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Simba SC have suffered their second league loss in as many matches after falling by a solitary goal to Ruvu Shooting in a match played at Uhuru Stadium.

The defending champions came into the match hoping to return to winning ways after a 1-0 loss in their last outing against Tanzania Prisons. In the reverse fixture last season, the administrative side played to a 1-1 draw, the second time they had achieved the same over the Msimbazi-based charges.

Prior to Monday's meeting, the two teams had met 18 times in all competitions and Wekundu wa msimbazi had managed to win 16 games, drawing the remaining two.

Fans had every reason to look into Monday's game, optimistic of getting maximum points.

Coach Sven Vandenbroeck tinkered with his squad, giving Beno Kakolanya and Francis Kahata a chance. Bernard Morrison, the returning John Bocco, and Aishi Manula were the players who started on the bench.

Early proceedings were not encouraging; as the visitors needed just 35 minutes to open the scoring.

Fully Zulu Maganga outpaced his markers before playing the ball to his colleague whose first touch set the skipper in a one on one situation with Kakolanya. 

Maganga made no mistake from three yards, sending his team into the break with a deserving lead.

Simba were given a lifeline in the 80th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a foul play by their opponents in the danger zone. Bocco, who had been introduced, took it but despite beating the goalkeeper, he could not beat the crossbar.

Monday's loss casts doubt on the future of Vandenbroeck who has arguably the best squad in the Tanzania Mainland League.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi have now dropped to fourth position with 13 points from seven games. 

Azam FC also fell for the first time this season by a solitary goal to their hosts Mtibwa Sugar. Jaffary Kibaya scored the lone goal in the 62nd minute to hand the Sugar Millers maximum points.

Tanzania Prisons also defeated their hosts Dodoma Jiji by the same margin, with Ramadhan Ibata scoring the only goal.

Azam are still leading the race with 21 points after eight games, followed by Yanga SC who have two points less after seven games. Biashara Mara United are third with 16 points after eight games.

Bidco United coach Anthony Akhulia has revealed why they opted to go for experienced players during the ongoing transfer window.

The Thika-based club was promoted to the FKF Premier League after the lower-tier league was prematurely ended owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus in mid-March.

Bidco, who were sitting second on the National Super League (NSL) table were promoted alongside leaders Nairobi City Stars.

And ahead of their campaign in the top-flight which is scheduled to kick-off on November 20, coach Akhulia has revealed he has opted to go for experienced players since the squad which helped him to earn promotion, is composed of relatively young players yet to play in top action.

“The squad that won us promotion to the top-tier is a relatively young group of players,” Akhulia is quoted by the club’s social media pages.

“None of them has played in the top-tier before, and as such, we needed to bring in a couple of experienced players to make the team complete.”

Among the players signed by the club include veteran forward Stephen Waruru, who won the Golden Boot in the 2012 season while with Ulinzi Stars and also had spells with Sofapaka and KCB, Noah Wafula, who has amassed top-tier experience after turning out for Tusker FC, AFC Leopards and former Wazito FC striker Pistone Mutamba.

On how prepared they are for the new season, Akhulia said: “It’s our maiden season in the top-flight and our target is to maintain consistency in the top-tier, and over time, we can be able to challenge for silverware.”

Bidco United will make their debut in 2020-21 top-tier with an away trip on Sunday, November 22 to Machakos where they will play their hosts Posta Rangers, then host 13-time league champions AFC Leopards at Kinoru Stadium on Sunday, November 28 from 4 pm. 

Four-time champions Ulinzi Stars will then entertain Bidco at Afraha Stadium on Saturday, December 5 from 4 pm. The latter will then have the privilege of hosting Tusker FC four days later at Kinoru Stadium.

The Anthony Akhulia-led charges will then complete their fifth round in the FKF Premier League with a game against Gor Mahia at Kinoru Stadium on Sunday, December 13 from 4:15 pm.

U.S. Women's National Team star Crystal Dunn has revealed that her move to Portland had been in the works for months after she was traded to the Thorns last week. 

Dunn spent three seasons with the North Carolina Courage, winning the NWSL championship in her first two seasons with the club, before the outbreak of Covid-19 made the 2020 campaign a disjointed affair, with the Challenge Cup tournament in the summer followed by a series of friendlies in the fall. 

Though Dunn achieved plenty of success on the field in North Carolina, she was in a difficult personal situation as her husband, Pierre Soubrier, has been serving as head athletic trainer for the Thorns. 

And on a call with reporters, the 28-year-old explained that she has been in frequent dialogue with the Courage over the challenging circumstances surrounding her marriage - and a potential move away to serve as a remedy. 

“I spoke calmly to North Carolina earlier this year voicing that distance has been hard for me and my husband,” Dunn revealed. “Distance is one thing but living completely on the opposite side of the country is really difficult.

“North Carolina has been extremely supportive and that was really big for me. Most people, when they talk about wanting to be traded, they are super unhappy and they want out and they’re scratching and clawing and I think for my situation it was different.”

Dunn opted out of the NWSL’s fall series, looking to take advantage of an opportunity to have some down time with her husband in Portland.

And after the series of friendlies ended, the attacker says she again brought up the idea of a trade with the Courage.

“After the fall series is when I started to voice, ‘Hey can we make this happen? What do you think?’” Dunn said. 

“They've shown nothing but support and I'm so grateful that they handled it in the way that they did because of course they did voice that they wanted me to stay. 

“They were like, ‘We really really want you to stay but we understand that family is important and having balance in your life is extremely important as well.’”

Dunn has made her name in NWSL as an attacking midfielder, scoring 32 goals and providing 20 assists in 89 matches during her time in the league.

Though she is a natural attacker, Dunn has been deployed as a makeshift left back for the USWNT in recent years and starred in the 2019 World Cup, particularly in the latter stages, helping the U.S. win their second-straight title and fourth overall. 

Despite her ability to play in defense, Dunn said she made it clear to Thorns head coach Mark Parsons that she sees herself featuring in attack for her new team.

“I did voice to him that I don't really want to play in the back line,” Dunn admitted. “If he has that idea lined up, I'm like ‘OK, I'll deal with it,’ but I think he knows that I definitely want to pursue an attacking role and I think he can agree with me as well on that.”

Diego Maradona says Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are a “cut above” the rest and does not think anyone will get even close to matching their achievements.

Maradona himself is widely considered one of the game’s greatest ever players after an illustrious career that included trophy-laden spells at Barcelona and Napoli and, perhaps most famously, a starring role in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup triumph in Mexico.

Few have come close to matching Maradona’s achievements since, though Messi and Ronaldo certainly enter the conversation.

The duo are arguably the two greatest players of the modern era, netting goals with alarming consistency and winning more 60 honours between them, including league titles in England, Spain and Italy and nine Champions League triumphs.

It is little surprise therefore that Maradona chose Messi and Ronaldo when asked to pick out his favourite players from the current generation.

“Messi and Cristiano, Cristiano and Messi. For me, these two are a cut above the others,” Maradona told France Football.

“I don't see anyone approaching them. Not a single person [will] achieve half of what they do.”

Reflecting on his playing career ahead of his 60th birthday at the end of this month, Maradona couldn’t resist having another cheeky dig at England when asked what his dream gift would be on his big day.

“I dream of being able to score another goal against the English, with the right hand this time,” he laughed, referring to his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against the Three Lions at the 1986 World Cup.

Maradona also revealed he had agreed a shock deal to join French side Marseille from Napoli after helping the Serie A club to UEFA Cup success in 1989.

However, Napoli president Corrado Ferlaino blocked the deal despite initially giving Maradona his blessing to move on.

“The leaders of Marseille contacted me and offered to double my salary,” said Maradona.

“I was playing in Naples at the time and president Ferlaino told me that if we won the European Cup (the UEFA Cup), he would let me go.

“[Marseille president] Bernard Tapie and [manager] Michel Hidalgo even came as far as Italy to see me to make me a proposal and so that we could all discuss it together.

“Once I returned to Naples I said to Ferlaino ‘thank you President for all these beautiful years, I am going’.

“At that point, he started playing the fool, like he didn't understand, and he backtracked. End of the story.”

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Fatau Dauda believes Ghana midfielder and international teammate Sulley Muntari has what it takes to succeed in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The ex-AC Milan and Inter Milan ace has been linked to Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs since revealing a desire to take his career to the PSL.

He has been without a club since ending a short spell with Spanish second division fold Albacete last year.

“For some time now I have been training with Sulley and he is a guy who is still passionate about football," Dauda, who played together with Muntari for Ghana at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, said, as Citisports reported.

“He has been following the South African league while he was in Italy.

“He has good knowledge of the game there. He is a big boy and I am convinced that he can make it there.

“He loves the football they play there so he won't have problems."

Amid the South African possibilities, Muntari has also been linked to Ghana Premier League (GPL) side Hearts of Oak, with whom he has had training spells "to keep fit" during his search for a new club.

“I spoke to an agent. He gave me a call. I have forgotten his name. Sipho...I don’t know how to pronounce his name,” Muntari recently told Metro FM.

“I would love to come and play in South Africa because they have great teams that I like. For instance, [Mamelodi] Sundowns are there, [Orlando] Pirates are there but my favourite one is [Kaizer] Chiefs.

"I don’t know why but I have been following Chiefs for a moment now, I love the way they are and everything. So I said if I am going to South Africa, the only team I want to play for, that is Chiefs.

"With all due respect to Pirates and Sundowns and the other teams that are in the South African league, of course, this is what I prefer, so that’s the only plan, that’s what I spoke [about] with the agent.

“That’s it and I haven’t said anything more, but why not? It’s home, Ghana is home, South Africa can be home, any part in Africa can be home. It would be good to come [to South Africa] but I haven’t made up my mind as yet.”

Muntari, a Champions League winner with Inter in 2010, also played for English club Portsmouth, with whom he won the FA Cup in 2008.

The 36-year-old has also been on the books of Sunderland in England, Italian fold Udinese and Pescara, Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna and Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad. 

Yanga SC striker Waziri Junior has revealed he was sure of getting a goal for the team against KMC FC on Sunday.

The former Mbao FC striker scored the winning goal in the 2-1 triumph over their visitors to move second on the league table with 19 points from the seven matches they have played this season.

The Tanzania forward has also explained why the goal was special to him.

"On Sunday morning, I told my roommate Juma Makapu I will score," Makapu told reporters.

"I am glad it happened; it was my 60th game in the top tier and the goal I scored was number 34.  

"Another motivation, behind my goal, was the fact that I had not scored against Juma Kaseja and my target was to score him and realize my dream of scoring against the best goalkeepers who are playing or played for Tanzania [national team] at some point.

"I am happy that my objective is now realized."

The 24-year-old has also revealed he is going for the Golden Boot this season as Timu ya Wananchi pushes for their 28th league title. 

"We have a target of winning the league title this season and I am also targeting the golden boot," Juma continued. 

"It is very possible because remember when I was with Mbao, I was not involved in the first nine matches but still managed to finish as the second-best top scorer.  

"At Yanga, I have missed six matches, but I finally got my chance and scored. It is what I am aiming at maintaining and at the end of the season finish as the top scorer of the league."

In the 2020/21 season, the forward was playing for the now relegated Mbao FC and managed to get 13 goals, eventually finishing second behind top scorer Meddie Kagere of champions Simba SC.

Wananchi hope leaders Azam FC will slip away to Mtibwa Sugar on Monday. The Chamazi-based charges have so far won all the initial seven games played this season.

The 21-time champions Wekundu wa Msimbazi will be at home entertaining Ruvu Shooting while Dodoma Jiji FC will also be hosting Tanzania Prisons. 

Marcus Rashford’s late goal consigned the Parisians to a shock opening night loss against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, and in the aftermath, they were forced to field questions over their desire and togetherness.

They responded at the weekend by sweeping past lowly Dijon 4-0 – a match in which Neymar caught the eye and Kylian Mbappe scored a quick-fire double after coming off the bench – but they now face a crunch encounter in Turkey against Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday.

Rafinha, who only arrived at the club late in the summer transfer window from Barcelona, is insistent that Thomas Tuchel’s side retain a high morale.

“The atmosphere inside the locker room is very good, with players who have known each other for years,” he told the club’s official site. “I adapted well during these first days, which were very pleasant because my new team-mates welcomed me very well.

“It all happened very quickly, and I have to thank the players and the coach for explaining to me how the club works in these first weeks.”

He was given a quick debut in Nimes due to injuries and unavailability, but it was something he was braced for.

“When I saw that the players were returning from the national teams on Wednesday or Thursday for the most part and that the game was on Friday, I understood that the coach would probably need the guys who had not been called up. So I was ready, and I was able to start the match,” he said.

Although PSG have typically used a 4-2-2-2 this season, when Rafinha has been called upon, they have switched to a 4-3-3, and it is a formation in which he feels at home.

“It's a system that I know well,” he said. “I grew up playing 4-3-3, I know the movements that we must do when we evolve in this system. I was able to adapt a lot more easily. When I take up the space, a team-mate takes my place, so you have to communicate well. It's important when you play in the middle in this formation.”

Rafinha will be seeking to make his first Champions League start with PSG on Wednesday, with Thomas Tuchel deprived of Marco Verratti, Leandro Paredes, Julian Draxler and Idrissa Gueye in midfield.

The group stage of the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League got off to a start on October 20. 

Matchday 2 of the European competition has a mouth-watering tie between Juventus and Barcelona in store. And everyone must be waiting to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi go head to head again for the first time since the Portuguese national left Real Madrid. The last time the two faced off was in the El Clasico on 6 May 2018 where both scored a goal in a 2-2 draw.

However, Ronaldo's participation in the game is still not confirmed as the star was stricken with the Coronavirus in the previous international break. But if he recovers in time, it should be a tasty battle. Here's how to watch the match in India. 
 

Contents

Where to watch or stream Juventus vs Barcelona

The UEFA Champions League clash between the two in India is available to be watched on the Sony Pictures Sports Network and may be streamed Live on SonyLIV app and website.
 

Preview: Juventus vs Barcelona

Cristiano Ronaldo missed Juventus' last match that ended in a 1-1 draw against Hellas Verona in the Serie A at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

The former Sporting Lisbon prodigy hasn't featured for the Old Lady since failing a Covid-19 test while in Portugal camp earlier this month and will need to pass a coronavirus test 24 hours before a match - meaning his participation in Wednesday's Champions League blockbuster against Barcelona is still in doubt.

However, a hopeful Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo spoke of his plans of using Ronaldo alongside Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata against Barcelona on the left of a front-three upon his return while Leonardo Bonucci has suffered an injury in the last outing.

"We are thinking to play them as a front-three," Pirlo told reporters post-match. "With Ronaldo in his classic centre-left position."

Bonucci came from the field under duress with 15 minutes to play and was replaced by young defender Gianluca Frabotta.

Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski has enjoyed a solid start to his Juve career, with the 20-year-old contributing two goals and one assist in his five appearances across all competitions.

On the other side, Philippe Coutinho is set to miss Barcelona's trip to Juventus after suffering a hamstring injury and Gerard Pique suspended after being sent off in the 5-1 win over Ferencvaros.

Whereas the Blaugrana are winless in their last three Liga matches following Saturday's 1-3 Clasico defeat to Real Madrid, with Lionel Messi failing to score from open play in six games - baring the only two penalties to his name - under new coach Ronald Koeman’s set up.

Jordi Alba fired in a low cut-back, as he so often does, and Ansu Fati made sure he got on the end of it to score Barca's consolation goal against Madrid while Messi hasn’t been getting as many scoring chances as he would have liked, which could be a concern for Koeman to address.

Barca will have to avoid a defeat at the Allianz Stadium to remain top of Group G, having won their opening game of their European campaign 5-1 against Ferencvaros on Tuesday.

UEFA Champions League fixtures

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In addition, three members of first-team staff also returned positive tests for the virus, which has caused a global pandemic, infecting more than 40 million worldwide and costing over 1m lives.

Several high-profile footballers have caught the virus, perhaps most notably Juventus ace Cristiano Ronaldo, and on Monday it was confirmed the Milan pair were added to that growing list.

“AC Milan can announce that results determined from a series of swab tests conducted yesterday evening have returned from a laboratory with positive indications of Covid-19 for Gianluigi Donnarumma, Jens Petter Hauge and three other staff members," a statement on their official website reads.

“Whilst they are all asymptomatic, they have immediately entered isolation in their homes and the relevant local health authorities have been informed.

“Today, the players and staff were tested again for Covid-19, as is required by protocol, and there have been no other positive test results for the virus.”

The news comes as a blow to the Rossoneri, who have made an express start to their season and are due to face Roma in a Serie A encounter on Monday.

Stefano Pioli’s side currently lie top of Italy’s top flight, having won all four of their fixtures to date and having conceded just a single goal in their matches.

Furthermore, they have made a promising start to the Europa League group stage campaign, easing past Scottish champions Celtic 3-1 in their opening match of the competition, having qualified for it thanks to a thrilling 9-8 penalty win away to Rio Ave.

This is not the first time that the Milan squad has been touched by the virus. Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and defender Leo Duarte have both returned positive tests previously.

Indeed, the Swede took to Twitter to joke: “I tested negative to Covid yesterday and positive today. No symptoms whatsoever. Covid had the courage to challenge me. Bad idea.”

Donnarumma has been ever-present for Milan so far this season and his absence will open the door for summer signing Ciprian Tatarusanu to feature, while Hauge has made a strong impression after signing from Bodo/Glimt, returning one goal from three matches.

South African officials have confirmed that five people have been arrested in the murder case of late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, with more expected to follow.

The ex-Orlando Pirates captain was shot at the home of his former girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloors, East Rand in October 2014.

The incident was initially understood to be a robbery gone wrong, but the potential killer or killers had not been identified until the recent implementation of new cold-case techniques into the murder.

In Monday’s press briefing, National Commissioner General Khehla Sitole confirmed that five suspects had been arrested, including the man believed to have pulled the trigger, and that police had found the suspected murder weapon.

“The process has been backed up by forensic evidence,” he told journalists, “connected to the weapon and the scene.

“We suspect there will be more arrests as the investigation continues.”

Sitole acknowledged that police had used ‘different principles’ as they sought a breakthrough in the case, with this cold-case methodology ultimately leading to the alleged perpetrators.

“Some of these suspects were arrested while they were outside custody,” he added, “some were arrested or charged because they were already in custody on other cases on the cold-case strategic approach.”

Reports emerged in the local press on Sunday that police had finally made progress in the case, although contrary to those reports, Sitole noted that not all of the suspects were already in prison when they were arrested in connection to Meyiwa’s murder.

Also present at the briefing, Police Minister General Bheki Cele paid tribute to Meyiwa, who represented South Africa at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and would have started for Bafana at the 2015 Afcon had it not been for his murder.

“He was a national asset,” Cele noted. “We were at the funeral.

“It was one of the biggest funerals that took place, in the stadium, and we were there,” he continued. “We believe the nation will get the answers that they have always been expecting.

“Six years is a long time, yes, it would have been better if it was six weeks or six months.”

The breakthrough comes 15 months after the passing of Meyiwa’s father Sam, who had fought tirelessly and courageously for justice to be brought in the death of his son.

“Investigations are ongoing and more arrests cannot be ruled out,” Cele reiterated. “While six years have gone by, we remain confident that these arrests are the start of bringing closure.”

Ayub Timbe has assured his fans he will be back in action soon, just eight days after he confirmed parting ways with Beijing Renhe.

The speedy winger confirmed last week he had left the Chinese club but he could not reveal his next destination.

The 28-year-old has now confirmed on his official social media pages he will return to action soon, though he could not confirm which league or team he will be signing for.

“I’ll be back on these actions soon,” Timbe wrote on his social media pages.

On leaving Renhe last week, Timbe wrote: “Thanks for the three beautiful years Beijing Renhe,” Timbe wrote on his Twitter handle. “I wish the club and everyone behind it good luck for the rest of the season.”

Timbe joined Beijing Renhe in February 2017 and managed to score eight goals in his first season to help the team win promotion to the Chinese Super League.

The following season, he was loaned back to the second tier to play for Heilongjiang Lava Spring, though he scored seven goals in 14 games in the top-flight for Beijing Renhe, and on January 31, 2020 - transfer deadline day in England – he joined English Championship side Reading on loan until the end of the season.

However, his stay at the Berkshire-based club did not last more than six months after the club decided against pursuing a further deal.

On leaving Reading Timbe explained: “My short journey at Reading is finished,” Timbe, 27, confirmed in a Facebook post. “I want to thank the club, the staff, my mates, and definitely every supporter who was with me through this half-season. It was a pleasure to be at Reading.

“Thank you all and I wish you good luck in the coming season.”

Timbe’s loan at Reading was the third such move the Kenyan has made in his career so far.

Between 2014 and 2016, the winger was loaned by Genk to Lierse and he went ahead to make 42 appearances and scored eight goals for the Belgian side.

The performance saw Lierse make his move permanent and the player stayed with them for one year between 2016 and 2017.

From Belgium, the Harambee Star joined Renhe where he enjoyed a good outing in 2017 as he scored 17 goals in 48 matches.

In 2018, he was loaned for the second time in his career to Heilongjiang Lava Spring, a Division One side in China. He played six games and scored two goals for the lower tier side.

Alessandro Del Piero thinks Juventus should switch to a 4-2-4 formation for their Champions League clash with Barcelona.

Juve will welcome Barca to Allianz Stadium on Wednesday for a crucial encounter which could have a huge bearing on who ends up finishing top of Group G.

The Italian giants picked up a comfortable 2-0 victory at Dynamo Kiev in their opening European fixture of the 2020-21 campaign, while the Blaugrana thrashed Ferencvaros 5-1 at Camp Nou.

Sparks are expected to fly when the two teams meet in Turin, with supporters and experts alike relishing the clash. However, Juve missed the chance to build up extra confidence for the game as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday.

That result leaves the reigning Italian champions sitting fifth in the table, three points behind leaders Milan having played a game more.

Bianconeri legend Del Piero thinks Andrea Pirlo should change his system against Barca, with it his belief they could even play with four men upfront given the plethora of attacking options at the manager's disposal.

"Pirlo is looking for solutions, he will change the team also according to the opponents and it is not excluded that he will also change form," the ex-Juve striker told Sky Sports after the draw with Verona.

"Juve on the outside with [Dejan] Kulusevski and [Federico] Chiesa has great potential for pushing, one on one, of the leg. I also see the possibility of playing with two central midfielders, even for a possible 4-2-4. 

"If you have a lot of potential in attack you have to exploit it: a 4-2-4 at this moment could give the four in front who are strong enough freedom."

Del Piero went on to insist that Juve don't necessarily have to rely on Ronaldo in their latest European outing, as he suggested the combination of Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata may work better in terms of an overall balance across the pitch.

"Kulusevki on the right, Chiesa on the left and Dybala-Ronaldo or Dybala-Morata. In Europe certainly like that," he added. "The purchase of [Alvaro] Morata is to be taken into consideration, if we then remember Ronaldo in Madrid had [Karim] Benzema doing a lot of dirty work." 

Former Premier League star Darren Bent said Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not been at his best since he signed a new three-year contract with the Gunners.

Aubameyang is yet to score a Premier League goal after committing his future to the Emirates Stadium outfit last month in a deal that earns him around £250,000 per week at the club.

On Sunday, the 2015 African Footballer of the Year played from start to finish in Arsenal's 1-0 home loss to Leicester City but he failed to threaten goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with no shot on target.

His only league goal so far this campaign came against Fulham on the opening day, and Bent thinks Aubameyang’s form has dropped and he is not having the best time in Mikel Arteta’s team.

“There has been a drop-off,” Bent said on Talk Sport.

“You look at his form in the semi-final and the final of the FA Cup last season, the Community Shield and his performance against Fulham – he was arguably one of the best strikers in the Premier League, probably the best.

“But since he signed that new contract, it might be a coincidence, but he’s looked a shadow of himself.

“He’s missed big opportunities in games, he’s not working with the same intensity, he doesn’t look like he’s enjoying it as much.

“Listen, confidence is massive in a striker. It is with any player, but particularly with a centre-forward, when you’re used to scoring as many goals as he is and then you suddenly stop scoring, it can be a little bit of a concern.

“But I think it’s even the work rate as well.

“You remember, he was putting shifts up and down, he was all over the place, but he’s been nowhere near that level recently.”

Aubameyang came off the bench to secure Arsenal's 2-1 comeback win over Rapid Wien in their Uefa Europa League opener last Thursday.

He will be expected to play a part when the Gunners host Dundalk for their next European fixture on Thursday before they battle Manchester United in the Premier League on November 1.

Lionel Messi remains the best footballer in the world and it is down to his Barcelona team-mates to play to the forward's strengths, according to midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has yet to fully adapt to new boss Ronald Koeman's 4-2-3-1 system, failing to score from open play in six matches this season.

He has also created just one chance in La Liga this term, with young academy product Ansu Fati - five goals and one assist in all competitions - stealing the limelight, but De Jong, who has thrived in a deeper midfield role under Koeman, insists it is down to the others in Barca's squad to ensure Messi is in the right positions to work his magic.

"When you have Messi in your team, of course you have the best player in the world in your team," he told UEFA.com. 

"You try to get him into the best positions to make a difference and I think we need to adapt to him. When he is receiving the ball in a position where he can make the difference, he will make it for you, always."

De Jong struggled at times in his debut campaign at Camp Nou, but has been shifted into his favoured position by Koeman alongside Sergio Busquets.

The Netherlands international is averaging more successful dribbles this season (2.45) compared to the 2019-20 campaign (1.95) and, while he is touching the ball less often - down from 81.43 per game to 77.73 - he is happy with the tactical tweak.

"I think in my nature as a player, I want to receive the ball early in the play and to set up the play," he said. "I think that's more my style of play than waiting for the ball and receiving it up front, and touching the ball less. 

"I think I feel more comfortable in the pivot position than high up front, but I can also play high up front. It doesn't matter for me so much but, if I had to choose, I would rather play as a double pivot than, for example, as a 'mediapunta' (false nine)."

Paul Pogba has branded reports of his imminent retirement from international football as "unacceptable fake news".

Sources from the Middle East reported over the weekend that Pogba had decided to step down from his duties for France in the wake of comments from his country's president Emmanuel Macron following the murder of Samuel Partey.

After the beheading of 47-year-old teacher Samuel Paty just outside of Paris, Macron issued the following statement: “Unity and firmness are the only answers to the monstrosity of Islamist terrorism.”

Paty was attacked as he made his way home from the school he taught at in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, having been targeted for showing his students cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.

It was suggested that as French Muslim, Pogba took offence to Macron's comments on Paty's death, and had subsequently decided to call time on his international career.

The Manchester United midfielder has, however, come out to dismiss those rumours on social medial, posting an image of an article published by The Sun on Twitter with "unacceptable fake news" emblazoned on the front.

Pogba has won 72 caps for France in total, scoring 10 goals, and played a key role in their run to World Cup glory in Russia in 2018.

The 27-year-old featured in Les Bleus' 7-1 friendly win over Ukraine at the start of the month, before also starring in a 0-0 draw with Portugal and a 2-1 win against Croatia in the UEFA Nation's League.

The Red Devils playmaker had been laid low with coronavirus prior to the international break, but has gradually started to build up his fitness again since returning to Old Trafford.

Pogba's latest outing came in a 0-0 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, but he was unable to help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side grab an all-important winner after coming on as second-half substitute.

Although the Frenchman has had to be content with a spot on the bench in three consecutive fixtures, he could be in line to regain his spot in the starting XI when United play host to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Solskjaer told reporters of Pogba's progress after the stalemate against Chelsea: "He's been out for a while with coronavirus this summer, so he's getting better and better and maybe more his shape.

"Maybe I was unfair to him starting him that early in the first few games but he's coming on and he's done great when he's come on."

Last season’s runners-up suffered a shock 2-1 loss at Parc des Princes last weekend, with a late Marcus Rashford goal the difference.

PSG found themselves in the crosshairs of critics after a lacklustre display, but Mbappe says his side are ready to respond.

"It's not the first time that we've lost the first match of the group stage. We know how to react,” he told the club's official website ahead of Wednesday’s match against Istanbul Basaksehir.

“The matches succeed each other quickly and we'll try to win in Istanbul in order to honour the shirt and the club. All matches are important, but when you play every two or three days, it remains difficult, even if you are the biggest competitor."

The beginning of the season has been challenging for PSG, who have suffered from injuries and Covid-19 infections, and the World Cup winner admits it has been tricky.

"The start of the season was difficult physically, but above all mentally, as we had no time to prepare. We came back from the final at the end of August, then headed off to link up with our national sides, while others had Covid,” he said. 

“It was unique. It's a unique year and we have to adapt to it, but mentally it's difficult to get back on it. In my mind, and there are several of us who feel this, it's not a new season. It's as if last season has just continued. For me, we are at the 60th match of the season, and not the ninth match of the new season.

“Normally, after the final of the Champions League, whether you win or lose, you head off on holiday, or you have an international competition and then head on holiday. Whatever happens, you take a break from football, you recharge your batteries in order to be effective and you prepare for the new season.

"Here, we lost the final and we had to play again straight away. 

“Me, I love playing, I love this sport, I love always being on the field, so you won't here me complaining about having matches to play. To say that it's not easy to deal with isn't a complaint, it's a statement."

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old has indicated that he is not the finished article yet, despite being regarded as one of the stars of the game.

"It's not perfect, I am not perfect,” he said. “There are matches where I've not been good, but I'm continuing to progress. 

“I also think you need to play with the others. You don't win games on your own, and that's the most important thing in a team sport. It's not perfect yet as I'm a forward and a forward, when it comes to it, is taught to be egotistical and in his bubble. It's a very special position and I know it's difficult to understand the mentality of a forward. 

“I'm working on myself and I know that to win a game we all need to work together, and knowing how to make others shine is just as important as shining oneself. It's really something that I'm in the process of learning.

“It's all a question of making the right choices and I'm in this phase, where I'm still learning to make the right choices.”

PSG moved to the top of Ligue 1 for the first time this season at the weekend, leading Lille on goal difference.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Executive Committee has approved the fixtures for the Zambian Premier League 2020/21 season which will start on October 31.

FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala said the league has been given permission to start but with strict adherence to the health and safety protocols concerning the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are very happy to announce the fixtures of the 2020/2021 season for the Zambia Premier League. The fixtures have been approved by the Executive Committee clearing the way for the league to kick-off,” Kashala said as quoted by the FAZ Facebook page.

“Clubs will be expected to adhere to the Covid-19 health protocols as we commence the league. The full fixtures have been duly circulated to the members in the Zambia Premier League.”

Zesco United, who missed out on the title that was eventually won by Nkana FC, will start with a match against Napsa Stars. The tie will provide an opportunity for five Kenyan stars to clash in the season opener.

Recently signed Timothy Otieno and goalkeeper Shaban Odhoji of Napsa Stars will face-off while David Owino, Jesse Were, John Makwatta and Ian Otieno are expected to play for Zesco United.

Apart from the Napsa Stars vs Zesco United tie, the Forest Rangers vs Nkana match is expected to attract attention given how the clubs fared last season.

After the league was suspended in March, restarted and suspended once more in August, Nkana and Forest Rangers – separated by goal difference - were first and second, respectively, and consequently earned Caf Champions League slots when the league came to an unnatural end.

Nine matches have been lined up for week one as debutants Indeni FC – the winners of the Second Division - will face traditional Premier League participants Zanaco FC.

The 2020/2021 calendar opened with the Samuel Ndhlovu Charity Shield that was won by Nkana.  The competition is held before every season begins to honour the football achievements of the late great Zambian footballer and coach after which it was named.

Week one fixtures:

Power Dynamos vs Young Green Eagles

Kitwe United vs Prison Leopards

Buildcon vs Lusaka Dynamos

Green Buffaloes vs Red Arrows

Napsa Stars vs Zesco United

Zanaco vs Indeni

Forest Rangers vs Nkana

Kabwe Warriors vs Green Eagles

Lumwana Radiants vs Nkwazi

Elli Asieche will be the Sofapaka captain in the forthcoming 2020/21 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) campaign.

The position fell vacant after the exit of George Maelo, who was deployed in Machakos, in the current transfer window. It is for this reason the 2009 champions have opted to give the midfielder an opportunity to lead Batoto ba Mungu.

"Head coach John Baraza has confirmed midfielder Elli Asieche is the new club captain," Sofapaka confirmed on their official portal.

"Asieche, who has been with the club for the past three years since his return, will captain the team beginning the 2020/21 season. He takes over from immediate former club captain George Maelo."  

The 29-year-old has promised to help the Nairobi-based team go in the right direction after he was trusted with leadership.

"I am happy for this new capacity and challenge, it shows a lot of trust and faith in me, from the head coach and the entire team. I look forward to leading and helping the club in the right way," Asieche stated after his confirmation.

Baraza has also appointed Willis Obayi and Michael Kibwage as first and second assistant captains, respectively. The latter joined Batoto ba Mungu recently from KCB FC.

"I did not expect this appointment but it is a privilege for me to be handed the responsibility," Kibwage told Goal on Monday.  

"This is a show of faith bestowed on me by the technical bench and the team at large. I promise to give my best and help the team win the Kenyan Premier League in the forthcoming campaign."

In a recent interview, the youngster opined on the tactics used by the former Kenya international.

"[Baraza] is very good at his job and he is always free with players," Kibwage told Goal.

"He knows how to relate with all players and since I moved in, I find it easy to settle in his environment. He is so understanding, concerned, and very wise.

"[Baraza] is also tactical; if you have not understood something, he will come and explain to you until it sinks in. On a good day, his tactics will cause problems to opponents meaning Sofapaka will cause problems to teams."

Apart from Kibwage, the 2009 league winners have signed seven more players in the current transfer window - Lawrence Juma from Gor Mahia, veteran striker Paul Kiongera, former APR Rwanda captain Isaac Mitima, Nigerian Michael Karamor, Michael Bodo, Roy Okal, and Kevin Omondi.