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Hakim Ziyech has expressed his delight after he finally made his debut for Chelsea in their 3-3 draw against Southampton in Saturday’s Premier League game.

The winger arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer after reaching an agreement in February with the side to join them.

The Morocco international only made one appearance for the Blues, during their pre-season friendly against Brighton and Hove Albion, where he suffered a knee injury.

The forward has been struggling with the problem which halted his chances of making his competitive appearance for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Ziyech, however, used the international break to regain his fitness, featuring for 30 minutes in Morocco’s victory over Senegal on October 9.

On his return to Stamford Bridge, the forward was able to convince manager Frank Lampard of his readiness for action and made a cameo appearance for the side against the Saints.

The 27-year-old featured for 18 minutes in his first Premier League game after replacing Mason Mount and showed glimpses of his abilities.

Ziyech has now taken to social media to share his feelings on his debut for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

“Disappointed about the result but happy to have made my debut,” Ziyech posted on Instagram.

Chelsea boss Lampard had explained how the forward’s involvement in Morocco’s game against Senegal was planned.

“I was pleased with it. We had an open conversation going into it where Hakim spoke to me and I know he had close conversations with their manager,” Lampard said in a press conference.

“If he was going to stay behind, I was looking at getting him minutes in a game behind closed doors but that is difficult for us because of the bubble we have at the moment.

“The ideal result was that he played 30 minutes for his country, which was exactly what he needed at that time, and he came back and did some more training with us so it worked out well.”

Ziyech will hope to play a part when Chelsea square off against Sevilla in a Champions League game on Tuesday.

The forward has now made 33 appearances for Morocco since he switched his allegiance to the North African side from the Netherlands in 2015.

Kaizer Chiefs will meet Maritzburg United in a 2020 MTN8 quarter-final match at the FNB Stadium on Sunday. 

The Soweto giants are starting a new era under Gavin Hunt, who has been entrusted with ending the club's five-year trophy drought.

The 2016 MTN8 title-winning coach will be targeting a winning start against a Maritzburg side which is undefeated in their last three competitive games against Chiefs.

The Team of Choice came close to winning their maiden major trophy last season when they were narrowly defeated by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout final under Eric Tinkler.

Tinkler, who guided SuperSport United to a MTN8 triumph in 2017, will be confident of masterminding his third win over Chiefs since the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The game will be shown live on SuperSport TV. 

Squads & Team News

Chiefs will be without several key players as experienced midfielders Lebogang Manyama and Willard Katsande are both suspended. 

The Soweto giants' squad depth will be tested as Hunt has also confirmed that forwards Samir Nurkovic and Leonardo Castro will also be missing as they are currently out nursing injuries

Furthermore, goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi will be unavailable due to passport issue and Itumeleng Khune is set to start in goal.

Meanwhile, Maritzburg will also have to find a way to defeat Chiefs without their hardworking defender Kwanda Mngonyama, who is suspended.

Tinkler has confirmed that the club has agreed to sell Richard Ofori to Orlando Pirates, but the deal is yet to be concluded and it remains to be seen whether the Ghanaian goalkeeper will start against Chiefs.

The Team of Choice will pin their hopes of securing a win over Chiefs on Judas Moseamedi, with the centre forward having netted three times against the Soweto giants last season.

Match Preview

Chiefs have a poor home record of late, having won just one of their last six home matches across all competitions.

However, Amakhosi are undefeated in their last two competitive games which ended in a win and a draw.

While Maritzburg are enduring a four-match winless run on the road across all competitions having recorded three defeats and one draw as the visitors.

The Team of Choice are also winless in their last six competitive games, having registered three draws and three defeats.

In head-to-head stats since 2005, Chiefs and Maritzburg have met 33 times across all competitions.

Amakhosi have the upper hand having secured 16 wins compared to the Team of Choice's seven, while 10 matches ended in draws.

Mikel Arteta has "got problems" with Hector Bellerin and must switch to a back four, according to ex-Arsenal captain Tony Adams.

Arsenal suffered their second loss of the new season at the hands of Manchester City on Saturday.

The Blues ran out 1-0 winners at Etihad Stadium thanks to Raheem Sterling's 23rd-minute strike, with the Gunners ultimately missing the chance to put pressure on Premier League leaders Everton.

Pep Guardiola won the battle of teacher against pupil as one-time City assistant Arteta failed to mastermind the downfall of his former employers, despite a disciplined performance from the Gunners.

Ederson made three superb first-half saves to keep Arsenal at bay, while David Luiz and Nicolas Pepe both wasted good opportunities from free-kicks in the second period, but the home side always seemed in control of proceedings.

City defended resolutely and edged the possession stakes to overcome the Gunners' high press, with most of their best attacks stemming from the left as Bellerin struggled to keep the likes of Sterling, Phil Foden, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva at bay.

Arteta has often preferred to use a 3-4-3 system while trying to turn Arsenal into a more compact defensive outfit, but Adams believes a more traditional formation would suit his old club far better going forward.

"I think it’s time for a back four. I’ve been saying it since the start of the season," the former Gunners centre-back told Premier League Productions. "[3-4-3] wins you cup games, it doesn’t win you league titles - if he wants to build for the future.

"I think he’s got problems with Hector - I think his defending today wasn’t very good at all. But I’d like him to go to a back four. They’ve got Gabriel now, get him a partnership.

"They’ve been unlucky at the start with Holding going down but get them into a back four. They look like they’ve got a holding midfielder now who’s got a bit of presence and build for the future."

Adams added on Bellerin and Gunners No.1 Bernd Leno being at fault for Sterling's all-important winner: "Arsenal have pressed them and they’ve played around the press very well.

"Hector Bellerin again, and the goalkeeper, I always look at it defensively.

"Man City were too good, they passed it around - he [Foden] steps inside Hector too easy.

"The goalkeeper is pushing it into the danger zone. You’ve got to push it away out of the danger zone, and he’s [Sterling] had a tap-in, which is disappointing."

Mamelodi Sundowns will face off with Bloemfontein Celtic in the 2020 MTN8 quarter-final match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

Masandawana are looking to keep the momentum going having won the last three domestic trophies, PSL title, Nedbank Cup and Telkom Knockout under the now-departed coach Pitso Mosimane.

Newly-appointed Sundowns co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena will be keen to start their reign with a win over a wounded Celtic side. 

Siwelele will be seeking revenge after losing to Sundowns in the 2020 Nedbank Cup final last month, and they are hoping to end their eight-year wait for a major trophy having won their last title in 2012 which was the Telkom Knockout.

This will be John Maduka's first full season as Celtic head coach and the legendary Malawian midfielder will be eager to ensure that his side starts the new campaign with a win.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The game will be shown live on SuperSport TV. 

Squads & Team News

Sundowns will be without Tebogo Langerman, who has been handed a two-match suspension by the PSL after the left-back was found guilty following his inclusion in the match-day squad against Celtic last month.

However, Masandawana have depth in their squad as they could bring in either Lyle Lakay or new signing Aubrey Modiba to fill Langerman's void in the left-back position.

Gaston Sirino and Themba Zwane remain the Sundowns players to watch out for as they combined brilliantly before the former netted the only goal of the match as Masandawana beat Celtic 1-0 in the Nedbank Cup final.

Meanwhile, Celtic have no suspension concerns and they recently welcomed back Ronald Pfumbidzai, who was stuck in Zimbabwe since July 2020 as he found it difficult to return to South Africa due to lockdown.

Siwelele have managed to extend Justice Chabalala's loan deal from Orlando Pirates after he impressed at the Free State giants last season and they signed exciting winger Jabulani Ncobeni - formerly with AmaZulu FC.

Maduka will look to the club's inspirational captain Ndumiso Mabena, who is coming off arguably his best season in the PSL and the experienced striker will be determined to lead his troops to a win over Sundowns.

Match Preview

Sundowns boast an impressive home record as they have suffered just one defeat in their last 17 matches as the hosts across all competitions, having registered 13 victories.

The Brazilians have also recorded five wins in their last six competitive matches, while the other game ended in a defeat.

While Celtic are enjoying a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions on the road having registered four draws and one victory as the visitors.

Siwelele have suffered just one defeat in their last 10 competitive matches and recorded four victories and five draws.

In head-to-head stats since 1985, Sundowns and Celtic have met 79 times across all competitions.

Masandawana have been dominant having registered 43 wins compared to Siwelele's 16, while 20 games ended in draws.

Milan derby winner Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he is still unstoppable at 39 and that his experience makes him an even more "complete" player than ever before.

Ibrahimovic continued his prolific start to the new season by scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Inter on Saturday.

The Rossoneri maintained their 100 per cent record while moving three points clear at the top of the Serie A table after four fixtures, three ahead of second-placed Atalanta and four clear of reigning champions Juventus.

Stefano Pioli's side took the lead when Ibrahimovic converted a rebound after seeing his penalty kick saved by Samir Handanovic with just 13 minutes on the clock.

The Swede doubled his account three minutes later, firing home at the back post after latching onto a brilliant Rafael Leao cross from the left-hand side.

Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back for the Nerazzurri, who then pressed hard for an equaliser in the second period, but Milan ultimately held on for their first Derby Della Madonnina win in four years.

Ibrahimovic lapped up the plaudits post-match, while explaining how he has been able to hit new heights despite advancing well into the latter portion of his career.

“I feel more complete, I have more experience. When you are young you are still growing,” the veteran forward told Sky Italia.

“You spend a moment where you are learning things, playing games, you have moments and situations that repeat themselves. 

“Now I feel complete. If I had the condition of 20-30 years, nobody would stop me. But anyway, they don't stop me even now.”

Ibrahimovic added: “Physically I'm fine. I train a lot. I always have. I'm playing well, with great experience.

“I play with available companions who listen, bring intensity. I don't accept when one relaxes in training or in a match. 

“My philosophy is 'train how you play the game'.”

The Milan talisman had been laid low with coronavirus prior to the international break, but the diagnosis only fuelled his desire to get back on the pitch and continue doing what he does best.

“I was so hungry. They locked the wrong animal in the house,” Ibrahimovic told Milan TV. 

“It is not easy mentally to always be at home – the body is shaking because it wants to work, it wants to play.” 

Pioli told Sky Italia of the ex-Sweden international's latest performance: "He was very tired and even asked to come off, but this time I was the one who ignored him!.

“Zlatan is extraordinary, he brings so much to the side with his talent, determination and character. He's an exemplary professional, gives everything for his team, wants to win everything from a cup final to a training ground routine.

“I can't take any credit for dealing with Ibrahimovic, as it's very easy.”

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has promised to continue with their push to have the government lift the ban on football and have the 2020-21 FKF Premier League campaign kick off.

The Kenyan government, through the Cabinet Secretary of Sports Amina Mohamed, confirmed a month ago contact sports, including football, will remain suspended until further notice owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Though the government later allowed the FKF to stage a friendly between Kenya and Zambia, and despite several pleas from stakeholders to have the ban lifted, the same government has remained mum on the matter.

But speaking on Saturday after clinching a second term to run football in the country, FKF president Nick Mwendwa has told Goal that they will continue to engage the government to allow them to resume action but in an organised manner.

“We are still talking to the government and I want to request them to help us open football but under protocols set by the Ministry of Health and start the league matches,” Mwendwa told Goal at Safari Park Hotel.

“We want to make sure our league starts in November 20, because it is the only date that can allow us to finish the season well on time, we don’t have much time left, we want to have a cautious approach towards resuming football and that is why we are pleading with the government to guide us, we will continue to talk to them.”

Elsewhere in East Africa, the Tanzanian league is already going on while the government of Uganda also lifted the ban on sporting activities and social gatherings, a move which allowed the Federation of Uganda of Football Association (Fufa) to set November 20 as the date to resume the 2020-21 season.

The FKF has already issued draft fixtures for the new campaign with the highlight being the Mashemeji derby, which will see AFC Leopards hosting rivals Gor Mahia in the first round battle on March 6, 2021, at Nyayo Stadium, before the second round duel set for the same venue on May 23, 2021.

On Saturday, the 41-year-old clinched another term to run Kenyan football for another four years after he managed 77 votes out of the 85 cast to trounce his four opponents in what turned out to be a one-sided exercise held at a Nairobi Hotel.

Former Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda with his running mate Athanas Obango came second with just five votes. Herbert Mwachiro, who once served as the FKF deputy CEO alongside Harold Ndege, who is a former Kenya international, walked home with three votes.

Journalist Boniface Osano and his running mate had nothing to smile about since they walked home empty-handed, same as Dan Mule, who had presented Peter Lichungu as his running mate.

Ayub Timbe has confirmed his exit from Beijing Renhe in the Chinese League One.

The speedy winger, who joined the club in 2017 from Belgian club Lierse S.K., has confirmed his exit from China in a message on his social media pages but he could not reveal his next destination.

“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.”

Masika 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 – Masika 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.

Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso has expressed his joy after Victor Osimhen scored his first Serie A goal in their 4-1 victory over Atalanta on Saturday.

The 21-year-old sealed the Blues' win moments before the half-time break after Hirving Lozano' brace and an effort from Matteo Politano had given his side a comfortable lead.  

The Nigeria international controlled goalkeeper David Ospina's long ball before beating Marco Sportiello with his fine effort, which ultimately rendered Sam Lammers’ second-half strike a mere consolation for Atalanta.

Osimhen celebrated his goal in a spectacular manner when he joined thousands of Nigerians who are calling for an end to police brutality in the West African country.

The forward teamed up with the Stadio San Paolo outfit in July for a club-record fee of €70 million from French side Lille.

Osimhen made an immediate impact with the Blues, scoring a number of breath-taking goals during the 2020-21 pre-season.

The forward grabbed an assist against Genoa before he finally opened his account for Napoli at Stadio San Paolo and Gattuso has expressed his delight with the 21-year-old’s effort.

"I'm happy for Chucky's brace, but Osimhen's goal makes me happy because he hadn't scored so far and he deserved it for the hard work done for the team," Gattuso told the club website.

"Victor was my wish and I thank the President for having satisfied me. It wasn't easy but we have bought a player who is very important to us."

Napoli's victory over Atalanta ensured they returned to winning ways after losing against champions Juventus last time out.

Osimhen will be expected to continue with his impressive performances at Stadio San Paolo when his side takes on AZ Alkmaar in a Europa League game on Thursday.

The forward bagged 18 goals for Lille during his one-year stay at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy and will hope to surpass that performance for the Blues in his debut season.

Victor Wanyama and Montreal Impact ended a two-match losing streak after they registered a 2-1 win over Inter Miami on Saturday.

Montreal Impact hosted Inter Miami – in what was their first-ever meeting – at Red Bull Arena and it resulted in an encouraging outcome for Thierry Henry’s side that had posted poor results in the last two matches.

Bojan Krkic and Maxi Urruti scored the two goals for the Canadian side and the result is expected to have major implications in the play-offs race.

Bojan got the opener for Montreal Impact in the sixth minute before Inter Maimi scored the only goal through Brek Shea – his second goal in as many games - just after the half-hour mark.

Wanyama and Montreal Impact did not relent and got the winning goal in the 80th minute which was struck by Urruti. It was a simple tap-in after Bojan had made his way into the penalty area and gave a short pass for the scorer to secure the victory.

Henry was elated at how his charges faced Inter Miami and recorded a first home win of the campaign.

“I don’t know if this is our biggest win but we had it at heart to answer back,” Henry after the encounter. “We wanted to get the first win at home [in Red Bull Arena] and especially, to play a good game as a team.

“I thought we were brilliant in the first half, up until the goal to be fair. When you concede a goal like the way we conceded, the team was like: ‘Again?’.

“We were in total control and then we conceded a goal like that but this time instead of reacting, we acted.”

The Frenchman further gave reasons why his team could not allow a third successive defeat.

“We just needed to win,” Henry added.

“Obviously the fewer games you have, obviously, the more it will be a must-win. Especially against a team that was right behind you but it was very important to be able to win this game for obvious reasons: The playoff run and because they were right behind us.”

Centre-back Joel Waterman echoed Henry’s sentiments on why the victory came at a very vital point in their campaign.

“It was a massive result for us and it was really important for us to get a result before we went back home,” said Waterman.

“That was our main talking point before the game, to start off well and get a result no matter what it takes and Bojan was a massive part in that.”

The win enabled Wanyama’s outfit to jump ahead of Nashville SC in the eighth position on the Eastern Conference table.

Azam FC have dismissed transfer reports linking their key striker Prince Dube to Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.

The Zimbabwean striker has enjoyed a good start to the 2020-21 Mainland Premier League campaign where he has managed to score six goals from the first six matches played so far.

His sixth goal came two days ago when Azam FC beat Mwadui FC 3-0 with the other two goals coming from Zambian striker Obrey Chirwa.

It is this performance that has allegedly caught the eye of Raja Casablanca, who according to reports, have already approached the ‘Ice Cream Makers’ over a possible transfer for the player.

However, Azam communications officer Thabit Zakaria has termed the reports as baseless saying they have not been approached by any club – including Raja Casablanca – for the services of the striker.

“We haven’t received any formal offer from Raja Casablanca and we contacted his agent who also confirmed he didn’t receive any offer for his player and we as a club we can’t afford to lose him now since his absence can damage our team’s machinery,” Zakaria is quoted by Daily News.

“We have heard of the price they want to pay us for him and the sum is really huge, but we can’t accept it since the transfer window has been closed so it will be hard to replace him.

“If they are serious about him they should wait until the coming mini-transfer window then we will be willing to open negotiations and once the terms are reached they will have him.”

Meanwhile, Zakaria has maintained they will continue to approach the season one game at a time and will not be looking at what their rivals Simba SC and Yanga SC are doing in the chase for the league title.

“We are not interested in what our rivals are doing, or how they are playing, all we want is to win our matches and keep the focus,” Zakaria told reporters after the 3-0 win against Mwadui.

“If you start focusing on your opponents, then you will lose the focus, we have our own targets for the season and that is what we want to achieve, I am happy we are doing well so far in the league and we want to keep the momentum going until the end of the season.”

Azam have enjoyed a good start this campaign, winning all their six matches to reach 18 points and currently lead the standings.

Azam will next take on promoted side Ihefu FC in the league.

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane feels that his side could have beaten Wydad Casablanca by a wider margin following Saturday’s 2-0 victory in a Caf Champions League semi-final, first leg match on Saturday.

Mohamed Magdi Kafsha and Tunisian defender Ali Maaloul scored in either half to hand Al Ahly the important away win.

It was Mosimane’s first Champions League match in charge of Al Ahly and the coach finally got it right after struggling to beat Wydad with his former club Mamelodi Sundowns in recent years.

But the ex-Bafana Bafana tactician feels that his side could have registered a much more convincing win with more goals.

"It was a difficult game as Wydad was fighting to return to the game," Mosimane told the post-match news conference as per Al Ahram.

"We made the most of Wydad's defensive mistakes … we could have scored a third and fourth but I'm happy with the players' performance.

"The penalty [converted by Maaloul] save gave us more confidence, and we seized the chance to score a second.”

Al Ahly host Wydad for the second leg next Friday as they seek to reach the final and win the trophy they last won in 2013.

Mosimane is just three weeks into the Al Ahly job and is seeking a second Champions League title while the Egyptian giants are bidding for a ninth elite continental crown.

“This is a special victory for the players, technical staff, officials, employees and supporters of Al Ahly,” Mosimane told AFP according to France24.

“We travelled to Morocco full of respect for Wydad because they have won this competition twice and rarely lose at home, either in domestic or Caf competitions.

“Scoring so early was a perfect start for us and Mohamed [El Shenawy] did brilliantly to save a penalty. When we were awarded a penalty I had great faith in Ali because he is so cool, confident and skilful when it comes to scoring from the spot.

“Football is a funny game and we dare not take anything for granted despite this wonderful result. It is half-time in the semi-final and we hold a two-goal advantage.”

Mosimane is yet to taste defeat while at the helm of Al Ahly.

Inter boss Antonio Conte said bad luck was more to blame than his side's defending for their 2-1 derby defeat to AC Milan on Saturday.

Two goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic secured victory for the Serie A leaders, with Romelu Lukaku's effort proving to be mere consolation.

Inter created plenty of chances throughout, with Lukaku spurning two good openings and seeing VAR intervene with an offside call after he had initially won a penalty.

Achraf Hakimi also turned a header wide with the goal at his mercy as Inter managed just one shot on target in the second half.

"We're sorry to have lost a well-played game on our part. They were good and I think also a little lucky," Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

"We create a lot of chances to score goals in every game. We have to become more cynical to take advantage of them. But at the same time, I have nothing to blame the boys for. They fought to the end to equalise. We weren't very lucky."

Ibrahimovic's first came from a rebound after Samir Handanovic had saved his penalty, the veteran striker having been brought down in the box by Aleksandar Kolarov.

Kolarov, playing on the left of the back three, was nowhere to be seen when Ibrahimovic scored his second three minutes later at the end of a swift counter-attack.

Conte, though, insists such a position is "the best role" for the 34-year-old, saying: "He played it for the national team and for Roma. For his moment in his career, it's the right position."

When asked if Inter were wrong to allow the experienced centre-back Diego Godin to leave after last season, Conte replied: "Every decision was evaluated by the club and it's not up to me.

"What I must do is to try to get the best out of the players I am given, and I think that's something I do very well. If you want to talk about other matters, you can ask other people about them."

Inter are currently sixth in Serie A with seven points from their first four games and now find themselves five points adrift of early leaders AC Milan. 

Conte's side next face Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Wednesday night before backing up in the league on Saturday against Genoa. 

Bruno Fernandes admits he mistakenly changed his penalty approach in Manchester United's 4-1 win against Newcastle. 

While the Red Devils star did put his side ahead with a brilliant finish in the 86th minute, he had a spot-kick saved in the 58th minute after Karl Darlow produced a fine save to the bottom left of goal.

Fernandes had previously converted all 10 of his spot-kicks in the Premier League and has taken six more penalties than any other player in the competition since his arrival from Sporting earlier this year. 

Speaking after the match, Fernandes admitted he did adopt a new approach for his spot-kick and is ready for rival fans to point out his perfect record from the spot is no more. 

"I already change sometimes. Today it doesn't work," he told BBC's Match of the Day.

"I want to put the ball more in the corner but it was not good enough. Congratulations to him on being the first to save a penalty in the Premier League from me. That's 11 taken and one missed. Now people can say I can miss a penalty.

"I need to do what is better for the game, today was not the right choice but it doesn't matter. I missed the penalty and I have to keep improving in the next games." 

Despite conceding three late goals, Darlow had proved decisive for Newcastle with the shot-stopper making a number of saves across the 90 minutes. 

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce felt the final score wasn't a fair reflection of the game and revealed Darlow is now under an injury cloud after a heavy collision. 

"The disappointment is that we were naive towards the end. We had a big chance and [David] De Gea pulls off a wonder save. I know Karl has made some terrific saves but it might've been different," Bruce said post-match.

"We left wide open spaces and if you do that it becomes very difficult.

"He [Darlow] took a hell of a blow. We hope that he's not too bad. Until we see the scans we won't know how it is but he's very sore."

FC Porto went to Estadio Jose Alvalade, played and got a 2-2 draw versus hosts Sporting Lisbon in Saturday’s Primeira Liga clash.

Having suffered a 3-2 home defeat their last time out against Maritimo, the Dragons travelled to Sporting with the aim of getting back to winning ways.

They were on course to take an opening minute lead, but goalkeeper Antonio Adan was at alert to make a brave save. Few minutes later, the hosts had their first chance at goal following a beautiful play between Joao Palhinha and Jovane Cabral, nevertheless, Matheus Nunes could not finish off from close range.

Lisbon took the lead in the ninth minute through Nuno Santos who rifled home an uncleared cross from Pedro Porro.

However, Mateus Uribe levelled matters for the visitors in the 25th minute with Nigeria international Zaidu Sanusi providing the assist.

Porto took the lead for the first time in the encounter through Jesus Corona in the 45th minute. Before the half time whistle, Sanusi brought down Pedro Goncalves - an action that saw referee Luis Godinho award a penalty kick while showing the left back a second caution. Nevertheless, the decision was reversed after VAR replays with manager Ruben Amorim getting the marching orders instead.

Sporting approached the second half like a wounded animal as they pushed for an equaliser. After several attempts, they finally evened matters in the 87th minute thanks to Luciano Vietto’s header that sailed into goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin’s net.

Sanusi was on parade from start to finish for the Dragons alongside Congo DR’s Chancel Mbemba, but Moussa Marega who was handed a place in the starting line up was substituted for Antonio Martinez in the 59th minute.

Guinea Bissau’s Nanu was a 76th substitute for Wilson Manafa as Senegalese duo of Mamadou Loum and Mouhamed Mbaye were not dressed for action.

For Sporting Lisbon, Morocco international Zouhair Feddal was in action for the whole duration while Cape Verde international Jovane Cabral played for 56 minutes before he was replaced by Vietto.

With this result, Porto are second in the log with seven points from four games. Unbeaten Sporting Lisbon boast of the same number of points to occupy the third position, albeit, with a game less.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes the team's shock La Liga defeat to Cadiz is a good wake-up call heading into their Champions League opener and El Clasico showdown against Barcelona.

Defending champions and La Liga leaders Madrid suffered a surprise 1-0 loss to newly promoted Cadiz on Saturday.

Madrid succumbed to Anthony Lozano's 16th-minute effort, after Luka Jovic had a goal ruled out and Karim Benzema hit the crossbar.

It was Madrid's first loss of the 2020-21 season and first to Cadiz since 1991 as they prepare for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk and Saturday's Clasico at Camp Nou.

"A defeat is always a good thing because it gives you a wake-up call to get back down to work, realise the things we're doing badly and to improve," Courtois said post-match.

"We shouldn't attach too much importance to it. It's a defeat, in particular you've got to win your home games, but the games now come thick and fast and we'll have to put in a good performance against Shakhtar, win the match and head to the Camp Nou in confident mood."

"We'll have to analyse the match and take a look at things," Courtois added. "Our first-half performance was very poor, I was called into action three or four times, we weren't winning our individual battles and they were better than us in virtually every department.

"The gaffer made changes at the break and we were better in the second half, but we failed to score because they're a very well-organised side who defend very well. It's really tough when you go behind to teams like that.

"We'll have to talk about it tomorrow [Sunday] between ourselves. Besides yesterday's session, all 20 of us haven't trained together and with the international matches it's difficult to get everyone together to train, but that's no excuse."

Madrid midfielder Casemiro added: "We worked hard and fought, but they played better than us in the first-half. In the second-half we pressured higher up and we had more control of the game, but Cadiz is a quality side and we gifted them the game in the first-half.

"We have to look at the mistakes, but the attitude in the first-half was not good enough and we've lost three points against a very organised side who knew exactly what they had to do on the pitch. We have to forget about it because we now have a Champions League week and it's important for us to start well as it's a very long and hard week."

Madrid remain top of La Liga on goal difference ahead of Getafe – who stunned Barca – Cadiz and Granada.

India international striker Bala Devi hopes to have spectators inside the stadium when the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup kicks off in India. 

The Rangers striker, who made her debut for the Scottish club earlier this year, believes the global event to be hosted by India can inspire youngsters to take up the sport as their profession. Although there are concerns whether the tournament can be organized as planned due to the ongoing pandemic, Bala is hoping that things will get better by then so that spectators can enjoy the sport from the stadium. 

The tournament was scheduled to be in October 2020 initially before being scheduled to start in February 2021. However, it has been delayed again.

"If they (the team) do well, it will help for sure. I hope by then the crowds can come back into football but it totally depends on the COVID-19 situation of course.

"The more people that watch, the more youth will be inspired to take up the sport," she told Goal. 

In a new set of guidelines, detailing the fifth phase of unlocking following the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government of India has relaxed crowd restrictions it had imposed on sporting events. 

The previous guidelines had stated that sporting activities, including football, can resume from 21st September 2020. But the Ministry of Home Affairs also specified that only 100 spectators will be allowed to attend sporting activities, outside of containment zones. 

However, as per the new guidelines released on Wednesday, states and union territories have been given the flexibility to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons from 15th October 2020. 

With the pandemic scene in India not improving, the LOC (Local Organising Committee) and FIFA could find a new set of dates for the event again. There is also the possibility that it might be postponed to 2022.

After a hiatus of seven years, Mohammedan Sporting are set to participate in the upcoming I-League after they took an unassailable lead on the points table of the qualifiers by virtue of winning three games on the trot. 

With both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal jumping ship to the Indian Super League (ISL), it will be Mohammedan who will be carrying the flag of Kolkata as the sole representative from the football-crazy city. 

But their journey back to I-League has been far from smooth. In July 2020, amidst a full-blown pandemic, there was a change of guard in the board room with Wasim Akram and co. taking charge.

The 33-year-old general secretary had to start from scratch and his primary task was to assemble a squad that would be the strongest amongst other competitors, at least on paper. 

In came Willis Plaza and Eze Kingsley, and if the Coronavirus pandemic had not played spoilsport, then the officials would have roped in a Japanese who is a popular face in Kolkata, courtesy of playing for both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. The domestic contingent was also strengthened as household names like SK Faiaz and Subhash Singh were signed. 

The pandemic delayed the preparations and they were unable to start training. The officials made a special plea to the West Bengal state government to get a training clearance and the sports minister Aroop Biswas obliged. Hence, on August 24, the Black Panthers became the first football club of the country to start practising once again after sporting activities came to a halt in March. 

"It was very complicated. This has not been an easy ride. In this short period, there have so many ups and downs. But we always had our eyes on the target. Finally, it has been achieved. I thank the IFA (Indian Football Association), AIFF (All India Football Federation) and the West Bengal government for their support. Now, we move on to the next goal i.e. to win the I-League," stated Akram to Goal. 

The officials are not willing to rest on their laurels and a day after ensuring promotion to I-League, they met with their Gurgaon-based investors Bunkerhill Private Limited to chalk out the way forward.

"We can sign five foreigners, and the fans can hope that they will see better players in I-League. We are already working with our investor on the plan for I-League." 

The players should also get their due credit as they swept aside all controversies under the blanket and showed character by putting in a clinical performance against a determined Bhowanipore side. Akram assured that the core group of players will be retained by the club and even Shaheed Ramon will remain at the helm of affairs.

But the I-League is a completely different ball-game. Giants like East Bengal have struggled to taste success and as fas as Mohammedan are concerned, they too don't have many fond memories of the competition. Nothing short of silverware will do justice to Mohammedan's 129-year-old history and heritage as the combined age of all other participants will be less than that of the black and whites.

The target has been locked, the preparations are underway, and now it remains to be seen whether Ramon and his men can replicate their success in the big boys' league. 

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted Donny van de Beek will get game time as he tries to balance his starting XI.

Van de Beek came off the bench as struggling United overturned an early deficit to rout Newcastle United 4-1 in Premier League action on Saturday.

The Netherlands international swapped Ajax for United before the transfer window closed amid much fanfare but he is yet to start a league match for the Red Devils.

Solskjaer resisted calls to start Van de Beek following United's 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Tottenham prior to the international break – the Dutch midfielder replacing Daniel James 14 minutes from the end at St James' Park.

Asked about Van de Beek as he attempts to accommodate Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Fred and Scott McTominay, Solskjaer told reporters: "He'll get his game time. He's been fantastic in the group.

"I think you see today and in training, he's so neat and tidy, I don't think he lost the ball once.

"It's about finding the balance in the team. We've won 4-1 today and you're asking why I didn't start one of the players. He'll have a very good impact on the team."

Under-fire United captain Harry Maguire headed in a 23rd-minute equaliser to cancel out Luke Shaw's second-minute own goal before Fernandes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford scored during the closing stages.

"Harry scored and leads by example. He showed good character, I am happy for him. He had a couple of difficult weeks since he last played for us," Solskjaer said. 

"The boys came together really well. The are looking forward to every game. Today I rested a few and they have come on and done the business for us."

The Red Devils had lost two of their opening three Premier League fixtures before enjoying their 10th comeback win against Newcastle in England's top flight – the most by any side against a single opponent in the competition. 

United are 14th in the Premier League table through four games, seven points adrift of leaders Everton.

Solskjaer's United will open their Champions League campaign at last season's finalists Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

Newly-appointed Al-Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane guided his team to a 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in a Caf Champions League first leg semi-final encounter at the Stade Mohamed V on Saturday.

The tone was set as early as the fourth minute when Mohamed Kafsha capitalised on an error by Yahya Jabrane to put the visitors in front against a Wydad Casablanca side who were champions in 2017 and are also coached by a former Sundowns manager Miguel Angel Gamondi.

The Moroccan side had a great opportunity to restore parity when they were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute, but the chance was wasted as Badi Aouk struck his spot kick tamely and enabled Mohamed El Shenawy to make the save.

Victory was wrapped up by Al Ahly when Ali Maaloul slotted home a 63rd-minute penalty.

Known as 'the club of the century', the Egyptian outfit are aiming to extend their record Champions League triumphs from eight to nine.

Mosimane meanwhile is looking to claim his second Caf Champions League crown after his success with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016.

Sundowns were in fact knocked out of this season's Champions League by Al Ahly in the quarters, going down 3-1 on aggregate to the team from Cairo.

That was before Mosimane's switch to the Egyptian giants, and he now seems keen on making the most of his second shot at the crown following a solid victory on Saturday night away in Morocco.

The second leg encounter will take place on Friday 23 October in Cairo. The other semi-final is being contested between Raja Casablanca and Zamalek and the first-leg match takes place on Sunday 18 October in Morocco's capital.

Ahly and Wydad met in the Caf CL final in 2017, with each club featuring in one subsequent final since then.

Wydad missed out on the title last time around after Esperance were declared champions following a controversial final overshadowed by a VAR scandal, and the Tunisians also defeated Ahly 4-3 on aggregate the year before.