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Luke Shaw has slammed Jose Mourinho, saying the former Manchester United boss is obsessed after he launched another attack on the England defender.

Shaw endured a difficult relationship with Mourinho during his time in charge at Old Trafford, with the Portuguese regularly singling out the former Southampton player for criticism.

Mourinho, who was sacked as Manchester United boss in December 2018, chose to renew his attack on Shaw in his role as a radio pundit during Euro 2020, but the 25-year-old has hit back.

What did Shaw say?

Reflecting on England’s 1-0 win against Czech Republic last week, Mourinho described Shaw’s set pieces as “dramatically bad”.

When told about Mourinho’s latest barb, Shaw said. “I don’t understand it. I don’t know why he is still going on and wanting to point at me.

“I don’t feel like the set-pieces were as bad as he was saying. I might have done one in the second half, a corner, that didn’t get over the first man. But that was one out of three. The other two or three, I don’t think, were as ‘dramatically bad’ as he says.

“Look, he has got to do his job. I’m used to him saying negative stuff about me, so I just pass it by.

“His voice is obviously very big. He likes to talk a lot about me, as everyone has seen recently. But his voice is his own. He can say what he wants, I will focus on myself. I take set-pieces at United, so it wasn’t as if it was something I wasn’t ready for.”

‘There is no hiding that we didn’t get on’

Shaw also opened up about his time working under Mourinho at Old Trafford, admitting he did everything he could to try and work his way into his manager’s good books, but to no avail.

“He likes some players, he doesn’t like others,” added the 25-year-old, who is expected to retain his place in the England side for Tuesday’s last-16 tie against Germany.

“I fell into the category where he didn’t like me. I tried as hard as I could to get back into his side but it never worked out, no matter what I did. There is no hiding that we didn’t get on.

“I think he was a brilliant manager but, you know, the past is the past. It’s time to move on. I’m trying to move on but obviously he can’t. He continuously talks about me, which I find quite strange. Even some of the lads [here] have said ‘what’s his problem?’ and ‘why does he keep talking?’

“Hopefully, he can find his peace with that and stop worrying about me. Clearly, I’m in his head a lot and he thinks about me a lot. I don’t think any of you realise the two or three years I had with him and how bad [the criticism] was then. What he says now is nothing compared to how it used to be.

“I find it easy to ignore him now and even laugh about it. But it’s better just to ignore it. I knew if time came into it, I would be able to outlast him and I have. I can now just focus on getting better and improving.”

Further reading

JS Kabylie and Raja Casablanca will battle it out in the 2020-21 Caf Confederation Cup final on July 10 after Sunday's semi-finals.

Following a 2-1 lead from last Sunday’s outing, JS Kabylie defeated Coton Sport 3-0 in the second leg of the semi-final fixture, while Raja Casablanca required a penalty shoot-out to beat Egyptian club Pyramids 5-4.

Three first-half goals were enough for hosts JSK to stamp their authority at the Stade du 5 Juillet and they advanced to the final stage with a 5-1 aggregate win.

Denis Lavagne’s men continued from where they left off in Cameroon a week ago, with Zakaria Boulahia grabbing the opening goal in the sixth minute.

Some minutes after the half hour-mark, Badreddine Souyad converted from the penalty spot to double JS Kabylie’s lead.

The game was finally put beyond Coton's reach after Boulahia scored his second of the night just before the interval, thanks to an assist from Walid Bencherifa.

JS Kabylie, who are currently fourth in the Algerian Ligue 1, now have the opportunity to win a continental title since 2002 when they clinched the abolished Caf Cup for a third time.

In the other semi-final clash, Raja Casablanca and Pyramids found it tricky to break each other down after 180 minutes of football across both legs.

A week ago, Pyramids held the Moroccan giants to a goalless draw in Cairo and it was a penalty shoot-out that separated both teams.

Sunday's outing started as a tense encounter at the Stade Mohamed V with both teams picking three yellow cards each within 60 minutes.

After the goalless affair, the encounter proceeded to a shoot-out where Raja came out victorious with a 5-4 win.

Soufiane Rahimi converted the first strike for the hosts followed two missed attempts by Ben Malango and Senad Al Warfali.

Meanwhile, Ramadan Sobhi missed Pyramids' second attempt and they were close to winning the shoot-out before Mohamed Farouk misplaced their last attempt, putting the score at 3-3.

Mohamed Azrida and Osama Galal converted for both teams, then Fabrice Ngoma and Ahmed Tawfik could not put their efforts into the back of the net.

Raja went ahead again with Abdelilah Madkour making it 5-4 and Mohamed Hamdy missed his chance for Pyramids.

The victory boosts Raja Casablanca's dreams of winning the Caf Confederation Cup for a second time when they battle JS Kabylie in the final scheduled for Stade de l'Amitie in Cotonou next month.

Paul Pogba has been branded “the complete midfielder” by France boss Didier Deschamps ahead of a last-16 encounter with Switzerland at Euro 2020.

The Manchester United fan might be an often-lamented presence by critics of the Red Devils, but he has been one of the star turns at the European Championship so far.

He played a major role in creating France’s goal in their 1-0 win over Germany, then produced an assist for Karim Benzema in the 2-2 draw against Portugal, leading to praise from his head coach.

What was said?

“Paul is a complete midfielder,” Deschamps told the media. “He has that quality of passing, it's part of his game. You have to have the right movement. He has a fairly free role. He is not limited on the offensive aspect, his position can change, it depends on the placement and movement of other players.”

Deschamps on France system

With Lucas Digne and Marcus Thuram ruled out – in addition to Ousmane Dembele, who pulled out of the tournament previously – and Jules Kounde liable to be absent, France may switch formation to a 3-5-2.

Indeed, it is said that several key France players have asked for that change.

“I like to speak with my players before deciding, a little more with the more experiences players,” he said. “The objective is to put them in positions so that they are efficient. But it’s me who makes the decisions.

“It’s an option for us, which we can take or not. The choice I’ll make is to be as dangerous as possible for our opponents.”

Further reading

Kevin De Bruyne has limped out of Belgium's Euro 2020 clash with Portugal.

Late in the first half, the Manchester City star was tackled illegally by Joao Palhinha and though he emerged for the second period, he quickly indicated that he needed to be replaced. 

Shortly afterwards, Dries Mertens came onto the field in his place.

De Bruyne was apparently suffering from an injury to his lower leg, although there has been no confirmation of what the issue is.

De Bruyne's injury woes

The 29-year-old has had a career marked by relatively frequent periods out injured. During the 2020-21 campaign with Manchester City, for example, he missed several matches early in the year because of a hamstring problem.

Late in the season, meanwhile, he spent a couple of fixtures on the sidelines because of muscular problems but was fit in time to feature in the 1-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League final.

In that encounter against the Blues, he suffered a facial fracture which saw him face a race against time to be fit for the Euros. Indeed, he missed the opening 3-0 win over Russia but was able to make his return off the bench when Belgium were ailing against Belgium, playing a key role as they turned the game around to win 2-1.

Subsequently, he featured in a 2-0 win over Finland, in which he picked up an assist.

There is no indication of how long De Bruyne might be out for, but his influence on Belgium is certain.

Further Reading

Triumph over Esperance in Saturday’s Caf Champions League second leg semi-final reflects the Red Devils’ "character", according to Al Ahly’s director of football Sayed Abdelhafiz.

Goals from Ali Maaloul, Mohamed Sherif and Hussein El Shahat were enough for the Egyptian Premier League side to see off the Tunisian giants 3-0 in Cairo.

Mohamed Sherif’s 67th-minute strike had handed Pitso Mosimane’s side a 1-0  first-leg advantage at Stade Olympique de Rades.

In his post-match assessment, Abdelhafiz was impressed with Al Ahly’s performance, disclosing that the club’s ambition is to emerge as African champions for the tenth time.

“The most important thing is to reach the final. We defeated the champions of 2018 Caf Champions League with a big result, which reflects Al Ahly’s character,” he told the club’s website.

“Before the game, some people were wondering why we are worried despite having the lead, but you always have to be conservative when you face a team like Esperance.

“Esperance lost the first leg in Tunisia, so it was normal for them to attack in the return leg. But Al Ahly players and the coaching staff are capable of dealing with these games.

“My discussion with the referees was all about implementing the law. The penalty was clear, and everyone saw it.

“You must be prepared physically and mentally. Also, we must focus on the small details to maintain our performance.

“We can depend on any player at any time. Several players participated in today’s game and that is why everyone must be ready.

“Our eyes are set on the final, but we still have four games to play in the Egyptian Premier League.

“We want to win the African title, but we still have many important matches in the league first.”

Unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, Al Ahly host Pyramids in a league game on July 1.

Next, they square up against Smouha, Al Mokawloon, and Misr Lel Makasa before locking horns with Amakhosi on July 17 at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.

In the Egyptian Premier League, Mosimane’s men occupy the third spot after garnering 41 points from 19 outings so far, a massive 17 points behind leaders and local rivals Zamalek, but with seven games in hand.

Germany elite division side Arminia Bielefeld have announced the signing of Bryan Lasme from Ligue 2 side Sochaux.

Signed for an undisclosed fee on Sunday afternoon, the 22-year-old was handed a four-year contract that would keep him at the Bielefelder Alm until 2025.

“DSC Arminia Bielefeld warmly welcomes its French newcomer with Ivorian roots to East Westphalia,” a statement on the Bundesliga side’s website read.

“The 1.92-meter-tall attacker moves from FC Sochaux to DSC Arminia and signed a contract until 2025. The terms of the transfer were not disclosed.”

This move will see Lasme play outside of France for the first time since he began his professional career in 2015.

Speaking to the club website in his first interview, the youngster was looking forward to the new challenge.

"I am very happy to have signed with Arminia Bielefeld, it’s a big opportunity to be signed by Bielefeld. So, I am very happy and cool,” Lasme said.

“I really wanted to take the chance to play in the Bundesliga, because some friends of mine have gone the same way and I therefore already know the Bundesliga well.

“I'm looking forward to getting to know the club and the fans."

In his reaction, the Blues’ manager Frank Kramer was delighted with the prospect of working with the forward he claimed has a lot of potential.

"In the French second league, it is basically not so easy for strikers, but Bryan has proven his goal danger there and was able to bring his strengths such as variability, speed and assertiveness,” said Kramer.

“He is an attacker with a lot of potentials who can help us immediately, so we are happy that we will work together on his further development.

“Bryan is a very flexible striker that we want to develop together here. We are delighted that he has chosen Arminia.”

In the 2020-21 campaign, he featured in 32 French second-tier games, scoring nine goals to his credit.

On the international scene, he represented France at U20 level in 2018. However, Lasme is eligible to represent Cote d’Ivoire at the senior level.

Netherlands star Matthijs de Ligt has assumed responsibility for his side’s 2-0 defeat to the Czech Republic in the last 16 of Euro 2020.

Ten minutes into the second half, De Ligt made a critical slip that resulted in him handling the ball and receiving a red card while the game was still scoreless.

The match had been in the balance at that point, but thereafter the Czechs would dominate and ultimately win 2-0.

What did he say?

Speaking to NOS, the Juventus centre-back said: "We actually lost because of my action, that feels very annoying. Of course this is bad. We had the game under control and then a ball comes, I let it bounce, which in hindsight was not good, I got a light push and fell, after which I handled it. In the end this moment changes the game and I can't let that happen to me. I watched the last few minutes as the team struggled. I really blame myself.

"I didn't feel like it slipped out of our hands. We were in control and had some chances in the first half. In the second half, of course, we had the one on one with the keeper. The red card made the difference. The Czech Republic is a physically strong team that does not shy away from duels. We had a hard time with that. It was a 50-50 match where the red card made the difference.

"This European Championship was a golden opportunity, but if you're eliminated like that, it's very painful. We did well in the group stage. Then you fly out in the last-16 against the Czech Republic. That's very sour."

Wijnaldum reacts

Meanwhile, captain Georginio Wijnaldum said: "After that red card, yes [we were powerless]. Then it was harder for us to put pressure on. If we had the ball, we couldn't get out. We lost the ball very quickly.

"I don't think we handled the way the Czech Republic put pressure on us well. We also didn't handle the spaces we were given properly. In the second half we get a good chance and we don't take it. Then we don't pay attention once and we get a red card.

"I have a crazy feeling. I thought we grew in the tournament. We also felt that in the team. Before the tournament there was a lot of criticism, about the way we played and things like that. We've turned that around well. Then this is very painful, but unfortunately the reality."

Further reading

Katsina United defeated Akwa United 1-0 to end their 18-game unbeaten streak in the Nigeria Professional Football League on Sunday.

Samuel Kalu’s 15th-minute goal from the penalty spot separated the teams in Katsina as Kennedy Boboye’s men suffered their fourth league loss of the season.

Prior to the trip to the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Akwa United defeated bottom-placed Adamawa United 2-0 and they are still sat at the top of the league table despite Sunday's setback.

They have 53 points after 29 matches while Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars trail in the second and third spots, respectively with 52 points each.

At the Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa United grabbed a 2-1 win over Rivers United.

Chigozi Obasi opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and Tochukwu Udeh doubled the hosts' lead on the hour-mark.

Meanwhile, Godwin Aguda scored Rivers United's only goal in the encounter after converting from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.

Sunday's result stretched the Solid Miners' winning run in Lafia to 11 games with their last home defeat dating back to a 2-1 loss against Enyimba in February.

In Kano, Ibrahim Musa's men ended their four-game winless run after edging struggling Ifeanyi Ubah 1-0.

David Ebuka scored the crucial goal in the 27th minute which helped Pillars grab their 16th win of the season in the Nigeria top-flight.

At the Jos International Stadium, Plateau United extended their unbeaten home record to 14 games after they held Enyimba to a goalless draw.

The People's Elephants are fifth on the league table, level on 49 points with Kwara United who occupy the fourth position.

Both teams have played 28 games each, and they are due to play each other in their outstanding fixture.

Elsewhere, MFM's trip to the Okigwe Township Stadium ended in a 2-0 defeat to Heartland.

Chidera Ezeh scored a sixth-minute opener and Kingsley Maduforo' stoppage-time goal secured maximum points for the hosts.

The Olukoya Boys will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they host Kano Pillars at the Agege Stadium on Wednesday.

Sunshine Stars remain unmoved in the drop zone after a 1-0 loss in Kwara alongside Warri Wolves, who suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Enugu Rangers.

Gareth Southgate says previous England v Germany matches are an “irrelevance” to the current squad as he challenges his players to write a new chapter in the Three Lions history books.

England haven’t beaten Germany in a knockout match of a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup final – with memories of penalty shootout defeats at Italia 90 and Euro 96 dominating the build-up to Tuesday’s game.

However, Southgate – who famously missed the crucial penalty in that Euro 96 defeat – insists the weight of history does not weigh on this young generation's shoulders as it perhaps did on previous sides.

What did Southgate say?

Asked whether he has had to ‘demystify’ the hype surrounding an England v Germany tie, Southgate told ITV Sport: "I don't need to demystify it. The history is an irrelevance for them.

"We've got boys born into the 2000s, which is obviously scary for both of us, but it's the reality of the group we're dealing with.

"It's of no consequence to them what we did in, you know, Peter Bonetti in 1970 and what happened in 1990 and so on.

"Of course, they're watching that stuff and getting a bit of an understanding of it but it's not something we're speaking to them about.

"This team have put down lots of historical performances in the last couple of years, made their own history, made their own stories and this is how they should view this game.

"It's an opportunity. We've only won one knockout match in a European Championship as a country, so they've got a great chance to go and be the first team since 1996 to do that."

Mount and Chilwell situation ‘complicated’

Southgate has refused to rule Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell out of contention of the Germany clash, despite the duo having to self-isolate until the day before the match.

The Chelsea pair are having to train on their own after being deemed close contacts of Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for Covid-19.

"It's been quite complicated. In the main they've had to work entirely on their own,” he added.

"They've been able to work in very small, well-distanced group session but not with the full group and they haven't been able to take part in any of the full team training sessions.

"The guidance from Public Health England has been very clear, very specific and we've had to follow that."

Asked whether they are in contention for Tuesday, Southgate added: "Well, that's what we've got to take into account, really. There's not only the training part of that but the psychological part of that as well, of course.

"They've had to spend a lot of time in a room on their own so very difficult situation firstly for the two boys.

"You come to a major tournament, you want to be a part of everything and they've had to isolate through this period, which is of course difficult for anybody. And for us we've just got to make that decision as we as we progress.

"I mean as we get closer to the game they come out of the full quarantine midnight the night before the game, so we'll be able to talk to them a little bit more than we are at the moment.

"I'm having to redo the meetings that I have with the rest of the team over a Zoom call with them, so although I can speak with them once they've been on to the training pitch to do their session, yeah, it's just getting across all of that feeling that they have, really."

Further reading

Matthijs de Ligt made unwanted European Championship history during the Netherlands’ last-16 tie against the Czech Republic.

Dismissed for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity with 55 minutes on the clock, De Ligt became the youngest player to be sent off during the competition’s knockout stages.

At 21 years and 319 days, the Juventus defender took over the mantle from Italy’s Gianluca Zambrotta, who was sent off as a 23-year-old during a Euro 2000 semi-final against the Dutch. It proved a heavy blow for the Dutch side, who would go on to lose the tie 2-0, having been heavy favourites going into the game.

What was the reaction?

De Ligt had been praised prior to his dismissal for the excellent match he was playing.

His red card, however, saw the Juventus man’s reputation take a battering.

Others, meanwhile, pointed to the opportunity that Donyell Malen missed moments earlier as being vital.

Further reading

Wales defender Chris Gunter has blasted the Euro 2020 organisers following his country’s exit from the tournament, saying the set up of the competition was a “joke”.

Robert Page’s side were dumped out at the last-16 stage on Saturday after a 4-0 thrashing by Denmark in Amsterdam, having already played two of their three group games 2,600 miles away in Baku and the third in Rome.

Not only have Wales clocked up the air miles, Covid restrictions meant their fans were unable to travel in great number to any of their games – much to Gunter’s frustration.

What did Gunter say?

Reacting to Wales’ elimination, Gunter wrote on Instagram: "So the journey of this month has come to an end. We did not deserve that score line but who said life was fair.

"It hurts like mad, but to be hurting with some of my best mates and best muckas I've shared a changing room with for years on years makes it a little easier. And to share it with a nation who all feel the same makes it even easier.

"Written off before a bag of air was kicked, 3,000 miles from home. Every nation had fans wherever they went. You and us deserved more from this joke set up of a tournament, but who said life was fair.

"Have a cry, but then smile that we were dining at the top table yet again. And smile even more that we'll be back, and we'll be the ones with the full stadium belting out our anthem that we all deserve."

Despite his obvious frustration at their exit, Gunter believes the future is bright for Welsh football.

"This country is in safe hands with the squad we have, believe me. I'd go to the trenches with every member of this team and staff," he added.

"Be sad, but be proud. There's only three million of us, but we are the lucky ones, and don't you know it. Suck it up, keep your chin up. We'll be alright, trust me on that.

"Genuinely thank you for all the support and love. See you soon. Gunts."

The bigger picture

For the first time in its history the European Championship is being held across the continent rather than in one country.

That format means some countries would likely have to travel more than others, especially with host venues stretching from Glasgow to Baku.

Wales, therefore, can consider themselves unfortunate to have been placed in a group that involved so much travelling.

Then there is the impact of the Covid pandemic – something no-one could have foreseen when the tournament format was devised – which again may have hindered Wales more than some other countries.

Travel restrictions to guard against the spread of the virus meant Wales supporters were advised not to go to Baku or Rome, while the Dutch government said it would not allow those travelling from Wales to attend the game against Denmark.

That meant Denmark fans vastly outnumbered Wales supporters inside the Johan Cruyff Arena, where they roared their team on to a convincing victory.

Further reading

Ghana’s biggest game of the domestic football calendar lived up to its massive hype as Hearts of Oak edged Asante Kotoko 1-0 in a keenly contested matchday 31 action in the Ghana Premier League.

The game generated a lot of interest not only because it involved Ghana’s two biggest clubs or the two most successful clubs in GPL history, but also because with the two teams tied on points atop the table heading into the showdown, the winners were going to take a significant step towards the title.

In the end, it was the Phobians, led by coach Samuel Boadu, who left the Accra Sports Stadium with smiles as Daniel Barnieh Afriyie’s 66th-minute strike sealed the victory.

Unsurprisingly, there were lots of reaction on social media after the final whistle.

Caf should abolish the away goals rule for club and continental competitions, according to the majority of Goal readers.

European football governing body Uefa disclosed on Tuesday that the law which has been in existence since 1965 will no longer be practised as from the 2021-22 campaign.

Justifying this decision, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin stated the rule now "runs counter to its original purpose" and claimed that it deters teams from playing attacking football.

As this decision continues to generate contrasting opinions, we asked our readers if Patrice Motsepe-led Caf should take a cue from this and implement it in Africa.

In a poll conducted on the Goal Africa Twitter handle, 53.6 percent of total votes are of the opinion that Caf should follow Uefa and put an end to the law in its continental competitions.

On the other side, 46.4 percent want the rule to remain in existence.

According to Nigerian football administrator Samuel Olatunji-Okuku, the rule's abolition will bring "justice and equity" to the beautiful game.

“This would bring justice and equity to the game regardless of playing away or at home. Also, it will also return excitement back to the game,” Olatunji-Okuku told Goal.

“Outcome of football matches have been so predictable since away goal rule has been brought into play.

“Everyone knows if you’re playing at home first, the aim is to make sure you don’t concede while the aim of the visiting team is to make ensure they do not concede many goals.

“For instance, let’s say a Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma took a goal lead to Camp Nou, it’s almost predictable that he will play not to concede at all cost.

“So, this takes away the excitement from football as teams are not directly chasing a win. Instead, they go into the ties with a few handbrakes, which for me reduces the excitement.”

The rule has led to some unforgettable moments in knockout ties, particularly in the Champions League, over the years.

Recently, Tottenham Hotspur's 3-2 win over Ajax in Amsterdam saw them advance to the final of the competition in 2018-19 via this law.

They had previously silenced Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City by the same method in the last eight.

SuperSport United have commented on the reports linking them with Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Tebogo Langerman.

The 35-year-old player struggled for game time during the recent 2020/21 season and he is reportedly on the radar of Matsatsantsa ahead of the upcoming July-August transfer window. 

Langerman fell out of favour at Sundowns following the departure of coach Pitso Mosimane in September 2020 and Brazilians signed full-back Aubrey Modiba from SuperSport in the same month.

SuperSport chief executive officer Stanley Matthews has refuted speculation linking them with the ageing defender. 

“I don’t know where you hear your information from, but we have not signed Langerman and we won’t be signing Langerman,” said Mathews on Daily Sun. 

SuperSport are known for their policy of promoting youth into their first team instead of signing players over the age of 30.

Matthews stated that they already have an experienced left-back in Onismor Bhasera, who has scored 20 goals in 101 matches for the Tshwane giants since he joined the club in 2016.

“I already have Bash [Bhasera]. We will only sign a young left-back," he concluded.

Matsatsantsa also have Botswana captain and central defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe on their books, who can operate as a left-back. 

Langerman signed a new three-year deal at Sundowns at the end of the 2019/20 season. 

Sundowns media officer Shupi Nkgadima said Langerman is still part of the PSL champions squad, but he admitted that the experienced full-back might be open to leaving the club due to lack of game time.

“Langerman is still a Sundowns player. But anyone who spent a year not playing or played less than five games per season is open to a move," Nkgadima told the same publication.

The former Bafana Bafana international started four matches in the PSL in the recent campaign with Modiba and Lyle Lakay preferred ahead of him.

Langerman is one of the most decorated players in South African football having won seven PSL titles and only Denis Onyango and Hlompho Kekana have won more titles with eight each.

He was on the books of SuperSport between 2009 and 2012 having joined the club from the now-defunct Bidvest Wits.

Hearts of Oak claimed bragging rights, three points and an advantage in the title race as Daniel Barnieh Afriyie struck to ensure a 1-0 home triumph over rivals Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

The Ghana U20 captain found the back of the net after half-time in the top-of-the-table clash, his goal ultimately ending as the separating factor in the matchday 31 fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

While teams were tied on points heading into the Super Clash, the Phobians have now moved three points clear in the lead, with only three more rounds of matches to go.

Hearts coach Samuel Boadu entrusted Afriyie to lead the side on the day, with support from playmaker Razak Salifu and winger Patrick Razak. Ghana international Mohammed Alhassan was deployed at centre-back.

Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama, who scored and set up another goal in Kotoko's last match against Karela United, was expected to turn on the magic for the Porcupine Warriors once again, alongside Ghana centre-back Ismail Abdul Ganiyu.

Surprisingly, Ghana goalkeeper Razak Abalora lost his Kotoko starting place to Kwame Baah.

The hosts began strongly, taking the game to the visitors and won two corner kicks within the first two minutes.

In the fourth minute, Hearts tested Baah after Salifu played a short free-kick to Emmanuel Nettey, but the latter's shot was no worry for the goalkeeper.

In the 20th minute, Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah was called into action, saving Patrick Asmah's free-kick.

At the opposite end once again, Baah had to react appropriately to keep out Mohammed Fatawu's effort after he received a looping pass from Frederick Ansah Botchway.

After the half-time break in the 62nd minute, Gyamfi attempted to find the back of the net with a first-time shot following a Gama through-ball but the shot went off target.

In the 66th minute, Afriyie finally broke the deadlock for the Phobians from close range, shooting first-time on a half-turn beyond Baah after a low shot was drilled into the penalty box.

Kotoko tried to mount a comeback, but with their struggle to create clear-cut scoring chances, they were left helpless as referee Daniel Laryea brought the game to an end after four minutes of injury time.

Ante Budimir has hailed the impact of Luka Modric on the Croatia international side.

The Real Madrid midfielder has played a key role to his side progressing to the last-16 of Euro 2020, notably starring as his side defeated Scotland 3-1 in Glasgow to move into the knockout stages.

Budimir, who turns out for Osasuna in La Liga, has said that hard work is the secret to the longevity of Modric, who is 35 years old and is expected to lead his country against Spain on Monday.

What did he say?

“When we play a game in training, it is usually old against young and he wants to beat the youngsters,” the striker told Goal. “We take it very seriously, like a real match. You see those details of wanting to win these games. It is something that motivates you, because you see that he gets serious and says that you have to win.

“We know the player he is. Seeing how he prepares for training, then also how he performs in games, trying to attack and defend, to be the leader ... He is a very good example.

“He plays at a top level, he has won everything and for him nothing changes, be it in qualifying against Malta or Cyprus, or now against Scotland or England in the European Championship.

“I really like his preparation before training: he goes to the gym, rests himself, takes care of the details, warms up for the session ... You can see that he has concentration for training, that he is prepared; it's not that he comes out and suddenly plays like a top star.”

Modric’s influence

Modric may take training games against young players seriously, but he also helps new faces to settle into the international scene.

“With me and with other youngster, he is the first to give support from the start,” Budimir said. “He says that the player whose debut it is has to enjoy the game and that it is the other 10 who have to contribute more. The player who debuts has to remember it beautifully. He helps you. He cares about these things.”

Further Reading

Any speculation about the future of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ought to be dismissed immediately according to our resident Manchester United supporter on the latest edition of Fan View.

Speaking to Goal , Ghana-based Usmane Ahmed has revealed his overwhelming support for the Norwegian coach and insists that Solksjaer’s progress with the club is testament to his aptitude for the role.

Despite Ahmed’s conviction, things didn’t go entirely to plan for United legend Solskjaer last term, as he was unable to end the Red Devils’ trophy drought as they were defeated by Villarreal in the Europa League final.

They didn’t truly challenge Manchester City for the title either, having been well off the pace against Liverpool in the season before.

“I stand ‘Ole in’,” Ahmed told Goal , when asked where he stood on the Solskjaer In vs Solskjaer Out debate. “That’s for sure.

“I am 100 percent with Ole,” he added, “and I stand with [him] rain or shine, good or bad, because he knows the philosophy of Manchester, he knows what it means to coach Manchester, he knows what it means to play for Manchester United.

“He knows the ins and outs of Manchester United, and from what I saw from two years, three years to now, there has been nothing but progress.”

Indeed, Solskjaer has steadied the ship since replacing Jose Mourinho at the helm of the Red Devils.

He has sought to cultivate an attractive style of play, moved to give prominent roles to younger players, and improved United’s standing year on year.

“That’s what I’m seeing,” Ahmed continued. “His first season, he ended up third, now second.”

Our United fan believes that a positive transfer window for the Red Devils could help Solskjaer achieve his aims…and perhaps even challenge for the title…during the 2021-22 season.

“Next season, who knows what might happen with the right recruitment in,” he concluded. “If we get the right recruitment, then the next season can be massive for Manchester United.

“We already have Bruno Fernandes, and if you see the signings that Ole made, [you wouldn’t] worry.

“I see the next signings will be better than he has already made,” Ahmed concluded, “there will be nothing but success next season.”

So far, the only deals United have done this window have been outgoings, with goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira departing on free transfers.