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Goalkeepers Shaban Odhoji and Mathias Kigonya are expected to resume their Zambian Super League title chase as the league has been given permission to resume in July 

President Edgar Lungu earlier said football matches can return in Zambia so long as the Ministry of Health guidelines are respected.

Ugandan goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya and Forest Rangers sit atop the Faz Super League table with 46 points from 24 matches as they aim to win the 2020 title.

Odhoji's Napsa Stars are second, one point behind, but have played one more game than the leaders. Although Kigonya has played key roles for Rangers, Kenya's Odhoji has not featured prominently for Stars.

Other Kenyans who will return to action are Zesco United's Ian Otieno, defender David Owino and strikers John Makwatta and Jesse Were.

Zesco United, with 42 points, have played 24 matches and are still in the race to retain the league gong as well.

At Nkana, Musa Mohammed, Harun Shakava, Duncan Otieno and Duke Abuya are all expected to play key roles for the Kitwe club.

With the Presidential green light, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is expected to meet with the Super League and Divison One club's representatives next week to lay down programmes and modalities that will guide the leagues' resumption.

FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala said teams can be allowed to begin training on July 1 and gave July 18 as a possible date of resumption.

“We are hereby requesting clubs in the FAZ MTN Super Division and the FAZ Eden University National Division One to send their CEOs or an appropriate representative at the executive level to attend the following briefings,” Kashala said.

“All Lusaka Province, Central Province and Southern Province based clubs of the Zambian Premier League to convene at exactly 10:30 AM at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Tuesday 30th June 2020.

"All Northern, North Western and Copperbelt Province based clubs of the Zambian Premier League to convene at exactly 10:30 AM in Ndola at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Thursday, July 2 2020.”

The federation has further asked the clubs to approach District health authorities to facilitate testing of their players and members of staff.

FAZ also confirmed members have been served with guidelines agreed on from meetings between them and the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Health.

As is the practice among most other global leagues, Zambian competitions will be honoured behind closed doors.

Wednesday was hugely significant in the Serie A title race, as Inter Milan and Lazio dropped points against Sassuolo and Atalanta respectively.

Antonio Conte’s troops were held to a 3-3 draw by their bogey team, while Simeone Inzaghi’s side blew a 2-0 lead against Gian Piero Gasperini’s effervescent outfit to lose 3-2.

The upshot of those results is that Juventus, much-maligned for their performances this season and especially in the last fortnight, now have a four-point lead over Lazio at the top of the table, with Inter a staggering 11 points behind having played a game fewer.

Conte, for his part, may not give in until there isn’t a mathematical chance of catching the Old Lady, such is his iron-willed nature. However, even he has to admit the Nerazzurri are rank outsiders to claim their 19th Serie A title and a first since 2010’s treble-winning campaign.

The former Chelsea boss made five changes to the side that defeated Sampdoria 2-1 on Sunday, a win that put them six behind Maurizio Sarri’s team. One of those changes saw Victor Moses start at right wing-back with Antonio Candreva dropping to the bench until his introduction in the final 15 minutes.

Given the sheer workload placed on the widemen in Conte’s system, the manager has tended to start his wide options every other game before substituting each one in the second-half of games.

Aided by the increase in the number of substitutions to five, the expectation is for the Chelsea loanee to feature in most, if not every, game between now and the end of the season.

In isolation, four points from two league games isn’t the worst return in the world, particularly as Inter secured a point against a Sassuolo side that have been a thorn in their side for the last few campaigns. Since 2015, the Black and Greens have won seven of 11 meetings between both clubs.

This year, however, Conte has masterminded four points from the head-to-head and maybe the tide is about to turn in this tussle. On Wednesday, they edged the encounter and probably deserved to win.

Moses, on his return to the starting line-up, was the busier of Inter’s wing-backs, offering his usual energy and drive down the right flank, even if there was little end product to match his liveliness down the wing.

He had the beating of his man (completed all four attempted dribbles) and won six of eight total duels on the night. As is often the case, and a continued source of frustration with the ex-Nigeria international, the final ball was lacking. He created nothing on his forward forays, although it wasn’t for the want of trying; Moses attempted eight crosses against Sassuolo but none found a teammate – he either couldn’t beat the defender on the near post or his attempts were blocked.

Cristiano Biraghi on the opposite flank had fewer touches but had a more telling impact on the game. The Italian created a shooting opportunity, completed two crosses, and even scored before half-time to put the hosts 2-1 up at the San Siro.

Candreva, who replaced Moses with 15 minutes to play, assisted Borja Valero’s strike and missed an opportunity to put Conte’s team 4-2 up, moments before Giangiacomo Magnani made it 3-3.

Missed opportunities have been the story of Inter’s season so far. They play really well most weeks but have tended to tire after bright starts before conceding after the interval, and especially in games’ closing stages.

They picked up a 2-1 win over Sampdoria on their league return but had to hang on late on after seeing their 2-0 lead halved after half-time. Against, Sassuolo, the 2010 Champions League winners failed to hold on at 2-1 and 3-2 while failing to put away chances on both occasions to increase their advantage.

Their inability to finish off games, as well as their soft underbelly, is why they find themselves so far behind Juventus, who haven’t been spectacular this term either.

Indeed, the Expected Points table shows Sarri’s team and Lazio should be third and fifth respectively and are both significantly outperforming their xPTS.

Inter, according to Understat, should have been second behind the incredible Atalanta heading into the weekend, but both sides instead find themselves separated by four points in third and fourth in reality.

So, should Conte and his side throw in the towel given the current 11-point deficit from Juventus?

The ex-Italy boss’ head will likely concede the title but his heart will want to soldier on until it’s impossible to succeed. Sarri’s team have hardly pulled up trees all year and have been on the receiving end of fans’ opprobrium for their below-par showings for the most part.

They still have to play Milan, Atalanta, Sassuolo and Lazio in successive gameweeks in July, before ending the season vs Roma in early August. Five games against opponents capable of stunning the dominant Juve means that the title remains a possibility, although the fact three of those matches are at the Juventus Stadium means it could be a fool’s errand for the chasing pack.

For Inter and Conte, their run-in isn’t as challenging, and they’ll need to go on a consistent run of results to put pressure on the leaders. However, games against Napoli and Gasperini's men to end the season will be tough assignments.

If Moses and co. are still in the hunt by then, both fixtures against technically strong sides could determine the outcome of the title if Juventus slip up in the coming weeks.

There’s a feeling the race in Italy is far from over, and perhaps the so-far underwhelming Moses can finally come up trumps for the Nerazzurri as they chase Sarri’s unrecognisable troops.

KCB striker Stephen Waruru has revealed a plumbing business is keeping him busy as there are no football actions in the country.

The forward confirmed he is undertaking plumbing work for his clients as most Kenyan footballers remain at home owing to the leagues' suspension in March, and May's cancellation by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) under Nick Mwendwa.

“Nice weekend just finished plumbing works and Biodigester installation for my client. For plumbing works and Biodigester installation just call me,” Waruru said in a post on his Facebook page.

His KCB and Harambee Stars teammate Dennis Odhiambo congratulated the former Sofapaka striker on his commendable job.

“This is very much okay brother,” Odhiambo replied to Waruru's post.

Waruru's former Ulinzi Stars teammate John Bikokwa was also not left behind as he gave the works a thumbs up. 

“Steven Waruru, good job brother,” Bikokwa said in a reply.

Waruru made his name when he served Ulinzi Stars from 2009 until 2017, when he left for Sofapaka before later joining the Bankers.

Former AFC Leopards and Posta Rangers striker Geoffrey Kataka was also among the ex-players who congratulated Waruru's effort to make ends meet away from the football pitch.

Kataka, who retired at 32 after serving five teams both in the KPL and in the National Super League, recently revealed his venture into a welding business.

“Players get money when playing football but we don’t think about what will happen after retirement. Most of us depend on that money for our livelihoods. It is high time we invest in the business, farming or any other activity that can create a secondary source,” Kataka told The Standard.

In a recent interview with the club's Online TV, AFC Leopards full-back Washington Munene revealed his own adventure and where he would fully focus once he retires.

“As you all know, our football career is not that long and I am trying to take some steps now that will help in future,” the former Wazito star explained.

"I have an online business, Energy Sports Hub, which deals with sports merchandise. This is what I hope to venture deeply into after my football career."

Nairobi City Stars defender Wesley Onguso was recently trending after he revealed a Boda Boda business was his side hustle.

“I would encourage all players that are in the soccer industry to save something small from what they earn and buy something like this motorbike,” Onguso said.

“Such small adventures would make players grow as it is very vital to have another activity apart from football. We must engage in those other activities because there is life after football.

“As the days go, football will come to an end but life must go on.”

Polokwane City are hoping to retain the services of their long-serving midfielder Jabulani Maluleke.

The 38-year-old player is in his seventh season with Rise and Shine and his current contract with the club is set to expire at the end of this month.

Maluleke, who is one of the oldest players in the PSL, remains a key player in the Polokwane team having made over 20 appearances in the current campaign.

Polokwane chief operations officer Tincy Tema said that they are interested in keeping the influential midfielder at the club.

“Jabu [Maluleke] is still an integral part of Polokwane City," Tema told Far Post.

"We all know that his contract is coming to an end when this season ends but as Jabu, as we all know him, don’t be surprised if you see him remaining at the club.

“But that is something that has to be confirmed with him but we still want to continue with him but obviously we will have to sit down and talk to him and I am sure he would also want to stay and continue to contribute further to the club."

Maluleke has played 23 matches across all competitions for Rise and Shine this season which has been suspended indefinitely since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Soweto-born player, who confirmed that he rejected an offer from Orlando Pirates last season, remains one of the most creative players in the PSL having registered four assists in the league this term.

According to the same publication, Maluleke's Polokwane teammates George Chigova, Lehlohonolo Phali, Thabiso Semenya, Sibusiso Mbonani, Simphiwe Hlongwane, Edgar Manaka and Wiseman Maluleke will also see their contracts expire at the end of this month.

Tema said that all decisions will be guided by the directive from the PSL, who are looking to resume the suspended season once clubs follow all the required safety measures.

“That one, of course, we will get the guideline from the PSL because remember this is a matter that will not necessarily affect Polokwane City only but all the clubs so we will hear from the PSL on what they will advise us to do,” added Tema.

The FA Cup in England is the oldest football competition in the world and this season it is into its 139th season.

Teams from the 10th level of the English football pyramid right up to the Premier League compete and it will see a total of 735 teams take part.

Winner-takes-all knockout games mean there is always a chance of a 'giant killing' and there have been plenty of those moments over the years, contributing to the magic of the cup .

With the 2019-20 edition under way,  Goal  brings you everything you need to know about this season's FA Cup.

FA Cup quarter-final

The FA Cup 2019-20 quarter-final draw was held on Wednesday March 4.

Fixtures were scheduled to take place the weekend of March 21-22, but had to be rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Games instead take place at the end of June.

FA Cup fifth round

The draw for the FA Cup fifth round took place on January 27, before kick-off between Bournemouth and Arsenal.

The ties were played the week of March 2 and there were no replays, with any tied games going to extra-time and penalties. 

FA Cup fourth round

The draw for the FA Cup fourth round took place on January 6, prior to kick-off between Arsenal and Leeds.

Manchester City faced Fulham at home, while Chelsea paid a visit to Hull City. Liverpool travelled to Shrewsbury Town, and Manchester United took on Tranmere Rovers.

The fixtures took place between January 24 and 27 .

FA Cup fourth-round replays

FA Cup third round

The draw for the 2019-20 FA Cup third round took place on December 2, 2019. The ties were played the weekend commencing January 4, 2020 .

Liverpool defeated Everton in the Merseyside derby in the round's standout match, while defending champions Manchester City won against League Two side Port Vale.

Elsewhere, Wolves' tie with Manchester United and Tottenham's with Middlesbrough went to a replay, while Arsenal defeated Leeds at the Emirates Stadium.

FA Cup third-round replays

FA Cup second round

FA Cup second-round replays

FA Cup first round

FA Cup first-round replays

When did the FA Cup start & when is the final?

The first round proper of the 2019-20 FA Cup kicked off on November 8, 2019, with 47 clubs from League One and League Two entering at that stage.

Those clubs joined the 32 winners from the qualifying stages of the competition, which got under way on August 10 and concluded on October 19.

Premier League and Championship clubs entered the competition at the third round.

The date of the 2019-20 FA Cup final is now August 1, 2020. The game will take place at Wembley Stadium, as is customary. It will be marketed as the 'Heads Up FA Cup final'.

FA Cup TV channel & stream

The FA Cup is broadcast on the BBC and BT Sport in the United Kingdom.

Both networks air the final and share the rest of the competition, taking turns to select the games they wish to broadcast.

All matches shown by the BBC and BT Sport will be available to stream on their respective websites and apps.

In the United States, the rights to the FA Cup are owned by ESPN, but the games will exclusively be streamed online via ESPN+ . 

That means the games are not strictly being shown live on television in the US.

Jurgen Klopp has knocked Manchester United "off their perch", according to Dietmar Hamann, who says Liverpool are "five years ahead" of their arch-rivals in terms of their status on the elite stage.

Liverpool clinched a sixth European Cup last season after beating Tottenham in an all-English final, which marked the first major trophy of Klopp's reign.

UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs followed in the first half of the 2019-20 campaign, and the Reds silverware haul was completed when they picked up a first league title in 30 years last week.

Klopp's men were declared champions with a record seven games left to spare thanks to Chelsea's win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.

Liverpool's first Premier League crown puts them 12 behind United in the recent history of English football, but in actual fact, they are now just one away from equalling the Red Devils' mark of 20 domestic triumphs overall.

United haven't picked up the famous trophy since 2013 and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is currently in the middle of the rebuilding job at Old Trafford.

Hamann believes there has been a power shift at the top of English football, with Liverpool now the biggest draw in the Premier League under Klopp.

The ex-Reds midfielder told The Mirror: “When I was a player, the club everyone wanted to join was Manchester United. You knew that signing for United guaranteed you winners’ medals.

“They were the biggest club, the club that everyone inside and outside England spoke about.

“Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, United have suffered on the pitch. And with perfect timing, Jurgen Klopp has come in and made Liverpool the club everyone wants to join.

“In that respect, he has knocked United off their perch.

“I am not sure Liverpool will dominate the Premier League like United did – because Manchester City and Pep Guardiola will have something to say about that.

“But Liverpool are five years ahead of United – and London’s big clubs are even further behind.

“Klopp has four years left on his contract – and by the time that is up he will want to get past United’s 20 titles and also win the Champions League again.”

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has faulted custodian Farouk Shikalo for the two goals they conceded against Ndanda FC in a Mainland Premier League match on Saturday.

The Jangwani Street-based giants were forced to wait until the final minutes of the pulsating game to win 3-2 after trailing in the first half courtesy of goals from Abdul Hamisi and Omary Mponda.

Deus Kaseke grabbed a brace and Mrisho Ngasa sealed the win for Yanga which saw them overtake Azam FC to the second spot on the 20-team league table.

Eymael has now put the blame on Kenyan keeper Shikalo - who was starting his first game since the top-flight resumed on June 13 and took the place of second choice custodian Metacha Mnata - for conceding "goals that any keeper should have saved".

“I put Shikalo in the goal and it was long time for him to play there he was a bit responsible for the two goals, I think he didn’t use the correct angle on the first goals,” Eymael told Goal after the match.

“Also my defenders were at fault for the first goal because of their positioning, and also the second came from a free-kick, very slow free-kick and I don’t know how he [Shikalo] did not catch it, it is a big problem now I have to make a choice again and for the future, I don’t know what will happen, for the rest of players, they played very well.

“Then we were pushing very hard, we had the football possession of the game and I don’t know what percentage of ball possession we had before they scored a very light free-kick normally the goalkeeper have the chance to catch it but I don’t know what happened.

“I am very impressed we had the character to come back just before half-time but I was very confident we will win the game because we play good football when playing at National Stadium, because of the good surface, we play a very good brand of soccer at the pitch so I was sure we will win the game.”

Eymael further said he was forced to take a risk and change the playing style in the second half after Ndanda started dominating the game.

“But we had to wait and I had to make substitutions until the end to score the third goal but before that, we hit the crossbar, we hit the post severally and missed so many open chances again and few minutes before the end we succeeded to score the winning goal,” Eymael continued.

“It was also a deserved win for us, I also changed the system because the first hour I was playing 4-2-3-1 and changed the tact again, took a risk and introduced the way Liverpool and Manchester City play and it paid off, as we won the ball possession more and got the deserved win at the end.”

The win enabled Yanga to move second on 60 points, 18 fewer than rivals Simba SC, who will be crowned champions on Sunday if they get a draw against Tanzania Prisons in Mbeya City.

When Watford’s Ismaila Sarr ran past Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell on the stroke of half-time at Vicarage Road last week, Chelsea fans spent the next few minutes on social media giving the England international stick.

Many in the fanbase think that, at £80 million, the Englishman is considerably overpriced and doesn’t represent value for money, despite being only 23 and Premier League proven.

By the time the Senegal star left the Leicester defender for dead in the second-half, when he ran on to a through-ball for the Hornets’ best chance of their lunch-time kick-off, the Blues supporters’ bias against the young left-back grew.

Not even a spectacular strike to put Brendan Rodgers’ side ahead late on could sway fans’ thoughts on their would-be left-back. Frank Lampard is believed to rate Chilwell highly and has earmarked the full-back as his first choice to displace Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri, who hasn’t featured since English football returned.

It’s seemed like there’s been a growing campaign to discredit the 23-year-old England international, with fans’ reservations centred on the Foxes’ astronomical asking price. There’s a feeling within the fanbase that he doesn’t post enough decisive contributions to be considered an upgrade on the club’s current left-backs.

The much-maligned Alonso, despite the criticism he endures, has scored four times and assisted two goals in 13 Premier League appearances. Chilwell’s three goals and three assists have come from 25 appearances, and on first viewing doesn’t paint a picture of a definite upgrade on the Spanish incumbent.

Until his wonder goal at Watford, the Leicester academy graduate had contributed fewer goals than Alonso, despite making 12 more appearances than the ex-Fiorentina wing-back.

With four years left on his contract, it’s inconceivable to think the 2016 league champions will settle for anything significantly lower than their asking price, just as they didn’t compromise in last year’s negotiations for Harry Maguire, who joined Manchester United for £80 million.

Given the impact of the coronavirus, there’s a notion an agreement could be reached between Chelsea and Leicester at £60 million, but the Blues’ supporters remain unimpressed.

Owing to their doubts about the wideman in attack and a tendency to be caught flat-footed defensively (games against Watford on Saturday and away at Manchester City in December instantly spring to mind), there appears some skepticism that even at that price he'd represent good value for money.

Alternatives like Porto’s Alex Telles and Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico have been put forward in the press, but what about Ramy Bensebaini?

The Borussia Monchengladbach left-back has come on leaps and bounds this season under Marco Rose, to become one of Africa’s top performers in Europe's top five leagues. He’s netted five times this season while setting up three strikes in his debut campaign in the Bundesliga.

The Algerian’s impressive return this year is understood when the context of his campaign is taken into cognizance. Having made a slow start to life in Germany, as Rose eased him in after a summer move from Stade Rennais, Bensabaini has posted his respectable numbers in 18 appearances (15 starts).

Of course, the high point of his campaign was netting a brace in Gladbach’s come-from-behind 2-1 success over champions Bayern Munich, the second of the goals a pressure penalty in second-half stoppage time.

Taking penalties away from his goal contributions, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner still has six involvements, which is level with Chilwell and Alonso.

He’s also created five big chances, one more than Chelsea’s current left-back and the same number as the Englishman, although 0.7 key passes per game is somewhat lower than the average posted by the 29-year-old and the Leicester man (1.2 and 1.3 respectively).

However, that metric is seemingly only where the Prem pair outdo the African champion. Bensabaini not only makes more interceptions and wins more tackles per game, but he also wins back possession more often and clears the ball away from harm’s way on more occasions.

2.1 interceptions per match for the North African trumps Alonso (1.1) and Chilwell (1.2), while 1.8 tackles per game betters the Chelsea and Leicester left-backs, who post 1.5 and 1.6 respectively.

One particularly impressive aspect of the Gladbach defender’s game is defensively: his dribbled past per game stat reads 0.7 while the Spaniard and Chilwell are bypassed more often, evidenced by their average of 1.1 and 1.0 respectively.

In addition, the Blues defender (52 percent) and Foxes left-back (51 percent) don’t win as many duels as the Bundesliga full-back (59 percent), who’s also completed 54 percent of his dribbles compared to the Premier League pair’s 45 percent and 36 percent respectively.

A sticking point could be the 25-year-old’s contract length at Gladbach which still has three years to run. This is markedly longer than alternatives like Telles (2021) and Tagliafico (2022), but the Algerian being two years younger would, in principle, mean he could give more years to the West London side.

While Lampard seems convinced about Chilwell, Chelsea could be forced to consider other targets if Leicester are unwilling to compromise, and Bensebaini could represent an ideal alternative for the Stamford Bridge giants.

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has praised the mental strength of his squad as they head into an important match in their 2019-20 Mainland Premier League campaign on Sunday.

After Azam FC dropped points on Saturday following a 1-1 draw against Biashara United, the Wekundu wa Mzimbazi now need just a draw from their away fixture against Tanzania Prisons in Mbeya town to be crowned the champions.

Azam were headed for a narrow win when Frank Domayo scored in the second minute of the second half but conceded a goal in the fourth minute of added time, when Gershon Kabeja scored to ensure they lose the second spot to Yanga SC, who beat Ndanda FC 3-2.

Simba are at the top of the 20-team league table on 78 points, 18 more than second-placed Yanga while Azam have 59 points. A draw for Simba will see them reach an unassailable tally and thus clinch a third straight league title.

The Belgian tactician has praised the character of his players heading into the decisive clash, insisting they are not looking at the results of their opponents and want to complete the job they launched at the start of the season in Mbeya.

“We are not bothered with how Azam played because our main job is to make sure we beat Tanzania Prisons to win the title,” Vandenbroeck told Goal ahead of Sunday's battle.

“The boys have been longing for such a day when they have to win or get a point to be declared champions, they are looking sharp and good in training, they know they have a huge job ahead of them and are ready for the task, I am very impressed with how they have been responding since our last match in the league.

“It is our biggest match of the season because we will celebrate if we win and the boys are aware of that, we must stay focused and do our job without looking at what happened to our opponents, it is all about us, it is all about how we play and finish the job and I have confidence in the squad.

“I'm sure tomorrow [Sunday] we will play a good game. Every player is ready for the game and that is a good thing for the coach to choose any player. We will play to win and if the result is positive we will get something extra and that's our goal.”

With the return of midfielder Jonas Mkude, Vandenbroeck has a fully-fit squad to pick from against Prisons at Sokoine Stadium.

Hansi Flick insisted he was giving no thought to Thiago Alcantara potentially leaving Bayern Munich, with the midfielder linked with a move to Liverpool.

Thiago, 29, is out of contract at the Bundesliga club next year, with Premier League champions Liverpool reportedly his most likely destination if he leaves.

But Flick is eager to keep Thiago, labelling the Spain international an "amazing player".

"I don't think about it at all, that Thiago could leave us," the Bayern coach said after Saturday's 4-0 win over Wolfsburg.

"I have always said that Thiago is an amazing player who can give a lot to a team. Therefore, I do not think about that at all.

"And I think after such a game and such a season, you have to accept as a journalist that not every question can be answered."

Thiago arrived at Bayern from Barcelona in 2013, winning the Bundesliga in each of his seven seasons at the club.

Earlier in the week,  Flick revealed their had been no progress in contract talks with the Italian-born midfielder, but was full or praise about what his player could add to the team.

"There is no [contract] news. We always talk, almost every day, but there is no news," Flick told a news conference before Bayern's final league match against Wolfsburg.

"I see him every day at practice and at the games. There are always so-called experts who have their own opinions. When you see him on the pitch and in training, you see his extraordinary quality in possession of the ball.

"But he has now also shown that he can play against the ball. For me there are no two opinions about Thiago's quality.

"He gives the team a little something extra. He is an exceptional player who gives a team that certain something. That's my opinion and there is no other one."

Bayern completed their successful Bundesliga season by reaching 100 goals, as Kingsley Coman, Mickael Cuisance, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller scored against Wolfsburg.

They are also in a good position to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals having beaten Chelsea 3-0 in the first leg at Stamford Bridge prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cavin Lobo will have spent over a decade in Kolkata once his his three-year-deal at East Bengal ends after the 2021-22 season.

The 32-year-old, who has been signed by East Bengal for the coming season, is a familiar face in the City of Joy. He has played for East Bengal and ATK during his stint in Kolkata.

In his very first year in Kolkata, Lobo won the Federation Cup (2012). He helped East Bengal win five Calcutta Football League (CFL) titles. He has also won the (ISL) title with ATK (then Atletico de Kolkata) during his first stint at the ISL franchise (in 2014).

"It has been a great journey. I have overcome my injuries over the years and luckily I came back strong. They (East Bengal) have signed good players for this season. Hopefully East Bengal will play in the ISL but even if they play in the I-League it won't make much of a difference," Lobo told Goal.

It was not smooth-sailing for Lobo in Kolkata. He had to endure through testing times with the Red and Golds when he suffered a knee patella injury in 2016 that kept him out of action for nearly seven months. 

"East Bengal had offered me the captaincy in my sixth year with them. I was offered captaincy if I stayed but I just wanted to play in the ISL," he explained of his decision to join ATK on a permanent ahead of the fifth edition of the competition. 

"It wasn't about the money," he added. "Even the (Indian) national team coach that time, Stephen Constantine, was looking at players who played continuously in a competitive environment. So thinking of my chances of playing for India, I joined the ISL. But sadly, I wasn't getting much game time."

During his second stint at ATK (in 2018-19), he was sent on loan twice - to Churchill Brothers in January 2019 and then to Punjab FC, the club he last represented and recorded as many as 15 appearances in a season after nearly a decade.

Lobo began his senior professional career at Sporting Clube de Goa in 2007. Hailing from south Goan district of Canacona, Lobo has had to tough it out given that there was no proper training facilities there before getting his first break at Sporting.

"I was playing on Palolem beach as there is no ground here in Canacona. One of my friends (Valento Pinto) was a goalkeeper at SAI (Sports Authority of India) [football hostel] at that time and he told my brother (Terence) about the trials at SAI as my brother also was interested in football.

"The trials were for U-18 boys and I was the only one who was 15. My father (Manuel) took me for trials to Ponda for three days continuously on his bike," stated the younger of the Lobo brothers.

Terence joined Sesa football academy and the two were reunited at Velsao Pale Sports Club.

Both brothers scored a goal each to shock Dempo SC to a 2-1 defeat on August 19th, 2006 after which Velsao Pale coach Eban Misquita was quoted, "I have no doubt that both Cavin and Terence have great future ahead of them as they simply played to their potential and earned a deserving win for us."

The next season, the brothers would continue their playing career together at Sporting Clube de Goa after former coach of the club, Peter Valles, suggested their names to the Panjim-based club's president Peter Vaz. The duo were incidentally among the scorers in the 2-0 win over Velsao Pale in the semi-finals of the 9th Goa Governor's Cup that Sporting eventually won by beating Dempo 1-0 in the final.

"We used to travel (70 kms. one way) every day from early morning. We (Terence and Cavin) travelled with Luis (Barreto), Felipe (Gomes) and Wilton (Gomes) in their car, five of us together," said Cavin.

Following Cavin's third year at Sporting where he wasn't able to gather enough play time due to injury, he redeemed himself in the 64th Santosh Trophy with four goals before losing to West Bengal in the semi-final, which earned him a call from Armando Colaco to join Dempo.

"Dempo had a powerful squad at that time. So I didn't get many chances to play other than in the Goa league. (Former Mumbai FC player) Nicholas Rodrigues told (former Mumbai FC coach) Khalid Jamil about me. That time the I-League was the big (top) league. I played almost all games (for Mumbai FC) that season and that is when I got the offer from East Bengal.

"Who will say no to East Bengal, I thought. It's such a big club. I didn't even imagine (such a move). I thought I would play (at Mumbai) for one more season and then look for a bigger club. So without thinking much, I agreed to play with them (East Bengal).

"Initially, I was a bit nervous to play in front of such a big crowd, especially at the (Kolkata) derbies (against Mohun Bagan). After gaining confidence by playing in front of the crowds, I really started enjoying myself in Kolkata. I had good offers from many clubs but I decided to stay there," he revealed.

"Good (Goan) players can play for longer in Kolkata. Like Rowllin Borges was playing continuously and he could have stayed for longer but then he got an offer from ISL (NorthEast United)," Cavin, who also turned out in Kerala Blasters colours in ISL 2015, concluded.

Lobo, now returning to Kolkata, will hope to bring back his best form to his old stomping grounds.

"It's a great feeling to go back to East Bengal. The people in Kolkata like me and I like them too," he said.

Barcelona coach Quique Setien said he had no interest in a player's price tag when choosing his team after starting Antoine Griezmann on the bench against Celta Vigo.

Griezmann, a €120 million (£107m/$134m) signing from Atletico Madrid last year, was introduced late as Barca were held to a 2-2 draw in Vigo on Saturday.

Setien defended his decision to start Griezmann, who has scored 14 goals in 42 games this season, on the bench.

"I don't take into consideration the player's price tag," Setien told a news conference.

"Last week we chose one specific team, and today we decided on another one. Last week you asked me why Ansu Fati wasn't playing, why Riqui Puig wasn't playing and today why Griezmann isn't playing.

"These are decisions I make and they are technical decisions. They're not made rashly, and they are done with the best of intentions for the team."

France 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf believes Griezmann's form slump could see the striker lose his national team spot to in-form Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.

Martial has scored 19 goals in 37 appearances and struck a hat-trick during the Red Devils recent 3-0 win against Sheffield United.

"Well [Martial] has a big chance to be in the squad and if he carries on like that I'm sure Didier Deschamps will think about him," Leboeuf told ESPN FC.

"It's true that with the problems that Griezmann is having right now at Barcelona, with Giroud getting older, there is a clear chance for Anthony Martial to be in the squad and to maybe be in the first XI.

"If he's consistent, he's going to be for sure with the national team. He already has been and he's going to be again."

Ex-Barcelona and Brazil star Rivaldo fears Griezmann's place at the club may be under threat and feels it is up to captain Lionel Messi to help boost his confidence.

"Barca have won both their games since the restart, with Antoine Griezmann as a starter, but he continues to be far from the player he was at Atletico Madrid and some are wondering if he may become a 'new Coutinho' at Barcelona," he told Betfair.

"It's harsh to start making those comparisons, but it's up to the player to prove it on the pitch.

"The lack of goals is demotivating and damages Griezmann's confidence, so I believe it's important for Lionel Messi to help him.

"Messi could, for example, let Griezmann take penalties when Barcelona are winning comfortably - just to get the Frenchman scoring - just like he did with Luis Suarez in the past."

Messi set up two goals for Luis Suarez against Celta, but Iago Aspas' 88th-minute equaliser saw Barca held.

Setien's men are a point clear of Real Madrid, who visit Espanyol on Sunday.

Several coaches throughout the course of the previous season had voiced their displeasure over refereeing standards in the Indian Super League (ISL). Bengaluru FC manager Carles Cuadrat, former Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur coaches Jorge Costa and Antonio Iriondo respectively, did not mince words to criticise referees for schoolboy errors on the pitch. 

Alarm bells started ringing in the FSDL (Football and Sports Development Limited) headquarters as well and the league organisers approached the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to take cognizance of the issue, and find a short term solution along with a long term blueprint on the lines of a referee development program. 

Although Josep Gombau feels that the ISL is pretty well managed and organised, there are two particular aspects which the Spaniard thinks need immediate attention. 

"ISL is very well conducted. The stadiums and travel are well organised. Nothing to complain about. But there should be more number of matches. Minimum 26-27 games and then the playoffs. It will make the league much better. The competition in the ISL was very good and cut-throat. Every single team can beat the other team on a given day. 

It must be noted that 2020-21 season was supposed to feature 27 games in the league for one team. However, those plans had to be frozen due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

"Also the refereeing standard is poor. But I don't want to blame the referees because they are not professionals. You need to bring them the tools to help them grow. They are working somewhere else and on weekends or off days, they are working as a referee. They should be focussed on one job. They need to train every day under foreign referees to improve. So I don't find fault with the referees. They should be helped," stated the Spanish manager. 

India has drawn Australia in the AFC U16 championship and since the 44-year-old coach spent almost five years down under plying his trade in various capacities at several clubs and even with the national team and he knows the football structure of the Socceroos like the back of his palm. He opines that the major differences in the two countries are infrastructure and the quality of grassroots programmes.

"The youth structure is very robust over there (Australia). There a lot of games for the kids along with great academies. India is starting to walk the same path now.  They (Australia) have a plan and a lot of investment in infrastructure with longer leagues in place. The kids must not only train well but they must also have more competitive matches for their all-round development. In India, the don't play enough matches. There is a lot of room to improve in these aspects. Qatar have been working hard with their young players since 2008. They reaped rewards in 2019 by winning the AFC Asian Cup. 

"Australia is also ahead in terms of facilities. The A-League is more matured. The quality of the pitches is also very different. The training pitches in India are not up to the mark. I was training in a first division club and the pitch was not good. When I played away games, the day before the match it was difficult to get good training pitches. So I can imagine the condition of the pitch where the juniors train. These are the basics," commented the former Barcelona youth coach, 

Gombau agrees that India have also started to tread the right path and believes that the next decade can be a game-changer for Indian football. 

"I am sure India will definitely catch up, it needs time. The next 10 years will be vital for India. There are good academies that are being established in the country. So now India will have players will with more knowledge and ideas. Currently, they lack simple concepts and basics. But with these academies, hopefully, things will improve."

After severing ties with Odisha FC, the coach is looking forward to a new assignment and it is likely that the deal with New York-based Queensboro is likely to be announced in the coming weeks.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed his team will give Liverpool a guard of honour when they face the newly crowned Premier League champions at the Etihad Stadium next week.

City's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on Thursday ended their two-year reign as champions, with Liverpool holding a now unassailable 23-point lead with seven games remaining.

The developing rivalry between City and Liverpool has featured moments of simmering tension over the recent seasons.

The visiting team bus was attacked with missiles before Liverpool recorded a resounding Champions League quarter-final win at Anfield in 2018, while the sides took last year's title race to the wire – Guardiola's men prevailing by 98 points to 97.

Yet the Catalan insisted it is only right that he and his players applaud their rivals, to pay respect to what Jurgen Klopp and his all-conquering squad have achieved.

"We are going to do the guard of honour, of course," he said.

"Always we receive Liverpool, when they came to our house, in an incredible way. They cannot complain.

"Of course we are going to do it because they deserve it."

Guardiola noted Liverpool's hunger to end a 30-year wait for a top-flight crown, saying they played every match as if it was "their last".

The ex-Barcelona boss is confident he knows why City came up well short in their bid for three in a row but balked at questions over the hunger of a team that has won six of the past eight major honours on offer in English football.

"I did not say [City played] without passion. Don't put words I didn't say," he said, bristling at the suggestion.

"I don't know the passion from Liverpool. I guess, I imagine what happened, when you are three-zero years without winning the Premier League, after winning the Champions League you are focused on that.

"But I didn't say this. Because a team that wins eight titles (including the 2018 and 2019 Community Shields) has passion. In every single game, every single competition. No one in this country can say that [City don't have passion].

"It is so difficult what we have done in the most difficult league by far in the world.

"In sport you have to live for the future, the next, but you have to have a little bit, one eye, on what we have done.

"Don't forget we are an incredible club and an incredible organisation. What we have to do is learn. I think we know the reason why we suffered this season and we're going to try to solve it next season."

Next up for City is a trip to Newcastle United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup – one of two pieces of silverware they can add to this season's Carabao Cup, with a long-awaited Champions League return against Real Madrid to come in August.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne established a 2-1 advantage over Zinedine Zidane's men at the Santiago Bernabeu back in February.

"Of course, we have a big challenge for these two titles," Guardiola added. 

"We fought for the Carabao Cup with the way we played and won the Community Shield against the champions of Europe.

"We are going to try at Newcastle to win and prepare for the last games of the Premier League, and arrive in the best conditions possible for Madrid."

The 2019-20 Bundesliga top scorer Robert Lewandowski is "the best centre-forward in the world", according to Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Lewandowski scored a second-half penalty as Bayern, already confirmed as champions for an eighth successive season, thrashed Wolfsburg 4-0 to finish their league campaign on a high.

That took Lewandowski's tally for the season to 34 - six more than RB Leipzig's Timo Werner - a figure that represented the Polish striker's best ever return in Germany's top flight.

It is the fifth time former Borussia Dortmund man Lewandowski has finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer and he now has Gerd Muller in his sights, with the Bayern legend having finished as the leading marksman on seven occasions.

Indeed Muller is the only man to have scored more than 34 Bundesliga goals in a season, a feat he achieved on three separate occasions.

"To score 34 goals in one Bundesliga season is an incredible achievement," Rummenigge told Bayern's official website.

"Only 'Der Bomber', Gerd Muller, has ever scored more goals in one campaign.

"I'd like to congratulate and thank Robert Lewandowski. He is the best centre-forward in the world."

Lewandowski's haul came across 31 games and he suggested a full 34-game campaign meant have resulted in an ever better return.

"Unfortunately I missed three matches this campaign," the 31-year-old added.

"I am very pleased with the 34 goals, but of course thanks must go to the team."

Lewandowski has the third-most goals in Bundesliga history having registered 236 times.

Only two men - Muller and Schalke great Klaus Fischer - have found the net more often in the history of Germany's top flight.

Bayern's thumping of Wolfsburg started comfortably as Kingsley Coman got the celebrations started in the fourth minute, latching onto a brilliant through-ball from Thomas Muller and guiding a fine finish across opposition goalkeeper Koen Casteels and into the bottom-left corner.

Lewandowski was denied by Casteels shortly after but there was nothing the Wolfsburg stopper could do to stop Mickael Cuisance's left-footed, 20-yard curler from finding the top-left corner.

After being stopped by Casteels again, Lewandowski finally hit the target in the 72nd minute. The Poland international scored his 34th league goal of the season after Josuha Guilavogui felled the impressive Cuisance.

Bayern made the most of their numerical advantage by scoring a fourth seven minutes later, Muller drilling home at the back post and the celebrations stepped up a gear after the final whistle.

Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has thrown his weight behind Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Adama Traore to play for either Liverpool or Manchester City in the future.

The speedster has been delivering impressive performances in this campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, scoring four goals and providing nine assists in 31 league games.

His performances have contributed to Wolves’ fifth place on the Premier League table and a number of European clubs have been jostling for his signature.

The 24-year-old utility player has recently been linked with newly-crowned Premier League champions, Liverpool.

Cundy, who is impressed with the development of the former Aston Villa forward, believes he could fit into any of the top clubs in the world.

 “Adama Traore, he is good enough for Champions League football,” Cundy said on talkSPORT.

“I believe he’s reached the sort of heights with his quality in the final third now, his delivery, his knowledge now and he’s learned from his own mistakes.

“When I first saw him at Aston Villa he was all pace and no end product, even at Middlesbrough he was a bit like that.

“But now, fair play to Nuno Espirito Santo, to get [to this level], he must have worked tirelessly on the training ground.

“And it’s with both feet – he put in a brilliant cross with his left foot [against Bournemouth].

“He can drop deep, he can travel with the ball, he’s incredibly strong, his footwork is excellent with the ball and without the ball, the way he moves the ball, his pace, his strength.

“I think he’s good enough to put him in Liverpool, you could put him in City and not only would he not look out of place, I think he could get to a place where he could actually demand a first-team place."

The 24-year-old forward started his career with Spanish giants Barcelona, joining the side’s youth setup in 2004.

He later moved to England to team up with Aston Villa in 2015 before his dazzling displays caught the attention of the Middlesbrough and he was signed in 2016.

Traore is born in Spain but he is eligible to feature for Mali, the country of his parents and has previously stated he is yet to decided on his international future.

He will hope to continue his eye-catching displays when Wolves take on Arsenal in their next Premier League game on July 4.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola declined to confirm his future at the Etihad Stadium beyond the end of the 2020-1 season as the club's focus shifts to the FA Cup after losing their Premier League crown. 

City's status as reigning English champions came to an end on Wednesday as they went down to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea, a result that confirmed Liverpool's triumph in the 2019-20 campaign with seven games to spare. 

The club also faces two years out of European football due to a UEFA Financial Fair Play ruling that is currently subject to appeal. 

Reports have suggested that should the ban be confirmed, star players such as Kevin De Bruyne as well as Pep himself would look to leave City; but the manager refuses to look past the end of his current contract. 

“I’m incredibly excited for this part of the season, and the next one," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final clash against Newcastle United.

“I am incredibly satisfied to be in this club and to try to do our best.

"But I don’t want to think too far ahead. Now is not the time. I just think about today.

"I want the players to recover because the last 15-20 minutes were so demanding 10 against 11. We have a tough game against Newcastle and that's what I have to be focused on."

Pep faces something of a dilemma at centre-back for the last-eight meeting, having revealed that John Stones joins the suspended Fernandinho in missing out against the Magpies. 

“He's still injured,” Guardiola said of Stones. “We knew it after lockdown for the lack of preparation.”

“We knew it - lack of preparation and this amount of games in a short time we have to survive. Survive and try to qualify for the Champions League and arrive good on Sunday.”

While the Premier League eluded City, the club still has the chance to add two major titles to the Carabao Cup crown won in March at the expense of Aston Villa. 

With the FA Cup now in full swing, Pep's men also remain active in the Champions League, where they hold a 2-1 lead over Real Madrid after the first leg of their last-16 meeting.

Atletico Madrid took a big step towards sealing Champions League qualification as they defeated Deportivo Alaves in a 2-1 LaLiga win at Wanda Metropolitano.

After a low-key start to Saturday's contest, a Saul Niguez header just before the hour mark put the hosts in front.

Two Atleti substitutes played a part in the second as Diego Costa converted a penalty won by Marcos Llorente to wrap up what ultimately proved to be a comfortable victory for Diego Simeone's side.

Joselu scored a stoppage-time penalty for the visitors, but Atletico are now four points clear of Sevilla in fourth and have opened up a superb nine-point cushion over Getafe in fifth.

Alvaro Morata sent an early header just wide, shortly before his flick-on to fellow forward Joao Felix saw the Portugal international send an impressive acrobatic effort narrowly off target.

Jose Maria Gimenez put a free header over from 12 yards and, despite their opponents defending deeply, it was Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak who had the only first-half save to make from Aleix Vidal.

Diego Simeone brought on Costa and Llorente early in the second half as he attempted to inject life into the hosts and the latter made an instant impression, winning a free-kick down the right.

Kieran Trippier sent in a fine delivery and the onrushing Saul converted with a thumping header from six yards for his fourth goal of season, keeper Fernando Pacheco getting a hand to it but unable to make the save.

Alaves almost levelled when a powerful aerial effort from Oliver Burke flew inches wide, but Atleti soon threatened at the other end when Llorente's long-range effort forced Pacheco to parry.

Llorente then showed superb pace and skill down the right before drawing a foul from Ruben Duarte, with Costa sending Pacheco the wrong way from the spot 17 minutes from time.

Three minutes into added time, Joselu sent a fine penalty into the top corner after Koke was penalised for handball, but it was too late for the visitors to recover.

What does it mean? Atletico impressing since lockdown

Atletico took the chance to extend their advantage over Sevilla, who could only draw with Real Valladolid on Friday, and now look almost certain to claim a Champions League spot.

They have impressed since LaLiga resumed after the coronavirus-enforced break – having drawn their first game back, they have won four straight games, with only the late spot-kick denying them a fourth straight clean sheet.

Llorente lifts Atletico

Former Real Madrid midfielder Llorente changed the game when he came on, winning the free-kick and penalty that led to each goal, as well as testing Pacheco with a rasping drive.

Correa struggles to make an impact

Angel Correa only had one blocked shot and 10 completed passes to show for his 57 minutes on the pitch, though he was not the only one to blame for a sluggish Atletico start.

What's next?

Atletico needed points in this match as their next one is a huge test away to Barcelona on Tuesday. Alaves, meanwhile, are at home to Granada a day later as they bid to halt a run of three straight defeats.

Frank Lampard believes Christian Pulisic is capable of emulating the goalscoring feats of the likes of Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane or Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling.

Pulisic has hit the ground running following the Blues' return to action to leave Lampard delighted, but the Chelsea boss feels the United States international can deliver even more.

The winger's goal in Thursday's 2-1 home win over Manchester City was his seventh in the Premier League this season and the 21-year-old is now Chelsea's second top scorer in the league, as well as being the leading scorer in the top flight aged 21 or under.

The former Borussia Dortmund attacker has shown he can score different types of goals, and Lampard now wants to see Pulisic be ambitious and chase the kind of goal-scoring numbers that other top wide players are achieving.

"I think he can be a really big player," Lampard said. "Because he broke through so young in Germany and he moves to us, people's expectations rise, but we have to take his age into consideration.

"There's no doubt in his quality and you can see that. He is very keen to work and improve. He is particularly hungry at the minute because of his injury. And if he wants to learn, and he does, on the training pitch and how he sees the game, he needs to look at the players he sees around him who have made that sort of jump like the Raheem Sterlings, Sadio Manes and Mo Salahs who are now producing numbers [of goals] from wide areas.

"It is important that he understands the work he needs to do to do that because he definitely has the talent to do it. He needs to try and get to that level and I am delighted to have him at the minute. He works hard every day and he has to set his sights as high as he can."

In all competitions, Pulisic is Chelsea's joint-second top scorer alongside Willian and he looks set to play a starring role in his side's end to the season with an FA Cup quarter-final match with Leicester at the King Power stadium up next on Sunday.

Lampard has yet to complete his second year in management and he continues to chase his first trophy working in the dugout.

He concedes that him and some of his young players need to win their first trophy, with the FA Cup looking the most viable option to do so this season.

"Yes, I think it is important. You have to have that idea but the reality is the competition you go up against with the teams that are still in this FA Cup means it is going to be tough," Lampard added. "We are in a year of slight transition.

"Of course, our focus is always the league but when it comes to Chelsea, when you get to a quarter-final, you want to try and get to Wembley and you want to try and go and win it. It is important to focus on that. We are building, we are working and it won't be easy to try and win this trophy.

"But with the squad we have and the positive feeling we have at the minute in the group, we have to go in with the right attention."

Lampard's first major trophy as a player was the League Cup under Jose Mourinho in the 2004-05 season which began a culture of winning for Chelsea even after the legendary manager left the club.

In recalling that success, Lampard drew comparisons between that team and his young Blues side of 2020.

"It was very important for us at the time because we were a team with not many winners," he continued. "We didn't have too many titles between us and we were a relatively young team but Jose brought that to us, that mentality and winning that first one helped you to push on.

"In our team, I think we do have a mixture of players who have been there and won a lot. We have some younger players who haven't. Me, myself, in my managerial career, I haven't. I recognise the importance of that.

"That's why we are here to win things at a club like Chelsea so it doesn't fall short on me. The FA Cup is something we are going to give everything to. It is a difficult game, of course, against Leicester. We know the quality they have but we have to focus on trying to go as far as we can.

"It would be a big boost if we can get further, but we are just going into the quarter-final and it is hard to jump that far ahead because we are going to have tough matches."