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Deneisha Blackwood scored the only goal as Jamaica defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the opening match of the Summer Series that kicked off in Texas on Thursday.

The Super Falcons started the encounter on a promising note but they failed to convert their chances in the opening 45 minutes as both teams went into the break levelled.

Just before the half-hour mark, Jamaica had an opportunity to go ahead through a penalty, but goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was composed in between the sticks to parry Blackwood's strike.

Randy Waldrum's side eventually paid for their lacklustre attacking play after Blackwood made up for her missed penalty and broke the deadlock at the BBVA Stadium in the 51st minute, courtesy of an assist from Jody Brown.

After finding themselves behind, Waldrum instantly made some changes with Ifeoma Onumonu, Nicole Payne and Amarachi Okoronkwo thrown into the fray but they failed to beat the Reggae Girlz' defence.

The Jamaicans were solid in defence with crucial blocks to stop the Super Falcons from grabbing an equaliser.

Nigeria's brightest chance in the second-half came when Vivian Ikechukwu powered in a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area but she was denied by the bar.

They went into Thursday's clash in Texas without key players namely Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala, centre-back Onome Ebi goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie while five players including Halimatu Ayinde, Ngozi Okobi, Osinachi Ohale and Uchenna Kanu withdrew earlier this week.

In the absence of Oshoala, Levante forward Francisca Ordega wore the captain’s armband while Switzerland-based defender Onyinyechi Zogg, Rivers Angels winger Vivian Ikechukwu, Finland-born striker Roosa Ariyo and Sunshine FC defender Oluwatosin Dimehin made their starting debuts for the Super Falcons.

The defeat was the first time Nigeria lost a game since their 2019 Fifa Women's World Cup exit against Germany in the Round of 16.

Prior to Thursday's result, they had played seven matches without losing, which include games at their successful Turkish Women's Cup outing in Antalya earlier this year.

Waldrum's ladies will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they battle Portugal at the BBVA Stadium on Sunday - 11.15pm (Nigerian time) before they take on host nation United States of America in the final match of the four-nation competition on June 17 at the Q2 Stadium.

Nice right-back Youcef Atal and Crotone midfielder Adam Ounas have recovered from the injuries and they are available for selection when Algeria battle Tunisia in an international friendly match on Friday.

The duo missed the Desert Foxes’ victories against Mauritania and Mali on Thursday and Sunday respectively, but they are now in contention for the warm-up encounter at the Stade Olympique de Rades.

The Algerian Football Federation announced on Thursday that Atal and Ounas joined Djamel Belmadi's team for the trip to Tunis.

They arrived in the Northern African country on Thursday afternoon and they were received by the Algerian Ambassador in Tunisia, Mr. Azzouz Baalal and the President of the Tunisian Football Federation, Mr. Wadie Jary.

“The good news is to see Youcef Atal and Adam Ounas again, slightly injured, the first against Mauritania and the second against Mali, to resume work with their teammates, even if the member of FC Crotone was taken care of in differentiated by Remi Lancou,” the statement read.

This month's friendly games were planned to prepare the reigning African champions for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers that will begin in September.

Algeria are in Group A with Burkina Faso, Djibouti and Niger, and they will aim to return to the global showpiece after missing the 2018 edition in Russia.

Tunisia, unfortunately, will be without key players Ferjani Sassi and Youssef Msakni for Friday's encounter after both players limped out of last Saturday's win over DR Congo with injuries.

Algeria are on a 26-game unbeaten run with their last defeat dating back to October 2018 during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin, while the Carthage Eagles are yet to lose their last 11 games since their 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the third-place match at 2019 Afcon.

The last time the two countries faced each other was during a friendly match in Algeria back in March 2019 and the hosts won the encounter by 1-0, thanks to Baghdad Bounedjah's 70th-minute strike from the penalty spot.

After Friday's Tunisia will take on Mali at the same venue on June 15 before the Desert Foxes will conclude their busy international break with another friendly fixture against Burundi a day later.

Roy Keane has urged Manchester United to fork out £120 million ($170m/€140m) to sign Harry Kane, despite also admitting to having doubts about the Tottenham striker's leadership skills.

Kane is being tipped to leave Spurs after their latest trophyless season, having openly admitted that he is driven to win the biggest team prizes the game has to offer.

The Red Devils are among those being tipped to make a move for the 27-year-old, and Keane would love to see a deal come to fruition, but has also pinpointed the one area of the striker's game he believes needs to be improved.

What's been said?

Kane is currently serving as captain for both Tottenham and England, but a Red Devils legend thinks he needs to take on more responsibility in terms of motivating his teammates in order to justify wearing the armband.

"The only thing I’d hold against Kane, there’s a big negative I have towards Kane," Keane told SkyBet.

"I think Kane is an amazing player, every club should be trying to sign him, Manchester United have got to sign him, I don’t care if it’s £120 million… sign him.

"But I don’t think he’s a good leader. I never see him digging anyone out at Spurs. I know people might go, ‘well that’s not his personality’ or, ‘he might do it in the dressing room’. I don’t think he does and that’s a big problem.

"Okay, you can lead with your brilliant play. But I think sometimes I want to see another side to Kane, I’d love to see him get hold of somebody."

Who else has been linked with Kane?

Newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to land Kane ahead of their local rivals, while Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in his services.

The prolific forward is also attracting interest from aboard, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain thought to be ready to offer him a different career path, but he has expressed a desire to continue playing in the English top-flight.

The bigger picture 

Whoever manages to secure Kane's signature will likely have to pay a nine-figure sum, which rules out a whole host of top clubs that have been struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic.

United and City both have the funds to pull off such a transfer, but the former are prioritising a move for Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho, while the latter are reportedly set to do the same with Aston Villa's Jack Grealish.

Kane can make his stock rise even further if he performs well at Euro 2020, though, with the Spurs star set to shoulder the hopes of an entire nation once again after winning the Golden Boot during England's run to the World Cup semi-finals two years ago.

Further reading

South Africa held their nerve and plugged away as they came from behind to claim a 3-2 victory over Uganda in an international friendly match on Thursday evening.

Brace-hero Evidence Makgopa, 21, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, 20, both scored as a youthful Bafana Bafana side edged out the Cranes at the 2010 Fifa World Cup training venue, Orlando Stadium.

Uganda, who were missing key players such as Joseph Ochaya, Khalid Aucho, Farouk Miya and Kizito Luwagga, scored through Ibrahim Orit and Abdu Lumala in an entertaining encounter.

Many took to social media to share their thoughts on the match with most Bafana fans impressed by the team's performance, while some Cranes fans slammed coach Abdallah Mubiru.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Bafana's win over the Cranes: 

Jadon Sancho has admitted to being a boyhood Chelsea fan while addressing speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The Red Devils tried and failed to lure Sancho away from Borussia Dortmund last year as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sought to bolster his options on the right-wing.

United have once again identified the 21-year-old as their top target ahead of the summer transfer window, and have already seen a £67 million ($95m) bid rejected, but he has now thrown a potential spanner in the works by confessing his affinity for Chelsea.

What's been said?

Asked to name his main footballing role model during his youth, Sancho told talkSPORT: “I’d probably say Frank Lampard. I was a Chelsea fan growing up, I can’t lie!

“Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were my favourite players at the time.

“I just love Frank Lampard and how he played his game; he was so direct and so composed on the ball.

“I like things like that.”

Sancho on United rumours

Sancho was also pressed on how he is coping mentally ahead of England's Euro 2020 campaign amid United's well document pursuit of his services.

“I’m cool about it,” he said. “There’s always going to be speculation, especially when you do well.

“It’s just how you handle that on the pitch. You’ve got to keep doing what you’re doing; if you keep on doing that then I’m sure that won’t be a problem.

“The main thing is my football and that’s what I’m focusing on at the moment.”

Sancho's Dortmund & England records

Sancho has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Europe since leaving Manchester City to take up a new challenge at Dortmund in 2017.

The England international has recorded 50 goals and 64 assists in his first 137 games across all competitions for BVB, while also picking up DFL-Supercup and DFB Pokal winners' medals.

Sancho was handed his international debut in a UEFA Nations' League draw against Croatia in October 2018 and has since amassed 19 caps for his country, scoring three goals.

Further reading

Manchester United have had an opening bid of  £67 million ($95m) rejected for Jadon Sancho. 

The England international is one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top targets this summer after a deal failed to materialise for the 21-year-old last year due to a gap between the two sides over valuation. 

Solskjaer is still keen to strengthen the right-wing and discussions have been ongoing with Sancho’s camp and Borussia Dortmund over a potential transfer, with the former Manchester City man keen on a move. 

What do we know?

Sancho remains a top target for Man Utd despite them missing out last summer and Dortmund are prepared to let him leave in the current transfer window should they get the fee they are after. 

United are optimistic a deal can be struck for the England star, however, Goal can confirm that their initial bid fell short of what Dortmund are willing to accept. 

It is believed the initial bid was around £67m and the club are expected to consider making another offer to land the 21-year-old England international.

It is understood Dortmund have explained to United the conditions of a sale and Sancho is open to a transfer. 

What has Solskjaer said about transfers? 

The United manager is expecting two or three new faces in the current window as he looks to improve on last season’s second-place league finish and the Europa League final disappointment. 

“We are second best, but too far behind to threaten those who won. Then we have to strengthen ourselves," Solskjaer told Norwegian outlet TV.

"Of course, something will happen in the transition window. The world has become very different than 15-16 months ago, but we have to make some moves on the transfer window, but also with the team.

“It is never possible to sit back. You are constantly looking for reinforcements. Football is dynamic, so unexpected things can happen such as injuries, illness, something familiar or that someone wants to move.

"You have to take everything possible into consideration and reflection. I will never sit down and think that 'now the team is the way I want it to be', because you always see some other players or other teams doing something you want."

What else do United want? 

It is understood a centre-back and central midfielder are also on the list while competition for right-back is also being sought, with Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier an option. 

Real Madrid star Raphael Varane and Villarreal's Pau Torres are the leading candidates at centre-back as Solskjaer looks to find a more consistent partner for Harry Maguire. 

Further reading

AC Milan’s Franck Kessie will be a ‘suitable’ replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum at Liverpool following the Dutchman’s move to Paris Saint-Germain, according to Samuel Olatunji-Okuku.

The 30-year-old joined the Reds from Newcastle United in 2016 and he went on to make 237 appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side across all competitions, scoring 22 goals with 16 assists to his credit.

Having failed to reach an agreement with the Anfield giants over a contract extension, the midfielder joined the Ligue 1 outfit on a three-year deal.

As the football world continues to talk about a possible replacement for Wijnaldum in Klopp’s squad, many have tipped Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi for the job. However, the seasoned football administrator feels otherwise.

“Franck Kessie will be a very suitable replacement given his work rate, ability to play box to box, and competence when it comes to goalscoring,” Olatunji-Okuku told Goal.

“For Ndidi, he won’t be able to fill that role because Liverpool already have Fabinho.

“So, there will be no sense in seeing him leave Leicester City – where he is king – to Anfield where he would be playing second fiddle to the Brazilian.

“No disrespect to Ndidi, he is superb as a holding midfielder but when it comes to a box-to-box kind of midfielder, Kessie is just a perfect match.”

During his time at the Premier League club, Wijnaldum won four major trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League - with the 2019-20 title marking the Reds first top-flight crown in 30 years.

To Olatunji-Okuku, Liverpool have lost a great player while stating that Mauricio Pochettino’s men will benefit a great deal from the Netherlands international’s experience.

“That is a big loss for Liverpool and replacing such a player will cost them a lot of money,” he continued.

“Take a look at when Klopp’s men won the champions league. You could see the impact of this player.

“Wijnaldum is that kind of player that gives you energy in the middle of the park. He is aggressive, he can win the ball back and he is a good passer of the ball. He is just so exceptional.

“Such players are not so easy to find these days and there are only a very few of them on the planet.

“So, I keep asking why Liverpool had to let him leave. Anyway, PSG have gotten themselves a great bargain.”

Georginio Wijnaldum has explained his decision to join Paris Saint-Germain following months of strong links with La Liga giants Barcelona.

PSG officially announced the signing of Wijnaldum on Thursday, with the midfielder's move to Parc des Princes set to be finalised when his contract at Liverpool expires at the end of the month.

Barcelona were originally touted as the favourites to land Wijnaldum on a free transfer, but he has ultimately decided to embark on the next stage of his career in Ligue 1, citing Mauricio Pochettino as a major influence.

What's been said?

The Dutchman, who won the Premier League and Champions League during his five-year stint at Anfield, says that the former Tottenham manager, who replaced Thomas Tuchel at PSG in December, contacted him personally to convince him to join the French outfit.

"I'm happy to join a club like Paris Saint-Germain," Wijnaldum said in his first official interview at Parc des Princes. "Obviously it's a club with really good players, a good manager who spoke to before I joined the club. We know each other from years ago. 

"As a football player, you always want to play with the best players around you and when I look at the team and also when I spoke with the manager, I saw a team full of talented players and big players.

"And on top of that, I also saw a manager who can make the players even better and also capable of bringing all those players together to make a strong, strong team. I come here trying to write history with this unbelievable team."

The bigger picture 

It has been reported that PSG's three-year contract offer was far more lucrative than the one Barca were prepared to hand Wijnaldum, but he may also have a better chance of conquering Europe again with Pochettino's side.

Barca haven't made it beyond the Champions League quarter-finals in two years, but PSG reached their first-ever final in 2019-20 before making it to the semi-finals again last season.

"Hopefully my help can help the team win the Champions League, that would be great," Wijnaldum added. "But not only the Champions League, it's also about the league and the Cup. You just want to win as much as possible for the club and the supporters."

Further reading

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Doctor Khumalo was unconvinced by the national team which started in the 3-2 win against Uganda in a friendly match on Thursday night at FNB Stadium.

It had not been looking good for South Africa when they went into the break 0-1 down having failed to register an attempt on goal to the eight chances the Ugandans had to score.

While the Bafana Bafana technical team under new coach Hugo Broos had been looking to usher in a more youthful side, they were also forced into making some late changes to the squad due to the unavailability of several senior players.

Commenting on his capacity as an SABC3 studio analyst at the half time interval, Khumalo acknowledged the challenges the coaching staff have faced, but also felt there were some players who may not be comfortable enough stepping up from club to international level.

"Each player that they call into the team, he has to be ready. But they are not ready," the former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker said.

"Not everybody is for the national team, that I can guarantee you. This is a true reflection of some of the boys don’t deserve to be wearing the jersey.

"And I'm not trying to be funny or clever, I've experienced it while still playing.

"When you look at, there is nothing that points to the three moments of the game, which is attack, defence, transition," he said of the opening half performance.

After a disappointing first stanza, South Africa improved markedly after the break and an Evidence Makgopa brace as well as a Bongokuhle Hlongwane strike got them 3-1 up before the Cranes pulled back a goal in the dying minutes in Soweto.

Both the half time substitutes, Baroka FC marksman Makgopa and Maritzburg United striker Thabiso Kutumela, who replaced Denwin Farmer and Nkosinathi Sibisi, made a big impact.

Toni Kroos has called for Germany to improve tactically ahead of their European Championships showdown with France.

Germany will open their Euro 2020 campaign with a Group F clash against France, who reached the final of the tournament in 2016 before winning the World Cup two years later.

Les Bleus are being billed as favourites to win the continental trophy, and Kroos has warned his Die Mannschaft team-mates that they will have to execute the perfect game plan in order to pick up a positive result on Tuesday night.

What's been said?

The Real Madrid star told Goal and SPOX of the task facing Germany: "We have to improve, also tactically. On the 15th of June, no more experiments are possible.

"If we have to try anything against a team like France, then it will be difficult for us."

Kroos' praise for Benzema

Kroos went on to weigh in on Blancos team-mate Karim Benzema's return to the France national team after a six-year absence, admitting he will add an extra dimension to Didier Deschamps' lineup.

"I've been playing with Karim for seven years now," he said. "He is certainly a reinforcement for France, one more world-class player in a team that already has a lot of world-class players."

Kroos on Ancelotti's return to Real 

Kroos also discussed Carlo Ancelotti's return to Real Madrid, with the Italian having replaced Zinedine Zidane in the Santiago Bernabeu hot seat at the start of the month after leaving Everton.

Ancelotti delivered four trophies during his first stint in the Spanish capital, including the Champions League, and Kroos is looking forward to working with him again, but also still holds Zidane in high esteem following his resignation.

"I really enjoyed working with Zizou, but I also know Carlo very well," he said. "He was my first coach at Real Madrid and actually also the one who brought me to this club. Both are very good coaches."

Pressed on whether he was aware of any problems between Zidane and Real president Florentino Perez playing a role in the Frenchman's departure at the end of the 2020-21 campaign, Kroos added: "We players don't always know what goes on behind the scenes. It is now the way it is. I can only hope that we are successful under Carlo."

Further reading 

Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has chosen his save against Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku during the 2019-20 Europa League final as the best in his career so far.

With the score 2-2 at the RheinEnergieStadion, the 30-year-old produced a moment of brilliance to stop Lukaku from beating him for a second time after the Belgian star had earlier converted a penalty in the fifth minute.

The save helped Sevilla from going behind in the encounter as the former Manchester United forward later deflected Diego Carlos's strike in the 74th minute which turned out to be the match-winning effort.

Prior to the heroics, the Morocco goalkeeper had played a vital role in Sevilla's run to the final after saving a penalty against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the quarter-final and he also produced man-of-the-match performances against Manchester United in the last-four stage.

He continued with the impressive displays this season and he was close to matching a club record after playing seven games without conceding a goal but they lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund back in February.

“It is difficult to choose between the most difficult saves, it is possible that I chose this one because it came in a final, and at this moment Seville won a new title and I of course, so I chose it as my best save,” Bounou told Goal.

He also reserved praise for his compatriot Youssef En-Nesyri who became the highest-scoring Moroccan player in a La Liga season with 18 goals for the Rojiblancos in the 2020-21 campaign.

Bounou, however, stated that the 24-year-old should not be compared to the Liverpool star and two-time African Footballer of the Year, Mohamed Salah.

“He is a young player who is growing a lot in Seville and has really incredible potential and is developing rapidly, but we should not compare him with Salah because they do not play in the same position, and I believe in En-Nesyri's potential and know that he can score for many years,” he added.

The 30-year-old who has spent his entire career in Spain after leaving Wydad Casablanca in 2012, recalled his experiences with two of the best players in the world.

“Messi is in a completely different class, he is the best for many years, an exceptional footballer in this era of football,” Bounou said.

“Ronaldo is a great and great player, no one wins the best in the world without doing something, and he is at a very high level despite his age.”

"As we await the national assembly's pronouncement of budget policy highlights for 2021/2022, we wish to bring to the attention of the public, members of parliament and the government the potential negative impact envisaged by the sports sector and, particularly, the football sector in Kenya, should the 20% excise tax be enacted," AFC Leopards stated.

"The enactment of this law will render all clubs currently supported and sponsored by various betting firms unable to continue with their operations:

"Sponsorships have kept clubs and ostensibly the football league itself in operation and aided in the development of players and clubs. This is true for other sports that benefit from similar sponsorships. Between 2016-2020, over Ksh1.6 billion has been invested in local clubs and millions more in TV rights, advertising and merchandise, which has helped grow the stature of football clubs in Kenya.

"After a fan-less season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our clubs have been largely dependent on the support of our sponsorship partners. We are not out of the woods yet with an unpredictable future and no foreseeable projected return to full stadiums.

"The enactment of the 20% excise tax will unequivocally rule out continued sponsorship of football clubs across all tiers [National Super League, Division One and County Leagues], with the net effect of rendering the operations of most of the league teams unsustainable. 

"As you may be aware our clubs have been facing extremely challenging financial times and with this tax, which will render our primary sponsors unable to continue with their partnerships, it will certainly be an own goal on Kenyan football as it would disrupt if not force a suspension of the second half of the season. This would also have an adverse effect on the much-anticipated 2022 season, which was supposed to be the grand re-launch of Kenya's fully-fledged top-flight football."

Ingwe has urged the government to listen to sports stakeholders, halt the push, and set aside the bill: "This is not the first time the excise tax has been proposed for adoption into law, and the wisdom that prevailed in the previous suspension of activities, given the projected impact on the sports sector, must prevail once more."

"This is particularly necessary at this time given the challenges we continue to face with the Covid-19 restrictions.

"We as representatives of the top-tier football clubs in Kenya and by extension the sports fraternity, feel that this tax proposal is ill-timed and makes a strong appeal to the government and members of parliament to make special considerations for this exigent matter and give the sports fraternity a fighting chance during these difficult times."

The exit of SportPesa in 2019 saw Premier League clubs struggle immensely and Sony Sugar were relegated for giving out three walkovers.

FKF Premier League side AFC Leopards have called on the government to stop the push to have the 20% excise tax bill on betting adopted by parliament.

Jordi Alba has branded Barcelona's decision to sell Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid as "a joke" while admitting his ex-team-mate has "shut a lot of mouths" at Wanda Metropolitano.

Suarez completed a €6 million move to Atletico from Barca last summer, bringing to an end his trophy-laden six-year career at Camp Nou.

The Uruguayan was deemed surplus to requirements in Catalunya due to his age, but the 34-year-old proved he is still sharp as a tack in front of goal by firing the Los Rojoblancos to their first La Liga title in seven years last term.

What's been said?

Alba has now openly expressed his belief that Barca were wrong to offload Suarez, particularly to one of their main adversaries in the Spanish top flight and for such a low fee.

"It was a joke," the Blaugrana full-back told Cadena SER: "He is someone who gave a lot to Barcelona, and they practically gave him away for nothing, above all to a direct rival in Atletico.

"And look, they went on to win the league with him. I didn't like it. Aside from the friendship we have, where are you going to find a striker like him?

"It is difficult to find one. Yes, there are some very good players, but what Luis gave us..."

Alba added on Suarez's impressive debut campaign with Atletico: "He won the league and shut a lot of mouths. His last year wasn't easy at Barca, and he has had the chance to shut some people up.

"I can tell you that the atmosphere [at Barca] with Luis was spectacular. He is a guy that works hard, that was great for the group, and the numbers speak for themselves.

"He is the third-highest goalscorer in Barca's history."

Suarez's legacy at Barca

Barca snapped Suarez up from Liverpool back in 2014, and he quickly became a cult hero among supporters for his dynamic style of play and deadly finishing in the final third.

The Uruguayan contributed a grand total of 195 goals and 113 assists to the Blaugrana's cause in 283 appearances, helping them win 13 trophies, including four La Liga titles and the Champions League.

Suarez's record at Atletico

Diego Simeone thrust Suarez straight into his starting XI upon his arrival at Wanda Metropolitano, and he was rewarded for his faith in the forward as he inspired Atletico's swift rise to the top of the La Liga standings.

The Los Rojoblancos fought off late challenges from Real Madrid and Barca to win the domestic crown, with Suarez finishing the season with 21 goals to his name from 32 outings.

Further reading