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Fan View: Kanu joins Nigerians to celebrate Ndidi and Iheanacho's FA Cup triumph with Leicester City

The Super Eagles duo played key roles as Brendan Rodgers' side claimed the coveted title at Wembley Stadium

Nigerians including former Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu have taken to social media to celebrate Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi after their FA Cup triumph with Leicester City. 

The Foxes defeated Premier League rivals Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday, thanks to Youri Tielemans' 63rd-minute strike. 

Iheanacho was in action for 67 minutes while Ndidi was solid in the middle of the park for the entire duration. 

Their title triumph has made their compatriots happy with many cheering for them during the Foxes' landmark win.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
  374 Hits

Azam FC 2-1 KMC FC: Ice-cream Makers keep title dreams alive with late Morris strike

Azam FC 2-1 KMC FC: Ice-cream Makers keep title dreams alive with late Morris strike

The veteran Taifa Stars defender rose to the occasion to snatch maximum points for the ‘Ice-cream Makers’ in the home tie

Azam FC needed a stoppage-time goal from captain Aggrey Morris to beat KMC FC 2-1 in a Mainland Premier League match at Azam Complex Stadium on Saturday.

The Ice-cream Makers took a deserved lead in the 11th minute when their top scorer Prince Dube scored the opener but KMC leveled matters in the 41st minute courtesy of Abdul Hillary.

With the game heading to a draw, Morris snatched the win in the three minutes of added time after he rose the highest to power home a corner kick and send the fans at Chamazi Stadium into a frenzy.

Azam came into the match sitting in third position in the 18-team table and they also knew second-placed Yanga SC had dropped points in the earlier match as they had settled to a 0-0 draw against Namungo FC, and so they went searching for the early goal against the visitors.

It took them only five minutes to test the KMC keeper as Dube combined well with Salum Abubakar, but the Zimbabwean striker hit a low-footed effort which was easily dealt with.

But in the 11th minute, Dube did not make any mistake as he received a through ball from Abubakar after a counter-attack, side-stepped one KMC defender before placing the ball to the right side of the net.

Azam continued to press for a second goal but KMC's defence remained tight at the back and in the 41st minute, they were level after Hillary powered home using his left leg to beat goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya all the way to the net.

The winning goal for Azam then arrived in the 93rd minute when captain Morris headed home a corner kick to help the Ice-cream Makers remain in contention for the title as they now have 57 points from 29 matches, one less than second-placed Yanga, and four fewer than table-toppers Simba SC.

In the earlier contest, Yanga suffered a blow in their quest to challenge for the title after playing to a 0-0 draw with Namungo at Majaliwa Stadium in Ruangwa.

In another game played on Saturday, Mtibwa Sugar defeated Tanzania Prisons by a solitary goal to move 14th on the table with 31 points. The lone goal was scored by Salum Kihimbwa in the fifth minute.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  454 Hits

Man City and Chelsea stars named on March's WSL player of the month shortlist

Masandawana's starting line-up has been announced ahead of their quarter-final first-leg game against the Egyptian giants in Cairo on Saturday night
Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  96 Hits

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur: Team news, preview & predictions

Stay right up to date with Goal's live commentary coverage of the biggest games from around the globe
  97 Hits

Neymar, Danilo returns have Brazil dancing into quarterfinals

The players grab their medals and Schmeichel and Morgan lift the FA Cup trophy! Leicester can celebrate a historic victory, then, before they return to Premier League duty to try to secure their place in the Champions League next season. The way things are going for them, the sky is the limit. That's all for now. Goodbye!

Everyone associated with Leicester is overjoyed at this result. It's a testament to the club's ownership, which has gone about things the right way ever since Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha arrived. No doubt the players have done their late owner proud. Rodgers becomes the first boss to win both the English and Scottish FA Cups since one Sir Alex Ferguson. Chelsea become the first side to lose FA Cup finals in consecutive seasons since Newcastle United in 1998 and 1999. They need to pick themselves back up for the Champions League final.

It's Leicester City's day as they finally win the FA Cup on their fifth final appearance! The club's greatest-ever era continues thanks to Tielemans' wonderful second-half strike, a goal worthy of winning any game. Chelsea tried their best but had no answer to it late on, with Schmeichel's two astonishing saves from Mount and Chilwell and a dramatic VAR decision keeping them out.

90' + 6' FULL-TIME: CHELSEA 0-1 LEICESTER CITY

90' + 5' Leicester have everyone back. Morgan towers high to head Chilwell's ball in away. And that's it! Leicester have won the FA Cup for the first time ever!

90' + 3' Vardy wins a timely corner for Leicester down their left off Silva. Leicester try to keep it near the corner flag but Chelsea win the throw-in. Chelsea will have time for one more attack.

90' + 2' Vardy's caught offside from Maddison's throughball. Leicester are so nearly there.

90' After the brief euphoria of thinking they'd scored Chelsea now have to gee themselves up again for one last push. There'll be five minutes of added time.

89' NO GOAL FOR CHELSEA! What incredible drama here at Wembley. The officials watch the goal back again and Chilwell was fractionally offside. Leicester fans celebrate as if they've scored again. VAR's had some big moments in English football since its introduction. This might well be the biggest.

88' GOAL! CHELSEA 1-1 LEICESTER CITY! Chelsea force a late equaliser! Silva has time and space to ping a fantastic ball towards Chilwell who darts behind Albrighton to shoot from a tight angle. Chilwell's shot pinballs around in the penalty area and it goes in off the despairing Morgan! Hang on, VAR is checking whether Chilwell was offside...

87' Schmeichel makes an incredible save to tip Mount's snap shot from inside the box around the post! That's a heroic save by the Leicester captain, given the state of the game at the moment. Mount surely thought he'd scored.

86' Hudson-Odoi flings in a cross from the right and Fofana is there again to head it away. The 20-year-old Frenchman has been fantastic at centre-back for Leicester.

85' Leicester keep the ball following the corner and Vardy's backheel flick goes out for a Chelsea goal-kick. If Chelsea are going to score, it needs to be soon.

84' Vardy finds himself one-on-one with Silva and Silva sticks a leg out to put the ball behind for a Leicester corner. That was a fun battle between the two 30-somethings.

83' Rudiger gets stars in his eyes and fires high and wide from outside the box. Chelsea are getting nervy.

80' Soyuncu slips but still manages to punt the ball away from trouble as Werner hunts him down. Leicester's ambitions for the next 10 minutes look limited to hanging onto their lead.

78' Chance for Chelsea! Kante crosses in and Chilwell nods a header into the ground that it looks to be heading in at the far post. Schmeichel makes a fingertip save to keep it out. That's a big save in a game that hasn't had many of them. Chelsea get a corner off Albrighton but can't do anything with it.

77' Fofana heads another hopeful Chelsea cross away. Leicester now have everyone back in their own half.

76' Leicester will have to keep their wits about them now as Chelsea look to be turning to all-out attack. The 19-year-old Thomas receives some treatment before play resumes. What an occasion this is for the teenager to be part of.

73' Chelsea keep Leicester pinned in their defensive third until Maddison's caught by Azpilicueta. Chelsea are looking short of ideas.

72' Chelsea force a corner down their right which James takes high towards the far post. Leicester rush Chelsea all the way back to Kepa.

71' Jorginho misplaces his pass and Tielemans, the game's best player, seeks out Vardy straight away. Silva is in the right place to win the header.

70' Mount goes down in Leicester's penalty area under Soyuncu's fair challenge. To his credit Mount doesn't appeal for the penalty.

65' Chelsea look to come back quickly as Ziyech has an effort blocked from outside the box. Leicester survive the corner.

64' Tielemans has become the first Leicester player to score in an FA Cup final since Ken Keyworth in 1963 against Manchester United. Leicester fans will remember that goal for some time to come.

63' Pulisic is getting some final instructions in Chelsea's technical area. Both teams are looking to bring gamechangers off their bench now.

62' Chelsea see the corner out but not very far. This time Albrighton's cross is to no one in particular.

61' Leicester take the corner short and Albrighton forces another corner off Rudiger. Leicester's fans are making some racket. It must be inspiring to their team to hear them again.

60' Albrighton tries to beat Alonso near the corner flag and earns a corner out of it. Leicester ideally need to make this period of pressure count.

58' Silva knocks the ball over the top for Werner to chase and Schmeichel lets it bounce harmlessly out of play. Tuchel might want to start considering a change or two to his team.

56' Chelsea clear the initial corner but Leicester still have the ball. Tielemans sends in another dangerous ball and Alonso nods it out for a throw-in. Leicester are growing in influence.

55' The offside flag goes up against Werner and Leicester have possession. Tielemans's delivery into the box is promising and earns Leicester a corner.

53' Chelsea put together a decent passage of play with Jorginho finding Kante's run down the right. Kante thumps the ball towards the far post and Alonso's header at Schmeichel is a soft one.

52' Leicester are getting Maddison ready to come on. They'll be hoping the England prospect can give them more of a creative spark in midfield.

51' Tielemans' control lets him down and the Belgian slides in on Jorginho, taking him out. The referee lets Tielemans off this time.

50' Kepa sweeps up on the edge of his box with Vardy lurking. Leicester have stepped up a gear since half-time.

49' Soyuncu carries the ball up Leicester's left but soon plays himself into trouble. Perez goes safety-first by punting out for a throw-in, hurting himself in the process by catching Kante's foot. Thankfully it's just a minor knock.

47' Werner finds Mount on the underlap. The solid Fofana tracks Mount all the way and shepherds the ball out for a goal-kick.

46' Leicester start the second half brightly, making gradual inroads down their right. Alonso hacks Kante's pass out of play.

45' Chelsea get the second half of this cup final going. Neither side has made changes at half-time.

This is the first FA Cup final to be goalless at half-time since 2016 when Manchester United went on to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in extra-time. Both teams will be pleased with their first-half displays but their forwards have largely been quiet, especially Iheanacho who's this competition's top scorer this season. Can Chelsea go on to make their experience count?

It's been a tight, tactical game so far without much in terms of goalmouth action. Chelsea have edged the game but Leicester have arguably had the best chances, as James blocked Vardy's shot and Soyuncu had a few headers off-target.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 0-0 LEICESTER CITY

45' + 1' Soyuncu makes a sliding tackle to hand Chelsea a corner and a chance to end this first half on a high. Azpilicueta gets to Ziyech's cross first and Leicester hook it away. That's all for now!

45' There'll be two added minutes before the break. Tielemans floats an inviting ball into the box. Vardy's flicked header is of no concern to Kepa.

44' James sends this corner towards the far post and it sails out of play for a Leicester goal-kick. Leicester will be happy to go in level at half-time.

43' Albrighton plays a poor pass and Werner drives at goal, dragging his shot wide. It brushes off the underside of Fofana's thigh to hand Chelsea their fifth corner of the game.

42' Leicester get another opportunity to worry Chelsea from a set-piece down their left. Thomas is the one to take it this time. Soyuncu glances it wide at the near post.

41' Leicester are growing in confidence but there hasn't been much quality on show yet. Neither side has had a shot on target.

39' Ziyech slides in Werner and Fofana makes a fantastic double block to stop the German from testing Schmeichel. Leicester clear and Werner tries to salvage the situation by sliding in on Thomas. The referee's unimpressed and blows his whistle.

38' Leicester get a free-kick as Ziyech tackles Thomas by the touchline. Leicester haven't been troubled since Evans went off which is good news for them.

37' Perez jinks down the left and is met by James. Leicester keep the ball moving and Vardy can't control Albrighton's deep cross.

35' Mount fizzes across the Leicester penalty area from the left but can't find a teammate. Leicester get a welcome throw-in shortly after.

32' Evans drops to the turf. It looks like Leicester's veteran centre-back will be unable to continue. It's unfortunate for the Northern Irishman who brings valuable experience to Leicester's defence.

30' Leicester keep the ball at the back for a while as they regain their composure before Ndidi passes harmlessly out of play. Chelsea are on top but Leicester are still very much in this game.

28' Chelsea win another corner off Soyuncu. Evans heads Ziyech's cross out. Chelsea keep the pressure on though and Azpilicueta can't crane his neck enough to power Werner's flick-on into the net. It's a let-off for Leicester.

27' Werner blazes way over as Evans backs off to give the German a chance to shoot. Tuchel throws up his arms in frustration that Werner can't find the target.

26' Leicester fans are unhappy with a James challenge on Perez. Play continues. 

25' Tielemans lines up a shot from range and Silva tracks the Belgian well to block. Ndidi gives away a free-kick on Werner to kill Leicester's momentum.

23' Seconds after he has a shot blocked, Mount drifts into an awkward position for Soyuncu and beats the defender to get another effort away. It takes a deflection and goes out for a Chelsea corner. Schmeichel grabs it first-time.

22' The rain is lashing down at Wembley as Chelsea go back on the attack. Ziyech stretches the play and passes inside to Alonso. The Spaniard can't get his feet together and Leicester clear.

20' Tielemans swings the free-kick in and Soyuncu's header loops over the crossbar. That's a decent opportunity for Leicester who've had the better chances so far.

19' Iheanacho latches onto a throughball and plays it onto Silva's hand. It's accidental but the Chelsea man did handle the ball. Leicester have a free-kick in a promising position down their right.

18' Iheanacho goes down after a challenge from Rudiger. The referee isn't interested.

17' Werner lures Evans out after him and buys a free-kick. Chelsea have had 70 per cent of the ball in the opening 15 minutes of this game.

15' Alonso is unable to find Werner with a sweeping crossfield pass and Leicester break. Castagne gallops down the right and fizzes in a low ball for Vardy whose shot is blocked by James. Leicester might have found a decent route to goal.

14' Rudiger, who's still wearing a protective face mask, has a pop from distance that predictably rolls wide. Leicester are holding their own for now.

13' Ziyech floats a high cross in from the left and Thomas lets it go out for a Leicester throw-in.

12' Tielemans slides into the back of Mount and scythes the Chelsea midfielder down. Leicester are leaving gaps in midfield at the moment as their front line ventures forward to press.

11' Ziyech lumps a hopeful ball forward that Schmeichel gathers. Chelsea look confident and are playing calmly and methodically.

10' Chelsea give the ball away and Leicester look to counter through Vardy. James holds off Leicester's veteran striker to watch the ball safely go out for a Chelsea goal-kick.

8' Chelsea force another corner down their right but aren't able to create a scoring opportunity from it. Leicester certainly don't look scared of their opponents so far.

7' Interestingly, James has started to the right of Chelsea's back three while Azpilicueta is at wing-back. No doubt that's to combat the searing pace of Vardy.

6' It's been a good start by Chelsea as they win the first corner of the game off Thomas. James puts it into the box and it's headed out for a Chelsea throw-in.

5' Ziyech, starting on the left for Chelsea, looks to thread a pass through for the overlapping Alonso. Fofana spots the danger and intercepts it.

3' Leicester get their first shot of the game as Vardy lofts a shot into the arms of Kepa. It's a comfortable catch for the Chelsea keeper.

2' For the second time in the space of a minute and a half, Werner has beaten Soyuncu for pace to get the ball into the box. This time Leicester's central defenders sweep up.

1' Chelsea start the game on the front foot as Werner darts down their right and crosses low into Leicester's penalty area. Schmeichel gathers the ball easily.

1' The referee Michael Oliver blows his whistle and Leicester get this 140th FA Cup final underway!

The 20,000 fans lucky enough to be at Wembley cheer the players out onto the pitch where they're greeted by Prince William. As the administrative home team, Chelsea will play wearing their usual royal blue. Leicester will play in their maroon third kit. Becky Hill sings a stirring rendition of God Save The Queen. We're nearly ready for kick-off!

Chelsea are surely favourites to win this game due to their experience at this level. After all, they've reached a major domestic or European final in the last five consecutive seasons now. However, they've been more brittle at Wembley in recent years, losing four of their last seven trips here. Can Leicester make it fifth time lucky and lift the FA Cup for the very first time?

Thomas Tuchel makes five changes to the Chelsea side that lost to Arsenal in the Premier League midweek. Kepa stays in goal, while Rudiger, Kante, Alonso, Ziyech and Werner start. There's just the one change to Leicester from their win away to Manchester United last time out. Evans is fit to start so Albrighton drops to the bench. Schmeichel becomes the first goalkeeper to captain his team at an FA Cup final since David James in 2010.

SUBS: James Maddison, Danny Ward, Dennis Praet, Hamza Choudhury, Marc Albrighton, Daniel Amartey, Nampalys Mendy, Wes Morgan, Ricardo Pereira.

LEICESTER CITY (3-4-1-2): Kasper Schmeichel (c); Wesley Fofana, Jonny Evans, Caglar Soyuncu; Timothy Castagne, Youri Tielemans, Wilfred Ndidi, Luke Thomas; Ayoze Perez; Kelechi Iheanacho, Jamie Vardy.

SUBS: Kai Havertz, Edouard Mendy, Olivier Giroud, Emerson, Christian Pulisic, Billy Gilmour, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Kurt Zouma, Ben Chilwell.

CHELSEA (3-4-3): Kepa Arrizabalaga; Cesar Azpilicueta (c), Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Marcos Alonso; Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Mason Mount.

For Leicester, this match is uncharted territory. This is the Foxes' first FA Cup final since 1969 and their first domestic final since 2000 when some of their players weren't even born. Brendan Rodgers' young guns are a team on the up, but have they got what it takes to kick on and win silverware? Let's find out!

This is the 140th FA Cup final with Chelsea and Leicester becoming the 117th different pairing in the competition's showcase match. Chelsea know what it takes to win this competition. The Blues have lifted this famous trophy eight times and reached the final in four of the last five seasons, including last year where they went down 2-1 to Arsenal.

Hello! Welcome to our live text commentary of the 2021 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium.

  130 Hits

Mexico's Corona named Portuguese league's MVP

Thanks to his strike against the Seagulls, the Algeria international has now scored his maiden goal in the English top flight

Said Benrahma scored his first Premier League goal with a second-half stunner as West Ham United played a 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion, in the process ending his wait to find the back of the net in the English elite division.

Thanks to an assist from South Africa international Percy Tau, Welbeck had put the Seagulls ahead in the 84th minute, however, the Algerian who was introduced for Jarrod Bowen in the 64th minute ensured that the points were shared.

Ben White headed Vladimir Coufal’s cross out towards the edge of the area, where the 25-year-old had plenty of time to take a touch, before bending a beauty into the top corner of Robert Sanchez’s post.

That also proved to be his first-ever goal for West Ham United, in what was his 31st appearance for David Moyes’ team in all competitions.

In addition, the former Nice, Angers and Brentford man became the 12th Algerian to score in the history of the tournament.

Speaking to West Ham TV after the game, manager Moyes claimed his players gave their all against Graham Potter’s Seagulls, albeit, they did not make most of their scoring opportunities.

“It was very similar to the Everton game. I thought we controlled long periods of the game but we gave away a really, really bad goal – quite similar to the one we gave away against Everton – and from that we had to come back,” he said.

“It was probably our play in the final third where we didn’t do enough – we didn’t make a good enough final pass, or we didn’t make enough contact when we had a chance to score et cetera.

“Some moments weren’t good, and we gave up quite a lot of opportunities to make better chances.

“Getting a point [after falling behind] with six minutes to go was good and the players showed a lot of character to make sure that we earned it. A point might be really important – it could be.”

The result is a setback for the London based outfit in their quest to feature in next season’s Champions League. Currently, they are sixth in the log after garnering 59 points from 36 games in the 2020-21 campaign.

Benrahma would be eyeing his second Premier League goal when West Ham face West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening.

Original author: Shina Oludare
  212 Hits

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Lewandowski an option for PSG

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal
  402 Hits

Liverpool tipped to offer £30m for Wolves winger Adama Traore

The Reds have been left short on defensive options at times this season, but that will not be the case when everyone is fit

Jurgen Klopp is looking forward to having a number of options at centre-half next season, with Liverpool - who have been ravaged by injuries in that position - potentially having eight players at their disposal in 2021-22.

Further additions in that department are also being mooted, with RB Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate a player said to be in the Reds' sights ahead of the summer transfer window.

There is a purchase option on Ozan Kabak to consider, with the Turkey international looking to stay on at Anfield as part of a group that also includes Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Ben Davies, Nat Phillips, Rhys Williams and Sepp van den Berg.

What has been said?

Quizzed on how he will keep breakthrough stars such as Phillips, Kabak and Williams happy when everyone is fit, Klopp said: "The boys did incredibly well. 

"Ozan came in and played a super part for us. Unfortunately he is now injured. Nat now for weeks, Rhys in the start mainly in the Champions League because Nat was not on the list. Now they play together, did really well [in the 4-2 win over Manchester United]. I loved what they did. 

"This year created two proper careers, which is nice. Both will have a proper career, which is not written in stone when you are in the academy at any club. They have shown how good they are, and everything will be fine.

"Our new season will start in the summer, and it is not sure yet that the three guys [Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip] will start pre-season with us. The boys will be here, we will need the numbers of centre-halves, work on different things and then step by step hopefully we have the other guys back.

"Team selection is based on performance, on training and on games. The door is always open. I don’t get blind overnight, where I can’t see a good performance anymore. 

"It’s just nice how these boys have contributed. The concentration level they showed [against United] was immense, against this front four of United it is not easy. They were really well supported by our full-backs who led the line really well, a lot of talks. Rhys is a natural talker on the pitch, which helps, so I liked how we organised the last line."

The bigger picture

For now, Klopp is focused on trying to help Liverpool complete a late surge into the Premier League's top four - allowing Champions League qualification to be secured.

The Reds boss added on the impact continental football will have on his long-term plans: "It always has an impact, that’s clear. We try to be prepared for pretty much everything, from a scouting point of view, from a coach’s point of view. 

"I’m six years in. In the first year we didn’t really have a proper chance to qualify for the Champions League, but in all the others we qualified, and it was always the main target. That says something, that it’s really important for the club. 

"But this season had so many ups and downs, we should not just act like it’s happened. But it’s important, for the players it’s important, from a joy point of view. They want to play Champions League, and we have to use that. But we will not stop playing if we don’t qualify, and we will not buy eight players if we qualify. That’s not the difference. We have to do serious stuff, and we will see how that works out."

The German added, with Liverpool not the only superpower to be sweating on a ticket to Europe's top table: "Some other good teams are not in yet as well. Imagine a Champions League without Juventus! 

"It’s a tricky one. You have to deserve it, and then you are part of it. If not, then you are not."

Liverpool have three more games to take in this season, with an outing against relegated West Brom on Sunday set to be followed by a trip to Burnley and home date with Crystal Palace.

Further reading

Original author: Chris Burton
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The points-per-game of every Chelsea manager in the Roman Abramovich era - ranked

Though there were no fans permitted at Saturday's derby between Roma and Lazio, the game was still a sellout.

How could that be? The answer comes in the form of Roma's "Inside the Derby" initiative, which saw 46,000 tickets sold for the match.

Roma sold their fans virtual tickets for €2, with all proceeds going to the club's Roma Cares charity. 

What was said?

"A sold-out Stadio Olimpico and a special choreography for the fans, by the fans," read a statement from Roma. "This is the exceptional result of the 'Inside the Derby' initiative launched by AS Roma for the derby on Saturday May 15.
 
"Throughout the week, the club has allowed its fans to actively participate in the choreography created in the Curva Sud. Thanks to the purchase of a virtual ticket, the proceeds of which were entirely donated to the Roma Cares charity foundation, Giallorossi fans were able to contribute to colouring a stadium that would otherwise be empty due to Covid-19 restrictions.
 
"No distance can dampen the love of the fans, however. Roma supporters enthusiastically embraced the initiative launched by the club. With 46,036 tickets sold, 'Inside the Derby' became the most successful virtual ticketing campaign among the five major European leagues.
 
"In this way, AS Roma wanted to reiterate its desire to support football that has the fans at heart."

What happened in the game?

Roma won the match 2-0 against their city rivals, thanks to goals on either side of the half from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pedro. 

 

The result saw Roma maintain their seventh-place position in Serie A, six points behind Lazio who are in sixth place.

Further reading

Original author: Goal
  177 Hits

Alexander-Arnold 4/10 as Liverpool fall to Southampton

The forward was a spectator for the final minutes after being taken off for Alvaro Morata in Saturday's huge victory

Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo insists that Cristiano Ronaldo was happy to be substituted towards the end of Saturday's thrilling 3-2 victory over Inter. 

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the first half by converting a rebound from his own penalty after Samir Handanovic had saved the effort. 

But as the game neared its end he was withdrawn for Alvaro Morata, and he did not stick around to watch a gripping conclusion to the must-win game. 

What was said? 

"I think it was the first time he was happy to be subbed off," Pirlo told Sky Italia of the decision, the first time Ronaldo has been replaced in a Serie A game this term.

"We were one man down, and he'd have been chasing shadows. He was happy and smiling in the dressing room."

The bigger picture

In Ronaldo's absence Colombia international Juan Cuadrado stepped up to become Juve's hero in a match they had to win to keep alive their hopes of making the Champions League. 

The Colombian restored the hosts' lead at 2-1 after Romelu Lukaku cancelled out Ronaldo's opener from the penalty spot, and swooped again minutes from the end to make it 3-2 with the third penalty of the match, which he earned himself. 

That win puts Juve in fourth place, two points ahead of Napoli, although the southern Italians can move back into the last Champions League spot with victory over Fiorentina on Sunday. 

Then it will all come down to the final day next weekend, with Juve visiting Bologna and Napoli taking on Verona.

Pirlo's future

Pirlo has come under pressure in his debut season after seeing Juve's run of nine consecutive Scudetti come to an end as Inter regained the title. 

The club idol, though, insists he is not thinking beyond the end of the season. 

"I haven't thought about the future. I was only focused on today's game. We'll talk about the future later on," he added.

Further reading 

Original author: Goal
  191 Hits

Chelsea hold talks with Montpellier over exciting young French striker

Goals from the Nigeria internationals powered the Blue-White past Vincent Kompany’s Purple and White in Saturday’s Belgian topflight clash

Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers were the goalscorers as Genk silenced Anderlecht 2-1 in Saturday’s Belgian First Division A.

The Nigeria international scored in each half as the Blue-White brightened their chances of winning the Belgian elite division diadem.

Unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions, the Blue-White travelled to the Lotto Park to take on Vincent Kompany’s side also in the race to claim the domestic title.

Knowing that anything short of victory would spell doom for their aspirations, John van den Brom’s men began the encounter on a bright note.

Their determination paid off early as they took the lead in the 16th minute courtesy of red-hot Onuachu.

The 26-year-old forward slotted the ball into the empty after goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had fumbled a shit from Theo Bogonda.

However, the lead lasted for just fifteen minutes as Lukas Nmecha levelled matters for Vincent Kompany’s men.

Profiting from a defensive mishap by Genk’s defenders, Nmecha – who is eligible to represent Nigeria, England, and Germany at the international level – rifled the ball past a helpless goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt after he was teed up by Yari Verschaeren.

Onuachu almost restored his team’s lead in the 40th minute, but his effort was blocked by on-loan Chelsea defender Matt Miazga.

In the second half, both teams stepped up their game as they chased the crucial goal. Anderlecht had few chances to have taken the lead, albeit, their profligacy in front of goal cost them heavily.

After an impressive shift, Onuachu - who now boasts 33 goals from 37 games - was substituted for compatriot Dessers with fourteen minutes left to play.

In a twist of fate, it was Dessers who decided the game with his effort in the 86th minute thanks to an assist from Bogonda.

Despite a late rally from the hosts, they ended up on the losing side – a result that dented their hopes of winning the Belgian league for a record 36th time.

Unlike Onuachu and Dessers who were in action for Genk, Cote d’Ivoire prospect Eboue Kouassi was an unused substitute.

Even at this result, Van den Brom’s men are second in the log behind Club Brugge who take on Royal Antwerp on Sunday.

Original author: Shina Oludare
  141 Hits

Al Ahly in the driving seat after solid win over Mamelodi Sundowns

The second leg quarter-final encounter will take place in South Africa next week Saturday afternoon at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane saw his team get the better of former club Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-0 win in a Caf Champions League first leg quarter-final clash at the We Al-Ahly Stadium in Cairo on Saturday night.

The goals were scored midway through the first half and right at the end of the match by Mohamed Taher and Salah Mohsen respectively.

After the game had gotten off to an intense and high-tempo start, it was the South African side who had the first clear opening on goal and they were unlucky not to take the lead as Gift Motupa's powerful header bounced back off the upright, following an in-swinging cross from Aubrey Modiba in the 22nd minute.

Moments later Motupa was again close with a header, which this time flashed inches wide of the far post.

Having survived those two near misses, Al Ahly swiftly took the ball up field and scored on the counter as a long ball out to the left wing found Taher, who cut inside Thapelo Morena before unleashing a venous curling shot from the edge of the box which flew past Denis Onyango and in at the far post.

Sundowns weren't able to offer much in the way of a first half response - the only time they threatened on goal after that was when Morena skipped into the box and past a defender, only to be denied by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy who rushed off his line very quickly to close down the angle.    

Masandawana started the second half with good purpose, although they were not able to create much in the way of goal scoring chances until the 59th minute when Mosa Lebusa drew a smart save from El Shenawy.

There were a few more chances soon after for Downs as Peter Shalulile sent a header wide in the 67th minute before Kermit Erasmus, on as a substitute for Gaston Sirino, was set up by Motupa but also had his shot saved by El Shenawy.

While the Brazilians didn’t do much to threaten the Al Ahly goal after that, a 1-0 away defeat still looked a fairly decent score ahead of next week’s return game in Pretoria.

But that unfortunately for the South Africans was not to be the case as they conceded a sucker second goal late in the game when Onyango misjudged a long, high cross from out on the right, which resulted in Mohsen sneaking in between the goalkeeper and Morena and nicking the ball before scoring in an empty net in the 89th minute.

  440 Hits

'Thank you VAR!' - Tielemans jubilant after 'amazing' technology confirms Leicester FA Cup win

The Belgian proved his side's match-winner on Saturday with a fantastic strike to score the only goal of the game against Chelsea

Leicester City's FA Cup hero Youri Tielemans saluted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for coming to his side's aid in the dying minutes of their 1-0 final victory over Chelsea. 

Tielemans had opened the scoring in the second half with a brilliant long-range goal, bringing the game to life after a staid opening 45 minutes. 

Just before the end Chelsea believed they had clawed one back through Wes Morgan's own goal, only for the technology to rule a marginal offside on former Fox Ben Chilwell. 

'Thank you VAR!' 

Interviewed after the final whistle by BT Sport, the Belgian did not forget to acknowledge his side's fortune in seeing that late goal chalked off. 

"Thank you VAR! Really, what an amazing thing that is!" Tielemans laughed when asked about the decision. 

"It's a tough decision but when you have to make it, you have to make it. Maybe it was tight but it was offside, and you have to give that call." 

A first for the Foxes

Saturday's triumph marked the first time in Leicester's history that they have won the world's oldest football competition, having previously finished runners-up on four occasions.

“It feels really good! It’s amazing! I am really glad to score the goal that helped the team to win the game," Tielemans added to the BBC.

"It was a really tight game. To score in the final ... what a goal that was! I am really happy for the team and the fans! The goal was really good!

"It is really special to have the fans in today. I hope everyone was safe. And the fans watching it from home, I hope they are proud of us. I am sure they are.

"It is emotional for Top (the nickname of owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha) and his family because they built this club towards glory. We will give everything for the men who built this club and its legacy.

"Something special started when they won the league, and we have just built it up and hopefully we can continue. We have a very important game on Tuesday. We will enjoy and celebrate and think about Tuesday later on!” 

Further reading 

Original author: Goal
  440 Hits

Kaizer Chiefs player ratings after Simba SC win: Nurkovic rises to the occasion

Goal rates the performances of the Amakhosi players following the Soweto giants' 4-0 win over the Tanzanian giants on Saturday evening
Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  384 Hits

Cameroon's Aboubakar and Ghana's Mensah win Super Lig title with Besiktas in final day drama

Four African stars have clinched the Turkish top-flight title with the Black Eagles

Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar, Ghana midfielder Bernard Mensah, Algeria's Rachid Ghezzal and DR Congo's Fabrice N'Sakala have won the 2020-21 Turkish Super Lig title with Besiktas.

The Black Eagles came out victorious in the final day drama as they pipped second-placed Galatasaray to the top prize.

Although they are level on 84 points with Galatasaray after 40 matches, Sergen Yalcin's men have been crowned champions with a +1 goal difference.

They defeated Goztepe 2-1 in their last game of the season while the Lions hammered Yeni Malatyaspor 3-1.

In the first half of Saturday's game, Besiktas were held to a 1-1 draw before Ghezzal scored the match-winning goal in the 69th minute which sealed their 16th league crown and their first since the 2016-17 campaign.

Mensah was an unused substitute in the match while Aboubakar was not listed due to an injury.

Elsewhere at the Turk Telekom Stadium, goals from Halil Dervisoglu, Ryan Babel and Ogulcan Caglayan handed Galatasaray a 3-1 win over Yeni Malatyaspor. 

Egypt's Mostafa Mohamed came off the bench at the break while Nigeria's Oghenekaro Etebo and Algeria's Sofiane Feghouli watched on as unused substitutes.

They narrowly finished second as Mbwana Samatta’s Fenerbahce settled for third position after a 1-0 loss to Kayserispor. 

The Tanzania captain was introduced as a 73rd-minute substitute as the Yellow Canaries finished the season with 79 points. 

On an individual note, Gabon's Aaron Boupendza finished as the Super Lig's top scorer with 22 goals for Hatayspor and Senegal's Mame Diouf followed next with 19 goals for the same club.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
  378 Hits

Cesc Fabregas on Hakim Ziyech & the Importance of Decision-Making

The club idol told his players that he would not be staying on prior to their clash with Sevilla last week

Zinedine Zidane has told his Real Madrid squad that he will walk away from the club at the end of the 2020-21 season, Goal can confirm.

The Frenchman revealed his decision in the dressing room prior to last Sunday's 2-2 draw away to Sevilla in La Liga. 

It is the second time he has resigned from the post, having previously quit following Madrid's third consecutive Champions League triumph in 2018. 

Zidane to say goodbye 

Madrid take on Athletic Club on Sunday in La Liga and then conclude their season at home to Villarreal on May 23. 

Those will be Zidane's last two games in charge of the Blancos, having decided to cut short his second spell on the bench. 

Goal had previously reported that the squad believed he would not stay on for another season after Madrid's Champions League elimination at the hands of Chelsea at the semi-final stage. 

The coach's physical and mental fatigue have been mentioned as possible reasons for his stepping down, after he was drafted back into the hotseat in urgent circumstances towards the end of the 2018-19 campaign when both Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari failed to match his results at the Madrid helm. 

Zidane's timing may nevertheless also stoke up rumours linking the Frenchman to a sensational return to Turin. 

A favourite at Juventus as a player, Zidane would be a dream candidate for the club should they dispense with Andrea Pirlo, although it is doubtful whether he would be prepared to jump back into coaching so soon after leaving the Spanish capital. 

Will he leave with another La Liga title? 

After falling at the penultimate stage in the Champions League, all eyes are on La Liga at Madrid. 

With two games left to play, Zidane's men are currently second, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona a further two back in third. 

Madrid, however, hold what might prove to be a decisive advantage. In the case of a tie on points, Zidane's side have a superior head-to-head record against both their rivals, which would give them the edge. 

Further reading 

Original author: Mario Cortegana
  145 Hits

Man Utd struggles ‘mentally impacting’ Pogba, says France boss Deschamps

The businessman's offer fell on deaf ears at the Emirates Stadium despite fierce opposition from fans to the Kroenkes' administration of the club

Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek has revealed that he made an offer for control of Arsenal that was turned down by club director Josh Kroenke. 

A possible takeover from Ek has been mooted since the Kroenkes came under fire in the wake of the Super League debacle. 

But it appears that the family is determined to retain control of the Gunners despite fan opposition to their continued presence at the Emirates Stadium. 

What has been said? 

"Inaccurate reports emerged today saying I have not made a bid for Arsenal Football Club," Ek wrote on his official Twitter account on Saturday.

"I think it's important to correct the record - this week an offer was made to both Josh Kroenke and their bankers that included fan ownership, representation at the board and a golden share for the supporter.

"They replied that they don’t need the money. I respect their decision but remain interested and available should that situation ever change."

The bigger picture 

Stan Kroenke first joined the Arsenal board of directors in 2008 with a minority stake in the club, and he continued to accumulate shares until becoming majority shareholder three years later, while in 2018 he bought out rival Alisher Usmanov to take full control. 

Kroenke and son Josh's administration of the Gunners has invited criticism from fans, though, with opposition peaking in April due to the club's inclusion and subsequent withdrawal from the Super League scheme. 

Public protests outside the Emirates called for the family to relinquish control, while Arsenal fan Ek heightened pressure on the family by using Twitter to confirm his interest in entering the club's management

But the Kroenkes are adamant they will not sell up, releasing a statement to that end at the end of April in which they assured they were "100 per cent committed" to Arsenal

Further reading 

Original author: Goal
  158 Hits

Nigeria's Osimhen stretchered off in agony after suffering wrist injury against Sierra Leone

Many fans posted on social media as the defender won the cup competition on Saturday 

Many Ghanaians were happy to see compatriot Daniel Amartey win the FA Cup with Leicester City on Saturday. 

In a cagey encounter, Youri Tielemans scored the lone goal as The Foxes secured a 1-0 triumph at Wembley. 

It was their first FA Cup in history. 

Amartey warmed the bench for the whole duration of the game but walked away with a winner's medal, making it his second title in England after winning the Premier League with the club in 2015-16.

The latest success comes three days after he was named in Ghana's 30-man squad for upcoming friendly internationals against Morocco and Cote d'Ivoire, his first call-up since 2018.

Below are the reactions on social media:
 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
  122 Hits

Why Japan is a different challenge than USWNT for Sweden

The Uruguayan striker was never a fan of a breakaway project that his current club signed up to, and he doesn't like technology much either

Edinson Cavani has taken aim at the Super League and VAR, with the Manchester United striker not a fan of two projects that have caused controversy for the Red Devils this season.

Anger at the ongoing presence of the Glazer family at Old Trafford has boiled over in the wake of the divisive decision to sign Premier Lague heavyweights up for a breakaway European competition.

Those plans were quickly ripped up, with owners in Manchester still bearing the brunt of protests, and Cavani has aired his surprise at seeing his current employers get involved with a proposal that threatened to rip the heart out of club football.

What has been said?

The Uruguayan frontman has told Dos De Punta: "When the Super League came around I told myself: 'That can't be possible - if it happens, what can we expect next?'

"I don't share its ideas at all. I am not in agreement with it. You mustn't deprive more modest teams the chance of playing in the Champions League.

"Or stop average clubs from dreaming of competing with the bigger ones, and having a place among the elite. You can't deny fans of these clubs the chance to have this experience."

What else has incurred Cavani's wrath?

The 34-year-old is clearly not a fan of change, with the South American also taking aim at the introduction of technology in modern football.

As a striker he is more open to VAR interference than most - with marginal offside decisions becoming the norm - and  feels that too much emotion is being taken out of the game.

Cavani added: "VAR takes away the charm and the essence of football.

"You don't know why a referee awards a penalty against you or rules you offside - or even how it works. It is difficult. You score a goal and then have to wait two minutes before you can celebrate.

"Or, even worse, you celebrate then they tell you it has been ruled out because your fingernail or your hair was in an offside position. Or else because one of your team-mates committed a minor foul that nobody noticed - 14 passes before you put the ball in the net.

"Us players don't count when things like this are brought in. It's a case of 'Play and keep your mouth shut - you earn lots of money'.

"Football is becoming a slog for us, even if there is some passion as well. You need to keep a cool head to put up with this routine for a long time."

Further reading

Original author: Chris Burton
  113 Hits

Arsenal's midfield loanees of the 21st century - ranked

Many of the Blues fans are upset with the decision to start the Spaniard ahead of the Senegal international against the Foxes

Thomas Tuchel’s decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of Edouard Mendy in the FA Cup final has left Chelsea’s African fans fuming.

Mendy will start as a substitute as the Blues would be hoping to lift a ninth FA Cup final against Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City.

Following the errors that had crept into the Spain international’s game, the 29-year-old was signed from Ligue 1 side Rennes in a £22m ($31m) deal.

Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, the Senegal international has made an immense contribution as the Stamford Bridge giants bounced back from a shaky start in the 2020-21 campaign.

Unhappy by Tuchel’s choice, fans of the Roman Army have taken to social media to express their disappointment.

Original author: Shina Oludare
  122 Hits

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