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Ghana midfielder Afriyie is pumped up for action after being handed a late call-up for the upcoming 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against Sudan.

The Yeni Malatyaspor man is among seven players announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) as new additions to the original 23-man squad on Monday.

It is his first invitation for national duty since playing at the 2019 Afcon final tournament in Egypt.

Ghana host Sudan for a matchweek three tie on Thursday, five days before the reverse matchweek four fixture.

“I always try to do my best for the team. I am going to do the same job I have been doing for the team: to play well and help the team win the game," Acquah told Sportsworldghana.

"I want to help the team to qualify for the Afcon as we try to win the tournament this time around.

"We reached the finals in 2015 and have made a couple of semi-finals appearances and now the most important thing for us is to try to win the Afcon for our country. This is what I am looking forward to achieving with the team."

Acquah shared his thoughts on the recent transfer of veteran Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan to local side Legon Cities.

“When I heard that Gyan has joined the Ghana Premier League again, I was so happy for him because I think this is going to help make the league more interesting," said the 28-year-old.

"When you look at the career of Gyan he has done amazing things and he comes to the league with a huge personality. This is my dream also.

"One day when I feel that I have had enough of European football I want to come to the Ghana Premier League and have a feel of it before I call time on my football career.

"As you know I never played in the Ghana Premier League or even the Division One and so it is my dream to also do what Gyan has done now.”

Nearing the twilight of his career, Acquah sheds light on the possibility of following the likes of Gyan.

“I am a BA United fan through and through. My family is a BA United one but you know they are currently not in the elite league," he revealed.

"In future when I decide to come back to Ghana to play in the top-flight I will consider BA United first if and only if they are in the elite league.

"If United is in the league then straight away I go there. Otherwise, the club that I dream to play for in Ghana is Asante Kotoko. Kotoko is that club that I want to play for one day.

"This is my dream also and so I congratulate Gyan and wish him all the best at his new club."

Acquah has previously played for Italian sides Palermo, Parma, Sampdoria, Torino and Empoli, and Hoffenheim.

South Africa national team coach Molefi Ntseki has replaced six players withdrawn from his squad for the back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Sao Tome e Principe.

Currently placed second in Group C, Bafana Bafana will host Sao Tome at Moses Mabhida Stadium on November 13, before taking the battle to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where they will be the away side.

Headlining the replacements is Orlando Pirates midfielder Vincent Pule as well as the Mamelodi Sundowns duo of defender Mosa Lebusa and utility player Thapelo Morena.

Cape Town City’s Thabo Nodada and Bloemfontein Celtic centre-back Tshepo Rikhotso have also been called-up despite the latter featuring in just one league match and two MTN8 games so far this season.

“Mosa Lebusa, Vincent Pule, Thapelo Morena, Tshepo Rikhotso and Thabo Nodada have been drafted into the Bafana Bafana squad to play Sao Tome,” a statement on the Bafana Bafana Twitter account read on Monday.

The changes come after Thibang Phete, Thulani Serero, Andile Jali, Reeve Frosler, Thamsanqa Mkhize and Abubakar Mobara were dropped for "medical reasons." 

The Cape Town City duo of Mkhize and Mobara will not be part of the Bafana Bafana squad after testing positive for coronavirus, while Frosler was injured during Kaizer Chiefs’ MTN8 semi-final, second leg defeat by Orlando Pirates on Sunday.

Injuries have also ruled out Sundowns midfielder Jali as well as United Arab Emirates-based midfielder Thulani Serero.

It is not yet exactly clear why Phete has been withdrawn but either Lebusa or Rikhotso could play in his place. 

Bafana Bafana were expected to start training on Monday in Durban.

A number of players have already reported for camp but striker Luther Singh was expected to join his teammates late on Monday from Portugal.

Anderlecht attacker Percy Tau and France-based Keagan Dolly were expected to land in South Africa early Tuesday.

Midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo, Carlisle United’s Dean Furman, Bongani Zungu, who made his Glasgow Rangers debut on Sunday were expected to join camp late on Tuesday.

After two rounds of matches, South Africa are second in Group C led by Ghana who enjoy a three-point lead. Sao Tome anchor the standings, while Sudan are in position three.

Ansu Fati is facing around four months on the sidelines at Barcelona after undergoing knee surgery.

The highly rated 18-year-old went under the knife on Monday. Renowned specialist Dr Ramon Cugat carried out the procedure, with everything going to plan on the medical side.

On a sporting front, Fati may have to sit out the vast majority of the 2020-21 campaign, with the club confirming that he will spend approximately four months on the sidelines - although it could be longer.

Their statement read: "The first team player Ansu Fati has undergone a successful operation on Monday for the injury to the internal meniscus of the left knee by Dr Ramon Cugat and under the supervision of the club's medical services. The approximate time of recovery will be four months.

"It should be remembered that Ansu played the first half of Barca v Betis, in which he was very active. This season, the young Barca forward has played 10 games, seven in the League and three in the Champions League. In total Ansu has played 596 minutes this season, in which he has managed to score five goals and distribute two assists."

Among Fati's five goals was one in the Clasico defeat against Real Madrid which saw him become the youngest scorer in the prestigious fixture this century, while also making a senior international breakthrough with Spain.

Impressive progress has been brought to an abrupt halt, however, with Fati forced out of Barcelona’s latest La Liga outing against Real Betis.

He was withdrawn at half-time in that contest and replaced by Lionel Messi, who went on to score twice in a 5-2 win for the Blaugrana.

Ronald Koeman told reporters afterwards: “Fati had some discomfort in the first half and we replaced him at half-time so as not to take risks.”

With Fati seeing his knee repaired, he can now start out on a long road to recovery.

There is a big part for him to play in Barcelona’s future – especially amid the uncertainty surrounding six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – with the Catalan giants tying a hot prospect to a new contract through to the summer of 2024.

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has been released by his club Montreal Impact to play for Kenya in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) double-header against Comoros.

Initially, the Major League Soccer (MLS) side was reluctant to release the midfielder and he was even involved in the game against DC United where he scored in a 3-2 win to seal a place in the playoffs.

"All foreign-based players initially called up have checked into camp," the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) communicated in a statement obtained by Goal, "save for Anthony Akumu, Johanna Omolo, and captain Victor Wanyama, who are expected to link up with the team later today."

However, as Goal revealed earlier, striker Michael Olunga is set to miss the game owing to the current situation in Japan and his team Kashiwa Reysol that plays in the J1.

"Michael Olunga has requested to be exempted from the team due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the country from which he plies his trade," the Federation further communicated. 

The Les Coelacantes are expected in Kenya on Tuesday, November 10. Thereafter they will have a feel of Kasarani Stadium at 7 pm.

The officials will be from Burundi and Tanzania with the centre referee and his assistants coming from North Africa as communicated by the Federation.

"Confederation of African Football (Caf) has appointed Mutaz Ibrahim from Libya as the centre referee for the match. He will be assisted by his compatriots Attia Essa Amsaaed and Majdi Kamil who will be serving as the first assistant referee and second assistant referee respectively.

"Aimable Habimana from Burundi will serve as the Match Commissioner while Leslie Leonard Liunda from Tanzania will act as the Referee Assessor."

It will be Kenya’s first match under new coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, who was appointed a month ago to take over the mantle after the FKF parted ways with former coach Francis Kimanzi on mutual agreement. 

However, no fan will be allowed since the match will be played behind closed doors.

Kenya are currently second in Group G after managing two draws from their first two matches, 1-1 against Egypt and the same scoreline against Togo. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had sack calls coming “from day one” at Manchester United, says Steve McClaren, with the Norwegian learning the hard way that life at Old Trafford can be as frustrating as it is demanding.

The Red Devils sounded an SOS call to a familiar face after parting with Jose Mourinho in December 2018.

An initial “honeymoon period” delivered a welcome upturn in fortune for United, convincing them that the interim coach deserved a three-year contract.

Questions have been asked of that decision on a regular basis ever since, with links to the likes of former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino seemingly never far away.

Solskjaer has been able to keep his head off the chopping block, with a 3-1 win over Everton helping to ease pressure on his shoulders once again, but plenty remain unconvinced by his claims to the most prominent of coaching posts.

McClaren says such criticism comes with the job, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand man telling talkSPORT of the speculation that continues to rage at Old Trafford: “I think he’s had this from day one, from coming in.

“He had a honeymoon period and got the job, and they’ve had spells [of bad form]. He had it last season, two or three times, where it was ‘Ole for the sack’.

“But they finished the season very well and started this season very poorly, so two or three times already [there have been calls for his sacking].

“It’s bound to get to you. It’s just the sheer frustration and you can’t do anything about it.

“It’s frustration not just of results but also of the players, and to finally get a result like that when needed – wow!

“As a manager it’s such a big relief and you can breathe easy and sleep easy for the next few weeks, but then it starts again.”

United will hope to have turned a corner in their latest outing at Goodison Park, but McClaren believes there are still issues for Solskjaer to address before the Red Devils can claim to be firmly back on the right track.

The ex-England boss added: “I’ve seen them a lot this season and, for me, it’s all about work rate. Not on the ball, they’ve got that, but off the ball. Win the ball back quickly.

“Talk about the back four being exposed, why do they get exposed? Because they are not working hard enough in front. It starts at the front, in terms of winning the ball back.

“You look at Liverpool and Man City and the intensity of the game from the front to the back. I think that was the key.

“[Scott] McTominay and Fred, when they’ve played in there and protected the back four, especially the two centre-backs who have been exposed. They are exposed against top quality players and conceded goals.

“It was attitude, work rate and determination, and all 11 players were willing to work for the shirt.

“They are all fighting against the world after the last two results before Saturday. It’s good; it’s a siege mentality and a bit of anger, passion and emotion.

“To be fair it’s what you want to see, and what supporters want to see. Seeing that after the game.

“The key now is to have a breather and have a break, and come back from the internationals fit. And start playing consistently like that and win games consistently.”

United will return to Premier League action after the international break with a home date against West Brom on November 21.

Watford captain Troy Deeney believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's lack of goals is caused by his position in the Arsenal formation.

For the first time in his Premier League career, Aubameyang failed to register a single shot on target as Mikel Arteta's side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa at home.

The 31-year-old has struggled to find the back of the net in this campaign with just two goals to his name after eight matches.

Deeney thinks Arteta needs to tweak his tactics to get the best out of the Gabon international who has been outstanding in his last two Premier League seasons.

“I’m starting to think, do they need to change formation to probably get Aubameyang in better situations?" the 32-year-old told Talk Sport.

"I know it’s very easy as we are pundits who sit here and watch and think we know everything about coaching, but he doesn’t seem to be getting in the same positions he once was and the goal threat he had before as well.”

Deeney is also confident the Arsenal captain will rediscover his goalscoring form despite the slow start.

When asked if Aubameyang can hit the 20-goal mark this term, he said; “I think we’ve all got to remember it’s been a very short pre-season with no real rest.

“Especially for those Arsenal guys who played the last game in the FA Cup and with the Community Shield as well.

"They are probably tired; people don’t like to hear sportsmen get tired but they do. Mentally as well as physically. He’s just having a bit of a slow start.

“Would you still think he’s going to score 20 goals this season? I think he would score that many. When he gets going he’ll be right up there.”

Matthews Ottamax has been appointed as Wazito FC goalkeeper trainer ahead of the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season.

The former Kenya international has confirmed through his official social account that he will be coaching the Nairobi-based side's custodians.

"The hot seat meets heat," Ottamax posted on his official Facebook account on Monday while on a Wazito FC jersey. 

The experienced trainer, who has coached AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia goalkeepers in the past, takes over from Elias Otieno who was fired alongside head coach Fred Ambani and assistant coach Babu Salim.

The shocking news comes barely a week after the aforementioned technical bench oversaw a 2-1 loss away to Zoo FC and 5-1 win against Narok Combined in pre-season friendly matches.

"We were called yesterday [Sunday] and informed that we are no longer needed at the club," Salim told Goal on Monday.

"No reason was given to us; it is shocking because we are in preparation for the forthcoming campaign and did not expect it. However, I have accepted their decision and currently, I am at home contemplating my next move."

Fred Ambani was re-appointed as Wazito FC head coach with Salim coming in as his assistant on August 8.  

The position fell vacant after former head coach Stewart Hall left, leaving his then assistant Ambani in charge of the proceedings.

The former striker had just returned to the club as the Briton's assistant coach after he had initially been sacked alongside Stanley Okumbi, who was the technical director.  

Salim left Kisumu-based side Western Stima and joined the Nairobi-based team hoping to help them change their fortune. 

Kakamega Homeboyz coach Nicholas Muyoti has been linked with the vacant role at Wazito.

Chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has since clarified the coach is still with the team and has not expressed any desire to leave so far.

"Muyoti is now at the pitch conducting training even though I thought he had left for his father’s burial arrangement but I am surprised he is with the team," Shimanyula told Goal.

"Wazito approached him, that I cannot deny but Muyoti turned their offer down saying he has a contract with Kakamega Homeboyz which he is willing to serve in full.

"Those are rumours for now but if he decides to leave he is an adult and we cannot stop him from making the move. He is a decent person that if he is planning to leave he would have told me.

"I am not under pressure at all and if Wazito want him even today they can come for him. I cannot panic because of that.

"I know they are hungry to snap everything from Kakamega Homeboyz especially that we finished third last season and they think by taking Muyoti will see them succeed as we did.

"Muyoti knows Wazito is not a team to rush and join."

Moise Kean has earned a comparison to current Manchester United star and former Paris Saint-Germain frontman Edinson Cavani, with Eric Rabesandratana disappointed that the Ligue 1 champions have no purchase option on the Everton loanee.

Having struggled for form and regular game time during a frustrating spell in England, the Italy international was allowed to head for the exits at Goodison Park over the summer.

Despite his difficulties on Merseyside, Kean’s stock remains high and PSG presented him with another prominent stage on which to perform. They have seen the former Juventus youngster reward their faith with five goals in seven appearances.

With Kean eager to prove himself in France, his tireless running and impressive end product has not gone unnoticed.

Those qualities have seen him likened to a proven performer who departed Parc des Princes just prior to his arrival, with Rabesandratana seeing similarities between a new recruit and the Uruguayan frontman who plundered 200 goals in 301 outings for PSG.

“When the ball is lost, he immediately starts to defend,” Rabesandratana told France Bleu Paris of a player who hobbled off injured in the 3-0 win over Rennes on Saturday.

“He reminds me a bit of Edinson Cavani in his mentality and effort. I hope he scores as many goals [as Cavani].

“We’ll be watching the next matches to see if he keeps that consistency, which is the most important thing at the top level.

“Kean will establish natural competition with [Mauro] Icardi, who will have to make an effort. That is good for the team. Unfortunately, we have no option to buy him at the end of the loan.”

Everton only sanctioned a season-long loan for Kean when allowing him to head out of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. The Toffees do not appear ready to give up on a hot prospect just yet, but it may be that their hand is forced by a player eager to forget his troubles in the Premier League.

Kean told Rai Sport when heading for Paris: “I am not particularly upset to have left English football, even if the banner from the Everton fans really moved me, as I wasn't expecting it.

“It's true, I could've returned to Juve, but I made this decision along with my family to play in Ligue 1. I've been to Paris before and have relatives here. I hope to learn a great deal from this fantastic experience. I am young, I like to work closely with top strikers, so I can learn from their experience and their style of football.”

Thibaut Courtois questioned the use of VAR in Real Madrid's heavy loss to Valencia and claimed opposition forward Maxi Gomez bought his side one of their penalties by "screaming".

Carlos Soler scored a hat-trick of spot-kicks in Valencia's surprise 4-1 win at Mestalla as Madrid conceded four goals in a Liga match for the first time under Zinedine Zidane.

Lucas Vazquez and Sergio Ramos were penalised for handling the ball inside the box, either side of Marcelo being punished for bringing down Gomez.

Courtois kept out the first penalty before it was retaken because of encroachment and was also beaten by a Raphael Varane own goal in Sunday's clash.

Soler is the first player to score three penalties in a single LaLiga game this century, but Courtois claimed Madrid were hard done by, particularly with the second spot-kick.

"Maxi screams more, and the way VAR gives penalties..." he said. "We had three penalties against, and the second goal was bad luck.

"I think we started well. Sometimes it happens to us that we don't move up the pitch together and we get caught out a little at the back, but [Valencia] haven't created chances.

"The first penalty is a penalty – it's bad luck. I don't know why it was retaken. The second goal is also bad luck. At half-time we were motivated to turn it around. As soon as I started, I make a save that goes onto the post and then two penalties."

There was also some controversy surrounding Valencia's second goal as a lengthy VAR check was needed to check for a possible Denis Cheryshev foul on Marco Asensio.

"There was a foul on Asensio in the build-up," Courtois said. "I heard him say it in the changing room, but you can't change anything there."

Madrid's defeat was their second in four league games, the other coming against newly promoted Cadiz, but Courtois reiterated that it was down to bad luck more than anything.

"We had chances to score, but the ball did not want to go in," he said. "We have to show the unity we did just after quarantine when we were barely letting in goals.

"There are some players who were not available for us but those who played have done well. Now is a good time to leave this game behind. Difficult games are coming."

Vazquez, who made more tackles (four) and clearances (three) than any Madrid player, acknowledged the importance of learning from the humbling defeat.

"It was a tough game and we've got to improve," said the makeshift right-back. "As a team, we came into the game on the back of several pretty good performances in which we performed to our best.

"This game was tough. We just weren't at it. We'll have to analyse it, learn from it and improve. It'll be a really interesting, open and hard-fought Liga season. Let's hope that we can ultimately take the title."

Ian Wright says the display of Mikel Arteta’s team in a 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday was “as bad a performance as I’ve seen from an Arsenal side”.

The Gunners great has pulled no punches in his assessment of an abject outing at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal had headed into a meeting with Villa buoyed by recent results at home and abroad, however, consistency is proving to be an issue for the north London outfit once again.

One step forward continues to be followed by another in the opposite direction, with Arteta’s team still very much a work in progress.

That was highlighted against Villa, with Arsenal taking in an evening to forget as they were made to look distinctly average by Dean Smith’s side and saw big-money summer signing Thomas Partey pick up an unfortunate injury.

“It's as bad a performance as I've seen from an Arsenal side when you consider only two of them were playing in midweek,” former Gunners striker Wright told Match of the Day.

Arteta had made a number of changes for a Europa League victory over Molde, but reverted back to his tried and tested versus Villa.

“It was poor in every department,” added Wright. “They need to break the lines, they need space to hit the ball into, they were dithering on the ball.

“It was a million miles away from the performance against Manchester United [where they won 1-0]. They were streets ahead of us.

“The effort and work rate from a team that was rested was nowhere near good enough.

“You need to impress your game upon them.

“There's a lack of a central midfielder that can create what [Arteta] needs, but you can't go into a game like that.”

Wright would appear to be suggesting that Arsenal are lacking guile in the middle of the park, having seen Ghana international Partey bring much-needed graft.

Arteta does have plenty of creativity at his disposal, but the World Cup-winning talents of Mesut Ozil have been cast aside and many have questioned the decision to omit the former Germany international playmaker from domestic and continental squad lists.

We at Goal.com have teamed up with the gaming serires FIFA 21 to identify the top 11 players exisiting in the game today.

Join us in the poll sponsored by FIFA 21 and vote for your favorite left back below but before that here is a quick snippet on some of the players:

Ferland Mendy:  Mendy is one of the best defensive full-backs on the planet right now. His arrival has ushered in a new way of playing under Zidane, with solidarity being the focus, in the absence of goals. And it’s no coincidence that in Mendy’s first season, Los Blancos enjoyed their best defensive season in over three decades. Overall FIFA 21 rating: 83

Andrew Robertson:  was a figure of unparalleled consistency for Liverpool in a season which saw him hit new heights and cement himself among the upper echelon of players around the world. Overall FIFA 21 rating: 87

Alphonso Davies: At the beginning of the 2019/20 season, the youngster was still playing for the Bayern reserve team in the third tier, but in October he made his first start for the first team. Within a few weeks he established himself as an undisputed regular and has been one of the star performers of the treble-winning campaign. Davies is a left-back with devastating pace, dribbling, vision and tenacity and he is constantly involved in the attack. Overall FIFA 21 rating: 81

Sergio Reguilón:  An energetic, almost frantic full-back, Reguilon's trademark is to gallop into the area from deep, rather than cross early.He is not afraid to take on defenders, and registered 1.6 successful dribbles per game last season. Overall FIFA 21 rating: 82

Jordi Alba: We all know what Jordi Alba is capable of. The pacy left-back is often seen touching the line with ample space available, transitioning from defense to offense in a matter of seconds. Overall FIFA 21 rating: 86

SuperSport United marksman Bradley Grobler believes he has not done himself justice on the international stage and is determined to rectify that.

Grobler is in the Bafana Bafana squad which are set to take on Sao Tome and Principe in back-to-back 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the first of which is in Durban on Friday, followed by Port Elizabeth next Monday.

The Matsatsantsa striker was in outstanding form last season with 14 league goals and a further three in the cup. This season he has already found the net three times in all competitions and is determined to now take that form onto the international stage.

“I feel that I have not done enough for my country, and it’s something that I would like to improve on," the 32-year-old said, as quoted by the Sowetan.

"It’s a privilege to wear the national team jersey, and if I can be injury-free and play a lot of matches, then I stand a good chance to be a regular for Bafana.

"I am knocking on the Bafana door, and I want to be a part of the team and take it from there. I feel that I have unfinished business and would like to do more for my country."

Injuries have indeed set Grobler back and for all his talent, he's never really enjoyed a sustained period of goal scoring, season after season, in his career.

And one has to go back as far as 2011 for when he made his Bafana debut, scoring in a friendly match against Zimbabwe. He's only other international goal was also in a friendly, five years later against Mozambique, and in total he's played only seven times for the national team.

So it does certainly seem a case of unfinished business for a player who is seemingly finding his best goal-scoring form late in his career.

Grobler, who has been linked with a move to Orlando Pirates previously, is also excellent at bringing others into play and exhibits some clever touches in and around the box.

He'll be competing with the likes of Kermit Erasmus, Percy Tau, Thabiso Kutumela and Luther Singh for a place in the starting line-up.

Uganda have confirmed two of their foreign-based players have pulled out of the squad for the double-header against South Sudan.

The Cranes coach Johnathan McKinstry has confirmed Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru and Alex Kakuba, who are among the 20 professionals summoned for the Afcon duty, have opted against playing in the fixture owing to various reasons.

Mubiru, who turns out for EnglishChampionship side Wycombe Wanderers, has been ruled out owing to a knee injury he suffered on Friday while Kakuba, who features for Cova Piedade in the Portuguese second division, tested positive for Covid-19 and will thus remain in isolation.

“Unfortunately Uche [Mubiru] sustained an ankle injury on Friday training preparing for their game against Nottingham Forest,” McKinstry told UG Sport as quoted by Kawowo Sports.

“On the other hand, Kakubatested positive for Covid-19 and will thus not travel.”

Two days ago, McKinstry whittled down his squad of local-based players as the team prepares for the must-win double-header.

The Northern Irish tactician had summoned a squad of 20 players from local clubs in the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) but after six days of training, he has trimmed the squad down to seven.

Some of the players who were left out include the experienced trio of Tonny Mawejje, Denis Iguma, and Murushid Jjuuko, who were handed a recall to the national team despite staying out of action for almost a year each.

The players who made the final cut are goalkeeper Charles Lukwago, defenders Halid Lwaliwa, Disan Galiwango, and Patrick Mbowa as well as midfielders Shafik Kagimu, Karim Watambala, and forward Brian Aheebwa.

Meanwhile, captain Denis Onyango and striker Michael Azira have already arrived to boost Uganda's squad.

The duo have now joined Al-Hilal Club's Salim Jamal, and Smouha SC’s Derrick Nsibambi, who was the first foreign-based player to link up with the local ones who have been training at the StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo.

Uganda will host South Sudan in the first meeting on November 12 at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende (16:00) before they face off again five days later in Kenya.

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Salim Jamal Magoola (Al Hilal Omdurman), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC).

Defenders: Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazambe), Nicholas Wadada (Azam FC), Elvis Bwomono (Southend United), Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds FK), Timothy Awany (Ashdod FC), Disan Galiwango (Vipers SC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Patrick Mbowa (URA FC).

Midfielders: Micheal Azira (Chicago Fire), Khalid Aucho (Misr Lel Makasa), Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel Kfar Saba), Farouk Miya (Konyaspor), Emmanuel Okwi (Ittihad Alexandria), Allan Kymabadde (El Gouna FC), Allan Okello (Paradou FC) AbuKarim Watambala (Vipers SC).

Forwards: Fahad Bayo (Ashdod FC), Edrisa Lubega (Paide Linnameeskond), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha FC), Mubiru Uche Ikpeazu (Wycombe Wanderers), Alexis Bbakka (Umea FC), Brian Aheebwa (KCCA FC).

Phil Neville claims it is “absolutely disgraceful that Paul Pogba can’t get in that team” at Manchester United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told the Frenchman has to play in order for the Red Devils to be competitive.

The World Cup winner was back on the bench for a 3-1 win over Everton and he was only introduced eight minutes from the end at Goodison Park, with United once again looking to Bruno Fernandes for inspiration.

The expectation was that Pogba would be allowed to form a productive partnership with the Portuguese playmaker in the Old Trafford engine room.

That has not been the case, for a number of reasons, and questions continue to be asked of the 27-year-old’s value to the collective cause in Manchester.

Neville believes Pogba can be a star man for United, which was always the intention when he was snapped up from Juventus for £89 million ($117m) in 2016, with players such as him needing to be given the trust and freedom they require in order to express themselves and fulfil their undoubted potential.

“I still think it’s absolutely disgraceful that Pogba can’t get in that team,” Neville told Premier League Productions.

“For United to win a league, for United to be successful, for United to play the style of football that Ole wants them to play, then Pogba has to play.

“You can play one of them [Nemanja] Matic, Fred or [Scott] McTominay and then you play Pogba with Fernandes.”

Part of the problem for Pogba is that he wants to fill the same role as Fernandes.

Experiments have already been made when it comes to fielding him in slightly different positions, with Solskjaer even moving him into a wide attacking post at times.

Neville concedes that finding the right mix is proving difficult for United, with it unlikely that Pogba could slot into a deeper holding berth.

“Probably not, no, but I’d rather go out there and score goals, go out there and go for the win playing the Manchester United way with Pogba in the team,” added Neville.

“I know I’ve said about him wanting to leave, not wanting to be there and his inconsistencies but I still think he’s one of the best midfielders around.

“That’s why I’m thinking: Why is Paul Pogba not in that team?”

Pogba has reiterated his dream to play for Real Madrid at some stage in his career, despite seeing a contract extension triggered at United, and he appears set to dominate headlines for the foreseeable future – on and off the field.

Megan Rapinoe has slammed English football for their "disgraceful" under-investment in the women's game while admitting to fearing for her career after taking a knee in 2016.

The profile of the Women's Super League was raised significantly following a summer of major transfers, with members of the United States' 2019 World Cup winners squad completing moves to England.

Rose Lavelle joined Manchester City from OL Reign and Alex Morgan left Orlando Pride to take up a new challenge with Tottenham.

They joined international stars like Pernille Harder, Sam Kerr and Vivianne Miedema in the WSL, which is finally starting to see increased exposure around the world after entering into its 10th year.

Rapinoe, who serves as captain for both the USWNT and OL Reign, thinks a solid platform for the women's game to grow on a larger scale has been a long-time coming, and she has been particularly unimpressed by the lack of funding provided to clubs in England.

"I think women's football in England is the same as in America - it is so far behind because of what we've had to overcome in the lack of investment," the 35-year-old told BBC Sport.

"It's 2020. How long has the Premier League been around? And we're only just seeing a club like Manchester United put effort and pounds towards a women's team? Frankly, it's disgraceful.

"I've had a few team-mates go abroad and play, while I'm training and trying to keep fit in the hopes that eventually we'll be out of this hellscape."

Rapinoe went on to insist she has no plans to hang up her boots with the Olympics just around the corner, and has even opened the door to a potential appearance at the next World Cup finals in 2023.

"I want to keep playing. I'm definitely not anywhere near retirement - I absolutely want to play at the Olympics," she said. "After the Olympics I'll have to take a longer look at the next three years. We're a year closer to the next World Cup and it's pretty enticing. We'll leave that one out in the open."

The United States talisman also opened up on the backlash she received after taking a knee in solidarity with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the national anthem four years ago, insisting she has no regrets over taking a stand against police brutality and racial injustice.

"I'm proud of it, to be honest. I'm proud of speaking my mind and doing the right thing. I feel this is how change is made," she said. "Any time I have someone try to explain or argue with me about kneeling or arguing, it's just an incoherent, fumbling, patriotic mess, right? Taking a knee sharpened my understanding of what I did, how I supported Colin and sharpened my resolved in that.

"It was not a comfortable time. I certainly felt that at least my international career was a little bit in jeopardy.

"It showed me a lot of true colours around me in a lot of different ways. The critics yell really loud and I had a federation who clearly didn't support me and, I felt, a coach who really didn't support me, but I had so many people around me who always stuck by me and were with me the whole time.

"You have a choice of what you do in the world. You just have to be prepared to wear the consequences of your actions."

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba celebrated Victor Wanyama’s second-half goal in their 3-2 win against D.C. United on Sunday.

Wanyama scored the second goal that counted big for Montreal Impact, who finally sealed a playoffs place on 'decision day', while Bojan Krkic and Romell Quioto were the other scorers.

In a tweet replying to Montreal Impact’s post on Wanyama’s goal, the former Ivory Coast striker expressed his elation with a ‘Goooaaallllll’ statement.

Drogba played for the Canadian side from 2015 to 2016 and scored 21 goals in 33 matches.

Wanyama’s goal and Drogba’s celebrations all came as Uganda left-back Mustafa Kizza made his Montreal Impact debut.

Montreal Impact's manager Thierry Henry was elated by the spirit of his team despite poor performances in the last three matches.

“We always needed to fight, we did it and we didn’t give up,” Henry said after the match.

“Could we have clinched before? Yes of course. But we did it, away from home, down at halftime against a team that was hot at the moment and we needed to fight for it.”

The Frenchman also felt for D.C. United who were defeated at their own turf.

"We deserve this win but I’d like to tip my hat to this D.C. United team that came back from far. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get through and it worked out for us,” he stated.

“The thing that comes back for me is that this group suffered a lot this year. And to have something to look at and say at least we’re in the playoffs and let’s see what can happen next is very good.”

A draw would have helped D.C. United seal the playoffs slot but a late goal by Quioto broke their hearts in the 88th minute.

“It’s obviously heartbreaking,” D.C. United interim Chad Ashton manager said.

“We’ve been decimated by injuries all year, and I give the group such great credit for showing such character to hang in there and find a way to get us to today.

“The group is going to be fine moving forward. It shows great character. It’s the building blocks of a foundation that creates culture. These guys are still in the process of creating that culture, but I believe the group took a lot of steps toward creating that.”

The win saw Montreal Impact get back in the playoffs for the first time since qualifying for the Eastern Conference final in 2016.

Argentina and Napoli great Diego Maradona is continuing to make an "incredible recovery" from brain surgery, according to his personal doctor Leopoldo Luque.

The 60-year-old underwent a "routine" operation for a subdural haematoma last Tuesday, a day after being admitted to hospital due to concerns over anaemia and dehydration.

Luque previously revealed Maradona will remain in hospital until at least Monday and has now provided a further update on the legendary forward's condition.

"Diego is better, much better," he said outside Olivos Clinic in Buenos Aires province, where Maradona is staying. "Every day he is improving. His recovery is incredible. He's very lucid."

Maradona, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 and guided Napoli to two Serie A titles, has been in charge of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata since 2019.

The club were in action on Sunday for the first time since their head coach was hospitalised, drawing 2-2 with Velez Sarsfield in Argentina’s top tier.

Gimnasia's players held a banner reading "we are with you" ahead of the game, and assistant boss Sebastian Mendez hopes his side did Maradona proud with their display.

"It has been a complicated week," he said. "Diego is still hospitalised and we are all aware of that.

"We have built a very strong group and we are a family. When one falls, another picks him up. There is always a word of encouragement and that makes the group healthy. It also results in a team that is hard to beat on the pitch. It was a difficult week and we managed to play well.

"The latest news I have from Diego is that he is very well, luckily, and thank God because it is what we all hope. He is in a good mood and passes these days in the best possible way."

Matias Garcia, who scored from the penalty spot against Velez, told Fox Sports: "We send him a big hug and hope he soon recovers. We are waiting for him."

Maradona, widely considered to be one of the greatest to play the game, was top scorer and named best player at the 1986 World Cup, and reached the final in 1990.

David Alaba would be the “best option” for Liverpool if they look for a short-term solution at centre-half in the January transfer window, says Danny Murphy.

The Reds continue to mull over their options when it comes to reinforcing in the winter. Virgil van Dijk has been ruled out for several months with knee ligament damage, leaving a sizeable void at the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s back four.

Various candidates have been asked to provide cover for the Netherlands international, with Joel Matip, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams all staking their claims to a regular role.

It could, however, be that more cash is invested in a proven performer at the very highest level. Alaba, who has seen contract talks break down at Bayern Munich, would fit the mould for the reigning Premier League champions.

Former Reds midfielder Murphy told Stadium Astro: “In terms of his ability, he absolutely fits. He is a super player.

“I suppose what you would have to be looking at from Jurgen Klopp’s perspective is the balance of the squad moving forward when everyone is fit. Or you just look short-term and get the best option in possible, which would be him.

“I would be wanting to do it. You can’t have enough good players. I think he would certainly add quality and strength in depth, but there will be a lot of people interested and a lot of takers for Alaba.”

David James is another ex-Liverpool star that would be in favour of making a move for Alaba, but also feels that long-term thinking needs to be taken into account when plotting any moves for players that would expect to see regular football well beyond the end of the current campaign.

“He is a phenomenal player,” said the former Reds goalkeeper. “Of course Liverpool would want him. I think the top six English clubs would want him if he was available, but it’s what you do once you’ve got him.

“These short-term fixes have long-term consequences because you end up pushing someone further down the line. You aren’t going to sign him for two minutes, you are going to sign him long-term and it’s whether it fits into the Liverpool plan.

“One thing Liverpool have been good at is recruitment since Klopp took over so if they weren’t thinking about him before his want to move on, then he wouldn’t be one of their targets – even if he became available.”