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Uganda head coach Johnathan McKinstry is short of words to use on the Hippos after their qualification to the Africa U20 Cup of Nations final.

A hat-trick from Derrick Kakooza and a strike from Richard Basangwa gave the East Africans a massive win over Tunisia, in the semi-finals, who scored through Ben Lamin Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott on Monday night. The youthful tactician believes the display was top class.

"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.

It was timely revenge for Abdul Karim Zito's charges who gave away the lead to fall 2-1 to the Gambians in their first meeting at the tournament in the group stage.

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. 

Champions in 1993, 1999, and 2009, the Black Satellites reached the quarter-final stage of this year's competition as one of the best third-placed sides after finishing behind Morocco and Gambia in Group C.

Uganda, who are making their debut, defeated Mozambique 2-0 in their Group A opener before falling 1-0 to Cameroon. They won their final game 2-1 over the hosts before eliminating Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals.

Newcastle have been rocked by the news that Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin are set to be sidelined until April, with the forward-thinking pair handing Steve Bruce an untimely injury headache.

The Magpies are looking anxiously over their shoulder at a Premier League basement battle, with there every chance that they will be sucked towards a relegation trapdoor.

Efforts to start edging clear of trouble will be not aided over the coming weeks by unfortunate fitness setbacks suffered by two key attackers – with Paraguay international Almiron netting five times this season while Saint-Maximin has two goals and three assists to his name.

What has been said?

The Magpies have posted in a statement on their official website: “Newcastle United forwards Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin will be out of action until April after picking up injuries during the Magpies' 1-1 draw with Wolves on Saturday.

“Almiron sustained a knee injury and had to be replaced at half time, while Saint-Maximin suffered a groin injury in the 63rd minute.

“Both have undergone scans and will continue their rehabilitation with the club's medical team.

“Defender Emil Krafth, who was substituted in the same game, is set to resume training later this week.​”

How many points do Newcastle have?

The Magpies have taken just 26 points from as many Premier League games this season.

That return has them sat 17th in the table, just one place and three points above the relegation zone.

Bruce’s side have collected only seven top-flight wins in the 2020-21 campaign, while suffering 14 defeats.

What does their fixture list look like?

A crucial clash with fellow strugglers West Brom is next on the agenda for Newcastle.

The Magpies are due at The Hawthorns on Sunday for a game that will either drag them a little deeper into the mire or allow breathing space to be established.

Bruce’s men will wrap up their schedule with back-to-back outings against Sheffield United and Fulham – two of the sides currently below them – but have some tough tests to come before then.

Tottenham, West Ham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester and Manchester City are all set to be faced in contests that will pitch Newcastle as underdogs.

That run will not start until after the next international break, by which time Newcastle will hope to have Almiron and Saint-Maximin coming back into contention.

Further reading

Liverpool have announced the death of legendary forward Ian St John at the age of 82.

The Reds posted a message confirming St John's passing via social media on Tuesday, which reads: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true Anfield legend, Ian St John.

"The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ian's family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Rest in peace, Ian St John 1938-2021."

Family statement

St John's family has released a statement which reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father and grandfather.

“He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside.

“We would like to thank all the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for their hard work and dedication during these very difficult times.

“The family would be grateful for privacy at this extremely sad time."

What did St John do for Liverpool?

St John enjoyed a trophy-laden 10-year career at Liverpool between 1961 and 1971, having initially signed for the club from Motherwell.

The striker was part of one of the greatest sides in the club's history, led by Bill Shankly, who took the team from the Second Division to top-flight champions.

St John won the league title in 1964 and 1966, while also scoring the winning goal in the 1965 FA Cup final against Leeds.

He scored 118 goals in 425 games for the Reds in total, and also picked up a European Cup Winners' Cup runners-up medal in 1966.

Post-Liverpool career

St John left Liverpool to join South African club Hellenic, and went on to take in short spells at Coventry City and Tranmere Rovers before hanging up his boots in 1973.

The former Scotland international, who won 21 caps for his country, then returned to Motherwell to begin his management career.

St John spent one year in the Fir Park dugout before taking the top job at Portsmouth, where he spent four seasons before taking up respective assistant roles at Coventry and Sheffield Wednesday.

He became a pundit after quitting coaching in 1979, and became well known for his work alongside England World Cup winner Jimmy Greaves on the  Saint and Greavsie show, which ran from 1985 to 1992.

Goal View | Neil Jones | Liverpool correspondent

Anfield has lost another of its all-time greats, and one of the most important signings in the club’s history.

Ian St John was one of the driving forces behind Liverpool’s rise to prominence under Bill Shankly in the 1960s. Powerful, aggressive, selfless and subtle, he led the Reds from the Second Division and then helped establish themselves as one of the true powerhouses of English football.

He’ll forever be remembered as the man whose goal, a diving header, secured the club’s first ever FA Cup, seeing off Don Revie’s great Leeds side at Wembley in 1965.

St John was known for his heading, which is remarkable considering he was hardly a giant. But his timing, desire and bravery stood out a mile. Alongside Roger Hunt, he formed one of Liverpool’s best-ever strike partnerships. Between them, they scored more than 400 goals for the club.

St John finished with 118 from 425 appearances, winning two league championships, as well as the FA Cup and Second Division title. Later he would return to Merseyside, albeit briefly, to play at Tranmere under former team-mate Ron Yeats before spells in management at Motherwell and Portsmouth.

In the 1980s, he became an iconic figure to a new generation of football supporters, myself included, for the TV show ‘Saint and Greavsie’ which ran for seven years between 1985 and 1992. Essential viewing, for anyone who loved the game.

From a personal perspective, I remember ‘Saint’ as the man who gave me my first official Liverpool history lesson, courtesy of a video released in 1989, in which St John picked his greatest ever Reds XI.

As a youngster just discovering the sport, I must have watched that old VHS (Google it!) a thousand times, watching the goals of Hunt and Ian Rush, the tackles of Graeme Souness and Tommy Smith, the saves of Ray Clemence and hearing the wit and wisdom of Shankly. Throughout, Saint’s love of the game, and of Liverpool, shone through. He was a Scot by birth, but a Scouser in nature.

Always modest, he didn’t include himself in the shortlist when it came to picking his forward line. Those who saw him play, though, most definitely would.

Ian St John was, and always will be, an Anfield legend. He will be sorely missed.

Reaction to St John's death

Confederation of African Football has confirmed they have opened disciplinary proceedings against two Gor Mahia players following the incident that followed after their match against Napsa Stars in a Confederation Cup fixture.

The Kenyan champions were eliminated from the competition by the Zambian Pensioners after a 2-2 draw in the return leg staged at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka as Napsa had won the first leg played in Nairobi 1-0.

However, after the 2-2 draw in Lusaka, Gor Mahia's players proceeded toward the referee after he awarded the home team a penalty in the 94th minute which was converted by veteran striker Emannuel Mayuka.

Caf has confirmed in a letter signed by Raymond Hack, the chairman of the Caf disciplinary committee, they have opened investigations into the incidents which happened after the match and singled out two Gor Mahia players – keeper Boniface Oluoch and captain Kenneth Muguna – as the ones to be questioned.

“The officials of the above-mentioned match [Napsa Stars vs Gor Mahia] have indicated in their report that: “After the match Gor Mahia players No. 29 – [Oluoch Otieno Boniface] and No. 10 [Mugambi Muguna Kenneth] attacked us and used abusive language against us,” read the letter from Caf obtained by Goal.

“Caf has decided to implement the provisions of the Disciplinary Code in terms of article 11 and to open an investigation allowing your affiliated players to respond to the reported incident.

“Therefore, the club is required to provide us with its comments within five days namely March 5, 2021, by the latest, after which the matter will be admitted to the Caf disciplinary board.”

After the incident in Zambia, Gor Mahia through their secretary-general Sam Ochola defended their players from the scenes which followed after the match, insisting they will take legal redress to address the matter.

“On the reported possible ban by Caf for skirmishes mentioned, we are alert and will pursue all the legal avenues to address the matter that arose, since it was not our fault,” Ochola said in the statement obtained by Goal.

“We didn’t just walk away from all these happenings, we sat down together with Zambia federation, our federation’s representative, head of our delegation, [myself], and all other stakeholders and we deliberated on the matter.

“We hope nothing punitive would befall our team on this.”

Gor Mahia have already shifted their focus to the FKF Premier League where they lost their last match 2-1 against Nzoia Sugar on Saturday.

Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr is hoping Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo will win the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers this season.

The Super Eagles stars have been playing a pivotal role for the Gers to help Steven Gerrard’s men open a 15-point gap at the top of the league table.

The Ibrox Stadium outfit narrowly missed out on the league title to Celtic last season and have recruited a number of players in their quest to clinch the coveted trophy this term, including signing Blalogun last summer.

Balogun and Aribo’s contributions have also helped Rangers to reach the Europa League round of 16 and Rohr hopes his Super Eagles stars can help the club win titles while also revealing he has been monitoring Calvin Bassey and Nnamdi Ofoborh’s development at the club.

“It would be great for our players - Balogun and Aribo - if Rangers won the title,” Rohr told Record Sport.

“We have been watching Rangers a lot and scouting all their games and there’s also Calvin Bassey and Nnamdi Ofoborh who is an Under-20 international who both have Nigerian roots so the challenge is there for them to join them.

“It is great that they are getting so much exposure and success at a club the size of Rangers and, as well as domestically, they have played at a very high level in Europe.

“I played a friendly in Glasgow with Bordeaux and it was a full house - even for a friendly game - so I have good memories and I’m delighted they are getting to experience that, although Leon hasn’t yet had the chance to play in front of the fans.

“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.

“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 is not quite a right back.

“I watched him playing in Germany for Mainz before I joined the Nigerian national team so I knew all about the boy. He was born in Germany and speaks German so we have a good relationship.

“Leon has a very good character and self-confidence and I was happy when he moved to Glasgow Rangers because he didn’t play enough in England.

“Leon is one of the leaders in my group and I’m happy he has had success in European competition with Rangers. He is also one of my vice-captains, we have a young team in Nigeria and he is an experienced player which is vital.

“I’m very satisfied with Leon and Joe, particularly with the attitude of them both.”

Aribo has made six appearances for the Nigeria national team since he made a goalscoring debut against Ukraine in 2019.

Rohr has highlighted some of the qualities of the 24-year-old and praised him for his contribution to the Super Eagles.

“Since I invited Joe Aribo to the squad we have had only good performances. He was, for us, an important player in the midfield with his left foot, mobility, commitment and fantastic mentality,” he continued.

“He can play as a defensive or offensive midfielder. Joe is good at pressing and immediately struck up a wonderful relationship with Alex Iwobi. “

“Joe scored in his first game for Nigeria against Ukraine in September 2019 and was one of the best players so we’re happy to see him in full flow and fitness for Rangers.”

Balogun and Aribo will be expected to feature when Rangers take on Livingston in their next league game on Wednesday.

Jean-Clair Todibo admits to paying little attention to goings on at Barcelona after being sent out on loan again, with the defender, who is seeking a permanent transfer in the summer, saying that struggles at Camp Nou in 2020-21 are “not my problem”.

The French centre-half was considered to be a hot prospect when snapped up by the Blaugrana from Toulouse in 2019, but little game time has been seen for – leading to loan moves being made elsewhere.

Todibo is currently back in his homeland at Nice and admits that he would like to see a deal done that prevents him from having to head back to Catalunya at the end of the current campaign.

What has been said?

Todibo told reporters on his future at a press conference looking ahead to a Ligue 1 meeting with Nimes on Wednesday: “I don’t know if it is sorted (for next season), but it is an ambition of mine. So I strongly hope it happens.

“My individual performances will determine if I stay here or not. Nothing is done.”

He added when quizzed on goings on back at Barca: “Without lying to you, I am not strongly interested in what’s going on.

“I watch matches from time to time when my French colleagues play like Ousmane Dembele, Clement Lenglet or Samuel Umtiti. I watch just because I consider them to be friends. But aside from that I am not necessarily following them.

“I am focused on OGC Nice, that is most important for me. What good does it do to dream of the Barcelona defence when at the weekend I play vs Rennes or Nimes? 

“The most important thing is to focus on those matches. They are matches that will bring points for Nice. Today I am a Nice player, I am not a Barcelona player.”

He went on to say of Barca’s struggles for consistency, which have included a 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the Champions League: “[A Champions League comeback?] Honestly, that doesn’t interest me at all.

“I hope for them that they will do it. They either do it, or they don’t. That is not my problem if you know what I mean.”

How many games has Todibo played for Barcelona?

Todibo linked up with Barca in January 2019, with a deal that was due to see him move to Spain as a free agent that summer brought forward.

He was handed the No.6 shirt at Camp Nou and was expected to be a long-term option for the Blaugrana at the heart of their defence.

Just two competitive appearances were seen in his debut campaign, though, before seeing the same number of games for Barca the following season.

With minutes in short supply, Todibo was allowed to link up with Schalke in January 2020.

He has since spent time with Benfica and Nice, with the most recent of those deals – which was struck during the last transfer window – including an option to buy.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt has already earmarked a number of players who he would like to see leaving the club, according to rumours in the South African media.

Due to the club's Fifa transfer ban, Hunt has been forced to work with the same group of players who played under previous coach Ernst Middendorp last season.

Despite the German having come within two points of winning the league title, Hunt has failed to get his side galvanised and the team is currently languishing outside the top eight in 10th position.

They've also been knocked out of both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup competitions and are up against it in the Caf Champions League after claiming just a single point from their opening two matches.

According to a source quoted by the Citizen, tensions in the camp are high.

“You can see even when they play that they are not a unit. There are some players who are doing it because it is their job but their hearts are no longer in it," the source claimed.

"There are a few who are pushing but it is only because they know their futures are still safe at the club.

“It’s a tricky situation for Hunt because he has to use some players who he knows will not be part of his team next season. Incorporating them into his structure has not worked so far.

“He has had to start planning for next season early because he wants the club to get the players he wants in time so that he can have an early start in preparing for next season.

“That required that he hands in the names of those who don’t fit into his plans and that is when the problem started because rumours started floating around about who is or who isn’t on the dreaded list.”

In another report,  by the same publication, it's been claimed Hunt is keen on bringing in two SuperSport United players - midfielder Sipho Mbule and defender Luke Fleurs, for next season.

Despite the intense schedule of fixtures, Express FC coach Wasswa Bbosa has stressed the importance of at least keeping their unbeaten run intact when they face Kitara FC in a Ugandan Premier League match on Tuesday.

The Red Eagles will make a short trip to Kavumba recreational grounds in Wakiso District to face the newly-promoted side. They have a 10-match unbeaten run and want to keep the pressure on table-toppers and champions Vipers SC.

Coach Bbosa has admitted with the fixtures coming thick and fast, they must strive to protect their good start to the season and also take it a game at a time.

“We’re back at it again, the games are coming in thick and fast, and honestly load management is key,” Bbosa said as quoted by the club’s official website.

“The boys know the task ahead, keep the unbeaten run intact but most importantly, take it one game at a time, Kitara won’t be an easy opponent but we’ve prepared well and we shall take the game as it comes.”

Express forward Frank Kalanda has stated the game against Kitara will give Express the chance to pick maximum points and continue to surge forward in the race to win the league title.

“I look at this game as another opportunity for the team to pick up maximum points,” Kalanda told the club’s official website. “We’ve prepared well and the focus is on winning.

“We know we have other teams breathing down our necks on the table but we’re only worried about doing our job and we’re not complacent at all.”

The Red Eagles have picked up three away wins so far this season but it’s the last three games that have stood out, back-to-back away wins against BUL FC and MYDA FC and another home win against Wakiso Giants scoring 13 times and conceding once in the process.

But Bbosa will miss the services of winger Godfrey Lwesibawa, who is suspended after amassing three yellow cards.

The two sides will be meeting for the first time in the league but in the previous two matches in the domestic, Kitara have won both.

In the current campaign, Kitara are placed 15th on the 16-team table and are yet to win a match from 10 matches played.

Victor Moses considers Neil Warnock and Roberto Martinez to be better managers than Jose Mourinho, with the Nigerian leaving a Portuguese tactician he has previously worked with at Chelsea off his list of top coaches.

Mourinho gave Moses few opportunities at Stamford Bridge between 2013 and 2015, with loan moves to Liverpool and Stoke sanctioned.

That snub has not been forgotten by a man who remains tied to the Blues – with a stint at Spartak Moscow being taken in this season – and one who has found greater enjoyment working under bosses at Crystal Palace and Wigan.

What has been said?

Asked to piece together a list of favourite managers he has worked under, Moses did find room for a couple of ex-Chelsea bosses as he told Spartak’s official website: “[Antonio] Conte is on this list.

“He helped me to believe in myself. And that's purely from a human perspective and not because he found me a new position on the right side of the defence.

“Next Roberto Martinez, Rafael Benitez. Neil Warnock, with whom I made my debut at Crystal Palace. [Domenico] Tedesco. And also Mark Hughes.”

Quizzed on his decision to snub Mourinho, Moses added: “Without a doubt, Jose is a cool pro, I respect his achievements. But there wasn't the necessary connection between the player and the coach.

“In the end, I tried in training, I wanted to play, but Mourinho had a different opinion.”

Who has Moses played under at Chelsea?

The versatile 30-year-old was taken to Stamford Bridge by Roberto Di Matteo in the summer of 2012.

Rafa Benitez was brought in midway through his debut campaign, before Mourinho returned to west London in 2013.

Having been overlooked for three seasons, with time spent at West Ham in 2015-16, Moses was absorbed back into the Chelsea fold by Conte in 2016-17.

A Premier League title triumph was secured during that season, while an FA Cup success followed in 2018.

Moses took in 78 appearances under Conte, but was ushered towards the exits once more when Maurizio Sarri took the reins.

Having found himself on the fringes of the fold once more, the vast majority of the last three campaigns have been spent seeing game time at Fenerbahce, Inter and Spartak.

Further reading

Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac has named a preliminary 35-man squad for the national team which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this month.

India will play their first friendly match against Oman on March 25 and then the second one against UAE on March 29 in Dubai. The camp and friendlies will be crucial for India coach Igor Stimac to assess his squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June.

Some new faces like NorthEast United's Mashoor Sheeref, Ashutosh Mehta, Hyderabad FC's Akash Mishra and Kerala Blasters' Jeakson Singh and Rahul KP have been named by Stimac in the preliminary squad.

35-man Squad

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Subhashish Roy Chowdhury, Dheeraj Singh, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Seriton Fernandes, Ashutosh Mehta, Akash Mishra, Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Sarthak Golui, Adil Khan, Mandar Rao Dessai, Prabir Das, Mashoor Shereef.

Midfielders: Udanta Singh, Rowllin Borges, Lalengmawia, Jeakson Singh, Raynier Fernandes, Anirudh Thapa, Bipin Singh, Yasir Mohammad, Suresh Singh, Liston Colaco, Halicharan Narzary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Ashique Kuruniyan, Rahul KP, Hitesh Sharma, Farukh Choudhary.

Forwards: Manvir Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Ishan Pandita.

Simba SC coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa has expressed his happiness to work with the squad after they beat JKT Tanzania 3-0 in a Mainland Premier League match on Monday night.

The Msimbazi giants played one of their three matches in hand at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and they won comfortably after goals from Chris Mugalu, Luis Miquissone, and John Bocco ensured they reduced the gap between them and table-toppers Yanga SC to four points.

The French tactician has explained his delight at working with the squad at his disposal insisting they put up another consistent display against the visiting side and dispatched them with ease.

“Tonight we are very satisfied because it is another consistency win from the lads,” Da Rosa told Goal after the match. “We controlled the match very well and it was very important to start the match strongly and to control the game afterwards, so I must pay tribute to my players because they played a very consistent match with intelligence.

“Maybe we could keep the ball more but really this squad of Simba is very strong and I appreciate being with them, I just like working with them.

“We needed to let some players rest; we had plans to change one or two players before the game ended but because of the injury to keeper Aishi [Manula], I couldn’t make the changes but also tonight we are a little bit sad to lose the keeper to injury.

“We were cruising very well, we were playing very well and winning 2-0 until [Manula] got injured, and we have a very big match coming up [against Al Merrikh], so I told my players to keep the ball and allow the opponents to run, and that is what they did, and we are happy to have the three points.”

On whether he was impressed with the result, Da Rosa said: “I am very satisfied because we did not run too much for the ball, because if you keep the ball well then you don’t run too much, so we controlled the match, very well and we deserved to win.”

The reigning champions came into the match full of confidence after wins against Al Ahly and African Lyon, in the Caf Champions League and FA Cup, respectively.

The result ensured the 21-time champions are just four points behind rivals Yanga -  who lead the race with 49 points from 21 matches - and with two games in hand.

The latter have managed to get 14 wins, three draws, and two losses, scoring 45 goals in the process and conceding just eight.

On their part, JKT are placed 11th on the table with 24 points.

When Khalid Jamil took charge as NorthEast United’s interim head coach, the Highlanders were placed at the middle of the league table and making it to the play-offs looked like a distant dream. 

They were off to a strong start under former coach Gerard Nus but their form fizzled out within the first four matches of the season. A number of draws and defeats saw NorthEast United faltering on the league table and that prompted the management to part ways with the Spanish coach and in came the former I-League winning manager. They had not managed to win in seven games before Jamil took over.  

Along with Jamil’s inclusion, the management also made a change to their squad. With Ghanaian forward Kwesi Appiah ruled out of the season due to an injury, NorthEast United replaced him with Deshorn Brown who terminated his contract with Bengaluru FC to join the Highlanders in the January window. 

The Jamaican forward struggled for game time at Bengaluru and he failed to score a single goal in the 10 matches he played at the Blues this season. Brown’s signing proved to be a major gamble but Jamil never complained. Instead, he decided to go to battle with the squad that he had.

The very first match after Jamil took charge, NorthEast United beat Jamshedpur FC 2-1 with Deshorn Brown scoring on his debut. NorthEast then won their next two ties against league leaders ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City. Brown scored a quick brace early in the game against Mumbai which allowed his team to pick up a convincing win over the eventual league winners. 

At the end of the league stage, Brown has scored five goals in nine matches and has shown that with the right guidance, he can do wonders. Brown picking up his form kind of set the tone for the Highlanders’ comeback. In fact, since the Jamaican joined, the club is yet to lose a game. 

Along with Deshorn Brown, another player who has come into the limelight again is Uruguayan midfielder, Federico Gallego. Gallego has been a loyal servant to the club for the last three seasons. After a terrific first season, he suffered an injury which saw him sidelined for much of the second season. He had looked rusty and not at his best in the early part of this season too.

He did have some fitness concerns too but he has shaken them off and seemed back to his brilliant best under Jamil.

Under Nus, the attacking midfielder had appeared in seven matches out of which he had started in five but he wasn’t able to impact the games. But under Jamil, he kind of rediscovered himself and became a very crucial player.

Under the Indian coach, the Uruguayan played six out of nine matches. Also, three out of his four goals this season came since Jamil took charge of the team. He scored once in the win over ATK Mohun Bagan and netted twice against FC Goa and helped his team to hold the Gaurs to an exciting 2-2 draw. 

In the attack, Jamil has efficiently utilised Gallego, Brown and Luis Machado and that is what has inspired the club’s massive comeback this season. In these three players and VP Suhair, the Highlanders have one of the most potent attacks among the teams in the play-offs. 

Back in December, when Mumbai City were held by a 10-man Jamshedpur, the conclusion was that Adam Le Fondre and Bartholomew Ogbeche could not play together in Sergio Lobera's team.

The comment made sense. The Nigerian striker, who had become the all-time top scorer at Kerala Blasters and joined the Islanders in the summer, looked rusty and was at fault for missing several key chances in a game that Mumbai could and should have won. 

For a while, it looked like the former PSG forward would have to be an onlooker as his team stormed to a title. However, not only has Ogbeche managed to turn his season around but Lobera has also managed to fit the two strikers together in his starting lineup if the game demands such an attack. 

Ogbeche scored two goals in the first six matches this season. But since the turn of the year, he has netted six goals and now has a total of eight goals and two assists in eight starts. In four out of his eight starts, he was paired with Le Fondre in the lineup. 

It initially looked like playing the two strikers together would remain an unsolved problem for Lobera in his first season with the City Football Group-owned club. However, the biggest indication that Lobera found a solution to the striker conundrum came in the final game of the league stage, in arguably Mumbai's biggest game of the season yet.

The Islanders clinched a 2-0 win which included an Ogbeche goal against ATK Mohun Bagan and clinched the League Winners Shield and a spot in the AFC Champions League group stage. 

"They (Ogbeche and Le Fondre) can play together. But every game is different, the context is different. They are very good players with good experience," Lobera had said after his team defeated Odisha 6-1 in their penultimate fixture of the league stage. 

Ogbeche and Le Fondre being able to gel in the same starting lineup is something that bodes well for the team ahead of the playoffs against Lobera's former employers FC Goa. And Ogbeche, with his performances in 2021, has certainly made the decision extremely difficult. Both Ogbeche (8 goals, two assists) and Le Fondre (11 goals, 1 assist) have similar goal contributions for Mumbai City this season. 

When the two strikers are paired upfront, it's observed that they usually make space for the other thanks to their intelligent runs. More importantly, Le Fondre is not averse to playing in a slightly withdrawn role behind Ogbeche and assume the playmaking duties every now and then. That versatility is also one of the reasons why the two have been able to play together.

"Do I feel that I should have played more? I always want to play every game but we have one boss which is the coach, and he has to make decisions. So if I haven't played more, it's not because I haven't done well," Ogbeche had said before their final game of the season. 

Lobera has a decision to make, one that could play an important role in the big game against the Gaurs. 

Mumbai City boss Sergio Lobera has, in the past, said that he believes in the football that Pep Guardiola's teams play. 

There are common points that can be spotted when you compare the style of play that Lobera and Guardiola swear by and one of them is the usage of wide players. 

While the actual method of execution may wary, wide players are often crucial elements in the domination that Lobera eyes over all his opponents. And it has been the same with the Islanders. 

Mumbai City defeated ATK Mohun Bagan 2-0 in their final game of the season to finish at the top of the table, clinch the ISL League Winners Shield and book their place in next season's AFC Champions League group stage. 

The Islanders picked up 40 points from 20 matches and qualified for the playoffs with four league games to go. Lobera's side also had broken Bengaluru's record for ISL's longest unbeaten run (11 games in ISL season 5) after the Islanders went unbeaten for 12 games (W9, D3) during the season. 

Wide players have always enjoyed playing under the tutelage of Lobera, be it at Goa or Mumbai City. The Spaniard wants his wingers to not only cut in and join the central attackers but also stay wide at times and stretch the game. He also wants his full-backs to make runs into the final third and attempt combinations with teammates before opting to cross into the box. 

At Goa, Seriton Fernandes, Mandar  Rao Dessai, Brandon Fernandes and Jackichand Singh made a name for themselves. In fact, Brandon excelled under Lobera and soon established himself as one of the most creative players in the Indian football circuit.

Jackichand moved to Jamshedpur and for one reason or the other, he failed to live up to the expectations. He came back to Mumbai City to play under Lobera and made six appearances.

Bipin Singh has dominated Mumbai's left flank like no other Indian winger has in the recent history of Indian football. The 25-year-old, who is enjoying the best season of his career, has five goals and four assists in 19 matches. He also became the first hat-trick scorer in this season's ISL with three excellent goals in Mumbai's 6-1 win against Odisha. 

In three seasons that Bipin played in the ISL at ATK and Mumbai City, he never breached the 600-minute mark per season. In 34 appearances in the last three campaigns, he only had three goals to show. He was more of a squad player as opposed to someone who was expected to light up their season. But under Lobera, he has thrived. 

On the opposite flank, Cy Goddard has showcased his quality on the ball and has three assists to his name. 

Amey Ranawade made the right full-back position his own ahead of the more established Mohammed Rakip. While defensively he remains suspect, his forward runs have certainly added versatility to Mumbai's attack. Ranawade was seen only as a squad player prior to this season is the fact to be noted. 

Another wide player who has announced his arrival under Lobera at Mumbai is young defender Vignesh Dakshinamurthy. The tall and strong lad has been incredibly hard to beat all season down the Islanders' left flank and he has made quite an impression with his performances.

To top it all, Vignesh's only goal of the season so far was a screamer and a Goal of the Season contender that came about as a result of an adventurous and clever run into the box from the flanks. 

Ahmed Jahouh and Hugo Boumous have been integral components in the midfield. Adam Le Fondre has been scoring goals for fun upfront. But wide players have been just as important for Mumbai City to function and exert dominance over their opponents as they have done so far this season. And having in-form Indian wide players will be one of their biggest strengths going into the playoffs.

Antonio Habas is one of the most successful coaches in Indian football in recent times. The Spanish coach has won the Indian Super League (ISL) title twice and has guided his teams to the play-off twice in five seasons of his coaching stint in the league so far. 

Yet the veteran coach has often been on the receiving end of criticism for being too pragmatic and not playing attacking football which the purists of the game appreciate. 

It is true that Habas values more the end result than the means to achieve it. His records in the ISL suggest that his teams have never topped the charts at the end of the league but they manage to go all way when the knock-out stage arrives. 

While this method has got him accolades in the past but with the changed rules of the league, which rewards the league toppers with a AFC Champions League (ACL) group stage slot, It became imperative that the club finished first in the league.

After missing out on the ACL slot with ATK last season against Sergio Lobera’s FC Goa, though they won the ISL trophy, this season once again Habas’ ATK Mohun Bagan failed to top the league and missed out on a place in the continent’s biggest tournament.  

Last season ATK were behind FC Goa for the majority of the season and in end, finished five points behind the Gaurs. But this season the circumstances were different and in fact, at the business end of the season, it was the Mariners who were favourites to grab the top position. With two matches to go in the league stage, the Green and Maroons were five points clear of Mumbai City and were in the pole position but a draw in their penultimate clash against Hyderabad FC and then defeat against Mumbai City in their final league game forced them to end the league stage as the second best side. 

One of the reasons why once again a Habas team failed to finish at the top of the charts is vastly due to the coach’s approach to matches in the initial stages of the league. There was too much pragmatism despite having a strong attacking unit in the initial matches.

Let us take their first phase clash against Mumbai City. ATK Mohun Bagan went into this top of the table clash with 20 points, two behind leaders Mumbai and had the golden opportunity to get the three points and end the first phase at the top of the table. The match had all the recipe for a mouth-watering encounter but Habas chose to go ultra-defensive mode. The excessive pragmatism cost them three points and a poor head-to-head record which proved to be the decisive factor in determining the league winners. 

In fact, in the final clash, ATK Mohun Bagan had once again gone into a shell and did not go all-out for the three points for a major part of the game. 

It is true that the former Bolivia national team manager did take a more aggressive approach in the second phase of the league once Marcelinho arrived on loan from Odisha FC in the January window. They had even taken a strong lead over the Islanders but eventually fell short, thanks to an inferior head-to-head record. Probably, a bit more initiative in some of the matches could have seen them convert more points and finish top. 

The UK and Ireland have moved closer toward the decision to file a joint-bid to host the 2030 World Cup, with the UK government pledging its support for the project.

FIFA's bidding process doesn't officially start until 2022, but already a number of other regions have expressed interest, including Spain and Portugal joining forces and Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay coming together for a possible bid.

In a statement, the football associations within the UK and Ireland said they were "delighted" to receive initial backing, though they acknowledged no final decision had been made on whether a bid would ultimately be submitted.

What was said?

The Football Association of Ireland, the Irish Football Association, The FA, the Football Association of Wales and the Scottish FA released the following joint statement:

“The football associations and government partners of the UK and Ireland are delighted that the UK government has committed to support a prospective five association bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

"We will continue to undertake feasibility work to assess the viability of a bid before FIFA formally open the process in 2022.

"Staging a FIFA World Cup would provide an incredible opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for our nations. If a decision is made to bid for the event, we look forward to presenting our hosting proposals to FIFA and the wider global football community."

Carlo Ancelotti says Everton are dreaming of a place in the Premier League’s top four.

The Toffees battled to a 1-0 win over Southampton on Monday thanks to an early goal from Richarlison, and they are now within two points of the top four with a game in hand.

Everton can move into a Champions League qualification place with a win at West Brom on Thursday, though it could be a brief stay as Chelsea and Liverpool - who are directly above them in fifth and sixth respectively - clash later on the same day.

What was said?

“We have a great opportunity to be in the top four and we would like to touch that position,” Ancelotti told the club’s official website.

We have to put all our effort into the game on Thursday to try to be there, it is a real possibility.

“It doesn’t matter how long we can be there, but just to see how we feel if we are there.

“There will be a big fight until the end of the season and we have to be pleased we can fight for that position.

“It will be a dream to be in the top four, we are quite close… but the season is long.”

Home form could be crucial

While the Toffees have won eight of their 12 games on the road, losing only two, their home form has not stood up to scrutiny. Of the 13 games played at Goodison Park, they have won five and lost six.

“To fight for the European places, we need to improve the home form,” Ancelotti said. “It was not good and this performance and victory can help us have a better run at home.”

Injured trio to return against West Brom

James Rodriguez, Tom Davies and Seamus Coleman were absent for the win over Southampton, but Ancelotti is confident they will be back in the squad to face the Baggies.

“They had little problems in training this week and so I prefer to give them a rest to be ready for the next game,” Ancelotti said.

“We have a busy schedule, we play again on Thursday, but they will recover soon.

"They are really light problems.”

Further reading