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A friendly match between the England and Scotland Under 19s teams was called off during the first half after the visitors' coach tested positive for Covid-19.

England were 3-1 up at St George’s Park when officials called off the tie because the results of Billy Stark's test came to light.

The Scottish Football Association confirmed in the wake of the match that the players and staff were tested on Thursday in preparation for the second fixture against England that was scheduled to be played on Sunday, though it has now been postponed.

"The under-19s squad and backroom team all delivered negative Covid-19 tests on Sunday to enable them to play in today’s match against England," a statement on the SFA website read.

"Three players based in England joined-up with the squad yesterday – and they and the rest of the squad were tested again with a view to Sunday’s second match.

"The three players had been in isolation and had no contact with anyone else. None the less, despite testing negative during Sunday’s test, the head coach, Billy Stark, returned a positive test for Covid-19 this afternoon.

"The result of the second test was immediately relayed to the under-19 team manager and the game was abandoned immediately, in line with established Covid-19 protocol.

"Billy will now travel home in isolation and will self-isolate for 10 days. The playing group and the rest of the backroom team will undertake precautionary self-isolation for 14 days, whilst the Scottish Government undertakes a formal risk assessment to assess who Stark was in close contact with during the camp.

"Scotland Under-19s game against England on Sunday has now been postponed along with the scheduled Under-17s match at St. George’s Park on Saturday."

Meanwhile, a statement from England's Football Association read: "England Under-19s' match with Scotland at St. George's Park this afternoon was abandoned in the first half as a precaution in line with Covid protocol. We are not in a position to comment further at this time."

The England senior team is also based at St George's Park but the incident at the U19 match is not expected to affect the Three Lions before they face Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday.

Gareth Southgate's team will then take on Belgium at home in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday and continue their campaign with a match against Denmark three days later.

Asisat Oshoala scored twice for Barcelona as the side progressed to the Spanish Copa de la Reina final following a 6-0 win over Zenatha Coleman and Toni Payne's Sevilla on Thursday.

Nigeria's Oshoala continued from where she left off in the last term when she netted 26 times in the 2019-20 season, including 20 goals in 19 league outings as her side celebrated their first title since 2015.

On their part, Nigeria's Toni Payne joined Sevilla from the Netherlands' Eredivisie outfit Ajax in 2018, while Namibia's Zenatha Coleman arrived at the club from rivals Valencia this summer. 

To reach the last four, Sevilla thrashed Levante 3-0 before they beat Madrid by the same result, while Barcelona silenced Sporting Huelva 4-0 before they edged past Deportivo La Corona 1-0 in February.

After coming on as a substitute in a 4-0 win over Real Madrid, Oshoala made the starting XI of Barcelona, just as Coleman and Payne were starters for Cristian Toro after a recent 1-1 draw with Santa Teresa.

At Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona started like a house on fire as expected when Oshoala opened the scoring from Patri Guijarro's pass after just four minutes into the encounter.

14 minutes later, Alexia Putellas set up Caroline Graham Hansen for a fine finish to double the lead for the hosts before Patri Guijarro got on the scoresheet thanks to Mapi Leon's assist in the 21st minute.

Sevilla, however, came close to gain an equaliser for the visitors after she dribbled past her marker on the edge of the box but her effort went wide in the 37th minute. 

Seven minutes from half time, Leila Ouahabi sent through a brilliant pass from the left for Oshoala to bag her second goal of the match and her side's fourth to head into the break with a comfortable lead.

After the restart, Payne made a fine run into the hosts' area but could not make the best of her chance for Sevilla in the 55th minute before she was replaced by Ana Franco eight minutes later.

The rampant Catalans went on to bag their fifth of the match through Melanie Serrano in the 68th minute before Mariona Caldentey teed up Aitana Bonmati five minute later to complete the rout.

The brace saw Oshoala raise her season tally for the 2019-20 season to 28 and she featured for the duration of the match for Barcelona.

On the other hand, Nambia's Coleman was involved from the start to finish, while Nigeria's Payne featured for 65 minutes but they could not save Sevilla from a humiliating semi-final crash. 

The result means Barcelona are through to the final and will aim to clinch the double when they square up against Logrono in the final. 

Asante Kotoko will open their 2020-21 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season with a home clash with Eleven Wonders as archrivals Hearts of Oak face Aduana Stars on the return of the championship after an eight-month hiatus.

The development comes on the Ghana Football Association’s release of match fixtures for the campaign which commences during the weekend of November 13-16.

The top-flight is set to return for the first time since March when the 2019-20 season was scuppered by the coronavirus outbreak.

On the search for their 24th title, Kotoko will welcome Eleven Wonders for a home match at their temporarily adopted Accra Sports Stadium. The Porcupine Warriors have been forced to move away from their Kumasi Sports Stadium fortress due to ongoing renovations of the facility.

In Dormaa, Hearts will hope to begin their quest for a first title since 2009 with three points when they play 2017 champions Aduana Stars in what is arguably seen as the top-liner of the opening week.

Elsewhere, Medeama will hope to put their disappointment in the unfortunate cancellation of last season’s championship behind them. They come face-to-face with Great Olympics in Tarkwa. The Yellow and Mauves are searching for their first-ever league title.

Ashanti Gold will host Karela United in Obuasi as they continue their preparations for the 2020-21 Caf Confederation Cup while 2010-11 league champions Berekum Chelsea welcome Legon Cities to Golden City Park.

As Inter Allies face Dreams FC in Accra, Wafa host King Faisal in Kumasi while Ebusua Dwarfs and Elmina Sharks face off in Cape Coast.

Liberty Professionals have been handed a home date with Bechem United in the last fixture of the matchweek.

The two biggest clubs in Ghana football and the most successful sides in the history of the Premier League, Kotoko and Hearts of Oak will meet for a first showdown in matchweek 14 which has been scheduled for the weekend of February 12-15.

Ghana will hope to crown a league champion for the first time since 2017.

While the 2017-18 championship was prematurely terminated by a bribery and match-fixing scandal involving the GFA, a novelty Special Competition was held in the absence of league football during the 2018-19 term as Ghana made its way back to restoration following the scandal.

On the return of the top-flight for the 2019-20 campaign, the season had to be cancelled midway in March as Covid-19 reared its ugly head and led to a national ban on all public gatherings including sporting activities. The ban on football was suspended last month.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin grasped his opportunity on debut as an inexperienced England side defeated Wales 3-0 in Thursday's friendly encounter at Wembley.

With captain Harry Kane rested and Tammy Abraham one of three players alongside Jadon Sancho and Ben Chilwell absent for breaching coronavirus protocol rules, Calvert-Lewin was selected by Gareth Southgate to lead the line.

The in-form Everton striker headed home from Jack Grealish's sublime cross before Conor Coady doubled the lead eight minutes after the break.

Danny Ings then celebrated his first international goal, marking the first time three England players all scored a maiden goal in the same game since 1963, as the Three Lions completed a clinical if not textbook performance ahead of tougher assignments.

An England XI boasting just 54 appearances – the lowest since 1980 – started nervily and Kieffer Moore dragged a volley wide after a poor headed clearance from debutant Bukayo Saka.

But Calvert-Lewin marked a fine England bow by nodding home from six yards in the 26th minute when Grealish, making his first Three Lions start, hung up a peach of a cross after tying Ethan Ampadu in knots.

The lead was doubled when Kieran Trippier – who became England's 123rd skipper in the absence of Kane – produced a fine free-kick that Coady expertly half-volleyed past Wayne Hennessey from close range.

Wales had no way back just after the hour when Tyrone Mings headed a corner back across the face of goal for Southampton striker Ings to steer acrobatically home with a lovely overhead effort.

Hennessey made a couple of smart stops to deny Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Ings late on to ensure no further damage for Wales.

What does it mean? England have striker options

For a long time, Kane has been England's solitary go-to up front but the form of Calvert-Lewin and more minutes and a maiden international goal for a revitalised Ings means Southgate now has plenty of striking options.

Dominic Calvert-shoe-in?

Calvert-Lewin has been in sublime form for Premier League leaders Everton this term and now has 10 goals in seven appearances for club and country. This was a deserved opportunity and if he continues in this form, he surely is a certainty for future squads.

Giggs' case for the defence crumbles

Wales boss Ryan Giggs will have been encouraged by a first half in which Wales caused England issues, particularly Cardiff City striker Moore who went off injured towards the end of the opening 45 minutes. But usually consistent full-back Ben Davies, who lost possession 12 times, was not always at the races and centre-back pairing Chris Mepham and Joe Rodon gave England's forwards far too much space.

What's next?

England now move onto Nations League Group A2 fixtures with Belgium and Denmark, while Wales face the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria in Group B4 over the coming week.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar is doubtful for Brazil's opening World Cup 2022 qualifier against Bolivia with a back injury.

Footage on social media this week showed Neymar putting his hand on his lower back and keeling on the floor in pain during a training session.

He was unable to train on Thursday and Tite is now preparing to be without his key man for Friday's clash in Sao Paulo, with Flamengo's Everton Ribeiro on standby.

Brazil's team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed a decision will be made on Neymar's availability on Friday and Tite added: "We will have to wait and see.

"If we are without Neymar then it will be Everton in his place."

Brazil are already without goalkeeper Alisson and striker Gabriel Jesus but Tite still has a deep squad to choose from for the double-header with Bolivia and Peru.

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro will captain the side in the absence of Dani Alves, who is regaining fitness after an injury layoff, while Weverton and Douglas Luiz will also start.

"The captain for tomorrow's game is Casemiro," Tite said. "He is one of the captains, one of the leaders we have.

"We have three great goalkeepers but Weverton has played at a high level.

"Douglas Luiz is another. We want to give him greater freedom to attack from the left side. He needs to be able to supply the man up front."

Brazil will belatedly get their qualifying campaign up and running after the first four rounds of fixtures were called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Selecao won the 2019 Copa America but have advanced past the quarter-final stage of the World Cup just once since 2002, when they won the fifth of their titles.

That occasion was on home soil in 2014, in which they suffered a humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany.

"It is about enjoying the pressure," Tite said at his pre-match news conference on Thursday. "It is my responsibility to make decisions and win titles.

"I have the opportunity to be a world champion with Brazil. But this is a team under construction."

Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has revealed his part satisfaction on how Zambia tackled Malawi on Wednesday at the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Micho stated he was only half satisfied on how his charges reacted especially when they lost the ball to the Flames. The match, which they won 1-0, acted as preparation for the African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament as well as for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in November.

Napsa Stars’ striker Collins Sikombe scored the only goal that gave Chipolopolo the slim win although they had many chances that were not successfully converted into goals.

“I need to say that I count myself 50 per cent happy that we have done very well in the reaction when we lose the ball and in the defensive organisation,” Micho, who has had coaching stints in Africa spanning over two decades, said as quoted by FAZ Facebook page.

“I am very happy the way we defended as a team especially in set pieces which are our weakness and we need to improve a lot as a nation.”

The former SC Villa coach also explained why he had to make more than five changes against Malawi.

“This is our desire to keep and preserve the energy because some of these players, at least three of them will be used against Kenya on Friday, and we need to economise with the energy in the right way,” the Serb added.

The former African champions are set to arrive in Nairobi on Thursday evening ahead of the friendly tie on Friday at Nyayo Stadium.

Micho will then fly with his team to South Africa for a third friendly meeting at Rustenburg on Sunday against Bafana Bafana. Zambia have also lined up matches against Orlando Pirates – Micho’s former club – and against the Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

They will open the Chan tournament in Cameroon with a match against Tanzania on January 19.

The Cosafa nation will be based in South-West Cameroon and will play Group D matches at Limbe Omnisport Stadium. They will then face Guinea on January 23 and finish group assignments with a game against Namibia on January 27.

Retired Nigeria striker, Victor Ezeji, believes the result of the Super Eagles friendly clash against Algeria on Friday is of no consequence, that testing new faces will be the real deal.

Both African powerhouses locked horns at the Jacques Lemans Arena in the Austrian city of Sankt Veit an der Glan and coach Gernot Rohr heads into the game with first timers that include Mathew Yakubu, Zaidu Sanusi, Samson Tijani, Chidera Ejuke and Cyriel Dessers, while the likes of Maduka Okoye, Mikel Agu and Paul Onuachu, will have a chance to also get minutes on the pitch.

“For me, it’s a friendly game and it’s an opportunity for the manager to try new players so it’s not about the result but trying to see if the new players can gel,” Ezeji told Goal.

“A situation where we have friendly games but can’t test players won’t be nice. It’s a friendly game and we have nothing to lose.”

The last encounter between Nigeria and Algeria ended on a bitter note for the latter team after they were defeated by the Desert Foxes 2-1 in the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez scored a brilliant last-minute free-kick to send Algeria to the final which they ultimately won.

The Super Eagles claimed third place by edging past Tunisia. The manner of the semi-final defeat still hurts and Ezeji asserts this is not the moment to enact any form of revenge because it will not count.

“We have many opportunities for revenge on Algeria when we are in a proper competition but this is just a friendly game,” the Caf Champions League winner said.

“The result means nothing. We could beat Algeria 10-0, it’s nothing as far as I’m concerned, but the most important thing is testing new players invited to the camp.”

Since that semi-final defeat, the Super Eagles have been unbeaten in five matches (W3 D2).

Bafana Bafana let their slim 1-0 lead slip through their fingers as they eventually played to a 1-1 draw with Namibia in Thursday's international friendly at Royal Bafokeng Stadium. 

While the result didn't 'surprise' the majority of South African football fans on Twitter, the swipe they took at Bafana was clearly because of the disappointment they felt after the final whistle more so because the team had dominated this fixture in the past. 

One fan thinks Bafana won't even beat Golden Arrows. 

Bafana at it again? Popular comedian Trevor Noah once made a joke about how the senior national team either draws or loses, and how the fans are compelled to celebrate a draw even against relatively smaller nations. 

Are South Africans tired of Bafana Bafana? 

Molefi Ntseki also didn't survive the roasting from Twitter users, and the majority feels he shouldn't be coaching Bafana Bafana.  

Roy Keane has slammed Manchester United for their "disgraceful" display against Tottenham, while predicting that the "bluffers" in the team will end up costing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his job.

The Red Devils suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat at the hands of Spurs on Sunday, which leaves them 16th in the Premier League table after only three matches of the 2020-21 campaign.

Solskjaer's men opened the new season with a surprise loss at home to Crystal Palace before picking up an underserved win at Brighton, conceding five goals in the process.

United were equally poor against Tottenham, who dominated proceedings at Old Trafford after falling behind to a second-minute Bruno Fernandes penalty.

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane each grabbed a brace for the visitors, with Tanguy Ndombele and Serge Aurier also getting in on the act to make it a happy return to Manchester for Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese boss coached the Red Devils between 2016 and 2018, but ended up being sacked amid reports of a fractious relationship with several members of the first-team squad.

Keane thinks certain players were guilty of not giving their all for Mourinho, and that history is now repeating itself with Solskjaer at the helm.

The United legend can't see the Norwegian lasting much longer in the managerial hot seat, as he told ITV Sport: "The performance against Spurs was disgraceful.

"We’ve all be in football, we’ve had bad days but I thought it was a disgrace to the badge some of the players’ performance. Too many bluffers.

"Ultimately, I think it will cost Ole his job. With the players he’s got there.

"I’ve said it before, they threw the previous manager [Mourinho] under the bus and they’ll do exactly the same to Ole."

The international break has given Solskjaer extra time to reflect on the weekend's event, with the majority of his senior squad currently away on international duty.

Preparations for a crucial away fixture against Newcastle on October 17 will begin next week, and a couple of new faces could be in line to feature.

United managed to bring in Alex Telles from Porto and ex-Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani on a free transfer before the summer market closed on Monday, with both men likely to be available to make their debuts at St James' Park.

The Red Devils are due to open their latest European campaign against PSG at Parc des Princes three days later, as the Champions League kicks off again behind closed doors.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hot streak continued on Thursday when he scored on his England debut against Wales.

The 23-year-old started for the Three Lions for the first time in the friendly, partnering Danny Ings up front.

He put England in the lead at Wembley when Jack Grealish crossed in for him to head past Wayne Hennessey 26 minutes into the game.

Calvert-Lewin has had an incredible start to the season with the Toffees, having scored nine goals in six matches in all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti's team.

The most in-form striker in Europe's top five leagues, he took his tally up to 10 goals for club and country with his maiden goal for Gareth Southgate's side.

Calvert-Lewin is the first Everton player to find the net for England at Wembley in 35 years. England legend Gary Lineker was the last to do so, having netted a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifying match against Turkey in October 1985.  

Calvert-Lewin has been tipped to continue his impressive form and labelled the "perfect number nine" by Everton academy director David Unsworth, while the player himself says he has been studying videos of AC Milan legend Filippo Inzaghi after comparisons from coach Ancelotti. 

Meanwhile, Grealish's cross for his England team-mate saw him become the first Aston Villa player to register an assist for the national team since Stewart Downing set up Andy Carroll in the 1-1 draw with Ghana in March 2011.

The duo will be able to continue to build on their impressive display against Wales when they turn to UEFA Nations League duty with a game against Belgium on Sunday and Denmark three days later. 

Both Everton and Villa have had an excellent start to the domestic campaign, having won all of their games in the English top-flight so far.

The Goodison Park team are top of the table with four wins, while Villa are three points behind having played three matches - most recently a 7-2 thrashing of reigning champions Liverpool.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin grasped his opportunity on debut as an inexperienced England side defeated Wales 3-0 in Thursday's friendly encounter at Wembley.

With captain Harry Kane rested and Tammy Abraham one of three players alongside Jadon Sancho and Ben Chilwell absent for breaching coronavirus protocol rules, Calvert-Lewin was selected by Gareth Southgate to lead the line.

The in-form Everton striker headed home from Jack Grealish's sublime cross before Conor Coady doubled the lead eight minutes after the break.

Danny Ings then celebrated his first international goal, marking the first time three England players all scored a maiden goal in the same game since 1963, as the Three Lions completed a clinical if not textbook performance ahead of tougher assignments.

An England XI boasting just 54 appearances – the lowest since 1980 – started nervily and Kieffer Moore dragged a volley wide after a poor headed clearance from debutant Bukayo Saka.

But Calvert-Lewin marked a fine England bow by nodding home from six yards in the 26th minute when Grealish, making his first Three Lions start, hung up a peach of a cross after tying Ethan Ampadu in knots.

The lead was doubled when Kieran Trippier – who became England's 123rd skipper in the absence of Kane – produced a fine free-kick that Coady expertly half-volleyed past Wayne Hennessey from close range.

Wales had no way back just after the hour when Tyrone Mings headed a corner back across the face of goal for Southampton striker Ings to steer acrobatically home with a lovely overhead effort.

Hennessey made a couple of smart stops to deny Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Ings late on to ensure no further damage for Wales.

What does it mean? England have striker options

For a long time, Kane has been England's solitary go-to up front but the form of Calvert-Lewin and more minutes and a maiden international goal for a revitalised Ings means Southgate now has plenty of striking options.

Dominic Calvert-shoe-in?

Calvert-Lewin has been in sublime form for Premier League leaders Everton this term and now has 10 goals in seven appearances for club and country. This was a deserved opportunity and if he continues in this form, he surely is a certainty for future squads.

Giggs' case for the defence crumbles

Wales boss Ryan Giggs will have been encouraged by a first half in which Wales caused England issues, particularly Cardiff City striker Moore who went off injured towards the end of the opening 45 minutes. But usually consistent full-back Ben Davies, who lost possession 12 times, was not always at the races and centre-back pairing Chris Mepham and Joe Rodon gave England's forwards far too much space.

What's next?

England now move onto Nations League Group A2 fixtures with Belgium and Denmark, while Wales face the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria in Group B4 over the coming week.

Belgium's 12-game winning streak came to an end as Franck Kessie's late penalty secured a 1-1 draw for Ivory Coast at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Thursday.

Red Devils boss Roberto Martinez shuffled his pack ahead of the Nations League double header against England and Iceland, opting not to start the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.

The much-changed starting XI struggled against Patrice Beaumelle's side in the first half but they forged ahead early in the second courtesy of Michy Batshuayi's 19th international goal.

They were denied yet another win three minutes from time, though, with Kessie clipping home from 12 yards after Wilfried Zaha had been brought down inside the area.

Belgium were more dangerous in the opening exchanges, with Brighton and Hove Albion forward Leandro Trossard looking particularly sharp on his first international start.

Chances were few and far between during a tepid opening 45 minutes, with Batshuayi's blocked shot from Trossard's pullback the closest either side came to taking the lead.

The on-loan Crystal Palace striker was not to be denied eight minutes after the restart, slotting home from close range after his initial effort from Alexis Saelemaekers' cross had been kept out by Sylvain Gbohouo.

Substitute goalkeeper Hendrik van Crombrugge was called into action soon after, though, keeping out Nicolas Pepe's close-range effort from Zaha's cross.

Zaha was instrumental to his side's late equaliser, teasing a foul out of substitute Sebastiaan Bornauw inside the area to give Kessie the opportunity to nonchalantly lift the ball into Van Crombrugge's top-right corner and ensure the game ended all square.

What does it mean? Understudies' lack of experience proves costly

Belgium's second-string had acquitted themselves admirably for 87 minutes and looked set to extend their winning streak to a lucky 13. Bornauw - just 10 minutes into his international debut - endured a moment to forget, though. Watching from the sidelines, the Red Devils' elder statesmen will have shaken their heads disapprovingly.

Batshuayi leads from the front

Batshuayi certainly lived up to his status as one of the starting XI's most experienced players. The 27-year-old was a handful for Ivory Coast's defence throughout and had five shots on goal, four more than any other Belgium player.

Doku fails to make his mark

On just his second start for the national team, Jeremy Doku struggled to make an impact. The 18-year-old failed to have a shot and completed just 18 passes before he was hauled off for Divock Origi with more than 20 minutes remaining.

What's next?

Belgium take on England at Wembley on Sunday before travelling to Iceland three days later, while Ivory Coast face another friendly clash with Japan in the Netherlands on Tuesday.

Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki says his players delivered what he expected from them and he was satisfied with the 1-1 against Namibia on Thursday.

Luther Singh fired the hosts ahead after 18 minutes before Absalom Iimbondi hit back for Namibia 10 minutes into the second half in what was Bafana's first match since November 2019.

With Thursday’s match a preparatory game for next month’s back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Sao Tome e Principe, Ntseki was not concerned about the result as he just wanted his charges to get some game time.

“I think we're happy that we managed to sweat a bit,” Ntseki told SABC Sport .

“It has been long without playing any game and I think they've shown what we wanted to see, considering that they have not been playing for a very long time.

“But I think the shape has given us 70/80 per cent in terms of the physical readiness. So we're looking forward. We're somehow happy because some of them were cramping and I had to take them out in the first half.

“But I think they soldiered on. Unfortunately, we gave away a goal which we could have done better but at an international level, some of them played for the first time in the national team, I think it was a very good lesson for them.”

Ntseki’s squad was a mixture of experience and youth as he threw into the fray some of the national Under-23 players such Singh, Lyle Foster, Teboho Mokoena and also handed a national team debut to Portugal-based defender Thibang Phete.

Captain Thulani Hlatshwayo as well as other seasoned players such as Percy Tau, Andile Jali and Lebogang Mokoena, however, did not feature.

“These [experience and inexperience] are two different things and you can't buy experience and that is why we brought in a few of the young ones just to give them the feeling of how it's like to play in the national team,” said Ntseki.

“You can't substitute experience with anything except for people who would be saying ‘a player is too old to be in the national team’ or ‘a player is too old to play football', you can't substitute experience with anything.”

South Africa now shift focus to Sunday’s game against Zambia at the same venue as they wrap up their warm-up for the November’s assignments against Sao Tome.

U17 Uganda Women's team coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has confirmed he is Covid-19 positive.

The tactician has announced the new development to the public amidst the Fifa U17 World Cup qualifiers where his team is scheduled to play Cameroon.

"I have on Thursday 8th October 2020 tested positive for Covid-19," Kiyingi said as reported by the Fufa website.

"I am now in self-isolation from the camp for a period as guided by the health officials for better medication and recovery. 

"While I am away, I will help conduct some sessions with my technical team for the players online as we continue with preparations for the Fifa U17 World cup Qualifier with Cameroon."

On October 1, the coach named the Uganda U17 Women's team squad to report in camp for preparations of the qualifier against the West Africa nation.

Among those in the squad include goalkeeper Joan Namusisi from Isra Soccer Academy and Zulaika Ngamita from Asubo Gafford Ladies.

Defenders Bira Naddunga (Olila High School), Gillian Akadinda (Olila High School), Gloria Namugerwa (Uganda Martyrs High School) have been included in the team as well.

Uganda eliminated Ethiopia and Tanzania to set a date with Cameroon.

The aggregate winner will play in the finals to be held in India. The first leg will be played on October 30 with the second leg after a fortnight.

Goalkeepers: Daphine Nyayenga (Uganda Martyrs High School), Joan Namusisi (Isra Soccer Academy), Zulaika Ngamita (Asubo Gafford Ladies)

Defenders: Grace Aluka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Sumaya Komuntale (Tooro Queens), Bira Naddunga (Olila High School), Gillian Akadinda (Olila High School), Gloria Namugerwa (Uganda Martyrs High School), Stella Musubuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Patricia Akiror (Ajax Queens FC)

Midfielders: Winnifred Kwatulira (Jinja United FC), Devine Mirembe (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Shamira Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Shakira Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School), Moreen Nangonzi (Ajax Queens FC), Ruth Nyakato (Tooro Queens FC), Sumaya Kyomuhendo (Isra Soccer Academy), Sumaya Tibazalika (Wakiso)

Forwards: Juliet Nalukenge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Zaina Nandede (She Kataka FC), Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijjah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Zaitun Namaganda (Taggy High School), Eva Nagayi (Rines WFC) Kamuyati Naigaga (Taggy High School), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs High School)

England defender Connor Coady admitted he's "still in shock" after scoring his first senior international goal in a 3-0 friendly win against Wales on Thursday.

The Wolves star converted from close range in the 53rd minute to score the Three Lions' second goal of the night and end a 111-game goal drought for club and country. 

Coady also had two shots across the entire 90 minutes - the first time he's had so many efforts in a match since March 2017. 

A clean sheet was then the icing on the cake for the centre-back, who is still trying to wrap his head around such a memorable night.  

"I'm still in shock to be honest, it'll live with me forever. It's an amazing night for me. It's just an incredible night honestly," Coady said post-match. 

"I can't explain it. To play with these players is incredible for me, the feeling of it and everything about playing at Wembley for England - I'll never forget it.

"You want to come and impress, everyone does, but I want to help whenever I'm called upon. I will make sure I'm ready and I'll give 110 per cent every time I play for my country."

Coady began his club career with Liverpool but struggled to break through at Anfield before going on to establish himself at Wolves. 

Reds legend Jamie Carragher has always been a big fan of Coady and believes the 27-year-old can still carve out a successful international career. 

“He’s the type that, if you’re a manager or a coach, you want in your dressing room,” Carragher told Goal in September. 

“He sets a brilliant example, always full of life, never too up and never too down. He’s just a great person to have around. 

“With some players, it’s a battle to get them onto the pitch but with Conor you’re fighting a battle to get him off it! He’s a top professional, for sure.

"He reminded me a little bit of myself, to be honest. He’s little bit taller than me, but he probably wasn’t going to be quick enough or sharp enough to play midfield in the Premier League. I thought he’d be better off at the back, because he understood the game and read it well. 

“He’s always been a manager’s dream. Hopefully he can be Gareth Southgate’s dream now!"

Premier League club Chelsea have named Edouard Mendy in their squad for the Champions League, leaving out Victor Moses.

The 29-year-old returned to the Stamford Bridge Stadium this summer as he has been away from the side since January 2018 when he teamed up with Fenerbahce.

Moses cut short his eighteen-month loan with the Turkish Super Lig club in January to link up with his former manager Antonio Conte at Inter Milan.

The former Nigeria international impressed during his time with the San Siro outfit and the club showed their interest to secure his signature permanently.

The Serie A side, however, failed to reach an agreement with Chelsea for the signing of the forward before the end of the transfer window.

Moses is yet to secure a loan move away from the Stamford Bridge and his future is still uncertain as he has now been left out of the Blues’ squad that will feature in the top European competition.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard had previously stated the former Super Eagles winger is not part of his plan for the 2020-21 campaign.

"At the moment Victor isn’t in that position with us. We have a bubble at the training ground with the first-team squad, which Victor hasn’t been part of,” Lampard said.

Senegal goalkeeper Mendy, who teamed up with the Stamford Bridge outfit this summer from Rennes, is included in the list.

Moses could still leave the Blues this summer to the Championship, Russia and Portugal, having missed out on a move during the transfer window.

The winger has previously featured for Crystal Palace and Wigan Athletic before he teamed up with Chelsea in 2012.

Moses has won a number of accolades with the Blues since he joined the club, including the Premier League and Europa League titles.

The versatile forward will hope to sort out his future soon to enable him to concentrate on his football development.

Chelsea will take on Sevilla in their opening Champions League Group stage game on October 20.

Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jadon Sancho ended the summer transfer window in the best places for their club and international careers, says former England winger John Barnes.

Two highly-rated forwards saw their respective futures called into question on a regular basis before the latest recruitment deadline passed.

Manchester United were heavily linked with a raid on Borussia Dortmund for Sancho, but the 20-year-old remains in Germany after seeing a long-running saga brought to a close.

Hudson-Odoi saw a move in the opposite direction mooted, as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich rekindled their interest in the Chelsea starlet.

Approaches from the Allianz Arena were knocked back, though, and the 19-year-old is still at Stamford Bridge.

Barnes believes the right calls have been made by those looking out for two ambitious youngsters, with the Liverpool legend favouring west London and Dortmund over Munich and Manchester.

“For two young players such as Hudson-Odoi and Sancho, with a long way to go and a lot to learn, I do believe they’re at the right clubs at this moment in time,” ex-Three Lions star Barnes told BonusCodeBets.

“Of course it’s great to have a move lined up but unless you are an experienced top player, that move doesn’t mean you’ll be played; especially when it comes to a club like Manchester United.

“So for Sancho, I’d still like him to continue doing what he's doing at his current club and to show that level of consistency before he actually moves. That, I believe, will set him up for a great career. 

“As for Hudson-Odoi, I’m not surprised he is staying at Chelsea. In fact, I think, for such a young developing player who needs to rebuild his confidence since sustaining an Achilles injury, to remain at Chelsea is the best way for him to showcase that he’s up for the job and start playing for Chelsea regularly, along with being in England squad.

“But as for all players, especially for the younger ones, they have to work hard, really hard, every day to put themselves in the frame to start.

“Callum will get there but to allow him to find his way back following the injury, and the break caused by Covid, with a club he’s familiar with will do him good - at least for now.”  

Hudson-Odoi is currently with the England U21 squad, while Sancho has been dropped by the seniors for a friendly meeting with Wales after breaching coronavirus protocols.

Their creativity has put them firmly in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts, but England are far from lacking in that department at present as the likes of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, James Maddison and Mason Mount battle for the right to take on playmaking duties.

Barnes said of the competition for places: “As a team, England have a lot of good attacking players and many are of the opinion that these are the players that will win us the match. But it’s not.

“Where we’ve been lacking in the past is at the back end which means we need strong defensive midfield players and better defenders.

“The answer is for the team to find a good balance, whereby we can defend better as a team, whilst also attacking cleverly.

“For example, I believe James Maddison is a great player who will be bring a lot to the table this season. He’s creative in his play and have a lot to give. He’s definitely one to watch.” 

Watford centre-back William Troost-Ekong is relishing the opportunity to play for Nigeria on the international scene.

The 27-year-old, born to a Nigerian father and a Dutch mother in the Netherlands, decided to serve his father's land in 2015 despite playing for the Dutch youth teams earlier in his career.

Troost-Ekong who made his Nigeria debut against Chad in 2015, is in contention to make his 40th Super Eagles appearance against Algeria on Friday.

Ahead of the international friendly fixture in Austria, he disclosed how his decision made his family proud and how he is developing his leadership traits in Gernot Rohr's team.

“Even my Dutch family are really proud. It means a lot to them for me to represent such a big nation. It's massive,” Troost-Ekong told Watford website.

“Hopefully I get to do it some more. The last few games, yeah [I've been made captain]. I've always been quite vocal and a leader in the team. We've had some great captains in [Ahmed] Musa, who is still officially our captain, and John Obi Mikel before that. I always try and learn from these guys and push the team in the right direction.

“It's a really big thing [for me]. I started my international career with the Dutch younger teams, but as soon as I heard about Nigeria wanting me to play for them, I jumped at the chance.

“I've never looked back. It was a special moment to play for Nigeria as I know how much it means to the people. I feel it's my way of giving back to a country that has given me so much.”

Troost-Ekong has played at the Olympics, World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations in the last five years for the West African country.

He picks the Super Eagles’ friendly encounter against England at Wembley Stadium ahead of the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia as a standout moment for him because it was in a city where he developed his game with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

“There have been lots of highs, especially in the last five years,” he said. “That was a nice moment. That kind of felt [coming] full circle. That was in preparation for the World Cup and was special as my family was there. Playing at Wembley was a special moment in my career and hopefully I get to play there again.”

Former Bayern Munich defender Jan Kirchoff has described the Bavarian side's new signing Eric Choupo-Moting as an “absolutely exceptional player” and says that the move is a perfect fit for both player and club due to the Cameroon international's skillset.

Kirchoff, who now plies his trade with Uerdingen 05 in the 3.Liga, was team-mates with the former Paris Saint-Germain star at both Mainz and Schalke, with the pair often pitted against each other during training sessions.

And while Choupo-Moting's goals-to-games ratio might not make for the most impressive reading, Kirchoff believes that his old friend has a combination of attributes that make him a special and unique player – even if he doesn't boast the same goal return as some of the game's greats.

“Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is moving to FC Bayern. This may come as a surprise to many, but to be honest, it doesn't surprise me. Rather, Choupo has arrived at a club to which he is a perfect fit given his skills,” the 30-year-old wrote in a column for Goal Germany.

“No exaggeration: It's really crazy how good Choupo actually is. He has everything – he's quick, understands the game, makes clever runs, he's agile, technically strong, has good ball control and dribbling.

“The only thing that sets him apart from guys like Robert Lewandowski or Zlatan Ibrahimovic is his finishing consistency.”

Indeed, Kirchoff pointed to a lack of selfishness that has perhaps prevented the striker from becoming a household name.

“In terms of character, Choupo is a very good guy, very positive, happy, satisfied person,” he added. “On the other hand, he might be missing that egotism that the likes of Lewandowski brings with them.

“At Schalke, for example, he was never the absolute go-to player he could have been with his skills. If you want to be the main man, you have to demand it selfishly, like Kevin-Prince Boateng or Klaas-Jan huntelaar did.

“From Bayern's point of view, the transfer makes perfect sense. With him, miracles are not expected. But at the same time, everyone who has worked with Choupo knows that he has great qualities.

“Just because Choupo never had the very best stats doesn't mean that as a footballer he is worse than others.”