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Zinedine Zidane insisted he was unfazed about silencing Real Madrid's critics after recording a 3-1 Clasico win over Barcelona.

After Ansu Fati cancelled out Federico Valverde's opener, Sergio Ramos scored a 63rd-minute penalty and Luka Modric sealed Madrid's win at Camp Nou.

Zidane was under pressure at the helm after back-to-back losses to Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk, but Madrid moved top of La Liga after Saturday's win.

And the Real Madrid coach said he had no interest in trying to respond to critics as he praised his side's ability to break down their rivals 

"That's not what we're here for, to shut them up," Zidane told a news conference.

"We do our job, believing in what we do, being together when we have to be and that's what we did. We did it as a team, I'm very proud of them.

"When it comes to defending we had a compact block. Then with a rival open like Barca, we've found gaps two or three times and in the end, it's about trying to play a good game as a team and that's what we did."

Ramos' controversial penalty proved crucial for Madrid and the defender has now scored each of his past 25 spot-kicks, including shoot-outs, for his club and Spain.

Madrid's overall performance, though, pleased Zidane, as they made it four wins in six league games this season.

"We played a good game, playing against a team that we know is open, that played well," he said.

"I'm happy for the players because in the end it's about that, after the last few days of everything they said. I am happy for them and also to finish with Modric's goal.

"I've seen the team together. I am happy because they're the ones fighting on the pitch. We can enjoy what we did."

Madrid visit Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Tuesday before hosting Huesca four days later in La Liga action.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against Seria A giants Juventus on Wednesday night with Crisitiano Ronaldo still a doubt to play after recently testing positive for Covid-19. 

Wolves star Adama Traore has opened up on his pre-game use of baby oil to ensure rival defenders aren't able to slow him down.

While the winger has starred in the Premier League over the past year, the Spain international initially struggled with the physicality of English football having come through Barcelona's academy. 

Boasting such a big frame, the opposition has plenty to grab on to in any desperate attempt to slow Traore down but have found keeping hold of the speedster increasingly difficult. 

That's because a club doctor at Wolves suggested lathering the wide man in baby oil - a tactic that's worked a treat for Traore, who scored four goals and contributed nine assists in the league last season. 

"The staff here had a very clever idea because they knew I was having problems with my shoulder," Traore was quoted by the Daily Mail.

"Opponents were grabbing my arm for me not to move, pulling my shoulder. If you put on the oil, it’s impossible for them to grab me, especially if I’m moving as well.

"In the first game it was very funny because many players grabbed my arm and they couldn’t catch me. They were asking, 'What happened?' and I kept saying I didn’t know!

"Everyone knows now but it doesn’t matter. It’s important for me because players have to use another tactic. Now I have the oil on my arm, I can slip [away]."

While Traore's blistering pace is hard to miss on the pitch, the Spaniard was quick to stress there's more to his game but welcomes any misconceptions he could potentially take advantage of. 

"For me, it doesn’t matter because I know what I have, I know how I play, I know what I give and if people think my ability only is the speed, ok — no problem," he said.

"Because after, in the game, I can do other things, so it will be a surprise. It doesn’t bother me, I know what I have and also what I’m working for." 

The 24-year-old has had a relatively quiet start to the new campaign and is yet to register a goal involvement after impressing in the final third last season. 

Wolves next face Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday and they will be looking to claim a third consecutive victory after winning their past two games 1-0. 

Kamal Sowah got an assist as OH Leuven silenced Club Brugge 2-1 in Saturday’s Belgian First Division A outing.

The Blue-Black went to the King Power Stadium on the back of their 1-0 victory over Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League. Against Marc Brys’ team, however, they were unable to get a win as manager Philippe Clement rested captain Ruud Vormer, Nigeria’s Emmanuel Dennis and Charles De Ketelaere

Club Brugge’s Siebe Schrijvers had the first chance at goal but he was unable to beat goalkeeper Rafael Romo.

In the 20th minute, referee Alexandre Boucaut pointed to the spot after Ukrainian defender Eduard Sobol pulled down Mathieu Maertens in the goal area. Thomas Henry slotted the ensuing kick past goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.

The goal was a reality check for the visitors who put up a strong attacking display as they searched for an equaliser. Nevertheless, they levelled matters on the stroke of half-time as Noa Lang converted from the penalty mark after Hans Vanaken was fouled by one of OH Leuven’s defenders.

Xavier Mercier gave the hosts a well-deserved lead in the 57th minute – finishing off a cool pass from Somah. The goal was initially ruled off for offside, but several VAR replays upheld the strike to the dismay of Clement’s team.

As the game drew to a close, De Ketelaere, Vormer and David Okereke were thrown into the fray, albeit, their presence could not make the difference. With the last kick of the game, Okereke was presented with a fine chance to equalise but his effort went wide.

Ghana's Sowah who is on loan from Premier League side Leicester City was in action from start to finish while his compatriots Jonah Osabutey and Isaac Asante were not dressed for action as well as South Africa's Darren Keet, Benin Republic's Yannick Aguemon, Burkina Faso's Dylan Ouedraogo and Cote d'Ivoire's Aboubakar Keita.

For Club Brugge, Angola's Clinton Mata, Senegal's duo of Krepin Diatta and Youssouph Badji were in action for the entire duration of the game. Despite surrendering their seven-game unbeaten run, they remain at the summit with 19 points from 10 outings.

They welcome Lazio to the Jan Breydel Stadium on Wednesday before facing Mechelen in a Belgium topflight clash three days later.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari admitted that it was difficult to contain his former teammate Luvuyo Memela as the Soweto giants drew with AmaZulu FC on Saturday night.

The two teams played to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2020/21 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season which was played at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

The Buccaneers opened the scoring through Frank Mhango, but Lehlohonolo Majoro levelled matters for Usuthu and ultimately, the two sides settled for a draw.

Motshwari produced a Man of the Match performance as he worked hard to protect the Pirates defence. 

"It was a difficult one. In the first-half, we were not in the game because they were coming at us," Motshwari told the club's social platforms.  

"But it was due to the mistakes we were making as we kept losing the ball. In the second-half, we managed to rectify the mistakes which we committed in the first-half.

"We were pushing for a goal, but unfortunately, we couldn't get one tonight, we created quite a few half chances which we should not convert."

The 29-year-old was tasked with man-marking tricky attacking midfielder Memela, who recently left Pirates for AmaZulu in a surprise move. 

Usuthu were awarded a penalty after Memela was fouled in the box by Fortune Makaringe and former Pirates striker Majoro scored from the rebound after his effort from the spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands

"It was difficult for me especially playing against Memela because I know him. He likes playing in between the lines, making all those runs," Motshwari said. 

"He was making runs all over the pitch [and] joining me on the sides. I had to cover a lot of distance tonight. I did manage him [well] tonight even though he nearly scored in the last few minutes. All is good." 

Motshwari, who won the 2016/17 PSL title with the now-defunct Bidvest Wits, believes AmaZulu have done well in the transfer market. 

"Looking at the AmaZulu squad I think this season they have signed quality players," he added. 

"Coming here, away from home and collecting a point against them I think it is fair a point, even though, we would have loved to get three points tonight." 

AmaZulu have also signed former Pirates strikers Augustine Mulenga and Siphelele Mthembu and ex-Kaizer Chiefs captain Siphiwe Tshabalala. 

Arsenal star David Luiz sympathises with his defensive counterpart Virgil van Dijk, but does not believe the laws of football need changing in order to avoid such incidents. 

Van Dijk saw his season cut short last weekend when he tangled with Everton's Jordan Pickford during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with their derby rivals. 

The Dutchman suffered a cruciate ligament injury, while the Everton keeper escaped any punishment as play was brought back for an offside call in the Toffees box. 

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was left incensed with Pickford's actions and the lack of following sanctions, but Luiz is of the opinion that injuries like that suffered by Van Dijk are part of the game. 

“It’s a game with contact. This is football and it’s always going to be like that," the centre-back explained to reporters ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Leicester City on Sunday.

“When a player goes to try to make someone bad (with a challenge), or do something bad, we can see it.

“But it’s part of our job and sometimes we’re unlucky with some balls - and you can get injured yourselves or hurt someone.

“You must say sorry, be humble, and if you really mean that, everybody will see this.

“But the most important thing is we have to protect football.

“Football is made to make people happy and we must play it like that - but also understand some contact exists.”

Arsenal suffered greatly throughout 2019-20 with defensive troubles, with only Chelsea and Burnley in the Premier League top 10 conceding more than Mikel Arteta's charges. 

The current term, though, has seen Luiz and his partners at the back turn over a new leaf, having shipped six goals in their five matches to date - a record second only to Aston Villa across the league. 

According to Luiz, Arteta's influence has proved key in tightening up the Gunners' rearguard. 

“We’re working hard, we understand what Mikel wants from us, we know how we want to play and have the right mentality and attitude. We want to achieve," the Brazilian added.

“The first defenders are the strikers. They have to do their job, pressing in the right way - and this makes things much easier for us.

“We have a great mentality with Mikel in this way. When we have the ball, we try to enjoy ourselves as much as possible and when we don’t have the ball, we try to regain it.

“It’s not just about defending the last line with the keeper, it’s about the whole team working together with fight and commitment.”

Mikel Arteta's decision to exclude Mesut Ozil from his Arsenal squad has caused a storm, but the Gunners boss has found support from Leicester City counterpart Brendan Rodgers who agrees he cannot afford to carry a player unwilling to put the work in. 

Ozil was a notable absence from the 25-player list released by Arsenal during the week for their Premier League campaign, a move that seems to spell the end of his career at the Emirates Stadium. 

The former Germany international did not take the news quietly, telling his social media followers “Loyalty is hard to come by these days" in an apparent swipe at Arteta.

Rodgers will thus not have to plan how to keep Ozil under wraps when the Foxes visit north London on Sunday, and the manager offered his backing to his opposite number over the controversial omission. 

"I’d be very much like Mikel. Ozil’s a talented player, but it depends on your structure," he told reporters when asked about his opinion on the call.

“We need every player to contribute to the defensive ­aspect of the game as well as the attacking aspect.

"The team have to operate with one brain. They have to function and work together. There will be teams where there is more freedom, but less structure.

“Ozil’s a wonderful talent and very creative, absolutely. He can make the last pass, but it’s about the team. It’s about ­marrying the individual ­qualities of the player into the team and if you feel that player can’t press the game or doesn’t want to press the game, it has an effect on your attacking structure and your defensive structure.

“If one person doesn’t do their job, then you can suffer. He’s a talent, but, as always with talent, you have to be a working talent.

“I always say to my attacking players, ‘Don’t run ­forward if you can’t run back’.

“You have to be able to do the dirty work. This is the ­highest level of the game and, at that level, you have to be able to do both sides. You think of any top team in the world and you think of some of the attacking players.

“If you look at Bayern ­Munich, the current European champions, and you look at Serge Gnabry and Thomas Muller, for ­instance, the guys that play down the sides. Look at how hard they work.

“Look at ­Liverpool with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane – the work he puts in. That’s what you have got to do. You can’t carry anyone.

“It’s OK ­having ­talent, but, at the highest level, you have to be working ­talents if you are going to play in the big games for the big teams.”

Leicester and Arsenal currently sit seventh and eighth respectively in the Premier League having both won three and lost two of their opening five games, with the Foxes ahead of Arteta's charges by virtue of their superior goal difference.

Gareth Bale's return to Tottenham has created a huge stir around the club - but he warned he will need time to find his feet again in north London. 

The winger was a huge hit at Spurs in his first spell, making more than 200 appearances and scoring 55 goals in five seasons at White Hart Lane following his move from Southampton. 

That form caught the eye of Real Madrid, who made him the world's most expensive player in 2013 by clinching a deal reportedly worth £85.3 million (€100 million). 

Madrid's faith was repaid with a spell that included two Liga wins and no less than four Champions League titles, but relations with the club ultimately soured and Bale became a near-pariah figure at the Santiago Bernabeu towards the end, culminating in his loan move back to Tottenham. 

And while fans are expecting great things from their returned prodigal son, the Welshman is hoping to take things slowly as he prepares for his latest Premier League match in more than seven years on Monday away to Burnley.

“It’s going to take me a bit of time to get my match fitness and sharpness going," Bale, who made his 'second debut' for Spurs coming off the bench against West Ham last weekend before starting midweek against LASK in the Europa League, signalled to reporters. 

“It's another game towards the process of getting fitter, sharper, quicker. I just enjoyed being out there playing football - that’s what makes me happy.”

Jose Mourinho made a host of changes from the side that drew 3-3 with the Hammers for the European date, but the manager's selection was vindicated as they ran out easy 3-0 winners over the Polish side to start their Europa League campaign in style.

“It was a professional performance, These games can be difficult, if you don’t take them seriously. We took it very seriously," Bale added.

“We have a lot of strength in depth and great players but we’re in a lot of competitions. We’re going to need everyone throughout the season.

“It’s a great squad to be in. Hopefully, we keep pushing each other and can achieve what we want.”

David de Gea believes Manchester United would have been more deserving of the victory than Chelsea after the sides played out a dour goalless draw on Saturday.

United's winless run at Old Trafford in the Premier League stretched to a fifth game - their longest such league streak since February 1990 - after failing to find a way through.

Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy produced good saves to twice deny Marcus Rashford, including in the final stages, and also Bruno Fernandes.

In doing so, the Senegal international became the first Chelsea goalkeeper to keep a Premier League clean sheet away at United since Thibaut Courtois in December 2015

And Mendy's opposite number De Gea feels his side were hard done by to take just a point, which leaves them 15th in the table after five games.

"For me, we created enough chances to win the game. It was a tight game against a good team, of course, but I think we deserved a bit more," he told MUTV.

"I think we had two or three big chances, especially with Rashy, but the keeper saves them. That is fine and, like I said before, we deserve a bit more. 

"It was a tough game and now we need to look forward to the next game."

The clean sheet for United was their first in the Premier League this season and De Gea, who had just the one save to make, considers that a big positive to take from the game.

"I think for us it is very important to start to keep clean sheets, especially at home," he said. "Today we defended really well and didn't concede many chances. 

"We always try in every training session to improve, to make the team better defensively, work with each other, and talk to each other. 

"It was important today to get a clean sheet against a top team like the one we played today. That's the way to keep going and the way to win games."

Mendy nearly scored an own goal with one stray early pass but was otherwise impressive in his fourth outing for the club, earning particular praise from Frank Lampard after the game.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also picked out the 28-year-old as the game's key player as he became the first Chelsea keeper to keep a clean sheet in both of his first two league games for the club since Petr Cech in August 2004. 

"There were two good teams on display, with quality at either end of the pitch," he told MUTV. 

"You can see their keeper today, I think he's the match-winner with those two fantastic saves from Marcus. The one in the second half, an unbelievable save. I'm standing just behind it and following it to the top corner. Great finish, great save.

"The first one was well blocked with his right foot. So I think it's an even game. I think we started a bit slow and didn't really put our authority on the game, but after about 20, 25 minutes I felt we took over and built pressure.

"I've just got to praise their keeper because those two saves are fantastic."

Porto defeated Gil Vicente 1-0 in Saturday’s Primeira Liga encounter, with Zaidu Sanusi getting sent off.

With just 16 minutes to the end of the game, the Nigeria international was shown the way out by referee Helder Malheiro for a second caution.

Having earned a draw against Santa Clara and Tondela, the Roosters went to Estadio do Dragao with the ambition of compounding the woes of the Dragons who had gone on a run of three games without a win.

In a tight first-half, they were able to curtail the hosts’ whose attacking line was anchored by Fabio Vieira and Toni Martinez. For Porto, they had Sanusi and Mateus Uribe cautioned in the 26th and 30th minute respectively.

Four minutes before the half time break, Sergio Conceicao’s Porto took the lead through Evanilson following a good combination between Zaidu and Japan’s Shoya Nakajima.

Nakajima sent a low pass to Evanilson who wasted no time to beat goalkeeper Denis. That was the Brazilian’s first goal for the reigning Portuguese champions since joining from Fluminense.

In the second-half, the hosts continued with their strong attacking display and they almost doubled their lead but Romario Baro’s goal-bound shot was blocked by Ygor Nogueira’s elbow.

Referee Malheiro pointed to the spot as goalkeeper Denis saved a poor penalty taken by the Colombia international midfielder.

Despite dominating ball possession and boasting of more scoring chances, Porto could not add to their tally as they wasted several begging chances. Their lead was threatened in the 74th minute after Zaidu was shown the way out for a second caution.

Notwithstanding the hosts’ numerical disadvantage, Gil Vicente were unable to produce a late comeback as they lost their first game of the 2020-21 Portuguese topflight campaign.

Chancel Mbemba was in action from start to finish, while Malian forward Moussa Marega replaced Jesus Corona in the 90th minute. Senegal's duo of Mouhamed Mbaye and Mamadou Loum plus Guinea Bissau's Nanu were not listed for the game.

For the visitors, Senegal's Souleymane Aw and Nigeria's Ahmed Isaiah were unused substitutes.

Porto are second in the log after garnering 10 points from five games - two points behind leaders Benfica who have an outstanding game. Vítor Oliveira's Roosters are ranked 10th with five points from four games.

Manchester United's decision to sign Donny van de Beek has been questioned by Patrice Evra and Gary Neville as the midfielder struggles to cement himself in the side. 

Van de Beek was an unused substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea and is yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils since joining from Ajax over the summer. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is blessed with plenty of depth in midfield and has preferred to give more minutes to the likes of Scott McTominay, Fred and Paul Pogba. 

With Van de Beek struggling to force himself into contention, Evra has declared that United simply don't need the Dutchman as things stand. 

"We’re talking about Van de Beek, nothing against the kid, but why have we bought him? He’s watching the game from the stand every game," Evra said via Sky Sports. "We don’t need him, that’s the truth."

The 23-year-old has made seven appearances for Solskjaer's side so far this season but has played just 59 minutes in the Premier League and was only given a two-minute cameo in the Champions League. 

Neville admitting that the Red Devils decision to spend so much money on Van de Beek has yet to be vindicated and that the player himself will be disappointed not to be playing more. 

"What is a little bit of a mystery is the use of Van de Beek since he’s been signed for £40 million," Neville said. 

"He doesn’t seem to be at the forefront of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans in every game. It’s a bit of a mystery that one. And the more he doesn’t start, and the more he doesn’t come on, the more you’re thinking, 'Well £40m player, ordinarily you’d get him in the team'. 

"He must be thinking: 'What am I doing here?' at this moment in time."

"Don't worry about that. He'll get his games. Don't worry about that," Solskjaer told Sky Sports. "It's easy to say who should be playing and more difficult to say who shouldn't." 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has declared Diogo Jota "can be much better" despite scoring the decisive goal in the club's 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Saturday. 

Jota's 64th-minute header handed the Reds all three points after they had gone behind in the first 15 minutes after a controversial penalty was converted by Sander Berge.

The former Wolves attacker has now scored in each of his first two games at Anfield since joining the Reds over the summer. 

Despite that strong start to life at Liverpool, Klopp is adamant Jota still has plenty of room for improvement as he adapts to life at his new club.

"Yes, Diogo scored a super goal and was really involved in the game. He can be much better, 100 per cent, and that’s good news," Klopp said post-match. 

"He is still adapting. In the moment, a lot of things we do are not natural to him but that’s only because Wolves play different – but a lot of things he did for Wolves are exactly what we want him to do.

"Yes, that he is that close already is just a sign how good a player he is. As I said, if he stays fit, he’s 23 and the future is bright, let me say it like this.

"We will need his quality and I am really happy that he settled nicely so far.

"It is not too much about what he’s brought in the team. He is a good player, that’s why we signed him. I said it only a few minutes ago when I was speaking with my coaches that it is so easy – he is such a likeable person and so it is so easy to like him. That makes everything easier.

"Then the player he is: he is quick, he has the physicality, he is strong, he is good in the air, he is good on the ground...a lot of good things. He has exactly the quality we need, so that helps a lot." 

Jota's first two goals at Anfield have come in the absence of fans and that's something the attacker admits has made them a bit less sweet. 

"Like I said before when I scored my first one, I just wish these stands could be full to make it even more special. But I think in the end the most important [thing] was that my goal was important to seal the victory, so I’m very pleased with that," Jota told Liverpoolfc.com.

“We knew how important it was to get back to winning ways after two games without a win in the Premier League and this game was really tough. We needed to come from behind so I think in the end it is a massive three points for us.

“We knew in the second half we needed to come with everything to score the second. We had chances, we had a goal disallowed, but we have to believe until the end and fortunately for us we grabbed the three points."

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta felt the Blues deserved a penalty for an incident involving himself and Harry Maguire, adding that he thought the referee should have reviewed the decision.

Azpilicueta was dragged down in the box by Maguire during Chelsea's clash with Manchester United, with the England defender draping his arms over the Spaniard's shoulders.

Former United star Patrice Evra likened Maguire to Hulk Hogan after the incident, saying that the WWE-like manoeuvre was a clear penalty.

The referee, disagreed, opting to let play continue on in what ended up being a 0-0 draw.

After the match, Azpilicueta acknowledged that it was a difficult call in real-time, but said that VAR should have been able to clear up any uncertainty.

"A good question, on the pitch I felt yes and I felt arms around my neck and shoulders," he told Sky Sports. 

"The referee can make the decision, the VAR is there [to help]. In any situation, the referee takes the main decisions and the monitor is there for him to help.

"It was 50-50 so why not take 20 seconds to review it? I think VAR can improve a lot. It happens, it is football, I don't say every time there is contact there should be a penalty.

"In England, there is strong physical contact. In football and in the Premier League always we should seek improvement - it is not a criticism, we can all help together to make a better league."

Chelsea's high-powered, big-money attack was largely held quiet on Saturday, with the Blues playing a more cautious game against United at Old Trafford.

United, meanwhile, tested Chelsea's Edouard Mendy several times, with the new starting goalkeeper making a fantastic save late on to keep out a potential Marcus Rashford winner. 

The match was one that left Chelsea wanting more, Azpilicueta says, as the Blues did not play at a level anywhere near their best in his opinion.

"I have the feeling we could have done more. We found spaces but we didn't create the last pass or pick the right pass or make the right decisions," he said.

"We defended solid and they have at the end one save by Edouard and in the first half one mistake by us, but we could do more.

"For moments we had spells. In the first half we controlled better but in the second half sometimes we rushed it and didn't move the ball good enough.

"We lost possession too easily which meant we lost some control but we showed solidity and it was a great effort from everybody. Obviously, we want more."

He added: "We have a long season to go and hopefully we can keep improving. We have the quality to do it."

Chelsea are set to face Krasnodar on Wednesday in their second match of the Champions League groups stage while United host RB Leipzig in their next European tie.

Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana was on target in Eibar’s 2-0 triumph over Deportivo Alaves in Friday's friendly in Amurrio. 

Iker Dorronsoro's team went into the women's international break on a disappointing note following a 1-0 defeat at home to Madrid CFF at the Unbe Sports Complex last week.

In the build-up to the Espanyol showdown on November 1, Eibar tested their strength against the Reto Iberdrola side and the South Africa international proved a huge bargain in the contest.

With both teams sharing the spoils at the end of the first half, Kgatlana's superb strike handed the visitors the lead in the 66th minute of the encounter against the Gloriosas.

Seconds from regulation time, Arene Altonaga struck late to guarantee the victory for Dorronsoro's side over Mikel Crespo's team.

Kgatlana was in action for almost the whole duration and has continued to impress in the colours of Eibar, scoring twice.

Since she was not called up for the Cosafa Women's Cup, the 24-year-old will focus on breaking into Eibar's starting line-up, having appeared thrice as a 66th-minute substitute.

Eibar will continue their campaign at Espanyol in their next Primera Iberdrola encounter next week, while Alaves will welcome Collerense in their next Reto Iberdrola fixture next weekend.

Former Tusker FC and Nairobi Stima striker Stephen Owusu has passed away.

The 37-year-old died on Saturday evening after a battle with a long illness that forced him to go back to Ghana for treatment. 

Owusu was part of the Brewers team that won the 2016 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) as well as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield Cup in the same year. 

After a poor 2017 season in the Kenyan top-tier, Owusu was among the 14 players released by coach Robert Matano. Others who were shown the door alongside the Ghanaian was Anthony Ndolo, George Mandela, Moses Ndawula, Victor Ndinya, Luis Tera, Danson Kago, Noah Wafula, Martin Kizza, and Clifford Alwanga. 

Humphrey Mieno, Allan Wanga, James Situma, and Cercidy Okeyo were also axed.

Owusu's last assignment in Kenyan football was in the National Super League (NSL) with Nairobi Stima.

Several sports personnel have taken to their social media accounts to mourn the fallen striker.

"I am left with no words," Tusker FC media liaison officer Dianah Yonah posted on her Facebook account. "[Rest in peace] Owusu, [double double] champion. Until we meet again.

Herbert Mwachro, who lost in the recently held FKF elections also tweeted his condolence message after learning of the former striker's demise.

"Football is poorer without you," the former FKF Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) tweeted.

"Thank you for the many memories, rest in peace Stephen Owusu."

Ronald Okoth, who recently retired from football after a stint with Sofapaka, was not left behind.

"My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Stephen Owusu," the former player tweeted.

"Definitely one of the best opponents I have ever played against. Unplayable on his good day and a sharp thorn in the flesh of our defence line. 

"May his soul rest in peace."

Owusu started his football development with minnows Mine Stars in Ghana back in 2001 before joining Asante Kotoko a year later until 2005. Heart of Lions snapped him up from 2006 to 2010 and he was shipped on loan to Tunisia outfit Esperance Tunis. 

He has also played for Nigerian outfit Sharks FC and Ghanaian side Aduana Stars FC before coming to Kenya.

New Ghana technical director Benhard Lippert believes early talent identification will go a long way to improve the nation's football fortunes.

The German was appointed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) earlier this month, taking over from Francis Oti Akenteng who exited the job in March.

Lippert first linked up with Ghana's team when they recently played Mali and Qatar in international friendlies in Turkey.

"There are lots of departments which have to be developed and it starts with children in the school [grassroots football] which must be better organised," Lippert said, as reported by the GFA official website.

"Football in schools or festivals should be able to produce the best talents between 10 and 14 years.

"We need early talent identification and so we have to define the most talented children within this age and train them in a holistic way to find out the best talent.

"We have to also write down programs for all youth national teams to develop them step by step and if we follow this way, I am sure we will be successful."

Until his Ghana appointment, Lippert was technical trainer of the Associations of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), a role he has held since 2008.

He was once coach of German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

"Football is not so difficult; it is the same everywhere but we only have different kinds of organisations, structures and different kinds of culture, education which is very important to develop a country’s football," Lippert added.

"We have to find out the DNA of this country, which means we have to develop our national football philosophy which I cannot decide alone.

"So I need the help of the people in this country to define the DNA of the country and then follow a structured way through which youth football will be organized and bring it through the youth national teams to the top."

The 58-year-old, who also coaches Azerbaijan’s national U17, U19 and U21 teams during his 12-year stay, has previously also had coaching spells with German football giants Bayern Munich and English side Leeds United.

Ritah Kivumbi was on target as her goal guaranteed Mallbackens 2-0 victory over Alvsjo AIK in Saturday's Swedish Elitettan encounter.

The Uganda international made her 19th appearance of the season for Conny Johansson's team and she ensured her fifth outing as a  substitute, helping her side extend their winning momentum.

Mallbackens aimed to continue from a 3-0 win against Brommapojkarna in their last outing but could not find a breakthrough in the opening half against Alvsjo.

After the break, the visitors maintained their search for the opener against the hosts and eventually found a breakthrough through Ida Hallstensson's brilliant strike in the 53rd minute.

The Ugandan, who replaced Emmie Johansson after the restart, came close to doubling the lead for the visitors in the 67th minute before she scored eight minutes later to wrap up the victory.

Kivumbi, who featured for the final 44 minutes, has now increased her season tally to seven goals in 19 matches, while Nigeria's Micheal was in action from the start to the end of the match.

The win was Mallbackens' fourth in a row and moves them to fifth spot on the Elitettan table after accruing 38 points from 23 games.

In their next encounter, Conny Johansson's team will aim to extend their impressive run, at home, against Kvarnsveden on October 31.

Kevin-Prince Boateng scored his maiden goal in Serie B on Saturday in Monza’s 2-1 defeat to Chievo.

Boateng fired Cristian Brocchi's side ahead in the 29th minute with his effort from the penalty spot, but they failed to protect their lead in the second-half as Filip Dordevic's brace stretched their winless run to four games.

The result was Monza’s first loss of the season having drawn their opening three games in the Italian second-tier.

Boateng played for 45 minutes and he was substituted before the start of the second half. He has made three appearances in the Serie B since his loan arrival from top-flight club Fiorentina last month.

Nigeria international Joel Obi was also in action for Chievo but he was replaced in the 82nd minute as his team extended their impressive run to three wins in a row.

Monza are 15th in the second division table having gathered three points from four matches while Chievo are placed fifth with 10 points after five outings.

Next Saturday, Boateng will be aiming to help Monza grab their first win of the season when they visit high-flying Citadel for their next Serie B fixture.

Lassina Traore scored five goals and provided three assists in Ajax’s 13-0 thrashing of VVV-Venlo in Saturday’s Eredivisie game.

The 19-year-old forward was handed his second start this season and sparkled to help Erik ten Hag’s men decimate the Yellow Black Army.

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp ignited the game in the 12th minute when he smashed home his effort past hapless Delano van Crooij after benefitting from Traore’s assist.

The Burkina Faso international then doubled the lead five minutes later and moments after the half-hour mark, he netted his second goal in the encounter.

Dusan Tadic made it four before the half-time break and after the restart, Ajax continued their goal-fest when Traore scored the fifth goal for his side in the 54th minute.

A minute later, he found Anthony with a fine pass and the winger swiftly tucked home his effort to compound the woes of their hosts.

Ekkelenkamp got his second in the 57th minute, Daley Blind also found the back of the net after benefitting from another Traore assist.

In a reciprocal manner, Anthony set up the 19-year-old for his side’s ninth goal before Klaas Jan Huntelaar bagged a brace within two minutes.

Lisandro Martinez increased the lead with another well-taken effort before Traore sealed the commanding display from Ajax with his 87th-minute strike.

Traore featured for the entirety of the game along with Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, who kept a clean sheet in the encounter.

The 19-year-old centre-forward teamed up with Ajax in January 2019 and has been turning heads since his arrival

The Burkina Faso international started his career from his home country with Rahimo and also played for Ajax Cape Town in South Africa before moving to the Netherlands.

He will hope to continue his impressive form in front of goal when Ajax take on Fortuna Sittard in their next league game.