted mentally. I know him well enough and it can happen at some points.”

While the World Cup-winning coach backed the player to recover from his current issues, he admitted that Pogba cannot be considered an automatic starter for Saturday’s Nations League fixture against Portugal.

“Periods like this can happen,” he said. “He has the knowledge of the highest level, the pride and the spirit to be able to answer his critics.

“After that, I have decisions to make on all the elements compared to the other players.”

Another high-profile member of the France squad struggling for fitness is Kylian Mbappe, with the PSG star still a doubt to line up against a Portugal squad containing his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“He’ll do the first part of training individually,” Deschamps said of the PSG forward. “We’ll see later. I’ll wait for what happens at training.

“We’ll do a check tomorrow morning to see how he is before making a decision for the match.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been tipped to join PSG from Juventus, a move Deschamps was unsure could be completed.

"Anything is possible in football, but I think he's already at a big club," Deschamps said. "Juventus are very happy to have him, like the other clubs where he has played.

"I'm not going to anticipate what he might or might not do. But he has been one of the best in the world for many years. Of course, we know the player he is, what he is capable of and what he represents.

"Obviously, it attracts attention. But if he's likely to come to Paris, I don't know."