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Victor Osimhen has not been named in Napoli's squad while Kalidou Koulibaly will be starting against Rijeka in their Europa League game on Thursday night.

The Nigeria international has managed one goal and one assist for the Parthenopeans since his big-money move from Lille in the summer.

The forward featured prominently for Gennaro Gattuso’s men in their opening two games in the European competition but yet to open his account for the club in the tournament.

His teammate and Senegal international Koulibaly has been handed his third start and eighth appearance for the Parthenopeans across all competitions in this campaign.

Algeria international Faouzi Ghoulam has been named in the Parthenopeans’ bench and will hope to make his first appearance in the competition this season.

Napoli are currently second behind AZ Alkmaar with three points from two games and will aim to secure their second win in the top European competition.

The Parthenopeans lost against Sassuolo in their last league game and the African stars will hope to help them return to winning ways.

Senegal defender Koulibaly has featured in more than 70 games in European competitions in his entire career.

 Osimhen has made seven appearances in the tournaments, including two in Europa League while Ghoulam has featured in 29 games.

The Premier League has insisted that their offer to provide the EFL with a rescue package to help smaller clubs stay afloat is still on the table.

A number of lower league clubs are in significant financial danger due to the continued absence of supporters in stadiums at the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

Restrictions designed to contain the spread of coronavirus remain in place across the country, with football forced to continue in a behind-closed-doors capacity for the foreseeable future.

It is feared that a lack of matchday revenue will lead to a number of clubs going bust, but the Premier League have already outlined plans to bailout the football league.

The EFL rejected a £50 million ($65m) package for Leagues One and Two from the top flight on October 16, with the proposal said to have fallen well short of the required amount to provide the necessary support for clubs in need.

However, Premier League officials reconvened to discuss how best to come to the aid of the lower leagues again this week, and have promised to ensure that all clubs in the football league will be protected amid the continued financial uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 crisis.

The proposal has been outlined despite clubs in England's top division already losing around £700m ($916m) last season and currently sustaining losses of  £100m ($131m) a month due to the pandemic.

"Premier League Shareholders met today to discuss a number of important issues," an official statement released by the top flight on Thursday reads.

"Clubs reiterated that the rescue package offered to the EFL remains on the table for League One, League Two and Championship clubs who are suffering significant COVID-19-related hardship.

"The offer guarantees no EFL club need go out of business as a result of the pandemic in the 2020/21 season, and our intention is to play an active role in helping clubs return to financial stability. The Premier League will engage directly with any EFL club that is suffering severe financial losses due to the pandemic, and will remain in dialogue with the EFL on this important issue.

"The rescue package is on top of solidarity payments totalling £110 million already advanced to the EFL this season, alongside additional financial support for youth development and community programmes.

"Shareholders also discussed the broadcast options of non-UK live matches from round nine onwards following the international break later this month. Discussions with all stakeholders are ongoing and a broadcast solution will be announced in due course."

Zambian Super League side Lusaka Dynamos have confirmed the signing of Musa Mohamed and Collins Sikombe.

Mohamed – a former Gor Mahia and KF Tirana defender – has signed a two-year deal with Lusaka Dynamos after his contract with the league champions Nkana FC came to an end last season.

“Lusaka Dynamos Football Club wish to officially confirm the signing of defence maestro Musa Mohamed Mayieko from Nkana Football Club for an initial two-year contract with an option to extend by a year,” the Super League side said on Thursday.

“Mohamed joins us as a free agent having spent two years at Nkana where he was a key member of the 2020 MTN/FAZ Zambia Premier League winning squad.”

After helping Kalampa win their 13th title, the Harambee Star told Goal on Wednesday that he would strive to win the title again with his new club.

“My dream is to help the team win the league this season. As a player, that is my main target and I am sure with the new teammates we will achieve just that,” the Kenyan Premier league winner said then.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the Nkana family especially for the support I enjoyed while I was there. They believed in me and gave me the necessary support as a player. I am cherished by the move because I think it is another step that will help me career-wise.”

On his part, Sikombe has also signed an identical contract to Mohamed’s.

“Lusaka Dynamos wishes to confirm the transfer of Collins Sikombe from Napsa Stars,” the club added.

“The Chipolopolo attacking midfielder joins for an initial two years with an option for an extra year. Sikombe, who missed the draw against his former team Napsa Stars yesterday [Wednesday], will feature against Forest Rangers this weekend after his transfer and registration were completed.”

The two players have already joined their new teammates and were part of the afternoon training session that was conducted on Thursday. After completing his move, Emmanuel Chabula has also linked up with the side that is preparing for the upcoming third match of the 2020/21 season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Willy Boly and West Ham United forward Sebastien Haller are among the 26 players called up by the Ivory Coast for their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar.

Last month, Boly was cleared by the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) to represent the Elephants after playing for France U16, U17 and U19 teams.

Haller, born to an Ivorian mother and a French father, also played for the French youth teams across all levels but he is now ready to ditch the European giants for the 2015 Afcon champions.

Ivory Coast host Madagascar in Abidjan on November 12 before visiting the island country for the reverse fixture five days later.

Eric Bailly who has missed Manchester United’s last five matches due to a hamstring injury, has also been invited and he faces a race against time to be fit.

Patrice Beaumelle's side are third in Group K with three points from two games. They suffered a 2-1 defeat away at Ethiopia in their last group outing on November 19.

Full List

Goalkeepers: Sylvaain Gbohouo (TP Mazembe), Eliezer Ira Tape (FC San Pedro), Abdoul Karim Cisse (ASEC Mimosas).

Defenders: Eric Bailly (Manchester United), Willy Boly (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Simon Deli (Club Brugge), Wilfried Kanon (Pyramids FC), Sinaly Diomande (Olympique Lyon), Serge Aurier ( Tottenham Hotspur), Odilon Kossounou (Club Brugge).

Midfielders: Franck Kessie (AC Milan), Maxwel Cornet (Olympique Lyon), Kalpi Ouattara (Ostersunds FK), Geoffrey Serey Die (FC Sion), Ibrahim Sangare (PSV Eindhoven), Max Alain Gradel (Sivasspor), Habib Maiga (FC Metz), Jean Daniel Akpa Akpro (Lazio).

Forwards: Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal), Jean Kouassi (Wuhan Zall), Gervinho (PArma), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace), Jeremie Boga (Sassuolo), Christian Kouame (Fiorentina), Jonathan Kodjia (Al-Gharafa), Sebastien Haller (West Ham United).

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says Mohamed Elneny has gone up a level after his loan spell at Besiktas, describing the Arsenal midfielder's recent performances as "unbelievable".

Elneny's Arsenal career appeared to be drawing to a close when he completed a temporary move to Turkey in August 2019.

Besiktas snapped the 28-year-old up on a one-year loan deal with the option to buy, and he went on make 27 Super Lig appearances to help the club finish third in the table last season.

The Turkish outfit ultimately decided against bringing him in on a permanent basis, but he was still heavily linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium throughout the summer transfer window.

Mikel Arteta ultimately decided to keep hold of Elneny, who is now approaching the final six months of his contract with the Gunners, and he has played a key role in the Spaniard's set up in the early stages of the 2020-21 campaign.

The Egyptian has already featured in eight games for Arsenal in 2020-21, leading to rumours of a possible contract extension, which Arteta did not rule out ahead of a Europa League clash against Molde on Thursday.

"Let's go step by step please! What I can say is that I'm really pleased with the player and hopefully he can continue like that and perform all season," he told a pre-match press conference.

Elneny was one of the best players on the pitch in the Gunners' last outing against Manchester United, with an Aubameyang penalty giving Arteta's side a 1-0 victory in last weekend's heavyweight Premier League clash.

The Gabon international has been impressed with how much his team-mate has improved since his return to the Emirates, as he told the club's official website: “It was also a fantastic performance in midfield from Mo [against United].

"I think his loan spell was good for him - to go out and get some more experience. He came back with that experience and that's really important too. How he's been playing since he came back is just unbelievable.

“His sprint at the end of the game… I don't know how he did that! That is the energy he has, that's what we want as a team and everyone here really wants to play that way.

"We want to give everything, in every minute and that's exactly what Mo is doing."

Aubameyang added on his relationship with Elneny: “He's a funny guy Mo, and I think we are similar people. We are both always smiling and being positive, so when we get together it's always funny - we laugh a lot. It's really, really nice to be around him.”

Demba Ba has celebrated his conspicuous role in İstanbul Basaksehir’s 2-1 defeat of Manchester United in Wednesday’s Champions League showdown.

After a stuttering start in the European club competition – losing to RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain, Okan Buruk’s men found their winning formula against the English top-flight outfit.

The former Chelsea and Newcastle United forward opened the scoring at the Fatih Terim Stadium in the 12th minute with his maiden strike of the season, before Edin Visca scored the all-important second goal in the 40th minute.

In the process, Ba who is 35 years and 163 days old became the second oldest African player to score a Champions League goal, trailing Chelsea and Cote d’Ivoire great Didier Drogba, who scored his last Champions League goal in November 2014 at the age of 36 years and 259 days.

Anthony Martial reduced the deficit for the former English kings in a goal-laden first-half, however, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were unable to launch a comeback in the second half.

Stimulated by his notable performance at the Old Trafford giants, Ba went on social media to revel in his man-of-the-match performance.

“So grateful to still be able to perform and score in the biggest stage of football. And being voted Champions League man of the match,” the veteran tweeted.

Despite this result, Istanbul Basaksehir sit at the base of Group H having accrued three points from three games. They continue their campaign in the Turkish top-flight when Genclerbirligi visit on Sunday.

The reigning Turkish champions are seventh on the log after garnering 10 points from seven outings.

SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo says “there is still a lot to play for” against Bloemfontein Celtic who grabbed an away goal in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final, but expressed worry that his side are not rested because of crammed fixtures.

The Tshwane giants visit Celtic for Saturday’s second leg on the backdrop of a 1-1 reverse leg draw.

Tembo, however, feels that their opponents will be having the upper hand ahead of the contest at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

“Advantage is with Celtic because they scored an away goal and they have home advantage. Pressure is on them now because they have one foot in the final,” said Tembo as per Sun Sport.

“But there is still a lot to play for. We don’t know what kind of tactics they will apply, whether they will sit back or come at us. We hope to take pressure to them.”

SuperSport United, however, arrive in Bloemfontein on a high after Wednesday’s 1-0 Premier Soccer League win over Stellenbosch.

But balancing closely-arranged fixtures between the league and Cup games does not sit well with Tembo who fears fatigue could creep into his camp.

He leads his side against a Celtic team that appear to be slightly rotating it’s squad to deal with the crammed match schedule.

On top of crammed fears, Tembo will have to do without defenders Grant Kekana and Luke Fleurs as well as midfielder Sipho Mbule.

“It’s a concern, we play week in week out without a rest. This is a different opponent, they rested about seven players. But we hope to improve our performances,” Tembo said.

“Sipho Mbule started training today, he is not fit enough to play. Grant and Luke are not considered for selection. But everyone is raring to go. We trust that we will find solutions. Siya [Nhlapo] will plug the gap, probably we might bring in Bongani [Khumalo].”

The Zimbabwean coach insists that he has players capable of making up a competitive outfit as SuperSport press to make it into the MTN8 final for a third season running.

“We might score early, even if they score early we will still be in the game,” said Tembo.

“Our pressing is good, we are able to deal with space in front of us. Sometimes an away goal can give a false sense of advantage. We have to play our normal game, we have players who can manage the game for us. We have a strong team to put out on Saturday.”

The Kenya U20 national team have defeated their counterparts from Sudan 2-0 in an international friendly match played at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday.

It was the visitors who opened the scoring courtesy of Ezeldin Abdurahman while Brian Wanyama and Matthew Mwendwa were on target for the hosts.

Both countries were using the friendly game to gauge their preparedness ahead of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) championship in Tanzania.

It was Sudan who punished the Rising Stars for their slow start. It took Ezeldin Abdurahman just four minutes to score in favour of his team and put the Stanley Okumbi-led charges under early pressure.

The Rising Stars had to wait until the 35th minute to get back on level terms. Brian Wanyama was in a good position and he fully capitalized on it by ensuring the ball finds the back of the net. 

Sudan matched their hosts and created several chances which they did not take; they were made to pay for it in the 78th minute when Matthew Mwendwa managed to score what turned out to be the winning goal for the Rising Stars.

This was the second time in four days the two teams were meeting. The first time was at Kasarani where Kenya, once again, came from a goal down to emerge 3-1 victors.

Sellasie Otieno, Ronald Reagan, and Mathew Mwendwa struck once each to cancel out the opening goal by the opponents courtesy of Nogh Hussein. 

Kenya are in Group C in the Cecafa competition alongside Ethiopia and Sudan while Group A have hosts Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, and Djibouti. Group B is composed of Burundi, Eritrea, South Sudan and Uganda.  

Rising Stars Squad; Goalkeepers; Maxwell Mulili (AFC Leopards), Bixente Otieno (Wazito), Elvis Ochieng (City Stars).

Defenders: Boniface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Omar Somobwana (AFC Leopards), Joseph Levin (Naivas), Wardfine Akhatsika (Chebuyusi High School), Kelvin Mose (Uweza), Alphonse Omija (Gor Mahia), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Rolland Ashimoto (Kakamega High School), Steiner Musasia (Talanta), Nicholas Omondi (Gor Mahia), Keith Imbali (Gor Mahia Youth).

Midfielders: Enoch Wanyama (Ligi Ndogo), Ronald Reagan (Kariobangi Sharks), Alphonse Washe (Bandari), Hamid Mohammed (Bandari), Danson Kiprono (Zoo), Ian Simiyu (Nzoia Sugar), Austine Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Mwakio Kisaka (Riruta United), Timothy Ouma (Nairobi City Stars), Telvin Maina (Kisumu All-Stars), Arnold Onyango (USA).

Forwards: Benson Omala (Gor Mahia), Henry Meja (Tusker), Stephen Otieno (Bongonaya), Kappen Samuel (Liberty), Sellasie Otieno (Nzoia Sugar), Unaiz Shajani (Starfield Elite FC). 

Azam FC reclaimed the top position in the Tanzania Mainland League after a 3-0 win over Dodoma Jiji FC at Azam Complex in Chamazi on Thursday night.

Morris Aggrey Ambros, Ayoub Lyanga, and Hassan Kapona's own goal gave the 2014 champions maximum points.

Azam had dropped points in their previous two games; it started with a 1-0 loss to Mtibwa Sugar, their first and only loss this season, which was followed with a 1-1 draw with JKT Tanzania.

However, it was going to be a tricky affair against the visitors who had lost their last two matches.

The hosts won a free-kick in the 47th minute which was taken by Never Tigere. The defenders failed to clear it and it fell to captain Aggrey Morris who headed home to give his team the lead.

10 minutes later, the Ice-cream Makers doubled the advantage when a long ball by Ally Niyonzima kindly fell to Ayoub Lyanga who beat his marker before unleashing a rocket past the custodian.

Dodoma looked confused and lost after conceding the two goals. They looked vulnerable in all departments.

In the 68th minute, Azam managed to get their third. The red-hot Tigere beat his marker on the right before bringing a good cross in no man's land. 

Prince Dube advanced with a target of getting the ball but he missed. However, defender Hassan Kapona was in the wrong position at the wrong time, and the ball hit him before bouncing into the net.

After Thursday's win, Azam are now on 25 points from the 10 matches they had played. The Chamazi-based side has won eight games, drawn once, and lost once as well.

On the other hand, Dodoma Jiji are 11th on the table with 12 points after three wins, three draws, and four losses.

Mbeya City were held to a 1-1 draw by Polisi Tanzania in their top-tier game played on Thursday as well.

It was Mbeya who scored first after just seven minutes. The administrative side conceded a free-kick outside the danger zone and Selemani Ibrahim took it. The goalkeeper parried it but the rebound fell kindly to Kibu Dennis whose fierce strike hit the back of the net.

Hassan Nassor Maulid managed to level the scores late in the first half after a goalline melee. 

Mtibwa Sugar fell 1-0 to Coastal Union who scored their goal through Hamad Waziri Majimengi.

Kelechi Iheanacho has been named in Leicester City’s starting line-up against Sporting Braga in Thursday’s Europa League game.

The 24-year-old centre-forward has been in fine form in the current campaign and opened his season account against Zorya Luhansk in his first start in the tournament.

The Nigeria international also played a part in their second group game in the European competition against AEK Athens.

The Super Eagles forward has now been handed his second start in the tournament and will hope to add to his tally this season.

His compatriot Wilfred Ndidi is still recovering from a groin injury and has been left out of the encounter.

Iheanacho has made five appearances for the King Power Stadium oufit across all competitions this season, scoring one goal amid other dazzling displays.

The attacker’s spectacular strike against Zorya is in contention for Leicester City Goal of the Month for October.

Iheanacho has been with the Foxes since the summer of 2017 when the teamed up with the club from Manchester City.

The forward has featured in more than 80 games for the Premier League club across all competitions since his arrival at the King Power Stadium.

Iheanacho scored five goals in 20 appearances in the 2019-20 season to help Leicester finish fifth in the English top-flight to qualify for the Europa League.

Brendan Rodgers’ men currently lead Group G table with six points from two games and will hope to strengthen their lead with a victory over Braga.

Harry Kane scored his 200th Tottenham goal in a comfortable 3-1 Europa League victory over Ludogorets at the Huvepharma Arena on Thursday.

Captaining the team on his 300th appearance in all competitions, Kane became the third Spurs player to score a double century of goals when he headed in Lucas Moura's corner in the 13th minute.

The England international and Lucas then reversed roles for the latter to double the scoring after the half-hour mark, with Jose Mourinho's decision to make seven changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Royal Antwerp in their previous Group J outing paying dividends.

Kane was withdrawn at half-time and Claudiu Keseru pulled one back for Ludogerts but Giovanni Lo Celso restored the visitors' two-goal cushion 12 minutes later and they cruised to the three points.

It seemed like Kane's wait for his landmark strike would not be ended in Bulgaria when he lofted a glorious one-on-one opening over and rattled the post with a powerful drive inside the opening six minutes.

The third time proved the charm, however, as his next effort was a powerful header from Lucas' corner that Plamen Iliev could not keep out.

Iliev denied Matt Doherty before Gareth Bale slid a pass into Kane, who returned the favour for Lucas with a perfectly weighted square ball that the Brazilian tapped home.

Seemingly sensing the job was done, Mourinho replaced Kane with Carlos Vinicius for the second half and Keseru halved the deficit in the 50th minute with a volley after Bernard Tekpetey's shot looped up off Harry Winks.

Son Heung-min replaced Lucas in the 61st minute and 15 seconds later teed up Lo Celso to ensure that Spurs' Europa League campaign was put back on track.
 

What does it mean? Alli still on the fringes

Mourinho hooked Dele Alli at half-time in the defeat to Antwerp and the attacking midfielder was left out of the squad to face Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.

Despite having five subs available to him, the Tottenham boss opted not to give Alli any game time even once the result was secured.

Spurs king Kane

By setting up Lucas' goal in the first half, Kane moved into double figures for goals and assist in all competitions in just his 13th appearance in all competitions this season. In this form it will not take long for him to reach Spurs' all-time leading goalscoring mark of 266 set by Jimmy Greaves.

A capable back-up?

Carlos Vinicius was sent on for his third Spurs appearance – all of which have come in the Europa League. He missed a fantastic opportunity from 10 yards in the 53rd minute and struggled to get involved in the game. Kane (19) was the only Spurs player with fewer than his 20 touches – though the skipper certainly made his count for more – while his six successful passes were the fewest on the team.

What's next?

Tottenham travel to struggling West Brom in the Premier League on Sunday, while Ludogorets take on fellow First League title hopefuls CSKA Sofia on the same day.

Harrison Kingston has left reigning Premier League champions Liverpool to take up a role with the Moroccan Football Federation.

Following his move from Burnley to Anfield in August 2012, Kingston became a member of the Reds’ coaching staff and subsequently became the club’s head of post-match analysis.

His job description was investigating performances of the Reds players, using mainly video. He was also an important channel between the data science department and manager Jurgen Klopp.

However, he has left after eight years in charge to become the North African nation’s Director of Performance Analysis and Framework.

“I had eight amazing years at Liverpool and have nothing but positive feelings towards the club and the people who work there. The experiences will live with me forever,” Kingston told Training Ground Guru.

Kingston’s move was reportedly triggered by Welshmen Osian Roberts who is the technical director of the Morocco national team, with his compatriot Adrian Tucker as head of goalkeeping.

Explaining his role to Liverpool great Steven Gerrard during his visit to Anfield in 2018, Kingston said: “We're a part of the decision-making process.

“Our job really is to provide enough help, support and evidence – both from a team perspective and individuals – for the coaching staff to ultimately make a decision.

“One of the best things about Jurgen and his staff is that they take this work and shorten it down into key messages to what the player can do to help them.”

Other backroom staff members who departed the Reds over the last two years, include Klopp's assistant Zeljko Buvac, physios Christopher Rohrbeck, Richie Partridge and Ruben Pons.

Performance manager Phil Jacobsen is also expected to leave at the end of the 2020-21 season.

This recruitment is expected to strengthen the Atlas Lions’ technical department as they hope to qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon as well as the 2022 Fifa World Cup billed for Russia.

The North Africans crashed out of the 2019 Afcon having bowed out to Benin Republic on penalties after the score stood at 1-1 after extra time. Morocco represented Africa at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, albeit, they crashed out of the group stages when up against Spain, Portugal and Iran.

Darwin Nunez scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Rangers squandered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at 10-man Benfica and see their 100 per cent start in Europa League Group D come to an end on Thursday.

Steven Gerrard's side triumphed against Standard Liege and Lech Poznan in their opening two games, but they got off to a poor start at the Estadio da Luz as Connor Goldson diverted a low cross into his own net after just 60 seconds.

They powered back before half-time, though, taking ruthless advantage of Nicolas Otamendi's straight red card for a professional foul through an own goal from Diogo Goncalves and a fine strike from Glen Kamara.

Alfredo Morelos added a third shortly after the restart, but Benfica fought back for an unlikely draw as Rafa's 77th-minute effort preceded Nunez dramatically levelling proceedings with the clock winding down.

Benfica got off to a flier when Goldson turned into his own net from four yards after determined play down the right-hand side from Rafa.

Pizzi dragged wide after 10 minutes from a flowing counter-attacking move before Rangers were handed a lifeline when Otamendi was dismissed in the 19th minute for hauling down Ryan Kent after a long ball over the top.

The Scottish Premiership side took swift advantage of their numerical superiority, pulling level five minutes later when Goncalves comically put through his own net from James Tavernier's cross.

Kamara then put the visitors ahead just a minute later with a drilled effort from 20 yards, while Morelos slotted home a third in the 51st minute from Tavernier's low ball into the six-yard box.

Kent should have made it four, but struck the post with only Odisseas Vlachodimos to beat, with Rangers duly punished for his profligacy. 

Rafa pulled one back for the hosts before Nunez slotted past Allan McGregor to seal a draw after being played clean through by Gian-Luca Waldschmidt.

What does it mean? Bitter pill for Gerrard to swallow

Gerrard will be furious with his side for conspiring to draw a game they dominated for long periods. They carved out 13 shots and enjoyed almost 59 per cent possession, while the hosts scored with their only two shots on target after Goldson's early own goal. 

The result leaves both sides on seven points at the Group D summit, four points ahead of third-placed Lech Poznan. 

Kamara shines for Rangers

The Finland international deserved to be on the winning side, putting the visitors 2-1 up with a well-struck effort and gaining possession nine times – more than any other Rangers player. 

Benfica grab a point despite Otamendi's best efforts

Otamendi had his fair share of mishaps while at Manchester City and he was up to his old tricks on Thursday. He was badly caught out by Kent early on and deserved his red card for a clumsy challenge. 

What's next?

Rangers host Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday before the international break, while Benfica are in domestic action on the same day against Braga.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola “doesn’t really need” Lionel Messi and should be prioritising further defensive additions over putting a reunion with a Barcelona superstar in place, says Emile Mpenza.

A move to the Etihad Stadium for a six-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be mooted.

City were considered to be leading the chase for a much sought-after signature once Messi aired a desire to leave Camp Nou over the summer.

Exit doors were soon shut off in Catalunya, but a mercurial Argentine is only tied to a contract through to 2021.

He will be free to speak with his many suitors from January, with City admitting to having the funds in place if Guardiola wanted a deal to be discussed.

Mpenza expects the former Barca boss to work with Messi again at some stage in the future, but feels that will happen in MLS as adding another diminutive forward to their books makes no sense for City.

The ex-Blues striker told the Manchester Evening News: “I think that with all the defensive problems Guardiola has, he doesn’t really need someone like Messi.

“He should sort the leaky defence out first. [Vincent] Kompany has left a huge hole at the heart of the defence and City are yet to find the stability they had when Kompany was running the backline.

“It’s a tall order to fill Vincent’s shoes and what’s the point of signing Messi with all the issues they have at the back?

“They have enough players in his position like [Riyad] Mahrez and [Sergio] Aguero. If they sign Messi that would be too many players for the same position and cause problems.

“I believe that he will link up with Pep Guardiola again at some point in his career, but not at City itself but rather for their partner club New York City FC.

“Guardiola has managed in three of the best European leagues such as La Liga, the Premier League and Bundesliga with only Serie A missing. For me MLS is his next stop and he will take Messi with him there.”

Messi has been quiet on his future plans since revealing to Goal that he will be honouring the final year of his contract at Barca, with the 33-year-old expected to have a number of options to consider at the turn of the year.

Wazito FC have suffered a 2-1 loss to 10-man Zoo FC in a pre-season friendly game staged at Kericho Green Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Boniface Omondi scored the lone goal for the visitors with Collins Neto and Anami Derrick scoring for the tea-leaves farmers.

The Nairobi-based side have made numerous changes in the technical bench and playing unit in preparations for the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League campaign. 

In September 2019, Wazito defeated the Kericho team 2-0 on the same venue and went on to claim a 4-1 win when they met again on March 1, 2020. In the last four matches, Zoo had not won against Wazito; they had lost three times and drawn once.

It seemed the familiar story would repeat in favour of the visitors when new signing Kevin Kimani picked fellow new signing Boniface Omondi in a good area after just 19 minutes, and the former Gor Mahia player had no trouble beating Vincent Misikhu in goal.

It happened to be the only goal in the first half as none of the teams could score another one.

Zoo needed just 12 minutes after the break to be in level terms; it was a reward for their good start.

In a desperate bid to stop the hosts from scoring, Kimani fouled an opponent in the 57th minute. The Referee had no option but to point on the penalty spot giving Neto a chance to convert from 12-yards.

The former Wazito forward rose for the occasion, sending goalkeeper Steven Odhiambo the wrong way. 

Neto could have headed in the second after five minutes, but his header narrowly missed the target with the goalkeeper well beaten. At some point, Wazito looked lost, especially in the attacking front where they missed someone to finish on the created chances.

Kimani had a chance to put his team in front from about 20-yards after the referee awarded them a free-kick following a foul by the defender but the former Mathare United winger missed the target.

In the 68th minute, a reckless pass by Wazito defender at the back fell to Anami just outside the 18-yard area and the towering forward unleashed a powerful shot which the goalkeeper could do little to keep out.

Despite Pascal Ogweno being sent off in the 73rd minute after a second bookable offense, Wazito could not find an equalizer.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has confirmed that attacker Gaston Sirino has started light training and should be ready for their Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash against AmaZulu on November 22.

The hosting of Usuthu would be Sundowns’ first match after the Fifa international break and if Sirino is fielded, it will be his first game of the season.

A hamstring injury sustained during pre-season has sidelined the Uruguayan whose absence has been felt by Downs by Mngqithi's own admission previously.

“He should be ready to play the next match after the Fifa break, we were just being cautious because he had a grade two hamstring [strain] and it has taken two and a half weeks now but we are hopeful because he has already started light training, so by the time we come back he will be back with the team,” said Mngqithi as per Phakaaathi.

News of Sirino nearing return to competitive action come at a time when reports of his possible Downs exit are gaining traction.

The attacking midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to eight-time African champions Al Ahly where his former Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is said to be eager for a reunion.

Reports suggest that Sirino has agreed to join the Cairo giants but the Brazilians are not keen on letting him go.

Sirino arrived at the Tshwane giants in January 2018 from Bolivian side Bolivar and he has already completed two full seasons at Chloorkop.

In June 2020, he extended his Sundowns contract by a further five years amid already reported interest from Al Ahly which is said to have now been heightened by Mosimane's arrival in Egypt.

During Sirino’s absence so far this season, creativity responsibilities have fallen more on Themba Zwane.

“The role that he [Zwane] has been playing is to try and present a little bit of creativity in the team more as a number 10 in attack and assist us defensively,” said Mngqithi.

“We know what he is capable of but we still expect a little bit more from him. We know what he can do and we are hoping that his game will give us better numbers in terms of assists and goals that he scores … him, Gaston Sirino or whoever plays as a number 10, even Haashim Domingo, they must give us something.”

Zwane himself, has also reportedly attracted the interest of Al Ahly.