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Croatia centre-back Domagoj Vida was substituted at half-time in the 3-3 friendly draw with Turkey on Wednesday after testing positive for Covid-19. 

Though Vida, along with the rest of the team, had tested negatively on Monday, subsequent tests on the morning of the game resulted in a 'potentially positive result' being returned as the match was unfolding. 

As a precaution, the 31-year-old, who plays club football for Besiktas, was taken off at half-time and put into immediate isolation with further testing confirming his positive Covid-19 diagnosis. 

The Croatian Football Federation revealed the coronavirus scare post-match and were quick to stress that they had adhered strictly to all UEFA protocol.

"The medical service of the Croatian national team received initial information at the end of the break between the two halves that there was one potentially positive result. This is a common test procedure, and a 'suspicious' finding is retested to confirm the result," their statement read.

"As at that time the coach Zlatko Dalic had already made the decision to change Vida, the medical service of the national team isolated Vida according to all epidemiological measures until the confirmation of the test results.

"Vida will, in accordance with regulations, spend the next few days in self-isolation in Istanbul.

"All other national team members and staff members, who tested negative, are scheduled to travel to Stockholm. It is taken into account that the national team complied with all epidemiological measures, in accordance with UEFA's Return to Play protocol."

Croatia came from behind twice on Wednesday before themselves squandering a lead in a seesawing 3-3 draw. 

"It was a really friendly match, with six goals, and I can be happy because I saw some things I wanted to see, but I can also be unhappy because we let in three goals lightly," manager Dalic said post-match.

"That worries me, it wasn’t good, our defence was weak. That must not happen." 

Dalic's side next face Sweden and Portugal in the Nations League over the next week with Croatia currently third in Group 3 of League A and boasting just three points from their first four games. 

Luis Enrique praised "unique" Sergio Ramos after the Spain captain  equalled Italy great Gianluigi Buffon's European caps record in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.

Ramos was brought on five minutes from time at the Johan Cruijff ArenA for his 176th international appearance, some 15 years after making his senior debut.

The Real Madrid centre-back can overtake Buffon as Europe's most-capped international footballer should he feature against Switzerland in Basel on Saturday.

He is also within eight appearances of the worldwide caps record, which is currently held by former Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan.

Spain head coach Luis Enrique praised Ramos for matching Buffon's tally.

"Sergio is unique. He is on a different level," he said after the match. "The appearance record is only within the reach of those who are very gifted."

Enrique fielded an experimental XI that included debutant goalkeeper Unai Simon, plus returning quartet Koke, Alvaro Morata, Hector Bellerin and Marco Asensio.

Morata set up Sergio Canales for Spain's 18th-minute opener - the ninth goal the Juventus striker has been directly involved in in nine games for club and country this term.

"Alvaro has been very good but it is the same as we have seen these months at Juve," Enrique said. "We caused problems for them with him in attack."

Koke also impressed in Amsterdam as he attempted more passes in the opposition half (29) and produced more tackles (four) than any other player on the field.

Asked about the Atletico Madrid midfielder's display, Enrique said: "He is a player who gives us total guarantee that he will perform at a very high level. He did very well, exactly what I asked of him, and has the personality to play there."

Spain have won only two of their six matches this calendar year but Enrique insisted he is happy with where his side are at ahead of key Nations League games with Switzerland and Germany over the next week.

"I have a good feeling because this was a complicated game for us," he said. "We had some good phases, although in the second half we became a little bit more disorganised.

"But in general I am satisfied with my side, who showed a good attitude. We had a plan in place to bring in some fresh player ahead of the two competitive matches. I am more than satisfied with what I have seen."

Barcelona have failed to reach an agreement with players over a salary reduction after a lengthy negotiation ultimately ended without a resolution.

The Liga giants are seeking to reduce their wage bill amid a "serious financial problem" due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Barca say Covid-19 has caused a reduction in revenues of more than €300 million for the 2020-21 season, with the club requiring a salary adjustment of €191m.

But talks between Barca and representatives of the players - as well as a group of corporate workers - ended on Wednesday without an agreement.

“Regarding the status of salary negotiations between the club, the representatives of professional footballers and the corporate worker group, FC Barcelona issues the following report,” a statement released by the club said.

“Today, November 11, after several days of intense meetings and exhausting all avenues, the parties involved have concluded talks without reaching a firm agreement.

“We find ourselves in a situation where it is up to the management board to make decisions that will help ease the financial problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In monetary terms, the club is facing a loss of income amounting to €300m for the 2020-21 season alone. As such, a salary adjustment of €191m must be made.

“The negotiating process has revealed the sincere desire of all parties to come to an understanding, including the process of reimbursing wages that must be postponed in the short-term. We have overcome things that previously seemed insurmountable.

“All parties have agreed to give each other until November 23 to reflect and decide whether the proposals that remain on the table are acceptable.”

Reports have suggested Barca want to cut the wages of their top earners, including Lionel Messi, by 30 per cent.

Barca are believed to have one of the highest wage bills in Europe, with the likes of Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal having left the club in the close season.

Ronald Koeman's side are eighth in La Liga, nine points adrift of leaders Real Sociedad but have played two fewer games.

Once the international break is finished, Barca will travel to Atletico for a crunch La Liga clash on November 21.

Lyon and Netherlands striker Memphis Depay has admitted that it would be hard to pass up the opportunity to move to Barcelona. 

Depay, 26, has proved a huge hit at Lyon since moving to the Ligue 1 club in 2017 having failed to live up to expectations at Manchester United. 

The forward netted 19 goals in his first full season in the French top flight and, in 2019-20, was a key part of his side's march to the Champions League semi-finals, scoring six goals in eight appearances as Lyon upset both Juventus and Manchester City before their European dreams were ended by Bayern Munich in the last four.

Barcelona have long been linked with Depay's services, and would have tied up a transfer over the summer but for the star's wages pushing the cash-strapped Catalans over budget. 

The Blaugrana would have to further trim their squad to fund new signings of the striker's calibre, but should a move be on the table Depay would consider it very carefully. 

"I don't know about Barca. The transfer market is not open. My mind isn't on that," Depay told reporters after drawing 1-1 with Spain on Wednesday.

"I am trying to give my best, to play well in order to become a better player. There is a lot of speculation out there. 

"Who wouldn't like to play there? They are one of the best teams in the world. Everyone would like to play there, but I'm not thinking about that." 

One person determined to quash any transfer talk is Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, who stated this week his desire to see Depay remain in France. 

“We have a lot of internationals for different countries, including Memphis, who is a leader,” Aulas told RMC Sport.

“Memphis, I’m not in love with him but I think he can bring to Lyon a dimension that everyone wants the club to have. But, no, we are seemingly not going to keep him [at the end of his contract].

"I was the first to say he would not go to Barcelona. Nobody listened to me during the transfer window because everybody thought he would leave.

“There is not only Memphis, but also Houssem Aouar and Moussa Dembele. From the start, I told you, they will not leave because in a year when we were unfairly deprived of European football, we absolutely have to make a success of the season. So he will stay.”

Georginio Wijnaldum is honoured to have captained the Netherlands in their 1-1 draw with Spain but said he has mixed feelings due to the absence of close friend Virgil van Dijk.

Wijnaldum took over the captain's armband for Wednesday's friendly from injured Liverpool and Netherlands team-mate Van Dijk, who is likely to be out for the rest of the season after sustaining significant damage to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last month.

Stand-in skipper Wijnaldum played 45 minutes in Amsterdam – the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Poland and Ukraine taking priority, and revealed after the match he had been in close contact with Van Dijk ahead of kick-off.

"Of course it is great to represent your country in this way," Wijnaldum said, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Wednesday. "But I would have preferred for Van Dijk to have been here. Then he would have been the captain instead.

"He makes our team stronger and is still very involved with us. I had him on the phone before the game - we talked about my birthday. But I'll call him again shortly."

Donny van de Beek scored his second international goal in as many games early in the second half to earn the Netherlands a draw against a second-string Spain side.

Sergio Canales had earlier given Spain the lead with his maiden goal for the national side and Netherlands head coach Frank de Boer was unhappy with his team's defending in the first half.

"We forgot to cover properly," he said. "I told them about that at the break and we improved on it. The game turned when De Beek and [Luuk] de Jong put their opponents under more pressure, more quickly."

De Boer is winless in four matches since replacing Ronald Koeman as coach but is hopeful that run will come to an end in Sunday's home match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"Of course I would have liked to have won the game," he said. "Let's go and do that against Bosnia."

Owen Wijndal, 20, was the standout player for the Netherlands on what was just his second senior outing.

The left-back managed more tackles (three) than any home player while nobody turned over possession more times (seven) and intercepted the ball (twice) more often.

"He was fantastic," De Boer said. "He made a very good impression today. He has done a fantastic job and was a lot better than on his debut against Mexico."

Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi is desperate to transfer his form for his country to his club after the international break.

Batshuayi scored both of Belgium's goals in a 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland on Wednesday – converting both of his attempts of the game.

The 27-year-old took his tally to 21 goals for Belgium, with five of those coming in his last three games for the Red Devils.

However, it has been a different story in the Premier League with Batshuayi, who is on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea, yet to find the net in five games this season.

"Why do I score so easily here? That's a question I ask myself," Batshuayi told RTL Sport.

"It's a bit annoying but I don't think about the past, I'm going forward. Personally, it feels good to score two goals. It shows that I have qualities, I have to try to perform well in the club as in the national team."

Belgium's win was a fortunate one, as they managed a total of seven shots in total compared to Switzerland's 12.

The Swiss also enjoyed more possession – 51.5 per cent to 48.5% – and completed more passes (632 to 594) as well as winning more duels (40 to 38)

Batshuayi felt it was a challenging game for Roberto Martinez's side, with many of their stellar names rested ahead of their Nations League clash with England on Sunday.

"It was difficult, it's a team that is very physical. We knew that from last year when they eliminated us in the Nations League," Batshuayi added.

"It's a good test match for newcomers and for me. The thing to remember is that there were a lot of new players. They listened very well to the coach's instructions and it really feels good to win this kind of victory."

Belgium were without Real Madrid star Eden Hazard, who recently tested positive for Covid-19, with Martinez disappointed by his absence. 

"Obviously we were all delighted to see Eden play in the last three games with his club and starting to look happy and free, being able to score," Martinez told reporters on Tuesday.

"I think we were all looking forward to seeing Eden play for the national team. I think that was good news for the club as well because to be able to play minutes and get games will help his match fitness.

"The positive is a disappointing news but it's not abnormal in the current world we live in." 

Bayern Munich star David Alaba is growing increasingly disillusioned with his contract situation at the Bundesliga giants, father George revealed on Wednesday. 

The Switzerland defender has been a cornerstone of the Bayern backline for almost a decade, having come through the Bavarian club's academy after making the move to Germany at just 16 and going on to rack up almost 400 appearances to date.

In recent seasons he has undergone a transformation on the field, moving into the centre of defence - a switch which among other things has allowed Canada sensation Alphonso Davies to take Germany and Europe by storm as Alaba's successor at left-back. 

Bayern caused a stir at the start of November, though, when they announced they had withdrawn their offer of a new contract after failing to come to terms with the star defender. 

Alaba is out of contract next summer, meaning that he will be free to discuss a transfer with foreign clubs from the new year onwards. 

While the defender's future has become the subject of numerous public statements from both Bayern and his management team he has remained largely silent on the issue, although he did admit that Bayern's  willingness to include him in a mooted swap deal was "a slap in the face". 

But his father insists that the constant speculation is taking its toll. 

"He is so disappointed and upset because so many falsehoods are being aired in public," George Alaba explained to APA on Wednesday. "I don't know how this will proceed." 

Liverpool are one of the teams linked with a possible move for Alaba, and the Reds could even strike as early as January to ease the defensive crisis which worsened on Wednesday with news of Joe Gomez's knee injury. 

Bayern, however, have not ruled out a new deal for their long-time star, with CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge leaving open the possibility of a future accord. 

"The door is still open a crack,” Rummenigge told Sky Deutschland over the weekend.

“If David wants to stay at Bayern then we have to evaluate how we can find a reasonable solution for both sides."

Peter Crouch has revealed he "never wanted to punch anyone more" than Marcelo after the Real Madrid full-back ensured his sending off in a 2011 Champions League clash.  

Playing for Tottenham at the time, the England striker was sent off just 15 minutes into the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Crouch picked up two yellow cards in quick succession on the night with his second coming after a questionable challenge on Marcelo. 

Spurs would end up losing the match 4-0 and the return leg 1-0 as the club's European run effectively came to end after Crouch's dismissal - something he still struggles to accept all these years later. 

“The dressing room is underneath the stadium and there are tiers upon tiers of fans and you can hear them. I’m sat in the dressing room with a towel over my head, hearing goal after goal after goal going in and I’m thinking: ‘that’s down to me’. That was a low point and a big regret," Crouch said on Paddy Power’s From the Horses Mouth podcast. 

“I do have a little excuse when it comes to the cards though. The first one was me being excitable, so I can give the referee that. It was a tackle on Sergio Ramos.

“For the second one, I went to block a ball down the line from Marcelo and I did dive in a bit, but I didn’t touch him.

“He’s jumped up in the air and rolled around, and there is a camera angle where you can see he looks at the referee and he celebrates as the red card comes out then he jumps back up.

“I’ve never wanted to punch anyone more in my life! For them, that was seen as a win. They’ve won the game and they played me. I was naive to let myself get caught up in that.”

Real Madrid, coached by Jose Mourinho at the time, were later knocked out in the semi-finals by Barcelona, who ended up winning the Champions League that season after defeating Manchester United 3-1 in the final. 

Crouch left Tottenham at the end of that campaign and went on to play over 250 games for Stoke City before retiring in 2019 after a short stint with Burnley. 

The closest he came to Champions League glory was in 2007 when he came off the bench in Liverpool's 2-1 loss to AC Milan in that season's final. 

Vincenzo Grifo scored his first international goals as Italy stretched their unbeaten run to 20 games with a 4-0 friendly win over Estonia at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Wednesday. 

The Azzurri have now won 15 of their 20 matches since a 1-0 Nations League loss to Portugal in September 2018 and they never looked in danger of tasting defeat against a side 97 places beneath them in the world rankings. 

Led by Alberico Evani with Roberto Mancini self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, the hosts went ahead after 14 minutes courtesy of Grifo's maiden Italy goal and Federico Bernardeschi doubled their advantage.

Grifo then added a second from the penalty spot in the 75th minute before substitute Riccardo Orsolini added another from 12 yards to help Italy wrap up the most routine of wins. 

Freiburg forward Grifo marked his fourth appearance for Italy with a sumptuous opener, whipping a half-volley in off Marko Meerits' left-hand post from 25 yards after a lay-off by Kevin Lasagna.

An unmarked Lasagna missed a glorious chance soon after, the Udinese forward failing to make a clean connection with Bernardeschi's teasing cross from close range.

Italy's dominance was rewarded shortly before the half-hour mark, though, when Bernardeschi cut in from the right to bend a left-footed strike into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area – his first international goal since October 2019.

Emerson Palmieri lashed wide following an incisive move on the edge of the penalty area after the interval, while Grifo saw an effort deflected narrowly wide.

Grifo got his second when he thumped home from 12 yards after Roberto Gagliardini was tripped inside the penalty area by substitute Georgi Tunjov.

Orsolini then wrapped up the scoring in the 86th minute, sweeping home his second international goal from the spot after forcing Henri Jarvelaid into a rash challenge in the area.

What does it mean? Azzurri brush aside lightweight visitors

Estonia were hardly the most challenging of opponents, Karel Voolaid's side failing to register a single shot on target, but the absent Mancini will be pleased his side went about their business with the minimum of fuss. The hosts carved out 14 shots on goal and enjoyed a whopping 71 per cent possession in what was a dominant performance.

Bernardeschi delivers all-action display

The Juventus forward scored a superb goal to double his side's advantage before the interval and was a handful before his departure in the 71st minute. He made a game-high three key passes and put in seven crosses – four more than any of his team-mates.

Soriano fails to impress

Roberto Soriano was only one of four Italian outfield starters to play the full 90 minutes, but he did not make much of an impression. The Bologna midfielder failed to have a shot on target, made just 28 successful passes – the fewest of any Italy player to take part in the entire game – and lost possession 11 times.

What's next?

Both sides are in Nations League action on Sunday. Italy host Poland in a crunch Group A1 clash, while Estonia face a trip to North Macedonia.

Molde striker Leke James has expressed his desire to play for the Super Eagles and he is aiming for an invitation in the future.

James has been outstanding in the Norwegian Eliteserien and he helped Molde win the top-flight title last season with a contribution of 17 goals in 28 matches.

He has kicked off from where he stopped in the last campaign with nine goals already to his name in the 2020 season.

James' scoring form has not gone unnoticed with Nigerian scouts monitoring his performances, however, the 28-year-old wants a chance to help Gernot Rohr's team upfront.

"I will be truly honoured and happy if I get the call to represent my country," James told Goal.

"It would be a great feeling, out of how many millions of people in Nigeria then they choose you. I believe every player will love to play for his country.

"It is about the opportunity, I believe I have something to add to the team if I am given the opportunity. I hope I get one because I know they are watching me so I'm just working hard.

"Back then, I used to love John Utaka. He's one of my favourite players while growing up."

James is a follower of the Super Eagles as he awaits his maiden invitation.

Ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Sierra Leone on Friday, he left a word of advice for Gernot Rohr’s men.

"I think they're trying to build something. Everybody should be on top of their game, I mean every department and they should try to give everything," he added.

"The technical crew must have understudied the Sierra Leone team and the tactical aspect is up to them to decide the game plan. The games should go well because we have quality players."

Nigeria sit on top of Group L with six points after two matches.

Debutants Marcus Forss and Onni Valakari scored debut goals as Finland ended France's 12-match unbeaten run with a shock 2-0 friendly victory.

A much-changed Les Bleus side made a promising start, but 21-year-olds Forss and Valakari struck in the space of three first-half minutes to put Finland in command at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

France debutant Marcus Thuram struck the crossbar before Forss opened the scoring, but the world champions were toothless ahead of their Nations League encounters with Portugal and Sweden.

Finland, who also rung the changes, were solid after rocking Didier Deschamps' side with those two first-half goals from out of the blue and famously secured their first win over France, whose previous defeat came against Turkey in June 2019.

Thuram made a lively start on the left flank and almost opened the scoring when he rose high to head Lucas Digne's corner against the crossbar 15 minutes in, before volleying over unmarked from just eight yards out.

France were dominant but Finland took the lead against the run of play just before the half-hour mark, Forss driving into the penalty area to fire home with his left foot after Rasmus Karjalainen dispossessed Moussa Sissoko.

Things quickly went from bad to worse for Les Bleus, with Valakari cutting inside onto his left foot and picking his spot in the top-left corner with a stunning strike from around 20 yards out.

Finland were brimming with confidence and Steve Mandanda had to be alert to keep out Joni Kauko's effort with his feet early in the second half.

Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial and N'Golo Kante were introduced 12 minutes after the break, with Paul Pogba among the trio withdrawn, but France were running out of ideas.

Monaco full-back Ruben Aguilar made his debut off the bench and Griezmann firing wide in stoppage time when he ought to have scored summed up a frustrating night for France.

What does it mean? Fringe players fail to take their chance

Digne, Clement Lenglet and Steven Nzonzi were the only players who started the win over Croatia last month to be named in the line-up to take on Finland.

Deschamps would have been expecting those who came into the team to show the world champions' strength in depth, but it was a flat performance after a bright start.

Mixed start for Thuram

The performance of Thuram might be one positive for Deschamps to take from a rare defeat. Son of France legend Lilian Thuram, the 23-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach attacker showed glimpses of his quality in Paris.

He had six shots and should have found the back of the net, but only once hit target. Thuram took on much more responsibility than some of his more senior team-mates, though, and also made two key passes. However, a lack of composure was evident not just with his finishing, as just one of his five crosses found the intended target.

Pogba ineffective

Midfielder Pogba's struggles with Manchester United have been well documented and he had an evening to forget in the middle of the park.

While he failed to complete only six of his 51 passes, Pogba did not really look like unlocking the Finland defence and was often too deep to have a significant impact before he was withdrawn.

What's next?

France face Portugal in the Nations League on Saturday, while Finland come up against Bulgaria away from home on Sunday.

Padsoccer esports tournament Lagos qualifiers has been slated to hold on Sunday, November 15 at the Game Evo Lounge, Akoka.

The interactive football body, the biggest in Nigeria has been running the annual tournament for many years, with the first edition taking place in 2013.

The competition sponsored by Rocket App by Chiji14xchange will see eight gamers from the Lagos regional event selected to compete for honours at the Padsoccer national finals billed to hold from December 13 and 14, 2020 in Asaba, Delta state.

In a no holds barred chat with Goal, Padsoccer boss Paul Chinedu Ohachu explains what’s up about the esports.

“Padsoccer esports tournament is an e-Fifa competition where gamers come and compete for honours as well as sharpen their gaming skills,” Ohachu told Goal.

“We are having the Lagos qualifiers because we have a lot of gamers based in the Centre of Excellence and we don’t want a situation where they would flood the main event in Asaba.

“This competition is put together by Naija Game Evolution and TechPlus and eight gamers would be picked to represent Lagos in the grand finale.

“Rocket app by Chiji14xchange is the major sponsor and it is good to know that the company has put up a lot of funds to ensure this year’s edition come out very positive and we are looking forward to having everyone in the gaming arena in Akoka.”

The growth of esports is nothing but remarkable in Nigeria, nevertheless, Ohachu believes in years to come, the country would stand tall among gaming nations in the world.

“The motive of this competition is to help the gamers rate their performance while we are doing all it takes towards sustaining a gaming culture in Nigeria,” he continued.

“Esports was established in Nigeria last year with Padscocer a member and we are looking at the development of the sport in the country.

“As it stands, we have succeeded in building up a gamers’ community and with contests like we are having on Sunday, other hidden gamers will see the need to support our course.

“I have so much hope that esports will get into action very quickly because when it comes to sports, Nigeria are very keen and passionate.”

Unlike the 2019 edition where the winner walked home with half a million naira, the champion this term will be a proud owner of PlayStation 5, a home video game console which is expected to be released to the rest of the world on November 19, 2020.

Lionel Messi's father and agent Jorge has categorically denied that the Barcelona star is considering a move to Paris Saint-Germain next summer. 

The Argentine's future has been the hottest of topics around Camp Nou ever since he expressed his desire to leave in a now-infamous burofax sent to Barca in August. 

Player and club were ultimately reconciled, with Messi telling Goal in an exclusive interview that the only way he could have left in the summer of 2020 was if a team had met his prohibitive €700 million release clause. 

What will happen once the 2020-21 season, however, remains anybody's guess. 

Manchester City, coached by Leo's former Barca mentor Pep Guardiola, have consistently been named as the most likely destination for a transfer, while ESPN suggested that PSG were also an option. 

According to the channel, contact had already been made between the French champions and Messi Sr. in order to broker a deal, with negotiations possible as early as January. 

But the agent gave that report short shrift, borrowing one of United States president Donald Trump's most infamous phrases in order to dismiss the story. 

"Stop inventing! Fake news," Jorge fired on Instagram, posting his message over a screenshot of the offending transfer rumour. 

Messi is currently in his native Argentina preparing for Thursday's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier at home to Paraguay, as the Albiceleste seek to continue their 100 per cent record in the competition so far. 

At the weekend the Barca captain found himself in the unusual position of sitting on the bench at kick-off after being left out of the starting line-up by coach Ronald Koeman, although his presence proved decisive nonetheless as he came on at half-time to contribute two goals and an assist to his side's 5-2 defeat of Betis. 

"Messi has shown me to be a person who wants to win things and continue to be the best, even though he has had his problems with the club," Koeman told Sport of his star.

"Barcelona have been, are and will be a better team with Messi than without. When I arrived, they told me that Messi was unhappy.

"We spoke at his house and he explained his reasons to me. I was honest. I told him that the only thing is the system, his position on the field, his importance in the team.

"But the problems that he had had with the club I couldn't change. From the first day I have said the same thing. He is the best and is committed to the club.

"He has had his issues, his problems this summer, but since he returned to training he has been very good.

"He has had bad luck in some games and he has not been able to offer the usual performance, but I am sure that at the end of the season he will have scored the usual goals."

South Africa head coach Molefi Ntseki says it is imperative for his side to record two victories against Sao Tome and Principe.

Bafana Bafana are set to face the Falcons and True Parrots Team in back-to-back 2022 Africa Cup Nations (Afcon) qualifiers and both matches will be played in South Africa.

Ntseki's side will host Sao Tome at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, before meeting again at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where Bafana will officially be the away side on Monday.

South Africa are coming into these two games placed second on their qualifying group (Group C) with three points and the 1996 African champions are keen to add to their points tally.

“The six points are very critical and everybody is aware of that,” Ntseki said on Daily Sun. 

“We are not the only ones who are under pressure. The media, the president of the country and the president of Safa, we are all looking forward to getting six points.

“We know if we don’t get the six points [against Sao Tome], we would have disappointed everybody in the country."

Ntseki is eager to silence his critics having endured a difficult start to his reign as Bafana coach, with the team having played five matches under his guidance - losing two, drawing one and winning two. 

Bafana failed to record a win in their last Fifa international break as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Namibia, before losing 2-1 to Zambia in friendly matches at home in October 2020. 

Ntseki explained that he has done his homework on the Falcons and True Parrots Team in Group C. 

“We have done our plan, we have done our preparations and we are going to execute our plan in training,” added Ntseki.

“We expect the players to respond to it to help them on Friday and on Monday to win both games.”

Sao Tome have lost their two matches in Group C which were against Ghana and Sudan and they are yet to score a single goal.

Two wins over the Falcons and True Parrots Team could see Bafana climb to the top of the group standings if the results between Ghana and Sudan go their way. 

Nouadhibou head coach Mauril Njoya has revealed his initial reaction upon drawing Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the Caf Champions League was that of fear.

The Mauritanian club is set to face the 1983 champions in the preliminary round of the continental competition for a place in the first round.

The draw for the qualifying phase of the championship was conducted in Egypt on Monday.

"I will be very glad to welcome Asante Kotoko to Mauritania. I love Ghana a lot even though I have not been there before," Njoya told Ashh FM.

"When I got the information that we are playing Asante Kotoko, my [feeling] was in two phases.

"First, I was afraid to meet Asante Kotoko and secondly, I was very happy coming to Ghana for the first time.

"I'm not saying I'm scared [and that] I can't beat Asante Kotoko but I respect them because they are one of the best teams in Africa and they perform very well every season.

"There is absolutely no pressure on us because we are a 20-year-old club with a lot of experience."

Nouadhibou are the Mauritania Ligue 1 cup holders, their eighth time winning the national league.

The Orange Club will host Kotoko for the first first leg tie on November 27-29, a week before travelling to Ghana for the reverse tie.

The aggregate winners will lock horns with the ultimate victors of the match between Al Hilal Club of Sudan and Ugandan outfit Vipers in December and January.

Kotoko, meanwhile, have set their sights on beating the Mauritanian outfit to the qualifying first round ticket.

Last season, the Porcupine Warriors featured in the Champions League where they were eliminated in the first round by Tunisian fold Etoile du Sahel.

They have not reached the group stage of the competition since 2006, two years after reaching the final of the Caf Confederation Cup.

The first of their two Champions League titles came in 1970 when they beat Congolese outfit TP Englebert to lift the cup.

Kotoko are the most successful club in the history of the Ghana Premier League, having won 23 titles.

Lionel Messi has been declared fit for Argentina's 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru by Lionel Scaloni.

It had been reported that Messi was a doubt for Thursday's meeting with Paraguay at La Bombonera after reporting for duty with an ankle issue.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner started Barcelona's 5-2 victory over Real Betis on Saturday among the substitutes but came on at half-time and scored twice.

Barca assistant coach Alfred Schreuder said the decision was made because Messi was "not fresh", but Scaloni put any lingering concerns over his fitness to bed.

"Leo trained with us normally. He has been experiencing discomfort in his ankle but it does not prevent him from playing, so for us he is fit and available," Scaloni told a news conference on Wednesday.

"We'll see if anything changes tomorrow, but in principle he's ready to play.

"The truth is that we have had quite a few problems. We still do not have every player. [Lucas] Martinez Quarta just arrived and we will see if he can train with the group this afternoon, and the rest of those who trained differently for various reasons, we hope today to see how they are so we can define the team for tomorrow.

"Without a doubt, it was a very unusual selection – the most difficult we have had. It's typical of what we are experiencing with the number of games being played and the rush there is. We hope to have them all."

Angel Di Maria returned to the Argentina set-up for the first time since last year's Copa America and Scaloni explained the reason for the absence of the Paris Saint-Germain attacker for the opening round of qualifiers in October.

"We had Nicolas Gonzalez and [Giovani] Lo Celso, who got injured after being called up. I would have been in favour of calling up Di Maria, but with everything that was happening it did not seem fair and respectful when he would only have arrived for the second game," said Scaloni.

"This time, Nico Gonzalez had very few minutes, Lo Celso had not got a rhythm and we thought we were not going to make the mistake of not bringing him in again.

"My relationship with him is perfect. We are happy to have him and he is training very well."

Liverpool were plunged even further into defensive crisis this week when Joe Gomez was confirmed the latest player to have suffered an injury.

The centre-back withdrew from the England squad ahead of their matches against Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland due to a knee problem he sustained in training.

Although the severity of the 23-year-old's injury is yet to be determined, the news poses serious problems for Jurgen Klopp, who has seen his back line decimated in recent weeks.

Gomez is the fourth member of the Liverpool defence to be ruled out in the last month. The Premier League champions' struggles began when Virgil van Dijk was ruled out for several months with knee ligament damage after a crunching challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in October. 

Brazil international Fabinho was called on to fill in at the back alongside Gomez in the following game against Midtjylland in the Champions League, but he went off injured in the first half with a hamstring problem.

While Klopp received a boost when Joel Matip returned to fitness and was able to play a role, they suffered another catastrophe on Sunday when Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off against Manchester City. It was later revealed that the right-back suffered a calf injury and could be out of action until mid-December.

With the problems piling up for the Anfield outfit, the options are thin for Klopp, who may have to call on inexperienced defenders Nathaniel Phillips, Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio to help fill the void.

Ideally, Liverpool would be able to bring in an emergency signing or loan while the transfer window is closed, but due to Premier League rules, English teams do not have the luxury that some of their foreign counterparts have.

Whereas Barcelona were able to deal with their lack of attacking options last year by bringing in Martin Braithwaite from fellow La Liga side Leganes outside of the transfer window, there is no clause allowing Premier League teams to buy any players from other English sides while the window is closed.

Meanwhile, the emergency loan system which may have given them a chance to bring in temporary replacements is no longer in use, as it was scrapped by FIFA four years ago.

Liverpool's only option would be to sign a free agent, but there are not a lot of quality options floating around at this stage. 

Ex-Real Madrid centre-back Ezequiel Garay, 34, is one candidate available having left Valencia in February this year after suffering a cruciate ligament injury. 

Jozo Simunovic, 26, is another defender without a club after he left Celtic when his contract expired at the end of last season. 

Klopp could bring Kevin Stewart back to the club, given the 27-year-old made 20 first team appearances for Liverpool before he left for Hull. 

Other options with Premier League experience are former Swansea star Ashley Williams, now 36 years old, and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, who made 46 first team appearances for Newcastle and was released by Lyon in the summer.

Liverpool star Sadio Mane opened the scoring for Senegal in their 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture on Wednesday.

Mane stepped up to fire Aliou Cisse's side ahead from the penalty spot two minutes before half-time while Opa Nguette sealed maximum points for the hosts in the 73rd minute.

Wednesday's strike at the Stade Lat Dior was Mane's 20th goal for the Teranga Lions on his 62nd appearance, which puts him a goal behind joint-second all-time top scorer El Hadji Diouf and Mamadou Diallo.

The victory extended Senegal's dominance in Group I as they maintain their spot at the top with nine points after three games while Guinea-Bissau are placed third with three points from three matches.

At the end, Senegal coach Cisse felicitated with his team for grabbing the needed result against all odds in Thies.

“I congratulate them. They played a serious game despite the bad conditions and the heat,” he said per Wiw Sport.

“It was complicated, but I commend the effort they put in. They were determined to earn the three points.”

In his reaction, Guinea-Bissau’s Baciro Cande faulted the penalty decision in the first-half, and he maintains his team was not inferior to the 2019 Afcon finalists ahead of Sunday's reverse fixture in Bissau.

“We conceded the first goal when it was not necessary,” Cande said. “There were a few minutes left before the end of the first half, unfortunately Senegal benefited from a non-existent penalty, for me there is no fault.

“We tried to get back to the score in the second half, we had two or three great chances but we missed them because there was a good goalkeeper in front. We were not inferior to Senegal.

“There is a match in Guinea, we will see what will happen there. We will come with all our assets to beat Senegal on Sunday.”

Pedro Neto and Paulinho scored on their Portugal debuts while Renato Sanches impressed and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a 7-0 rout of Andorra.

Handed his first international outing in Wednesday's friendly at Estadio da Luz, Neto put Portugal ahead early on, with Braga forward Paulinho soon getting in on the act.

Called on from the bench at half-time, Ronaldo – who missed some golden chances before scoring Portugal's sixth – set up Sanches for his first international goal since Euro 2016, with Paulinho then doubling his tally.

Emili Garcia netted an own goal as Andorra's defence crumbled under the quality at Portugal's disposal, with Joao Felix hammering in to round off the scoring late on.

It took just eight minutes for Neto to grab his debut goal, with the Wolves youngster slamming home on the half volley after Sergio Oliveira and Paulinho combined.

Sanches went close with a low long-range strike which was saved by Josep Gomes, who was beaten for a second time when he failed to keep out Paulinho's toe-poke.

Ronaldo should have done better after coming on as a half-time substitute, with the Juventus star heading over from close range, but he turned provider for Portugal's third goal after 56 minutes, teeing up Sanches to sweep in a strike that opened the floodgates.

Paulinho's brilliant header from Mario Rui's cross put Portugal four up just after the hour mark, before Ronaldo looped another attempt over.

Ronaldo thought he had created another goal when he bundled it through to William Carvalho, only for the offside flag to cut the celebrations short, though Portugal had a fifth when Garcia diverted Bernardo Silva's cross beyond Gomes.

After missing another gilt-edged chance, Ronaldo finally had his goal when he headed in from point-blank range, with fellow substitute Joao Felix wrapping things up in the 88th minute.

What does it mean? Rampant Portugal roll on

Since losing to Uruguay in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup, Portugal have suffered just one defeat – against Ukraine in Euro 2020 qualification. 

It is a run of one loss in 22 games for Fernando Santos' side, whose focus will now switch back to ensuring they will be in a position to defend their Nations League crown. 

Sanches ends his scoreless streak

Sanches was a breakout star as Portugal won Euro 2016, but the midfielder endured a fall from grace before reviving his career at Lille. 

At 23 he still has the potential to become a key figure for the national team, and turned in an impressive all-round display, completing 98 per cent of his passes in the opposition half.

That performance was capped off with a fine finish, his first for the senior team since he netted against Poland on June 30, 2016.

Ronaldo's all-action cameo 

Portugal registered a total of 25 attempts, with 14 of those on target. 

Seven shots came from the lively Ronaldo, who assisted Sanches' goal, headed over twice and prodded wide from three yards out prior to converting a cross from Rui – who had two assists on the night – with five minutes left. 

Santos will hardly have learned anything from the victory from a defensive standpoint, however, with Andorra failing to muster a single effort at goal.

What's next?

Portugal will face an altogether sterner task when they host France in the Nations League on Saturday, before they travel to Croatia three days later.