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Lukaku equals 70-year Serie A record for Inter after double in win at Genoa

The Belgium international is the first Nerazzurri player since 1950 to score 15 goals away from home in a single Serie A campaign

Romelu Lukaku equalled an Inter record for away goals with his double in a 3-0 win at Genoa on Saturday.

The Belgium international gave the Nerazzurri the lead 34 minutes into the clash when he headed past Mattia Perin after a cross from Cristiano Biraghi.

After Alexis Sanchez doubled the visitors' lead late in the second half, Lukaku charged into the box to meet a pass from Marcelo Brozovic and fire into the net.

Lukaku has now scored 15 away goals in the Italian top flight and is the first Inter player to reach that tally in 70 years, equalling the record set by Stefano Nyers. 

The former Manchester United and Chelsea striker has been in fine form since the campaign resumed following a three-month suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With six goals from the nine league games played since mid-June, he has taken his tally to 23 in Serie A and 29 in 44 appearances in all competitions.

Saturday's victory extends Inter's unbeaten run in the Italian top flight to six games and moves them up to second in the table with two matches left to play.

Antonio Conte's team are now four points behind leaders Juventus, who could secure their ninth consecutive league title on Sunday if they beat Sampdoria in Turin.

Lukaku is happy with his performances since his summer move, but admits his side have slipped up on too many occasions this term.

“On a personal level, I am happy, but I also say that as a team we can do so much more,” he said to Sky Sport Italia.

“We have a good squad, it’s not easy for us to be in second place, because we want to win and go as high as possible. I want to help Inter achieve that.

“We dropped too many points along the way, but we are young and eager to improve. Now we want to do well in these final rounds and then the Europa League.”

Inter will finish the league campaign with games against Napoli and Atalanta before they return to the Europa League with a clash against Getafe.

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Sweden overcome Australia to win WWC bronze

The Chelsea loanee marked his return to the Nerazzurri's starting XI since July 1 with an assist in Saturday's league encounter

Victor Moses helped Inter Milan return to winning ways with an assist in their 3-0 victory against Genoa on Saturday.

The Nigerian wing-back assisted Alexis Sanchez in doubling Inter's lead in the 82nd minute after Romelu Lukaku's opener in the 34th minute.

Lukaku later sealed the visitors’ first win after three league outings with his stoppage-time effort at the Luigi Ferraris Municipal Stadium.

Moses made his first start for Antonio Conte's side since July 1, his 10th Serie A appearance since his loan signing from Chelsea in January and he was on parade for 84 minutes before he was replaced by Antonio Candreva.

Although he is yet to open his goal account in the Italian top-flight, the 29-year-old has contributed three assists for Inter so far.

Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah was not selected for the trip to Genoa as he continues to wait for his first Serie A match since the goalless draw against Roma back in December,

Saturday’s triumph pushed Inter Milan above Atalanta to second in the Serie A standings with 76 points after 36 matches. They are four points behind league leaders Juventus who host 14th-placed Sampdoria at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Moses reunited with his former Chelsea manager Conte in Milan earlier this year after finding playing time difficult to come by at Fenerbahce.

He joined the Turkish Super Lig outfit on a two-year loan in 2018 but he was only able to play 20 league games with five goals to his name before his departure.

Moses is in the final year of his contract at Chelsea which will expire in June 2021 and it is uncertain if Inter Milan will activate the option to buy the former Super Eagles star at the end of his loan spell.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
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Odisha 0-1 Hyderabad: Aridane Santana spot-kick separates the teams

The skillful player insisted he is not putting himself under pressure regarding his next move in his career

Former Orlando Pirates winger Thabo Rakhale says he was open to staying at Chippa United until the end of the current season, but he will now weigh up offers.

The 30-year-old player is currently a free agent after leaving the Chilli Boys with his contract with the club having expired at the end of last month.

Chippa decided against keeping Rakhale until the end of the current campaign which is expected to resume soon having been suspended since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The experienced midfielder, who was on the books of Pirates between 2012 and 2017, confirmed that he has offers from several clubs.

“Training alone without any teammates is always going to be different but my fitness levels have to stay up," Rakhale said on Far Post.

"I’m itching to get back on the field like all the players, but we obviously are aware of the Covid-19 related reasons."

The dribbling wizard has been constantly linked with Kaizer Chiefs, who have signed former Pirates wingers William Twala and Joseph Molangoane from Chippa in the past.

Chiefs are currently banned from signing players, but they are set to appeal the transfer ban from Fifa at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland in September.

“I won’t lie, there has been a number of teams that have approached me about next season since we announced that my contract has ended at Chippa, and even though I was not able to stay to complete the season," he continued.

“I did tell them to wait until this current season gets finished, where then I will be able to weigh up all of the offers.

"I have heard rumours that have linked me to certain teams, but I prefer to not place any pressure on myself at the moment.”

The Vanderbijlpark-born player also revealed he is keeping fit and working with a personal trainer at home in Vaal, Gauteng.

“There is nothing more that I can do but to keep fit and be ready for next season at a new team," he added.

"Right now, I am working with a friend of mine at home in Vaal who also happens to be a fitness trainer, training by myself to make sure that my fitness levels stay up."

Rakhale hit the back of the net twice and registered three assists in 21 league matches for Chippa this season.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
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The top 5 UEFA Europa League experiences

The Eleven Wonders chief executive officer has hit back at the former Black Stars management committee chairman

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Committee member Albert Commey has expressed disgust by 'false' remarks concerning the sport governing body's disbursement plan for a Covid-19 relief fund.

Upon publication of the intended allocations last week, there have been questions over some beneficiaries, especially the national teams who are believed to be funded by the Government of Ghana and, thus, needed no such support.

Tema Youth president and former Black Stars management committee chairman Wilfred Kwaku Osei 'Palmer', who is currently battling the GFA at the Court for Arbitration of Sports (CAS) over his disqualification from the FA's presidential election last year, is reportedly among the critics of the disbursement plan.

“I heard someone granted an interview saying the Government [of Ghana] bears all national team costs. Don’t hide the truth because of football politics,” Commey told Atinka FM.

“He [Osei] was chairman…. ask him if it was only the government that took care of the national team. The truth is only one, so if you’re a leader, let the truth lead you, not lies.

“And does this mean they don’t read the audit report or they know the truth and have decided to paint someone black?

“People talk anyhow just because they have clubs. If you see the way some of them talk, is it right?

“Who was in the helm of affairs and in-charge of finance when all these things happened? And for such a person to grant such an interview is an apology of itself. He’s my friend but we must say the truth."

The GFA said it was expecting a combined amount of $1.8 million [€1.6m] from Fifa and Caf in support of some domestic football stakeholders in the wake of the coronavirus disruptions.

Both men and women's Premier League clubs, Division One League clubs, Regional Football Associations (RFAs), the Ghana League Clubs Association (Ghalca) and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) are some other expected beneficiaries.

The 2019-20 domestic football season was initially temporarily suspended in March following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

After three months of waiting, the GFA Executive Council decided to permanently cancel the season. 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
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MLS: Fountas racism claim 'credible,' but no fine

Former Manchester United team-mates Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez struck as Inter eased past Genoa on Saturday.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Inter returned to winning ways with a 3-0 Serie A success at Genoa.

Consecutive draws had seen the Nerazzurri pass up the opportunity to properly capitalise on Juventus' shaky form, with the leaders still able to seal the Scudetto against Sampdoria on Sunday.

But even with their title hopes virtually extinguished, Antonio Conte's side were back on their game at the Luigi Ferraris to move up to second.

Lukaku nodded in his 22nd league goal of the season 34 minutes in and, after Alexis Sanchez added a late second, got his 23rd with a marvellous individual effort, leaving Genoa still just four points clear of the bottom three, having played a game more than 18th-placed Lecce.

Pressure had steadily built on the Genoa goal after a slow Inter start, with Lukaku - at the heart of all of their best work - helping to create chances for Marcelo Brozovic and Christian Eriksen that were both squandered.

The Belgium striker made sure the visitors were in front heading into half-time, though, as he ghosted into the area to meet Cristiano Biraghi's searching cross with a firm header in off the post.

A curling Filip Jagiello free-kick provided a brief scare, yet a low-key second period saw few clear openings at either end.

Although Genoa belatedly threw men forward in search of an equaliser, they were swiftly caught out in defence at the other end and substitute Sanchez netted via the bar after fine work from Victor Moses on the right.

There was still time for Lukaku to produce the moment of the match, racing forward deep into stoppage time and cutting inside past desperate challenges to hammer in the third.


What does it mean? Inter up to second but focus on Europe

Inter's form has not been convincing since the season's restart, yet they climbed back up to second with just two league games remaining with victory.

Though their slim title aspirations remain alive, their focus now is surely on the Europa League, with a last-16 tie against Getafe less than two weeks away. Conte can be encouraged by the control his side largely displayed.

Lukaku key in games to come

Inter were well on top for much of this match, but it fell to Lukaku to be their driving force, playing the role of both creator and finisher. He might have had an assist even before scoring the opener.

The former Manchester United striker's form will be crucial heading towards the Europa League, with strike partner Lautaro Martinez still struggling for form.

Inter waiting on Eriksen impact

Conte's pre-match comments focused on Eriksen, who the coach believes is growing into his role at Inter.

Some supporters might not be convinced by the former Tottenham midfielder just yet, though, and he passed up a big early opportunity to net his fourth Nerazzurri goal, lashing over the top following a smart Lukaku lay-off.

Key Opta Facts

- Inter have won 12 away games in a single Serie A season for the second time in their history in top flight – the first one was back in 2006-07 (15). 
- Lukaku (15 away goals) has equalled the away goals record of Stefano Nyers in 1949-50 in a single Serie A season with Inter.  
- Since the restart of Serie A only Cristiano Ronaldo (11) has been involved in more goals than Sanchez (10 - three goals, seven assists) among the strikers in the competition. 
- Inter are the only one side Genoa have not found the net against over the last two Serie A seasons. 
- Biraghi has delivered five assists in Serie A this season, his record in single top-flight campaign. 

What's next?

The fixture list does not make easy reading for Inter, even if their league season is essentially over. They face Napoli next, followed by Atalanta and Getafe. Genoa do still need points and visit Sassuolo on Wednesday.

Original author: Ben Spratt
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‘Man Utd will struggle to win title even with Fernandes’ – Red Devils not as ‘rounded’ as Liverpool & City, says Owen

The former Foxes frontman accepts that Champions League football will be required in order for prized assets to be kept at the King Power Stadium

Leicester will need Champions League football next season in order to keep Ben Chilwell from the clutches of Chelsea, says Kevin Phillips.

The Blues have indentified the England international left-back as a top target for the next transfer window.

Frank Lampard has already pushed through deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, with Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Kai Havertz another of those said to figure on his wish list.

An official approach for Chilwell could be made over the coming weeks, with Phillips conceding that the “big boys” are likely to be mulling over moves for the 23-year-old defender.

Leicester are reluctant to part with any prized assets, but the outcome of a meeting with Manchester United on Sunday could be decisive – with a top-four finish on the line there.

Former Foxes striker and coach Phillips told talkSPORT of the interest being shown in Chilwell, with Chelsea seemingly leading the chase: “He was there as a youngster when we were there and we were monitoring him very closely and making sure he was being managed right, as we knew we had a gem on our hands.

“But, also, it has to come from the player; you have to listen, develop and have to live your life right and he certainly does that. He’s a very humble guy, very quiet but an awesome left-back.

“If Leicester weren’t to secure a top-four finish this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the big boys come in and pay big money for him, because he’d certainly fit in to any of those top-three or top-four sides. Credit to the player but also you have to give big credit to Brendan Rodgers for bringing him on as well.”

Leicester have spent much of the 2019-20 campaign inside the Champions League spots, only to endure a wobble since the Premier League re-start in mid-June, but Phillips says missing out on elite European competition would not write off their season.

He added: “Is it a failure? I’m not sure it would be a failure. They’d be very disappointed, of course.

“It’s not just them but other clubs have done [the same], but there’s been other clubs who have come back and performed even better, i.e Manchester United and Chelsea look really strong.

“I think they’ll be very disappointed. In a way, you could say it would be a failure but let’s not forget it is Manchester United and Chelsea and when you look at their squads player for player, I wouldn’t say they are far superior, but they’ve got two stronger squads than Leicester. It’s still not dead and buried but I think it would be more of a disappointment than a failure.”

Original author: Chris Burton
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Everton New Midfield Three Should Propel Them to New Heights This Season

Former Uganda international Ibrahim Sekagya has revealed Montreal Impact coach Thierry Henry called him to enquire about youngster Martin Kizza.

The 20-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Major League Soccer (MLS) side after an impressive run in the Ugandan Premier League with KCCA FC. The due procedure had to be followed before the player was signed and one of them was to get enough information about the left-back.

"[Henry] called me, but we just talked briefly," Sekagya told Daily Monitor.

"He was asking my opinion of the boy, whether I know him and whether he is disciplined.

"Of course I said good things about the boy because he is good; we shall see how things work out for him."

The 39-year-old Sekagya played with Henry at the New York Redbulls in 2013-14. 

"Let us keep our fingers crossed to see the boy [Kizza] makes it through," Sekagya advised.

"It is good he is going to be in good hands... and at least I am in touch with [Henry] frequently. 

"I will try to see how we can push him. I am also in touch with the boy and he seems excited and ready to join the new challenge."  

Kizza will still be at KCCA on loan from his new team owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. He will join the Canadian outfit in December when the situation improves.

In a separate interview, his agent Adamson Mansoor revealed optimism regarding the future of the player.

"Kizza is not staying at Montreal Impact for so long, his goal is to target one of the five big leagues in Europe. Montreal Impact is a platform for him to reach another bigger level.

"He is happy about the choice he made and cannot wait to play in Major League Soccer and I believe that we made the right choice."

According to the agent, MLS is a good league for his client and believes if the player puts enough effort into the game, he will end up being one of the best defenders.

"MLS is not a step too high or too low, and it has become a good league because they started recruiting young players," he continued.

"Kizza has the potential to become one of the best players in his position if he continues to put in hard work."

Original author: Seth Willis
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic close to extending AC Milan contract beyond end of season

A man who stepped out of the famed La Masia academy system is hoping to see Champions League glory in 2020, but fears that may mask other faults

Barcelona need to be avoiding “short-term fixes” when it comes to coaching and transfer calls, says Bojan Krkic, with “a long-term plan” required in order to make the club “the envy of the football world” again.

The Liga giants are expected to be in the market for fresh faces on and off the field over the coming weeks.

Serious questions are being asked of Quique Setien’s position in the dugout after seeing a domestic crown surrendered to arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Additions are also needed to an aging squad in order for a spark to be rekindled at Camp Nou.

Various options are being mooted, in the dugout and on the pitch, with Barca still hoping to bring 22-year-old Argentina international Lautaro Martinez onto their books from Inter.

He is the type of player that Bojan feels the Blaugrana should be targeting, with it important that any success when Champions League football resumes in August is not allowed to mask bigger problems in Catalunya.

A product of the famed La Masia academy system told Sport: “If they eliminate Napoli, they are just three matches away from being crowned European champions and that should help Setien's men.

“But let's not get confused here. More than simply the desire to win the Champions League, the fans want to recover what has traditionally belonged to Barca. They want that sense of identity of a stable project.

“And that's why, in case they do win it, the Champions League shouldn't mask the current situation at the club. As it would be a case of eating today but going hungry tomorrow.

“You can't talk about stop-gap coaches or transfers that don't fit the philosophy of the club. It's about creating a long-term plan and not short-term fixes. 

“Despite the disappointment of La Liga, they have a team capable of winning the Champions League. But the message should go further than that.

“The structure which exists right now isn't going to make the players feel comfortable and it's important that changes.

“Winning Europe's biggest trophy for a sixth time is important and would be rightly celebrated, but we can't allow the shine of the trophy to distract us from a more important priority.

“Barca shouldn't only aspire to win the Champions League but to return to what they once were: being the envy of the football world.”

Original author: Chris Burton
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West Ham to wait before making firm decision on Declan Rice future

The Nerazzuri director has played down renewed talk of the Argentine superstar arriving at San Siro, but would like to keep the Chilean loanee

Renewed talk of Inter launching a raid for Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is “fantasy football”, says Nerazzurri director Giuseppe Marotta, with keeping Alexis Sanchez on board a more pressing concern for the Serie A giants.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been linked with a move to San Siro on a regular basis down the years.

Speculation has always been brought to an end by the penning of fresh terms or public statements of commitment to the cause at Camp Nou.

An exit door could, however, be edging open in 2020, with Messi reported to have shelved contract talks in Catalunya amid concerns regarding the direction in which Barca are heading on and off the field.

That is considered to have offered hope to Inter, with the Argentine’s father said to have bought a house close to Milan.

Marotta, though, continues to fend off the rumours, telling Sky Sport Italia: “It’s fantasy football.

“He certainly is not one of our objectives and I think he’s interested in continuing his football career in Barcelona.”

One player that Inter are eager to see on their books in the immediate future is Chile international Sanchez, who is approaching the end of an elongated loan from Manchester United.

No deal has been agreed to retain his services for the resumption of Europa League competition, or for next season, but Marotta is planning talks.

He added: “It’s an anomalous issue, considering the Europa League can be changed by the absence of certain players.

“The situation has not been resolved yet, we are working to at least keep hold of him for the entire Europa League.”

Inter still have two Serie A games left to take in this season, with the first seeing them face Genoa on Saturday, and Marotta hopes that a runner-up finish can be secured by the ambitious team.

He said: “Obviously, second place is important, but our analysis has to be about constant growth and the season is not yet over.

“What we’ve been able to see is that we’ve improved and therefore we want to continue that process. If we analyse our entire journey, we are happy.

“There are a few small regrets seeing what happened to those in front of us, but we have to be happy with what we’ve achieved.

“This is an anomalous campaign after the lockdown, so it becomes difficult to fully evaluate players and teams. We must prepare for the next season, which, as a consequence of this timing, will also not be easy.”

Original author: Chris Burton
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Patrice Evra's Thierry Henry Story Brutally Sums Up Arsenal Fans' Thoughts on Granit Xhaka

The Brazilian goalkeeper says there are no big egos in the Anfield dressing room despite their domestic and European success

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson says Jurgen Klopp treats all of his players the same way and has "revolutionised" the club.

The German manager guided the Reds to Premier League glory this season, ending their 30-year wait for a top-flight title.

Having sealed the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup trophies last year, Klopp has overseen a dramatic improvement at Anfield since taking over at the helm in October 2015.

Brazil international Alisson believes the 53-year-old's management of the squad has played a pivotal role in their success, as he told Associated Press: "He treats everyone equally which gives him a lot of credit.

"Nobody is special, every player is treated in the same way. From the one who plays more to the one who does not play. We also have an easy squad to deal with. You will not find a player with a bigger ego than the collective goals.

"I believe this is also a reflection of this club and of what Klopp brought here. He has revolutionised the club in recent years."

The shot-stopper was also full of praise for captain Jordan Henderson, who won the Footballer of the Year award from the Football Writers' Association.

"I believe some people are born with leadership skills," he added.

"It is a gift. We can all develop some leadership skills, but Henderson’s main quality is his character. He has a strong personality, he is a positive leader.

"He is tough when it needs to be, he is there when the team needs someone to raise us, he is very intelligent to read the situation. It is definitely a big help to the manager to have someone like him on the pitch.

“I read an article saying that he is the personification of non-selfish, of someone who does not think about himself. He is just like that. He thinks about the squad, he is worried about the collective goal. Therefore, we are blessed to have a guy like him in the team.”

Alisson, who joined Liverpool from Roma in 2018, played a pivotal role for Liverpool, too, and he is happy with his performances over the campaign.

"The key is not being affected by the mistakes. Errors are natural for any goalkeeper and you must move on," he said.

"When a defender makes a mistake, there is another defender or the goalkeeper to help.

"When a forward makes a mistake, there is the whole team behind him to try and correct his error. That is not the case for us. It is almost certain it will be a goal.

"I obviously work hard to avoid any mistakes at all, I want to have a 100 per cent performance, but it is crucial to be prepared to deal with your mistakes.

"Errors are inherent to this profession, we are human beings. The way you deal with your mistakes definitely helps to maintain a top level consistency."

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'There will be changes in position' - Solskjaer gives verdict on Premier League title race

The Rockets boss is still keen to secure a top-flight status despite his failure to buy Siwelele

TS Galaxy owner and chairman Tim Sukazi says he has not made an attempt to buy Highlands Parks’ Premier Soccer League (PSL) status, but he admits to having made an enquiry.

The Rockets were previously linked with a move to buy Bloemfontein Celtic’s top-flight status but media reports emerged that a Free State-born businessman Lebo Mokoena moved swiftly to block the move to ensure the club remains in the Free State province.

In addition, Sukazi says he also tried to entice Bidvest Wits to sell their status, but the Braamfontein-based outfit has since been purchased by National First Division (NFD) side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) in the past few weeks.  

“I started with Wits [who have subsequently sold their status to TTM in the Limpopo province], then Highlands Park,” Sukazi told Phakaaathi.

“I left them [Celtic] to do their own thing. Definitely not, I don’t have that kind of money!

“It depends when next season starts [on whether he will try and buy another top-flight franchise].”

“If it starts tomorrow, then no, but if it starts in November, yes, I will still remain in the market.”

Although the former Nedbank Cup champions are desperately chasing to secure their status in the top-tier, the Lions of the North are not interested in parting ways with their status as yet.

The MTN8 losing finalists' co-chairman Larry Brookstone was quoted in the media confirming they have received a substantial offer for the club but he insisted they are not willing to sell the Tembisa-based outfit.

In addition, Brookstone said coach Owen Da Gama’s team is not for sale but they were open to considering an offer provided it was deliverable.       

Meanwhile, Sukazi was hoping to buy Phunya Sele Sele and relocate the Mangaung-based club to the Mpumalanga province a few months ago following their financial struggles to pay the players and the technical team.

Original author: Phumzile Ngcatshe
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Carlinhos: Yanga SC winger to miss Mapinduzi Cup after injury setback

The ex-Tottenham frontman can see why an experienced performer would not be allowed to walk away, but is not convinced by his long-term value

Tottenham’s decision to hand Eric Dier a new contract mirrors that taken by arch-rivals Arsenal and David Luiz, says Darren Bent, with neither of those awarded fresh terms considered to be “at the level” required by their respective employers.

Eyebrows were raised when a 12-month extension option was taken up by the Gunners on an enigmatic Brazilian centre-half.

A similar course of action has been adopted by those on the opposite side of north London, with Spurs tying Dier to a deal through to the summer of 2024.

Questions have been asked of the 26-year-old’s value to the collective cause at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, amid struggles for consistency and changes to his playing position.

Bent admits that he was surprised to see a lucrative contract handed to the England international, with comparisons easy to draw with Arsenal’s Luiz decision, but the former frontman can appreciate that no club wants to let saleable assets walk away for nothing.

The ex-Spurs striker told Football Insider of the Dier discussions: “At first I didn’t understand it, it was a bit like David Luiz and his situation at Arsenal in that you don’t quite know what situation they’re going to be in and how much money they’re going to have to spend.

“If [Mikel] Arteta trusts David Luiz like [Jose] Mourinho trusts Eric Dier, I wouldn’t let them walk away for nothing and then you can’t replace them.

“At least with these players, they might not be to the level that Spurs and Arsenal see but when you know a player, know what he’s about and you can coach and trust him, that’s half the battle. The worst thing is if you let him go and you can’t replace him, then what does he do?

“I kind of understand that deal now to be honest.”

Dier has been on Tottenham’s books since 2014, with 239 appearances taken in across six seasons. 

Of those outings 29 have been taken in this season, with Mourinho having taken to moving a versatile operator back into a centre-half berth since the Premier League returned in mid-June after a coronavirus-enforced break.

Original author: Chris Burton
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Okobi-Okeoghene scores as Eskilstuna United see off Vittsjo

Magnus Karlsson's side bounced back from their last week's defeat at Linkopings, with the Nigerian midfielder playing a key role

Nigeria midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene was on target as Eskilstuna United gained a 3-1 victory against Vittsjo in Saturday's Swedish Damallsvenskan encounter at Tunavallen.

Following back-to-back defeats to Kristianstad and Linkopings, Eskilstuna were desperate to return to winning ways, having recorded their only win of the season at Rosengard on July 10.

Okobi-Okeoghene, who scored her first league goal of the season in a 3-2 defeat against Kristianstads almost gave the hosts the lead but her effort was saved by Shannon Lynn in the 11th minute.

Loreta Kullashi eventually broke the deadlock to hand Eskilstuna the crucial opener against their struggling visitors 12 minutes later.

However, the hosts' celebration was shortlived when Michelle De Jongh assisted Ebba Wieder to level on the half-hour mark.

After the restart, Okobi-Okeoghene came close to recovering the lead for the home team but she was again denied by Lynn in 52nd minute before she eventually found the net 12 minutes later.

15 minutes from time, Felicia Rogic netted to ensure Eskilstuna wrapped up their first home win of the season and second overall.

Okobi-Okeoghene, who featured for the duration against her former team, has now scored twice in six matches, surpassing her personal best since 2016 when she scored thrice for Vittsjo.

Beside the Nigerian midfielder, her compatriot Halimatu Ayinde played for 81 minutes before making way for Swedish player Johanna Renmark.

The result moved the Tunavallen outfit to fifth in the Swedish Damallsvenskan table after gathering eight points from six games.

Ayinde and Okobi-Okeoghene will hope to help Eskilstuna continue their winning form when they visit Djurgardens on Wednesday.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
  285 Hits

Gor Mahia elections: Qualifications meant to lock me out – Nyangi

K’Ogalo are expected to conduct polls on August 8 and one of the requirements for candidates is the possession of a degree

Gor Mahia organising secretary Judith Nyangi has claimed the election requirement that has been put in place for any candidate to fulfil is meant to lock her out.

Nyangi has declared interest to vie for the honorary treasurer’s post but she has been a vocal opponent of the requirement that one should have a degree in order to vie for any of the vacant positions.

“It is all dictatorship,” Nyangi said when asked why she is opposing the election requirements during an interview with Radio Jambo.

“They are trying to force me out of the competition by putting in place the qualifications they have asked for.

“Elections must be held according to the supreme law of the land. This is an office we are seeking to serve the public without monthly salaries.

“Even the Members of Parliament are not required to have a degree, so why me the voice of the voiceless is being asked to have a degree, for what now?”

Basing her argument on the recent demands by the Sports Registrar Rose Wasike on how the Gor Mahia elections should be carried out, Nyangi maintained that she should not be stopped at all for gunning for a post of her choice.

“A day ago or so, Sports Registrar wrote to the club and stated no one should be barred from contesting by placing such a qualification,” Nyangi added.

“She stated that elections are free for all and we are still waiting for Ambrose Rachier [Gor Mahia chairman] and his own board of election to react on the demands of the letter.

“Since they have gone silent we are not going to take chances and on Monday, we will file a case with the Sports Disputes Tribunal [SDT] and request that the election process be stopped until when the Registrar's demands are met.”

Nyangi is also disputing the new Gor Mahia constitution under which the club is targeting to conduct its elections as per its provisions.

“The constitution that is asking for all these kind of qualifications is not the one that was deposited at the Registrar's office,” she explained.

“The Registrar demanded that a club's constitution must be in line with the constitution of the Republic of Kenya, 2010. She also made it clear that it should be in line with the Sports Act of 2013 which the purported new constitution does not.”

She also claimed the current officials running K’Ogalo are illegally discharging their duties since their terms ended.

“Since the current office bearers were elected in 2015, they have failed to hold subsequent elections. We should have conducted elections in 2018 and that means we are all now in office illegally,” she concluded.

Nyangi, Dolfina Onduto, and Victor Mbaka have publicly declared interest to contest for the honorary treasurer post during the August 8 polls.

 

 

 

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  314 Hits

World Cup Qualifiers: Tuyisenge, Kagere included in Rwanda's squad for Mali, Kenya duties

The Serie A outfit are in the process of finalising a deal for the Lille frontman and Amaju Pinnick is tipping him to star in Italian football
Original author: Chris Burton
  202 Hits

Azam FC to sign 15 players in bid to beef up squad this window

The ‘Ice-Cream Makers’ have vowed to hit the transfer market for quality signings ahead of the new season

Azam FC have confirmed they will sign at least 15 players to help beef up the squad ahead of the new season.

The ‘Ice-Cream Makers’ are currently fighting with Young Africans (Yanga SC) for second spot in the 20-team Mainland Premier League table with only one match remaining to the end of the season.

Azam are sitting second on 69 points the same as Yanga but they have a better goal difference and the team which suffers defeat in their last match on Sunday will surely miss out on finishing second behind league winners Simba SC.

With the team also missing out on winning the FA Cup after losing 2-0 to Simba in the quarter-finals, the club officials have now asked coach Aristica Cioaba to go for quality players so they can be able to challenge for trophies next season.

Azam Information Officer Thabit Zakaria has confirmed they have given the Romanian coach a free hand to pick the players he wants for the team and they will not care about the number even if he signs 15 new players.

“We want to have a competitive squad next season and it is the reason we have asked our coach to get as many players as possible but quality players for that matter,” Zakaria is quoted by Sokaletu.

“We have given our coach a free hand to sign up to 15 players, we want a strong squad that can help us to compete in all fronts, we want to do well in the league and also the FA Cup.”

Azam will take on Tanzania Prisons in their final league match on Sunday at Sokoine Stadium while Yanga will battle against Lipuli FC.

Coach Cioaba has sounded a warning to his player to end the season with a win.

“We have a battle with Yanga on who finishes second and I have told my players to take the game with a lot of seriousness, we must attack them to win and we cannot afford to lose the final league match,” Cioaba told reporters on Saturday.

Both matches are set for Sunday and will kick-off at 16.00hrs.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  363 Hits

‘Pogba shouldn’t bite back at Keane & Neville’ – Man Utd star has questions to answer, says Leboeuf

69' Lukaku looks set to meet a cross, but Ankersen is on hand to divert it out for a corner.

67' Another sloppy pass from Brozovic sees a promising Inter move curtailed, with Genoa able to clear their lines. The playmaker has been unusually slack with his passing today.

62' A mistake from Ranocchia leaves Genoa three-on-three against Inter’s defence, yet the hosts can’t take advantage as a poor pass from Rovella sees the chance goes begging.

61' Wide! After Inter fail to clear their lines from a free-kick, Genoa keep up the pressure. The ball is worked out to Criscito on the left, but his first-time strike is a wild one and does not test Handanovic.

57' Frustration for Inter’s forwards, as Brozovic plays a pass which goes directly in between both of them and trickles harmlessly through to Perin.

55' It has been a subdued start to the second half from Inter, who appear to be biding their time, rather than pushing straight away to add another goal to their tally.

52' Genoa have managed to get a bit of a foothold, and are playing it about nicely at the back and in midfield. However, once they approach the final third, the hosts are losing their way and it all becomes rather scrappy.

50' Genoa have Pandev on the bench. The veteran scored five goals in his 46 Serie A appearances for Inter between 2009-10 and 2010-11. He has netted four goals against Inter in the competition, with those coming while playing for Lazio and his current side.

48' Inter are back on the front foot, with Biraghi latching onto a ball in the Genoa area, only to take a heavy touch. Godin picks up the scraps, but concedes a foul, relieving the pressure.

46' Kick-off! Genoa get the second half underway.

Apart from that Jagiello free-kick, Genoa have not offered enough, and will need to improve a lot after the interval to get a result. Inter, meanwhile, are heading for second place as it stands.

Inter lead at the break, thanks to Lukaku’s fine close-range header. The visitors have been well on top and are worthy of their lead, though Jagiello did just go close for Genoa before the break.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: GENOA 0-1 INTER.

44' CLOSE! Jagiello curls a wicked strike around the Inter wall but, with Handanovic rooted to the spot, his effort flashes inches wide.

41' Skriniar is fine to carry on without receiving treatment. Four minutes, plus stoppage time, remains before half-time.

40' Genoa finally manage to string together an attack, with Favilli rising to meet a cross from the right. However, in the process he climbed on Skriniar, who has gone down clutching the back of his knee.

38' Despite their bright start, Genoa have struggled to make any inroads going forward since the opening stages, and it really has been one-way traffic for much of this half.

36' That goal means Lukaku is on 22 in Serie A for the season, drawing him level with Diego Milito and Amedeo Amedei for the third-most goals scored in a debut campaign for Inter. Only Stefano Nyers (26) and Ronaldo (25) scored more in their maiden season in Serie A for the club.

33' Inter are getting in at will at the moment, but still the final pass is missing. This time Biraghi drives through Genoa’s defence and cuts it back for Martinez, but his shot is blocked at source, with Lukaku unable to latch onto the rebound.

32' Fantastic last-ditch defending from Romero, who gets across to make a brilliant tackle in order to block Martinez’s path to goal, after the forward had got the better of Goldaniga.

30' CHANCE! More excellent hold up play from Lukaku as he tees up Eriksen, only for the former Tottenham playmaker to drill over from close range. That was the clearest chance of the match so far.

27' It has been a fairly even split in terms of possession, with Inter – who have had 51 per cent of the ball so far – just shading it.

25' Conte is unbeaten in his seven previous meetings against Genoa in Serie A, winning four of them.

23' Eriksen finds Rannochia with a cross from the right, but the flag is raised for offside.

22' CLOSE! Inter break at pace, with Lukaku and Eriksen combining in Genoa’s area. A defender manages to prod it clear, but only as far as Brozovic, whose low strike is deflected just wide.

20' Inter are starting to click into gear, but are just missing the final pass or touch at the moment. Lukaku does well to hold off his marker and lay the ball off to Gagliardini in the box, but the midfielder’s touch took it out of play.

18' Moses again provides a great attacking outlet for Inter as he gets in down the right. He proceeds to drill in an inviting cross, yet Romero blocks it before Martinez can get there.

13' The last draw between Genoa and Inter in the league was in May 2013. Since then, the Nerazzurri lead by eight wins to five.

11' Eriksen whips in a corner which Zapata defends, though his header is diverted right back towards goal. Lukaku almost gets on the end of it, but Zapata recovers to intercept.

9' Inter finally spark into life, with Skriniar leading a charge from the back. The defender continues his run after laying the ball off, with Gagliardini attempting a throughball which is just overhit.

7' The first half-chance of the game goes Genoa’s way as, after a well-worked move, the ball is drilled into Pinamonti. He gets his head on it, but sends his effort wide of the left-hand upright.

5' Genoa have started brightly, with some crisp passing and patient build-up play. They have not got close to Inter’s goal as of yet, however.

3' Genoa and Inter have met 105 times in Serie A, with the Nerazzurri winning 54 of these meetings.

1' KICK-OFF! Inter get proceedings up and running.

The teams are out at Stade Luigi Ferraris and kick-off is coming up in a moment.

Inter have drawn their last two matches and Conte has made six changes to the side that failed to overcome Fiorentina last time out. Skriniar, Ranocchia, Moses, Brozovic, Biraghi and Martinez all come into the starting XI.

INTER SUBSTITUTES: Tommaso Berni, Sebastiano Esposito, Stefan de Vrij, Borja Valero, Ashley Young, Alessandro Bastoni, Lucien Agoume, Danilo D’Ambrosio, Antonio Candreva, Alexis Sanchez, Daniele Padelli, Lorenzo Pirola.

INTER (3-4-1-2): Samir Handanovic; Milan Skriniar, Andrea Ranocchia, Diego Godin; Victor Moses, Roberto Gagliardini, Marcelo Brozovic, Cristiano Biraghi; Christian Eriksen; Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez.

Genoa claimed a vital three points by beating rivals Sampdoria last time out, though Davide Nicola has made six changes – only Perin, Romero, Criscito, Jagiello and Pinamonti retain their places.

GENOA SUBSTITUTES: Davide Biraschi, Andrea Masiello, Sebastian Eriksson, Francesco Cassata, Mattia Destro, Flavio Junior Bianchi, Paolo Ghiglione, Goran Pandev, Federico Marchetti, Lasse Schone, Salvador Ichazo, Antonio Barreca.

GENOA (3-5-2): Mattia Perin; Cristian Zapata, Cristian Romero, Edoardo Goldaniga; Peter Ankersen, Filip Jagiello, Valon Behrami, Nicolo Rovella, Domenico Criscito; Andrea Favilli, Andrea Pinamonti.

While Inter are looking to move into second following Atalanta’s draw with Milan on Friday, Genoa are fighting at the bottom. They currently sit 17th, four points above Lecce, who face Bologna on Sunday. A win for Genoa would give them a great chance of retaining their Serie A status.

Inter still harbour extremely slim title hopes, though they must win today to stand any chance. Should Antonio Conte's side drop points at all, then Juventus may only need to draw against Sampdoria tomorrow, should Lazio fail to beat Hellas Verona.

Hello and welcome to LIVE coverage of Serie A, as Inter take on Genoa.

  93 Hits

Hassan Al Thawadi - Qatar committed to securing sustainable accommodation options for 2022 World Cup

A run of one win in five matches has delayed the Turin side's title celebrations, yet the coach is happy with their approach

Juventus' form has tailed off with the Serie A title in sight, but Maurizio Sarri has been encouraged by their mentality in dropping points compared to previous slip-ups.

The Bianconeri will claim a ninth straight Scudetto if they beat Sampdoria on Sunday, yet Sarri's side let a similar opportunity pass them by against Udinese in midweek.

A late defeat meant Juve have won just one of their past five matches, also losing to AC Milan while drawing with Atalanta and Sassuolo.

However, Sarri suggests the team have made errors in recent weeks due to their efforts to keep attacking - despite fatigue amid a packed schedule.

Prior losses had seen the head coach criticise a passive approach, but he feels that is not now the case.

"The physical aspect is the same for everyone," Sarri told a pre-match news conference. "The symptoms of physical and mental fatigue are present in all the teams.

"Emptying your head and then immediately getting ready for the next game in a few days is not so automatic and simple.

"We have lost organisation but, if you want, this is also a positive sign. We have lost organisation because of the desire to always attack forward even if there is no possibility of doing so.

"It is a mistake that has made us lose our distances. But unlike other times when we have been in difficulty because of being passive, this time we have gone too far.

"I like this - not losing organisation but that mentality. An error like this is more easily attributed to being normal than another error."

Sarri urged his team to continue to "play with combativeness" against Sampdoria, while he added there is no concern Juve's focus could slip further with their Champions League last-16 second leg against Lyon on the horizon.

In fact, the coach claimed a busy domestic fixture list has prevented him from making any plans for their European tie.

"We are not doing any preparation because we are playing every 72 hours so it is impossible to do any kind of work," he explained.

"I think we will prepare for tomorrow's game in 30 to 40 minutes tomorrow morning because even today there will be some players who will need a few hours of recovery.

"Right now there is no one who is working physically except players who were out for a few days and can go and do special jobs.

"I don't think about the Champions League and I don't want to think about it. It is a fascinating competition but a team evaluates itself on the league. It is the most indicative competition because it lasts 10 months, this year 12.

"There are two weeks to the Champions League game so we now have seven or eight days to devote only and exclusively to the league without any second thought."

Original author: Ben Spratt
  84 Hits

LIVE: Man City vs Leicester

The Belgium international midfielder is honoured to have worked alongside the Spanish playmaker and hopes to be as consistent in his own game

David Silva is one of the finest imports to have ever graced the Premier League, says Kevin De Bruyne, with another of Manchester City’s midfield stars hoping to establish the same consistency in his game as the Spanish World Cup winner has enjoyed.

After 10 memorable years at the Etihad Stadium, Silva will be dropping into the free agent pool when their 2019-20 campaign comes to a close.

The 34-year-old will walk away with over 430 appearances, four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups to his name – with a Champions League crown still up for grabs.

He has been a model of consistency throughout his time in Manchester, with the diminutive playmaker proving that the physicality of life in the Premier League can be mastered through talent and hard work.

Silva has been showered with plaudits as he prepares to move on, with De Bruyne adding his voice to those when telling Sky Sports: “David is unbelievable.

“I came here and obviously we played a little bit similar positions, so it seemed a bit like it was a battle, but I think in the five years that we have been here we have played really well together.

“He helped me with certain aspects of my game to be better, just from watching him in training and in the games. I learned a lot of stuff and from playing next to him all the time we have done some great things and won a lot together.

“His career in England has been impeccable and I think he is one of the best guys in the Premier League that have come from the outside of England. That says it all.”

De Bruyne has thrived alongside Silva, earning his own standing as one of the very best in the business, but the Belgian is eager to take his game to even greater heights.

Aware of the need to be a vital cog in a much bigger wheel, the 29-year-old – who has contributed 54 goals and 88 assists to the City cause – said of his ambition: “At this point in my career, I feel like consistency is the main importance.

“There are always aspects that you can obviously do better but it’s also in relation to what you can do to help the team.

“Maybe there are some aspects that have to be better but it’s not really important for me or my team-mates, it’s just to be consistently good at what I’m doing for a long time. I have to maintain that and if I can do that, I am really happy with this.

“Being a midfielder there is a lot of stuff you need to do and it’s about being more all round complete rather than being the best at one particular thing.”

Original author: Chris Burton
  78 Hits

The Best Transfers on EFL Deadline Day - Ranked

While Arsenal’s record signing has posted modest stats for a debut campaign, observers have been left unimpressed and believe Ivorian can be better
Original author: Seye Omidiora
  80 Hits

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