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Diego Simeone was left frustrated as Atletico Madrid were held 1-1 at Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League.

Atletico pushed hard throughout the second half for a winner, with Joao Felix, Koke and Luis Suarez threatening, and home goalkeeper Guilherme playing a blinder.

But the goal they were searching for proved elusive, when with a little more luck and a touch more precision they might have won by two or three.

The Spanish visitors had gone ahead early on thanks to a terrific header from Jose Gimenez before being frustrated to give away the penalty from which Anton Miranchuk tucked in the home side's equaliser midway through the first half.

Gimenez made the breakthrough for coach Simeone's team in the 18th minute. Hector Herrera's cross from the left picked out the run into the penalty box by the Uruguayan, who leapt well before directing a header into the bottom-left corner.

Lokomotiv were awarded their penalty in the 22nd minute when a ball into the box brushed Herrera's right arm. Referee Benoit Bastien went to a VAR review before making a decision that angered Luis Suarez so greatly he was booked for his protests.

Miranchuk slotted into the left corner after a stuttering run-up, as Jan Oblak dived the other way.

Angel Correa struck the Lokomotiv crossbar with a 20-yard shot, before Suarez sent a volley too high, as Atletico looked to regain the lead.

Atletico came into this game, which was watched by around 8,000 spectators, after beginning their Group A campaign with a 4-0 defeat at Bayern Munich and a 3-2 victory over Salzburg.

Suarez threatened with a header from a tight angle early in the second half, before Joao Felix was denied a wondergoal by a fingertip save from Guilherme, his whipped 25-yard strike having been arrowing towards the top-right corner.

Joao Felix was denied again by the goalkeeper, touching over his powerful header, before Koke hit the bar, also with a thumping header. Suarez tapped in as the ball rebounded out but had strayed offside. It was not to be their night.

What does it mean? Lokomotiv running out of time

For Lokomotiv, after drawing with Salzburg and losing 2-1 to Bayern, this felt like a must-win game ahead of tricky trips to Madrid and Munich later in the campaign. They were backed by noisy home supporters, which meant there was a real vibrancy to the game, but had to cling on at the end. Atletico and Bayern have always looked the class acts in this group, and nothing in this game changes that perception.

Hot Herrera

Joao Felix was eminently watchable as he looked to cause devastation in the final third, but Herrera was terrific throughout, and mighty unfortunate to give away the penalty when his hands were slightly raised. Herrera attempted 91 passes - 21 more than anyone else in Atletico blue - and his cross for the opener showed great vision.

Atletico played through Herrera, as his team-high 103 touches showed, and his fine showing came on the night he made his 46th Champions League appearance - equalling Javier Hernandez's record for the most games played by a Mexican in the competition.

Atletico out of luck

There was a lot to like about Atletico's performance, but strikers must put away chances to win games in the Champions League. Joao Felix had five goal attempts and Suarez three, and they are certainly approaching a good understanding, with the latter hoping his new team-mate can be as helpful as Lionel Messi often was at Barcelona.

Joao Felix fed the ball to Atletico's number nine four times, and next time he might convert one of those passes.

Key Opta Facts

-Atletico have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their previous five matches in the Champions League, their worst run in the competition since a seven-game stretch ending in October 2013.
-Los Colchoneros have also won just one of their past five away games in the competition (D1 L3), with that win coming against Liverpool at Anfield in March.
-With this draw, Atletico have a solitary triumph from their opening three Champions League group games this season – the only two previous seasons in which they have won as few at this stage are 2009-10 and 2017-18 (zero victories), being eliminated on both occasions.
-Lokomotiv scored with their only shot on target in this match, courtesy of Miranchuk's 25th minute penalty.

What's next?

Atletico face Cadiz in LaLiga on Saturday, in their last match before the international break. Lokomotiv have a derby clash with Dinamo Moscow ahead of them on Sunday.

Zaidu Sanusi, Moussa Marega and Chancel Mbemba have been handed starters roles as FC Porto take on Olympique Marseille in Tuesday night’s Champions League encounter.

After a losing start in the 2020-21 campaign against Manchester City, the Dragons secured their first victory against Olympiacos - defeating the Greek team 2-0 inside Estadio Do Dragao thanks to goals from Fabio Vieira and Sergio Oliveira.

They would be eyeing their second victory when they host Marseille, who are without a win after two games.

And to grind out the result against the Phocaeans, manager Sergio Conceicao has named a strong line-up that comprises of the Nigeria, Senegal and DR Congo internationals.

In a 4-3-3 formation, Sanusi will partner Mbemba, Malang Sarr and Wilson Manafa in the defence to cover for goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin.

Sergio Oliveira, Mateus Uribe and Otavio hold sway in the Primeira Liga side’s middle as Marega will lead the hunt for goals alongside Luis Diaz and Jesus Corona.

Senegal’s Mamadou Ndiaye and Guinea Bissau’s Nanu are among the named substitutes for the former European champions while Senegalese goalkeeper Mouhamed Mbaye is out of the team owing to a knee injury.

Victory for third-placed Porto in this Group C clash will boost their qualification chances in a zone that parades the Citizens and the Legends.

Veteran Ghanaian coach JE Sarpong is unhappy with the inclusion of out-of-favour Chelsea defender Abdul Rahman Baba for the nation's upcoming matches against Sudan.

Left-back Baba was among the shock names on coach CK Akonnor's 23-man roster unveiled for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header on November 12 and 15.

The surprise stems from the player's lack of first-team football with Chelsea, having been demoted by Blues manager Frank Lampard to the second team.

"My problem with CK Akonnor’s selection has to do with that of Baba Rahman," Sarpong said, as reported by Sportsworldghana.

"Has Baba Rahman being consistent with his team. If it’s because he plays for the reserve side and has earned a call up then it [his call-up] is a big 'no'.

“Asamoah Gyan should have also be invited if CK Akonnor is giving reasons for selecting some players to be understudied by the young players."

Baba has not played first-team competitive football for over a year. His last outing came in September 2019 when he picked up a season-ending injury while on loan at La Liga side Real Mallorca.

The Tamale-born, who featured for German fold Schalke 04 between 2016 and 2019, has been in and out of action since sustaining a long-term injury while representing Ghana at the 2017 Afcon tournament in Gabon.

"If you know the player, you’ll always want to have him around your team or the national team because he deserves the support,” former Schalke 04 striker Gerald Asamoah said on the left-back's call-up, Futaa reports.

“I knew him when he was at Schalke, a great guy with an easy smile and I’m happy Ghana see that in him and have shown the support to get him back to his best.

“The coach is human and has shown that team spirit and a sense of duty comes hand in hand with football.”                                                

Baba last played for Ghana at the 2019 Afcon tournament in Egypt.

This season, Baba, who was also once on the books of German sides Greuther Furth and Augsburg, has made two appearances for Chelsea’s U23s in the Premier League 2.

Manchester United linked Mauricio Pochettino is not an elite manager like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, according to former Tottenham striker Darren Bent.

Pochettino has been out of work since being sacked by Spurs in November 2019, but has opened the door to a return to the Premier League amid ongoing rumours he could be in line to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.

“I discovered an amazing people in this country, an amazing culture. I am in love," the Argentine told Sky Sports on Monday.

"I was always ready to be involved in the game again. I love football. It’s my passion, not my job."

Pochettino transformed Tottenham into Premier League contenders and Champions League finalists during his five-year reign, getting the best out of the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen while implementing an entertaining, attack-minded philosophy.

He was, however, unable to bring to an end the club's long wait for silverware, and for that reason, Bent doesn't hold him in the same esteem as the top managers in English football.

“When I look at elite managers that are out there: I look at [Jurgen] Klopp, [Pep] Guardiola and even [Carlo] Ancelotti,” the former Spurs star told talkSPORT. "I can’t put Pochettino into that bracket yet. I know he’s been at Spurs, but he didn’t win anything.

“But to elevate him all of a sudden because he got to a Champions League final and a League Cup final, that’s not world level management for me. I think he’s good, but I just don’t just think he’s in that bracket.

“You look at what Pochettino did at Spurs. He took them to a level. At the end of the day after all that great work that Poch had done developing these players such as Dele Alli and Harry Kane, [chairman] Daniel Levy still needed someone to come in and win them trophies.

“It felt like Pochettino could not do that. Was getting them to a Champions League final enough? Does that automatically catapult you into that elite bracket, because you took someone into a Champions League final? For me it doesn’t.”

Bent also ranks Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta above Pochettino, having seen the Spaniard deliver two trophies at Emirates Stadium in 11 months.

“Look at [Mikel] Arteta at Arsenal, too. He’s a better coach than Pochettino as well. He’s not even been a manager for a year and look at what he’s done there," he added.

“He’s identified the players he’s got there and knows definitely they weren’t great defensively. He’s changed that all completely around.

“He’s gone in there and won an FA Cup and a Community Shield, while beating some of the biggest teams out there. He’s managed to find a way of winning things.”

Mohamed Salah is “not a cheat”, says former Liverpool striker John Aldridge, with there “plenty of worse culprits” when it comes to diving debates in the Premier League and across Europe.

The Egyptian forward finds himself back under a simulation spotlight after Salah’s last outing saw him take a tumble after tangling with West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku inside the box.

A penalty was awarded, that the 28-year-old duly converted, but questions have been asked of whether modern-day stars go to ground too easily.

Salah has been accused of such theatrics in the past, but the general consensus is that players have to go down in order to get big decisions.

Aldridge admits as much and feels a star turn on Merseyside is being unfairly singled out due to his profile as a global superstar.

The former Reds frontman told the Liverpool Echo: “What I will say about the incident against West Ham is first and foremost it was a penalty.

“Yes, Mo did over-react, as a lot of players - both continental and British - do.

“It’s something that has crept into the game more over the last few decades although it’s always been there to an extent as anyone who saw Franny Lee in action would tell you.

“It’s not just forward players either, John Terry when he was playing at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho was as bad as the strikers!

“Yes Mo went to ground quite easily but he was kicked and, whether people like it or not, that is what you have to do to get the reaction from the referee.

“It would be much better if referees would give a foul when players try to stay on their feet but they never, ever do and, as I’ve said many times before, until officials do start doing that players will feel they’ve got no option but to hit the deck.

“If defenders are naive enough to get too close to Salah or Harry Kane or whoever and hit them, it’s their fault for getting suckered in.”

Aldridge added: “I do think Mo has to be more subtle about it because he’s already missed out on a lot of penalties he should have had for Liverpool because of his reactions.

“The way he plays with getting in the box so often and how he uses his body against defenders means he’ll always put defenders under pressure.

“He gets kicked plenty as well and as Liverpool fans we’ve seen how sometimes he doesn’t get his just deserts so it’s swings and roundabouts really.

“I’d like to see him not go to ground too heavy but it’s hard because he’s done it all of his life like a lot of players, it’s almost second nature and in the DNA to many now, Harry Kane included.

“Mo Salah is not a cheat, he goes down no more regularly than anyone else and I actually think there’s plenty of worse culprits but he gets highlighted more often because he’s such a fantastic player.”

Lionel Messi always shows his "ambition" and "winning character" and is not difficult to manage, according to Ronald Koeman, who has rejected Quique Setien's view on the Barcelona superstar.

This week, former Barca coach Quique Setien described Argentina superstar Messi as the greatest player of all time but said: "There's another facet beyond just the player and it's more difficult to manage. Much more difficult. 

"It's something inherent in many athletes that can be seen in the Michael Jordan documentary ['The Last Dance']. You see things you don't expect."

Setien was dismissed in the wake of the humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in last season's Champions League quarter-finals, with Koeman replacing the deposed coach.

The Dutchman retained the services of Messi in his squad despite a very public and ugly transfer saga involving the Barca captain.

But Koeman insists he does not find it tricky managing a player considered by many as the best of all time.

"I respect all opinions. For me Leo is the best player in the world, I am seeing his ambition and winning character," he told a news conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev at Camp Nou. 

"I have no difficulties to lead [him]. He is the captain and I talk to him every week. I see things differently from Setien and I do not agree [with his opinion]."

Despite being in the infancy of his tenure, there is already some pressure on Koeman – not least because of the resignation of president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Barca have also only taken two points from their past four La Liga matches, a run that included a 3-1 reverse to Real Madrid in the Clasico and a 1-1 draw at Deportivo Alaves, who finished Saturday's encounter with 10 men.

In La Liga this season, Barca have scored 10 goals, created 58 chances and 13 big chances in six games. Madrid, as a comparison, have 13, 81 and 25 across the metrics.

Koeman insists his side are trying to play in a positive way and does not pay too much attention to external noise about his long-term future.

"My future at Barcelona is not the most important thing. You have to live day by day and try to win the games," he added. 

"We ask for peace of mind and time because we are changing a lot of things. In La LIga we have been good, but we have not gotten good results. In the rest I have no influence. I will do my best to stay a long time.

"We are the team that creates the most chances per game. The image we are showing is positive and we will continue on this path although we know that in LaLiga you have to win more games."

Barca's clash with Dynamo has been hit by several positive results for coronavirus returned by the visitors.

But Koeman warned his side against complacency if the match goes ahead, especially considering Shakhtar Donetsk had similar issues prior to beating Madrid in matchday one.

"We know that Dynamo has problems due to COVID. They have done a test this morning, we have to wait for the results this afternoon," he added. 

"I don't know the UEFA rules. We have to prepare for the game and hopefully we can play it.

"The COVID issue is not easy. At Dynamo there are many players and that influences their quality, but there were also casualties at Shakhtar and they won against Madrid. 

"You have to respect the opposition."

David Brooks saw reported interest from Manchester United and Liverpool come to nothing over the summer and the Wales international says any future thoughts are now locked on Bournemouth.

The highly-rated midfielder was among those expected to part company with the Cherries in the last marketplace.

On the back of relegation out of the Premier League, the south coast outfit were always going to find it difficult to retain the services of prized assets.

Nathan Ake and Callum Wilson were among those to move on, but Brooks saw the deadline pass with no deal done.

He was said to be registering on radars at Old Trafford and Anfield, with his creative qualities drawing plenty of admiring glances, and many talked him up for a big-money move.

Brooks is, however, now fully focused on events at Bournemouth and, heading towards another window in January, says his sole target at present is to get the Cherries back into the big time.

The talented 23-year-old said in The Echo: “I think being in the Premier League – I had a full season and then got injured. From my point of view, it was cut a bit short for myself.

“I was disappointed I couldn’t really factor in last year, so I am desperate to get back in the Premier League and hopefully it’s with Bournemouth.

“Everyone wants to be playing at the big, nice stadiums and on the big occasions hopefully, when the crowds are back in.

“We are all working towards that and, with the squad we’ve got, we’ve got a really good chance.”

Brooks believes Bournemouth are capable of bouncing back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, with Jason Tindall’s side having gone unbeaten through their opening nine games in 2020-21.

“I think if you asked any of the squad where we will be at the end of the year – I genuinely believe we will be going up and we will be in and around those one or two automatic spaces,” Brooks, who joined the Cherries from Sheffield United for £10 million ($13m) in 2018, added.

“I think the confidence is good. I think we are playing some nice stuff at times but we have to get used to, maybe, grinding out results and a bit more physical play.

“I think we will be right up there.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended Paul Pogba's recent form, reminding his critics that the Manchester United star has had to contend with injuries and coronavirus in recent months. 

United have endured a particularly unimpressive start to the 2020-21 Premier League season, accumulating just seven points from six matches. 

They have been especially poor at home domestically, losing to Crystal Palace, Tottenham and most recently Arsenal, while Chelsea held them to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. 

It's the first time since 1972-73 that United have failed to win any of their opening four top-flight home games, with the 1-0 loss on Sunday ending a 14-year unbeaten run over Arsenal in Manchester. 

Pogba accepted responsibility for that defeat after he clumsily tripped Hector Bellerin in the box as the Spaniard actually headed away from goal, giving Pierre Emerick-Aubemeyang the chance to net the winner from the penalty spot. 

The criticism of United has been unrelenting since, but the scrutiny of Pogba goes back further having arguably failed to enjoy a single standout match this term. 

Ex-Red Devils assistant coach Rene Meulensteen has been among those to question the 27-year-old's performances, as he told talkSPORT at the start of the week: "He is a very talented player. Everyone keeps talking about him – he’s world class, he’s world class.

“I would never use world class so easily because I know players past and present and they deserve the accolade of being world class. In my opinion, Paul doesn’t deserve that in any shape or form because I don’t think he’s lived up to expectations."

Solskjaer, however, has sympathy with the midfielder, and has insisted that he has shown plenty of promise since returning to full fitness after the international break.

"Paul knows with that exact incident he could have done better," the Norwegian said ahead of Wednesday's Champions League trip to Istanbul Basaksehir. "He's held his hand up. That's how football is - it's high intensity, high tempo.

"Every player is frustrated, himself too, after a defeat. We need consistency from every one of our players. 

"Paul has been going through a difficult period with injury last season, with coronavirus this season, so I think we have seen plenty of positives recently and hopefully it will continue."  

United head to Istanbul having taken a maximum six points from their first two Group H matches with a commendable 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in France and a brilliant 5-0 demolition of RB Leipzig. 

Basaksehir have lost both matches in their European campaign and their Turkish title defence is not going to plan either; they sit seventh after seven games, though have won each of their previous three league matches.

Hearts of Oak CEO Frederick Moore has confirmed the departure of recently-hired Portuguese coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto to his homeland but maintains the 46-year-old could well make a return to his job.

Pinto was named as the new technical trainer of the Phobians last month.

On Saturday, however, the former Saint George of Ethiopia coach left for Portugal - just eight days into his appointment - amid reports of having quit his job over unhappiness surrounding his working terms.

"It’s true the coach has gone back but a lot of what is going around on social media isn’t completely true,” Moore said on Kumasi FM.

“He’s gone back for a variety of reasons; the son and wife has contracted Covid-19 and he’s gone to see them, I’ve even had a chat with him this evening.

“I do not want to concentrate on Carlos Vaz Pinto. Any supporter's priority should be for us to win and not who’s in charge of the team.

“Pinto did not leave on bad terms and if everything goes on well he could come back but we are building an academy and needs a director of football and cannot wait if he’s not back in five or six weeks time. Accra Hearts of Oak is bigger than an individual and Pinto himself knows that.

“The noise of which coach leads the team isn’t helpful to the boys, they need to concentrate and win.”

Reports claim Pinto left the Phobians after failing to reach an agreement with the club's board about a prospective assistant.

Others speculated the Portuguese, who has also managed Angolan clubs Clube Recreativo da Caala and Recreativo de Libolo, was not in favour of Hearts head coach Edward Nii Odoom, who has been in charge of the club since last year.

The second most successful club in the history of the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Hearts are eyeing a 20th title in the coming season which kicks off on November 14.

The Phobians, winners of the Caf Champions League in 2000, will start their league campaign with a clash against Aduana Stars.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finds himself in a tricky situation at Manchester United as “a lot of people want a bigger name” in the dugout at Old Trafford, says Paul Parker.

The Red Devils sounded an SOS call to a former fan favourite back in December 2018.

Having taken the decision to part with Jose Mourinho, the Premier League heavyweights turned to a familiar face for inspiration.

A member of their Treble-winning squad from 1999 was initially handed the reins on an interim basis, but did enough early on to land himself a three-year contract.

Solskjaer’s honeymoon period quickly faded away, with the Norwegian discovering that life in the United hot seat can be uncomfortable at times.

Questions have been asked of his suitability to a high-profile post on a regular basis, with consistency remaining elusive.

A disjointed start to the 2020-21 campaign has sparked further rounds of speculation regarding his future, with various candidates being tipped to step into his shoes.

Parker is not surprised to see the rumour mill ticking over again, with change seemingly never far away for the red half of Manchester.

He is, however, of the opinion that Solskjaer should be given time in which to get things right, with there no guarantee that a more proven performer would fare any better – with the likes of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Mourinho having all failed to replicate the success of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Former United defender Parker told Eurosport: “Ole is doing OK. He is fighting against his doubters at the moment, but I think he is in front.

“We have been in this position before with United, making progress then sacking managers. We will have to wait and see with Solskjaer.

“The doubters come out in force when he loses a game – there are a lot of people who don’t want him in the job, they want a bigger name, they want a bigger manager.

“You can only manage the problem so far given who is upstairs. There will be highs like the two Champions League games.”

United have fared admirably in Europe this season, claiming the notable scalps of Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, but Premier League struggles are holding them back and the club have made their worst start to a campaign since Moyes’ tenure in 2013-14 – with home form proving to be particularly alarming.

Frank Lampard has revealed the full extent of Christian Pulisic's injury ahead of Chelsea's midweek encounter with Rennes.

Pulisic missed Chelsea's first five games of the 2020-21 campaign with a hamstring issue, but has gradually worked his way back into the team since making his return from the bench in a 4-0 Premier League victory against Crystal Palace on October 3.

The 22-year-old has made four more appearances since then, and was initially named in Lampard starting XI for a trip to Burnley on Saturday.

However, the United States international sustained a knock in the pre-match warm-up which forced him to sit out the 3-0 win at Turf Moor, leaving supporters worried that he could be set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Lampard has now confirmed that Pulisic will miss the Blues' latest Champions League outing at home to Rennes on Wednesday after being struck down with another hamstring problem, but hasn't ruled out the possibility of him being available again in time for a meeting with Sheffield United at the weekend.

"Christian had a scan yesterday that showed a very, very minor injury to his hamstring, very minor. So he's already back outside. He won't be fit tomorrow, but we'll see after that," the 42-year-old told a press conference.

"It is obviously a relief for the injury to be minor. He made the right decision in not attempting to play the game, because he could have made it worse. So it's clearly a relief that he will be back very soon, because he's an important player for us.

"With the actual muscle injuries, it's a hard one to call, it's forever going to be a challenge, some players that play on the edge, have such speed and acceleration in their game, maybe they can be more susceptible.

"I don't think that's a one-size-fits-all answer, because it's different for everybody. From last season we were looking at ways of managing Christian and looking at ways of being proactive in not hopefully getting so many injuries, I know that's something he's experienced previously in his career at Dortmund as well.

"So we're all working in the same direction on that one, to try to get him to be as fit as regularly as possible, because we all know his talent."

Chelsea are also having to carefully manage the fitness of 36-year-old defender Thiago Silva, who has made an impressive start to his career at Stamford Bridge after joining the club as a free agent in August.

Lampard says the Brazilian is well aware of the extra care he must take to stay in peak physical condition, as he added: "It's very important. Within the squad, you try to have standards and we talk to the sports science team, some is in my eyes and talking to the players.

"The honest conversation with Thiago is very easy. He is such an experienced player. At the back end of your career, you have to manage the training."

Lampard also addressed the extra demands placed on his players due to a congested fixture list, insisting the Blues will take each game as it comes as they fight for silverware on multiple fronts.

"It's always a big challenge for top clubs, there are a lot of demands. There are a lot of managers who are calling for more subs as the high demands can be real injury concerns," he said.

"We have to go game by game. We have to get better and we have seen a nice uplift in the way we are playing."

Kashiwa Reysol's Brazilian coach Nelsinho Baptista has tested positive for Covid-19.

The tactician is the coach to Sun King, a home for Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga, and the 70-year-old is currently being treated at home.

"Nelsinho tested positive but is being treated at home," a close source to the coach told Goal on Tuesday.

"He is, however, under care and in stable condition after being hospitalised."

 Other staff and players have also been tested and are waiting for their results which will be out in about 24 hours or so.

"The team today [Tuesday] conducted a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that included staff," the source continued.

"The results will be announced on Wednesday."

Olunga was set to line up for Reysol on Monday, but the game, against Vegalta Sendai, was postponed.

The former Gor Mahia striker was keen to continue with his scoring form which has seen him net 23 goals so far in this campaign.

Though Kashiwa are yet to reveal the players affected by Covid-19, the latest development will not be good news for Kenya coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, who is preparing the team for the Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Comoros in November.

Olunga is among the foreign-based players named in the squad, the others being Victor Wanyama, Johanna Omollo, keeper Arnold Origi, and Eric Johana, and could subsequently be ruled out of the matches.

The first match against Comoros will be played at Kasarani on November 11 with the second one four days later away.

Goalkeepers: Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Robert Mboya (Tusker, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).

Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya) Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Mike Kibwage (Sofapaka, Kenya), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya), David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), Hillary Wandera (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya).

Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Ismael Gonzalez (UD Las Palmas, Spain), Eric Johanna Omondi (Jonkoping’s Sodra, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Musa Masika (Wazito, Kenya), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya) Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Unattached), Peter Thion’go (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Hassan Abdallah (Bandari, Kenya), Elli Asieche (Sofapaka, Kenya), Mathew Olake (Unattached), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz, Kenya), Austin Odhiambo (AFC Leopards, Kenya).

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).

Reserves: Dennis Sikhayi (Wazito, Kenya), James Kinyanjui (Mathare United, Kenya).

TS Galaxy captain Given Msimango says Kaizer Chiefs’ 3-0 defeat by Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final, first leg match last weekend makes Amakhosi “a very dangerous opponent” in Wednesday’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash at FNB Stadium.

It was another heavy defeat for Chiefs, who also lost 3-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in their opening league encounter.

The results have attracted much criticism for Amakhosi, who have displayed glaring shortcomings in both defence and attack.

Msimango feels such a run for Chiefs makes them tricky opponents who are eager to recover from the setbacks and prove themselves.

“Of course they played a Cup game against Orlando Pirates this past weekend and they didn’t get a good result,” Msimango told the TS Galaxy media team.

“That makes them a very dangerous opponent coming into Wednesday’s game. We are very much aware of that and I think we have prepared accordingly for that match. Our plans will come into play and we hope to utilise our opportunities and chances we will have.

“It is a huge confidence boost playing against a big team like Chiefs. We will lift the spirits of the guys to give us a good base for the season moving forward. And of course, we will keep ourselves motivated to keep our unbeaten record going forward.

“Keeping our unbeaten record is a positive which motivates the guys but it is not something we are focusing on entirely.”

TS Galaxy are yet to taste defeat in the league so far, drawing 1-1 with Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, before edging AmaZulu 1-0 in their last match.

They now face a Chiefs side not only wounded because of the loss to Pirates, but have forwards who are keen to break their goal drought and a shaky defence which has conceded seven goals in four games.

No Chiefs striker has scored so far in the four games they have been involved in this season.

Msimango is aware that Leonardo Castro and his attacking partners want to showcase that they still have some bite.

“Leonardo Castro is a very exceptional player. He has displayed his abilities for Kaizer Chiefs throughout last season last year, even this season,” said Msimango.

“From outside, we will approach this game the way we approach every other match. We have the intention to be as competitive as possible.

"We are not focusing on one player. We defend what needs to be defended against and we will mark players we need to mark. We will handle it pretty well on the day.”

It would be the first time for TS Galaxy and Chiefs to face off since the 2019 Nedbank Cup final in which then first division side Galaxy prevailed over Amakhosi.

Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga SC) have moved top of the Tanzania Mainland League table after a 0-0 draw away to Gwambina FC on Tuesday evening.

The 27-time league champions came into the match as favourites and the fans expected nothing but maximum points. However, the hosts, who fell 3-0 to KMC in their last outing, were desperate to get a positive outcome to surge upwards in the log.

Timu ya Wananchi came into the match on a high and tried to put pressure on the promoted side. But the hosts were not in the mood of conceding and they put a spirited performance to deny the former champions maximum points. 

In the end, every team had to be content with a point.

The draw halted their seven-match winning run. Nevertheless, Wananchi have now moved top of the table with 23 points after playing nine matches. They are the only unbeaten team and have conceded just two goals, the least in the division.

After getting a point, Gwambina are now 12th on the table with 10 points after the same number of points. They have managed to get two wins, four draws and as many losses.

In another top-tier game played on Tuesday, Biashara Mara United played out a 1-1 draw with KMC to move third on the table.

The Mara-based charges had lost their initial outing by a solitary goal to Timu ya Wananchi and were aiming at bouncing back with a victory over their visitors, who had defeated Gwambina 3-0 in their previous league assignment.

The Francis Baraza-led charges were the first to take a lead in Musoma when they won a penalty in the fifth minute. Lenny Kisu held his nerve to find the back of the net. 

After the half-time break, the Kinondoni outfit came back stronger in search of an equalizer. The pressure paid off after 55 minutes when the hosts conceded a penalty of their own.

Lusajo Mwaikenda rose to the occasion to score the equalizer which also handed his team a point. It was his fourth goal in the six matches he has played for the team.

Christian Pulisic has been joined by a series of new faces in the latest U.S. men's national team squad, with the likes of Gio Reyna, Konrad de la Fuente and Yunus Musah among 10 uncapped players called up.

The U.S. is set to face Wales on November 12 before meeting Panama four days later in Austria in what will be the team's first gathering since a February friendly against Costa Rica. That match, which served as the conclusion of the annual January camp, only featured MLS-based players.

This time around, though, head coach Gregg Berhalter has turned to an entirely foreign-based squad, with stars such as Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Sergino Dest all involved.

Pulisic's selection had appeared in doubt as the Chelsea star recently suffered a hamstring injury during the warm-up of his side's 3-0 win over Burnley. He is, however, included in the squad and Berhalter is looking forward to working with some of the nation's top players.

"We are excited about getting this group back together," he said in a statement. "I'm proud of the way the players have handled the challenging times - they really stuck together.

"We have built a solid foundation, and now we get a chance to continue our work together ahead of what is going to be a critical 12 months for our team."

While the involvement of several key stars for the first time in a while offers a significant boost to the USMNT, a number of newcomers to the squad will also have the chance to impress.

Chief among them is Musah, the New York-born England youth international who has stood out at Valencia this season. Indeed, his decision to accept a call-up is a positive for Berhalter, although there is still the possibility he could represent the Three Lions, Italy and Ghana at full international level, given that the two upcoming USMNT fixtures are both friendlies.

Dortmund star Reyna, who was widely expected to earn a call-up in March if the international fixtures had not been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, is also involved following an impressive start to the 2020-21 campaign with the Bundesliga giants.

Barcelona youngster Konrad de la Fuente also earns his first call-up, having been included in the first-team squad this season as he awaits his first official appearance. Chris Richards, meanwhile, has earned a senior debut for Bayern Munich, and he too is involved for the first time.

Leicester City goalkeeper Chituru Odunze, Internacional midfielder Johnny Cardozo, PSV youngster Richie Ledezma, Wolves midfielder Own Otasowie, Caen's Nicholas Gioacchini and Telstar's Sebastian Soto are also first-time call-ups.

USMNT squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath (Club Brugge), Chituru Odunze (Leicester City), Zack Steffen (Manchester City)

Defenders: John Brooks (Wolfsburg), Reggie Cannon (Boavista), Sergino Dest (Barcelona), Matt Miazga (Anderlecht), Tim Ream (Fulham), Chris Richards (Bayern Munich), Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Midfielders: Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig), Johnny Cardoso (Internacional), Richard Ledezma (PSV Eindhoven), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Owen Otasowie (Wolves)

Forwards: Konrad de la Fuente (Barcelona), Nicholas Gioacchini (Caen), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Uly Llanez (Heerenveen), Gio Reyna (Dortmund), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen), Sebastian Soto (Telstar), Tim Weah (Lille)

Mathare United have confirmed the signing of defender Moses Mburu ahead of the 2020-21 FKF Premier League season.

The left-back, who recently was featuring for AFC Leopards, has been unveiled by the ‘Slum Boys’ who said on their social media pages: “Another former ‘Slum Boy’ has returned back home. Moses Mburu has inked a two-year deal with us returning to continue where he left off in 2017.

“A marauding full-back who can easily slot in also at left midfield, Mburu brings with him that decisive x-factor that is synonymous with Mathare United players.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Mathare United also confirmed the signing of midfielder Cersidy Okeyo from Sofapaka.

On signing Okeyo, Mathare United said: “Another one, you wanted a midfield enforcer, we've gone out of our way to get the engine. Cersidy Okeyo is now a Slum Boy after spells at Tusker, Gor Mahia, and Sofapaka.

“A great passer of the ball with an invaluable football brain to boot, Okeyo adds composure, experience, and poise in our midfield.

“Carrick’, as he is fondly referred to, has three league titles to his name and also brings a winning mentality to the group.”

The arrival of Mburu and Okeyo brings the number of new players at the former league champions to three. On Monday, Mathare United confirmed the signing of forward Danson Kago, formerly at Posta Rangers.

On signing Kago, the club stated: “Kenya international Danson Kago has joined the club on a year-long deal

“Kago, capped 15 times at Harambee Stars, adds pace, guile, and experience to our attacking department.”

With the transfer window being extended for another four days, Mathare United have promised more signings with defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng’ likely to be unveiled soon.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed on Monday they had extended the transfer window which was scheduled to shut on Monday midnight.

According to a statement from the FKF, signed by Head of Competitions Frank Ogolla, the window was extended by a further four days to allow the conclusion of the play-offs which will determine which team will be promoted to the top-flight.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his first Champions League appearance of the 2020-21 season after being named in Juventus' latest European squad.

Ronaldo took in a frustrating spell on the sidelines after testing positive for coronavirus while away with the Portugal national side during the last international break.

Juve were held to back-to-back 1-1 draws against Crotone and Hellas Verona in Serie A without the forward, who also missed their first two games of the Champions League group stages.

Andrea Pirlo's side beat Dynamo Kiev 2-0 in their Group G opener, but suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Barcelona on matchday two, as Ronaldo was denied the chance to face off against Lionel Messi for the first time since 2018.

The 35-year-old made his long-awaited return to action when he came on as a second-half substitute against Spezia on Sunday, and made an instant impact on a game which was tied at 1-1 before his introduction.

Ronaldo produced a trademark run and finish to put Juve ahead two minutes after entering the fray, before doubling his account from the penalty spot 14 minutes from time.

Pirlo's men went on to win the match 4-1, with Alvaro Morata and Adrien Rabiot also getting on the scoresheet, and will be expected to pick up another three points when they travel to Hungary to take on Ferencvaros on Wednesday.

Ronaldo has been included in Juve's 21-man squad for the continental clash, meaning he could be line to feature in Europe's elite competition for the first time since the team's shock last-16 exit at the hands of Lyon last season.

Captain Giorgio Chiellini will feature against Ferencvaros but Juve coach Pirlo says Paulo Dybala might be rested for the game.

“Yes, Chiellini has trained well,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia. “He recovered from his injury and he’ll be available tomorrow night.

“Dybala is fine, I spoke to him again this morning. It’s normal that after three games, a bit of physical and mental fatigue builds up.

“The lad is fine, he needs to work and keep his physical level up. He’s important and will be useful for the rest of the championship.

“Tomorrow he could be rested in view of Sunday, but he must remain ready. We are many now and there’s room for them to recover for the next matches.”

The Bianconeri must win to put the pressure on group leaders Barca, who will be aiming to maintain their 100 per cent record when they welcome Kiev to Camp Nou on the same night.

Juve will turn their attention back to Serie A matters after their latest European outing, with a huge meeting against Lazio at Stadio Olimpico scheduled on Sunday morning.