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The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed Hakim Ziyech's return to England to continue his medical programme ahead of Chelsea's Premier League encounter against Southampton.

Ziyech returned to action on Friday against Senegal for the first time since he suffered a knee injury in a pre-season outing against Brighton and Hove Albion in August.

The 27-year-old replaced Vitesse's Oussama Tannane just before the hour-mark and laid an assist for Youssef El-Arabi to secure Morocco's 3-1 win over the Teranga Lions at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

After his impressive return, Ziyech will not be available for manager Vahid Halilhodzic when the Atlas Lions face DR Congo for another friendly match on Tuesday.

The Moroccan football governing body said there was an agreement with Chelsea before the playmaker was released for the trip to Rabat a week ago.

“Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea) left the national team camp in order to continue his medical program as previously agreed between the national team's medical staff and the English club,” the statement read on the FRMF website.

Since his permanent move to England from Ajax, Ziyech is yet to play in a competitive match for the Blues.

His return to action against Senegal, however, signals he could make his Premier League debut soon with Chelsea set to welcome Southampton to Stamford Bridge on October 17.

Chelsea's latest signing, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has also returned to Chelsea but with an injury, after he damaged his right thigh during a training session with Senegal.

Mendy did not feature in the match against Morocco but faces a race against time to be fit for next Saturday’s outing against the Saints after he kept a clean sheet in his league debut against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Chelsea are seventh in the Premier League table with seven points after four matches.

M’baye Niang has stated he is sad over his failed transfer to Saint-Etienne as he was ready to leave Rennes.

The 25-year-old Senegalese’s future at Roazhon Park had been up in the air for much of the summer with a rumoured move to Olympique Marseille high on the cards. The Phoenicians were however not keen on securing his services after Marseille boss Andre Villas-Boas denied any interest in him.

Saint-Etienne became an interested party but gave up on his purchase due to Rennes' demands of a reported €15 million transfer fee which Les Verts couldn’t afford. Niang was also at odds with two agents who could not make a transfer happen.

"I'm sad because I wanted to go there [Saint-Etienne],” Niang told L’Equipe. “I showed it by being there since Thursday. I was convinced of the interest of the project.

“It's a choice that I assume. I will now get my head back in Rennes. I hope it goes well.”

Niang’s future with Rennes was further left in the dark when they purchased Serhou Guirassy from Amiens, the Franco-Guinean settling in immediately with three goals in five games so far.

Niang has only played just once for Rennes in this term which was 64 minutes of action on the opening day of the season at Lille which ended in a 1-1 draw. He was an unused substitute in their next match against Montpellier and he was never part of any matchday squad after that.  

Now that he has to stay at Roazhon Park, the former AC Milan man is ready to show he can be the number one striker in the club but acknowledges it might take time until he is match fit again and that coach Julian Stephan has the final say on selection.

“There is competition everywhere. It's up to me to show that I am the best,” Niang continued.

“What tells you today that I am not number one? You have to judge when you are at 100%. After a difficult period, it will take time to get your head straight.

“As the coach said, there is competition. But nothing prevents him from changing the system. When you have good players, you have to put them on the field. It's up to the coach to find a solution.”

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda, Chelsea duo Tammy Abraham and Antonio Rudiger, as well as former African Footballer of the Year Frederic Kanoute, have lent their voices to the protest against police brutality in Nigeria.

There have been ongoing protests in the West African nation over the week with citizens agitating for the scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of the Nigeria Police Force.

SARS officers have been accused of harassing, robbing and killing youths for no just reasons over the last few years.

In February, they killed a footballer in Ogun State – Tiamiyu Kazeem, who was the vice-captain of Remo Stars, a club in the Nigerian second division.

On Saturday, Arsenal legend Ian Wright joined Serie A club AS Roma in supporting the public outcry even though another citizen was killed by the police during a peaceful protest in Oyo State.

"Horrible to hear what’s been going on in Nigeria. Let's make this a trending topic everywhere #EndSARS. My thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected. #EndPoliceBrutality," Ozil wrote.

"My thoughts and prayers with all of those affected  #EndSARS," Rashford tweeted.

Despite his international allegiance to England, Chelsea's Tammy Abraham who was born to a Nigerian father showed his solidarity with a broken heart emoji.

Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda who won the Nigeria Professional Football League title with Enyimba in 2019, also called for an end to the killings and described Nigeria as his second home.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed Harambee Stars will not play a second friendly in this Fifa window.

The national team was scheduled to play against Sudan in their second friendly after beating Zambia 2-1 in the first one played on Friday at the newly refurbished Nyayo Stadium.

FKF President Nick Mwendwa has confirmed to Goal the Sudan friendly will not take place and the team will now break camp.

“We had planned to play two matches against Zambia and Sudan but because of many issues, Sudan have said they will not be able to play against us,” Mwendwa told Goal on Sunday. “They have given us many issues as to why they cannot come for the friendly and we accept their decision.

“The team will now break camp after the win against Zambia.”

Asked on his assessment of the team after the 2-1 win against the Chipolopolo, Mwendwa said: “It was a scrappy win but for me, a win is a win, we fought hard to get the win and finally got it.

“We had a squad of players who have not been active for the last six months owing to Covid-19 and getting a win against a big giant like Zambia is no mean achievement, I want to thank the players and the technical bench for a good job.”

Against Zambia, Kenya took the lead in the 21st minute when Mwape Tandi accidentally redirected Cliff Nyakeya’s cross from the right channel into his own net following a clever pass from Kenneth Muguna and 14 minutes later, Nyakeya powered home the second from another Muguna cross.

Second-half substitute Emmanuel Chabula pulled a goal back for the former African champions and there was drama in the dying minutes of the match when Zambia thought they had scored the leveler but it was disallowed.

Kenya used the friendly to gauge their fitness as they have an Africa Cup of Nations double-header coming up in November against Comoros.

Kenya started their campaign for the 2021 Afcon, with an impressive 1-1 draw away to Egypt. They followed it up with another draw, by the same margin, in Nairobi against Togo.

In Group G, Comoros, who started their campaign with a 1-0 win against Togo before settling for a goalless draw against the Pharaohs, lead with four points.

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says Rangers FC new signing Bongani Zungu is now a complete player, thanks to the player’s early development under him.

Zungu started off his Premier Soccer League (PSL) career under Barker at Pretoria University, before joining Mamelodi Sundowns en route to Portugal, France and now Scotland.

At Rangers, the midfielder is coached by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard whose persistence finally landed the South African who had reportedly attracted interest from La Liga clubs and Turkish giants Besiktas.

“I’m very happy that another South African will play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. I’m proud of his achievements,” said Barker as per Sun Sport.

“It is nice to know that one played a part in his growth. I brought him to Tuks [University of Pretoria] and he had a good season and moved on to Sundowns and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I’m sure Bongani would have grown up watching players like Steven Gerrard and looked up to him as a role model because he was an iconic footballer for England and for Liverpool.”

Zungu was one of South Africa’s standout players at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) where he scored two goals.

But his Bafana Bafana future appears to be in limbo as continues to be overlooked by national team coach Molefi Ntseki.

After being dropped from March’s postponed 2021 Afcon qualifiers, Zungu was again ignored for the October international friendly matches against Namibia and Zambia.

The player speaks glowingly about Gerrard’s appreciation of his talent as he compares that to Ntseki’s stance on him.

”For me it's clear. I'm not part of his [Ntseki] vision, part of his plans,” Zungu was quoted as saying by Sun Sport.

”Perhaps I'm not good enough for his team. There are no hard feelings. I get the message and I respect it. So, I won't focus my energies on that. I'm going to focus on my new team and in the coach that believes in me.

"It's very nice to hear the words of coach Steven Gerrard... talking about his belief in my abilities to bring me to such a massive club. I spoke to my family. They understand. No hard feelings.”

Yan Law has announced his resignation from the post of head coach at Mohammedan Sporting.

The decision was made after taking charge for two of the Black Panthers' matches in the ongoing I-League Qualifiers 2020.

The 26-year-old took to his twitter handle to share the news. It has been learnt that the former Punjab FC head coach was asked to leave by the Kolkata club's management.

When Goal contacted Law, he said, "I wish the club all the very best for the future. I hope they do well in the second division and I-League." 

Mohammedan started their I-League qualification campaign on a positive note with a 1-0 win over Garhwal in their opener on Thursday but followed that up with a 4-1 thrashing of newbies ARA FC on Sunday.

Goal also reached out to the club's general secretary, Wasim Akram, who also refrained from commenting on the development. 

However, the club has offered their best wishes to the coach through a post via their social media handles.

A statement by the club read, "Mohammedan Sporting Club on Sunday has terminated the contract with head coach Yan Law. The club has already sent a termination letter to Mr. Yan Law at 5:11 PM (IST). 

"The decision took immediate effect following reviews conducted by the club’s general secretary Sk. Wasim Akram and the club’s management. Assistant coach Saheed Ramon will be in charge of the team for the remaining matches of the I-League qualifiers."

Gernot Rohr’s reaction to Friday’s defeat at the hands of Algeria in Klagenfurt was to focus on the positives.

As well he might. It was hardly a performance to warm the cockles, and Super Eagles fans who had tuned in hoping for some cheer in the midst of the prevalent social agitation in Nigeria were left disappointed.

On an individual level, there were some fine performances, to be fair.

Maduka Okoye, making only his second international appearance, looked reasonably assured; Zaidu Sanusi marked his debut with an effervescent display; Alex Iwobi, although less effective after the break, knitted the play together very well in the opening period; Leon Balogun, in from the start for the first time since the Africa Cup of Nations defeat by Madagascar, was the picture of composure and class in the heart of the defence; and Tyronne Ebuehi reminded everyone why Benfica swooped for him two years ago, before the injuries kicked in.

That was less than half the team on Friday, however.

Over the other six, there were doubts and concerns of sundry kinds, and not all of their own making. However, it does bear remarking upon, and their respective failures will no doubt play a part in Rohr’s thinking regarding the selection against Tunisia.

The German will be aware it simply will not do to close the international window with another defeat, as that risks poisoning the well ahead of November’s double-header against Sierra Leone. To leave on such a sour note, after an almost year-long enforced hiatus, would be counterproductive; yet, there remain a number of options within the squad that could do with a run-out.

Finding the balance between competitiveness and giving a fair shake to everyone is the real challenge for Tuesday.

It is also not as easy as chucking out everyone that underperformed against Algeria.

A combination of injuries and puzzling obduracy has robbed Rohr of options in midfield, meaning it is likely one of Semi Ajayi or Frank Onyeka will get another shot from the start. The former is, of course, not a midfielder – at least not one of international standard – and while he did little wrong on Friday, he also managed to look completely out of his depth as the game reached warp speed.

His failing is, therefore, easier to diagnose than Onyeka’s, although in fairness to the Midtjylland man, being saddled with an abstruse, ill-defined role did him few favours. He, most of all, is deserving of a second look, preferably one granting him the opportunity to show his best qualities anchoring the midfield.

This raises the thorny question of who constitutes the midfield alongside him, especially with a paucity of options on the bench. Mikel Agu’s vignette of ineptitude did little to endear him to the viewing public, and no objective analysis would suggest he showed enough to get another runout. He may very well get a spot, however, purely on the basis of availability.

Unless Rohr gets creative.

This would entail a curveball that very few in football have previously seen, but which could provide a pleasant surprise: Ola Aina in midfield.

The former Chelsea has made his name in the senior ranks as a full-back, but learned the basics of playing in the middle of the park as part of his education in the Chelsea youth system, and indeed played there occasionally.

His technique in possession and composure have been visible in patches – witness his audacious backheel assist for Odion Ighalo at the Afcon, or his slaloming cross-field run in the lead-up to Nigeria’s opening goal against Ukraine in September last year, and as it appears Rohr is partial to blooding Kevin Akpoguma, even the to the point of fielding him at right-back, this may be the best use of Aina’s talents.

Playing him in midfield alongside Onyeka would be highly experimental, but is that not the point of friendlies?

While the midfield composition suffers from a lack of options, the centre-forward position surely has enough to make it so that Paul Onuachu drops to the bench, and from there out of the national team picture.

The Genk man stuck out like a sore thumb on Friday, and was arguably left on too long before eventually making way for Kelechi Iheanacho.

It is hard not to feel some sympathy for Onuachu, who is without a doubt an asset within a system tailored to play to his strengths. Instead, the Super Eagles have a plethora of wingers who favour cutting in on their stronger foot to shoot at goal over crossing to the 2m-tall striker, and even when Sanusi advanced from left-back to whip in a teasing delivery in the first half, the 26-year-old lacked the agility to get on the end of it.

Selecting him dictates a total rethink of a system that has been built painstakingly, and it was apparent even his teammates were unsure quite how to play with and to him.

In his stead, it would be worth seeing exactly what clubmate Cyriel Dessers is all about, and while reconstituting the frontline, Samuel Kalu’s wastefulness could (and probably should) see Moses Simon or Chidera Ejuke get the nod over him.

Rave reviews in training for goalkeeper Matthew Yakubu whets the appetite, and even though he will probably be protected by the captain’s armband, William Ekong’s uncertain showing against Algeria would ideally see him relieved if Balogun wasn’t just returning from injury.

How Rohr should set up against Tunisia: Yakubu; Akpoguma, Omeruo, Ekong, Sanusi; Onyeka, Aina, Iwobi; Simon, Dessers, Chukwueze

The Premier League has warned that a plan that is heavily backed by Liverpool and would lead to drastic reforms of English football, including the reduction of the top-flight to 18 teams, would have a "damaging impact" on the game.

The English Football League (EFL) is seeking a £250 million ($326m) bailout to cover the losses suffered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The plan, originally put forward by EFL chairman and former chief executive of the Premier League and Liverpool Rick Parry and strongly supported by the Reds as well as others, would see the top-flight pay that sum by taking out a loan.

The Football Association would also receive a one-off £100m ($130m) payment to help deal with the Covid-19 crisis and support the women's game as well as the non-league and grassroots levels.

In exchange, however, the Premier League's nine longest serving teams would be granted special status and the division's 'big six' - Liverpool, United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham - would be given the collective power to make major changes.

These would include the changing of rules, contracts, club ownership and the removal of the chief executive. Everton, West Ham and Southampton would make up the remainder of the teams given special status. 

Meanwhile, the Premier League would be reduced by two teams, while only two sides would automatically be relegated to the Championship, with another entering a play-off tournament with the third, fourth and fifth placed teams in the second-tier.

The Premier League has voiced its criticism of the plans, claiming some of the proposals could end up hurting English football.

"Both the Premier League and The FA support a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the game, including its competition structures, calendar and overall financing particularly in light of the effects of Covid-19," a statement released on Sunday read.

"Football has many stakeholders, therefore this work should be carried out through the proper channels enabling all clubs and stakeholders the opportunity to contribute.

"In the Premier League's view, a number of the individual proposals in the plan published today could have a damaging impact on the whole game and we are disappointed to see that Rick Parry, chair of the EFL, has given his on-the-record support.

"The Premier League has been working in good faith with its clubs and the EFL to seek a resolution to the requirement for Covid-19 rescue funding. This work will continue."

As part of the proposals, the Premier League season would also start later in August to allow clubs more pre-season friendlies while all clubs would have to compete in a summer tournament every five years. Furthermore, the EFL Cup and Community Shield will be abolished.

There would also be changes to the Premier League's loan rules, allowing clubs to have 15 players sent out to other teams in England and as many as four at a single club.

Also, 6% of the Premier League's gross revenues would go towards paying for stadium improvements across the top four leagues and away tickets would be capped at £20, with subsidies for travelling supporters and a return to safe standing areas.

The proposals seek to address concerns regarding the gap in funding between the lower divisions and the Premier League by handing over 25 per cent of annual income, while ending the parachute payment system for teams relegated from the top-flight.

Liverpool will be particularly dangerous in next weekend’s Merseyside derby against Everton after their recent loss to Aston Villa, according to former midfielder Danny Murphy.

Jurgen Klopp’s side boasted a perfect record this season prior to their visit to Birmingham but were the victims of a stunning 7-2 defeat at Villa Park.

Rather than hindering the Anfield club against the Toffees, against who they have an outstanding record, Murphy believes the loss will help focus their minds and will make them even more potent versus the only remaining team that boasts a perfect four-out-of-four record.

“For the first time for many years, the blue half of the city will understandably go into the game expecting to win but in football you are best to be careful, particularly given a team as good as this Liverpool,” Murphy wrote for the Daily Mail.

“We all know Jurgen Klopp’s men have great resilience and character besides their obvious quality. They have jumped over nearly every hurdle in the past couple of seasons and bounced back from losing European finals, let alone one league game at Villa Park.

“If I was in the blue dressing-room, I would say beware the wounded animal, particularly as Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara should be all right to return.”

Murphy believes that the empty stadium is another factor that will count against the hosts.

“This is a fascinating game because of Everton’s revival, but they will miss the momentum they would have got from their fans,” he said.

“Liverpool will view it as a wonderful opportunity. People are questioning them for the showing at Villa and conceding three goals against Leeds so they will want to silence the critics.

“Are Liverpool capable of getting back to being more resolute and harder to play against? Of course they are. They have had the best defensive record in the Premier League for the past two years and that is achieved by good organisation, not luck.”

Liverpool are fifth in the standings, with only West Bromwich Albion having conceded more than the 13 they have let in so far this season.

Mohammedan Sporting outclassed ARA FC 4-1 in the I-League Qualifier on Sunday at the Salt Lake Stadium.

A brace from Nepalese striker Abhishek Rijal and a goal each from Willis Plaza and Sk. Faiaz secured Mohamedan’s second consecutive win in the tournament. 

Plaza scored the opening goal of the match in the 13th minute from Vanlalbiaa Chhangte’s pass. Chhangte entered the box from the right flank after going past defender Manoj Kannan and squared the ball to Plaza who executed a simple finish.

In the 21st minute, left-back Hiram Mondal cut in from the left flank and found Abhishek Rijal inside the box who slotted home. 

At the stroke of half time, Rijal converted his brace as he scored the club’s third goal from Plaza’s assist. He made a brilliant run down the left flank and exchanged a one-two with Plaza before entering the box and finding the back of the net with a neat strike.

ARA came back into the game after the second half resumed and pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute courtesy of an own goal from Safiul Rahaman.

In the final minute of the regulation time, Shamshad Ali initiated a quick counter-attack and played a through ball for Faiaz who found the back of the net with an excellent finish to seal the fate of the game.

In the second match of the day, Bengaluru United edged Garhwal FC 1-0 at the Kalyani Municipal Corporation Stadium. William Opoku scored the goal in the eighth minute of the match.

Bengaluru United midfielder Arun Kumar started the move and found Ronaldo Oliveira inside the box with a defence-splitting through ball. The Goan striker's attempted shot was initially stopped by Garhwal custodian Sayak Barai but Opoku slammed the rebound into an empty net.

Richard Hood’s side kept their qualification hopes alive as they now have three points from the first two games. Garhwal, on the other hand, are out of the competition after losing two games. 

Cameroon manager Antonio Conceicao aims to see the Indomitable Lions reach the final of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations which they will host for the second time in their history.

The tournament was scheduled to take place between January and February 2021 but due to the coronavirus pandemic, it had to be pushed forward to 2022.

Cameroon have automatically qualified by virtue of being hosts and Conceicao - who took over the job of the national team on September 2019 after Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf was sacked, wants to reclaim the title they had won in 2017.

“We have automatically qualified as the organising country. We are taking advantage of this qualifying phase and these friendly matches to manage to collect as much information as possible about the players we are calling in terms of personalities and sports skills,” Conceicao told FootMercato.

“That's why we're changing six to seven players per roster, to see as many as possible. The goal is to bring together the best possible group for the competition with the objective of reaching the Afcon final, because we will play at home. Our responsibility is great.

“We know what the hosting and its success represent for the Cameroonian people. From that moment on, we must be well prepared to take up this challenge, because the demand is great, the responsibility just as much."

There a number of French-born players of Cameroonian descent plying their trade in Ligue 1. Conceicao reveals contact has been made with players who are interested in switching international allegiance.

“We have other players playing in France on our radar,” Conceicao continued. “I cannot say any names, but we have already contacted young people aged 20-21 who play with the youth teams in France and have Cameroonian origins, to find out if they are available to come and defend the colours of Cameroon.

“Some are thinking, some have said no. We must be attentive to the breeding grounds in France and England, which may represent the future of Cameroonian football. We will see if we are lucky in this endeavour.”

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus at the Guinea national team camp ahead of their friendly match against the Gambia.

Keita alongside Lokomotiv Moscow winger Francois Kamano, goalkeeper Ibrahima Kone, Moreirense midfielder Ibrahima Camara and Sochaux defender Florentin Pogba are the five players whose test results returned positive.

As a precautionary measure, they missed the Syli Nationale’s 2-1 victory against Cape Verde on Saturday in the Portuguese city of Albufeira.

According to Guinean publication Foot 224, the five players had their tests on Monday and their results were released on Friday which forced them into quarantine immediately.

They were subjected to another test which confirmed their health status to be positive to the coronavirus on Sunday.

The latest health update gives manager Didier Six a selection headache ahead of Tuesday's encounter against the Gambia. Meanwhile, the remaining players and technical crew are expected to undergo another test later on Sunday. More positive Covid-19 results might make authorities cancel the friendly match.

Keita is the fourth Liverpool player to test positive for Covid-19 after Senegal's Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shaqiri and new signing Thiago Alcantara. Though, Shaqiri's result was later proven to be negative.

The midfielder has gone into isolation and most probably won't be available for Liverpool's trip to Everton for the Merseyside derby on October 17.

The 25-year-old has had a fine start to the 2020-21 campaign, featuring in all of the Reds Premier League matches so far.

Zambia came from a goal down to beat South Africa 2-1 in an international friendly which was played at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Molefi Ntseki's men went ahead through Keagan Dolly midway through the second half but Chipolopolo netted twice in quick succession through Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba and Chaniza Zulu to steal the match under the noses of Bafana Bafana. 

As a result, Bafana Bafana concluded this Fifa break with a draw and a defeat to their name, and more questions continue to be asked about the direction the national team is taking under the leadership of coach Ntseki.

The 51-year-old mentor made wholesale changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Namibia on Thursday, with the technical team opting for more experienced players such as Thulani Hlatshwayo, Andile Jali and Percy Tau. 

Bafana Bafana had a much-improved performance from the previous encounter with some silky touches in midfield where Jali was pulling the strings alongside Teboho Mokoena. 

Molefi, however, had to change his approach as early as the first minute as he was forced to replace the injured Lyle Foster with Dolly. 

A Tau free-kick early in the game saw the Zambian defence with goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange scrambling to deny Bafana Bafana as the intentions became clear from the hosts. 

Chipolopolo were not deterred by Bafana's early attacks as they launched their own, coming from the left-hand side of the pitch. 

Midway through the first half, Motjeka Madisha came to Bafana's rescue as he stretched his leg to clear the ball off the line with Evans Kangwa well-positioned to tap the ball home as the visitors managed to get behind the defence. 

Tau was afforded acres of spaces outside the box and he unleashed with his left-foot, only for Mwange to palm the ball over the crossbar for a corner. 

The resulting corner saw Bafana come close to taking the lead with Madisha sending his header agonisingly over the top. 

The final chance of the first half went to Zambia who struck the woodwork through Lubambo Musonda with Darren Keet well-beaten. The ball came back into play and Bafana managed to clear their lines. 

Whatever Ntseki told Bafana at half-time really worked as the team played as a unit but Sredojevic must have re-energised his players as they also took the game to their opponents. 

It was Bafana Bafana who first broke the deadlock through Dolly who dribbled past Mwange after a defence-splitting pass from Tau in the 66th minute.

The left-footer raced through on goal and tapped the ball into an empty net, much to the delight of the Bafana technical bench.  

Both coaches made changes as they introduced fresher legs in an attempt to win the match. 

However, it was Zambia whose changes proved effective as Kampamba equalised with a sublime finish, firing the ball past Keet after Hlatshwayo had failed to close him down in the 78th minute.

Bafana found themselves a goal down three minutes later when Gampani Lungu's attempted shot from the right-hand side fell onto the path of Zulu, who easily slotted the ball into the back of the net for Zambia's second goal of the afternoon and Sredojevic's men went on to win the match. 

Gor Mahia assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo has explained why they are satisfied with the business done during the transfer window.

K’Ogalo have already completed signing all the players they wanted and are now in a training camp ahead of the Caf Champions League campaign.

Odhiambo stated they had to move with speed and fill the places that were left, especially by Joash Onyango and Boniface Omondi, who signed for Simba SC and Wazito FC, respectively.

“The signings that have been done were carried out basically on two terms; replacement and immediate strengthening of the squad,” Odhiambo told the club’s Youtube channel.

“We need a strong squad for Caf and the Kenyan Premier League and we did the business bearing in mind this two key priorities.

“You know Joash [Onyango] left and we could have not gone on without getting his replacement and in that case, we would not have wanted to gamble, we needed one who can come and replace him directly.

“I believe the new players are going to fit in those shoes because they are young but have had KPL experience already for over four or five years. To us, that is a plus because we are building a team.

“In the offensive area, [Boniface] Omondi left but we already have John Macharia and Andrew Numero and both have experience in top-level football.

“Looking across the board especially on what we have done during the transfer window, we are satisfied with what the club has done.”

The former Chemelil Sugar coach also explained why critics of the club are welcome to voice their opinion. To the tactician, having divergent views helps in the team-building process.

“Every day, every time there would be noises during the transfer seasons because people look at football in different perspectives and the one who loves the team most, will talk more and will point out areas he sees have been disregarded,” he concluded.

“Those who do not love the team will be quite every day but we welcome all these people because they are our third eye, they see what we might have missed and that is welcome.

“We have to welcome everyone on board, listen to their opinions and take what we feel is good and at the end of the day, that is how we can build the team for the better.”

The new signings are Andrew Juma, Dickson Raila, Burundian Jules Ulimwengu, Andrew Malisero Numero from Malawi, Benson Omalla, midfielder Sydney Ochieng, goalkeeper Samuel Njau, and defender Kevin Wesonga from Western Stima, Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Konfor, John Macharia, Tito Okello, and John Ochieng from Chemelil Sugar.

Former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker doesn't think Molefi Ntseki's charges will gain anything from this international break due to the calibre of the opponents they chose.

South Africa played Namibia on Thursday, drawing the match 1-1 and they will come up against Zambia in their second game. 

Coach Ntseki said the reason they went for Namibia and Zambia was that the two nations play similar football to next month's opponents Sao Tome, whom they will face in back-to-back matches in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

However, Barker doesn't Namibia and Zambia are strong enough opponents for Bafana and feels Ntseki's men would have benefitted from playing top countries such as Germany. 

He also believes the reason the country's FA chose their opponents from Cosafa region was that they were scared of being humiliated on the field, especially after being inactive for so long due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"I don't think the opponents Bafana Bafana chose are strong enough," Barker told Goal .  

"I would have expected the likes of Germany but then again, maybe it's a case of trying to avoid a hiding from those top nations. 

"However, I don't think they will give Bafana the competition they need going into November's Afcon qualifiers against Sao Tome." 

Barker talks from experience as he was in charge of Bafana Bafana for three years between 1994 and 1997. 

He won the 1996 Afcon trophy on home soil but prior to that Bafana played high-profile opponents from Europe and South America as Barker prepared his team for the tournament. 

Since Ntseki replaced Stuart Baxter as head coach in August 2019, Bafana Bafana have only played African opponents in the form of Mali, Ghana, Sudan and Namibia. 

Bafana won two of the four matches, lost one and drew the other, and they are expected to win as many friendlies as possible as this would help them to avoid being in the group of death when the draw for next year's Afcon tournament is conducted, provided they qualify.   

Former Young Africans (Yangs SC) striker Amissi Tambwe has welcomed the decision by the club to hire coach Cedric Kaze.

As exclusively revealed by Goal, the Jangwani giants have settled for the Burundian coach to replace Zlatko Krmpotic, who was fired by the club after only 37 matches in charge.

Tambwe, who once played for Yanga, has revealed the club has signed a good coach who will take them places if given enough time to handle the team.

“Cedric [Kaze] is a good coach, a coach who wants to do well whenever he joins, he is a coach who is ready to build a strong team and I think Yanga are lucky to have signed him,” Tambwe told Championi as quoted by Sokaletu.

“I know the coach very well when I played for Vital’O of Burundi he was handling Atletico and his team was playing good passing football, very disciplined style of play.

“I only think the only thing that can bring him down at Yanga is the pressure which is associated with the game in Tanzania, it will be a problem for him, and you know when he moved to Europe, he has been handling youth teams, and it can also be a problem now he will be coming to handle senior players."

Tambwe continued: “All in all, Kaze is a good coach, he loves passing football so much, and I am very sure he will help Yanga, he will win with them titles, but I know the pressure of fans will somehow affect him, I only hope they will give him time to do his work properly.”

Kaze is an experienced African coach who holds a Caf A License. He started his coaching career as an assistant to Armas Niyamugambo at Prince Louis Rwagasore FC.

He was confirmed as the head coach for the 2005/06 season and his team finished second to Vital’O. He left and joined Atletico FC for the 2006/07 season and he helped the club remain among the top four sides in four seasons in charge.

Kaze was named Burundi’s coach of the season twice - in 2008/09 and in the 2011/12 seasons, although his side finished second.

He lifted the Ligue A title in the 2010/11 campaign. Yanga are now set to have their fifth coach in less than 12 months as they first had Mwinyi Zahera who was let go in November, before Boniface Mkwasa was appointed on an interim basis.

Mkwasa - who is at Ruvu Shooting - thereafter acted as Luc Eymael’s assistant until his contract ended in August and was not renewed.

Krmpotic was then appointed as Eymael's replacement last month.

Harambee Stars midfielder Kenneth Muguna has welcomed the team's 2-1 win against Zambia on Friday.

The Gor Mahia captain put in a starring performance and played a big role in the goals scored by the hosts.

In the first goal, the midfielder managed to find Cliff Nyakeya whose cross, intended for Masoud Juma, was turned into the net by defender Tandi Mwape with the second one coming from the FC Masr winger.

Emmanuel Chabula scored a consolation for the visitors and they felt it could have ended 2-2, but Chongo Kabaso's late effort was judged not to have crossed the line.  

"It is good to win international matches since it gives confidence to the group," Muguna told Goal on Sunday.

"This is what we needed as we prepare for the Comoros doubleheader [in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers].

"Yes, it is not going to be easy against them, but we are focused and our attention has now been turned to that particular game."

The 24-year-old is also optimistic Nyakeya will maintain his form ahead of the Afcon qualifiers scheduled for November.

"[Nyakeya] was brilliant and he was determined to help the team get a positive result," Muguna stated.

"I just hope that the winger can stay in form because it will be helpful for the entire team, especially in the forthcoming assignments."

On Friday, Zambia came for the friendly seen as the stronger side having already engaged Malawi on Wednesday and picked up a 1-0 win.

Their players were also thought to be much fitter having been in action in the previous months unlike the Kenyans, who before the match, had just trained for three days. 

History also tipped Chipolopolo for victory as the Harambee Stars have mostly faltered whenever they met the Cosafa member. 

 The last time the two teams met – at Nyayo Stadium five years ago – they drew 1-1 in an Afcon qualifier.  

Zambia are in South Africa for more friendlies against Bafana Bafana, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns. Kenya are yet to confirm whether another encounter has been organised.  

Just like Kenya, Chipolopolo are using these friendly matches to prepare for the Afcon qualifiers.
  

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed why he would never take a role as a director of football – either at the Emirates Stadium or anywhere else.

The 70-year-old, who is now FIFA’s head of Global Football Development, left day-to-day management in 2018 after more than two decades in charge at the Gunners, and while there has regularly been speculation that he could return to club football since then, he does not believe that such a position would suit him.

Wenger did, however, confess that he may consider a different role.

“I would have considered being on the board at Arsenal as an adviser,” he told The Guardian in response to a question asked by long-time rival Jose Mourinho.

“I believe that honestly there is a deficit of knowledge in the big clubs of top, top-level competition and games of top-level sport. And I believe we have seen recently that there are many ways to be successful in football. 

“For example, there’s the Bayern [Munich] way, where the whole success and continuity relies on people who know the values of the club, and they transfer that from generation to generation: Franz Beckenbauer, Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinze Rummenigge. 

“Or there are models in England of quick money and quick success. Both can work. I like the fact that a club is first an identity and has knowledge that is transferred from generation to generation. So that’s why I saw things that way.”

Meanwhile, Wenger was asked what advice he would pass on to Mikel Arteta, who is present in charge of first-team affairs with the north London side.

“To continue to have a grip on the team, as he has at the moment. And to go to the end of his beliefs,” he said. “I think there is a good team spirit and they have a good chance to do well. I believe it will not be very difficult to improve on the number of points they got last season, but I’m convinced Arsenal can be in the top four, if not more. Why not more? 

“They can be the surprise package for me this year: they bought well, they strengthened the defence well, and they kept the players who were already there. In my last year I bought Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, they kept him. They have every ingredient and no real weakness.”