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Raja Casablanca have stated they will lodge a formal complaint with Caf against the performance of Kenyan centre referee Peter Waweru during Sunday’s Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final, first leg 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.

The North Africans felt Waweru made errors which influenced the result of the game from which they scored an important away goal.

Waweru was being assisted by compatriot Gilbert Cheruiyot and Frank Komba from Tanzania.

“Raja Club Athletic will send a note of protest to Caf following the poor performance by Kenyan referee Peter Waweru in the first leg of the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-finals,” Raja said in a statement.

“The referee’s mistakes had a direct impact on the final result as he denied Raja Club Athletic a penalty following a clear handball offence [in the 48th minute] and saved the opponent’s goalkeeper by offside [in the 24th minute].

“While condemning the poor performance of the referee, Raja Club Athletic would like to recall the previous instances where the club faced similar difficulties, either during the present Caf Confederation Cup campaign, or the previous editions of Caf Competitions.”

Interestingly, while Raja felt that Waweru’s errors benefitted the opposition, Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer also believes that the Moroccans had gained from the referee’s mistakes.

Zinnbauer says DR Congo forward Ben Malango’s hour mark equaliser for the visitors was a result of an illegitimate call by Waweru.

“The goal that Casablanca scored from should have been a foul, but I don't think the ref was well-sighted,” said Zinnbauer as per News24.

“Malango is a very good striker with top skills and he had a very good game. When he gets chances, he scores most of the time.” 

Pirates now plan to visit the Green Devils for Sunday’s second leg hoping that Malango’s away goal will not come back to haunt them. 

“We want to go there and we're looking forward to the game. We want to go forward to the semi-finals. Both teams have quality players and it's going to be a big game that no one wants to lose,” Zinnbauer said.

There were a wide range of opinions after it emerged Leicester City had rendered an apology to Chelsea after Daniel Amartey's 'pennant incident'.

Following The Foxes' 1-0 FA Cup final triumph over The Blues at Wembley on Saturday, post-match dressing room footage showed the Ghana international throwing the Chelsea pennant over his shoulder to the ground as his team celebrated their first title success in the competition.

Many called his conduct "disrespectful", going on to criticise the behaviour.

It has been said on Monday that Leicester have made contact with Chelsea to apologise on behalf of their defender, who was also reportedly racially abused on social media by angry fans of The Blues after the incident.

Chelsea have reportedly accepted the apology as the two clubs prepare for a prompt clash again, this time around in the Premier League on Tuesday.

While some have commended the apology, others deem it unnecessary while another section of fans have called on Chelsea to respond on the pitch on Tuesday.

Below are reactions to the apology on social media:

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has stressed the importance of Thembinkosi Lorch's return from injury but says he is yet to get a clear picture on whether the attacker would be ready to start in next weekend’s Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final, second leg match against Raja Casablanca.

Pirates were held 1-1 by Raja at Orlando Stadium on Sunday, leaving them facing what could be a tall order when they visit the 2018 Confederation Cup champions who grabbed a vital away goal.

The match in Johannesburg marked the return of Lorch who had been out injured since February and he came on as a substitute, replacing Fortune Makaringe and played the last 13 minutes.

With Pirates needing their best players available for the trip to Casablanca, Zinnbauer says it is important for them that Lorch is back.

“Tomorrow [we will see] what happened, what is the pain, how he is feeling for the next game. But I cannot say now whether he will be in the starting line-up or on the bench. Important for us is that he is available and that’s good for us.”

With Pirates facing what seems like a tough task when they travel to Raja, Zinnbauer concedes the Moroccans’ away goal places them in an advantageous position going into the second leg. 

But the German feels that does not take away the possibility of them also grabbing a goal away from home. 

“For us, it would’ve been better to win the home game. It’s also clear that it is an advantage for the opponent that they have scored today,” Zinnbauer said.

“But we also have the possibility of scoring there and if we score there, it won’t be easy for them. They have to score more. I don’t think Casablanca was better than us today. I think there were good levels, it was a tough game.”

Kevin De Bruyne has returned to training with Manchester City, allaying fears that he could miss the Champions League final.

The midfielder, who has been named in the Belgium squad for Euro 2020, missed City's last two matches with a muscle injury with the European final in Porto just 12 days away.

However he is set be in the squad for Tuesday's trip to Brighton as the new Premier League winners step up their preparation for their first Champions League final, against Chelsea.

What's been said?

"Kevin has trained the last two days and he feels good," manager Pep Guardiola said in his news conference. "Kevin is important like everyone. When we are able to stick together and push each other, it will be possible to win [the Champions League].

"Everyone is in the same level. We’ll see what his level is, he’s fit and ready to play."

The bigger picture

City were confirmed as the Premier League winners last week when second-placed Manchester United were beaten by Leicester, but while Guardiola's side had three games with nothing riding on it, Chelsea lost an FA Cup final at the weekend and are still to confirm a top-four finish.

"The mood is really good - they’ve been training really well and everyone is focused," the City boss added of his squad. "People know they have to maintain their rhythm to play the final in the best condition as possible, and on the day off people relax and then we focus in training."

Asked if it was advantage for Chelsea to have bigger games in the countdown to the final, Guardiola added: "I’m only concerned about what we have to do - to prepare as best as possible. It’s not my business.

"We’ll have six days to focus on the final after Everton. Now it is Brighton. We won’t be ready if we don’t prepare for Brighton. I didn’t speak one second about Chelsea.

"Tomorrow we’ll play to win again and this is the best way to arrive to the final. In the six days [after the final game], we’ll be more focused on Chelsea."

Further reading

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has ruled himself out of Germany's plans for this summer's European Championship, with the Barcelona goalkeeper preparing to undergo knee surgery.

The 29-year-old is ready to cut short his 2020-21 campaign, with Barca no longer in the running for La Liga title glory, and focus on getting himself fully fit for next season.

That also means passing up the chance to form part of Joachim Low's squad chasing down continental glory, with the decision taken at Camp Nou to send him under the knife.

What has been said?

Ter Stegen has posted on social media, after seeing Barca suffer a shock 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday: "I’m disappointed about yesterday’s defeat and that now we can no longer win La Liga. After a complicated start to the season, we showed good character going 19 matches unbeaten - but we weren’t able to keep this form.

"I have decided together with the medical team of the club that I will do a complementary intervention on my knee. I’m sad that I will miss the EURO 2020 this summer with Germany.

"For the first time in many years I will be a fan at home supporting my country, I hope we win it!

"After the summer break, when we are back on the pitch I hope to be able to play with fans once again, I miss it!

"Thank you for your support throughout a difficult season and stay healthy!"

When will Ter Stegen's operation take place?

With their season all but over, with only an outing against Eibar to take in on Saturday, Barca have wasted little time in getting Ter Stegen booked in for surgery.

They have revealed in a statement on the club's official website: "The first team player Marc-Andre ter Stegen will undergo a therapeutic procedure on the patellar tendon in his right knee on Thursday 20 May in Malmö by Dr Hakan Alfredson and under the supervision of the club's medical services."

The bigger picture

Ter Stegen has been a model of consistency again for Barcelona in 2020-21, taking in 42 appearances across all competitions.

He has committed to a new contract at Camp Nou and will be looking to help the Blaugrana chase down more major honours next season - with change now being mooted on and off the field in Catalunya.

One of the finest shot-stoppers in world football should be back to peak condition by the time a new campaign gets underway, with time on his side when it comes to his recovery.

Ruling himself out of contention for international duty will not have been an easy decision, but there is every chance that he would have been a back-up option this summer anyway.

Bayern Munich keeper Manuel Neuer remains first-choice for Germany and will not be giving up that position without a fight.

Further reading

Bernd Leno has insisted that he does not want to leave Arsenal while outlining his ambition to help the club reach the Champions League again.

Leno completed a £23 million ($33m) move to Emirates Stadium from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018, venturing outside of Germany for the first time in his professional career in the process.

The 29-year-old has since nailed down the number one spot in Arsenal's team; however, it has been suggested that he is one of several first-team stars likely to depart in the summer transfer window.

What's been said?

Mikel Arteta is being tipped to reshape his squad after a turbulent 2020-21 campaign, but Leno has dismissed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future while revealing he intends to see out the final two years of his contract.

"I don't want to flee here, I feel good and want to be successful again with Arsenal!" Leno told Sport 1.

"Arsenal are a big club, which is extremely underestimated in Germany, there are many Arsenal fans all over the world.

"I still have a two-year contract and hope to play in the Champions League again with Arsenal."

Leno has left the door open to undertaking a new challenge away from north London at some point, though, with it his belief that he still has plenty of years at the top level ahead of him.

"It is also clear that at some point in my career I want to do something different," he added. "So far I've played for two clubs. Maybe I'll get the urge to play in another league again. Maybe in the south.

"But there is time, I'm still getting to the prime goalkeeping age. But my focus is on Arsenal FC."

How has Leno performed for Arsenal this term?

Emiliano Martinez made a strong case to replace Leno between the sticks on a permanent basis after stepping in while he was injured at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

However, Arteta ultimately decided to keep faith with Leno after he was cleared fit to play again, with Martinez subsequently sold to Aston Villa for £20m ($30m).

Leno has since struggled to repay his manager, allowing basic errors to creep into his game as the Gunners have slid out of contention for major trophies and a top-four Premier League finish.

Leno has featured in 47 games across all competitions for Arteta's side, but has only been able to record 15 shut-outs while conceding 47 goals.

Further reading

Simba SC coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has claimed Kaizer Chiefs left them shocked with their master class display in the Caf Champions League fixture on Saturday.

The Msimbazi giants failed to replicate their good form in the group stage of the competition after they suffered a 4-0 defeat against Amakhosi in their quarter-final first leg meeting at FNB Stadium, leaving them with a mountain to climb when they face off again in the return leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on May 22.

The Soweto giants celebrated their big win with a brace from Samir Nurkovic, while Erick Mathoho and Leonardo Castro netted one each to help put one foot in the semi-finals.

The French tactician has admitted the level of performance displayed by Chiefs surprised them, insisting they did not underrate their opponent one bit and they lost to a better side on the day.

“It was a master class display by Kaizer [Chiefs] despite not performing well in the local league,” Da Rosa said as quoted by Daily News.

“As I said before the match, Chiefs are a very good team, very good offensively and today [Saturday] they have recorded a clean sheet which proves they are solid. Even with their bad situation in the league, we did not underestimate them.”

Da Rosa further admitted his team was not in good shape and did not deserve to get anything from the fixture but remained optimistic of overturning the result in the return leg.

“There’s no good reason to explain why we lost today [Saturday], we do not have an excuse; we were not tough enough for this kind of match. It is very important to be very aggressive particularly in the aerial duels,” Da Rosa continued.

“We did not play badly particularly in the first half but in the defence, we were not efficient enough."

On whether they can beat Chiefs on Saturday, Da Rosa explained: “It is a tough call but still, it is possible for us to do better and win.

“It is important to believe we can overturn the results but for the result to change in our favour, then we must also be at our very best, we must produce a good game to stand a chance.”

“You need to believe in us that it is possible to win the next match, even though it is going to be very difficult but nothing is impossible.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the return of fans will give Manchester United an "extra lift" in their final few games of the season. 

Supporters will be inside Old Trafford for the first time since March 2020 for United’s final home league game of the season, against Fulham, and after two defeats on the spin at home the United manager is hoping their support will give them a boost. 

After recent protests, Solskjaer is also hoping the supporters will get behind the team and hopes the game won’t be "marred by violence."

What was said? 

Solskjaer said: “Of course you hope that the game against Fulham will not be marred by any violence or over the top things. 

“I know our fans, I know the Manchester United fans, they’re the best fans I’ve had and I’ve got such a great relationship with them and they know how to support the team so I don’t expect any of the fans coming here making any trouble. 

“I think the mood in any club and the relationship between the team and the fans is vital to what happens on the pitch. The players are all human beings, we’re all human beings, and we will react to getting our supporters back in a positive way. 

“They have always been giving us extra energy and hopefully the players will give the fans a reason to cheer and that’s what we have to focus on. It’s a big game for us in that respect.”

What else was said? 

Midfielder Scott McTominay was also asked about the return of fans for the final couple of games. He said: “Get the fans back in. We’re desperate for that feeling of adrenaline from all the people inside the stadium and to see everyone smiling and back enjoying football again.”

Will United be able to bounce back? 

Solskjaer’s side lost against Leicester and Liverpool at Old Trafford in the league last week, but he’s hoping to see a reaction from his side on Tuesday night. 

He said: “The last week has been draining. The season has been long enough so I gave them two days off, Friday and Saturday, and they’ve been bright and bubbly, sharp and looking forward to the end of the season and playing in front of our fans again.

“It’s a completely different matter and the fans coming in will give the game an extra lift and give the players an extra lift and of course we’re very focused on securing second place.”

Further reading

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer felt there was a foul in the build-up to Raja Casablanca's goal in the 1-1 Caf Confederation Cup first leg quarter-final draw at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The second leg encounter is set to take place on Sunday evening at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca and Raja are in the driving seat after netting an all-important away goal in Soweto.

The goal was scored on the hour mark by Raja's burly DR Congo marksman Ben Malango, who brushed aside Ntsikelelo Nyauza before turning Bongani Sam and then beating Wayne Sandilands with a low strike.

It's arguable whether Malango simply out-muscled the Bucs defender or whether Nyauza lost his balance, or if the Raja striker actually did foul him.

Zinnbauer felt it was the latter.

"The goal that Casablanca scored from should have been a foul, but I don't think the ref [Peter Waweru of Kenya] was well sighted," Zinnbauer said, as quoted on News24.

"Malango is a very good striker with top skills and he had a very good game. When he gets chances, he scores most of the time."

What would also have been frustrating for Zinnbauer is the fact that his team barely gave their north African opponents any sighters on goal – Malango’s effort was one of the few occasions goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands was left exposed.

"We defended well and we didn't give Raja many chances and what the team did today was very good,” the Bucs coach commented.
 
While mindful of the physical presence the Raja side poses, Zinnbauer remains hopeful of turning things around this weekend.

We want to go there and we're looking forward to the game. We want to go forward to the semi-finals," he said.

"Both teams have quality players and it's going to be a big game that no one wants to lose.

"We know what they can do and they have giants. You can't compare them with some of the teams, but we have the quality,

"We also have first-hand information on them and not things that we see on TV and they'll also know that it's not easy against us."

Maritzburg United head coach Ernst Middendorp has described the team's defeat to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila as nonsense. 

The two teams met in the PSL on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo struck in the 68th minute to hand the hosts maximum points. 

The Team of Choice tactician was not amused and went on to express his anger, stating his charges have to improve.

"This defeat is nonsense, it is unacceptable," the 62-year-old Middendorp said afterward.

"We conceded a goal with one against four in the centre. I cannot accept this, and it makes me angry. We have to learn and improve going forward."

Vhadau vhadamani coach Dylan Kerr welcomed the win, describing it as massive from the way his players played, insisting they would have scored more.

"It is a massive win, and it is not massive because we won the game; it is massive because of the way that we played," the former defender said.

"I thought that we were fantastic and that we controlled the game. We did not give Maritzburg any opportunities and we defended well and dominated in midfield. On any other day, we could have won this game by three or four goals."

The tactician has now set his eyes on the match against rivals Baroka targeting a win to continue surging upwards on the table.

"If we can approach the derby against Baroka with the same work ethic and enjoyment we can collect another three points and knock on the top-eight doors," the 54-year-old Kerr concluded.

The Limpopo-based charges are riding high in confidence after winning the Nedbank Cup a week ago when they beat Chippa United. As a result, they secured their ticket for Caf Confederation Cup football next season.

They are now aiming at winning the relegation battle and remain in the top-tier beyond this season. They are currently placed in the 13th position with 28 points from the 27 matches they have played. 

Vhadau vhadamani have managed to collect seven wins, as many draws and 13 losses. They have scored 19 goals and conceded 35.  

Andrew Robertson has hailed Alisson after the Liverpool goalkeeper's dramatic winning goal against West Brom, saying "any striker in the world is happy with that header".

Liverpool seemed to be heading towards a disappointing draw at The Hawthorns on Sunday, with Hal Robson-Kanu and Mohamed Salah both getting on the scoresheet, before Alisson ran the length of the pitch for a late corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Brazilian shot-stopper rose highest to meet the cross and direct an unstoppable header past West Brom no 1 Sam Johnstone, sparking wild scenes of celebration among the Reds squad and coaching staff.

What's been said?

Robertson was left in awe after Alisson's finish, having initially been concerned that Liverpool might be caught out on the counter-attack when he came up.

"I've given up now trying to describe it," the Scottish defender told the club's official website. "This team, I've said it time and time again – of course it was maybe when we were going for titles and things like that – but we just don't know when to give up. 

"We keep fighting, we keep going, we keep probing. We had some really good chances [in the] last 10 minutes and we just couldn't find the chance. 

"Then you get a corner and I see Ali sprinting by me and I'm thinking, 'I'm not sure about this.' I go back to the halfway line and any striker in the world I think is happy with that header – it's unbelievable."

Robertson on Alisson's tribute to his father

Alisson dedicated his stunning goal to his late father Jose Agostinho Becker, who tragically passed away after an accident in Brazil in February.

"For him, for his family, what he's been through, everyone's been through a rubbish time but him particularly," Robertson said of his team-mate's moving tribute. 

"Not being able to go back to Brazil after losing his dad and everything like that, the number of emotions that man has probably felt throughout this whole year, welcoming a baby boy into the family, it's incredible. 

"We are one big family. When one of us hurts, we all hurt and we all felt the impact of when his father sadly passed away. 

"It's an incredible, emotional moment for him and I'm sure there won't be a dry eye back in Brazil for him. Clearly his dad is looking over him."

State of play in top-four race

Liverpool's victory saw them move to within a point of fourth-placed Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League spot.

Jurgen Klopp's side will hope the Blues drop points again when they take on third-place Leicester City on Tuesday, which will give them the chance to move into fourth with a win away at Burnley the following day.

The Reds are due to wrap up their season against Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 23.

Further reading

Arsenal need to be making "a minimum of five changes" to their strongest starting XI this summer, says Martin Keown, with the former Gunners defender suggesting that Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin and David Luiz could be among those moved on.

Mikel Arteta is in the process of piecing together plans for the next transfer window, with the merits of possible incomings and departures being weighed up.

The Gunners do have a promising core of young talent to work with, which is offering cause for optimism, but decisions need to be made on more senior stars that are either approaching the end of their contracts or offering little to the collective cause.

What has been said?

On the approach that he would take if filling Arteta's shoes at Emirates Stadium, Keown told talkSPORT: "Well, it's a time for change in terms of the players, personnel.

"One to 11, if you go right through the team, Leno's not signing a new deal by all accounts, Bellerin at right-back is not holding that position down, the two central defenders, you'd say there is uncertainty over who is going to play there.

"[Kieran] Tierney the left-back is probably the only one who is a shoo-in as a defender."

The ex-Arsenal centre-half added: "You run right through the team and it's the young kids really that are the backbone of the team. [Bukayo] Saka, [Emile] Smith Rowe have been outstanding this season.

"I think a minimum of maybe five changes. I think the front players are still good - I'd keep [Alexandre] Lacazette, I like him actually in the club. 

"[Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang's had his problems this season, [Gabriel] Martinelli needs to be used more, maybe on the wing perhaps. Then you've got Saka to play, Smith Rowe, make sure they build those careers.

"But they need a base in midfield, [Thomas] Partey needs a partner alongside him, they need to spend there.

"Gabriel has been disappointing as a central defender, David Luiz is about to leave. So there is huge surgery to be made by the manager."

The bigger picture

The 2020-21 campaign, which started with Community Shield glory, has been another inconsistent one for Arsenal.

They are looking to finish with a flourish, having collected three successive Premier League wins, but European football may not be on the agenda next season and that will make it tougher to get fresh faces on board.

Change is on the cards, though, in north London and the squad overseen by Arteta in 2021-22 could look markedly different to the one that closes out the current campaign with clashes against Crystal Palace and Brighton.

Further reading

Former Kenya coach Adel Amrouche believes Simba SC struggled to contain Kaizer Chiefs in their Caf Champions League quarter-final fixture because they did not field midfielder Francis Kahata.

The Kenyan star was not involved in the first leg clash at FNB Stadium despite making the trip to South Africa as Amakhosi hammered the Msimbazi giants 4-0 to put one foot in the semi-finals.

Amrouche, who handled Kenya’s Harambee Stars between 2013-14 season, has told Goal in an exclusive interview Simba suffered the humiliating defeat because they lacked a creative midfielder like Kahata to unlock the Chiefs defensive line.

“Without Francis [Kahata], Simba will always lose their creativity,” Amrouche told Goal on Monday. “I think when you play experienced teams like Kaizer [Chiefs], you must have a lot of creativity in your squad and you need genius of special players like Kahata.

“Absolutely, he [Kahata] is one of the best playmakers in the East African region and can turn the game around in your favour even when your team is trailing, he is a top genius, he can unlock any defence with his splitting passes, and I think Simba should hand him a start against Chiefs in Dar es Salaam.”

Amrouche has, however, said he is just giving his own opinion on the player by stating: “This is just my opinion and also because he was my magic foot in the national team for Kenya.

“I don’t know why Simba doesn’t start him, only the coach of Simba know what happened, and about his shape, but me I am talking with emotion but I think he deserves to play.”

On whether Simba stands a chance to overturn the first leg defeat and reach the semi-finals, Amrouche said: Kaizer [Chiefs] is one of the greatest teams in Africa, famous with their good structures and professional level and with very good players.

“I don’t think it will be possible [for Simba to overturn the first-leg result], but anything can happen in football, it is played on the pitch and so anything can happen, and you never say never until the final whistle.

“Simba should have hope of qualifying, hope is good if you make sure your players think like you mentally with determination and fighting spirit, anything can happen.”

Simba will host Chiefs at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on May 22 in the second leg.

Jurgen Klopp has offered a further update on Diogo Jota's foot injury, with the Portuguese forward facing a race against time to be fit for European Championship duty after seeing his domestic season brought to a close.

The 24-year-old, with 13 goals to his name in a productive debut campaign at Anfield, will not be figuring again in the efforts of Jurgen Klopp's side to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

He will, however, still be hoping to feature for his country at a major international event this summer, with defending champions Portugal set to open their Euros quest against Hungary on June 15.

What has been said?

Asked whether Jota could sit out tournament football, Liverpool boss Klopp told reporters: "Diogo, I don’t know actually. 

"As I said, it is not too serious but as always, you have to wait [to see] how it develops, how it heals. 

"It is a little bone in the foot and we have to see. I think he will now be in a boot for two weeks or so and when he gets out of the boot then the doctors will check how it developed, how far the progress is, so I don’t know that but of course, it is not a top moment."

Any other knocks for Liverpool?

The Reds have been ravaged by untimely injuries this season, with best-laid plans having to be ripped up on a regular basis.

On-loan defender Ozan Kabak is among those to be nursing a knock at present, as he endeavours to put himself in contention for a permanent transfer in the summer.

The Turkey international played no part in a thrilling 2-1 win over West Brom on Sunday, but Klopp says the 21-year-old could figure again in an ongoing bid to secure a seat at European football's top table.

The German tactician added when quizzed on another of his stricken centre-halves: "Ozan, no. No for the long-term [injuries].

"Ozan isn’t in the long-term [injuries] but nobody is coming back, I think."

The Reds, who sit fifth in the Premier League standings but are just one point back on Chelsea, will return to action on Wednesday when taking in a trip to Burnley.

Further reading

In a match that saw the fans get back to the stadium after more than a year, Shabab Al Ahli edged past Al Nasr 2-1 in the President's Cup final held at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on Sunday. 

Federico Cartabia converted the spot-kicks in each half for Shabab Al-Ahli, which made the difference in a hard-fought cup final. 

Red Knights were on the front foot right from the off, and Yousif Jaber got a sight of goal in the very first minute. Al-Nasr keeper Ahmed Shambih had to remain on his toes as Cartabia and co. frequently tested his resolve. 

At the other end, chances came few and far for Al Nasr as they found it difficult to make inroads in the attacking third. 

The deadlock was broken when Cartabia converted a penalty in the 44th minute after Yuqiub Hassa fouled Walid Abbas inside the box. 

When play resumed after the break, Al Nasr played with more intent and purpose. They were rewarded for their persistence when Mehdi Abeid scored from a corner in the 78th minute. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review. 

However, the scoreline changed once again when Mohamed Ali Ayed tackled Eduardo in the penalty box and Cartabia made no mistake to score from 12 yards. This was Shabab Al-Ahli's fourth victory over Al Nasr in this season across all competitions. 

The presence of fans made the occasion more special. Only vaccinated fans with a negative RT-PCR Covid-19 test were allowed at 30 per cent capacity of the stadium. 

This was the 10th President's Cup win in Shabab Al-Ahli's history and the third trophy of the season as they had previously won the Arabian Gulf Cup and the Arabian Gulf Super Cup.