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Solskjaer points finger at Chelsea website after seeing VAR deny Man Utd penalty

The Norwegian manager was not happy to see past VAR decisions in his side's favour dredged up in a Blues pre-match briefing

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suggested that an article published on Chelsea's official website in the build-up to Sunday's game could have influenced a key penalty decision that went against the Red Devils. 

One of the few talking points in a dour 0-0 draw came when Callum Hudson-Odoi handled the ball in the first half under pressure from Mason Greenwood. 

Referee Stuart Attwell stopped play to consult the VAR monitor, but ultimately judged the Chelsea player had committed no infraction and ordered the game to continue. 

What did Solskjaer say? 

When asked by Sky Sports whether his team should have been awarded a spot-kick, Solskjaer fired: "Yep. 100 per cent.

"When they stop it and [Attwell] walks across. From here you can see it’s handball, they’re shouting handball against our player. It’s taken two points away from us.  

"I can’t say, because that’s not gonna be good for him. I didn’t say it, i don’t want to cause controversy. It’s not right is it.

"It’s all this outside influences, VAR talk before the game on Harry, cheeky when they put that on the website. That’s influencing referees. 

"You can read what they’re saying about Harry Maguire and putting pressure on referees to give penalties against us.

"We’ve seen there was a manager, was it Frank [Lampard], that started it. Loads of talk about us getting penalties when there’s no doubt, and of course today we should’ve had a penalty."

The article in question

The piece which Solskjaer took exception to went up on ChelseaFC.com two days before Sunday's meeting, and was billed as a pre-match briefing

Amid the usual lowdown on team news and recent results, a paragraph on central defender Maguire caught the eye. 

"Sometimes Harry Maguire has successfully added to their options by driving forward, but if he is dispossessed it risks exposing their rearguard. The Blues will want to be deadlier than of late when that happens," the article explained. 

"The Man United skipper’s actions will also be under scrutiny again on Sunday after his penalty area tangle with Jamal Lascelles last weekend.

"In recent Chelsea meetings the Red Devils’ centre-back has survived VAR reviews of a potential penalty foul on Cesar Azpilicueta and violent challenge on Michy Batshuayi that may well have affected the outcome."

The passage was accompanied by a photograph of Maguire seizing Azpilicueta around the neck as his team-mates look on. 

The bigger picture

Sunday's draw meant that Chelsea spurned a chance to break into the top four and close the gap on United, who remain in second place. 

United, meanwhile, now trail rivals City by 12 points after Pep Guardiola's chances dispatched West Ham on Saturday to secure their hold on the summit.

Further reading 

Original author: Goal

Koulibaly receives seventh career red card as Napoli secure victory over Benevento

The Senegal international was sent off but the Parthenopeans managed to secure all three points at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium
Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

Magaia makes Moron debut against Imo and Michael's Pitea

The South Africa international made a losing debut for the Swedish Elitettan outfit in Sunday's friendly match

Hildah Magaia marked her Moron debut in their 6-0 defeat to Anam Imo and Faith Michael's Pitea in a Swedish club-friendly on Sunday.

A hat-trick from Hlin Eiriksdottir and Katrina Guillou's brace along with Cajsa Hedlund's strike saw Leif Strandh's side condemn the Swedish Elitettan outfit to a big defeat.

The South Africa international teamed up with Patrik Nilsson's team on a two-year contract from South African National Women's League outfit Tshwane University of Technology last week.

The 25-year-old was introduced as a 46th-minute substitute and she put up an impressive performance despite her side's loss.

Facing the first Damallsvenskan side in pre-season, Moron held their own before conceding their first in the 42nd minute from Eiriksdottir and shipped a second three minutes from the half-time break.

After the interval, Pitea got a third of the day eight minutes into the second half before netting the fourth and fifth in the 71st and 74th minutes, respectively, and wrapped up the big win on the brink.

Magaia can hold her heads up high following her fantastic display in the second 45 minutes despite a losing start to life with Moron.
 
The Banyana Banyana star will aim to steer Moron to Swedish Cup success when they face Umea in the group stage opener on March 13 

On the other hand, the Nigeria duo of Imo featured for 47 minutes while Michael, who turned 34 on Sunday, featured for 90 minutes as Pitea extended their unbeaten pre-season run.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

Barcelona vs Tecnico Universitario: How to watch Ecuador Serie A matches

After beating Manta in their season opener the defending champions will be looking to make it two wins from two on Sunday

Serie A is the top level of football in Ecuador, with 16 teams from across the country fighting it out in the 2021 edition which started Friday. 

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

The new campaign will be divided into two stages, with a winner crowned at the end of each phase.

The two victors will then advance to the finals in order to dispute the title of champion at the end of the year.

How to watch Barcelona vs Tecnico Universitario

Barcelona beat out Guayaquil arch-rivals Emelec in the Second stage of the 2020 season to book their place in the final against LDU Quito, who ran out winners in the first half of the year. 

Both legs of the final ended in stalemate, and Barcelona eventually triumphed 3-1 on penalties to lift their first Serie A crown since 2016.

This season, they started their title defence on the right foot with a 3-2 defeat of Manta. 

Ambato's Tecnico Universitario were unlucky to finish outside of continental qualification in 2020, missing out on the Copa Sudamericana by virtue of goal difference. 

The current term began on a subdued note, however, as they slumped to a 0-1 reverse to Delfin at home on the opening weekend.

Barcelona vs Tecnico Universitario is available to stream worldwide on Fanatiz , where you can sign up for a 7-day free trial.

You can watch all of the 2021 Serie A season live on  Fanatiz .

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
February 28 3pm/6pm Barcelona vs Tecnico Universitario Fanatiz

What other Serie A matches are available on Fanatiz?

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
February 28 10am/1pm 9 de Octubre vs Mushuc Runa Fanatiz
February 28 12:30pm/3:30pm Olmedo vs Liga de Quito Fanatiz
March 1 3pm/6pm Delfin vs Orense Fanatiz

Watch Serie A live on Fanatiz.

Original author: Goal

Nedbank Cup Wrap: Chippa United and Richards Bay join Orlando Pirates in quarter-finals

Three Last 16 matches were played on Sunday and two NFD clubs advanced to the next round

Chippa United emerged 2-1 winners over fellow PSL side Cape Town City in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 match which took place at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Augustine Chidi Kwem put the Chilli Boys in the lead three minutes before the half-hour mark with Maloisane Mokhele providing the assist.

Mokhele played a low pass to Kwem, who guided the ball into the bottom left corner to make it 1-0 to Chippa. 

City were trailing 1-0 during the half-time break and they came back rejuvenated following their half-time team talk with coach Jan Olde Riekerink.

The Dutch tactician had made a triple substitution - introducing Justin Shonga, Keanu Cupido and Abdul Ajagun prior to the start of the second-half. 

It was Ajagun who made an impact on the game in the 66th minute as the former Nigeria youth international scored on his debut for City to make it 1-1.

Ultimately, the match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time and the Chilli Boys went on to win the match in extra-time.

Bienvenu Eva Nga turned home a cross from his captain Andile Mbenyane to seal a 2-1 win to Chippa in the 116th minute.

Meanwhile, Richards Bay edged out their National First Division rivals TS Sporting 2-1 at Mbombela Stadium.

All three goals were scored in the second-half with Decide Chauke breaking the deadlock to make it 1-0 to Sporting in the 72nd minute.

However, the Natal Rich Boys were awarded a penalty four minutes later and Khanyiso Mayo hit the back of the net from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.

The two teams then pushed for the winning goal and it was Mayo who proved to be the hero for the Natal Rich Boys. 

The former South Africa youth international beat Sporting goalkeeper Abram Ngcobo in the 86th minute to seal a 2-1 win to Richards Bay - completing his brace in the process.

Lastly, an encounter between Pretoria Callies and JDR Stars ended in a 0-0 draw in a clash between two NFD clubs at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Callies went on to claim a 5-4 win on penalties and they joined eight-time Nedbank Cup winners, Orlando Pirates in the quarter-finals with the Soweto giants having defeated Maritzburg United on Saturday.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

'We hope to continue this way' - Mamelodi Sundowns' Erasmus delighted with CR Belouizdad win

The 30-year-old player was pleased to see the Brazilians take their chances against the White and Reds

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Kermit Erasmus believes the team is going in the right direction after they secured an emphatic win over CR Belouizdad on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazilians recorded their second win in Caf Champions League Group B when they thumped Belouizdad 5-1 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar el Salaam, Tanzania.

Erasmus acknowledged that they were not at their best in the first-half as Belouizdad were able to equalize despite being numerically disadvantaged after Chouaib Keddad was sent off just two minutes into the game. 

"Travelling has been good, we came here to do a job and that's to get to collect the three points and we managed to win convincingly," Erasmus told the club's social media platform

"It was a good game for us, but in the first-half were not at our best. [In the] second-half, we were better, we increased the intensity with an extra man."

Erasmus was introduced in the 67th minute and he managed to provide an assist for the fourth goal before he put his name on the scoresheet when he netted in the 89th minute. 

The Bafana Bafana international was pleased to see his side create chances and convert them against the reigning Algerian champions. 

"So, we finished the chances that we created and that is the most important thing beyond the victory. We played well, from the defence to the midfield to the attack," he continued. 

"We created enough chances for us to score and you can see the scoreline of 5-1. We lost a bit of concentration in the first-half and we conceded a goal."

The victory over Belouizdad extended Masandawana's unbeaten run to 21 matches across all competitions and it was also their sixth consecutive victory.

Erasmus is looking forward to their next game which is away to DR Congolese champions Tout Puissant Mazembe in their third Group B match on March 6. 

"I am happy that we won," Erasmus, who now netted six goals for Sundowns thus far this season, added. 

"It is an important win for us. We go back home and have a little bit of a rest and go away to Congo. So, it is a good step in the right direction, we hope to continue this way."

 

 

 

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuchel: It was a difficult decision to leave Abraham out of Chelsea squad against Man Utd

The 23-year-old did not even make the bench for the headline clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday

Thomas Tuchel says it was a "difficult decision" to leave Tammy Abraham out of the squad for Sunday's 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

The striker was not part of the 18-man squad as the Blues shared the spoils with United in the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

It is the fourth time he has not featured for the London side this month, having been left on the bench in against Tottenham, Sheffield United and in the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

What has been said?

Tuchel admits that it is a tough time for the 23-year-old, but says there was no place for him in the team this time around.

"Selection. We have 21 strong players and only 18 possible [to be picked]. It is my job to take hard decisions. This was the decision for 18 guys and Tammy was not with the group," he said.

He added at his post-match press conference: "At the moment he is only struggling with my decision. We have a strong squad. We have only Thiago Silva injured that means we have to make hard decisions.

"We can nominate 18 players, plus goalkeepers so it is clear. It was also an unfair decision for Billy Gilmour because Billy played well in the cup and he was very strong in training.

"It was a hard decision. It was about judging the alternatives that we have and we opted for Olivier Giroud to begin, Timo Werner on the bench. We have Kai Havertz who can play as a number nine so there was no need to bring a fourth number nine to the pitch.

"Things are difficult for him. Things are not as easy as they should be for him in the moment and he will get full support. This was the decision."

Is there a way back for Abraham?

But Tuchel insists that the England international can still win his place back if he continues to work hard. 

"It is totally natural [for him to be worries]. He has to do exactly what he does, train well, be in a good mood and accept that he is a striker for Chelsea so this is the highest competition in Europe.

"When you play for Chelsea, it is a difficult decision I have to take and I am very very happy when I have to take them because it means everybody is on board. This is what you sign up for if you are a player for Chelsea, a coach for Chelsea that these moments arrive.

"There is no other answer to it other than to accept it and be there for tomorrow to fight for your place in the squad. I am sure he will do it."

Abraham at Chelsea this season

The striker has started 18 of the 30 games in which he has featured for the London side this season.

Having scored six goals in the Premier League, he is the club's top scorer in the competition this season, though he has only scored one in five Champions League matches.

Further reading

Chelsea and Man Utd make unwanted history in scoreless draw

There were no goals in either of the two matches played between the clubs in the top flight this season - and precious little excitement

Chelsea and Manchester United shared the points in a 0-0 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday – the second time they have done so this season.

As a consequence, it is the first time in 99 years since the two clubs have played out two scoreless draws in a league season.

Neither match was an exhilarating affair, and on Sunday both teams appeared intent on cancelling each other out in an encounter in which the chief talking point was a non-award of a penalty for the Red Devils.

When was the last time Man Utd and Chelsea drew 0-0 twice in a campaign?

Manchester United and Chelsea had not drawn two league matches without a single goal since the 1921-22 campaign.

Although there have been scoreless draws between the clubs since then, there has never been two in the same campaign.

What happened in the first match?

Man Utd hosted Chelsea back on October 24 in a low-key match in which VAR was the talking point.

There were few opportunities over the course of the game but the Blues felt they should have been awarded a spot kick when Harry Maguire seemed to foul Cesar Azpilicueta in the box.

"I thought it was a clear penalty," then-manager Frank Lampard said. "Holding goes on, but headlocks don't.

"Obviously I didn't see it at the time from where I'm standing. They are hard calls for referees on the pitch, but the VAR was very quick to dismiss it in my opinion.

"I think they should have taken time and advised the referee to watch the monitor. If the referee goes to the monitor, he gives a penalty."

What happened at Stamford Bridge?

Again, VAR was the talking point, with United feeling they should have had a penalty when the ball struck Callum Hudon-Odoi’s arm.

Chelsea were second best in the first half but improved in the second. There was no winner and few clear sights of goal.

Further reading

Original author: Robin Bairner

Nwakaeme and Osayi-Samuel shine, Ekuban, Samatta in action as Fenerbahce end Trabzonspor winning streak

The African stars featured prominently for their respective clubs at Senol Gunes Akyazi Stadyumu

Anthony Nwakaeme, Caleb Ekuban, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Mbwana Samatta were in action as Fenerbahce secured a 1-0 victory over Trabzonspor in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig game.

Nwakaeme has been delivering consistent impressive performances for the Black Sea Storm since his arrival at the club in 2018.

The Nigeria international was afforded a starting role along with his Ghana international teammate Ekuban, who made his 20th appearance in the encounter.

The forwards gave a good account of themselves in the encounter but could not help Trabzonspor to avoid defeat.

The Black Sea Storm were on an 11-game winning streak, having last tasted defeat against Galatasaray in December before their impressive run was halted at Senol Gunes Akyazi Stadyumu.

Osayi-Samuel was afforded his sixth Super Lig game since teaming up with the Yellow Canaries from Championship side Queens Park Rangers and delivered a stand-out performance in the encounter as Fenerbahce clinched all three points.

The game started with both sides aiming to outwit each other and in the seventh minute, Ekuban was cautioned.

Both sides made frantic efforts to try and open the scoring but failed to find the back of the net before they headed into the half-time break.

After the restart, Dimitrios Pelkas broke the deadlock in the 76th minute after he was set up by Ferdi Kadioglu.

The solitary strike was all Fenerbahce needed to secure all three points and ensured they returned to winning ways after losing against Goztepe last time out.

Nwakaeme featured for the duration of the game, struck six shots, completed four dribbles and had 66 touches on the ball.

The forward has scored six league goals this season and provided five assists in 20 games, amid other dazzling displays.

Ghana international Ekuban played for 76 minutes before he was replaced by Yusuf Sari and had 29 touches on the ball.

Osayi-Samuel featured for 74 minutes, made three key passes, completed two dribbles to help his side secure victory.

Tanzania international Samatta was brought on in the 66th minute for Senegal forward Mame Thiam while the Democratic Republic of the Congo international Benik Afobe featured for 86 minutes.

With the result, Fenerbahce climbed to the third spot on the league table with 54 points from 26 games while Trabzonspor dropped to fourth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

Mamelodi Sundowns player ratings as Zwane and Erasmus torment CR Belouizdad

The Brazilians claimed a 5-1 win over the Algerian club on Sunday. Goal runs the rule over the individual performances of the Masandawana players
Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

LIVE: Roma vs AC Milan

No time to rest though for either side; midweek action awaits on Wednesday. Fiorentina is next up for Roma, while Milan have Udinese to contend with. Until then however, thank you for joining us - and have a great week!

For Paulo Fonseca's side, it is a frustrating result. They threw everything but the kitchen sink at points today, and were unlucky with a few calls. But then again, had Milan managed to avoid the offside trap in the first half, this could have been a different story altogether. Fine margins, eh?

Stefano Pioli's men have done the job - they have a first league win in three and they close the gap to four points behind rivals Inter. It's still going to require a slip-up from their San Siro neighbours, but they're full back, breathing down their necks now.

It was Ante Rebic's furious finish that cancelled out Jordan Veretout's equaliser at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A - and it is Milan who are back to winning ways against Roma, albeit not without a cost. The visitors lost two players across the second half to injury, in the matchwinner and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and they may be left to sweat on just what a toll victory has extracted. At full-time, it has finished Roma 1-2 Milan.

90' + 6' FULL-TIME: ROMA 1-2 MILAN

90' + 3' Mkhitaryan! Is that the final say in this game? The attacker absolutely lashes a finish through a crowded box and Donnarumma bobbles it - but holds on to ensure there can be no chance of a poached equaliser.

90' + 2' Surely this isn't another Milan injury? But it could well be. Castillejo is clipped by El Shaarawy and needs some treatment.

90' There's going to be four more added minutes in Rome. What do the hosts have here?

87' Roma are running out of time to conjure something here. In a race that is particularly cut-throat, they would love to make it to the Champions League next year. This would have been a key result to ease their path to such a goal.

82' Spotted off his line, Lopez is nearly exploited by a Milan lob shot from distance, and he is forced to back-pedal desperately to ensure it doesn't fly into the back of his net. A third like that really would have summed up what Roma will feel has been a frustrating day at the office.

78' Milan go close now, a free-kick for a foul on Krunic allowing them to pepper the box with a neat delivery. It's a top save from Lopez, reversing his trajectory to meet it, and Roma manage to clear their lines before the visitors can poach their third of the game.

75' Close for Roma! Peres is the one nearest to a lovely cross tipped over the crowded box by Mancini and Donnarumma does well to keep his save in the field of play. The hosts are pushing for a point - and maybe more - hard here.

72' Mayoral! That would have been an absolutely delicious finish from the forward if it had been a foot lower, the striker cutting into the Milan box, stepping back on himself in a neat pirouette and lobbing a shot just over the far top corner.

71' Milan muscle downfield for a corner now, a set-piece that comes to nothing as Roma pressure them enough to spurn their chances. We're into the final quarter of the game now.

65' Pellegrini! A flick header from the Roma man almost wrongs Donnarumma but he does enough to cover himself and collect without complicating things.

64' Half-chances at both ends now. Rebic sees a ball he's chasing hard swept out by Lopez from under his feet and then Mkhitaryan pulls a finish well across the face of the Milan goal in response.

60' Milan have creeped in front in terms of total possession now, but only just; they're hovering at 51 per cent, showcasing just how even-keeled this game has become. What can Roma do to respond themselves now?

54' Roma almost cue up a glorious chance for a second, only for Tomori to intercept that final ball in the box. It very nearly got the better of the England international but he proves sharp enough to stop it.

52' Now who rallies? The momentum has fallen for Roma with that one, and it is the turn of Milan to chase a response after the blow of conceding. Will this game open up even more or are we in for a cagier affair?

48' Milan almost prove that point immediately with a flying break down the centre-flank and a skewed shot tucked just the wrong side of the left post. They're looking dangerous again.

47' Roma will look to avoid suffering that early onslaught of attacking pressure Milan launched at them in the initial stages of the first half. Both of the visitors' disallowed goals came during that blitz of attacking power.

46' We are back underway in Rome for the second half of this Serie A clash. Can Milan build on that late lead or will Roma find a way back into this one?

Fine margins, that's what's in this game, and Roma may feel very hard done by to have gone down to a penalty. They weathered that early Milan storm with a bit of luck but have firmly brought themselves back into this game in terms of time on the ball. Let's see what they can do next.

Franck Kessie's penalty courtesy of a Federico Fazio foul confirmed by VAR is the difference at Stadio Olimpico in Serie A at the break - and it is the visitors who are on the front foot. Both sides have seen goals chalked off by technology though in a pulsating encounter; this one, on paper, remains there for the taking. At half-time, it is Roma 0-1 Milan.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: ROMA 0-1 MILAN

45' Roma remain furious with that one, and Karsdorp looks to respond with a shot from distance that takes a deflection to send it soaring away in the wrong direction. There will be two added minutes before the break.

42' It's a penalty to Milan! VAR shows that the infringement took place inside the box and the referee points to the spot. Roma are furious. Kessie will take.

40' This looks like a problem for Calabria on the edge of Roma's box. The Milan defender crumples after what appears to be a stamp tackle from Fazio and play is ultimately brought to a halt for him to get some treatment.

39' Mkhitaryan! It's a golden run from the Roma attacker, tracked just onside to slip between the last two Milan defenders. They do enough to move him to the side, admittedly, but the striker should do better with the attempted chip shot finish he tries on Donnarumma, skewing well wide to the left.

37' How has Pellegrini not tucked that one away there? The Roma man has not one, not two but three bites of the cherry after Milan's defence appears to fall asleep, and it is the work of Donnarumma and the lone awake defender Kjaer who ensure he can't pop a tidy finish home from near the six-yard area.

35' There's not really been any serious respite for Lopez today and now he has to bat away a strike from Saelemaekers that wins Milan another corner. Again, the keeper rises to the challenge and belts away the incoming ball.

33' Rebic! That is a powerful strike, turned on a dime inside the Roma box and fired towards the top-left corner. Lopez does superbly to parry it away and then Milan can't make anything stick at the corner.

31' There have been more mad games this season, but it's hard to work out how many of them can match this for strikes chalked off at such strident frequency. Now Roma tear away down the Milan end of the pitch, and appeal for a penalty after a sharp foul on the edge of the box. The referee is utterly disinterested in anything spawning from that.

28' Tomori clears the delivery only as far out as a corner, which Roma return - and head home! Remarkably, it's another disallowed goal, with Mancini ruled to have fouled Hernandez before Mkhitaryan nodded in. Three of them in the first half-hour. What entertainment.

27' Kjaer hits the woodwork! That is nerve-rattlingly close for Milan, as a corner swings in and he crashes a header into the crossbar. Roma counter smartly and draw the foul out on the right wing for a dangerous free-kick of their own.

24' It's three shots for the hosts against seven for the visitors so far. Pioli is out on the sidelines, barking instructions at Milan; they've allowed the hosts to regather some balance after that frantic opening.

22' Veretout! Roma have their best chance of the game so far, flooding the Milan box, and the midfielder pulls the trigger on a cut-back delivery that's just too underpowered in the end. Better from the hosts though, who are growing in confidence.

20' A nervy moment for Milan as they fail to clear the delivery at the first time of asking, but the looped return lands safely in Donnarumma's gloves.

19' Tomori gets a block in as Roma carve out a flying counter down the left wing and the hosts will have a corner of their own after the ball splashes into the side netting.

17' Rebic becomes the latest Milan man to have a pop at goal, the winger forcing Lopez to tip his finish around the left post. The visitors flash a promising header over the crossbar a moment later from the subsequent corner.

15' Roma have their first serious spell of promising possession, holding it deep around the Milan box but unable to create a seriously intelligent opportunity for themselves to exploit.

13' A corner for the visitors comes to nothing, played short and wasted, but Milan reclaim the ball in midfield before Roma can even entertain thoughts of a serious counter-attack. That's some ruthless repossession.

11' Two goals chalked off for offside inside the first 10 minutes; it has been anything but a slow start to this one. Milan are looking very much in the mood up front today, all toothy energy and flying deliveries.

9' Ibrahimovic again! The flag once more denies Milan, who could be two up here already, as the striker latches onto Rebic's neat ball inside the box, two-on-one with Lopez after another defensive mix up from Roma. This could be a long night for the hosts; they've ridden their luck so far. 

7' VAR spent a long time debating that Tomori no-goal, it should be said, but it isn't clear why; at least three Milan men were all comfortably offside. It was a smart, easy call for the linesman with the flag.

5' What on earth are Roma doing right now? A pass back to Lopez is botched entirely by the hosts and Ibrahimovic seizes it away from the goalkeeper. There's enough pressure to ensure his effort is scuffed and it ultimately rolls wide at the left post. This is barmy stuff.

4' Milan have the ball in the goal! But it's going to be offside, a poacher's effort at close-range after Roma failed to clear their line, poked in by Tomori at the left post after a kind deflection that nevertheless left him standing in front of the last defender.

3' Ibrahimovic! It's the first good chance of the game and Lopez pulls off the save to tip the Swede's close-range finish, played in with a one-two alongside Rebic, over the crossbar.

2' It's an expansive opening few minutes, both sides running dangerous balls down the wide flanks into each other's box. The lack of a crowd certainly isn't affecting the tempo in these initial exchanges for either team.

1' We are underway in this Serie A clash between Roma and Milan!

The teams are poised to emerge in Rome and we are moments away from kick-off.

The drop in form for Milan has arguably been coming for a while but, even so, it has been a bit of a shock to the system for today's visitors. A slip-up here could prove fatal in the title race, particularly if they come away empty-handed entirely.

Subs: Ciprian Tatarusanu, Diogo Dalot, Samu Castillejo, Alessio Romagnoli, Jens Petter Hauge, Rafael Leao, Soualiho Meite, Pierre Kalulu, Brahim Diaz, Rade Krunic, Matteo Gabbia, Antonio Donnarumma.

MILAN (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Sandro Tonali, Franck Kessie; Alexis Saelemaekers, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ante Rebic; Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Subs: Juan Jesus, Pedro, Marash Kumbulla, Javier Pastore, Carles Perez, Bruno Peres, Amadou Diawara, Antonio Mirante, Daniel Fuzato, Stephan El Shaarawy.

ROMA (3-4-2-1): Pau Lopez; Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante, Federico Fazio; Rick Karsdorp, Gonzalo Villar, Jordan Veretout, Leonardo Spinazzola; Lorenzo Pellegrini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan; Borja Mayoral.

Milan make six changes from the side that edged through on away goals against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League in midweek, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic - in the news for his comments about LeBron James this week - back to lead their attack. Roma too make a host of changes from the side who beat Braga - but they'll be without Edin Dzeko up front, following a groin strain.

But to take the three points, they're going to have to get the better of Paulo Fonseca's side, the Giallorossi themselves very much embroiled in the pursuit of a Champions League spot. They've just one loss in their last five and trail Milan by only five points; a win here will close the gap.

One month ago, Stefano Pioli's side were leading the charge for a first Scudetto for a decade. Fast forward to now, and the Rossoneri have dropped off the boil; back-to-back losses to Spezia and Inter has seen them surrender the summit to the latter. Victory today is paramount for their title chances.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the 2020-21 Serie A season, as former league leaders Milan look to recover some much-needed equilibrium against fellow European hopefuls Roma at Stadio Olimpico.

Son 'proud' of Dele Alli after acknowledging Tottenham team-mate has been through 'a tough time'

The England international was in top form midweek in the Europa League after almost leaving north London this winter

Tottenham star Son Heung-Min affirmed that he is pleased to see Dele Alli back in action after months frozen out of the first team. 

Alli had fallen out of Jose Mourinho's plans and was even close to leaving the club in the January transfer window. 

But the midfielder has now pushed himself back into contention, to the delight of his team-mate. 

What was said? 

"I am always happy to play with any players. It is happiness to go out to the pitch and play football," the South Korea international explained to Goal after Tottenham's 4-0 thrashing of Burnley on Sunday. 

"I've been with Dele for a long time, and recently he has had a tough time, but I'm proud of his performance.

"I get along with [Gareth] Bale and it is nice to have a good performance with him. Today every player tried to do their best and worked hard, therefore the players played happily."

Alli's road to recovery

Long considered almost an automatic name on the Tottenham team-sheet, Alli saw his stock fall considerably after Mauricio Pochettino was replaced by Mourinho. 

The playmaker has failed to make a single Premier League start in the 2020-21 season, with his sporadic appearances mostly limited to the Europa League and domestic cup competition. 

Pochettino remains a fan, though, and pushed hard to complete a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain in January which ultimately failed to go through. 

In recent weeks, it has appeared that Alli's luck may be changing. 

The England international put in a superlative performance in Thursday's Europa League win over Wolfsberger, contributing a goal and two assists as Spurs prevailed 4-0 over the Austrians. 

That form has put him in line to play a bigger part in Mourinho's plans, although he was limited to a 25-minute cameo off the bench against Burnley with his team already four goals to the good.

Further reading

Original author: Goal

Afcon U20: Why Cameroon defeat was Uganda's best game - Byekwaso

The loss remains the only instance the Hippos have fallen in the ongoing competition which they have reached the penultimate stage

Uganda U20 head coach Morley Byekwaso has stated the 1-0 African Cup of Nations loss to Cameroon remains their best game in Mauritania.

The defeat is the only one the semi-finalists have suffered in the tournament in which they are debuting and the tactician has explained why it was their best encounter.  

“For me, our best game was against Cameroon which we narrowly lost," the KCCA FC assistant head coach told Caf Online.

"That motivated us so much and it was the driving factor for us. It motivated us to know that we can actually match some of the best nations in this tournament.

“For us, it was all about a dream to come here and play with some of the superpowers in African football. But we had our strategy and we knew how to play. We trust in ourselves and we have that belief that we can make it."

The Cecafa nation had to navigate past Burkina Faso in order to book the slot in the penultimate stage and Byekwaso has praised the West Africans for playing well against his team.

“Burkina Faso played so well and dominated both halves. They were full of physical presence and they were playing at such a high intensity," he added.

"They were better than us in aerial balls and in strength. We have never met such a team which is this talented."

“We really had to do something different and in the extra time, we had to change the formation and play 4-4-2 which helped us a bit to neutralize them.

"They had their chances and didn’t take them and in football, when you do that it’s dangerous."

The Hippos have scored four goals in open play, have conceded just two and kept as many clean sheets in the four matches they have played.

Tunisia, who will clash with Uganda on Monday in Nouakchott in the second semi-final, entered the knockout stage as one of the two best-placed third teams.

They lost the last group game against the Central African Republic but had defeated Namibia 2-0 in a group encounter; their only victory at that stage. 

The Tunisians had to see of their North African rivals Morocco via the spot-kicks in the quarter-final took the Uganda slot.

Ghana face Gambia in the first semi-final earlier on the day.

 

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Wydad Casablanca 4-0 Kaizer Chiefs: Amakhosi outclassed in Ouagadougou

The match was originally scheduled for two weekends ago in Casablanca but was moved to a neutral venue due to Covid-19 concerns in Morocco

Kaizer Chiefs' second match in Group C of the Caf Champions League ended in defeat as they went down 4-0 to Wydad Casablanca at the Stade du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on Sunday afternoon.

After a fast-paced start from both teams, Chiefs found themselves a goal down with just seven minutes played.

It was a well-worked free kick that was their undoing as Muaid Ellafi ran into an empty space in the Chiefs right-back vicinity - which should have been covered by Siyabonga Ngezana - before crossing for Mohammed Ounajem, who converted at the back post with a volley from a tight angle.

The goal failed to bring much of a response from the South Africans and if anything it was Wydad who remained on top.

From another well-worked free kick move, this time in the 34th minute, Wydad were inches away from another goal as a couple of players arrived just too late to get the ball over the line.

There was at least a sniff on goal for Chiefs in the 40th minute when Wydad keeper Ahmed Tagnaouti dropped a couple of crosses, before the ball was worked to Lebogang Manyama, but from the edge of the box his shot flew comfortably over the bar.

Things were to get worse for Amakhosi however as the north Africans doubled their advantage in the 44th minute when Ayoub El Kaabi converted with a back-post header following a deep cross from their right wing by Ounajem.

It was only on the hour mark that the Soweto side finally had an effort on target as Kearyn Baccus brought out a good reaction save from Tagnaouti with a header from Manyama’s corner.

Baccus had another go at goal moments later but couldn’t beat Tagnaouti with a low shot that took a deflection.

But a comeback from Chiefs never really looked on the cards – the 2017 Champions League winners were always in control and it took a good save from Itumeleng Khune in the 82nd minute to deny Simon Msuva from netting with a volley.

However, Khune was to find himself picking the ball out the net in the 86th minute after he had been caught in no-man’s land and had been lobbed by Msuva.

It wasn’t to be Amakhosi’s day as the Moroccan side added another goal in added time from a spot kick by Yahya Jabrane, after captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele was ruled to have handled the ball in the box, in what seemed a harsh decision. Mphahlele was also red-carded.

The result means Gavin Hunt's side have just a point from their opening two fixtures in Group C, having drawn 0-0 with Guinea side Horoya last weekend.

The Glamour Boys are also now winless in their last eight games in all competitions.

Amakhosi's next match is also in the Champions League - they host Angolan side Petro de Luanda at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday. Petro de Luanda have lost their opening two Group C fixtures.

Super Clash: Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak throw away penalties in rivalry showdown

The Porcupine Warriors and the Phobians failed to produce a winner in their outstanding Ghana Premier League fixture on Sunday

Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko and arch-rivals Hearts of Oak each spurned a penalty as they settled for a 0-0 draw in their rescheduled matchday 14 clash in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

Kotoko’s Kwame Opoku missed a spot-kick just minutes into the game before Hearts’ Isaac Mensah followed suit after the break in the showdown at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The result has left both teams tied on 24 points but the Phobians sit higher in the fifth position due to a better goal difference.

Brazilian playmaker Fabio Gama Dos Santos headlined Kotoko’s line-up, which also included key striker Opoku, who had five goals to his name coming into the derby.

Hearts’ latest signing Salifu Ibrahim, who was announced on Saturday, was unsurprisingly absent from the matchday squad but talismanic winger Patrick Razak, as expected, made the starting XI, alongside Kwadwo Obeng Junior and Victor Aidoo.

It was indeed a dramatic start in Accra as Kotoko received a penalty in just the second minute of the game after Opoku was brought down in the box. The striker elected himself for the kick but saw his third-minute effort saved by Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah.

Three minutes later at the other end, Hearts produced a warning roar of their own as Razak’s low shot struck the upright, having capitalised on some loose marking to latch onto Abdul Fatawu’s through-ball.

The Phobians tested the Porcupine Warriors again moments later but goalkeeper Razak Abalora was alert to block a dangerous ball with his foot when Obeng tried to dribble past him.

After Gama hit a shot wide, Guinean striker Laby Laye Keita was presented with an opportunity to put Kotoko in the lead but his effort flew over the bar from close range in the 34th minute.

A minute to half-time, Razak went searching for a goal once again but, after going past two Kotoko defenders, his near-post shot was denied by Abalora.

Moments after the interval, Keita, in a bid to make up for his earlier miss, unleashed a shot from outside the box but his effort was collected by Attah on the second attempt.

In the 65th minute, Emmanuel Gyamfi shot into the hands of Attah.

Hearts were awarded their own penalty in the 70th minute but substitute Mensah, like Opoku, failed to convert from 12 yards.

Three minutes prior to full-time, Opoku almost snatched a sensational winner for Kotoko but is powerful drive struck the woodwork, to the relief of the Phobians.

Both sides attempted desperate late efforts for a winner but failed as the referee brought the game to an end after three minutes of added time.

Kotoko and Hearts are unarguably the two biggest clubs in Ghana and the most successful in GPL history, with 23 and 19 titles, respectively.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Tuchel explains why Werner was left out of Chelsea's starting line-up vs Man Utd

The Germany international striker has rarely started on the bench for the Blues - but he found himself among the replacements at Old Trafford

Thomas Tuchel has revealed his thinking behind the dropping of Timo Werner to the Chelsea bench for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

After hitting the ground running for the Blues, Werner endured a difficult patch that saw him go 15 Premier League matches without finding the net.

His overall level of performance remains in doubt, despite breaking that duck against Newcastle on February 15.

What was said?

Asked about the decision to drop the Germany international striker, Tuchel said: “We had the feeling to give Timo a little break, to have him from the bench and also fresh for the fixture against Liverpool.

"I felt him a little bit tired after many games in a row.”

How many times has Werner played for Chelsea?

Werner has been an ever-present in matchday squads for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, starting 24 of their 26 matches in the top flight this season prior to the Man Utd clash. He has returned five goals in these fixtures.

Additionally, he has played 10 games in other competitions for the Stamford Bridge side, meaning that he has started 34 times in 2020-21. The fixture against United is Chelsea’s 38th of the campaign.

Further reading

Original author: Robin Bairner

'The laws are being changed in front of our eyes' - Neville surprised Man Utd not given a penalty at Chelsea after Hudson-Odoi handball

Referee Stuart Attwell declined to award a spot-kick after viewing the incident on the VAR monitor

The decision not to award Manchester United a penalty against Chelsea after Callum Hudson-Odoi handled in the area prompted a surprised reaction from former Red Devils defender Gary Neville.

Blues star Hudson-Odoi touched the ball with his hand in the area while tussling with Mason Greenwood for possession during the first half. 

After consulting with VAR, however, referee Stuart Attwell determined that the contact was not grounds for a penalty, to the chagrin of the visitors. 

What was Neville's opinion on the incident? 

Neville said on Sky Sports: "There's no doubt two or three months ago that's a penalty - and there's no doubt the referee would have abided by the referral. 

"But the referees are more bold and the handball laws are being changed in front of our eyes as the season goes along.

"I'm in agreement with the referee going to the monitor. But that was the first time I've seen players berating the referee when he was watching [the monitor]. Both sets of players were shouting at the referee when he was watching it.

"There's no doubt earlier in the season that this would have been a penalty. Hudson-Odoi's panic is the fact that his arm shouldn't be there."

What does the handball law state? 

The current regulations around handball deem that any deliberate touch with the hand or arm should be penalised, while accidental contact is also grounds for an infraction if "the hand/arm has made their body unnaturally bigger" or "the hand/arm is above/beyond their shoulder level (unless the player deliberately plays the ball which then touches their hand/arm." 

There are several caveats to the law, however, which, if applicable, mean the player has not committed handball. 

Cases where a handball occurs in contact directly from the player's own head or body, or those of another player, or if the limb is kept close to the body or used to support the player during a fall without being extended have been deemed non-punishable and should not result in a free kick or, if in the penalty area, penalty being awarded.

Further reading

Original author: Goal

Sibomana: Ex-Yanga SC star contemplating moving to Fifa over salary arrears

The Rwandan star says he will move to the world governing body if the Jangwani giants do not respond to his claims by March 1

Former Yanga SC midfielder Patrick Sibomana is contemplating taking the team to Fifa over the money they reportedly owe him since he left the club.

The 24-year-old Rwandan star was among 14 players released by Yanga at the end of the 2019-20 campaign and he later returned home to sign for Police FC.

Sibomana has claimed he will resort to taking the matter to world governing body Fifa if it is not resolved soon. His decision comes just two weeks after Fifa asked Yanga to pay former team striker Amissi Tambwe.

“We agreed that Yanga would pay me my registration fee which remained at $10,000 [Tsh23m] but they have not done so,” Sibomana said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“Since I lived well with them and I knew the team had no money, we arranged for them to pay me the first three months salary plus a registration fee of $16,000 [Tsh36.9m] which I cut to $14,500 [Tsh33.4 million].

“We agreed they would pay me on October 30, last year where they gave me $3,000 [Tsh6.9m] and $11,500 [Tsh 26.5] left where I told them to give me all, but surprisingly they sent me $1,500 (Tsh 3.4m] and in January this year, they gave me the remaining money, where the debt remained $4,000 [Tsh9.2m].

“Now I was confused because they were paying me at the time they wanted and at the rate they wanted, and every time I kept writing to them, they kept asking me why am I writing letters to them and instead I should visit them if I can.”

Sibomana continued: “I see they are harassing me, for not following the agreement we had and I do not know why? So now I have already written to the Tanzania Football Federation, and if my issue is not resolved by March 1, then I will have no choice but to send a complaint to Fifa.

“I really don't want to get there, but I think they are the ones pushing me to do that.”

When asked whether they are aware of Sibomana claims, Yanga acting secretary-general Haji Mfikelelo told the same portal: “We have information about Sibomana’s allegations and we are dealing with it.”

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

India's sports destination? Odisha's unwavering support for football and sports continues!

The upcoming edition of the IWL will also be hosted in Odisha...

For keen observers of Indian football, or the sporting scenario in India at large, it would have come as no surprise when the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced Odisha as the host for the upcoming edition of the Indian Women's League (IWL) on Sunday. 

For, the state has been a constant pillar of support for all sporting activities in the recent past, not just football. In fact, excellence in and commitment to sports is one of the stated aims of the Odisha Government. 

Odisha have built commendable sports infrastructure in the state, around the capital of Bhubaneswar, including top-notch stadiums, practice facilities and residential complexes to support athletes and sportspersons. 

Odisha is the unofficial capital of Hockey in India, with the national team based out of the Kalinga stadium in the state capital of Bhubaneswar, and are currently building the country's biggest hockey stadium in Rourkela. They support various athletes from other disciplines as well, including those training for the Olympics. 

In a footballing sense, Odisha is a strategic partner of the AIFF. The agreement sees the state providing access to their impressive training and stadium facilities for various Indian national teams across age groups. 

They also provide the base for AIFF's developmental side Indian Arrows, which includes some of the brightest youngsters in the country, and hosts their I-League matches. 

This focus on sports development is part of the Odisha Government's initiative to reach out to the youth of the state and give them a platform to realise their dreams. And their initiatives are having a social impact too. 

"Odisha sponsors the Indian Arrows team and the U17 national team. We are supporting the future of Indian football. In fact, our girls have performed better than boys and we have been supporting them as well. Therefore, we are one of the host venues of FIFA U17 Women's World Cup. Many of the girls come from rural areas, and football has changed their lives," Vineel Krishna IAS (Special Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Govt of Odisha) said in September 2020. 

The hosting of the IWL is also a reminder of their commitment to women's football too. They've already started a state women's league, something of a rarity in India. It was also no surprise that the state was an automatic choice to be one of the hosts for the 2022 U17 Women's World Cup, perhaps the most prestigious footballing tournament to be held in India next year. 

"Hosting the 2020-21 edition of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) will be another feather in the cap of Odisha Sports. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, Odisha has turned into the biggest sporting hub in our country. The CM's leadership has been driving a sporting revolution in the state. I am sure the IWL will lead to tremendous excitement amongst the football aficionados of the state. We look forward to hosting a successful edition of the tournament," Vishal Kumar Dev IAS (Principal Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Govt of Odisha) said after the IWL announcement. 

Odisha are fast turning themselves into a sporting destination in the country and that is an accomplishment that has been driven by the two aforementioned administrators in Mr. Vineel Krishna IAS and Mr. Vishal Kumar Dev IAS. 

In implementing the vision of the Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, the dynamic Principal Secretary & Special Secretary for sports in Odisha have done remarkably well to ensure the state remained a constant in India's sporting scenario, even amid a challenging pandemic. India's sporting destination, indeed!

Original author: Ashwin Muralidharan

'Nobody has three legs in football' - Simba SC defender Onyango explains secret behind Al Ahly performance

The Kenya defender put up a solid performance to guide Wekundu wa Msimbazi past the Red Devils in a continental assignment

Harambee Star Joash Onyango has explained playing against Al Ahly was a chance for him to gauge himself against some of the best players in Africa.

The two teams played last Tuesday in a Caf Champions League Group A match staged at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. A spectacular Luis Miquissone goal was enough for Wekundu wa Msimbazi to bag maximum points.

Apart from the Mozambican, the Kenya defender was lauded for his solid performance at the back alongside Pascal Wawa.

The former Gor Mahia centre-back has now explained what inspired him to be at his absolute best against the African champions.

"In football, nobody has three legs; if you want to shine, there is no shortcut, you have to show it against good players," Onyango told Goal on Sunday.

"I also wanted to gauge myself against the opponents who had recently played against Bayern Munich [in the Club World Cup].

"In the end, we managed to get a vital win at home which took us top of the group."

The 28-year-old has further revealed what coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa told them before the match.

"The unity we have, as players helped us fight together and get a positive outcome against Al Ahly," Onyango added.

"Like in defence, the coach told us to give our best and keep a clean sheet because it will help us in getting the result we need to advance."

Despite failing to hit the target, the Red Devils tried their best in the final third and Onyango further revealed the player who was a threat in the entire game and why he managed to stop him.

"Walter Bwalya was a threat to us, but I am glad we managed to stop him from hurting us. His level is good; he is a quality player but I was not scared of him," he concluded.

The win took the Tanzanians top of their group with maximum points after an initial win against Democratic Republic of Congo side AS Vita. Chris Mugalu scored the goal that gave them the victory. 

The 21-time league champions are the only team with a 100% winning record in the group and as a result, they are on six points.

AS Vita bounced back from their loss to Simba by defeating Al Merrikh 4-1 away at Al-Hilal Stadium, Omdurman. 

Original author: Seth Willis

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