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Sofapaka midfielder Bizimana Amissi has conceded no team should be underrated in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

The midfielder was signed by Batoto ba Mungu on February 8 from Rukinzu FC in Burundi, and has since made five appearances for the team.

Having acclimatised to his new surroundings, he has described the league as competitive and to win it you have to take all the opponents seriously.

"The league is so competitive, every team is fighting hard for the points and a place for top honours," Amissi told the club's official portal.

"In the matches played, I have experienced physicality, lots of goals being scored, no underdogs, and each game and win counts when you want to be champions. I am not worried but am adapting well to the new environment and I believe I will settle in time."

The experienced midfielder further explained why he feels Batoto ba Mungu have what it takes to challenge for this season's league title.

"The team now has depth to compete effectively to be champions, we are a set of new players who have joined the club and it is only a matter of time we get to jell and cause teams troubles," Amissi continued.

"We have a supportive coach who is well learned and by the end of the first leg we shall be good to go."

After joining the 2009 league champions, the midfielder has revealed what he intends to achieve with his new club

"It is every player's dream to grow and make much better moves when opportunities arise. I am not an exemption because that is my desire too," he added.

"Sofapaka is a big step for me to realize my dreams but in achieving so I have to be at my best to help the club to become champions. It is by doing so that my abilities will be identified and dreams realized."  

Sofapaka will be playing Bidco United in their next league assignment on Saturday.

Currently, the Nairobi-based charges are ninth on the table with 18 points. They have played 13 matches whereby they have won five, drawn three and lost five.

Bidco are seventh on the table with 20 points from 14 games.

Simba SC coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa has warned his players to prepare for a real fight when they face Al Merrikh in their Caf Champions League fixture on Saturday.

The Msimbazi giants are scheduled to depart for Khartoum on Tuesday ahead of their Group A clash set for Al Hilal Stadium with Da Rosa cautioning his players not to underrate their opponents, who have lost two matches already.

Al Merrikh started their campaign in the group with a 3-0 defeat against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in Cairo before they suffered a 4-1 defeat at home against AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

On the other hand, Simba started positively with a 1-0 away win against AS Vita before earning a 1-0 victory against Al Ahly at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam to move top of the group with maximum points.

However, the French tactician has openly claimed Al Merrikh will provide them with a tough fixture because they will not be ready to lose a third consecutive match.

“They have already lost twice and the last time it was at home but I know these players and the team very well, they are very dangerous at home and they have a squad of proud players who cannot allow losing three matches in a row in the competition,” Da Rosa told Goal on Monday.

“Al Merrikh is one of the biggest clubs in Africa and so we must be very serious, ready, and convinced that we have the quality, the ability, and the discipline to get a very good result there.

“But to be honest, it will be a very big fight because like I said Al Merrikh cannot accept to lose three times consecutively so we must be ready but you know what we have already done against Al Ahly and if we are able to play like we did [against Al Ahly] in Sudan, we have some clear hopes to win.”

Ahead of the match, Simba have received a major boost with doctors clearing goalkeeper Aishi Manula to travel with the team after he picked an injury during their Mainland Premier League match against JKT Tanzania on Monday.

Another player who will return for Simba is striker John Bocco, who scored against JKT Tanzania.

Bocco suffered an injury while featuring for the Tanzania national team at the African Nations Championship held in Cameroon and is yet to play for the side since then.

The agent of Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier believes his client could attract interest from Real Madrid at some stage in the near future, but he is advising the 21-year-old to stay put for now.

Few shot-stoppers establish a regular role at such a young age, particularly in the Premier League, but a promising Frenchman has made the most of an opportunity that came his way when former Blancos custodian Kiko Casilla collected an eight-game ban in 2019-20.

Meslier has not looked back, figuring in 25 of Leeds’ 26 top-flight games this season, and is being tipped to step up the footballing food chain once more experience and clean sheets are tucked under his belt.

What has been said?

Quizzed by the LUFC Fan Zone podcast on whether big boys could come calling, Meslier’s representative Xavier Fleury said: “When you are so young, the youngest starting goalkeeper in Europe, for sure big clubs could be interested, following him.

“Illan is starting at Leeds. He loves the club. Perhaps in one, two seasons, if you have a club like Real Madrid that knock on the door – who knows?

“If Leeds keep the manager and Orta, the president could be right, they could be in the Champions League.

“If Leeds are in the Champions League, Illan can win a title with Leeds – winning a title with Leeds is more beautiful than with Juventus, Real Madrid or Bayern.

“Right now, it would be a bad idea to join a big club, and sit on the bench.”

How many games has Meslier played for Leeds?

The Whites took Meslier on loan from Lorient in the summer of 2019, with that deal including an option to buy that was taken up.

His debut came in an FA Cup clash with Arsenal in January 2020, with an impressive performance put in against the Gunners.

Marcelo Bielsa returned him to the bench after that, but a league bow was made in a 4-0 win over Hull City on February 29.

A regular role was then nailed down, with Meslier keeping seven clean sheets through Leeds’ final 10 games of the season as they secured promotion as second-tier title winners.

Meslier has remained first-choice in the current campaign and is now up to 36 appearances in total.

How may clean sheets has Meslier kept for Leeds?

As a young keeper still learning his trade, the odd mistake has been made by Meslier during his competitive outings.

His development has impressed many, though, and the demanding Bielsa is clearly a fan.

Across his 25 appearances this season, Meslier has picked up eight clean sheets – with 15 shutouts secured in total across his time at Elland Road.

Further reading

Ronald Koeman has addressed the ongoing speculation over his position at Camp Nou, insisting Barcelona "are going to have problems" if he doesn't have a future at the club.

Koeman was handed a two-year contract by Barca when he replaced Quique Setien in the hot seat back in August, but now finds himself under increasing pressure amid a turbulent 2020-21 campaign.

It has been suggested that the Dutchman could lose his job when the club's next president is elected later this month, and he has now admitted to being uncertain with regards to whether or not he will be given the chance to remain in charge through to 2022.

What was said?

"I have not spoken with anyone. We have to wait for who comes in as president and his plan," Koeman told a press conference on Tuesday.

"If I do not see an important future for me we are going to have problems, because I have one more year on my contract."

How did Koeman react to Bartomeu's arrest?

Off-field matters have dominated the headlines at Camp Nou this week following a raid of the club's offices in relation to the 'Barcagate' case.

Former president Josep Maria Bartomeu was arrested on Monday as part of an investigation into the matter and, although he has now been released, Koeman has been left shaken by the whole affair.

"When the news came out I was screwed because I know Bartomeu well and also Oscar Grau," he said. "I feel very bad for them, I had important moments with them.

"Bartomeu has always been an exceptional person for me."

Can Koeman still turn Barca's season around?

Koeman is currently preparing his team for a Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg clash against Sevilla, where they will be bidding to overturn a 2-0 aggregate deficit.

Barca are also on the verge of crashing out of Europe after losing the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain 4-1, but their La Liga form has improved of late.

The Blaugrana moved up to second after beating Sevilla 2-0 at the weekend, and Koeman is remaining defiant in the face of adversity.

"In all the clubs there are difficult and complicated moments. It is true that a lot has happened this season, but we are happy and fighting to win things," he added.

"The important thing is the pitch and the games. I am in the best place for me, knowing what the problems are. Until the last day I will be giving my best for Barca, be it another year or five."

Further reading

AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy says they “still have something to play for” after their Nedbank Cup elimination.

Usuthu were edged 1-0 by Black Leopards to bow out of South Africa's premier cup competition last Saturday.

It was their first defeat in eight games as they were rejuvenated under McCarthy, who has led them to sixth position on the Premier Soccer League table.

“Too bad about the results, but we cannot be sad for too long,” said McCarthy as per Sowetan Live.

“We need to turn our attention to the league. We are all disappointed, but we still have something to play for in the Premiership. We have an important game coming up against SuperSport and we have to turn our attention on that game. The Cup is gone and we have to move on.”

Under McCarthy, Usuthu have won six matches, drawn four and lost three across all competitions.

AmaZulu now face second-placed SuperSport United in Tuesday’s league match at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium.

They are up against the Tshwane side who are three points below log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, although they have played two games more than the defending champions.

Meanwhile, Matsatsantsa will welcome back midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who returns from injury.

In 11 league appearances, Mokoena has scored three goals and also contributed two assists.

Also back for SuperSport is defender Onismor Bhasera, as well as forward Giuly Manziba.

SuperSport captain Ronwen Williams is aware of the task they are facing against a wounded Usuthu side.

“AmaZulu have always been a very solid side, however, we don’t focus on what or who they got, but what we need to do to collect maximum points at the end of the day,” Williams told SuperSport’s website.

“It is really wonderful to have a nearly full-strength team, Mokoena and Manziba gave us the quality that we’ve been lacking recently.”

Kaitano Tembo’s United will be looking to secure maximum points after failing to win in their last two league matches, which ended in draws against traditional giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Edinson Cavani should be fit enough to make Manchester United’s trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night but Paul Pogba is still not available.

The Uruguayan has missed the last two league games with a muscle injury but could be in line to return for the midweek trip to Selhurst Park.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is going to have to wait a little while longer for Pogba to be available again, however, as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he sustained in the draw with Everton.

What's been said?

Solskjaer gave an update on his squad on Tuesday afternoon, telling reporters: "We've had a training session this morning, it was a light one.

"There’s a couple of doubts for tomorrow that we will have to give as much time as possible. Edinson has trained, that's good, let's hope there's no reaction after the session and hopefully he will travel to the squad."

On Pogba, he added: "Paul is still not ready for us. He's feeling better but he's not been training with the team yet so he's definitely not travelling down to London."

How many games has Pogba missed?

The Frenchman was in fine form before he suffered an injury in the 3-3 draw against Everton at Old Trafford on February and he has been missing ever since then.

In total, Pogba has missed six games and Solskjaer has not put a timeframe on when the midfielder will be able to return to action.

What other team news is there?

The United manager also gave an update on Phil Jones. The defender has not played this season and it seems unlikely he will be involved before the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

Solskjaer said: "With Phil he's working really hard but he’s had a couple of setbacks and it’s that kind of injury you have to be patient with and give him time, I know all about these injuries.

"I'm not sure [how long he'll be out for], how long is a piece of rope? That's how I felt when I came back, give him absolutely every chance to get back this season, if not hopefully for the start of next season."

Further reading

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has responded to criticism from LeBron James, insisting that "athletes unite the world, politics divides the world".

A war of words between two sporting icons began when Ibrahimovic hit out at the basketball superstar for getting involved in political issues away from the court.

James issued a swift rebuttal, warning the AC Milan striker that he's the "wrong guy to go at", but the 39-year-old has stirred the pot even further during a press conference at the San Remo 2021 festival on Tuesday.

What was said?

James accused Ibrahimovic of hypocrisy while referencing the Swede's outspoken comments on racism in his homeland in 2018, but he has now come out to insist that the Los Angeles Lakers baller is missing the point of his tirade.

“Racism and politics are two different things. We athletes unite the world, politics divides the world," Ibrahimovic told the media.

“Everyone is welcome, it has nothing to do with where you are from, we do what we do to unite.

"We don’t do other things because we are not good at it, otherwise I would be in politics. 

"That’s my message. Athletes must be athletes, politicians must be politicians.”

What did Ibrahimovic originally say?

Ibrahimovic told Discovery+ last week: "[LeBron] is phenomenal at what he's doing, but I don't like it when people have some kind of status, they go and do politics at the same time.

"Do what you're good at. Do the category you do. I play football because I'm the best at playing football.

"I don't do politics. If I would be a political politician, I would do politics. That is the first mistake people do when they become famous and they become in a certain status. Stay out of it. Just do what you do best because it doesn't look good."

LeBron James' comeback

“I will never shut up about things that are wrong," James said to reporters at the weekend. "I preach about my people and I preach about equality. Social injustice, racism, systematic voter suppression, things that go on in our community.

"There is no way I will ever just stick to sports because I know with this platform, how powerful my voice is. 

"It’s funny that he’s (Ibrahimovic) said that because I believe back in 2018 he’s the same guy who said that when he was back in Sweden, he was talking about the same things.

"Because his last name wasn’t a certain last name, he felt like there was some racism going on while he was out on the pitch… right?"

Further reading

Luke Shaw continues to be left stunned by the “unbelievable” output of Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese able to make important contributions even when performing well below his best.

The Red Devils talisman is considered to have had a relatively quiet game by his standards in a recent Europa League clash with Real Sociedad, but he still found the target on two occasions in an important 4-0 win.

Fernandes has found the target on 34 occasions through 61 appearances, while contributing a further 21 assists to the collective cause, with his value and ability not lost on club colleague Shaw.

What has been said?

The United full-back told Adidas of his working relationship with Fernandes and the admiration he has for the talented 26-year-old: “We do talk a bit, but honestly the guy's numbers are unbelievable, what he's doing and how he's doing it.

“I said to him 'Bruno, I'll be honest, you weren't great [against Real Sociedad] but you scored two goals. I just don't know how you do it!'

“I think people in football understand the game and how important that player is, who doesn't get many assists or goals, but a lot of the outside world is all about stats. It's understandable because they watch it and they want to see those things, but you've just got to deal with it.”

Shaw’s stats for 2020-21

While enjoying watching and working with Fernandes, Shaw is eager to become another reliable source of end product for United.

His priority as a left-back is to keep opponents at bay, but he has six assists of his own this season through 30 appearances in all competitions.

The England international has added on his desire to get forward more: “I think a lot of people are thinking that I was holding back, but I knew what I could do and I'm feeling good with creating stuff. Obviously my target with each game is to win the game for the team, whatever I can do.

“Now I'm loving going forward and creating for the team. I haven't been able to talk about something like this and be sort of praised for stuff like this.

“I think people hopefully are starting to realise I'm helping the team out more, which is a nice confidence boost.”

The bigger picture

Positive progress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020-21 has United sat second in the Premier League table, while also progressing to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and last 16 of the Europa League.

They have plenty to play for heading into the business end of the season, with a 20-game unbeaten run away from home set to be put on the line when the Red Devils return to top-flight action on Wednesday in a trip to Crystal Palace.

That fixture will lead United into a derby date with arch-rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with there an opportunity there for the Blues’ commanding lead at the summit to be cut.

Further reading

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed Leon Balogun remains a doubt for his side’s Scottish Premiership game against Livingston on Wednesday.   

The centre-back only played for 26 minutes before he was replaced by Nathan Patterson in his side’s Europa League game against Royal Antwerp on Thursday due to injury.

Gerrard has now confirmed the Nigeria international suffered a knock in the encounter and will be further assessed to ascertain his availability for his side’s game against the Lions.

“Leon Balogun has a quad issue so will be a doubt for tomorrow,” Gerrard said in a pre-match press conference.

Balogun has made 24 appearances across all competitions this season since teaming up with the Ibrox Stadium outfit after leaving Wigan Athletic. 

His effort has contributed to his side’s impressive form which has helped the Gers open a 15-point gap at the top of the Premiership table. 

Besides his solid displays in his centre-back role, Balogun has also featured in full-back to ensure the club continues with their fine run of form.

Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr has already praised the defender for his versatility and quality for both club and country.

“I have known Balogun for a very long time. He has a German mentality and has good speed which is very important for a central defender or full-back as he can play both positions,” Rohr said.

“There is no difference for Leon Balogun playing at right-back for Rangers just now because he’s played there before, for Nigeria and in Germany sometimes.

“He’s quick and intelligent and can change his position very quickly. For me, he’s strong enough to play either position. In the 2018 World Cup he played at the right of a three-man central defence so not quite a right back.

Balogun has made 32 appearances for the Nigeria national team since making his debut for the West African side in 2014

The German-born defender will be expected to be part of Rohr’s side that will take on the Republic of Benin and Lesotho in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March.

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids says they are placing more importance on their Premier Soccer League campaign than any other competition.

The Soweto giants are fourth on the PSL standings as they entertain some faint chances of lifting the league title.

They have also qualified for the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals and are in the Caf Confederation Cup group stage.

With chances of claiming silverware in three more competitions to add on to their MTN8 triumph, Davids picks where their focus is placed most as they prepare to host Bloemfontein Celtic in Tuesday’s league match.

“We are fighting in three competitions but the league is the most important,” Davids told Pirates media.

“The most important game is the next one, and that is against Celtic. We are fully prepared to take this confidence which we’ve got in our recent form, and continue with it, build momentum to be able to get results in the league.”

Pirates have already played Celtic twice this season.

They first beat Siwelele 1-0 in a league match away at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, before overpowering the Free State side 2-1 to win the MTN8 trophy in December.

“Celtic is a team we’re familiar with, it will be the third time we play them [this season],” said Davids.

“And it will be a third structure that we will play against. When we played them the first time, the three (man) defensive line was very organised. In the Cup final [MTN8] we played the 4-2-3-1, and now they’ve changed to 4-3-3, so they are a very tricky opponent that we have to be wary of.”

While Pirates are fourth on the PSL standings, they are facing a team which is placed 11th on the log.

Celtic arrive in Gauteng without suspended right-back Tshepo Rikhotso and midfielder Thato Lingwati who has been a regular for John Maduka’s side.

Siwelele go into this match on the backdrop of failing to win their last two league games which were a 1-1 draw against Chippa United and a 1-0 loss away at TS Galaxy.

Jack Grealish remains stuck on the sidelines at Aston Villa, with Dean Smith delivering a “frustrating” update on the fitness of his talismanic captain.

A leg problem has kept the 25-year-old England international out of the Villans’ last two fixtures – a defeat to Leicester and welcome win over Leeds.

He will also be missing for a trip to Sheffield United on Wednesday, with Smith still unsure as to whether a key part of his plans will be available for a derby date with Wolves on Saturday.

What has been said?

Villa boss Smith has told reporters when quizzed on Grealish: “He won't be ready for the game [at Bramall Lane], he's not travelling with us.

“We'll decide whether we can get him on the training ground later in the week. He's working with the doctor and the rehab staff every day.

“It's frustrating because he's a top player and we'd be a better team having him in it. But it's one of those things - players get injured. It's how you cope without those top players.

“He just feels it on one movement, so once that's free he can go and train. We're looking at whether we can get him on the training pitch by the end of this week.”

How has Grealish fared this season?

In his second campaign back in the Premier League, a classy playmaker has underlined his value for club and country.

A breakthrough has been made with England heading towards this summer’s European Championship, with Gareth Southgate embracing Grealish’s creative qualities.

Villa are doing the same, with their skipper registering seven goals and 10 assists through 23 appearances in all competitions.

He is an important figure for Smith, but the Villa manager is adamant that he has enough talent at his disposal to counter the loss of one player.

“There was a lot of noise outside that we were a one-man team and couldn't win without Jack,” Smith has added.

“But we firmly believed in the squad of players we've got. But we also know we're a better team with Jack in it because of the top-class player he is.

“It's always disappointing when he's not in the team because of what he gives us, but we know we're more than capable of winning games without him.”

The bigger picture

Villa only avoided slipping back into the Championship on the final day of the 2019-20 campaign.

Staying up allowed them to tie Grealish to a new contract and invest heavily in a number of deals that have delivered rich rewards – such as those for Emi Martinez, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins.

Smith’s side are now sat ninth in the Premier League table, with just four points separating them from the top six and six from the Champions League places.

Further reading

Andy Cole has claimed that Manchester United don't have the pulling power to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

United have been tipped to make a move for Haaland in the summer transfer window, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly eager to reunite with a fellow Norwegian that he worked with at the start of his career at Molde.

However, several other top European clubs have also been credited with an interest in Haaland, and Cole doesn't think Old Trafford is the most attractive option for a player harbouring ambitions of winning major silverware.

What was said?

"To get these guys to come, Haaland for instance, you’ve got to entice them with something," The former Red Devils striker told the Daily Mirror.

"You’ve got to entice them with the possibility of winning silverware or being a year away from it. These guys are going to have other options, possibly Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, maybe Barcelona.

"If you’re playing and have the option of all these clubs, where would United really figure at this moment in time? Even though I love United, I don’t think the club now can ride on its name alone, especially when you’re trying to bring these players in.

"It’s not like when I signed for United. We have to be brutally honest, back then everybody wanted to go there. We’re talking 2021 now. Does everyone want to go to United now?

"I’m not quite sure everyone wants to now."

Why is Haaland in such high demand?

Haaland has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since bursting onto the Champions League stage with Red Bull Salzburg in 2019-20.

The Austrian side exited the competition in the group stage that season, but the 20-year-old scored eight goals in their six group-stage fixtures, including one against Liverpool at Anfield.

Dortmund were impressed enough to invest £18 million ($25m) in his talents in last year's winter transfer window, and he has since taken his career to even greater heights.

Haaland has hit 43 goals in his first 44 appearances across all competitions for BVB, including 27 this season, with the Norwegian currently leading the race for the Champions League Golden Boot.

The bigger picture

Last month, Solskjaer admitted that he is keeping a close eye on Haaland's progress in Germany, but refused to be drawn on whether United will look to bring him onto their books later this year.

Summer signing Edinson Cavani, who recently turned 34, is currently the only natural centre-forward option in Solskjaer's squad, and Haaland would be the ideal man to come in and fill that role in the long-term.

However, City could also be in the hunt for the Dortmund forward with the Premier League leaders yet to offer Sergio Aguero fresh terms as he enters the final months of his contract.

City are the dominant force in English football at the moment and therefore may hold greater appeal to Haaland than United, who are still very much a work in progress under Solskjaer.

Indeed, the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and more are likely to be keeping an eye on the latest developments regarding Haaland and his future.

Further reading

SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo has defended the dry spell being endured by his two strikers Bradley Grobler and Thamsanqa Gabuza.

After starting the season in terrific form, both players have slowed down recently.

Grobler leads the Premier Soccer League goalscoring standings with 13 goals but managed just one goal in February after threatening to be the runaway scorer when the campaign started.

His striking partner Gabuza also found the back of the net just once in February as he stands at six PSL goals.

Likening his two forwards to Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, Tembo defends his two players losing their consistency.

“It happens all over the world and we have to make sure that we support them,” said Tembo as per Pakhaaathi.

“They have scored close to 20 goals between them and if we look at a team like Liverpool, what would you say to Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah? Are they bad players? No, they have been scoring goals for Liverpool in the past two seasons and that is the nature of the game. We know the quality and we know what they can do. All we need to do is keep on supporting them.

“If you look at Gabuza when he was at Orlando Pirates, he never scored more than two goals a season but he came to us and he has scored six goals so far and that is a good achievement. He knows that he can still score more and he knows that sometimes the goals dry up but you have to continue working.

“That is what got us here and it is not only Bradley and Gabuza. If we look at the previous season, Gabadinho Mhango was the top goalscorer in the league last season but this season how many goals has he scored? We will continue playing them and give them all the backing they need.”

Besides Grobler and Gabuza losing their goalscoring touch, the Mamelodi Sundowns trio of Themba Zwane, Peter Shalulile and Kermit Erasmus’ combination also appear to have waned after starting the season on a high.

Nzoia Sugar head coach Ibrahim Shikanda is not concerned with the way his charges played in the first half against Football Kenya Federation Premier League reigning champions Gor Mahia.

The hosts struggled to match their visitors in the first half at Mumias Complex on Saturday and conceded courtesy of Samuel Onyango. However, they upped their tempo after the break and scored through Gaetan Masha and Moses Mwale to win 2-1 and claim maximum points.

The tactician has further appreciated the efforts put in by his charges to ensure they won the game on Saturday and remained optimistic of getting a positive outcome away to Bandari in their next assignment.

"I thank God as well as the boys for their display that granted us a win against Gor Mahia," Shikanda told Goal.

"It is normal [to see teams struggle] and we are not any different. Yes, we were down in the first half but that is football. It is a game of moments, you might play badly in the first half but rectify in the second one or vice versa.

"We will be giving our best away to Bandari hoping to get a positive outcome as well."

In an initial interview, Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo conceded his team lost the game because they lost momentum in the second half.

"In the first half we played really well, we were the better team by far," Omollo told Goal.

"We were better in attack and defence as well in the first half. The ball was swiftly moved around and the team was rewarded with a goal. The first half was ours, we dominated."

The 51-year-old went on to explain why his charges conceded in the second half and went on to lose the game.

"After the break, we lost concentration and made basic mistakes and Nzoia capitalised," Omollo added.

"We were out completely, no energy and it is something we have discussed with the coach to see how we can work on it. Even the goals we conceded came out of concentration lapses. 

"In the second goal, we did not react fast enough and we were punished.

"The second half was the complete opposite of what we did in the first one. But it is something that will be worked on and we will definitely be better in our next game."

U20 Uganda forward Derrick Kakooza is hopeful they will win the Africa U20 Cup of Nations title.

The Hippos, once again, defied odds to defeat Tunisia 4-1 to qualify for the last two at Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott on Monday night. A hat-trick from Derrick Kakooza and a strike from Richard Basangwa gave the East Africans a massive win over their opponents who scored through Ben Lamin.

The police FC youngster has also appreciated all those involved in ensuring he scored the goals that helped his team advance to the final.

"First of all I want to thank the Almighty God that I scored a hat-trick which helped us qualify for the final," the teenager stated afterwards.

"And in a special way, I want to also thank my coaches and my teammates who have seen me achieve this because I am now the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.

"My instincts tell me that we are going to bring the trophy home; I, therefore, request our fans to continue praying for us so that we can complete the task."

Earlier on, Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry also lauded the youngsters for their achievement in the annual competition.  

"It is hard to find words exultant enough to praise these young men and all of the support staff," McKinstry tweeted.

"[A] huge congratulations to coach Morley [Byekwaso] and all of the Uganda Hippos. Top class performance and a great night for Ugandan football. Onwards to the final."

The U20 Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) champions will now play Ghana in the finals.

The West Africans are through to the last two in Mauritania following a 1-0 victory over Gambia. Precious Boah's first-half effort decided the semi-final fixture at Stade Olympique in the city of Nouakchott.

Unlike previous editions of the tournament in recent times, there is no World Cup qualification reward for the semi-finalists following the cancellation of the global gathering slated for Indonesia this year due to health and safety concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. 

Ghana, who beat Tanzania 4-0 in their tournament opener and drew 0-0 with Morocco before bowing to Gambia in the group stage, will face the Hippos on Saturday in the final, in their quest for a fourth continental title. 

Rafael Yuste says talk of Barcelona making big-money moves for Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland is “irresponsible”, given the club’s debt, with the Liga giants urged to focus more attention on retaining the services of “best in the world” Lionel Messi.

Speculation is rife at Camp Nou when it comes to possible transfer targets, with the days being counted down to the election of a new club president on March 7.

Bold promises are being made by leading contenders for that role, with it suggested that a talismanic captain could be retained as raids are launched on the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund for more marquee additions.

What has been said?

Yuste, who worked as sports vice-president during Joan Laporta’s previous reign as president and is looking to reclaim that role in 2021, has told Mundo Deportivo: “Today, with a debt of 1,173 million, it would be irresponsible to say that we are going to sign Haaland or Mbappe. 

“In addition, we have a squad that can give a lot of joy to the members and a brave coach who bets on young people. 

“As we turn around the situation and generate resources, there will be a choice, but now let's support what we have and see how far we can go. 

“Right now we already have the best in the world called Leo Messi.”

Will Messi be staying at Barcelona?

As things stand, a six-time Ballon d’Or winner is due to see his contract expire in the summer.

No fresh terms have been thrashed out as yet, with the 33-year-old Argentine waiting until the end of the season before making a decision over his future.

However, Laporta is among those to have stated belief that Messi can be talked into penning a new deal, with Yuste sharing that opinion.

He said on the future of an all-time great: “Leo is a winner and wants to raise the Champions League trophy again, and of course he needs a winning project, but he also needs to believe again in the person who is president, such as Laporta, and we also have a lot of affection for the family. 

“I know that Leo is very comfortable in Barcelona with his family. It is very difficult for me to see Leo with a shirt that is not Barca's and that he does not retire here.”

The bigger picture

Messi’s contract and possible new additions will be two of the more pressing issues for any incoming president to address at Barcelona.

There are, however, a number of fires to be fought on and off the field in Catalunya, with inconsistent performances under Ronald Koeman playing out against a backdrop of uncertainty in the boardroom that has led to former figurehead Josep Maria Bartomeu being arrested as part of the ongoing ‘Barcagate’ investigation.

Further reading

Simba SC coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa has said the health condition of his number one goalkeeper Aishi Manula is not bad and he will be available to face Al Merrikh in their Caf Champions League fixture.

The Msimbazi giants suffered an injury blow during their Mainland Premier League match against JKT Tanzania after their first-choice keeper failed to continue the game after being injured and was immediately rushed to hospital.

Simba went on to win the match 3-0 with goals from Chris Mugalu, Luis Miquissone, and John Bocco but it was the injury to Manula which left them scratching their heads as they prepare to depart to Khartoum for their third Group A battle against the Red Devils on Saturday.

Da Rosa has, however, remained confident Manula, who also turns out for the Tanzania national team Taifa Stars, will be available to play based on the doctor’s assessment.

“Everyone in the squad appreciates Aishi [Manula], even myself and the doctor told me after the game that everything is okay,” Da Rosa told Goal. “He is in hospital to make some examination and we are waiting for some news but you know Manula is very important for us and we are confident he can play in Sudan.”

The club’s Media Officer Haji Manara has also taken to his social media pages to confirm the keeper will board the plane to Sudan for the fixture.

“Aishi [Manula] is very fine and ready to play against Al Merrikh on Saturday,” Manula wrote. “We are confident he will be part of the travelling squad, which leaves on Wednesday for Sudan.

“We thank all Simba fans and members for your prayers and also thank the doctors for their quick response to treat the keeper, we are very grateful.”

On a positive note, Simba welcomed back striker John Bocco, who has been out injured for the last two months and was even among the goals in the match played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

“Bocco is a quality player for us, we know what he can bring to the table when fit and ready to play, I am happy he has returned and he played very well against JKT Tanzania,” Da Rosa continued.

“We have missed his goals and I am happy for him he came on and scored, so it shows you he still remembers how to score the goals, we are happy to have him back and he will be part of our squad for the trip to Sudan.”

Simba will head to Khartoum topping the group with six points after winning their first two matches – 1-0 against AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo away in Kinshasa and a 1-0 win against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania.