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Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will be able to hold onto their star players even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The Reds face an uphill battle to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League this season. Klopp’s side sit seventh in the table following their defeat to Chelsea on Thursday night, and could slip as low as ninth if teams below them were to win their games in hand.

The financial implications of finishing outside the top four are clear, even moreso given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, while Klopp hinted earlier this week that failure to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition would make it harder to “excite” potential new signings.

What’s been said?

Howver, at a press conference on Friday, the German claimed that Liverpool remain in a strong position on and off the field, regardless of whether they are in the Champions League or not.

"This club will not be regular outside of the Champions League," Klopp said.

"This year is difficult, we know that, but the potential and the power of the club is a completely different one. 

“This is a season where you have to have momentum and we never really got it, that is true. But it says nothing about the future, this club is in a really good position. In difficult times, obviously, but in a better position than other clubs I would say.

“I understand about what happened in the past, but what I can say [is that] nobody has to worry about the future of the club because it is in good hands and we have a really good team together.

"That is obviously the best basis for a good future together."

What about players potentially leaving?

Asked if he would expect any of his star players, perhaps Mo Salah or Sadio Mane, to look to leave the club if there was no Champions League football, Klopp was equally bullish.

He said: "I understand and respect all the questions but this is nothing we have to worry about. It was always like this.

"I know that we have loyalty of the players. It's not a situation now where a player says to me: 'Next year we don't have Champions League so I have to leave'.

“That will not happen. I know them well enough for that not to happen because the club is in a different situation.

“It will not be an issue with new players, I can't see that. We said it years back that if a player doesn't want to come here because we don't play Champions League next year then I don't want them.

"And if a player wants to leave because we don't have Champions League then I don't want him.

“It's not a personal thing but it is always like this. You always need to find the right squad for the challenges you face and then you go for it, so it is nothing I worry about.”

Klopp feels he still has owners' support 

Klopp addressed the Reds’ poor recent form and spoke about the support of owners Fenway Sports Group.

"We all expect more from us to be honest,” he said. “We are pretty realistic about the things we do and I don't feel that the team leaves me alone to stand in the fire, if that is the right saying?

"In England, nobody above the manager gives interviews. In Germany this situation is typically that the president, CEO or sporting director gives an interview and faces questions over whether someone is the right coach.

"They have to say 'oh yes, we trust him' and all these kinds of things and it's like you feel in the first moment when they have to say that then [the manager] is already halfway out of the door.

"The situation in England is different and in the club [it is] pretty clear as well. The owners want me to sort the situation and I want to sort the situation together with the players, that is the plan."

Further reading

Mikel Arteta has admitted he is still ‘very, very far’ from having his own Arsenal team, adding that the Gunners’ league position this season is ‘not acceptable’.

Arsenal have enjoyed a strong spell since Christmas, winning seven of their last 12 Premier League games, including an impressive 3-1 success at Leicester City last weekend.

But they still head into Saturday’s clash at Burnley sitting a disappointing 10th in the table following a poor first half of the campaign, and Arteta knows he is still some way off having the team he wants to match his ambitions in north London.

What’s been said?

When asked how close the current Arsenal side was to being what he views as his own, Arteta said: “Very far. Very, very far.

“There's still a lot to improve, a lot of quality to add. [We need to be] much more efficient in decision-making, much quicker to open situations up when advantages are there, many more situations to feel when advantages are obtained.

“More control of games, more defensive actions in the opponent's half, fewer giveaways in our own half, more clean sheets. There's a lot to do – more goals to score, more creativity. A lot to do.

“When you look at the league table it is not acceptable. We are Arsenal Football Club and we should be nowhere near here. If somebody is happy with that he is in the wrong place.”

Arsenal’s improvement

Since Christmas, Arsenal have won seven of their 12 league games, picking up 23 points from a possible 36.

Only Manchester City (36) and West Ham (24) have picked up more league points than Arteta’s side since the festive period, with the Gunners sitting third in the form table during that time.

Manchester City (31) and Manchester United (24) are the only two sides to score more than Arsenal (22) in that period and only City (four) have conceded less than the nine goals Arteta’s side have let in.

Is Arteta seeing progress?

Despite saying Arsenal are still way off being where he wants them to be, the Spaniard does believe his side are heading in the right direction.

When asked if he was seeing signs that his team are edging closer towards his long-term vision for the future, the Gunners boss said: “Yes, I am.

“I think I mentioned that when you look at the previous game we played against a team a few months ago, and you look at where the team is right now, I think it's always a good way of seeing the progression, and I've seen that.”

Further reading

Arteta addresses Lacazette future amid summer transfer talk for Arsenal striker

Tottenham have advantage in north London derby, says Arsenal boss Arteta

Arteta 'happy and privileged' at Arsenal amid Barcelona links

Former Wimbledon and Aston Villa attacker John Fashanu has showered encomium on Genk forward Paul Onuachu, describing him as the best Nigerian striker at the moment.

The 26-year-old has been in terrific form for the Luminus Arena outfit this season scoring 25 goals across all competitions and providing two assists.

His scintillating performances helped the Blue and White to their current third place in the Belgian First Division A after accruing 46 points from 29 games.

The forward teamed up with the Blue and White in the summer of 2019 from Danish club FC Midtjylland and has now found the back of the net 33 times in 50 games.

Fashanu has praised the lanky centre-forward for his fine goalscoring form for the Luminus Arena outfit this season.

“He is the best Nigerian striker right now, the record speaks for itself,” Fashanu told the Punch.

“His record states he is the best Nigerian striker for now. Something else might happen tomorrow, but for now, he is certainly the best.”

Onuachu has struggled to replicate his impressive club performances for the Nigeria national team, having only scored one goal in nine appearances for the Super Eagles.

The three-time African champions will take on the Republic of Benin and Lesotho in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.

Fashanu believes the centre-forward deserves a place in Gernot Rohr’s team for the encounters, given his performances for Genk.

“You can’t overlook him for the Afcon qualifiers. If you’re the best in one position, you deserve to be selected; you deserve to have a spot,” he continued.    

“As it goes for every top footballer when you’re the best, you have to be given that opportunity because you might not have it later on and I will be surprised if Onuachu doesn’t get invited for the Afcon qualifiers.”

Nigeria currently lead Group L with eight points and a win over Benin or Lesotho will seal their place at the continental showpiece in Cameroon.

Fashanu represented England at international level during his playing years despite his eligibility to feature for Nigeria.

Inter Miami's signing of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi will be investigated by MLS, the league has confirmed.

The 33-year-old joined the Florida side from Juventus in a free transfer last summer. 

There have now been questions raised as to whether the David Beckham-owned side looked to evade the league's roster rules when signing the World Cup winner.

What will MLS be investigating?

Miami signed Matuidi using Targeted Allocation Money instead of registering him as a Designated Player, which would have seen him earn a higher salary.

But it has been claimed that Matuidi has been paid more money than is stipulated in his contract – meaning he should have been listed as a Designated Player.

The league has announced the deal will be reviewed to determine whether the signing is in accordance with salary and roster guidelines.

A statement read: "Major League Soccer has begun a formal review of Inter Miami CF’s signing of midfielder Blaise Matuidi, specifically investigating whether the signing of the player complied with Major League Soccer’s salary budget and roster guidelines.

"MLS will not make further comment until the completion of its investigation."

What was Inter Miami's response?

The club has welcomed the investigation, saying in a statement: "Inter Miami CF acknowledges the statement made by Major League Soccer today, and we look forward to fully engaging with the league's review process.

"We will have no further comment."

How has Matuidi settled at Inter Miami?

Matuidi, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, has made 16 appearances for Inter Miami since his arrival last August.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star made his debut in the 0-0 draw with Nashville in September and scored his first goal in November as his side lost 2-1 to Toronto. 

Further reading

Asante Kotoko suffered their third defeat of the season in a 1-0 away loss to Elmina Sharks in the Ghana Premier League on Friday.

Mustapha Alhaji’s second half effort denied the Porcupine Warriors any points from the fixture at the Nduom Sports Stadium in Elmina.

The result leaves Kotoko sixth on the league table, the club having missed a chance to go past arch-rivals Hearts of Oak with whom they settled for a 0-0 draw on Sunday.

Sharks, who came into the game on the back of three straight defeats, on the other hand, have overtaken Legon Cities to claim the 13th spot.

Porcupines coach Abdul Gazale kept faith with striker Kwame Opoku despite the attacker’s costly missed penalty in Sunday’s showdown with Hearts. Brazilian playmaker Fabio Gama Dos Santos was also in the line-up.

In the early moments of the game, Emmanuel Sarkodie’s shot from the edge of the box flew over the bar, similar to Gama’s 14th minute attempt.

In the 22nd minute, Opoku almost broke the deadlock when he intercepted a back pass but after rounding the goalkeeper, his goal-bound shot was timely cleared off the line.

Ten minutes after the interval, the hosts registered their crucial goal against the run of play as Alhaji converted to make it 1-0.

Kotoko almost hit back four minutes later but Abdul Ganiyu’s header, having connected to Imoro Ibrahim’s inswinger, just flew wide of the crossbar.

Bernard Boateng attempted to double Sharks’ lead in the 80th minute after receiving a pass on the edge of the box, but his shot went off target.

After a few more wasted half-chances, the referee brought the game to an end after four additional minutes of play.

Kotoko, who are on a quest for a 24th league title, will hope to bounce back when they take on King Faisal in their next game, this time around, at home at the Accra Sports Stadium. They won the last of their trophies in 2014.

Sharks will likely target a second win on the bounce as they face Ebusua Dwarfs in their next game.

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos says he was branded a Nazi by some on social media after he criticised how Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from the Germany national team.

Ozil announced after the 2018 World Cup that he would no longer be available for international duty, claiming that he was the victim of racism because of his Turkish ancestry.

Kroos said that Ozil deserved a "better departure" but felt that the manner in which he retired was "not in order".

What has been said?

Kroos says many jumped to calling him a Nazi because of his looks.

He said in an  Instagram Live chat with Germany president Frank-Walter Steinmeier: "After the 2018 World Cup I said that I did not like the retirement of Mesut Ozil and the manner in which he did it.

"And then I was directly a Nazi for a lot of people: blond, blue eyes … everything fit for a lot of people.

"I managed to overcome it, anyone can hide behind a fake profile and then insult other people without anything to stop them."

Why did Ozil retire from the Germany team?

Ozil faced a lot of criticism as Germany crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage and he then announced he would no longer play for the national team.

The attacking midfielder, who made 92 appearances for Die Mannschaft, went on to criticise the German football association (DFB) and its president Reinhard Grindel.

"The treatment I have received from the DFB and many others makes me no longer want to wear the German national team shirt. I feel unwanted and think what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten," he said.

He added: "In the eyes of Grindel and his supporters, I am German when we win but I am an immigrant when we lose."

What did Kroos say in response?

Kroos insisted that Ozil was wrong to accuse the DFB and the Germany team of harbouring racist attitudes.

He told Bild : “Basically Mesut is a deserved international and as a player he deserved a better departure. But the way he resigned was not in order.

"The parts in his statement that are rightly addressed are unfortunately overshadowed by the significantly higher amount of nonsense.

"I think he knows very well that racism within the national team and the DFB does not exist."

Further reading

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has concerns about the release of Ghana duo Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp for an upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in South Africa, advising that the game be moved to a different country.

The Black Stars are set to face Bafana Bafana on the penultimate matchday of the series on March 25, three days before hosting Sao Tome and Principe in Accra.

A game in South Africa will prevent Ayew and Schlupp from returning to Palace as the country is among a list of countries on the UK's red list, who are barred from entering their jurisdiction in relation to the coronavirus pandemic.

Countries on the red list are considered to pose high risk of contracting the disease.

Almost all arrivals into the UK from outside the red-listed countries must also quarantine for 10 days, a requirement that will rule players out of immediate Premier League action should they head for international duty in the coming break.

"I don’t think we have much choice," Hodgson said when asked if he would permit or limit travel, his club's official website reports.

"I don’t think the [UK] Government will allow travel to South Africa. So I don’t understand if South Africa is on a banned list how we can happily allow our players to go. It’s out of our hands, to be honest.

"As far as others are concerned, I understand my colleagues’ [other managers] concern over players going to play for the national team when others [require] quarantine.

"I only hope the Premier League will assure us that when players return to the bubble they’ve left from a bubble with their national team, they won’t be punished by not being able to train or play. That would be very, very harsh."

Aside from the Palace duo, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey, Southampton centre-back Mohammed Salisu, Reading fullback Andy Yiadom and Brentford winger Tariqe Fosu will all be barred from returning to their clubs in England should they join Ghana to South Africa.

Lately, rumours have been rife in the media that the West Africans have sent a request to Caf to have the match against South Africa played at a neutral venue.

Safa chief executive officer Tebogo Motlanthe has, however, dismissed the speculation, describing the news as "hearsay".

 "The fact is you want players to play for national teams, do well and come back to do well for you. You don’t want them to go with their national teams knowing full well when they return you won’t see them for 10 days," Hodgson added.

"As far as the red-list countries are concerned there’s nothing to discuss in that matter - my suggestion is that Ghana and other countries with games in these countries should try and move the game to somewhere where players can travel."

Ghana are not particularly in the good books of Palace as Ayew, among about six other players, returned to the club having contracted the coronavirus after a double-header of friendlies against Mali and Qatar in October last year.

The striker was consequently forced to miss club games as he had to self-isolate.

Senegal Football Federation boss Augustin Senghor has announced his decision to withdraw from the Confederation of African Football presidential election 

Senghor will now reportedly support South African businessman Patrice Motsepe to become the new President of Caf.

Motsepe is now the favourite to win the elections which are scheduled to take place on March 12 as Senghor was the biggest threat to the ambitions of the Mamelodi Sundowns president.

Senghor revealed that his decision to pull out of the election has been backed by the Senegalese government which is led by Mackay Hall.

The Caf executive committee member released the following statement on Friday. 

"Taking into account the particular context of this campaign, we have decided to accept the consensual proposal submitted to us by Fifa, Morocco and Egypt, in the name of the supreme interest of the unity of African Football," Senghor said in a statement.

"It seems to us that this is the best decision that we could take after a lucid analysis of the current situation of CAF and of the imperative need to favour a synergy of actions of all the skills to rectify it - a Team to raise African football.

"I would like to express my most ardent thanks to the Head of State President Macky Sall for his commitment and his active and unwavering support alongside me from the first hours of my candidacy to this day.

"He mobilized the Minister of Sports Mactar Ba and the whole Government who spared neither their time nor their energy to make our candidacy triumph as well as the Senegalese diplomacy.

"I will not forget my campaign team who accompanied me throughout Africa and beyond to convince my peers from member associations of the relevance of my candidacy for the presidency of Caf."

"A special mention will be made to my counterparts from Gabon and The Gambia who sponsored this candidacy and to all the leaders, Senegalese and African legends, actors and sympathizers of African football who saw in my humble person the man of the situation for straighten out a CAF in bad shape lately.

"The withdrawal of my candidacy for the Presidency of CAF for the benefit of another Candidate will not be shared by all for various reasons, I am aware of this. But I think it's a good decision, the Right decision."

Motsepe is now running against Jacques Anouma of Ivory Coast‚ and Mauritanian Ahmed Yahya for the Caf presidency.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed Jeffrey Schlupp and Wilfried Zaha will be available for selection when they square off against Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s Premier League game.

Zaha has been out of action since February 2 when he suffered a hamstring injury in a league game against Newcastle United.

The Selhurst Park outfit have struggled for positive results since the winger’s injury, winning only one game in their last five matches.

Ghana international Schlupp has also received the all-clear to return to action for the Eagles after overcoming a thigh muscle strain.

“He’s trained well this week. There’s no reason why I can’t consider him for a place in the team,” Hodgson said in his pre-match press conference.

“There’s no reason why I can’t consider him for a place in the team. He’s missed lots of games for us in that period of time, but he’s still come back quicker than the medical department thought might be possible because of his incredible powers of recovery.

“We’re really pleased to have him back, as well as Jeff Schlupp. It’s good to see him back as well, so that’s two of the important players we’ve been missing in the last five or six games back with us again.”

Zaha has been playing a significant role for Crystal Palace, helping the club to maintain their Premier League status with his impressive performances.

The forward has featured in more than 220 games across all competitions since returning to the side in 2015 after a spell at Manchester United.

In the current campaign, the Ivory Coast international has bagged nine goals and provided two assists in 19 Premier League games.

Schlupp, meanwhile, has made 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The return of the African stars will be expected to boost Crystal Palace’s quest to end the 2020-21 season on a high.

Zaha and Schlupp could also feature for Ivory Coast and Ghana in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.

Harambee Starlets striker Esse Akida has joined Football Kenya Federation Women Premier League side Thika Queens after leaving Besiktas of Turkey.

Akida joined the Turkish top-side in 2020 but saw her progress at the club slowed by the emergence of the coronavirus before the competition was cancelled.

She returns to the FKFWPL club after leaving in 2018 and joined Ramat HaSharon of Israel before she was signed by Besiktas two years later.

"It's official, Akida signs," Thika Queens announced on Friday.

Akida has been playing for the Harambee Starlets since 2012 and was part of the 2016 Africa Womens' Cup of Nations, where she found the back of the net against Ghana in a tournament that was held in Cameroon.

Although Kenya lost 3-1 to the West African rivals, she scored the first-ever goal for Kenya in the competition.

Her arrival, though it is on a short-term deal, could help Thika Queens offer a strong challenge against Vihiga Queens, who have been a dominant outfit in the competition for the last three seasons.

She is a product of the Moving the Goalposts organisation that is domiciled in Kilifi County and apart from Thika Queens, she has also played for Spedag in the local scene.

Akida may make her second debut for Thika Queens against Ulinzi Starlets on Saturday during a Premier League tie.

Thika Queens emerged winners in the first leg by a 2-1 margin during the first encounter of the 2020/21 season. Mathare Women will also be on duty against Kayole Starlets as they meet at the Stima Members club on Saturday morning for a Zone A tie.

Kibera Girls Soccer Academy will face Makolanders at home after a first leg 1-1 draw.

In Zone B, SEP Ladies will face Kisumu Starlets at K'Otieno Grounds on Sunday with the hope of getting a win after falling 2-1 in their first meeting of the season.

Round Eight FKFWPL Fixtures:

Zone A Saturday Fixtures: 

Mathare United Women vs Kayole Starlet (Stima Members Club, 10:00)

Zone B Sunday Fixtures:

Wadadia vs Vihiga Queens (Mumias Sports Complex, 14:00)

Eldoret Falcons vs Trans Nzoia Falcons (Eldoret Show Ground, 12:00)

Zone A Sunday Fixtures:

Zetech Sparks vs Gaspo Women (Ruiru Ground, 15:00)

Thika Queens vs Ulinzi Starlets (Thika Stadium, 15:00)

Kibera Soccer Ladies vs Makolanders (Ligi Ndogo Grounds, 21:00)

Zone B Sunday Fixtures:

Nakuru West Queens  vs Oserian Ladies (Nakuru Show Ground, 21:00)

SEP Ladies vs Kisumu All-Starlets (Kotieno Grounds, 12:00)

Following in the footsteps of Amazon Prime's successful "All or Nothing: Manchester City" and "All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur," Juventus is the next side to be given the behind-the-scenes documentary treatment.

Juventus will be the first non-Premier League side to be featured in an "All or Nothing" documentary, and the latest instalment to the series promises to be an exciting and intriguing look into one of Europe's most successful clubs.

Goal has what you need to know about "Juventus: All or Nothing" and more.

What is Juventus: All or Nothing?

Much like its predecessors, "Juventus: All or Nothing" promises exclusive behind-the-scenes footage at the club and of its first-team players, including the likes of stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala.

Juventus have said that the documentary will contain "everything you would expect to see will be told, and everything you don't expect to see will be revealed, allowing you to enter the world like never before."

It is set to be produced by Fulwell 73, the team behind the "Class of '92" and "Sunderland Til I Die."

The documentary will focus on Juventus' 2020-21 season as they look to retain the Serie A title and win the Champions League.

Fans will be given a never-before-seen look at the club - including access to its stadium, training ground as well as a foray into its identity on and off the pitch. 

“We are extremely proud to be among the international partners of the 'All or Nothing' franchise,” said Giorgio Ricci, Juventus’ Chief Revenue Officer about the upcoming release.

“This represents another step forward in the constant evolution of our club. The collaboration with Amazon Prime Video is a perfect fit between two successful brands with a global reach and a continuous desire to challenge, change and create in an innovative way.

"We look forward to showing the world what the Juventus brand really is and what really means, with the undisputed quality and unique touch of the 'All or Nothing' series”.

Nicole Morganti, Head of Amazon Originals, added: “We are thrilled to start this journey with such a prestigious football club as Juventus and to offer the Italian and international audience an extraordinary, unprecedented look at one of the most exciting teams on earth.

“'All or Nothing' is now a franchise defined by its outstanding production quality and unique access, and this will follow in the footsteps of previous successful series. We can’t wait for Prime members worldwide to fully experience the daily challenges that this team of first class champions will face through this epic season.”

'Juventus: All or Nothing' release date

Juventus have not specified a release date for the documentary, but it is slated for viewing later in 2021.

How to watch 'Juventus: All or Nothing'

The "Juventus: All or Nothing" series will be available to watch exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

New members can sign up for a free 30-day trial on the website.

An Amazon Prime subscription is £7.99 in the UK or $12.99 per month in the U.S.

AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has explained how he hitched a ride on a stranger's motorcycle to attend the Sanremo Music Festival.

Ibrahimovic has been appearing at the legendary festival this week, but he nearly missed his appearance on Thursday due to traffic. 

But the striker caught a ride for the final 60 kilometres of his journey, making it to Sanremo in time to sing a duet with Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.

What was said?

At a press conference on Friday, Ibrahimovic said his van got stuck in a bad traffic jam and he was in danger of missing his appearance at the festival.

"After three hours in the car, I told my driver to open the door to let me out," Ibrahimovic recalled. "I stopped a motorcyclist and asked him, 'Can you take me to Sanremo?'

"I know, it seems incredible. I made the video because otherwise no one would have believed me.

"Did I take a risk? Maybe yes, but I'm not afraid to take risks and I couldn't do anything else to get there in time.

"Only two people witnessed the scene, the driver and a friend. They gave me a GPS to locate me, in case the motorcyclist had taken me who knows where."

Speaking to Radio Monte Carlo the motorcyclist, who identified himself as Franco, said he is an AC Milan fan and could hardly believe who stepped out of the van to ask for a lift.

"I was returning home and, while I was stopped in traffic, I saw this black van," he said. "There were two people and one looked like Ibrahimovic. And then I said: 'This is Ibra!'

"At that point the driver lowered the window and told me: 'Ibra asks if you can take him to Sanremo'. 'Of course I will take him! No problem.'

"I had a helmet under the saddle. I called my wife and told her that I would accompany Ibrahimovic to Sanremo. She didn't believe me.

"I am a Sunday biker and I had never taken the motorway on the motorbike. He wanted to drive himself, but I said to him: 'No Ibra, I'm driving'.

"I'm also an AC Milan fan. He told me that he will send me his jersey."

Ibra looking to recover from injury

The 39-year-old striker has been in strong form for Milan this term, scoring 16 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions.

But he is currently sidelined with a thigh muscle injury he suffered during last weekend's Serie A clash with Roma.

Ibrahimovic has already been ruled out for the first leg of his side's last-16 Europa League tie against Manchester United on Thursday. 

He is also doubtful for the second leg a week later.

Further reading

Ihefu FC head coach Zuberi Katwila has been awarded the February coach of the month for his good record in the aforementioned month in the Tanzania Mainland League.

During the month, the tactician helped the team collect seven points from the three games they played. They started the month with a 2-0 win away to Ruvu Shooting before drawing 1-1 against Mtibwa Sugar.

Their last game of the month was at home against Mwadui FC where they won 3-2 to ensure they ended the month without a loss.

Jabir Anuary of Dodoma Jiji FC has also been crowned the February player of the month owing to his exploits.

The debutants started the game against reigning champions Simba SC with a 2-1 loss before winning by the same margin against JKT Tanzania.

The promoted side collected maximum points away to Coastal Union after a 2-1 result before settling to a 2-2 draw with Polisi Tanzania.

The forward scored four goals; he was on target once against JKT and Coastal Union each before claiming a brace against Polisi.

Ihefu will be at home in the next game against Biashara Mara United on Monday, February 8 while Dodoma Jiji will be away to Mbeya City on the same day.

On Saturday, Kagera Sugar will be at home against Namungo FC while Mwadui will welcome 2014 champions Azam FC. Ruvu Shooting will be at home playing JKT Tanzania.

On Sunday, 27-time champions Yanga SC will be away to Polisi Tanzania while Coastal Union will be hosting Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC). Another game will be between Mtibwa Sugar against Gwambina.

Timu ya Wananchi lead the race for the title with 49 points from 22 matches. They suffered their first loss of the season on Thursday when they fell 2-1 to Coastal Union. They have recorded 14 wins and seven draws, scoring 35 goals and conceding 13.

Simba are second with 45 points from the 19 games played. They have managed to get 14 wins, three draws, and two losses.

Azam are third with 40 points from the 22 games they have played. The Ice-cream Makers have collected maximum points from 11 games, while seven have ended in draws with the remaining four ending in defeats.

Jeremie Boga has said his decision to leave Chelsea for Sassuolo was "perfect" for his career.

The 24-year-old winger joined Chelsea's youth system at the age of 12 and was later loaned out to Rennes, Granada and Birmingham before making the permanent switch to Italy in 2018.

He made just one senior appearance for the London side - a 20-minute cameo against Burnley in 2017 - but he has flourished in Serie A.

What did Boga say?

"Being at Chelsea and being loaned out was definitely a bit frustrating for me, but that didn't come as a surprise either," he told BBC Sport.

"At that time, young players weren't given many opportunities at Chelsea, so the best option for me was to leave and mature on loan.

"I am not judging Chelsea for not giving me that much time on the pitch. Everyone has his own path and I simply followed mine.

"Maybe I could have had longer loan spells in the past, maybe two years instead of one year only, but when I decided to finally leave Chelsea to move here, I took the perfect decision for my career.

"In terms of my development, Sassuolo is exactly what I was thinking of at that time."

How has Boga performed at Sassuolo?

Boga has made 79 appearances in all competitions for the Italian side and scored 17 goals.

This season he has netted three times in 16 Serie A appearances for Roberto De Zerbi's team, who sit ninth in the table.

The Ivory Coast international is happy with the progress he has made in Italy and feels he has settled in well since joining the club. 

"Everyone has made me feel at home here since the very first day and I have always felt the confidence of staff and team mates," he said.

"My goal is to play a very good season here and achieve my personal and team targets, which we keep to ourselves but I assure you they are very high."

Further reading

Ghana coach Abdul Karim Zito has revealed they are inspired to beat Uganda in Saturday's Africa U20 Cup of Nations final to crown theWest African nation's national independence anniversary celebration.

The Black Satellites, who last won the title in 2009, are set to take on the young Cranes at Stade Olympique in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott.

Ghana will mark 64 years of breakaway from British colonial rule on Saturday.

“What happened in 2009 is history and it’s past is gone, we are talking about tomorrow’s match," Zito said during the pre-match press conference on Friday, as reported by the Ghana FA official website.

“I can tell you that we are keen to win this trophy because tomorrow is Ghana’s independence anniversary.

“We are privileged to represent our nation here and the best way to thank our country is to win this trophy and present to our president Nana Akufo-Addo.

“He sent us to represent the country and it’s a must to win tomorrow to show him that we have achieved the task he gave us. Past success does not always reflect what will happen tomorrow."

Ghana, after beating Cameroon 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time in the quarter-final, handed Gambia a 1-0 defeat in the last four to make the climax.

Uganda, on the other hand, edged Burkina Faso 5-3 on penalties after a 0-0 extra-time stalemate before accounting for Tunisia 4-1 in the semi-final.

“It’s time we accept the reality that there are no minnows in Africa. Football has developed in Africa if the likes of Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon don’t invest more, we will be overtaken by the so-called minnows,” Zito added during the presser.

“For Uganda to beat Tunisia 4-1 shows that they cannot be taken for granted. We are coming into the game with all seriousness. No one came into this tournament because of their names. Beating Tunisia has given us heads up to come into the match fully prepared."

Ghana won their first title in 1993 before adding another in 1999. In 2009, the Satellites made it a hat-trick of titles, going further to win the World Cup.

Victor Osimhen has returned to full training ahead of Napoli’s Serie A game against Bologna at Stadio San Paolo on Sunday.

The 22-year-old suffered head trauma after landing awkwardly on the turf following a collision with Cristian Romero in his side’s defeat to Atalanta on February 21.

The forward spent the night in the hospital and underwent several tests but has been cleared of any damage to his head.

The Nigeria international missed Napoli's clash against Granada in the Europa League as well as their league games against Benevento and Sassuolo.

The Parthenopeans have now confirmed the Super Eagles forward has rejoined the rest of his teammate in preparation for their league game against Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men

“Osimhen did the whole session with the team,” read a statement from the club website.

Neurosurgeon Alfredo Bucciero has affirmed the centre-forward could play a part against Bologna but revealed the decision rests with the club manager Gennaro Gattuso and doctor Raffaele Canonico.

“He can be called up. [Coach Gennaro] Gattuso and [doctor Raffaele] Canonico must decide,” Bucciero told Radio Punto Nuovo.

“As far as I’m concerned, from a clinical point of view, there are no problems. I asked him to dedicate a goal to me.”

Osimhen’s debut campaign has been hampered by injury, suspensions and coronavirus-related problems, having joined the Parthenopeans last summer from Lille.

The forward has made 16 appearances across all competitions for Napoli, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The Parthenopeans are currently on a three-game unbeaten run which ensured their sixth place on the Serie A table.

Osimhen will be expected to prove his match fitness in time in order to get a chance to make the Nigeria national team squad for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will take on the Republic of Benin before slugging it out against Lesotho, on March 27 and 30, respectively.

Osimhen has scored four goals in the qualifiers and Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has already expressed hope that the forward will be fit to feature for his side in the outings.

Nigeria's Uchechi Sunday and Cameroon's Genevieve Mbeleck were the heroines for Maccabi Kiryat Gat as their side claimed a 2-1 victory at home over Ironi Ramat HaSharon on Thursday.

The African duo combined well in front of the goal, having kept their side on an incredible nine-match unbeaten run this season.

Sunday and were given her eighth start for Kiryat Gat and she played a crucial part in her side's return to winning ways.

After a 0-0 draw at ASA Tel Aviv last week, they were aiming to recover their winning momentum and Sunday broke the deadlock with her strike in the 36th minute for Kiryat Gat.

Eyah Sadeh's side continued their dominance in the encounter and Mbeleck doubled the hosts' lead nine minutes after the restart.

Ramat HaSharon, however, pulled one back for Belfer Eres' team from the spot in the 73rd minute but her effort was not enough to halt the hosts' quest to claim the maximum points. 

The result at Kiryat Gat Stadium takes Maccabi to the top of the Israeli Ligat Al log with 23 points from nine games this season, while Ramat HaSharon are fifth with 14 points from nine matches.

Sunday, who has now netted three goals in eight games, lasted the duration along while Mbeleck played for 89 minutes for Kiryat Gat.

Maccabi Kiryat will face off with Hapoel Petach Tikva in their next fixture on March 11 and the Africans will hope to sustain their form.