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Hungary will be hoping to pull off an upset when they welcome France to the Puskas Arena in Saturday’s Euro 2020 clash.

Marco Rossi’s men frustrated Portugal for the majority of their opening match, eventually succumbing in the last 10 minutes to lose 3-0 thanks to a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Whereas Les Blues got off to a winning start in Group F by seeing off a toothless Germany, courtesy of an own goal from Mats Hummels.

Hungary will have a tought task against France though the game is in Budapest. "Of course if their squad are worth 900 million euros and we are only worth 60 million cumulatively, then we might actually see that difference on the pitch," Rossi told a press conference.

Here's how to watch Hungary vs France in India.

Contents

What time does Hungary vs France start?

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How to watch Hungary vs France 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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How does the group look like

France's win over Germany leaves them second in Group F after Portugal's 3-0 win over Hungary earlier, while the Germans sit in third.

Group F

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Where will the match take place?

Puskas Arena | Budapest | Hungary

Capacity: 67,889 | 100% capacity
Games: Group stage & last 16 (four games)
Year built: 2019

The Puskas Arena in Budapest will be the newest stadium at Euro 2020 with construction concluding in 2019. It will host three games in Group F and one of the last 16 encounters.

Named after Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskas, it is situated on the site of the former Ferenc Puskas Stadium, which was demolished in 2016.

It will be home to the Hungary national team and hosted a number of games for UEFA - including Champions League games - when public health restrictions saw parts of Europe locked down.

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Hungary vs France: Team news & key stats

The hosts are likely to start with the same line-up that held out for so long against Portugal, although Lois Nego will be pushing for a place in the midfield after coming off the bench in that clash.

Benjamin Pavard is unlikely to feature after suffering a concussion in the second half against Germany, controversially playing on until the end of the game.

Key stats:

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Further reading: 

Swiss Super League club Lugano have confirmed the signing of former Chelsea and Besiktas striker Demba Ba on a one-year deal.

The Senegal international has been a free agent since April when he was released by Turkish Super Lig club Istanbul Basaksehir because of his lack of playing time.

Ba joins Nigeria goalkeeper Sebastian Osigwe at the Cornaredo Stadium and he is expected to strengthen the attacking options in Abel Braga's side.

"FC Lugano is happy to announce the signing of the player Demba Ba until 30/06/2022," the club announced.

"The 36-year-old, born in France, played in the top European leagues, wearing the jerseys of FC Rouen 1899, Excelsior Mouscron, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, West Ham United, Newcastle United, Chelsea FC, Besiktas JK, Shanghai Shenhua and Goztepe."

After his second stint at Shanghai Shenhua, the 36-year-old returned to Turkey in January 2019 to join Basaksehir where he spent over two years.

He helped the Owls win their maiden Super Lig crown in the 2019-20 season. 

The 2012-13 Uefa Europa League winner with Chelsea, also played for the Blues and Newcastle United in the Premier League where he registered 43 goals and three assists in 99 appearances. 

Last month, Ba revealed he was 'finding joy' irrespective of club or country after he was released by Basaksehir.

"I just want to enjoy my football for the last couple of years and find joy again," the Senegal striker said. "I would say there have been some things that have taken the joy of football away more or less over the last few years but I'm a lover of the game and want to finish on a very good note.

"England could be an option but I'm not stuck on one country, one division or league - I'm just waiting to see what will come.

"It may end in another league, another country but I will make the best decision for myself and my family. 

"I would have loved to have two careers - one where I just travelled the world and visited countries, cultures and learnt about people because I love to do that. 

"But then I would have loved another where I stayed at one club for 10, 12, 15 years because it's special to do something like that.”

Gareth Southgate acknowledged that England did not do enough to win their Group D encounter with Scotland at Wembly Stadium, but added that the result will be a learning curve for his young side at Euro 2020.

The Three Lions were unable to break down a heroically stubborn defensive effort from Steve Clarke's visitors, who heavily restricted their hosts' delivery options throughout to earn a hard-fought point.

In the wake of a faster, more assured display against Croatia on Sunday, it made for a disappointing comedown on a rain-swept London night, a mood drop the England manager was quck to acknowledge

What has been said?

"I think it was a frustrating night, we know we can play better," Southgate told ITV in his post-match comments. "[You've] got to give Scotland credit, they defended valiantly and played well.

"We didn't do enough to win the game but the thing we have to worry about in tournament football after that is we had to make sure we didn't lose it."

"The whole team can look at ourselves, [and] that starts with me - we've got to be better. We didn't do enough to win the game tonight, [wit] not enough attempts on goal

"We have to go away and look at that. We know it's a disappointment for our supporters, but we have to dust ourselves down and move on."

Manager coy on selection choices

Southgate made just the two changes to the side that beat Croatia, swapping out wing-backs Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier for Reece James and Luke Shaw, with the reportedly fit-again Harry Maguire overlooked both to start and off the bench.

Yet for the second game in a row, the 50-year-old made the choice to remove captain Harry Kane, after the Tottenham forward endured another barren, lethargic night in front of goal, with Marcus Rashford brought on to replace him a quarter-hour out from full-time.

"We needed more runs in behind, [and] I felt Marcus Rashford would give us that energy," Southgate added. "We have to make these decisions based on what we see.

"We're still working those patterns, we're playing a high level of games under the intensity and to find space tonight was difficult. Scotland played well and we weren't able to open them up.

"I know exactly where this team is - it's a young team and some of them won't have experienced a night under this intensity and pressure, that's a huge learning for then. That's what we have to look at moving forward."

Robertson: I'd put Gilmour's performance right up there

Scotland star Andy Robertson said 20-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour, named star of the match, has a "big future" for their country.

Gilmour plays for Chelsea at the club level.

"I'd put Gilmour's performance right up there, right up there," Robertoson told ITV. "I spoke to him in the hotel earlier and looked at him, and to be fair to Billy nothing fazes him. I believe he can have as many caps as he wants for Scotland. He's got a big future, but the here and now's pretty good for him too.

Robertson continued on the general performance of the team: "We had the big chances, at times we kept the ball superbly well, frustrated England and on another night could have come away with more.

"We'll take a point, it keeps us alive. But it's important we use the feeling, the feeling, the fans being happy with us going into Tuesday and try to use it to get a positive result to get out of the group."

The bigger picture

England will spend little time remonstrating on their failure to crack the Tartan Army wide open now, as they prepare for a crucial clash with the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

While a draw will be enough to secure a top-two finish in Group D for the Three Lions, it will also result in them finishing second behind Jaroslav Silhavy's side, a result that may hand a theoretically easier last-16 tie to Southgate and company, avoiding second-place in the heavyweight Group F.

However, it would take them away from the home comforts of Wembley too, to Copenhagen, for the first part of the knockout stages, while World Cup holders France could be a probable opponent in the quarter-finals in Saint-Petersburg.

Further reading

Alvaro Morata says that he is unfazed by criticism of his performances for Spain, and that he "can't be liked by everone" ahead of his country's Group E clash with Poland at Euro 2020 on Saturday.

Luis Enrique's side completed more passes than any other nation in their opening game against Sweden in Seville on Monday, but were unable to find a goal to break the deadlock in a stubborn 0-0 draw.

Much of the blame has subsequently been laid at the feet of Atletico Madrid man Morata, who this week extended his loan spell with Juventus into 2022 - but speaking ahead of this weekend's crucial encounter, the forward has hit back at the focus zeroed in on his efforts.

What has been said?

"I have taken this situation [and the criticism] very normally," the 28-year-old told a pre-match press conference on Friday. "I've been working since the Under-17s to be here and play these tournaments.

"I can't be liked by everyone. When there are criticisms you have to respect them, but listen little and work. In a match things happen so fast that you don't have time to think.

"The goalkeeper [closed space] very well and I had to adjust to the post. I don't know if tomorrow the ball will enter, but I will give 200% as every time I play with Spain. It is normal that when you draw a game and you deserve to win it, it costs you sleep.

"The opinion of the people does not change my mood. If I score I will be happy for the people who are always with me, but I am doing great. The most important thing I have done is lead a normal life, be with my team-mates. Everything we do here is important.

"It is clear that the forward lives from the goal. Our job is to score goals.  Against Sweden I unloaded a lot physically and I think I did quite a few things well, but it seems like it all comes down to scoring. It's part of our job."

Spain keen to show credentials

La Roja's frustrated blank in their opening game - with 85 per cent of possession and 917 passes overall, compared to just 162 for their visitors in Seville - underlined concerns for Luis Enrique's side as they look to re-establish themselves as one of the international game's superheavyweight sides.

With Sweden having won against Slovakia in the pair's second Group E clash, Spain must win to take themselves joint-top of the pile, knowing that defeat would leave them rooted to the foot heading into Wednesday's final group stage games.

Poland, however, will likely prove another stubborn opponent after an opening defeat, with Paulo Sousa's side having been left to lick their wounds after Robert Lewandowski and company misfired in Saint-Petersburg last time out.

Further reading

Retired goalkeeper Aime Kitenge has questioned Richard Ofori's ability to be a top goalkeeper for Orlando Pirates.

Kitenge said he was not convinced by the Ghanaian's first season at Pirates and suggested the Premier Soccer League giants need a goalkeeper who will remain on top of his game on a regular basis.

"His consistency has been an issue, so I am not convinced," Kitenge told KickOff.com.

"When you play for a team like the Pirates, you should be consistent and that means you have to deliver top-notch performances in every game that you play.

"As a foreign goalkeeper at Pirates, they expect you to be extraordinary. You need to know the weight of Pirates is heavy, being the big team that they are. So, as a keeper, you must stay alert and perform.

"Pirates is not a team where you can have a goalkeeper who performs well in one game and in the next, they don’t. You can not be a hero in one game and then go on to make mistakes in the next couple of games and end up becoming a zero."

Kitenge, who spent over a decade in the PSL, named Williams Okpara as the stand-out goalkeeper for the Soweto giants at the time.

"Pirates need a goalkeeper who will always stay on top of his game. [Williams] Okpara remains the only keeper who was consistent enough at the Pirates to earn the legendary status that he now enjoys at the club," he added.

"Whenever we played Pirates with Okpara in goal, I always knew that they had a man who made the difference for them in the goal. That Pirates jersey needs a brave keeper who will carry the team on his shoulders on most occasions."

He further suggested the Ghanaian needs to be on top of his game more regularly since as a foreigner he is always expected to be better than his local rivals.

"Ofori needs to stamp his authority more than he has done," he concluded.

"Pirates are not a place to try out a keeper who is not extraordinary. You have to be above the rest as a foreign keeper.

"Cape Town City were able to find a top keeper [Peter Leeuwenburgh] for all those years but why are Pirates not able to get such quality?"

Mamelodi Sundowns' Denis Onyango has been a standout foreign played and was named the goalkeeper of the season the concluded campaign, in which was his eighth title-winning season in South Africa.

Al Ahly coach Pisto Mosimane has revealed his players' objective is to entertain and win matches for the fans as they come up against Esperance de Tunis in the first leg semi-final clash in the Caf Champions League on Saturday.

The Red Devils from Egypt will face the Tunisian giants at Hammadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium in Rades with the return leg scheduled to be played on July 25 in Cairo.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, the former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician as stated their main focus is to make sure they reach the final and win the trophy for the fans.

“We are like soldiers in front of our fans, always seeking to make them happy with titles and win matches,” Mosimane said as quoted by the club’s official website.

“Our goal is to win the semi-final with a total of two games. Al Ahly against Esperance is a classic Champions League game and we all know the importance of the game, given the history and the ambitions of both clubs and their constant desire to win titles.

"I respect Esperance and their head coach and I know the club's value and the huge fan base that supports Esperance in Tunisia.

"We respect all our opponents and we are humble. It is very important to be humble but I believe in my players and I believe that we have a chance to win here tomorrow [Saturday]."

"We are an experienced team and we always play to win and make our fans happy. We have a huge responsibility towards our history and our fans. We are soldiers and we are defending Al Ahly badge."

"We want to win the semi-finals and reach the final. Our focus is on not conceding goals and trying to score to have an advantage ahead of the second leg."

Speaking at the same press conference, goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy acknowledged they are coming up against a strong team with good players but maintained their focus is to make sure they retain the title.

“It is an important game for us and for our fans. We know it will be a difficult game and we also know the value of Esperance and their strength in the African competitions. They are a strong side and they have many good players,” El Shenawy said as quoted by the same portal.

“We have been preparing for this game for 15 days and we are fully focused to get a positive result to have an advantage in the second leg.

“Our game against Esperance in 2018 is in the past now. The two teams witnessed several changes since that game. We have already forgotten that game and we are focusing only on tomorrow’s match.”

“The two clubs enjoy a great relationship and I hope that the players show mutual respect tomorrow [Saturday] on the pitch.

“We, the players, always speak about our desire to win the Champions League title again this season, we play for Al Ahly and we always play for winning.”

Meanwhile, Al Ahly’s medical staff has denied the rumours claiming their midfielder Akram Tawfik had suffered an injury ahead of the Esperance game.

“Our medical staff confirmed that Tawfik is in good physical condition and that he has been training with the team ever since their arrival in Tunisia,” the club said.

“Tawfik suffered a leg bruise before the team’s trip to Tunisia, but then he underwent a medical check-up on Wednesday, which confirmed that he is fit to participate against Tunisia’s Esperance.”

However, defenders Mohamed Hany and Mohamed Metwally, will miss out as they still haven’t recovered from their respective injuries and did not travel with the rest of the squad.

Elsewhere, Esperance will be without the services of defender Houcine Rabii, who tested positive for Covid-19 but the entire Al Ahly delegation returned negative results.

Ghana midfielder Majeed Ashimeru has cut ties with Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, permanently joining Belgian outfit Anderlecht. 

The midfielder has penned a four-year deal with the Mauves, having initially joined them on loan in January. 

He transferred to the Belgian club in search of more playing time after struggling to hold down a regular playing position at Salzburg. 

"Majeed Ashimeru stays with RSCA," Anderlecht have announced on their official website. 

"The Ghanaian signs a contract with Sporting until 2025. Like last season, the attacking midfielder will play with the number 18.

"Majeed Ashimeru, who was loaned to RSC Anderlecht by RB Salzburg during the last winter transfer window, is now officially a Mauve. 

"Majeed was able to convince the technical staff of his qualities during his loan spell, and also felt at home at Sporting. RSCA will now definitively take over the 23-year-old Ghanaian from the Austrian club."

During his half-season loan at Anderlecht, Ashimeru made 11 appearances in the Belgian First Division A, starting in nine of the games and scoring once. 

"Despite a difficult integration due to Covid and an injury, Majeed has shown in his best moments what he can teach us," Anderlecht technical director Peter Verbeke has said. 

"He has an excellent vision and passing, coupled with speed and infiltration ability, interesting qualities to give our midfield a little extra bring the following seasons."

Ashimeru joined Salzburg from Ghana Premier League side Wafa in 2017.

He was immediately sent out on loan to Austrian club Austria Lustenau before later moving on to Wolfsberger and Swiss fold St. Gallen.

The 23-year-old was recalled to Salzburg for the 2019-20 season, where he played 20 league matches for the side. 

Owing to limited outings during the first half of the 2020-21 term, he was loaned to Anderlecht for the second half of the term.

Next season, the midfielder will hope to make an impression on Ghana coach CK Akonnor for a recall for national duty after being snubbed from the most recent squad for friendly matches against Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire.

AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie would be a good signing for Premier League side Liverpool, according to the majority of Goal readers.

The Ivorian has been doing well for the Serie A heavyweights and has been linked with a move to Anfield, to fill the void left by Georginio Wijnaldum. 

A big percentage of the readers, 55.1%, believe the 24-year-old would be a good signing for the immediate former English champions, while 44.9% think otherwise.

The experienced West African had a stellar season for the Red and Blacks in the recently concluded season. He directly contributed to 17 goals out of the 74 scored by his team, managing to score 13 and assisted four.

The experienced midfielder netted twice from the penalty spot in the 2-0 victory over Atalanta on the final day to see the Rossoneri return to the Champions League for the first time since 2013/14.

In a season where Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s injuries frustrated many, and Ismael Bennacer’s absence affected their midfield balance, mistakes crept in after their unbeaten run was halted by Juventus in January, but Kessie remained the most consistent Milan player throughout the season.

The Serie A star attempted more progressive passes per 90 minutes than Dutch international Wijnaldum, while ranking higher for passes into the final third and attempts into the penalty area per 90.

His influence ensured the former Italian champions finished second on the table with 79 points, 12 behind local rivals Inter Milan, who were crowned champions for the first time in 11 years.

They managed 24 wins out of the 38 matches played, seven draws, and seven losses.

On the other hand, Liverpool struggled to replicate their 2019/20 success domestically, largely owing to the spate of injuries Jurgen Klopp's side sustained in defence and midfield.

The Reds had to win their last two matches to ensure they qualified for the Champions League.

With the above in mind, Klopp might look towards Milan to supplement his midfield following Wijnaldum's departure to ensure his team challenges for top honours again next season.

Kieran Tierney is close to signing a new five-year contract with Arsenal, one that would tie up the Scotland international's future at the Emirates Stadium until 2026, Goal can confirm.

The Isle of Man-born left-back has been a key figure for the Gunners since his arrival in 2019, impressing across successive campaigns for Mikel Arteta's side.

Now, the 24-year-old - who is currently on Euro 2020 duty with his country - looks set to be rewarded with a bumper long-term deal, and hopes it will be finalised in the coming days.

What will Tierney's new deal mean?

The defender's renewal in north London is a major boost for player and club, effectively quashing speculation over any potential future move for the immediate time being.

Having originally signed from Celtic, where he was a triple Scottish Premier League-winning player, Tierney's capture was viewed as a major arrival for Arsenal, and the Tartan Army star has done nothing to disabuse those notions since stepping onto the field for them.

A key player in their FA Cup triumph in 2019-20, the only drawback has been a string of frustrating injuries that has arguably hampered him from reaching even greater heights, with him unable to help avoid a European shortfall this term in the top-flight.

That he has stayed with Arsenal - even as they face a season without continental football - will only underline the notion that the Gunners' subpar 2020-21 campaign is merely a blip on the radar, and that they will be able to challenge once more next year.

The bigger picture

With Tierney signed up, Arteta will be able to turn to the rest of his summer plans, as he looks to reshape the Gunners for what could promise to be a new era. Others are likely to be let go, with David Luiz, Hector Bellerin, Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka among the potential departures.

The Spaniard will face a tough test in restoring his side to top-four contention, but hopes to be able to pull it off.

A trip away to newly-promoted Brentford will ease them into the new Premier League season in August, but back-to-back games with Chelsea and Manchester City will hand them a sterner idea of what lies ahead.

Further reading

Yanga SC goalkeeper Metacha Mnata has apologised following his altercation with the fans after a nervy 3-2 win over Ruvu Shooting at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Thursday.

The Tanzanian goalkeeper was angered by the fans, who criticised him for conceding the two goals that almost denied Timu ya Wananchi a win.

The club later stated Mnata was suspended until further notice, but he has now made a public apology before any disciplinary action is pronounced.

"On behalf of my family, myself and my management, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for forgiveness from my club, Yanga SC, my fellow players, the technical bench, the fans, the football governing bodies in the country and all the soccer stakeholders for what I did yesterday [on Thursday]," Mnata wrote on his Instagram page.

"I must admit it was not a professional reaction and I am hurt by my actions. As a player for Yanga and the national team, I must be professional and be a figure of good example every other time in front of children especially who would want to be in my position in future.

"I recognise the contribution of fans to my own career and to the development of the team and, for that reason, I should not have acted as I did."

It is the second time Mnata has irked the club after previously clashing with the management. \

His suspension will mean Timu ya Wananchi will fall back on Kenya's Farouk Shikhalo and Ramadhan Kabwili in the remaining games should Mnata's disciplinary process take long.
 
Yanga also apologised to their fans, calling for calm as they deal with the matter.
 
"Yanga management has apologised to the fans and club members for whatever happened, and the club will take Mnata to the disciplinary committee for further action, and we ask all our fans and members to remain calm and give the committee time to come up with a verdict," the club said.
 
The Jangwani club will be in action again on Saturday when they face Mwadui FC in Dar es Salaam.

Simba SC have come out to clarify despite striker Meddie Kagere warming the bench at the Mainland Premier League giants, he is still an important asset to the team.

The Rwandan forward arrived at the Msimbazi giants from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia at the start of the 2018 season, and went on to clinch back-to-back Golden Boot awards.

Unlike the previous two seasons, Kagere, despite his goal-scoring prowess, has had a difficult time getting into the first team regularly, due to the intense competition for places from strikers Chris Mugalu and John Bocco.

However, Kagere has not disappointed either even when coming on as a substitute, since he has managed 11 goals so far this campaign, three fewer than leader Prince Dube of Azam FC while Bocco is second with 13.

What has been said?

“For me, Meddie [Kagere] is one of the best strikers in the East and Central African region, as evidenced by the fact for the past two seasons he has emerged the top in the mainland league, and he is a huge asset for our squad,” Zrane said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“But for any player, there are times when you may face a challenge of your level or even your system switches off or goes down down, but personally I know Kagere well and his lack of playing at the moment doesn't mean he's a bad player.

“I'm sure Kagere still has a chance to do great within the Simba squad and it is only a matter of time.”

What did Kagere agent Gakumba say?

In a recent interview, football agent Patrick Gakumba, who handles the player, blamed coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa for spoiling the career of the striker.

“Let me tell you writers of football, especially those asking me why Meddie [Kagere] did not play in the game against Kaizer [Chiefs] at Mkapa Stadium, and I have to say Kagere did not play because the coach did not want him to play, the coach is the one with powers to decide which player plays, who does not,” Gakumba explained.

“But the truth of the matter is that I know where the problems [of Kagere not playing] started, you know I have known Da Rosa for a very long time, and he is a person if I openly state it, he is not doing a good thing, and it will bounce back to him, like the rest of coaches, who do the same things to players.”

Simba are preparing to face Polisi Tanzania in a league match at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza on Saturday.

Shakhtar Donetsk have announced the signing of Lassina Traore on a five-year contract from Ajax. 

The 20-year-old becomes Shakhtar's second signing of the summer after the arrival of Brazil midfielder Pedrinho from Benfica last week. 

Traore will be looking to help Roberto De Zerbi's side reclaim the ascendancy in the Ukrainian Premier League after they finished second last season. 

In the 2020-21 campaign at Ajax, the Burkinabe striker scored eight goals in 18 matches in all competitions for the Sons of the Gods. 

He also won the domestic double of the Eredivisie and the Dutch Cup. 

"Shakhtar are a big club with a great coach from Italy. This was the main reason behind my decision to come here," Traore told the club website.

"I’m happy to be here and will give everything for this club and this badge. I’m excited to start playing for Shakhtar. 

"I'll show them on the pitch. If you are at Shakhtar, that means you’re good enough. I am ready to prove myself and help the team." 

Although he is in Ukraine for the first time, Traore had a glimpse of his new team during last season's Uefa Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

"To be honest, this is my first time here, but I watched some games on the internet," he said. 

"Last season I watched Shakhtar’s match against Real Madrid - it was fantastic. This game was a good one to watch." 

Meanwhile, Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin considers the 20-year-old as a promising and versatile player who will boost their attacking options. 

"We consider Traore to be one of the most promising forwards in Europe these days," Palkin noted.

"To be honest, until recently it was hard to believe that we would be able to sign him up just for one reason – in most cases, people don't leave Ajax so easily. 

"Traore had a year of contract left. He’s preferred a different club though. We contacted his agent, there were quite long negotiations, but we reached a consensus, and today Lassina Traore is with us. 

"He is the kind of player that suits any team: both offensive and defensive. He is a versatile footballer.

"A very powerful, he plays well aerially, being quite technical for a striker, plus he scores goals. If you look at him from all sides and evaluate him among the attackers, then Traore has virtually every quality we need."

Ghana U24 defender Frank Assinki has expressed his surprise by the number of goals they conceded during their Asian tour.

The Black Meteors touched down in Accra on Thursday after twice taking on each of Japan and South Korea.

In all, Samuel Paa Kwasi Fabin's outfit picked the ball from the net 15 times - 10 against the Samurai Blue and five against the Taegeuk Warriors. 

“So far I have regretted because I did not expect such score lines," Assinki, who plays club football for Danish fold Koge, said, as reported by Africa-foot.

“I never expected the huge scoreline, you know although it’s a football game but we shall move on because it’s a lesson for us.

“There are mistakes to correct, we shall do so and move on.”

Ghana first faced Japan in back-to-back games before moving on to square off against South Korea.

In their first match, the Black Meteors suffered humiliation as they were handed a 6-0 defeat by the Samurai Blue.

Four days later, there was more misery for Fabin's outfit, although not as embarrassing as the first game, as they lost 4-0.

After drawing a blank in their first two games, Ghana found their scoring boots against South Korea but it was still not enough to save them from more defeats.

In their first match, the Black Meteors succumbed to a 3-1 loss before falling 2-1 in the second fixture on Saturday.

“The results and the performance showed clearly that they shouldn’t have gone to play the friendly," former Meteors coach Michael Osei told Happy FM.

“If you look at the previous team we built with Ibrahim Tanko [as head coach], it was a solid team. We had time to search for the players with the quality to play.

“Looking at the team we took to Egypt [for the Africa U23 Cup of Nations], we couldn’t even get the squad that played the qualifiers but we had a good team.

“What happened clearly showed the coach and the players were not ready so it was going to be difficult for the whole team."

The Asian tour was part of Ghana's preparations for the 2023 Africa Games.

Former Inter Milan striker Alessandro Altobelli said it will be difficult to replace wing-back, Achraf Hakimi, if he leaves the club amid interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

In his debut season in Italy, Hakimi played a crucial role in the Nerazzurri's victorious Serie A campaign with his defensive and attacking contributions from the flanks.

He provided eight assists and scored seven goals in 37 league appearances.

He has now become a transfer target for Champions League winners Chelsea while French champions PSG are also making efforts to secure his services.

While uncertainty over Hakimi's future grows, Altobelli - a member of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning squad - explained the qualities the two-time Caf Youth Player of the Year brings to the San Siro Stadium.

"To me, a player like Hakimi is irreplaceable, he’s one of the best in Europe, dare I say in the world,” Altobelli was quoted by Football London.

“He’s a generous and hard-working wing-back, he’s superb during the attacking phase and he’s now learned how to be efficient during the defensive one as well.

“He drives forward with the ball so many times during a game, he’s one of those box-to-box wing-backs, he doesn’t stop running during a game.

“Not only does he have the work rate, but he backs it up with his quality in possession.

“Losing him will be a big blow for Inter, he can’t be replaced, at the moment the market doesn’t offer a substitute for Hakimi."

Altobelli urged Inter Milan to keep the former Real Madrid defender, however, he believes Hakimi can adapt quickly in any environment after shining in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund for two seasons.

“I would do everything to keep him, but if Inter can cash in, then for the club’s sake I say sell him, it will be a huge loss, but he can do well at any club," the 65-year-old continued.

“Chelsea are now European champions, and they won the Champions League displaying great football, but I think Hakimi would fit right into that team. 

“It’s only normal that good players are sought out and that they will end up playing for the top teams with the financial means to buy them.”

Ghana captain Andre Ayew has been asked to consider the Ghana Premier League and Asante Kotoko after he released a farewell message to Swansea City fans.

Now a free agent, the 31-year-old is in search for a new club, having brought a second stint at Liberty Stadium to an end. 

Earlier this month, Swansea announced the attacker's departure after their unsuccessful quest for Premier League promotion, but a prompt move into international action with Ghana meant he had not had the chance to address the Jack Army. 

After posting an emotional goodbye message on social media, hundreds of fans have reacted, a section calling on him to make a return to Ghana. 

Below are the best reactions:

Chelsea are still in talks with Inter over signing Achraf Hakimi during the summer window, and are offering to swap players to reduce the price.

It is understood that Blues full backs Marcos Alonso and Davide Zappacosta are among the players being offered as make-weights.

Alonso has been a long-term target for the Serie A giants, while Zappacosta has put himself in the shop window after a successful loan spell at Genoa. The swap is designed to encourage Inter to drop their £68.8m (€80m/$96m) asking price for the 22-year-old, and offload some unwanted players at the same time.

What about PSG?

PSG remain in competition with the Blues for the Morocco international, who was among Antonio Conte's stars that won Serie A last season.

Talks have recently gone cold between the French giants and Hakimi, but could yet be revived. PSG are reported to have had a £56.1 million ($79m) bid rejected already.

Who else could Chelsea sign?

Hakimi is seen as a great opportunity in a non-priority position. The Blues' main focus has always been to add another goalscorer to the squad after an underwhelming season in the final third, despite winning the Champions League.

Chelsea's desire is to add a world-class striker, and while talks with Romelu Lukaku led nowhere they remain in the mix to sign either Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland or Tottenham's Harry Kane.

Both transfers requireowner Roman Abramovich to sanction what would be record breaking deals for a Premier League team to convince clubs who are reluctant to sell.

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