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Sadio Mane became the third Liverpool player to score a Premier League brace at Stamford Bridge after his goals inspired them to a 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.

He joins Steve McManaman, who scored two goals in West London in 1995, and Philippe Coutinho, who scored a brace against the Blues in October 2015, on the list.

After a goalless first-half, Mane broke the deadlock at Stamford Bridge in the 50th minute and wrapped up their victory with his second strike four minutes later.

Chelsea missed the chance to reduce the deficit after goalkeeper Alisson saved Jorginho’s strike from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.

Earlier in the first half, Frank Lampard’s side were reduced to 10 men after Andreas Christensen was given his marching orders for a rugby-like tackle on Mane.

Sunday’s double opened the goal account of the Senegal international for the 2020-21 Premier League campaign after he fired blanks in their 4-3 win over Leeds United last Saturday.

The 2019-20 PFA Fans' Player of the Year scored 22 goals across all competitions last season which include 18 goals in the Reds' triumphant Premier League campaign.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah and Guinea midfielder Naby Keita were also in action for Jurgen Klopp's side but the latter was replaced in the 64th minute by James Milner.

Next up for Liverpool is a Carabao Cup trip to Lincoln City on Thursday before they welcome Arsenal to Anfield for their Premier League fixture on September 28.

After missing Chelsea's last two games due to a knee injury, Lampard will be eager to have Morocco international and new signing Hakim Ziyech back for their Carabao Cup match against Barnsley on Wednesday before Saturday's league visit to West Bromwich Albion.

Kelechi Nwakali failed to make his home La Liga debut as he was axed from Huesca’s team that lost 2-0 to Cadiz on Sunday.

The Nigerian, who played a part in Azulgranas’ promotion to the Spanish elite division, was handed his Spanish top-flight debut in their 1-1 draw at Villarreal on the opening day.

However, he was not considered for selection as they bowed to goals from Alvaro Negredo and Jorge Pombo at Estadio El Alcoraz.

The visitors took the lead 11 minutes into the clash with Negredo slotting into an empty net after goalkeeper Andres Fernandez had fumbled a cross from Alex Fernandez.

Despite boasting of superior ball possession, Michel’s men could not equalise as they lacked ideas when in the opponent’s goal area.

At the beginning of the second-half, Huesca made a triple substitution – bringing on Borja Garcia, Sergio Gomez and Joaquin - but that did not bring about the much-needed reaction.

Seven minutes prior to the end of the game, their aspiration to get at least a draw faded into thin air following Pombo’s effort.

The Spaniard headed past the goalkeeper from close range thanks to a beautiful cross from substitute Filip Malbasic.

Equatorial Guinea international Carlos Akapo was an unused substitute for Alvaro Cervera’s men, who have now won their first game of the 2020-21 season after a miserable start – having bowed 2-0 at home to Osasuna.

"El Cadiz is a well-worked team and they imposed their style on us,” says Huesca manager Michel told the club website after the game.

“We had a lot of the ball but failed to make good use of it. Also, they defended well.

"We could have opted for a more direct game, more duel, but I didn't want to do it, because that's not what we've been working on.

"We came from a good match [against Villareal], but this time we haven't been able to impose ourselves. We will continue to work to see how we can impose that idea of play.”

Following this defeat, Huesca would be hoping to bounce back in their next outing against Valencia on Saturday with Nwakali expected to make a return to the team.

On the other hand, Cadiz welcome Sevilla to the Ramon de Carranza Stadium on Monday with the ambition of securing their second victory in succession.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes his side could have drawn with Liverpool were it not for Kepa Arrizabalaga's "big mistake" in the second half.

The Blues goalkeeper was at fault for the Reds' second goal of the 2-0 victory when his attempted pass was blocked by Sadio Mane and knocked into the net.

After being criticised for conceding a shot from outside the box during the win against Brighton on Monday, the 25-year-old was the subject of much ridicule on social media on Sunday following his error against Jurgen Klopp's team.

It was not the home side's only misfortune in the defeat to the reigning Premier League champions, however, as they were reduced to 10 men just before half-time as Andreas Christensen was sent off and then midfielder Jorginho missed a penalty in the 75th minute.

Lampard admitted there were many decisive moments for his side and feels the result could have gone a different way.

"Big mistake. Clear mistake and when you reflect on the half without the mistake and the penalty we draw the game 1-1," he said when asked about Kepa's performance.

"I’m actually happier in many ways than I was after Brighton on Monday. It was a game of spirit and character and lots of individuals showed me good things today."

He added to Sky Sports: "My job as a manager is to try to give Kepa confidence. It was a clear mistake and Kepa accepted that."

The former England star also expressed his disappointment in Christensen's dismissal, as he felt his side matched their opponents for most of the first 45 minutes telling BBC Sport: "I thought we could get higher up the pitch and would have done with 11.

"I was concerned with how we would defend our box, first half we were brilliant at doing it but the red card changed the whole course of the game."

He added: "For chances the first half was very even. The red card changes the face of the game, the talk I do at half-time, it forces me into a reshuffle and it was always going to be difficult after that.

"I think it could be given or not. I was perhaps surprised it was given as a yellow first. If it was given as a red straight away and you continue with that.

"We showed moments on the counterattack when we were dangerous in the first half. My team talk was be more confident on the ball then the red card changes the whole team talk."

New signing Thiago Alcantara set a Premier League record on his Liverpool debut as he out-passed every single Chelsea player, despite only being on the pitch for 45 minutes.

The Spain international only completed his initial £20m ($26m) move from Bayern Munich on Friday, but was included in the travelling Reds squad for Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge.

He began the game on the bench but was introduced at half-time after captain Jordan Henderson was forced off with a suspected thigh injury, and immediately showed the excitement around his arrival at Liverpool was justified.

The game was goalless at that stage, though the champions were given the edge when Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen was shown a straight red card for hauling down Sadio Mane as he ran through on goal.

Thiago did not take long to make an impact in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, with his 75 successful passes more than any other Chelsea player, including those who had played the entire 90 minutes.

It is also the most passes completed by a player who played a maximum of 45 minutes since Opta started producing passing statistics at the start of the 2003-04 season.

It was not all plain sailing for Thiago, though, with the 29-year-old tripping Timo Werner in the area for a Chelsea penalty. The error did not prove costly, however, with Reds goalkeeper Alisson saving Jorginho’s spot kick, the first time the Brazilian has missed from the spot from nine attempts in a Chelsea shirt.

With Thiago dictating from deep, Liverpool were able to take a firm grip on the game, with Mane heading the opener from Roberto Firmino’s cross five minutes into the second half.

Four minutes later, the Senegalese forward capitalised on an error from Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa to double Liverpool’s advantage from close range.

It means Liverpool have begun the Premier League campaign with two wins from two, following their eventful 4-3 victory against Leeds United at Anfield last weekend. Next up for Klopp’s side is a trip to League One side Lincoln City in the EFL Cup on Thursday, before hosting Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal back in the Premier League on Monday.

Simba SC handed Biashara United a first 2020/21 Mainland Premier League huge loss after condemning them to a 4-0 defeat on Sunday.

Clatous Chama, Meddie Kagere and Chrispine Mugalu were the scorers for the champions at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Playing at home for the first time, it took the reigning champions nine minutes to shock their visitors with an opener. Chama, the 2019/20 Most Valuable Player, was at the right place to receive a pass from Luis Miquissone and launched a low drive that beat Daniel Mgore in Biashara’s goal.

The goalkeeper could do little to stop the ball from getting into his net because he was largely isolated as Simba launched the attack after a mistake by a Biashara United defender just outside the box.

Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck had to make a change in the 16th minute when Brazilian deep-lying midfielder Gerson Fraga was injured. His place was taken by Said Ndemla, who saw his contract extended in August, ending long-time rumours he was set to leave.

Chama scored another goal for the home side in the 26th minute as Wekundu wa Msimbazi looked more dominant and determined to rip hitherto unbeaten Francis Baraza’s side apart.

As was the case with the first goal, it is Miquissone who assisted Chama to score the second goal.

Kagere, who had been allegedly sidelined by the coach due to a poor relationship with him, scored the third goal in the 52nd minute.

The Golden Boot winner of the previous two seasons scored as he started for the first time in the season as John Bocco - who has been previously preferred to him - was missing from the squad.

Kagere was withdrawn in the 78th minute with new signing Mugalu taking his place.

Mugalu got his league debut goal as he made the first appearance in the competition as a substitute. The DR Congo star scored in the 85th minute to stretch the scoreline even further away from the visitors.

Simba – with seven points from three matches - will now shift focus to their next opponents - Gwambina FC on September 26 - while Biashara United will look to pick themselves up when they play Ruvu Shooting on September 27.

Simba SC Starting XI: Aishi Manula, Shomary Kapombe, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Mohammed Hussein, Gerson Fraga, Luis Miquissone, Meddie Kagere, Rally Bwalya, Clatous Chama.

Subs: Beno Kakolanya, David Kameta, Ibrahim Ame, Said Ndemla, Hassan Dilunga, Chrispine Mugalu, Bernard Morrison.

Biashara United Starting XI: Daniel Mgore, Ally Kombo, Ramadhan Chombo, Deogratius Judika, Tariq Simba, Kelvin Iddi, Mpapi Salum, Mustha Khamis, Lenny Kissu, Abdulmajid Yahaya, Omarry Nassoro.

Subs: Edson Magoma, Derrick Mussa, Hassan Maulid, Omary Banda, Gershon Samuel.

Younes Belhanda found the back of the net to seal Galatasaray's 2-0 victory against Istanbul Basaksehir while Nigeria's Oghenekaro Etebo played his first game in the Turkish Super Lig on Sunday.

A goal in each half of the encounter secured the Lions' second league win of the season after their 3-1 triumph over Gaziantep FK last Saturday.

Radamel Falcao got Fatih Terim's men off to a flying start with his opener from the penalty spot in the 14th minute and Belhanda opened his goal account for the season with his 76th-minute strike.

The Moroccan midfielder, alongside DR Congo's Christian Luyindama, were on parade from start to finish for the visitors while Algeria's Sofiane Feghouli made way for Etebo to make his debut in the Turkish Super Lig.

The Nigeria international, who joined the Lions on a season-long loan from Stoke City this summer, played the final 18 minutes of the encounter.

Senegal striker Mbaye Diagne also came off the bench as a 72nd-minute substitute while his compatriot Demba Ba was in action for 90 minutes for Istanbul Basaksehir.

Basaksehir, who won the Turkish top-flight title last season, are yet to score a goal in the 2020-21 campaign and they have lost their opening two league matches.

Etebo will be hoping to get more playing minutes when Galatasaray host Croatian outfit Hajduk Split in their Uefa Europa League qualifying match on Thursday.

Sunday's win at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium moved Galatasaray to second on the Super Lig table, level on six points with leaders Alanyaspor after two matches while Istanbul Basaksehir dropped to the bottom of table.

Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp hailed the impact of new signing Thiago Alcantara, a player he said made the "perfect start" to his Reds career in their win over Chelsea on Sunday. 

The Spanish international was named on the bench for the game at Stamford Bridge, just two days after joining from Bayern Munich in a deal which could cost the Reds up to £27 million ($35m).

Klopp decided to introduce the midfielder at half-time as the Reds looked to take advantage of a red card from Andreas Christensen just before the break. 

The visitors did just that as a pair of Sadio Mane goals – the second aided by another error from Kepa Arrizabalaga – gave the defending champions a 2-0 win on the afternoon.

Thiago made a major impact in his debut, as he completed more passes (75) than any Chelsea player managed in the entire match.

His 75 successful passes were also the most by a player who played a maximum of 45 minutes since at least 2003-04. 

Unsurprisingly, Klopp was delighted with the 29-year-old's first Liverpool match. 

"We decided to bring Thiago on early because it was 11v10 and a player like him can command the rhythm. It was the perfect start for him and the boys helped him massively," Klopp told BBC Sport.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp added: Top timing. He played with Spain and trained with Munich so he's fit, that's not a problem. He needs to get used to his team-mates, but when they went one man down it became the perfect game for him.

"I liked his game a lot. Defensively it was tricky for him, but offensively, with the ball, that's him, he wants to pass the ball."

Klopp added that he was happy overall with his side's performance, which included a saved penalty from Alisson against Chelsea midfielder Jorginho.

"Super game. Really good game from both teams. I like our game a lot. Chelsea are a top side. Our own football I liked in the first half, really good situations, passed through the line but we didn't score.

"After the red card, the second half is a different game. We kept the ball rolling, let them run, scored the goals, conceded a penalty, Ali saved it, so all good. Everybody had a hand in the result."

Moses Simon scored his first goal of the 2020-21 season for Nantes in their 2-2 draw against Saint-Etienne in Sunday’s Ligue 1 game.

The 25-year-old winger sealed a permanent move to the Canaries this summer from Spanish side Levante after his impressive performances for the club during his loan spell.

The Nigeria international played a key role as Christian Gourcuff’s men finished 13th in the French top-flight last season and won the club’s Player of the Season award for his effort.

The forward has continued his eye-catching showings this season, opening his account at Stade de la Beaujoire against the Saints.

Nantes started the game on the back foot, allowing Claude Puel’s men to open the scoring as early as the second minute of the encounter through Adil Aouchiche.

Simon made a frantic effort to bring his side back into contention and came close to helping them level proceedings in the 44th minute.

The Super Eagles winger a fine cross sent into the box which Randal Muan controlled and fired into the back of the net but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out the strike for offside.

Yvann Macon then doubled the lead for the Saints in the 66th minute of the encounter after benefitting from Aouchiche’s assist.

Simon then reduced the deficit for the Canaries in the 71st minute after receiving a sumptuous pass from Ghanaian defender Dennis Appiah.

With five minutes left to play, Renaud Emond scored the all-important equalizing goal for Nantes to ensure his side clinched a point on their home soil.

Simon featured for the duration of the game, made three key passes and had 75% successful pass rate in the encounter.

Gabon international Denis Bouanga played for 77th minute before making way for Maxence Rivera but could not help Saint-Etienne secure all three points away from home.

Simon will hope to continue his eye-catching performances for Nantes when they face Lille in their next league game on September 25.

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane made Premier League history during Tottenham's thrashing of Southampton on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho's side bounced back from a disappointing opening game defeat against Everton by securing a 5-2 victory at St Mary's, with Son grabbing the first four goals of the game before Kane rounded off the scoring.

Southampton took the lead in the contest 32 minutes in through Danny Ings, but Son latched onto a perfectly weighted Kane pass to hit an equaliser right on half-time, sparking a significant momentum shift.

The South Korea international grabbed his second with another expert finish just after the restart, and completed his hat-trick just past the hour after latching onto another incisive through ball from Tottenham's No.10.

Son went on to grab his fourth after being set up by Kane once again, before the England international got his name on the scoresheet with eight minutes left to play.

Ings notched his second goal of the game in stoppage time, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation for a Southampton side who are now winless after their first two fixtures of the new campaign.

Kane laid on all four of Son's goals against the Saints, becoming the first man to assist the same player four times in a single match in the Premier League era.

The Spurs frontman is the first English player to have ever assisted four goals in a Premier League fixture, and the sixth to achieve the feat in the competition's history.

Kane is also the first man to have been directly involved in five goals since Mohamed Salah in March 2018, when the Liverpool forward grabbed four goals and an assist to inspire a 5-0 win against Watford.

Meanwhile, Son's treble marks only the fourth time a player has scored a top-flight hat-trick with one player assisting each goal, and he and Kane have linked up to score a total of 24 goals between them since 2015, more than any other duo during the same period.

Swallows FC have beaten both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to the signature of JDR Stars striker Moeketsi Makhanya.

Makhanya was heavily linked with the two Soweto giants soon after bursting into the professional scene with Stars at the start of the 2019-20 season.

He was scoring goals for fun in the National First Division (NFD) at the time, and he's highly-rated among the football fans who follow his career. 

The Dube Birds announced Makhanya's arrival on their social media platforms on Sunday afternoon. 

Makhanya becomes Swallows' second major signing after the club earlier on Sunday unveiled former Orlando Pirates midfielder Musa Nyatama. 

The dreadlocked marksman brings in a lot of quality in the Swallows team after proving too much to handle for opposition defenders in his first season in the NFD. 

He scored 12 goals in 23 league starts for the Tshwane-based outfit, finishing the campaign as second-joint top goalscorer behind Ajax Cape Town marksman Abednego Mosiatlhaga. 

What makes him an asset to Swallows is his versatility as he can also play as a winger - both on the right and left-hand sides of the pitch. 

Makhanya will be expected to form a deadly partnership with Swallows' top goalscorer Kagiso Malinga next season. 

Malinga found the back of the net 12 times in 24 league matches for the Brandon Truter's side; the same number of goals as Makhanya. 

His goals were instrumental in Swallows beating Ajax to automatic promotion despite at one point finding themselves seven points behind in the title race. 

Swallows are expected to sign more players in an attempt to bolster their squad for what will be their return season to the elite league for the first time in over five seasons.

There are several players that could also remain at Swallows for the upcoming season, especially those who were on loan from Amakhosi. 

Itumeleng Shopane, Given Thibedi, Sizwe Twala and Ayanda Rorwana all belong to the Glamour Boys but Swallows have the intention to keep them.  

Lionel Messi is Barcelona's most prized asset and those associated with the Catalan institution let out a collective sigh of relief when the Argentine agreed to stay after a protracted dispute.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner came closer to an exit from Camp Nou than ever before this summer by officially declaring his desire to leave, but he eventually relented - albeit after airing his grievances in an exclusive interview with Goal.

Keeping Messi happy is a crucial part of ensuring the talisman remains at the club and that reality has not been lost on the presidential hopefuls who seek to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The 33-year-old has expressed his annoyance about the sense that "there has been no project" at Barcelona for too long and it's little surprise to see candidates building campaigns around resolving that very issue.

Others have even resorted to massaging the star's ego by making the point that Messi is deserving of a statue next to that which already stands of Johan Cruyff.

It's abundantly clear that placating Messi, to some extent at least, is a key consideration for those who run Barca, but does a 'Lionel Messi rule' extend to his team-mates and the training pitch?

The perceived idea that Barcelona have some sort of 'Lionel Messi rule' emerged after an interview given by Jean-Clair Todibo to German outlet Bild in January 2020.

Essentially, the French defender hinted at an unwritten rule which dictates that the Barca players do their best not to injure Messi during training sessions.

"We all knew that he couldn't get injured," Todibo said in the interview with Bild.

"I learned a lot [from Messi], and also stole a few balls from him [in training]. But you go easy on Messi, nobody wants to hurt him."

Little was made of Todibo's comments until a number of months later in the summer, when speculation regarding the Argentine's future at the club began to intensify and his influence came under scrutiny. At that point some headlines appeared referring to the 'Lionel Messi rule'.

So is there a such thing as the 'Lionel Messi rule'? The short answer is no - there is no evidence to suggest that Barcelona have adopted a policy which prohibits players from tackling Messi too aggressively in training.

However, there is certainly a degree of logic to the idea of ensuring that your best player is fit and healthy to play in as many games as possible.

In that respect, Todibo's comment that they "go easy" on him, makes sense and it is entirely possible that many of the players train with that thought in the back of their minds. 

That said, it does not necessarily tally with other testimonies regarding Messi in Barcelona training and the intensity of the sessions - in which players don't really seem to "go easy" - can easily be seen on the club's official YouTube channel.

Former team-mates have spoken of Messi's own ferocity in training, for example, relaying how the Argentine never shied away from physicality, particularly in the early days.

Speaking to Bleacher Report in early 2020, ex Barca youth player Ramon Maso said that Messi "always shows up. He never shirks." Another product of La Masia, Jordi Gomez, who was at the academy at the same time, stressed that the Argentine trained exactly as he played.

Things may have changed somewhat in recent years, with Messi's body - like everyone else's - subject to the ravages of time and perhaps there is a little more care taken among the seasoned professionals at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

But for now we can take it that there is no 'rule' and, considering Messi's world-beating competitiveness, it seems likely that he wouldn't even want one.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Alois Bunjira feels Kaizer Chiefs can be a formidable side if new coach Gavin Hunt manages to get the best out of attacker Khama Billiat.

Hunt was appointed Kaizer Chiefs coach this week, replacing Ernst Middendorp who didn't win the league title despite leading the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings for 28 matches.

Some of the criticism directed at Middendorp was failing to create a fluent attacking machine between Billiat, Samir Nurkovic, Lebogang Manyama and Leonardo Castro.

Billiat ended last season with three goals and two assists in 25 matches across all competitions which are his lowest numbers ever during his time in the PSL where he arrived in 2010.

Bunjira feels Hunt’s appointment could be the solution to Chiefs' pitch problems and the former Bidvest Wits tactician could be ideal for Billiat’s game.

“I think the appointment of Gavin Hunt as the Kaizer Chiefs coach is a great appointment. He is South African, knows the terrain and he is a proven winner,” Bunjira told Goal.

“South African fans have confidence in him. He has done well with small sides and big sides. So no one can fault Kaizer Chiefs fans from feeling positive and excited about Gavin's appointment. I have followed Gavin and one thing I know is that he is good at signing players who understand the way he wants the game to be played.

“So as long as the Kaizer Chiefs bosses are flexible and avail the players that Gavin wants, I am sure we will see a more competitive Kaizer Chiefs team going into the new season. 

“Let’s be honest guys, Chiefs could have easily won this past league championship. I don’t know how the wheels came off. But with Hunt at Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns know that they won't see Chiefs losing their wheels like they did recently.

“So for me, it is not really about ending Sundowns dominance but seeing a Kaizer Chiefs capable of going all the way and win the title, if both administration and technical department come together and pull in the same direction.

“Sundowns will also definitely strengthen, so it won't be easy. So for me, with Gavin at Chiefs now, the season promises to be fireworks. I don’t see Khama Billiat leaving Chiefs this coming season If Gavin can get Khama going and playing at his best, Chiefs may just have the edge.

“Let us see which players Gavin brings to Kaizer Chiefs to fight the battle alongside Khama. But yes ....if there is any coach capable of undoing the Sundowns stranglehold, it has got to be Gavin. He has done it before. Do not discount SuperSport and Pirates though. I think this coming season we will witness a hell of a tight season.”

Billiat joined Chiefs in 2018 and while he appeared to have picked form a bit at the tail end of last season, he seemed frustrated for the better part of the campaign amid reports of a strained relationship with Middendorp.

Azam FC registered a 1-0 win against struggling Mbeya City on Sunday in a Mainland Premier League match at Sokoine Stadium.

The 2014 league winners took charge of the game in the 25th minute when Ally Niyonzima found the back of the net from a powerful header.

Aristica Cioba’s side fought and found themselves leading in the 25th minute courtesy of Niyonzima’s strike. The new signing headed in from a corner that was delivered by Zimbabwe international Never Tigere from the left-hand side corner flag.

A crowded Mbeya City box did not deny the former Rayon Sports star - who was a Simba SC and Yanga SC transfer target - a chance to score his maiden goal for the former Premier League champions.

The Rwandan did not feature in the last match against Coastal Union but his towering figure made it possible for him to claim the opener and maybe would convince Cioba to keep fielding him in the next fixtures.

The Ice-Cream Makers were again missing Aggrey Morris who got injured during their 2-0 win against Coastal Union. The match was their first assignment away from their home ground; the Chamazi Sports Complex.

Although Prince Dube played all the minutes, he appeared not as effective as he was during their last home match against the Tanga club where he earned a brace.

The results would leave Mbeya City’s coach Amri Said with a lot to ponder about given that they are yet to get a win in their last three attempts.

After surviving from being relegated last season by a whisker, Mbeya City have started the 2020/21 season on faulty ground and are rock-bottom in the 20-team table.

Azam will be away to Tanzania Prisons for the next league tie on September 26 before hosting Kagera Sugar on October 4.

For Mbeya City, who are yet to score a goal this season, they will face Namungo FC and Tanzania Prisons on September 25 and October 3 respectively.

Azam FC Starting XI: David Mapigano, Oscar Godfrey, Abdallah Kheri, Yakubu Mohamed, Ally Niyonzima, Never Tigere, Nicholas Wadada, Salum Aboubakar, Prince Dube, Ayub Lyanga, Bruce Kangwa.

Subs: Benedict Haule, Daniel Amoah, Mutharir Yahya, Iddy Selemani, Ismail Azizi, Richard Djodi, Andrea Shimchimba.

Mbeya City Starting XI: Harouna Mandanda, Mpoki Mwakinyuke, Kenneth Kunambi, Juma Ramadhani, Babilas Citembe, Edgar Mbembela, Selemanu Ibrahimu, Abdould Suleiman, Rashid Mchelenga, Dennis Kibu, Siraj Juma.

Subs: Lameck Kanyonga, Hassan Mwasapali, Rolland Msonjo, Herbath Lukindo, Taro Donard, Abasirim Chidiebere, Geofrey Mwashiuya.

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has come to the defence of Phil Foden after the midfielder was recently dropped from the England squad for breaching coronavirus protocols by inviting women to his room whilst on international duty.

Foden, along with Three Lions team-mate Mason Greenwood, was sent home by Gareth Southgate after the England boss learned that the pair had broken the rules, with their actions putting the entire squad at risk during recent UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Greenwood recently apologised for his actions and has since returned to the fold for Manchester United, replacing Daniel James for the second half of the Red Devils' deflating 3-1 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Foden, who has a partner and a young child, is yet to comment on what happened, however, and his club boss issued a prickly response when questioned about the incident during a press conference.

“He is well. The time I saw him, these three, four days we worked together. He knows he made a mistake and that's all,” Guardiola told the media.

“I am pretty sure Phil is going to make a good season. He knows he made a mistake. Stop giving too much advice to other people.

“If every one of us put the same high expectations on ourselves as we put on others, it would be better.

“Stop giving advice to the other ones, look at what you have done in the past and when you demand to the other ones, and stick to what you have to [do], our society will be better.”

Man City fans will be hoping that Foden learns quickly from his mistake and kick on with the same kind of form that has seen him touted as the natural successor to David Silva, who left the Etihad Stadium for Real Sociedad this summer after 10 years of service.

It is unclear as to whether Foden will start for his club side or even be named in the squad for their Premier League opener, although he has trained with his team-mates ahead of a trip to Molineux to face Wolves on Monday evening.

Qatar, who are hosting the West Zone matches of the 2020 AFC Champions League, have implemented an array of strict measures to ensure a bio-secure environment for the players and officials. 

The steps and protocols have been implemented by the Qatar Football Association (QFA), the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and the Qatar Stars League (QSL) in consultation with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The steps include mandatory Covid-19 testing, safe transportation, regular sanitising of all venues, training and media facilities, as well as the ensuring the presence of medical staff throughout the competition.

In addition, all players and tournament officials will be tested for Covid-19 upon their arrival to Qatar. As soon as they arrive in their designated accommodation, players and tournament officials will be placed in a ‘medical bubble'.

Of course, movement outside the bubble will be restricted and social distancing procedures like wearing masks, utilising sanitisers and limited capacity transportation have all been arranged.

Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the 2020 AFC Champions League Local Organising Committee (LOC) and CEO of the World Cup in 2022, has already stated the importance of Qatar holding the AFC Champions League as football slowly returns in Asia following the pandemic.

"Hosting the AFC Champions League marks a great milestone in the return of football at a continental level, following the unprecedented disruption of the last few months, and we are proud to be able to step in to host such a prestigious tournament. Our top priority is to ensure that everyone involved in the event remains healthy and safe, and we are working hard to make this so," he said.

Three of the four venues being used for the tournament are 2022 World Cup venues - Khalifa International Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium and Education City Stadium.

"We’re also pleased to be able to further test the operational efficiency of three of our eight FIFA World Cup stadiums, as well as our world-class training facilities, allowing some of the Asian continent’s best clubs experience our new sporting infrastructure being developed for 2022," Al Khater added.

The tournament started on September 14 and will run until October 3 and is being held behind closed doors. Clubs from Iraq, Iran, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and hosts Qatar are participating in the competition.

Yahya Golmohammadi, Iranian club Persepolis' coach, praised Qatar for taking the initiative to hold the tournament during a testing phase. In a pre-match press conference at the Education City stadium on Sunday, he said, "First of all, I would like to thank the state of Qatar and Qatar Football Association for building these stadiums. As a player and now coach I have travelled far and wide, but have never ever seen or experienced such wonderful football arenas with advance technology.

"These venues are not only a credit to Qatar, but to the whole Asian continent. No country apart from Qatar was brave or ready enough to stage the AFC Champions League (West Zone) competition."

The former Iran national team player who played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and scored against Mexico in the same, appreciated the Qatar's efforts in promoting football across Asia.

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to every single one of those involved in bringing Asian club football back to us and made it possible for us to play here. I wish nothing but success for the entire Qatari football family.

"I hope that all Asian countries learn from Qatar and duplicate their efforts to promote football across our continent. It is a huge task and difficult to accomplish. But, we across Asia can achieve this with meticulous planning as did the Qatari football and state authorities."

​Chennaiyin head coach Csaba Laszlo believes the mentality of footballers will be put to the test during the upcoming season of Indian Super League which is set to be played in Goa. 

The seventh edition of the competition will be played at a centralised venue amid the Coronavirus pandemic and the newly-appointed Hungarian coach is ready for a fresh challenge during a troubled period. 

In an Instagram chat with Apollo Sports, Laszlo​ said, "If you stay together for six months and cannot go out, the mentality is the challenge. You face sadness, the attitude drops, so the most important will be how you manage to keep everybody happy and get everyone to focus on the training. For the players, I must be the wife, mother, father, friend and the coach. In my mind, I am already prepared. On the positive side, we don't have to travel and recovery time will be lesser."

Laszlo feels privileged to work with a club like Chennaiyin who are two-time winners of ISL. He believes he only needs to build on the solid foundation that has already been laid at the Chennai-based club. 

"Chennaiyin is the most successful team in the ISL. There is pressure but this is nice, I have the privilege to coach a successful team. The most important thing I told Vita Dani (co-owner) and Amoy Ghoshal (Chief Technical Officer) is that the vision is already there.

"The club has reached a stage where we can say, we are Chennaiyin! I have to step in and follow what they have built up and add new stones to what has already been built."

The head coach addressed the difficulties his team are facing due to the pandemic but reaffirmed that things are on the right track. 

"It is not easy to do things virtually. But importantly we have zoom calls and have a fantastic internet connection. It is easier for us also to see and control the programmes even if we are not there. Everybody gets their individual training programmes. 

"We want to win the league and be the champions. But we have to work very hard for this and we must be a little lucky to not have many injuries. (The target is to) reach the playoffs."

Chennaiyin are yet to announce any of their new foreign signings and have seen last season's Golden Boot winner Nerijus Valskis join Jamshedpur. However, Laszlo revealed that there will be good news for the fans soon. 

"We are moving in the right direction. I hope we can announce a few players in the next few days.  I know the team will be good and very competitive. We are talking with players who are good enough to play for the club.

"Everyone knows that there is a budget limit for the teams. We have to replace the number nine position, we are working on it. In the coming week, we can present two-three new names very soon."

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says Thiago Alcantara cried in his arms for five minutes after the club granted him a transfer to Liverpool.

The midfielder was expected to leave the German giants after the Bayern CEO confirmed in July that he did not want to renew his contract, which was set to expire at the end of the season.

After seven years with the Bundesliga champions, the 29-year-old completed a move to Liverpool in a deal that could rise to as much as £27 million ($35m).

Rummenigge revealed that he had an emotional encounter with the Spain international shortly after Bayern and Liverpool came to an agreement as Thiago was waiting for him to arrive at the club’s headquarters.

“On Thursday, the transfer to Liverpool had been granted. When I arrived, I would say 10 minutes later, in the car park, he was standing at the spot where I always park,” Rummenigge told Sky Sport.

“I thought to myself: ‘What’s he doing here?’ He came up to me and cried in my arms for five minutes. He cried for five minutes and simply said: ‘Thank you very much for allowing this’.

“He is a great human being and was always a first-class player for Bayern Munich. I was tremendously happy for him in [the Champions League games in] Lisbon. He has always been questioned because he supposedly isn’t capable of bringing big performances in big games, but in the entire three-game tournament in Lisbon he proved what quality he has.

“That he is now leaving us is a big loss quality wise, but also just as a human being. Despite that, we respected that he wanted to do something new.

“His contract, just like David Alaba’s, was running out in a year. Every club would of course like to avoid having a player of that quality leave for nothing and we considered this and granted his wish, but he has conducted himself brilliantly.

“The way he said goodbye to all the employees and players was unbelievable. I became teary-eyed too because I always had a really close relationship with him.

“You would run into him in Grunwald regularly and meet him in the evening for dinner and things like that. It was almost a familial relationship that was cultivated with him and you get to know the player not just on the pitch but as a human being. He is a super guy.”

Simba SC spokesperson Haji Manara has taken a jibe at Yanga SC's position at the top of the Mainland Premier League table.

Yanga went top after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Kagera Sugar, which means they are now top of the table with seven points. New players Tuisila Kisinda and Mukoko Tonombe combined to ensure Yanga picked up the victory at Kaitaba Stadium.

Kisinda’s run down the right-wing before providing an accurate cross was enough for the former AS Vita defensive midfielder to fire home and help Yanga get a second consecutive victory of the same margin.

“Very simple, if you want to believe it [that Yanga are at the top because Simba are yet to play a game] wait for today's match,” Manara said in a Facebook post.

“The way Yanga have celebrated for being at the top of the league table you might think they are the new champions of the league in town. They have just held that top position for other people.”

Simba will play unbeaten Biashara United at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday after the previous 1-1 draw against Mtibwa Sugar.

On the other hand, Yanga coach Zlatko Krmpotic was left a rather satisfied man after the slim win against the Sugar Millers.

“We created two or three very clear chances and we managed to use one of them in the end and that is why I feel happy for my team,” the former Zesco United coach told Mwanaspoti.

“Although I am happy for them because of the victory, we need to play even better in the next games.”

Meanwhile, Kagera Sugar’s coach Mecky Maxime felt they needed to win in order to get their players encouraged.

“The game has been good and we hoped of getting a win especially given how we played,” Maxime, who was a Yanga target to fill the assistant coach position recently, said.

“We really had to win in order to get the players' morale back given that we have not been able to pick good results in the last games.

“We have lost and we have to encourage ourselves as a team. We still have a lot of matches ahead and I hope we will get victories.”

Kagera Sugar will face KMC FC and Azam FC in the next two games.