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Ex-Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen beat Kenya international Ayub Timbe to Vissel Kobe's Player of the Month Award for May.

The J1 League outfit confirmed the former Arsenal star as the winner on Thursday after he struck to earn the side a 1-1 draw in the 96th minute against Cerezo Osaka in May. Timbe, who has found his footing in the Japanese league and has become a regular first-teamer for Vissel Kobe, assisted Vermaelen to score the all-important goal.

The former Beijing Renhe forward had also scored a brace against Tokushima Vortis in a Cup encounter in May but could not be elected the winner of the monthly award. Other contestants for the award were Hotari Yamaguchi and Douglas of Brazil. The Brazilian had found the back of the net in a league game against Sagan Tosu which ended in a 1-1 draw.

In April, Timbe was nominated for the award which he unsuccessfully vied for too. 

The winger joined the J1 League after he could not break into the Reading first team in the Championship last year. He then returned to Beijing Renhe but left thereafter, paving the way for his move to Japan.

After Michael Olunga, who made his name at Kashiwa Reysol, Timbe is Kenya's second high-profile star to play in the Far East. Olunga won the Golden Boot in the 2020 J1 League season after netting 28 goals in 32 games and went ahead to lift the Most Valuable Player award, becoming the first African to do so in Japan.

The former Thika United and Tusker forward has since left for Al-Duhail of Qatar and his performances in the Far East are expected to place considerable pressure on Timbe.

Timbe, who has played for a number of clubs across continents, is facing high expectations at Vissel Kobe, especially after the performance of his international teammate Olunga.

At Beijing Renhe, a club he joined in February 2017, he scored eight goals in the maiden season with them and helped the club earn promotion to the Chinese Super League.

With his form picking up, many supporters of the national team Harambee Stars will wait to see whether head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee will summon him for the World Cup qualifiers later in the year.

England have been dealt a major blow as Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of Euro 2020 due to a thigh injury.

Alexander-Arnold limped out of England's 1-0 friendly win over Austria on Wednesday night after picking up a knock, leading to fears over his participation in the summer tournament.

A subsequent scan has now revealed that the Liverpool defender has suffered a grade two quadricep tear, which will keep him out of action for between four to six weeks.

What's been said?

The England camp have released an official statement confirming the news, which reads: "Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of UEFA EURO 2020.
 
"The Liverpool player sustained a thigh injury in the closing stages of Wednesday’s 1-0 win against Austria in Middlesbrough. 
 
"A scan on Thursday confirmed the 22-year-old will be unable to play in the forthcoming tournament so he's withdrawn from the England squad.
 
"Gareth Southgate will not confirm a replacement until after Sunday’s return to the Riverside Stadium for the warm-up fixture against Romania."

Liverpool have released their own statement revealing that the defender will now return to Anfield to begin his recovery.

"Trent Alexander-Arnold has withdrawn from England’s Euro 2020 squad due to injury," the club briefing states.

"The 22-year-old will immediately start a rehabilitation programme with a view to returning in pre-season as the Reds prepare for 2021-22."

What has Southgate said?

Gareth Southgate gave an ominous update on Alexander Arnold after seeing his team beat Austria at the Riverside Stadium, admitting he was unsure whether he'd be fit in time for the start of the European Championships.

"We've got to see, it's obviously not a good sign that he's had to walk off the pitch, and he was in some discomfort," said the England boss.

"We're so close to the finals that for any player, injuries makes them a doubt. But we will just have to see over the next 48 hours."

Who could be in line to replace Alexander-Arnold?

Southgate will now have three days to select a replacement for Alexander-Arnold, who was one of four right-backs included in his original 26-man squad.

The Three Lions head coach still has Keiran Trippier, Reece James and Kyle Walker to call upon, and may look to strengthen in other areas of the pitch following Alexander-Arnold's withdrawal.

Southgate initially named a 33-man preliminary group which included Aaron Ramsdale, James Ward-Prowse, Jesse Lingard, Mason Greenwood, Ben White, Ben Godfrey, Ollie Watkins.

One of those seven players could now be in line to return, with Manchester United midfielder Lingard perhaps best placed to regain a place in the camp after featuring in the win over Austria.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs fans gave a huge vote of confidence to Arthur Zwane following Wednesday's 3-2 victory over Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium.

Following the sacking of Gavin Hunt last week, Zwane and Dollin Sheppard took charge of Amakhosi against their KwaZulu-Natal visitors.

But it was Zwane who was picked up by the supporters who showered him with special praise.

Some, however, petitioned Pitso Mosimane to come and coach Amakhosi when he is done with his Al Ahly project.

Phakhama Arthur Zwane, your time is now #KaizerChiefs #Amakhosi4Life #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/h6GwuBxgYN

When Achraf Hakimi signed for Inter Milan last summer, the wing-back probably didn't envisage so much disarray amid their ongoing fraught financial situation and the recent departure of Antonio Conte.

The defender had been tipped to thrive under the passionate manager after his arrival and truly delivered in his debut campaign to end Inter’s Serie A drought.

Hakimi’s 15 goal contributions, similar to his haul in his final year in the Bundesliga, were crucial to the Nerazzurri ending Juventus’ nine-year hegemony to return the pinnacle of Italian football since Jose Mourinho’s treble-winning side in 2010.

Only Robin Gosens outdid the wide defender’s goal involvements across Europe’s top five leagues in 2020/21 and there’s an argument to believe the North African may have matched or outdone the Atalanta left wing-back had Conte not prioritised results over free-flowing football en route to claiming Serie A.

While Simone Inzaghi also favours a system involving wing-backs, Inter’s need to sell at least one valuable player has made Hakimi’s future fragile and uncertain.

Real Madrid supposedly have first refusal on the defender — allowing them to match any accepted bid for their former player — who may consider a return to Madrid, especially with Zinedine Zidane no longer at the helm.

Three clubs are said to be considering a move for the 22-year-old, with the Italian champions demanding a fee of around €80 million.

Premier League giants Arsenal, European champions Chelsea and dethroned Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested, but which of these sides will be a right fit for the talented wing-back?

Arsenal

Despite their obvious on-pitch decline in recent years, the North London side remain an attractive outfit to join, given their clout, history and the obvious financial benefits of being a top Premier League club.

Mikel Arteta’s team finished 20/21 in eighth spot, outside the European places and will be without continental competition for next season.

They have been away from Champions League football since 2017 and had to make do with the Europa League for three seasons in succession.

The Gunners’ absence of European action next term means top four distractions are reduced and Arteta can focus wholly on securing a CL spot.

However, whether that is enough to convince Hakimi remains to be seen, particularly with Chelsea and PSG rumoured to be in the running for his signature.

The make-up of Arsenal’s current squad suggests game time shouldn’t be a worry for the North African, with Hector Bellerin tipped to depart this summer. The Spanish right-back has failed to reach previous heights since those early highs in the mid-2010s and hasn’t been the same player since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in January 2019.

Niggling injuries since haven’t helped his cause and the conclusion of 20/21 summarised Bellerin’s frustrating situation: he was replaced against Chelsea 22 minutes after his introduction and didn’t play again for the Gunners in their final two games.

Callum Chambers has deputised well for the ex-Barcelona full-back, but he’s largely a centre-back playing in wide defence while Cedric Soares is essentially no more than a backup option in North London.

A switch to Arsenal makes sense for the club, but not necessarily for the player amid the club’s ongoing decline.

Chelsea

While a transfer to Chelsea seems the perfect fit on paper, Thomas Tuchel’s team may need to sell players and sort the futures of current and returning stars before splurging on the 22-year-old.

The turbo-charged Morocco star will fit seamlessly into the German’s system employing wing-backs, although it is not yet known if the 47-year-old will switch to a back four next season or continue with three defenders. If it’s the former, West London may be the fitting destination.

They do seem to be in the market for a right wing-back, with reports linking the European champions with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Adama Traore if they are unable to strike a deal for Hakimi.

With Reece James showing he can thrive as a right-sided centre-back as well as on the flanks, the Englishman could provide adequate competition for the Moroccan or play behind the ex-Real player.

Having said that, a transfer for the Inter man could throw Cesar Azpilicueta’s future into doubt, as well as Callum Hudson-Odoi (previously favoured at right wing-back after Tuchel arrived) and returning loanee Davide Zappacosta, who spent last year at Genoa.

Given their current 3-4-3 formation, the transfer looks good for both parties. Still, players may need to be shifted to make room for the gifted Hakimi at Stamford Bridge.

Paris Saint-Germain

With the future of Mauricio Pochettino up in the air, there are doubts as to whether this deal is club-driven or a managerial target.

Be that as it may, the return of Alessandro Florenzi to Roma after his year-long spell in Paris means PSG need quality in that position.

The Parisians are unlikely to make Colin Dagba their primary right-back, neither are the adaptable Thilo Kehrer nor inexperienced teenager Timothee Pembele expected to dominate in wide defence.

It leaves room for another star player like Hakimi to join the side, regardless of the current managerial uncertainty, although his defensive limitations at full-back may be a concern.

Wherever the Morocco wideman lands, there’s a sense the system may require tweaking owing to the youngster’s propensity to push forward and be somewhat derelict in his defensive third. This flaw was pointed out by Conte early last season, prompting a brief spell out of the side in the autumn.

The improvement in the New Year demonstrated Hakimi’s growth and enhanced application in his defensive tasks. While there will be the obvious bedding in period, any side that acquires the North African will be undoubted beneficiaries of his huge talent.

Greuther Furth midfielder Hans Nunoo Sarpei believes he has done enough to be part of Ghana's national team.

The 22-year-old, formerly of Stuttgart, is back in the West African nation for holiday after helping Kleeblatter secure promotion to the German Bundesliga.

He made 28 league appearances in the second tier last term, his outings involving 15 starts and one goal.

"When I was playing for Stuttgart, I wasn’t given a call-up; I was disappointed and I assumed it was because I hadn’t played a lot of games," Sarpei told Citi Sports.

"During this time, I wasn’t really disappointed for not making the national team because I had not done enough to deserve a call-up.

“This time around, I think I have done enough to earn a call-up to the Black Stars because I have worked hard all these years because of the national team, and also to get the opportunity to play for big clubs.

“For me, it is appalling the way the big men handle these things because I am not the only player who is in this situation.”

Sarpei initially left Stuttgart for Furth on loan for the second half of the 2018-19 season.

Despite making only two league appearances, Furth were convinced by the Ghanaian, opting to make the move permanent.

The club's recent promotion presents him with an opportunity to play in the German elite division again after making two appearances for Stuttgart in the 2018-19 term. 

“My ambition is to play in the Bundesliga. To cut a long story short I am staying in Furth,” the midfielder said about his future.

“I am staying with my team to go and enjoy the Bundesliga.”

Sarpei joined Stuttgart from Ghana Premier League side Liberty Professionals in 2016.

In the 2017-16 season, he was farmed out on loan to Slovakian side Senica where he made 20 league outings, starting in 13 of the matches.

He returned to Stuttgart ahead of the following season but after making only two appearances in the first half of their Bundesliga campaign, he was sent out on loan to Furth to continue his development.

Nigeria legend Daniel Amokachi has advised Everton to consider the appointment of Duncan Ferguson as their new manager following Carlo Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid.

The 49-year-old Scot has been developing his coaching skills on Merseyside since 2014 and he was handed an interim role as the first-team coach after the dismissal of Marco Silva in December 2019.

During the short spell before Ancelotti's arrival at Goodison Park that same month, Ferguson maintained an unbeaten Premier League record as Everton defeated Chelsea 3-1, and they drew against Arsenal and Manchester United in a busy festive period.

The former Scotland international was also an assistant to Ancelotti during the Italian’s one-and-a-half-year stint at Everton.

With keen interest in developments at Everton, Amokachi who is currently a Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Sports, urged the club management to give Ferguson a chance to handle the team.

“Stop looking far Everton, Duncan Ferguson is already on the bench,” Amokachi wrote on Instagram.

“He has understudied under few top-class managers in the last decade at the club.

“He has the club at heart, we all can see the passion he shares with the players and fans whenever given the team as an interim manager and his stats are not bad. My take, hopefully, someone is listening.”

Amokachi and Ferguson played together at Everton between 1994 and 1996 before the former left England for a different adventure in the Turkish Super Lig with Besiktas.

The two legends were part of the squad that helped the Toffees win their fifth FA Cup title in the 1994-95 season.

It was a tall order going into this World Cup 2022/Asian Cup 2023 qualifier against United Arab Emirates (UAE) and so it proved as Malaysia suffered their third loss in Group G after promising so much but at the end, delivered very little to suggest a different outcome to the rest of the campain.

A match which saw the home side in complete control at Zabeel Stadium does not augur well with matches against Vietnam and Thailand still to come. A lacklustre performance with a non-functioning midfield made it very comfortable for UAE throughout the match and they now look set to take a stranglehold

Tan Cheng Hoe opted for a debut for Dion Cools at the heart of Malaysia's defence alongside Aidil Zafuan with Liridon Krasniqi and Guilherme de Paula also getting their competitive debuts in national colours. Meanwhile Bert van Marwijk only selected Fabio de Lima from his trio of naturalised options.

It was all UAE from the first whistle with the home side dominating possession but without causing too much trouble for Malaysia’s defence. But it was a false sense of security as van Marwijk’s side picked and chose their timing to unpick their opponent.

As early as the 7th minute, a loose pass from Krasniqi led to the first opening of the match with Khalil Ibrahim bearing down on goal but Farizal Marlias came out on top of that duel to parry the ball out for a corner kick. With Malaysia’s backline looking increasingly unsure at the start of the match, UAE took the opportunity to break the deadlock. Abdella Ramadan was given the time and space in the 19th minute to thread a long pass to Ali Makhbout.

Aidil failed to track the run of Makhbout and the UAE record scorer deftly lifted the ball past an advancing Farizal to give the home side the lead they so richly deserve for such was their control of the game. UAE’s direct vertical play was causing Malaysia plenty of problems with neither Aidil and Cools looking switched on to the runners beyond them as well as the lack of pressing on the likes of Ramadan and Ali Hassan.

Malaysia improved after the drinks break with Nor Azam Azih switching roles with Syamer Kutty Abba and suddenly the Tigers were on the front foot, operating more in the opponent half and generally having more touches on the ball than they did in the first 25 minutes.

The first clear chance created by the away side came in the 43rd minute when a good cross swung in found de Paula unmarked inside the penalty box but the striker’s connection was so bad that the ball headed straight back to the flanks.

An early change a couple of mintues in the second half saw Syafiq Ahmad coming on for Nor Azam and that brought about more support for de Paula but as well a greater energy and impetus for Malaysia as they set about looking to replicate some measure of threat that they managed to produced towards the end of the first half.

With Safawi Rasid looking a pale shadow of his great self, Luqman Hakim was thrusted into action, earning the teenager his first outing with the senior national team. However with UAE continuing to control the game, the Kortrijk player was left to do more tracking work than offering any attacking threat.

Yet Farizal remaind the busier of the two keepers in the second period, the Johor Darul Ta'zim stopper producing a brilliant one-handed stop to deny de Lima in the 64th minute and again Makhbout in the 81st minute to keep Malaysia in the hunt for something in the game. 

The second goal for the home side finally arrive in the 83rd minute with de Lima planting a curving shot past Farizal. With Malaysia flooding forward to get something from the game, the floodgates well and truly opened late in the match as first Makhbout and then de Lima got their brace to seal a comprehensive win over Malaysia.

Former Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh wants to revive his managerial career with a coaching job in Belgium that will bring him closer to his family.

His last stint in the dug-out was three years ago when he managed Fortuna Sittard in the Dutch second-tier division and he played a role in their promotion to the Eredivisie in the 2017-18 season, but he did not end the campaign with the team.

The former Ajax and Borussia Dortmund star was suspended by Fortuna on February 14, 2018.

After the long absence from a new adventure, Oliseh disclosed his readiness to consider offers from clubs abroad and he will prioritise the opportunity to work in Belgium because of his family.

"The desire to work in Belgium is a personal one because I would love to be close to my family," Oliseh told BBC Sport Africa.

"Being around my family is a top priority, but professionally if something does come up abroad it would be something that I would consider.

"A consideration with a club abroad that permits for conversation about splitting time between Belgium and my work base is quite welcome."

Oliseh who played for Nigeria between 1993 and 2002 with 54 appearances and two goals to his name, had a brief spell as the Super Eagles coach in 2015.

The 46-year-old resigned from duty in 2016 due to contract violations and unpaid wages after Nigeria failed to make it past the group stage of the 2016 African Nations Championship in Rwanda.

Orlando Pirates defender Bongani Sam and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo have been named in the latest South Africa under-23 squad.

The team was scheduled to take on Brazil‚ South Korea and Argentina in a mini-tournament from June 5-11 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of their preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games which will be hosted by Japan between July 23 and August 8.

However, the mini-tournament was canceled due to Covid-19 restrictions and David Notoane's side will now take on Egypt's under-23 side in two international friendly matches on June 10 and 13.

Coach Notoane has now named an updated squad to face the Young Pharaohs in Egypt. 

“Unfortunately at the 11th-hour government protocols couldn’t be agreed for us to be in the UAE in terms of Covid‚” Notoane told the media on Thursday. 

“So we moved swiftly to talk to our friends in North Africa‚ Egypt‚ and we managed to secure two games against them.

“We’ll be in Egypt from the 7th to the 14th this month to play those matches. The first match will be on the 10th and the second on the 13th.”

The current PSL season is set to end on Saturday and Notoane explained that he has now added players which he had omitted for the now-abandoned trip to the UAE.

“You’ll see that the squad to Egypt is different to the one that was going to the UAE simply because at the time we announced the team we were scheduled to start on the 5th and the PSL had extended their calendar to end on the 5th this month," he continued. 

“We’re now happy that with the PSL season ending on the 5th and with us departing on Monday‚ all the players will be available because the season would have ended.

“So with the dark side of losing the UAE trip, there’s positivity now that the players we would have liked to have in this final assessment camp are available. It’s a squad of 25 players but of course, there are those we didn’t select because they were selected in the Bafana Bafana team [to play Uganda in a friendly on June 10]," he added.

“I’m talking of players like Sipho Mbule‚ Teboho Mokoena and Sibusiso Mabiliso just to mention a few. After this camp, we will then move to the finalization of our squad for Tokyo‚ which will be handed over to Sascoc.”

SA Under-23 squad to face Egypt

Goalkeepers:

Mondli Mpoto (Bloem Celtic)‚ Lincoln Vyver (Cape Town Spurs)‚ Sifiso Mlungwana (Golden Arrows)

Defenders:

Tercious Malepe (FC Minaj‚ Ukraine)‚ Katlego Mohamme (University of Pretoria)‚ Thendo Mukumela (Cape Town Spurs)‚ Luke Fleurs (SuperSport United)‚ Bongani Sam (Orlando Pirates)‚ Keanu Cupido (Cape Town City)‚ Kamogelo Mahlangu (TS Galaxy)‚ Reeve Frosler (Kaizer Chiefs)

Midfielders:

Luke le Roux (Varbergas Bols FC‚ Sweden‚) Thabo Cele (Cova da Piedale‚ Portugal)‚ Goodman Mosele (Baroka FC)‚ Grant Margeman (Mamelodi Sundowns)‚ Kobamelo Kodisang Sporting Braga FC‚ Portugal)‚ Nkosingiphile Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs)‚ Rowen Human (B TLV Bay Yam‚ Israel)‚ Kamohelo Mahlatsi (Swallows FC)

Strikers:

Fagrie Lakay (Cape Town City)‚ Luther Singh (FC Pacos de Ferreira‚ Portugal)‚ Keletso Makgalwa (Mamelodi Sundowns)‚ Lyle Foster (Vitoria Guimares‚ Portugal)‚ Liam Jordam (FC Helsingor‚ Denmark).

AFC Leopards team manager Tom Juma insists this is a critical time for his team to step up and maintain their relatively good run in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League to avoid dropping off the top.

The 13-time league champions are aiming at finishing on top by June 30 to get a ticket of representing Kenya in the Caf Champions League next season. However, their campaign suffered a blow recently after they suffered a 3-1 loss against Bidco United.

In that game played on Sunday, a win for Ingwe would have taken them top with 39 points but it was not the case as the promoted side pulled one of the major upsets in the top-flight so far to stun them courtesy of goals from Alex Juma, Peter Nzuki, and David Orem in the 7th minute, 41st, and 51st minutes respectively.

How has the loss affected Leopards players?

"It was definitely hard and you could see everyone was disappointed with the result," Juma told Goal on Thursday.

"But it had already happened and we had to step up and you could see the response on Wednesday when we defeated Posta Rangers in the FKF Shield Cup.

"This is a critical time for the players and the team at large to stay put and ensure we sustain the chase for the top position. The league is a marathon and a slip-up does not mean we are out."

Did the absence of two key players affect them?

The former Harambee Star further insisted every player is working hard and the absence of Isaac Kipyegon and Collins Shichenje, who were serving a suspension, did not affect them.

"In the team, every player is prepared and ready to play when called upon," Juma continued.

"If you look at the recent matches we have played, there have been changes because the games are many and we cannot keep playing the same players every now and then.

"Yes, Kipyegon and Shichenje are quality players, just like every other member in the team, but their absences did not contribute to our loss."

Eden Hazard has expressed his excitement after the appointment of new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, insisting "it's good news for me".

Ancelotti left Everton to return to Real for a second spell in charge on Tuesday, penning a three-year contract at Santiago Bernabeu.

Hazard is looking forward to working with the Italian, who replaces the outgoing Zinedine Zidane, and feels the Blancos can reach new heights under his stewardship.

What's been said?

The Belgian winger told RBTF of his admiration for Ancelotti: "Everyone at Real Madrid knows what Ancelotti has brought to the club.

"He won the Champions League with this group and he knows a lot of the players. We know that he is a coach with a lot of experience.

"He knows the city and the fans. I think we can do great things together.

"I don't know him personally, but from what I've heard of him he's a very nice person who just wants to win, and that's what we all want.

"We'll have the chance to work together. It's good news for me."

What did Ancelotti achieve during his first stint at Real?

Ancelotti inherited the managerial reigns at the Bernabeu from Jose Mourinho back in 2013, and went on to deliver four trophies in the space of just two seasons, including one Copa del Rey crown and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The crowning achievement of the 61-year-old's reign came when Real fulfilled their 'La Decima' dream, beating Atletico Madrid 4-1 in the 2013-14 Champions League final to lift the trophy for a record-extending 10th time.

A new start for Hazard?

Hazard became the most expensive signing in Real's history when he joined the club from Chelsea for €100 million (£86m/$121m) in the summer of 2019, but has so far done little to justify such a hefty price tag.

The 30-year-old has been plagued by injury problems in the Spanish capital, appearing in just 43 games across all competitions under Zidane as a result, while contributing a modest tally of five goals and eight assists.

Ancelotti's arrival presents Hazard with a clean slate as he bids to prove that he can rediscover the form which saw him emerge as one of the top wingers in the world at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgium international bears no ill-feeling towards Zidane, despite having struggled to hold down a regular place in his team, and says it was a dream to work with one of his lifelong role models.

"It was great to be around him every day as Real Madrid's coach," Hazard added. "To be coached by your idol, there's nothing better."

Further reading

The South American cohort of the qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup has kicked off, with CONMEBOL teams in action as the road to the Qatar tournament continues.

Matchday five will see the likes of second-placed Argentina taking on Chile, with Colombia taking on Peru and Uruguay clashing with Paraguay.

The four CONMEBOL qualifiers can be watched through fuboTV today. The streaming platform offers the option to watch each of the other games in the US..

Thursday June 3 - World Cup 2022 qualifiers on US TV

What has happened so far in CONMEBOL's World Cup 2022 qualification?

Argentina could leapfrog table-toppers Brazil in the standings should they register victory against Chile today, as the Selecao don't play their qualifier until tomorrow.

Lionel Messi and co are in good standings this qualification phase so far, having accumulated 10 points from four matches – and are currently on an unbeaten run, drawing just once. 

Their opponents Chile, however, have a different predicament, taking just four points from their opening four games – losing twice and winning just once.

They will be spurred on, however, by the cruel memories of their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after narrowly missing out on goal difference.

Lionel Scaloni's side have not played an international game since November 2020, however, and have struggled to convert their chances – scoring just six goals in the qualification stages so far.

Paulo Dybala will be unavailable against Chile, but Argentina will have other means of firepower at their disposal – Messi, for one, as well as his new Barcelona team-mate Sergio Aguero.

Watch now with fuboTV ( Stream now )

Uruguay will also have their work cut out for them, currently lying in seventh place in the CONMEBOL qualification table.

They are just one spot behind their opponents Paraguay, both level on points but Paraguay sporting just a slightly better goal difference.

Uruguay sit fifth in the table, just one spot outside of the automatic qualification spots – and should they remain in fifth, they will need to compete in the play-offs.

Head coach Oscar Tabarez has led his Uruguay team to four successive World Cup tournaments, while Paraguay have been unable to qualify for the past two World Cup tournaments.

But they will need to take stock ahead of the Paraguay game, as Uruguay's last qualifier ended as a 2-0 loss against Brazil, where Edinson Cavani got sent off and Arthur and Richarlison netted first-half goals.

Both Peru and Colombia both have difficult roads to the 2022 tournament, with both teams falling way below expectations after their opening four games.

Peru lie in ninth place while Colombia languish in seventh, though a win for Colombia today could potentially send them to the top half of the table.

Colombia will also be forced to deal with the big blow of James Rodriguez being excluded from playing in the qualifiers as well as the Copa America due to injury.

CONMEBOL's World Cup 2022 qualification table

Simba SC consolidated their position at the top of the Mainland Premier League table after a 3-0 win over Ruvu Shooting at CCM Kirumba Stadium on Thursday.

John Bocco scored twice while Chris Mugalu found the back of the net once to ensure the visitors emerged winners against Boniface Mkwasa's side. Wekundu wa Msimbazi have now won five consecutive league games as they look to defend their title.

Bocco scored the opener in the 17th minute after the hosts failed to arrest a clinical move made by the Dar es Salaam side, who started the match by honouring Clatous Chama, who lost his wife in Zambia. Ruvu Shooting goalkeeper Abdallah Rashid did well to stop a fierce shot launched by Luis Miquissone in the 18th minute as they retreated when the league champions surged forward.

In the 29th minute, Ruvu Shooting created their most open chance through Charles Manyama but Aishi Manula was alert enough to deal with the strike.  The striker again almost found the target with a header - which slightly flew above the bar - in the 35th minute when they won a corner. Simba regained dominance and were adventurous as the first half was about to end but were unlucky not to get the second goal before the half-time whistle blew.

Mugalu - who has been an outstanding star for the Msimbazi giants - added the second for Wekundu wa Msimbazi at the hour mark after the subsequent half had started slowly.  In the 72nd minute, there was a collision between Juma Nyoso and Shomari Kapombe and the latter was red-carded for the incident, handing Simba a numerical advantage.

In the 84th minute, Ruvu Shooting were dealt yet another blow when their goalkeeper Rashid was red-carded for a foul on Bernard Morrison inside the box and Bocco - the Simba captain - earned his brace as he successfully converted from the spot.

Ruvu Shooting XI: Abdallah Rashid, William Patrick, Edward Manyama, Cassian Ponera, Juma Nyoso, Zuberi Dabi, Moses Shaban, Fully Maganga, David Uromi, Abraham Mussa, 

Subs: Bidii Hussein, Eradius Salvador, Santos Mazengo, James Msuva, Graham Naftar, Frank Ikobela, Emmanuel Martin.

Simba SC XI: Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Kennedy Juma, Erasto Nyoni, Taddeo Lwanga, Hassan Dilunga, Larry Bwalya, John Bocco, Chris Mugalu, Luis Miqussine.

Subs: Beno Kakolanya, David Kameta, Said Ndemla, Mzamiru Yassin, Meddie Kagere, Miraji Athumani, Bernard Morrison.

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena celebrated their league triumph by adding another accolade in their bag as they scooped the PSL Coach of the Month for May.

The Brazilians’ new signing this season, Peter Shalulile, took home the PSL Player of the Month award also for May.

In the period of May 2 to June 2, the Sundowns coaching duo guided their team to a remarkable five wins and one draw in six outings despite coming under pressure from the chasing AmaZulu FC in early May.

Over and above collecting 16 points, the judges were hugely impressed by the duo’s game and squad management while battling both the domestic league and Caf Champions League competitions.

Despite the psychological factor of travelling in the continent, they remained focused on defending their league title, winning it with three games to spare.

Namibia’s sharpshooter Shalulile, was praised for the class that he continued to show for the champions in May.

In the five outings he featured in, Shalulile scored four times while providing three assists his name, to win his second monthly individual award of the 2020/21 campaign.

Josef Zinnbauer, Dylan Kerr and Kaitano Tembo together with Mosa Lebusa, Rivaldo Coetzee and Ndabayithethi Ndlondlo received great praise from the panel of experts as well, owing to their performances in May.

For the fans’ favourite award, the PSL Goal of the Month award, Kaizer Chiefs winger Happy Mashiane got the nod for his stunning free-kick from an acute angle in his side’s 2-2 against Bloemfontein Celtic.

Gor Mahia have sealed their place in the last 16 of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup after a 5-0 win over Cusco on Thursday at the Ruaraka Grounds.

John Macharia, Tito Okello, and Joachim Ochieng ensured K'Ogalo walked past the minnows and into the next round.

The FKF Premier League reigning champions have won six matches in a row in all competitions, and it was no surprise when they took a lead courtesy of Macharia after just 11 minutes.

Moments later, Bright Star Okello doubled the advantage to ensure the top-tier heavyweights went to the break with a healthy 2-0 lead.

The Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto-led charges had to wait until the 79th minute to score their third goal courtesy of Macharia. The attacker was left unmarked and did not hesitate to complete his brace.

10 minutes later, it was the turn of Ochieng to put his name in the scoresheet, before former Vipers SC striker Okello scored his second in the stoppages to ensure K'Ogalo score five.

Meanwhile, AFC Leopards maintained their push to clinch a double this season after edging out Posta Rangers 1-0 in the same competition to advance the next round on Wednesday.

Ingwe were, however, forced to toil to get the win against their fellow top-flight side with Collins Shichenje notching the all-important goal in the 56th minute at Thika Municipal Stadium.

The win put the Patrick Aussem’s-led charges into the Round of 16 and also kept alive their hopes of winning a double this season as they are also firmly in the Premier League title race since they are currently sitting third on the table with 36 points, three fewer than leaders Tusker.

Bandari also cruised into a comfortable 5-1 win against Dimba Patriots in a Round of 32 fixture at Mbaraki Sports grounds.

The Dockers dominated the fixture against the minnows and were rewarded with goals from Benjamin Murimi, who grabbed a double in the 14th and 81st minutes, William Wadri in the 70th minute, Darius Msagha in the 76th, and Guelord Mwamba in the 90th minute.

Rashid Athman scored for the Patriots in the 72nd minute but it was not enough to keep them in the knockout competition.

Tusker also qualified after a 4-1 win over Marafiki FC.

EA Sports' FIFA titles are among the most popular video games in the world and certainly the biggest franchise when it comes to football simulation.

Its Ultimate Team mode has developed into the chief attraction for many gamers, but there is so much more that appeals, with cutting edge gameplay, not to mention plenty of official teams and competitions.

The Covid-19 global pandemic impacted the rollout of FIFA 21, but the games development industry has adjusted accordingly and it proved to be one of the most successful titles yet.

However, the season is over and that means fans are wondering about FIFA 22...

Will there be a FIFA 22?

FIFA 22 is expected to materialise in some form in 2021, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson effectively confirming that a new game is on the way

"All of our new EA Sports games are designed for next-gen console platforms including FIFA, Madden, NHL and EA Sports PGA Tour," Wilson said during an EA conference call in May.

The resounding success of FIFA titles was noted by Wilson in the same call and taking that into account it is easy to see why EA would be keen to continue the cultivation of that particular franchise.

Indeed, the games publisher chief explained that they would "build on that strength with a massive year of innovation and expansion".

When will FIFA 22 be announced?

EA Sports announced FIFA 21 at its EA Play event and it is possible that the games behemoth could do the same for FIFA 22. 

This year, EA Play is scheduled for July 22, 2021.

However, there is also a distinct possibility that FIFA 22 could be announced earlier than that, at the E3 event, which is running from June 12, 2021 until June 15.

One potential approach could be for EA to whet appetites with a teaser trailer at E3 before having a proper launch, with all the adornments, at their own EA Play event in July.

That way of handling it has actually been hinted at by EA's CEO Andrew Wilson, who, in May, said: "You’ll hear a lot from our build in June and we'll kind of ramp-up to that July.”

Which consoles will FIFA 22 be available on?

As noted by EA chiefs, FIFA 22 is being built for next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series-X/S, so it will be interesting to see how graphics and gameplay are affected.

It is expected that the game will also be available to play on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, as well as on PC.

FIFA 21 became available to play on Google Stadia from March 2021, but it is not clear how, if at all, FIFA 22 will be rolled out for the platform.

It also remains to be seen if FIFA 22 will be a playable title on Nintendo Switch, with recent iterations of the game being little more than a legacy game with a lick of paint applied.

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes they could still deliver more than what they did after beating Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 in Wednesday’s Premier Soccer League match at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.

It was a perfect response for the Brazilians who had dropped two points last Saturday when they were held 0-0 by Swallows FC.

A Peter Shalulile brace handed them victory in the Free State as they will now finish the season unbeaten away. 

While praising his charges for a good outing, Mngqithi, however, feels they could offer much more. 

“Haashim [Domingo] had a good game, Peter as well and [Gift] Motupa could have done better in the high press but I still believe he has some very good moments,” Mngqithi told the club’s media. 

“Mosa [Lebusa] at the back was very firm. He had a lot of good moments and AJ [Andile Jali] also played some very good football, creating some good moments even in the attacking third. But I still believe we could do better than what we did. 

“But we are never happy, we always believe we could have scored a little bit more than what we got. But in football, you must accept whatever you get sometimes.” 

Despite Masandawana’s victory appearing to have come easily, Mngqithi says they knew Celtic were going to be a difficult side to crack. 

“I think the first half was a little bit scrappy, we never really took control of the game,” said Mngqithi. 

“But fortunately, we scored a very good goal in the process, a good cross from Lyle. Good finish from Haashim that hit the bar and another very good finish from Peter with the header. But generally, we knew that we’re not going to play an easy team, they move the ball very well.  

“Neo Maema gave us a lot of trouble in the number 10 position together with [Tebogo] Potsane first half, which forced us at times to to have a two versus two at the back and try to add a plus one with a fullback, but from time to time, they would come out because we were never really very organized in our high press. 

“But as soon as we improved our high press and enough, I think we did a little bit better. And we started to gain control of the game. And we were fortunate to get a second goal from a corner that I think made us a little bit more stable.” 

Sundowns now prepare to host Cape Town City for their final game of the season on Saturday. 

Real Madrid have tied Lucas Vazquez to a new contract through to 2024, with a home-grown talent being prevented from slipping into the free agent pool.

A versatile 29-year-old was due to see his previous deal expire this summer, with exit talk being generated as a result.

Vazquez will, however, be sticking around in the Spanish capital and prolonging his association with La Liga giants.

What has been said?

The Blancos have said in a statement on the club's official website: "Real Madrid C. F. and Lucas Vazquez have reached an agreement to extend the player’s contract and he will remain at the club for the next three seasons, until 30 June 2024."

Vazquez's record at Real

Vazquez stepped out of Real's famed academy system to figure for their reserve sides.

A loan spell was then taken in at Espanyol, with a purchase option taken up.

Real were, however, to counter that by triggering a buy-back clause and the Spain international has been a regular for them since 2015.

He has taken in 240 appearances for the Blancos, registering 26 goals along the way.

Two La Liga title triumphs have been savoured down the years, along with three Champions League successes.

The bigger picture

Vazquez was always adamant that he saw himself remaining in Madrid, telling reporters amid the transfer talk he sparked: "I'm really enjoying myself this season because I'm playing and that's what makes me happy.

"A contract extension? I was and will always be a Real Madrid man."

His wish has now been granted, with speculation regarding supposed interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United brought to a close.

Further reading