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Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Bernard Parker says they are not surprised about reaching the Caf Champions League semi-finals and his coach Arthur Zwane dismisses the notion Amakhosi were previously not serious about continental football.

The Soweto giants host Wydad Casablanca in a semi-final, second leg match at FNB Stadium on Saturday leading 1-0 from the away leg. 

After struggling on the domestic front, Chiefs appeared to be a different outfit in Africa and Parker credits their long Champions League campaign to being mentally motivated as he also feels they are a match to Wydad who were regarded as superior opponents. 

“We are not surprised [that we got to this stage of the competition]. Reason why? We know ourselves in terms of the quality and strength that we have. The games, [local and on the continent], were different,” said Parker as per IOL.

“It was also two different leagues. So, I won’t say that it was a surprise but it was sort of a mental issue. When things don’t go well, it’s very hard to dig yourself out of the ground. When we were doing well on the continent, that was motivational.

“Wydad are a big team. But so are Chiefs. It’s just that they’ve done well in their domestic league and we’ve had a little hiccup. But we find ourselves, pound for pound, facing each other in the Champions League. They beat us once, and we’ve beaten them twice.”  

“But we’ll face them again, and that’s why it’s important that we are aware of the situation. But we, as the players, need to keep our mentality and positivity in a good state.”

It is the first time ever for Chiefs to reach the Champions League semi-finals in a season they participated in the group stage for the first time after years of struggling in this competition.

Since lifting the 2001 Caf Cup Winners Cup, Chiefs found continental football tough for them, leading to questions about their efforts outside Premier Soccer League football.

But assistant coach Arthur Zwane has moved in to try and demystify the notion that they were not serious about Caf inter-club football.

“I think all the players know the importance of winning this continental title,” Zwane said.

“It’s been a while since we took part in the competition and, at some point, people started to believe we don’t want to take part in the [African] competitions. But that was not the case. When you are building, things might not go your way immediately – they might take a while.

“But at some point, even when you are still in the building process, you find yourself in the situation that we are in right now. Everyone is positive about this one. This tournament has tested our boys’ character from the beginning.

“Even at some point, we had doubts because the results were not coming. But participating and going as far as the semi-finals, that alone tells you we are a good team.

“Some might see differently and say that we were fortunate enough to find ourselves in the semi-finals. That might be a fluke to them, but the fact is that the boys did everything. If you’ve been to Tanzania, a lot of behind-the-scenes things tested these boys.”  

On Saturday, Chiefs will be under the guidance of Zwane and assistant coach Dillon Sheppard as head coach Stuart Baxter awaits the issuing of his work permit. 

Nigeria target Chuks Aneke has sealed a transfer move to English Championship side Birmingham City.

The 27-year-old, who formerly played for Charlton Athletic, has penned a two-year contract and will officially join the Blues on July 1.

“Blues are delighted to announce the signing of Chuks Aneke,” the club said in a statement on their official website.

“The former Charlton Athletic forward has agreed on a two-year deal and will officially join on July 1.”

On signing the deal, Aneke said: “I am delighted to finally get it over the line”, said Aneke. “It’s a big club and a big challenge, I’m definitely looking forward to it.

“It’s a massive club and it’s in the Championship – that’s where I want to be. I want to test myself in the Championship and my old [head] Coach is here, so it lined up and I am ready to go.”

Aneke has been in demand during the close season, with the club fighting off plenty of competition to secure his signature after he scored 15 league goals last term.

As well as having an eye for goal, the 27-year-old has the ability to link play in the final third and bolsters the attacking ranks at Lee Bowyer’s disposal.

On the books of Arsenal as a youngster, Aneke boasts a 13-year association with the Gunners and made his first-team debut in 2011 during a League Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town.

This led to loan spells with Stevenage, Preston North End, and then two stints with Crewe Alexandra. In Cheshire, Aneke found the net 24 times in 82 appearances between 2012 and 2014.

Following his release from Arsenal, he joined Jupiler Pro League side Zulte Waregem before returning to England where he signed for Milton Keynes Dons after a period disrupted by injury in Belgium.

Initially still recovering, Aneke was unable to prevent MK Dons from dropping into the fourth-tier but played an instrumental role in helping them bounce back at the first time of asking by scoring 19 goals in all competitions.

Such impressive form saw him attract various admirers, with Charlton securing his services in June 2019 and receiving an instant return when Aneke scored on his debut versus Stoke City.

And although his final season at the Valley ended in disappointment, with the Addicks missing out on the play-offs by virtue of goal difference, Aneke recorded 15 league counters.

Aneke is the third permanent signing of Lee Bowyer’s reign, after Ryan Woods and Jordan Graham joined earlier this week.

He has featured for the England youth team but he is eligible to play for the Nigeria national team and should he maintain his fitness and feature consistently for his club he could get a call-up to the Super Eagles.

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has backed Kaizer Chiefs to defeat Wydad Casablanca and go on to win the Caf Champions League this season.

In an exclusive interview with Goal, the ex-Black Stars stopper put his Buccaneers loyalties to one side and praised the Amakhosi for their fine run in Africa’s premier club competition so far this term.

Arthur Zwane’s charges hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg of their final four meeting with the Moroccan giants after Samir Nurkovic scored the only goal of the game in the previous clash between the pair.

 “Kaizer Chiefs have done well considering where they are coming from, playing in the Caf games and getting to the semi-final,” Dauda told Goal. “I believe they can win it.

“They are showing character and they are doing well,” he continued. “They are doing well, they are scoring both home and away—which is good.”

Chiefs have had to find inner resolve to advance in continental competition against the backdrop of a miserable domestic campaign in which they finished eighth in the PSL.

Unable to get the best out of his squad, and hamstrung by Chiefs’ transfer ban, Gavin Hunt lost his job as head coach, but interim tactician Zwane has steadied the ship and oversaw an impressive victory against Wydad in the first leg.

“I know, from when I was playing in South Africa with Orlando Pirates, how they are, how they play, how good they are,” Dauda continued, “and I’ve watched some of their games in the Caf Champions League.”

While Chiefs are in pole position heading into Saturday’s second leg at the FNB Stadium, they will be conscious of how slender their advantage is.

Nurkovic’s winner in the first leg—awarded by VAR after initially being deemed offside—gave them the lead, but Bruce Bvuma’s heroics between the sticks ultimately ensured Chiefs got over the line.

Despite their domestic troubles, this Chiefs side are breaking new ground in continental competition.

While they may be South Africa’s most popular club, and were African Cup Winners’ Cup winners back in 2001, they are without a trophy for seven years, and have never reached this stage of Africa’s top club competition.

Should they advance against Wydad, they will face either Al-Ahly or Esperance in the final, with Pitso Mosimane’s side holding a 1-0 advantage from the first-leg showdown between the pair.

Retired former Dutch professional footballer Dick van Burik believes Kevin-Prince Boateng had the potential to reach Lionel Messi's level.

The former centre-back captained Hertha Berlin and played with the Ghanaian in the same team between 2005 and 2007. 

The West African, recently, made a return to the team where he started his career and signed a one-year contract. The now 47-year-old Dutch concedes the qualities of the attacker in the German team were world-class and much was expected from him.

"Even when Kevin came from the youth to the first team, his potential was immediately world-class," Van Burik said as quoted by Ghanaweb.

"He can do things that you go to the stadium for. Even then he had the... attitude and simply showed what he can do.

"He has become a great player but I actually expected that he would come even closer to the highest level of Messi. His passing game, the overview, speed, technique, and goal danger, he had it all. That he is now returning to Hertha is a wonderful story.

"As they say in Holland, the circle is round again."

Van Burik further explained it will be a theme of joy if his brother also makes a return to the Old Lady.

"Kevin and Jerome Boateng are the greatest players that Hertha have ever trained and both were successful at top international clubs," the former SC Heerenveen assistant coach continued.

"Hertha can be very proud of that. If Jerome came now, that would be the absolute Hertha hammer. If both of them finally kicked off where their world careers began, that would be Hertha's fairy tale."

Kevin-Prince featured for 14 teams in his career, among them Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund on loan, AC Milan and Barcelona.

Despite his brother Jerome Boateng opting to represent Germany at senior level, Kevin opted to play for Ghana where he made 15 appearances, scoring two goals in the process.

On the other hand, Jerome has played for his country 76 times and scored one goal.

Both players represented Germany at junior level before making different choices later on.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye feels the Soweto giants were “just fortunate” to beat Wydad Casablanca away and the Moroccans will turn the tables in Saturday’s Caf Champions League semi-final, second leg at FNB Stadium.

Chiefs go into Saturday’s match enjoying a 1-0 lead from last weekend's first leg, leaving Wydad pressed to chase the contest.

After Wydad dominated play at Stade Mohamed V, although failing to score, Khanye is convinced the North Africans will defeat Chiefs. 

“I don’t mind who says what. Wydad will win this game. We are behind Chiefs, we are South Africans but we need to be realistic,” Khanye told iDiski TV. 

“Watching last week’s game, Wydad lacked luck. For almost the entire match Chiefs did not attack and they couldn’t complete three passes in their own half. What was correct was just Arthur’s approach in terms of shape tactically. On that one, Arthur did very well. 

“FNB Stadium is big and if Chiefs give Wydad space, they will be exposed. Another thing is that Wydad are speedy, especially up front and with individual brilliance. One might think that we don’t want Chiefs to win but we are South Africans and it is the first time for them to reach this stage. 

“Wydad will win this match. From what I watched last week, Wydad will win.” 

It is the second successive time for Khanye to 'prophesy' doom on Chiefs after he predicted Wydad would score more than two goals last week. 

His forecast, however, went wrong as Amakhosi stunned the Moroccans courtesy of a Samir Nurkovic goal. 

But the ex-South Africa youth international player is sticking to his guns, insisting Chiefs' lack of quality will be their downfall. 

“I’m always worried about Chiefs’ quality. You can approach a game in the right way in terms of tactical discipline, but until when? It is going to be tough for Chiefs at FNB because that ground is big,” said Khanye. 

“Chiefs were just fortunate last week. Wydad are experienced in this competition which they won in 2017. My concern is that there is no balance in the Chiefs squad in terms of defence and attack. Defensively, coach Arthur has done well. 

“It is not going to be an easy game with Chiefs leading from the first leg away. Wydad are capable of scoring more than a goal so it will be tough [for Chiefs].”

Victory for Chiefs will see them reaching the Champions League final for the first time in their history.

Heading into the 2021-22 season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a major decision to make: Who will be Manchester United’s No. 1 goalkeeper for the coming campaign?

Last season, David De Gea and Dean Henderson traded the Red Devils’ gloves, with the former—his form not what it used to be—giving way on occasion for the younger man to step into the side.

Henderson had previously excelled with Sheffield United on loan the season before, and while he enjoyed several fine performances as United’s stopper, there were also occasional jitters to raise concerns that he may not have the personality to hold down the position long-term.

De Gea was given a late-season opportunity to impress in the Europa League final against Villarreal, but an underwhelming display—including a decisive missed penalty in the shootout—sent the title to Spain and ensured a disappointing end to the campaign for the 30-year-old.

De Gea should be in his prime, but having also lost his place as Spain’s No. 1, his future appears uncertain.

This isn’t so according to United fan Usmane Ahmed, who told Goal in the latest episode of Fan View that he backs De Gea to reclaim his starting spot in the coming campaign.

“I prefer [De Gea],” Ahmed said on the latest episode of Fan View. “Henderson is an up-and-coming goalkeeper, and he proved himself at Sheffield United.

“His success last season made Sheffield United [reach] such a high position, he was a great influence,” he added.

Ahmed acknowledged that De Gea didn’t enjoy the best of seasons last time around, but has nonetheless backed the experienced keeper to return to top form for the year ahead.

“For De Gea the influence is there, but sometimes you have your bad days and your good days,” the Ghanaian fan continued.

“Unfortunately his bad days were the days when we needed him the most, but he’s done a lot for Manchester United.

“We just hope he will bounce back in time for next season.”

Speaking in April, Solskjaer suggested that he welcomed the ‘bond’ between the two keepers and believed that the rivalry made each stronger.

By giving Henderson the opportunity to impress, he hinted—directly—at a future beyond De Gea, but restoring the Spaniard for the Europa League final suggested he’s not entirely convinced by the younger man.

With the new campaign fast approaching, which way will the Norwegian coach decide to go for such a critical position for the Red Devils?

Football expert Francois Miguel Boudet is surprised Europa League champions Villarreal are willing to let Samuel Chukwueze leave in the ongoing transfer window.

The 22-year-old attacker joined the Spanish outfit in 2018 and has since made 92 appearances, scoring 12 goals in the process. He played a crucial role in helping the team lift the Europa League last season but Unai Emery sees him as surplus to requirements.

French side Olympique Marseille have been linked with the player.

"[Chukwueze] is a very good player, he has a very good winger quality," Boudet told Footballclubdemarseille.

"Against Arsenal in the semi-finals, he was excellent, we saw a winger with a lot of the ball even if he can still be improved. It is very interesting, he is one of the La Liga revelations in the last two years. He is post-trained at Villarreal, it’s very surprising that the club wants to let him go.

"He is someone that should cost a lot, and it’s confirmed with around 100 La Liga games."

Boudet concedes the Super Eagle is inconsistent in finding the back of the net regularly but insists he is a player one would love to see in the stadium.

"He is able to play in the second point, he has the qualities even if he remains mainly a winger. He lacks the ability to perform consistently as a goalscorer. But, he is the kind of guy you like to see at the stadium.

"He is spectacular, with great speed and good hook quality."  

Recently, Villarreal confirmed the Nigeria international had successful surgery on the quadriceps of his left leg.

Chukwueze first picked up the muscle injury during the Yellow Submarines’ Uefa Europa League semi-final clash against Arsenal on May 6.

He was stretchered off in pain during the game and he tried to recover in time for the Europa League final against Manchester United last Wednesday but he failed a late fitness test and the pain recurred.

Following advice from the club's medical team, Chukwueze went to Hospital Quironsalud in Barcelona to have his surgery and he has now started his recovery sessions.

As with every international tournament, the Italy national anthem has been one of the fan favourites of Euro 2020. 

The Azzurri stars line up and belt out their anthem with gusto and the passion of the players as well as the rhythm of the song makes it stand out from the rest. 

Goal takes as a look at one of the most iconic of all national anthems... Fratelli d'Italia.

Italy national football team anthem

The anthem's original title is Il Canto degli Italiani, which means "The Song of the Italians", but it is also known by the opening words of the song, Fratelli d'Italia, translation: Brothers of Italy.

Oddly enough, however, the full anthem is rarely sung. Usually the opening verse is sung twice followed by the chorus and then ends strong with a loud "Si!" (Yes!).

Fratelli d'Italia lyrics in full

Fratelli d'Italia,
l'Italia s'è desta,
dell'elmo di Scipio
s'è cinta la testa.
Dov'è la Vittoria?
Le porga la chioma,
ché schiava di Roma
Iddio la creò.

[Chorus]: Stringiamci a coorte,
siam pronti alla morte.
Siam pronti alla morte,
l'Italia chiamò.
Stringiamci a coorte,
siam pronti alla morte.
Siam pronti alla morte,
l'Italia chiamò!

Noi fummo da secoli
calpesti, derisi,
perché non siam popolo,
perché siam divisi.
Raccolgaci un'unica
bandiera, una speme:
di fonderci insieme
già l'ora suonò.
(Chorus)

Uniamoci, amiamoci,
l'unione e l'amore
rivelano ai popoli
le vie del Signore.
Giuriamo far libero
il suolo natio:
uniti, per Dio,
chi vincer ci può?
(Chorus)

Dall'Alpi a Sicilia
dovunque è Legnano,
ogn'uom di Ferruccio
ha il core, ha la mano,
i bimbi d'Italia
si chiaman Balilla,
il suon d'ogni squilla
i Vespri suonò.
(Chorus)

Son giunchi che piegano
le spade vendute:
già l'Aquila d'Austria
le penne ha perdute.
Il sangue d'Italia,
il sangue Polacco,
bevé, col cosacco,
ma il cor le bruciò.
(Chorus)
 

English translation:
Brothers of Italy,
Italy has woken,
Bound Scipio's helmet
Upon her head.
Where is Victory?
Let her bow down,
For God created her
Slave of Rome.

Let us join in a cohort,
We are ready to die.
We are ready to die,
Italy has called.
Let us join in a cohort,
We are ready to die.
We are ready to die,
Italy has called, yes!

We were for centuries
downtrodden, derided,
because we are not one people,
because we are divided.
Let one flag, one hope
gather us all.
The hour has struck
for us to unite.
(Chorus)

Let us unite, let us love one another,
For union and love
Reveal to the people
The ways of the Lord.
Let us swear to set free
The land of our birth:
United, for God,
Who can overcome us?
(Chorus)

From the Alps to Sicily,
Legnano is everywhere;
Every man has the heart
and hand of Ferruccio
The children of Italy
Are all called Balilla;
Every trumpet blast
sounds the Vespers.
(Chorus)

Mercenary swords,
they're feeble reeds.
The Austrian eagle
Has already lost its plumes.
The blood of Italy
and the Polish blood
It drank, along with the Cossack,
But it burned its heart.
(Chorus)

When was Il Canto degli Italiani made an official hymn?

The lyrics were written by Goffredo Mameli in September 1847 and was inspired by the French anthem La Marseillaise. He was just 20 years old at the time.

He sent it to Turin for fellow Genoese composer Michele Novaro to put music to it, rather than set it to already existing music.

It was played publicly for the first time that December in front of a crowd of 30,000 who had come to Genoa from all over Italy to celebrate 101st anniversary of the popular rebellion of the Genoese quarter of Portoria during the War of the Austrian Succession and also to protest against foreign occupations in Italy. 

During reign of Benito Mussolini, songs that were not explicitly fascist were banned or discouraged but Il Canto degli Italiani was tolerated and eventually mistakenly seen as the official anthem.

After World War II, the song enjoyed a resurgence, especially among anti-fascists and was declared the nation's provisional national anthem in 1946. It was supposed to be officially adopted into the constitution as the official song, but there was no legislative decree to confirm it. 

The song remained popular in Italy and among Italians abroad but it was not until 2017 that the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill to confirm the Canto degli Italiani an official hymn of the Italian Republic.

Read more

Kaizer Chiefs are facing what could arguably be their biggest match ever when they host Wydad Casablanca in Saturday's Caf Champions League semi-final, second leg match at FNB Stadium.

Leading 1-0 from the first leg, Chiefs would be put to a stern test to see if they can hold on to their slender advantage.

The Soweto giants just need a draw from this encounter and are 90 minutes away from reaching the Champions League final for the first time ever.

With coach Stuart Baxter yet to secure a South African work permit, assistant coaches Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard will continue heading the technical bench just like they did seven days ago away in Casablanca.

For Wydad, they are back at FNB Stadium where they lost 1-0 to Amakhosi in a group match in April.

They now seek to stage a comeback in the Soweto giants' own backyard and at least a two-goal margin victory will guarantee the Moroccans a passage into the final of the Champions League, a competition they have previously won twice.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Earlier this week, Zwane confirmed that Lebogang Manyama will be available for selection on Saturday after the forward missed the trip to Morocco due to injury.

Manyama's return adds more attacking options for the coaches as the attacker ended the Premier Soccer League season on a high.

Chiefs also welcome back defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele who did not travel to Casablanca last week.

But Khama Billiat remains on the sidelines recovering from a fractured leg.

Also still out is Dumisani Zuma who, like Billiat, is a long-term absentee.

All Wydad players who participated in the first leg are part of the 25-man squad which is in Johannesburg.

That is some encouraging news for coach Faouzi Benzarti who has everyone at his disposal to chase the game.

Match Preview

While Chiefs have carved themselves a grim record of being inconsistent in the 2020/21 season, they have an encouraging record of having not lost at home in the Champions League in this campaign. 

Interestingly, they host Wydad who have never won in their six previous visits to South Africa.

The Moroccans have suffered four defeats in Gauteng after thrice losing to Mamelodi Sundowns before the April loss to Amakhosi.

They have managed two draws in their trips to South Africa and these came against Sundowns in Pretoria.

On Saturday, they would be looking to break their poor record as they come up against an unpredictable Chiefs side which struggles for consistency.

In the ended PSL season, Chiefs would stun giants like Orlando Pirates and Sundowns, but for the next game they would embarrassingly be beaten by teams fighting against relegation.

But now as they face what would be a historical moment, they are looking to avoid such a trend by defending the advantage they secured away.

Wydad arrived in South Africa having beaten their Moroccan rivals RS Berkane 2-0 in a Botola Pro League match on Tuesday with an almost second-string squad.

With five goals in three matches, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is at the summit of the goalscorers list in the ongoing Euro 2020.

The Juventus talisman also touched Iranian forward Ali Daei's record of 109 international goals with a brace against France in Portugal's final group stage match on June 24.

Other than Ronaldo, players like Romelu Lukaku, Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski also feature in this list. Unfortunately, Lewandowski will not get a chance to increase his tally as Poland have been eliminated from the group stage.

Netherlands are the highest scoring team in the Euro so far with eight goals in three matches. They are followed by Italy, Portugal and Belgium who have seven goals each. Germany and Spain have both scored six goals.

Who are the top goalscorers in Euro 2020 so far?

How is the list of top goalscorers determined?

The ranking of players who have scored the same number of goals are determined on the basis of:

1) The number of assists provided

2) Fewest minutes played

3) Number of goals scored in the qualification phase.

From Memphis Depay to Ivan Perisic 13 players have scored two goals each but among them, the Dutch forward has two assists to his name so he features in the seventh position.

Further reading

Records that Ronaldo can break at Euro 2020

Ronaldo becomes joint-top scorer

Which country has Ronaldo scored the most goals against?

Zambia international Patson Daka has confirmed his exit from Red Bull Salzburg amid reports he has signed for Leicester City.

The 22-year-old striker has taken to his social media pages to thank the Austrian club for the time he spent together with the team and promised to return soon.

“Thank you guys for your time I had lots of fun, see you next time. Big love,” Daka wrote.

His statement on social media comes a few hours after he confirmed that he is set to join Leicester after weeks of rumours surrounding his club future.

Daka has been linked to Tottenham and Liverpool in recent weeks, but Leicester have won the race to his signature after persuading the Zambian that they could offer him more first-team chances.

Salzburg are expected to receive a fee of around €30 million (£26m/$36m) for Daka, who is now set to embark on what he called a dream move.

“I will go to England and move to Leicester City,” the striker said.

“I had a great time here, Salzburg has become my second home,” he added. “I will always be happy to come back here, but the Premier League has always been my big dream.”

The striker has shown himself to be one of the most dynamic young attackers in Europe, having scored 27 goals in 28 matches as Salzburg claimed their fifth consecutive Austrian Bundesliga title last season.

Daka has been in Salzburg since joining the club in 2017, initially proving himself with the club's youth teams. He went on to make his senior debut in August 2019, going on to score 68 goals for the club ever since.

Daka is now set to become the latest Salzburg starlet to make the leap to a bigger league, following the likes of Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane and Takumi Minamino.

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has called on his players to try and protect their lead when they take on Esperance de Tunis in the return leg of the Caf Champions League on Saturday.

The Red Devils beat the Tunisian giants 1-0 in the semi-final first leg meeting played in Tunis with Mohamed Sherif notching the all-important goal in the second half to give them a big advantage going into the return leg at Al Ahly WE Al Salam Stadium.

But despite carrying the advantage, the former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician has maintained a cautious approach for the return leg insisting they are not yet in the final and called on his players to protect their slim win.

“We are playing at home, when we play at home, we play to win. What is important for us is to try to protect our lead, our small lead. You do so by scoring and making sure the opponent doesn’t score,” Mosimane said as quoted by the club’s official website.

“Of course, we enter the second leg with a small advantage but we all know the history of Al Ahly and Esperance. History speaks a lot.

“It will be a very open game because I expect the opponent to try to score and we play at home so we need to score. The result is what matters the most and not how we play. In the end, we want to go through.”

On whether Al Ahly are already in the final, the South African tactician said: “We will cross the bridge when we come to it. We cannot talk now about the final now. The biggest mistake for a coach is to talk about the final while he still has a game to play.”

On his message to the fans, Mosimane said: “Al Ahly fans are an important and decisive factor in the matches, but the team has not played any African match with fans since last season.

“I hope to see them in the stands because they are the 12th player in Al Ahly.”

The Egyptian giants have received a major boost heading into the clash after defender Ahmed "Beckham" Ramadan, returned to the team’s training sessions on Wednesday after recovering from his injury.

Ramadan returned back to training after recovering from the quadriceps muscle injury which sidelined him from the first leg meeting.

Austrian second-tier side FC Blau Weiss Linz have completed the signing of Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena.

The experienced West African has been out of action for some time owing to a recurring heart condition, but it seems he has managed to overcome it.

It is for this reason the Austrian charges have opted to hand him a deal that will see him turn out for them until 2023.

"FC Blau Weiss Linz is delighted to announce the signing of Raphael Dwamena," the club confirmed via their official portal.

"The 25-year-old top striker has totally impressed in the trial training session over the past few days and is now part of the team. Dwamena signs a contract until 2023, with an option for an additional year. 

"The medical check...also went very well and, of course, his medical history was also carefully examined."

The striker was happy with his new deal and has since promised to give his best to ensure he delivers for the team.

"I am so happy that FC Blau Weiss Linz is giving me the chance and I will be eternally grateful," the Black Star said after completing the deal.

"I would like to repay that with performance on the pitch. My athletic path is far from over. I feel very fit and want to achieve great things with blue and white in the next 2-3 years."

"I have a good relationship with his advisor, the ex-Dortmund professional, and Swiss team player Philipp Degen," Sporting Director Tino Wawra said.

"That is why this commitment was possible. Here Raphael also saw that something is developing, and he now wants to follow this path with us in the long term. I am very proud that we were able to convince such a top striker to come to Linz."

His new coach Gerald Scheiblehner also lauded the player and expressed optimism he will excel.

"You could already see in the first training sessions what dynamism and what qualities Raphael has," the tactician stated. 

"But you have to take the pressure off him a little at the beginning. Now it is important to raise him to a decent fitness level, then we will have a lot of fun with him."

Dwamena has initially played for Red Bull Salzburg, Liefering FC, and Austria Lustenau -all in Austria.

He also played for Danish charges Vejle BK and Spanish outfit Real Zaragoza.

Football Kenya Federation has confirmed the final of FKF Shield Cup pitting sworn rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia will now be played at Ruaraka grounds.

This is after efforts by the federation to secure a better venue – either Nyayo or Kasarani – bore no fruits as the government turned down their request to use either of the facilities.

In a letter from FKF CEO Barry Otieno and obtained by Goal, the federation has confirmed receipt of a letter from the Sports Stadia Management Board confirming they cannot be allowed to access either Nyayo or Kasarani for the derby scheduled for July 4.

What has been said?

“We’re in receipt of communication from Sports Kenya informing us of the unavailability of both Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium on the aforesaid date,” read the letter from FKF obtained by Goal.

“However, the dates of the match remain unchanged and will be played on July 4th, 2021 at Ruaraka Sports ground in Nairobi at 3 pm.”

What did FKF's Mwendwa say?

When reached for comment to clarify on the matter, FKF President Nick Mwendwa confirmed to Goal they will use Ruaraka for the final and fans will not be allowed to attend.

“We have been informed that Kasarani and Nyayo are not available for use so we can only use Ruaraka for the final,” Mwendwa told Goal. “We did our best and asked the government to spare us one of the venues this being a final and our request has been turned down.

“We must accept to use what is available and we feel Ruaraka will be good for the final, but also fans will not be allowed to attend because of Covid-19 restrictions.”

The state of Ruaraka grounds, the home of Tusker FC, is in a deplorable state since the venue is currently being used three times a week to host FKF Premier League matches.

Gor's Vaz Pinto on playing at Nyayo

After reaching the final, Gor Mahia coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto was the first to raise his concerns over using the venue for the final insisting it will be good if the federation secures either Nyayo or Kasarani for the derby.

“Yes...these type of games need a good stadium, good grass and because in Utalii and Ruaraka grounds, we have played a lot of games there now and their surfaces have started to be difficult to play good football and this is a final, and of course, these type of games are important to have in a good stadium,” Vaz Pinto told Goal.

“It will be good to have a good stadium like Kasarani or Nyayo, they are one of the good stadiums we have and I think it is very important we try and get a good venue for such type of a game.”

Gor Mahia made it to the final after beating Bidco United 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 scoreline in regulation time while AFC Leopards also toiled, to get past Division One side Equity Bank, whom they beat 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in normal time.

Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines earlier this month when he made his preference for water over Coca Cola known.

His performances in the ongoing Euro 2020 have been exceptional as the Juventus star leads the scoring charts with five goals from three outings, with two of the three games being against top countries like Germany and France.

Many fans all over the world are keen to know what’s the secret behind Ronaldo’s peak fitness condition, something which he has maintained over the course of last 18 years or so.

Interestingly, his team-mate at Juventus, Daouda Peeters, who made his debut last season against Cagliari, gave an insight as to what the former Manchester United attacker eats.

“He always eats the same thing: broccoli, chicken and rice," Peeters told HLN.

The Belgian further confirmed that Ronaldo isn’t into soda drinks and intakes ‘agua (water)’ at regular intervals to keep himself hydrated.

“Litres of water, no Coca-Cola. Cristiano wants to win always and everywhere. He makes young players grow. He really involves you,” said the 22-year-old Belgian.

While some critics point that Ronaldo’s obsession with maintaining himself in top condition is borne out of vanity or narcissism, Peeters disagrees and shared his reasons for the same.

"He does not do those abdominal exercises out of vanity, but because he sees his body as an instrument for work. It is not the case that Cristiano stands in front of the mirror during those hours. Anyway, he would not have time for that. When he is at the club, it's mainly for training. He really lives for his job."

“Cristiano is a very nice guy, but at the same time he takes football very seriously,” Peeters mentioned.

There’s always the odd unconscious inclination to give football players stick after every misdemeanour, however slight, a reflection, perhaps of their privileged lifestyle and considerable incomes.

Every off-field misconduct tends to be exacerbated, and the accompanying opprobrium borders on excessive in most cases.

Given their already high wages, perhaps observers expect some sort of faux humility and a sole focus on football…after all, the principal goal is to compete for and win trophies at the highest level.

Over the years, footballers have been seen as highly-rewarded millionaires who are beyond inconsiderate and self-serving, but that perception has been changing of late and African stars have helped to change that sentiment.

Make no mistake, giving back to the community isn't obligatory and players have a right to commit their finances into what they please. They retain autonomy over their income and shouldn’t be pressured into humanitarian acts even in the face of outside pressure.

Having said that, giving back voluntarily is often cheered given the smiles it brings to people's faces.

African players are especially praised owing to the ‘grass to grace’ paths many of them walked. There’s a recognition that they understand the struggles of those at home and their now-privileged position allows them to solve or, at least, help to solve challenges as best they can.

Current African Footballer of the Year, Sadio Mane, recently donated $693,000 (£500,000) to help fund a hospital in his hometown of Bambali. It’ll be the first of its kind in the village, 400 kilometres outside Dakar, which previously lacked a clinic.

"The Liverpool striker has presented the Head of State with an ambitious plan to build a hospital in Bambali and is counting on state support for medical personnel," the official account for the presidency tweeted in June.

This isn’t a one-off for the Reds star, who posted a follow-up tweet, having contributed close to $350,000 (£250,000) to build a school in Bambali in 2019. Such generosity isn’t lost on anyone, and Mane’s indelible acts will leave a lasting impression.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia, Kalidou Koulibaly marked his 30th birthday by giving two ambulances, as well as numerous stretchers, hospital gowns, personal protective equipment and thousands of protective masks to hospitals in his home nation.

Previously, Didier Drogba’s inspiring work off the pitch even saw him named as one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2010 by Time magazine. He’d been appointed United Nations Development Programme as a Goodwill Ambassador in 2007 and his off-field efforts haven’t stopped since.

Retirement hasn’t slowed down the former Ivory Coast captain — whose impassioned plea played a part in ending a prolonged civil war in his nation in the 2000s — and was rewarded by UEFA in September 2020 for his ‘commitment to excellence on and off the pitch’.

The Chelsea legend’s charity work is near endless and includes a £3 million donation for the construction of a hospital in Abidjan in 2009 intended to give people “basic healthcare and a chance just to stay alive” and a £400,000 contribution through the Didier Drogba Foundation in 2015 after giving out all his commercial earnings to charity.

Past and present Nigerian stars aren’t left out, with Nwankwo Kanu and Mikel John Obi playing their part.

The ex-Arsenal man’s desire to impact lives was borne from a heart defect that threatened his life and career in 1996.

“What I went through after my transfer to Inter made me stronger,” Kanu told The Guardian in 2018. “There is no bigger test than when you are in between life and death so, if you can come up from there, you can handle anything. It gave me that push to go out and do whatever I had to do.”

This motivated the two-time African Footballer of the Year to set up the Kanu Heart Foundation, which has saved a plethora of lives since it was set up.

Despite a recent ill-judged visit to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Mikel’s charity work has also touched lives in the West African nation.

The former Chelsea midfielder set up a foundation in his name in 2012 'to get people back on their feet, and hopefully raise the aspirations of the affected people'.

"I grew up in Jos. It wasn't easy for me as a kid, and to watch people going through a tougher situation now is just unbearable,” Mikel told BBC Sport in 2012. “Some people have been very lucky, but some are not, so it will be to get them to do something positive after these setbacks. I intend to make this a lifetime thing if it achieves its purpose.”

He later set up the Mikel Obi Foundation to unearth talent across the nation.

“Home is where it all started for me. I will always want to give back to Nigeria, my community and that is why I am doing this,” said Mikel at the launch in 2018.  “This is the time to do this for the kids and we are going to make sure we make this a success.”

Love them or loathe them, criticise their intermittent gaffes and tactless etiquette at times, but you can’t deny that Africa’s finest past and present have given back and continue to give back to the community.

While their on-pitch success will be unmistakable, their benevolence off it is more than worthy of acclaim.

Euro 2020 is in full swing, with some of Europe's biggest heavyweights currently involved in a battle for continental glory.

The likes of England, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal and France have been named as tournament favourites and there is plenty left to play for as the knockout stage looms.

Goal has what you need to know about who is playing who and where to watch the Euro 2020 knockout stages from India.
 

On this page

Which 16 teams qualified for Euro 2020 knockouts?

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What are the Euro 2020 last-16 fixtures?

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How to watch Euro 2020 on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Euros will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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Who are the defending champions of Euro?

Portugal are defending title holders of the European Championship, having won the 2016 edition in what was their first tournament win.

They defeated host team France in the final of the competition at the Stade de France, Eder scoring in the dying minutes of stoppage time to clinch the 1-0 victory.

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More on Euro 2020: 

Austria will be hoping to pull off an upset when they take on Italy in Saturday night's Euro 2020 last-16 clash at Wembley.

While few rated them among the pre-tournament favourites, Roberto Mancini’s side is now looking like a serious contender to lift this trophy for the first time since 1968.

Having become the first ever team to come through the group stages with three wins and three clean sheets under their belt, they will be confident of seeing off a nation celebrating its first ever appearance at this stage.

Although impressive in their 1-0 victory over Ukraine, Austria will surely struggle to find a way past an opposition defence that has now gone 11 games without conceding - letting in just seven goals in the 30 fixtures since their last defeat.

Here's how to watch Italy vs Austria in India.

Contents

What time does Italy vs Austria start?

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How to watch Italy vs Austria on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Euros will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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Where will Italy vs Wales take place?

Wembley Stadium | London | England

Capacity: 54,990 |  reduced to 25% capacity, subject to increase
Games: Group stage, last 16, semi-finals & final (eight games)
Year built: 2007

With three Euro 2020 Group D games held here, Wembley  will host a total of eight matches at Euro 2020 including this fixture in the Round of 16, the semi-finals and the final.

The London venue was initially only supposed to host the semi-finals and final, but was assigned an extra four games following the exclusion of Brussels as a host city and another one when Dublin was removed as a host.

Rebuilt in 2007, it is one of the biggest football stadiums in the world and second only to Barcelona's Camp Nou in terms of Europe's biggest arenas.

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Italy vs Wales: Team news & stats

Giorgio Chiellini is unlikely to feature after suffering a hamstring injury in the final group game against Wales, while Alessandro Florenzi and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also doubtful.

Konrad Laimer and Christoph Baumgartner will both face late fitness tests after coming off injured against Ukraine.

Key stats:

David Alaba created nine chances in the group stages, at least four more than any other Austria player. Four of these came in Austria’s 1-0 win against Ukraine last time out.

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Further reading: 

The first Euro 2020 last-16 match takes place on Saturday evening when Wales and Denmark do battle at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

After losing their opening game of Euro 2020 to minnows Finland in a match which was overshadowed by star playmaker Christian Eriksen suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch, Denmark have shown remarkable mental fortitude to get to this point.

The 4-1 victory over Russia just a few days ago was one of the finest performances by any country in this tournament and that should give them plenty of confidence against a Wales team who have faced 16 shots on target already - the third-most in Euro 2020.

In contrast, Kasper Hjulmand’s men boast the most shots on target with 21 to their name - recording at least five in each Group A match.

Here's how to watch Wales vs Denmark in India.

Contents

What time does Wales vs Denmark start?

Return to top

How to watch Wales vs Denmark on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Euros will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

Return to top

Where will Wales vs Denmark take place?

Johan Cruyff Arena | Amsterdam | Netherlands

Capacity: 54,990 | reduced to 25% capacity, subject to increase
Games: Group stage & last 16 (four games)
Year built: 1996

The  Johan Cruyff Arena has played host to three matches in Group C and this Round of 16 match will be the last in these Euros.

Located in the Dutch capital Amsterdam, it is the home stadium of Eredivisie side Ajax and the Netherlands national team, who have been playing games at the venue since it opened in 1996.

The stadium is equipped with a retractable roof and previously hosted five matches at Euro 2000, as well as being the stage for the 1998 Champions League final.

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Wales vs Denmark: Team news & stats

Ethan Ampadu saw red against Italy and is suspended for this last-16 match, which means Rob Page could revert to a back-four or bring Chris Mepham back in after the Bournemouth man was an unused substitute against the Azzurri.

Christian Eriksen remains out for Denmark, who played the same starting eleven in each of their last two Group B games.

Key stats:

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has three assists in his three games so far at EURO 2020, with no Denmark player recording more at a single edition of a World Cup or European Championship before.

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Further reading: