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Ghana coach CK Akonnor believes the time is right for China-based midfielder Mubarak Wakaso to re-join the national team, leading to his inclusion in a 23-man squad for November's 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan.

The Jiangsu Suning ace has been handed a recall after being snubbed for international friendly matches against Mali and Qatar in the Turkish city of Antalya earlier this month.

Ghana are set to host Sudan on matchweek three of the Afcon qualifiers in Cape Coast on November 12, five days before travelling for a return fixture away.

"For him [Wakaso], I spoke to him when we were going to Antalya," Akonnor said, as reported by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) official website after unveiling his latest squad.

"His time is up to join us and received that message in a very good manner and he’s here again to support the team with his rich experience."

Crystal Palace midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp has also been given a second straight opportunity to make a return to national duty, having missed a chance to make a comeback during the Mali and Qatar friendlies due to injury.

He last featured for the Black Stars in March 2019.

"He [Schlupp] had the chance to come, he has also been away for some time," Akonnor said of the Germany-born.

"But unfortunately, when we were about to go to Turkey, he got injured and I think I still want to keep that team and now that he’s fit and doing well, he has a chance of coming to help us."

Ghana have also handed recalls to Columbus Crew right-back Harrison Afful, who last represented the Black Stars in 2018, and the duo of Chelsea left-back Abdul Rahman Baba and FC Metz captain John Boye, who have been out of the national set-up since the 2019 Afcon in Egypt.

Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew and Guimaraes left-back Gideon Mensah have also been called up for the upcoming games after recovering from the coronavirus contracted on their last time out with the Black Stars.

Trabzonspor forward Caleb Ekuban and Celta Vigo centre-back Joseph Aidoo, who both also tested positive for coronavirus on their return from Ghana's October friendlies, have been selected as well.

Germany U20 attacker Jamie Leweling has also been drafted into the Ghana set-up, two months after scoring for the Europeans in a fixture against Denmark. 

Juventus overpaid to sign Federico Chiesa from Fiorentina in the summer transfer window, according to Claudio Marchisio.

Juve paid Fiorentina an initial loan fee of €10 million (£9m/$12m) for Chiesa on October 5, with an option to buy for €40 million (£36m/$47m) included in the final agreement between the two clubs.

The 23-year-old rose through the youth ranks at Artemio Franchi Stadium before stepping up to the senior squad in 2016, and went on to score 34 goals in 153 games for La Viola.

Ten of those efforts came as he helped Fiorentina avoid relegation last season, and Juve were impressed enough to hand him a temporary two-year contract at the Allianz Stadium.

Chiesa's move to Turin will automatically be made permanent if he plays a minimum of 60 per cent of the club's fixtures during that period for at least 30 minutes, while he will also have to contribute a minimum of 10 goals and 10 assists.

The Italy international has made a bright start to life with the Bianconeri, with Andrea Pirlo handing him six starts in the early stages of the new season, but Marchisio thinks his old club were wrong to invest so heavily in the winger.

"It's not right that someone who was fighting relegation should cost €50-60m," the former Juve midfielder told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is a real talent, but there is too much pressure on him created by the transfer market.

"He needs to find the right position on the field, but in my view, he will explode and become a star."

Chiesa played the full 90 minutes of Juve's 2-0 home defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Pirlo stressed post-match that his rebuilding project will take time, but also admitted his side must continue to deliver consistent results while trying to adapt to a new style of play.

"Maybe we will need a bit more time, but we have to know that results must come through a certain type of playing style that maybe we are struggling to assimilate," he told reporters.

Juve are due back in Serie A action away at Spezia on Sunday, where they must win to close the gap on league leaders AC Milan before their focus shifts to another Champions League group stage outing against Ferencvaros.

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has rejected Rio Ferdinand's assessment of Manchester United-linked centre-back Dayot Upamecano, while poking fun at his infamous "rant" backing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

Upamecano attracted attention from a number of top clubs with his performances for RB Leipzig during the 2019-20 season.

The likes of United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona were all credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, who has left the door open to a future transfer.

The Frenchman played a key role in Leipzig's run to the Champions League semi-finals, and was rewarded with a contract extension in August, which ties him to Red Bull Arena until 2023.

However, the German club's current head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has admitted that Upamecano could move onto pastures new next summer.

"Lots of clubs will want to buy - next season it could be real that he leaves the club. But this season he will stay," the Leipzig boss said last month.

Upamecano blew his latest audition on the European stage though, producing an uncharacteristically poor display against United at Old Trafford in a group stage clash on Wednesday.

Marcus Rashford scored three goals as the Red Devils ran out 5-0 winners, with the Leipzig star unable to get to grips with the England international after his introduction as a second-half substitute.

Ex-United centre-half Ferdinand didn't hold back in his criticism of Upamecano post-match, telling BT Sport: "[Rashford] He was head and shoulders above Leipzig.

"He made some defenders, who we were raving about before the game, look like schoolboys. I thought Upamecano had a nightmare today."

Thompson has hit back at Ferdinand's comments by suggesting he is often too quick to judge, while pointing to his ill-timed calls for United to make Solskjaer their new permanent manager following a last 16 Champions League win against Paris Saint-Germain in 2018-19.

The Liverpool great told Paddy Power of Upamecano's "off day" against the Red Devils: “I’ve seen he’s been linked with Liverpool as well as Man Utd now, and of course, after their result, you’d be wondering whether it’s the right call. 

"Though on saying that, you could say the same thing about Virgil van Dijk if you had only ever seen him play in that game [7-2 loss] against Aston Villa. 

"You have your off days – everyone does. RB Leipzig have had a fantastic start to their season, they didn’t look like that in the second half at Old Trafford, United were all over them.

"Upamecano was all over the place, but so was the entire team. But don’t be fooled. He’s a very good defender and there’ll be a lot of people looking at him because he is making a lot of waves.

"There’s not a lot of quality centre-backs available in Europe at the moment, and I know Rio Ferdinand wasn’t happy with his performance… But I think I remember Rio having one or two bad games himself!

"One or two shockers, it happens to everybody. He’s had a couple of shockers as a pundit, too, we’ve all seen the ‘give it to Ole!’ rant a million times.”

Kisumu All-Stars took a first-leg advantage to keep their Kenyan Premier League hopes alive after beating Vihiga United 2-1 at Mumias Sports Complex on Saturday.

The first leg encounter was held after it had initially been postponed owing to the coronavirus restrictions that are still in place. It took persistent Football Kenya Federation (FKF) requests to the government to have the playoffs held under strict guidelines.

Kisumu All-Stars will now head into the second leg – which will be played on November 3 – with an advantage over the Vihiga County side.

Willies Otenda powered the visitors into the lead in the fifth minute from the penalty spot and Vihiga United were unable to find an equaliser before the game went into the half-time break.

Dennis Wafula, who came on in the second half, equalised for Vihiga United in the 76th minute but Otenda returned with his second goal to restore the lead in the 80th minute.

Kisumu All-Stars, promoted at the end of the 2018/19 season from the National Super League (NSL), found their maiden campaign in the top-tier tough and now have to navigate the playoffs to remain in the top flight.

They only managed to register eight points, two wins, two draws and 12 losses before the league was cancelled in May.

On the other hand, Vihiga United finished with 35 points from 18 matches and were behind Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United, who automatically advanced to the top tier from the NSL.

The playoffs winner will join the 17 teams who will start battling for the Premier League title from November 20.

The league managers have already made public the 2020/21 schedules with the opening matches expected to start behind closed doors.

Vihiga United Starting XI: Joel Bataro, Dennis Ombeva, Michael Odongo, Sammy Sindani, Norman Werunga, Leiley Odongo, Patrick Okulo, Alex Imbusia, Hillary Otieno, Henry Juma, Tyrone Owino.

Subs: Michael Matasio, Wycliffe Nthata, Michael Isabwa, Absalom Onyango, Dennis Simiyu, Zablon Cheloti, Junior Adeyesa

Kisumu All-Stars Starting XI: Geoffrey Were, Bobby Kwaka, Arthur Ochung, Patrick Omondi, Jeconia Ogendo, Seth Oyugi, Willis Otenda, Martin Okumu, Erick Otieno, Michael Owino

Subs: John Awuoth, Shadrack Otieno, Walter Oduor, Steve Otieno, Gershom Osumba, John Owira, Mark Kwasira.

Kyle Walker's goal against his hometown club secured a 1-0 Premier League victory for Manchester City over struggling Sheffield United.

Pep Guardiola, who had suffered his worst five-game start to a season after taking just eight points, saw his team's domestic frustrations alleviated by Sheffield-born Walker's 28th-minute strike at Bramall Lane.

City, buoyed by Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League win in Marseille, were on top from the outset and only a fine display from Aaron Ramsdale limited the damage.

The result leaves Chris Wilder's side still winless, while providing a confidence boost for a City outfit whose next top-flight clash is at home to champions Liverpool.

Ferran Torres' glancing header from Joao Cancelo's cross forced a fine early stop from Ramsdale, who also saw Aymeric Laporte steer a close-range effort just past his near post.

Rodri's ferocious 25-yard strike was too hot to handle as the goalkeeper parried it over the crossbar in slick conditions amid heavy rainfall in Sheffield.

The Blades continued to rely on their last line of defence when Ramsdale thwarted Torres after the Spaniard slid in to connect with Raheem Sterling's cross.

Walker, a product of the Bramall Lane academy, forced the breakthrough with a low, skidding shot that nestled in the keeper's bottom-right corner. It was the ideal way for Walker to mark his 100th Premier League appearance for City.

The hosts, who have never beaten City in the Premier League, remained firmly on the back foot in the second half, living dangerously as Kevin De Bruyne's attempt flashed narrowly wide.

Ramsdale was to the fore again soon after, tipping Riyad Mahrez's free-kick wide, while substitute John Lundstram fired over at the other end in a rare opening for the home side.

What does it mean? A timely triumph for City

With top-flight games against Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United and Everton still to come in 2020, City needed this Halloween treat of three points.

The trick now will be to discover the kind of consistency usually so common to them and manager Guardiola, who will still have concerns about his side lacking a clinical edge.

Without Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, the final scoreline failed to reflect City's dominance, with the visitors having out-shot (16-4) and out-passed (709-369) their hosts with ease.

Blunt Blades all toil and no trouble

Heading into this match, United's shot tally of 409 and on-target total of 131 were the lowest of all 17 ever-present Premier League sides since the start of last season.

On Saturday they managed to add just four shots, with one on target. A long season lies ahead for Wilder's charges, with United having last gone seven games without a win at the start of a campaign back in 1991-92.

Ramsdale's busy shift

It may have ended in defeat, but this was a performance of which Ramsdale can be proud.

Not since their opening 2-0 loss to Wolves have United been beaten by more than one goal, and in this instance that was firmly down to Ramsdale.

He made seven saves, in stark contrast to the solitary stop from Ederson at the other end.

Key Opta stats

- City have won more top-flight matches on October 31 than any other team in English top-flight history (11).
- United have picked up just one point from their first seven league games in a season for the first time since 1975-76.
- City have won four consecutive league games against Sheffield United for the first time since March 1930.
- Sheffield United have failed to win any of their last 11 games in all competitions (D2 L9) – the longest winless run of Chris Wilder’s managerial career.
- Six of Walker’s eight Premier League goals have been scored from outside the box, with today’s strike his first away goal in the competition.

What's next?

After the midweek visit of Olympiacos in the Champions League, City tackle Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in an early test of both sides' title credentials. The Blades, firm bystanders in that particular race, travel to Chelsea the day before.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be included in Juventus' squad for the Serie A match against Spezia on Sunday, but is unlikely to start, coach Andrea Pirlo says.

The attacker has not played for the Italian champions since they drew 2-2 with Roma in late September, having tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty with Portugal.

Juventus confirmed on Friday that the 35-year-old returned a negative test and has been cleared to feature in the clash with the Ligurian side, but Pirlo does not expect him to play the full 90 minutes.

"He arrived negative on the second swab and this morning he trained individually," Pirlo told reporters. 

"He will be with the team. I don't believe he will play from the beginning. The important thing is having him. He trained at home, it's very important that we take him with us."

Argentine attacker Paulo Dybala has made only three appearances for the Bianconeri this season, having started last week's draw at home to Hellas Verona in the Italian top-flight and the 2-0 loss against Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old is currently in talks over a new contract with the club and Pirlo has denied the negotiations are the reason for his absence in the first four weeks of the campaign. 

"It's only a physical question," Pirlo said. "I always said he wasn’t at 100 per cent. The first time you come back you do well, the second game is more exhausting. He just needs time to train and recover his full fitness.

"He has to find his rhythm, to not think about the voices around his renewal but only to do well."

Spezia have five points from as many games in Serie A this term, while Juventus have nine points and are unbeaten in the league, and Pirlo says his side cannot afford to underestimate Sunday's opponents. 

"We are taking on a newly promoted squad that is playing well," he added. 

"I know [Spezia coach] Vincenzo Italiano, we did the coaching course together. I know the type of squad he puts out. We must play a great match and bring points home."

Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy have been handed starting roles for Chelsea against Burnley in Saturday’s Premier League game.

Mendy will be making his sixth appearance for the Stamford Bridge outfit across all competitions since teaming up with the side from Ligue 1 club Rennes in the summer.

The Senegal goalkeeper has hit the ground running since his arrival, helping Frank Lampard’s men to keep clean sheets in four of the five games he has featured in.

The 28-year-old also starred for the Blues in their Champions League victory over Krasnodar on Wednesday and has continued to enjoy the confidence of Lampard.

Ziyech, meanwhile, is also another summer arrival at Stamford Bridge and has been handed his second start for the club following his impressive performance against Krasnodar.

The winger opened his account in the encounter to help the Blues secure their second consecutive win in the competition.

The African stars have subsequently been included in Chelsea’s starting XI for their game against Sean Dyche’s men at Turf Moor.

Chelsea are currently 11th on the Premier League table after gathering nine points from six matches following two wins, three draws and one loss.

The Blues finished fourth last season in the English top-flight and are aiming to compete for the title in the 2020-21 season.

The summer arrivals, who have been recruited as part of the Blues’ plan to realize their target, will hope to help the club clinch all three points at Turf Moor.

Eden Hazard scored his first Real Madrid goal for more than a year as the LaLiga champions eased to a 4-1 win over Huesca.

Making his first league appearance of the season, the Belgium star opened the scoring in brilliant fashion before Karim Benzema doubled the lead at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

Federico Valverde scored the third after some fine interplay between Benzema and Hazard, who looked sharp throughout his hour on the pitch, before David Ferreiro's consolation.

Much of the pre-game talk had centred on Benzema and a recording of him appearing to tell Ferland Mendy not to pass to Vinicius Junior during the Champions League draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, and the striker should have scored his side's fourth when teed up by substitute Vinicius in what would have capped an improved Madrid display.

Benzema eventually got his second in the 90th minute, nodding in from Rodrygo's header across goal.

An obstinate Huesca kept Madrid at bay for much of the first half, although Sergio Ramos – making his 500th appearance in LaLiga – saw a header saved by Andres Fernandez.

The breakthrough came 40 minutes, as Hazard produced a moment of true brilliance too rarely seen in a Madrid shirt, rolling away from Kelechi Nwakali's challenge and blasting a left-footed shot beyond Fernandez from nearly 30 yards out.

Benzema doubled the lead just before the interval, chesting down Lucas Vazquez's deep cross before drilling a finish into the bottom-right corner.

Huesca started the second positively but the threat of a comeback was quashed 53 minutes in. After Hazard and Benzema had combined superbly down the left, the latter crossed for Valverde to take a touch and hammer home from 12 yards.

Benzema and Isco missed chances for a fourth before Ferreiro scored a consolation, steering a finish past Thibaut Courtois from Rafa Mir's cross, but Benzema had the final word when he turned in Rodrygo's header from point-blank range.

What does it mean? Hazard looks sharp again as Madrid return to top

The victory moved Madrid back to the summit of LaLiga, two points clear of Real Sociedad after seven games each.

It also marked an impressive return to form for Hazard and Zinedine Zidane's side as a whole, as they once again followed up a disappointing performance in Europe with a much-improved domestic display.

Huesca, one of just two sides without a LaLiga win this season, are 18th after eight games.

Hazard levels rising

This was not a virtuoso Hazard performance: he created zero chances for team-mates, produced no crosses and only had one shot on target.

However, that solitary strike earned him his first goal in 392 days and seemed to breathe some life into his link-up with Benzema. Zidane will be encouraged.

Right-back worries

Auxiliary right-back Lucas Vazquez was taken off after 52 minutes and did not seem to be wholly comfortable. Given injuries to Dani Carvajal and Nacho, any further concerns in that position will be most unwelcome to Zidane.

Key Opta facts

- Hazard has scored his second goal for Madrid in all competitions (24 appearances), the other coming in October 2019 against Granada, 392 days ago.
- Madrid have scored four goals in a single game in all competitions for the first time since February 2020 and for the first time in a match at home this year.
-  Ramos has become the 10th player to reach 500 appearances in LaLiga history (461 for the Madrid and and 39 for Sevilla) and the third defender to reach this milestone, after Manolo Sanchis (523) and Miguel Soler (504).
- Benzema has been involved in 13 goals in his last 13 starts in all competitions, scoring nine goals and assisting four.
- Huesca coach Michel Sanchez has lost nine of his 10 LaLiga games against Madrid (D1), two as manager and seven during his playing career (D1 L7).

What's next?

Madrid host Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday before next Sunday's visit to Mestalla to meet Valencia. Huesca have a week off until they host Eibar.

Orlando Pirates secured an impressive 3-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg match which was played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Zakhele Lepasa marked his debut in the Soweto Derby with a goal, before Vincent Pule and Thembinkosi Lorch netted to inspire Bucs to their maiden win over Amakhosi since November 2018. 

Coach Josef Zinnbauer made six changes to the team which took on Stellenbosch FC in midweek with Thembinkosi Lorch making his return to the starting line-up.

However, Pirates' most capped player in the Soweto Derby, Happy Jele was surprisingly dropped to the bench, while Thabang Monare made his debut for the Buccaneers.

On the other hand, Zinnbauer's counterpart, Gavin Hunt, who was taking charge of his first Soweto Derby match, made one change to the team which faced Chippa United in midweek.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele replaced Reeve Frosler in the right-back position, while 20-year-old sensation Nkosingiphile Ngcobo kept his place in starting line-up after impressing against the Chilli Boys.

Chiefs were the better side in the opening exchanges with Khama Billiat causing havoc for the Pirates defence with his blistering pace and movement down the left-hand side.

The 30-year-old forward should have scored after beating two Bucs defence, but his effort hit the crossbar from a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Richard Ofori.

Billiat then got on his bike as he attacked the left channel, before setting up Leonardo Castro, who failed to hit the back of the net from close range as he placed his effort wide of the target.

Amakhosi were left rue those two big chances as Buccaneers broke the deadlock when Terrence Dzvukamanja's cross was headed home by Zakhele Lepasa to make it 1-0 to Pirates in the 26th minute.

The visitors pushed for the equalizing goal, but an unmarked Siyabonga Ngezana failed to direct his header towards goal and the score was 1-0 to Pirates at the interval. 

Amakhosi found it difficult to penetrate the Bucs backline in the opening stages of the second-half with Thulani Hlatshwayo looking solid at the heart of the hosts' defence.

Hunt reacted by introducing Bernard Parker and Happy Mashiane as the visitors looked to restore parity and get an important away goal.

However, Pirates continued to attack and they managed to double their lead when Lorch set-up  Vincent Pule, who turned inside the box, before scoring with a low shot to make it 2-0 to Pirates in the 67th minute.

Chiefs pushed forward in numbers as they looked to pull one back, but they were left vulnerable at the back and they were punished by Lorch following a quick counter-attack.

Second-half substitute Deon Hotto set-up Lorch , who outpaced Mashiane, before firing past Chiefs keeper Daniel Akpeyi to seal Pirates' emphatic 3-0 victory over Chiefs in the 81st minute.

Pirates will take a 3-0 aggregate lead into the second-leg encounter which is set to take place at Chiefs' home ground, FNB Stadium on November 08. 

Christian Pulisic was withdrawn from the Chelsea starting XI to face Burnley after he sustained an injury in the pre-match warm-up.

Timo Werner has taken the 22-year-old winger's place in the team.

The United States international missed Chelsea's first three Premier League games of the season due to a hamstring injury, but was included in the first 11 for the draws against Southampton, Sevilla and Manchester United.

He was brought on in the second half of the Blues' 4-0 win at Russian side Krasnodar in the Champions League in midweek and netted the final goal of the game in stoppage time.

The former Borussia Dortmund star was set to line up on the left wing in support of striker Tammy Abraham in Saturday's Premier League encounter at Turf Moor, but picked up a knock and had to be replaced.  

Speaking ahead of Pulisic's injury, Frank Lampard admitted that the busy fixture schedule has made life tough for his team and said he would have preferred Saturday's game to be moved to Sunday to allow his players to recover from the trip back from Russia. 

"It's given us some difficulties," he said. "The game has stayed as a Saturday 3pm kick-off when maybe it could have been pushed back to tomorrow, given we arrived back at 5am on Thursday morning.

"So there are problems but we have a squad and you can see that with the starting line-up. There are fresh legs in there from the team the other day so we just have to come here and try to be at our best."

Chelsea have nine points from their first six Premier League games of the season and sit 11th in the table, while Burnley are in the relegation zone with one point ahead of Saturday's match.

After the clash with Burnley, Lampard's side will return to Champions League action when they face Ligue 1 side Rennes at Stamford Bridge on November 4. 

Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of returning to Camp Nou, insisting his "period as Barcelona manager is over".

Speculation over Guardiola's future at Manchester City is beginning to intensify as he approaches the last six months of his current contract.

The Spaniard has opened the door to extending his stay at Etihad Stadium, but says he must earn the right to remain in the hot seat by overseeing a successful 2020-21 campaign.

It has been suggested that Guardiola could make his way back to Catalonia if he leaves Manchester next summer, with Barca presidential candidate Victor Font eager to arrange a reunion between the 49-year-old and Lionel Messi.

"It is our intention to build a very strong and competitive project and we are very lucky at Barca that we inherited a style of play that Johan Cruyff instilled throughout the organisation, and most of the best professionals who know about this style are also fans and love the club - like Pep Guardiola, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, [Carlos] Puyol," Font told Sky Sports earlier this week.

"They are all legends that love Barcelona but do not work for Barca today - we need to bring them back to ensure we will have a very competitive project."

Guardiola began his coaching career at Camp Nou, winning 14 major trophies between 2008 and 2012, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

He created arguably one of the greatest club sides in history during that period, getting the best out of the likes of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique while implementing his 'tiki-taka' philosophy.

However, the City boss insists he has closed the book on his chapter at Barca once and for all, and that he will only return to the club as a fan.

"My period as Barcelona manager is over. I think once in a lifetime you have to do things," Guardiola said after watching the Blues beat Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.  

"There are incredible people who can be in charge there, now for example Ronald Koeman. It's over, I will come back to my city to see my club, to watch the game, it's done."

City have moved up to seventh in the Premier League after their win over the Blades, with a Champions League group stage clash against Olympiacos up next for Guardiola's men on Tuesday.

Barca, meanwhile, will be looking to build on an impressive European victory away at Juventus when they take on Alaves this weekend.

Simba SC put together a five-star performance to beat Mwadui FC 5-0 in a one-sided Tanzania Mainland League game staged at Uhuru Stadium on Saturday.

John Bocco scored a brace, while Ibrahim Ajibu, Hassan Dilunga, and Said Hamisi Ndemla scored a goal each to send their team back to third on the table.

The defending champions came into the match desperate for maximum points after registering unsatisfying outcomes in their last two games. 

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi, who were looking unstoppable when the 2019/20 campaign started, have now lost two matches in a row - a 1-0 defeat against Tanzania Prisons before falling to Ruvu Shooting by the same margin two days ago. 

The visitors were also keen on getting at least a point, after falling 6-1 to JKT Tanzania.

With Azam FC also dropping five points from their last two matches, the hosts aimed at capitalizing on the leaders' slip-up.

It took the 21-time champions just 26 minutes to open the scoring. Captain Bocco, who missed a crucial penalty in Simba's last game, managed to find the back of the net after capitalizing on poor marking by the defenders.

Zambian Clatous Chama had chested the ball to his skipper, and the latter took a one-time shot which gave the goalkeeper no chance.

The Shinyanga-based side looked lost and they were lucky not to have gone down by more than one goal in the first half.

In the 65th minute, the Taifa Stars striker was at it again, finishing a good move by the team to complete his double.

Mwadui were slowly getting lost and were outplayed by the champions, and it came as little surprise when Ajibu scored the third for his team in the 82nd minute.

Five minutes later, the Msimbazi-based charges managed to get their fourth through Dilunga.

The Sven Vandenbroeck-led charges were not yet done and in stoppage time, they managed to make a statement when Ndemla hit the fifth to ensure his team gets a 5-0 win.

The Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) has cancelled the remaining two Regional League playoffs due to the surging cases of the coronavirus.

Two semi-finals involving Young Elephants against Northern Gateway from the Northern Region League and Calvary against Hot Springs FC from the West Nile Region League were remaining but now cannot proceed given the latest Fufa directive.

The returned results of eight players testing positive forced Fufa to convene a meeting that decided to end the matches.

Young Elephants and Hot Springs were stopped from travelling to the match venue, the Fufa Technical Training Centre, and their respective opponents Northern Gateway and Cavalry were consequently declared winners of the cancelled semis.

“As directed by the President of Uganda and with guidance from the Ministry of Health and the National Council of Sports, Fufa carried out Covid-19 PCR tests for 20 players and officials from each of the participating teams in the playoffs,” the federation's statement read.

“Tests conducted for Young Elephants Football Club from the Northern Region and Hot Springs Football Club from West Nile Region returned eight (8) positive results each.

“This is high a ratio of infections and could easily endanger the entire community of the team.

“This matter was brought to the attention of the Fufa Executive for guidance.”

After deliberating on the matter via a Zoom meeting, Fufa came up with resolutions that decided on the fate of the matches.

The issue at hand was treated as a matter not provided for under the Fufa Competitions Rules.

“The playoff matches Young Elephants vs Northern Gateway and Calvary vs Hot Springs is decided in favour of Northern Gateway FC and Calvary FC,” Fufa added.

“A single match Calvary FC vs Northern Gateway FC be played on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at 12:00 pm to determine the team that will sportingly be promoted to the Second Division 2020/2021.

“Young Elephants FC and Hot Springs FC are encouraged to undertake measures and guidelines from the Ministry of Health to ensure quick recovery of the affected individuals of the teams.

“Fufa wishes to emphasise the importance of the health of everyone and will do all in its means to ensure support to the vulnerable in this Covid-19 pandemic.”

The playoffs were meant to be conducted ahead of the new seasons that are expected to start in December.

Manchester United-linked head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be looking at the biggest teams in the Premier League, according to ex-Tottenham star Jan Vertonghen.

Pochettino quickly became revered as one of the best managers in European football after leaving Southampton to take up the top job at Spurs in 2014.

The Argentine transformed the Lilywhites from also-rans to genuine Premier League and Champions League title contenders on a shoe-string budget, while implementing an effective high-pressing, attack-minded philosophy.

His reign reached its peak when Spurs made it through to the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool, but a 2-0 defeat in the showpiece clash marked the beginning of a downward spiral.

Motivation levels within the squad seemed to plummet the following season, and Pochettino was sacked in November after seeing his side drop to 14th in the top-flight standings.

The 48-year-old was heavily linked with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's role at Ole Trafford after leaving north London, but the Norwegian held on to guide the Red Devils to a third-place Premier League finish last season.

United have struggled for consistency once again at the start of the 2020-21 campaign though, leading to fresh rumours over a return to English football for Pochettino, with Verthongen certain his old boss will be desperate to get back on the touchline.

The Benfica defender, who was a regular fixture in the ex-Tottenham manager's starting XI throughout his five years in charge, insists he won't accept a step down after proving himself at the very highest level.

"I can imagine he's impatient," Vertonghen told CBS Soccer of Pochettino's search for his next post.

"I think the English league suits him very well as he's a manager that prioritises fitness levels and the physicality of the game.

"I think managing in the Premier League is probably the best thing he can do.

"He will always want to coach a big team I guess, so you have to look at the biggest teams in the league and there are only two or three you can really look at I think at this point.

"I won't name them out of respect for the other managers, but I think that's what he's looking at. He wants that big team to confirm him what he's been doing with Tottenham and what he did very well.

"If I was him I would be impatient because he really loved his job and you want to continue that."

Former Simba SC coach Jamhuri Khwelo has revealed two key reasons he feels have contributed to the team’s back-to-back defeats in the Mainland Premier League.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi have suffered two defeats in a row – a 1-0 defeat against Tanzania Prisons and the same margin result against Ruvu Shooting.

As the team prepares to take on Mwadui FC at Uhuru Stadium on Saturday, Khwelo believes the ageing players at Simba and injuries have contributed to poor results in recent weeks.

“For now Simba are struggling with bad results because of two things, first of all, the main problem affecting them is the ageing players they have in the squad, and it is giving them problems to dominate matches,” Khwelo is quoted by Sokaletu.

“Secondly, they have a lot of injuries to key players, and this has given the coach hard times to pick his squad for matches, and definitely it will affect the results of any team if you don’t have your key players in the squad.

“When the players pick up injuries, it takes much time for the team to get ready and return and it does force the coach to change a winning combination, the same problem now happening at Simba.”

Simba are currently playing minus key players – striker Meddie Kagere, winger Gerson Fraga, Shomari Kapombe – both of whom are out with long term injuries.

Against Mwadui, Simba will miss the services of forward Bernard Morrison who was banned for three matches following violent conduct during their match against Ruvu Shooting on Monday.

Morrison was involved in a physical altercation with Juma Nyoso – who has also been banned and fined - after Simba had been awarded a penalty in the 71st minute.

The Ghanaian was irked by a Shabani Msala poor challenge on Luis Miquissone as he entered into Ruvu Shooting's area. As the players surrounded the referee before he awarded a penalty, Morrison appeared from the back and punched the Ruvu Shooting star and that escalated the tension even further.

Apart from the Mwadui fixture, Morrison, who was also fined TSh500,000, will also miss the derby against Young Africans (Yanga SC) on November 7 and also the clash against Kagera Sugar.

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Josta Dladla believes playing inside an empty stadium will ease pressure from Amakhosi and Orlando Pirates players in the usually tense Soweto Derby.

Traditional foes Chiefs and Pirates clash in an MTN8 semi-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Chiefs get into the derby showdown with familiar players and no additions from elsewhere after they were banned by Fifa from signing new players.

They face their rivals who made big-name signings in preparation for this season and Dladla feels it is a huge opportunity for Amakhosi’s young players to “raise their hands” and be recognised in a match of such magnitude.

“They didn’t have a lot of time to prepare, plus he [Hunt] can’t sign any player at the moment,” Dladla was quoted as saying by IOL.

“He had to inherit the players from someone else. But that gives an opportunity to the younger players that we haven’t seen before. Are they going to take the opportunity and raise their hands?

“It’s going to be interesting to see. Coming to the derby, it will be interesting to watch, considering that there won’t be fans and that might ease the pressure on some of the players.”

To counter the transfer ban, Hunt has invested more trust in young players who had limited playing opportunities under his predecessor Ernst Middendorp.

Players like Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Njabulo Blom are slowly becoming regulars under Hunt, while 17-year-old Keletso Sifama and Lebogang Lesako are also getting their chances.

Dladla says playing against Pirates should be in itself a motivation for Kaizer Chiefs.

“It’s still early stages. And I think that we just need to give Mr Hunt a chance to build the team,” said Dladla.

“He won’t have to do much against Pirates. If playing against them doesn’t give you motivation, then there’s something that’s wrong with you.”

To reach the MTN8 last four, Chiefs edged Maritzburg United 2-1 and they have also encountered mixed fortunes in their two Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches; first losing 3-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns, before a 1-0 win over Chippa United.

But what could be a huge concern to Hunt is his forwards who are yet to score in three games as defender Yagan Sasman grabbed a brace against Maritzburg while an own goal handed them victory over Chippa.

It's "too early" to call Manchester United Premier League and Champions League contenders, according to Dimitar Berbatov, who says the Red Devils need to become consistent again.

United are beginning to hit their stride after a slow start to the 2020-21 season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's are unbeaten in four matches since their return to action after the international break, with defensive leaks plugged and a cutting edge in the final third rediscovered.

The Red Devils beat Newcastle 4-1 away and produced a solid performance in a 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea in the Premier League, but have so far saved their best displays for the European stage.

A 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes was followed up by a hugely impressive 5-0 victory against RB Leipzig at Old Trafford on Wednesday, with Marcus Rashford grabbing the first hat-trick of his career and Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial also getting on the scoresheet.

Solskjaer has talked up United's chances of making it all the way to the final, while admitting that the Premier League title race is open amid the continued absence of supporters, but Berbatov says there is still work to be done before his old club can be considered as genuine challengers for major honours.

"This result at home will do wonders for United's confidence, as their home record hasn't been fantastic. Not only have they won at home, they've beaten Leipzig 5-0! That is an incredible result," the ex-Red Devils striker told Betfair.

"Hopefully, this win will change their fortunes going forward.

"Ole deserves credit for performances like this, it can't be a situation where good results are the players, the bad results are the manager, that does not work.

"I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that United all of a sudden can win the Premier League or the Champions League, it is too early and they need to become that word again - consistent.

"They have lacked this over the last while, if they find that then we can wonder about titles, but they need to win games regularly."

Berbatov added on how effective United's forwards were in the final third against Leipzig: "Marcus Rashford was amazing. To score a hat-trick coming on as a sub speaks volumes. By now, he's well established as a superstar, but the impact he had when he came on was just outstanding.

"Sometimes when you come on as a sub, you don't feel right, or you're annoyed not to start, and you don't play well. For Marcus, he knows he is integral to the team, and Ole would've explained to him that he was going to rest him. This allows him to relax about his position and focus on playing.

"All the attackers had the ball in the net, though [Edinson] Cavani had his disallowed, but it's fantastic to see all your attackers in a rhythm like this. There was controversy that maybe [Mason] Greenwood was offside, but I don't think he was - maybe a toenail, but to me he was onside.

"I was happy to see him bag his goal, he is a brilliant talent."

The Red Devils will be back in Premier League action at home to Arsenal on Sunday, three days before they take in a trip to Turkey to take on Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League.

Malaysia forward Norshahrul Idlan's Thai League 1 club BG Pathum United will play away to Chiangrai United at 6.00 pm Malaysian time on Saturday, October 31.

The Rabbits will be looking to solidify their six point lead at the top of the standings, while the forward himself is starting the round 11 match from the bench.

Catch the livestream here.