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Sam Allardyce believes West Bromwich Albion will need to maintain their Premier League status for a chance to keep star forward Mbaye Diagne at the club.

The 29-year-old teamed up with the Baggies from Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray on loan in January until the end of the season.

The centre-forward has made five Premier League appearances for the Hawthorns outfit, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

The Baggies are currently in the relegation zone after only gathering 14 points from 25 games and are three points above the bottom of the league table.

Allardyce acknowledged Diagne and other top players at the club might leave the Baggies if they are relegated from the English top-flight at the end of the season.

“I’d say that every player who is here wants to impress in the Premier League for the opportunity for us to keep them,” Allardyce said, as per Birmingham Mail.

“As with Mbaye and Okay [Yokuslu], we want to keep them because they want to play in the Premier League. That’s why they’re here.

“I have to give them great credit for taking the chance, and for leaving their clubs to join a struggling side in the Premier League. It shows their character.

“They see it as an opportunity of coming to the big stage and showing what they can do. Hopefully, they’ll carry on doing what they’re doing and we just want Mbaye to score a few more goals.

“I’ve been really impressed with the way they have taken to the Premier League. Mbaye would’ve already been a cult hero at West Brom because he should’ve had four or five goals in three and a half games.

“That’s how close he’s come to being a cult hero; if he’d put all those in the back of the net, he’d have been our cult hero and he’d have righted a big problem.

“At least we’re getting the chances, he’s missed them and I’m gutted he’s not converted them, but at least we’re creating.”

Diagne will be expected to make his sixth Premier League appearance when West Bromwich Albion take on Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Baggies are currently winless in their last seven games and will hope to end the miserable run of form at the Hawthorns.

Diagne has 10 caps for Senegal since making his debut for the West African side against Madagascar in 2018.

Willian has struggled to make the desired impact at Arsenal on the back of his 2020 move to the Gunners and admits he “really wanted to stay” at Chelsea before crossing a fierce London divide.

The experienced Brazilian forward dropped into the free agent pool last summer after reaching the end of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Fresh terms had been mooted, but no compromise could be reached and the two-time Premier League title winner found the three-year deal he was after at Emirates Stadium.

What has been said?

Discussing his decision to swap blue for red, Willian has told UOL Esporte: “It was difficult to make that decision because the rivalry between the two clubs is very big.

“It was well thought out... talking to my wife and even the agent many times.

“I didn't leave the club with a fight, I left the doors open. Everyone knew the conditions, I really wanted to stay. 

“We ended up not finding an agreement, I ended up asking for three years, Chelsea wanted to give two, and everyone knows this story. That's why I ended up leaving.”

He added on trading west London for life in the north of the English capital: “One of the things that made me decide to go to Arsenal was really the various conversations I had with Mikel Arteta, with Edu too.

“They convinced me that I'd be a very important player in the squad. 

“They wanted to change the philosophy of the club, to make it possible for Arsenal to fight again in the Premier League, to play in the Champions League again.”

How has Willian fared at Arsenal?

Big things were expected of the South American after linking up with the Gunners, given what he had already achieved in the Premier League.

He has, however, found the going tough during a debut campaign at Arsenal, with a starting berth already no longer guaranteed.

Willian is yet to open his goal account for Arteta’s side and has contributed just four assists to the collective cause through 26 appearances in all competitions.

Questions have been asked of Arsenal’s decision to hand a long-term contract to a player that may be past his best, but there is still time for a proven performer to rediscover a spark and silence his critics.

Further reading

Elizabeth Addo marked her North Carolina Courage debut with a goal in their 6-0 triumph over Wake Forest University on Saturday.

The Ghana international teamed up with Paul Riley's side on a one-year deal from Cypriot champions Apollon Limassol this January.

The 27-year-old was introduced as a 46th-minute substitute and she added to the hosts' tally in the closed-doors friendly in Cary.

The midfielder netted a fourth of the match just 18 minutes after her introduction in the second half, after a mistake inside the box by the Wake Forest goalkeeper following Ryan Williams' cross. 

Before the break, Carson Pickett had opened the scoring before Jessica McDonald doubled the lead moments later and Hailie Mace grabbed a third goal for NC Courage before the half-time break.

After Addo broke her duck, Meredith Speck set up Rylee Baisden to net the fifth before trialist Abby Elinsky completed the rout.

The massive victory over the collegiate team saw NC Courage open their build-up to the new NWSL season on a high.

Addo will be eager to steer NC Courage to victory when they face off with another collegiate side University of North Carolina on March 6 before a third showdown with Virginia on March 27.

The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup will kick off the league’s historic ninth season on April 9 and the NWSL’s 10 teams will face off in a 24-game regular season beginning on May 15.

Romelu Lukaku could play American football, says Inter manager Antonio Conte.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea forward has developed into one of the most complete forwards in world football since moving to Serie A, capitalising on his incredible physical attributes as well as his technical ability and intelligence.

With 40 goals in 58 league games, Lukaku is one of the most feared players in Serie A – and his coach thinks he would be a similarly frightening prospect in the NFL.

What has been said?

Asked by the Corriere della Sera if Lukaku was only dangerous with space in front of him, Conte replied: “It is too simplistic to say that he is good when he has open space.

“I wish they would let him get into the box! Lukaku or Lautaro [Martinez] in the box, I don’t think they are a joy for defenders.

“Lukaku is an unusual footballer. He is a centre-forward, he acts as a target man, and he is very fast. He is like an American football player.”

Lukaku’s incredible Italian renaissance

Often criticised during his time in the Premier League, Lukaku has silenced his doubters since moving to San Siro.

He recently became the first player in 71 years to score in four successive Milan derbies, getting one over on rival Zlatan Ibrahimovic and supercharging Inter’s title charge.

Lukaku scored the 300th goal of his career earlier this month. Fifty-seven of those goals have come at Inter, from just 81 games in all competitions.

His partnership with Argentina forward Martinez has become one of the best in world football and looks set to continue, with Martinez ready to sign a new contract at Inter.

Further reading

Ally Pazi Samatta, the father to Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta, has singled out Luis Miquissone as the player who made the difference for Simba SC against Al Ahly in their Caf Champions League fixture.

The Msimbazi giants picked up a historic 1-0 win against the Egypitn outfit in their first-round meeting of Group A played in front of 30,000 fans at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

It was Miquissone who made the difference as he scored the only goal of the game in the 31st minute, turning beautifully after exchanging passes with midfielder Clatous Chama, before unleashing a ferocious effort that sizzled past Al Ahly defenders and keeper Mohamed El Shenawy to hit the upright post before sinking into the net.

According to Samatta, whose son Mbwana is on a six-month loan deal to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe in the Super Lig, the Mozambican winger was the reason Simba troubled the African champions saying he faced them without fear and took them head-on when he had the ball.

The elder Samatta has further stated should all Simba players turn out in the remaining matches like Miquissone did against the Red Devils, then they will go far in the competition.

“His [Miquissone] short stature did not stop him from dragging Al Ahly's defensive line, he was not afraid to dribble past them, he did not fear taking them head-on, that is the courage of his kind,” Samatta told Sokalabongo.

“Miquissone was not afraid of the game at all which is why he played with confidence, they need all the players to be so I believe they can do something away if all the players can replicate what Luis did, courage and taking the rivals head-on.

“He did his job very well, he never gave Al Ahly players space to have the ball, and to cap it all, he scored a very wonderful goal, it was his day, he was the man of the match if you ask me, he gave them a hell of a time, I know they are still thinking about him wherever they are.”

Samatta’s sentiments come after Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane named Miquissone and Kenya defender Joash Onyango as the players who helped Simba to win the battle.

“Simba managed to play hard and defend themselves well for the entire 90 minutes,” Mosimane said.

“They were careful to save all the dangerous balls that came in their goal, dangerous players were number 11 [Miquissone] and 16 [Onyango].”

The win enabled Simba to move top of the group on six points from two matches while Al Ahly are second on three points from two matches.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane is still waiting for an overseas club to sign him after he had instructed his agent to secure him a transfer.

The reigning Premier Soccer League Player of the Season has been in good form for the Brazilians in recent campaigns.

That has sparked talk of his talent deserving a grander stage than the PSL.

“I was watching my games of last season, trying to be honest with myself and saying, ‘I did well, I have won this and this. But deep inside, if I am honest, I can take it up,’” Zwane told New Frame.

“A move overseas is something I have discussed with my agent. I said, ‘Just try and get a team. And if someone wants me, I will talk to Sundowns and go there. As long as I’m here, I will push myself. I won’t give up on that dream. And if something doesn’t come up, I will still push myself and try to help Sundowns and help the national team until I retire.”

Zwane has witnessed former teammates like Bongani Zungu, Keagan Dolly and Percy Tau secure contracts with European clubs.

Zwane is one of the longest-serving current Sundowns players after arriving at the club in 2011.

This season he has scored eight league goals and an assist from 14 appearances.

But establishing a star name in South African football was never easy for the 31-year-old who experienced a loan stint at Mpumalanga Black Aces in the past.

“Fortunately, I had teammates who wanted to win. I really enjoyed myself at Aces. Before I left, Clive [Barker] told me that Aces wanted to buy me. He refused it. He said, ‘You don’t deserve to be here. I want you to go to Sundowns and fight for your place,’” said Zwane.

“That’s when coach Pitso called me back. He said, ‘You can see the players we have got here, but it’s up to you to raise your hand and say, ‘Coach, put me in, I want to do the job.’

“I started full of confidence. I was making things happen and motivated by the competition I found with a lot of quality players: Khama Billiat, Percy Tau, Keagan Dolly. I was doing a lot extra. And whenever they gave me a chance, I was making use of it.”

Hyderabad FC lock horns with FC Goa in a must-win clash in their final league ga of the Indian Super League (ISL) season seven on Sunday.

Coach Manuel Marquez is expecting a tough challenge from the Gaurs and is considering Sunday's tie as a probable final match as they have no option but to get three points in order to book a berth in the play-offs.

What Marquez said?

"It would have been better if NorthEast had lost both their games (East Bengal and Kerala Blasters) but now we have to congratulate not only ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City but Northeast [United] too for their fantastic season.

"It's like a knockout because the team that wins continues and the other team goes home. It's more or less like a final.  What challenge do I expect from Goa? Goa are 12 and Hyderabad 11 games unbeaten. I'm sure it will be a hard game for both of us," stated the Spanish coach.

The Hyderabad manager also heaped praise on his side while speaking about their performance against ATK Mohun Bagan in their last game where the Nizams on the verge of victory with a man down for the majority of the game. However, Pritam Kotal's last-minute strike snatched two points away from them.

"It's very difficult to play 86 plus six minutes of injury time (with 10 men) against a team that would be champions if they win the game. We scored 1-0, they equalised. We scored again 2-1, they equalised again with four players off-side. It was a hard score because they equalised in injury time, but it was a very good game to show the level of these (Hyderabad) players during this championship," opined Marquez.

The deserving must reach the play-offs

The Spanish coach is not thinking about the equations as he felt that the most deserving side among Hyderabad and FC Goa must go through to the knock-outs.

"It's only mathematics. In football, there are three possible scores (win, draw or loss) and Goa can qualify with two of these scores. Of course, it's a disadvantage but at the end of the season (league phase), the best teams will be in the top four. I think we don't have to speak about the other things around the pitch. In a regular season, it's different from a knock-out competition. 

'Laxmikant Kattmani one of the best goalkeepers in India'

"There are two important things in this case. One thing is confidence - If you are confident, you have more possibility to achieve success. The other thing is stigma - Even if you are the best goalkeeper for 30 years, people when you fail one time. For me, Kattimani is the best goalkeeper we can have in our team for our way of play. We are safe with him. Of course, he can fail like the referee, centre forward or the coach. But for me, he's one of the best goalkeepers in India," opined the Hyderabad boss.

The Spaniard is not worried about missing key players like Chinglensana Singh and Aridane Santana in the key clash as he suggested that there are other players who can take their place.

"Everyone knows that this team during the course of the season showed that it's not so important (to depend on absentees). Of course, they are key players but I remember, for example, we played the other day without Asish (Rai). We played without Sana in the first game of the league and we won.

"We played without Aridane and with only two foreigners against ATK Mohun Bagan at Fatorda in the first leg and we drew the game. One of the strengths of this (Hyderabad) team is that they are very brave and confident in every game. Of course, we would prefer these three guys to play but we will put 11 players and try to win the game," said Marquez.

It's advantage ATK Mohun Bagan as they head into the final league fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) against Mumbai City FC as they only need a point to finish on top of the standings and thereby, book a berth into the prestigious AFC Champions League. 

However, coach Antonio Habas is not thinking about a draw as he wants his team to go for three points on Sunday against Mumbai City.

What Habas said 

"We have to be prepared for winning and not for a draw. This is the mentality of the players and the technical staff. We have to win the match and not think about a draw," stated Habas ahead of facing the Islanders on Sunday.

"The last match against Mumbai City (which ATK Mohun Bagan lost 1-0) could have been a draw because before they scored, we had a fantastic chance with Edu Bedia. But football is like this, there are no excuses. Now, this is a different match and the situation is different. We have to use our experience to win."

ATK Mohun Bagan are cautious

The Spanish remained cautious ahead of facing the Islanders as he mentioned that he is wary of Mumbai's attack which features the likes of Bartholomew Ogbeche and Adam Le Fondre. They will miss the services of influential attacker Hugo Boumous but it must be noted that the Kolkata club too will be without left-back Subhasish Bose, who picked his fourth yellow card of the campaign.

"In a competition like this, you can't choose moments. The circumstances are the same for every team. We had a lot of problems in the past and now the team is complete but only one player (Subhasish Bose) will not play because of suspension," Habas said.

"It will be a historic moment but it will need a lot of concentration. We have to play for three points. We are facing an opposition who is very strong in attack."

The former Bolivia national team coach also confirmed that both Edu Garcia and Marcelinho are available for Sunday's match.

Yanga SC coach Cedric Kaze has said he will not underrate any team he meets in the domestic cup.

The Jangwani giants will start their fourth-round campaign with a clash against First Division One league side Kengold FC in a match to be held at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Kaze further said they are taking every game as a final without disrespecting any team.

“My team will enter the pitch in a very different style when they play in the FA Cup fourth-round match against Kengold to ensure we get a big win and move on to the tournament,” Kaze told reporters in Dar es Salaam on Friday.

“We have planned to enter the field in this game as a final due to the great importance of the game, we want to win the trophy and our aim is to advance, so we will fight every inch and get the win.

“We have to do our best and win without underestimating our opponents, I plan to use all my key players to make sure we get the win, I don’t want to rest my key players, I need a win here and my squad will be as usual.”

The Burundian tactician has said they do not know Kengold very well, so they will enter the field with a full squad of regular players.

"We have not played against them (Kengold) before, we dont know how they play and their style or what approach they will have towards the game, it is the reason we will have to approach the game with care and avoid underestimating them."

Among the players Kaze is expected to use are Yanga’s top scorer Deus Kaseke with six goals, Michael Sarpong, Tuisila Kisinda and Feisal Salum.

Kaseke has already said they are prepared to handle the minnows, saying they will not underrate them.

“We are ready for our domestic cup game and our belief is to win the fixture as much as possible,” Kaseke told reporters.

“It's a matter of waiting and seeing how it goes but so far we have prepared well and looking ahead to the fixture, we want to do well in the competition and we will put a good fight in the fourth round tie.”

Yanga are also chasing for the Mainland Premier League title and are currently topping the 18-team table with 49 points from 21 matches.

Pep Guardiola says he dreams of emulating David Moyes’ 'Buddha-like' sense of serenity as Manchester City prepare to face West Ham on Saturday.

Moyes has bounced back from disappointing tenures at Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland to lead the rejuvenated Hammers on an unlikely quest for European football.

Guardiola praised Moyes for his longevity in management and, contrary to some of his statements in the past, suggested he would like to have a similarly lengthy career.

What has been said?

Guardiola said: “David Moyes - I admire this type of person, like Roy Hodgson. They have had incredibly long careers. I would love to have their long careers for many years and have this passion to be manager and to do the job.

“The season speaks for itself. The way he understands football, he does it perfectly.

“He has a lot of experience. I dream of one day arriving in this position, where everything is calm. They live like a Buddha life - in good and bad moments they are calm.

“He always takes care of me. I cannot forget my first game in the Premier League was against Sunderland. He was the manager there and he was so kind, he gave me some advice about the Premier League.

“It’s a real tough game because all the big clubs have suffered against them and they are a good team.”

The bigger picture

City host West Ham in Saturday’s early kick-off, looking to record an incredible 20th straight win in all competitions.

Guardiola’s side are 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League but face a stern test against the Hammers, who start the weekend in fourth.

The sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture back in October, and West Ham are on a high after beating Tottenham last time out.

Further reading

Sofapaka head coach Ken Odhiambo has stated it is their time to make things right when they come up against Posta Rangers in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League encounter.

Sofapaka drew 2-2 against KCB in the previous game but they have not been able to register good results and Odhiambo believes Posta Rangers will give them a chance to make amends.

“It’s another opportunity to get it right, we are facing Rangers who are also struggling to get results and that makes it a tough match," Odhiambo told the club's website. "We have had a good preparation towards the match, the lads are in good spirits and going by our display against KCB, I believe we will come out victorious on Sunday.”

The former Bandari coach further explained why the game is one that Batoto ba Mungu must win.

“Definitely yes, we have to win to get our momentum on," he added. "We haven’t had the best of starts to the season but I believe there is still room to get our season back on track."

Sofapaka will miss Togolese goalkeeper Aigba Moubarak who got an injury on his shoulder during the draw against KCB in Wundanyi in the midweek encounter. Michael Bodo could return to the starting line-up as he started full training after he had been sidelined by a groin injury. 

A back injury had sidelined Stephen Okola who has also started light training ahead of the game against Stanley Okumbi's Posta Rangers. Odhiambo expressed optimism despite the injury cases on his side.

“We had one fresh injury concern in Moubarak," said the coach. "He injured his shoulder and it’s a concern for us because he’s a top player and we want him fit for every single match. 

"In his absence, we have Kevin Omondi who’s equally good and I believe he will fill Aigba’s void. We are glad to have Bodo and Mohamed Kilume fully fit for the match.”

Simba SC have sensationally claimed their winger Luis Miquissone can only leave the club if those interested pay 1 million euros for his services.

Miquissone has been linked to Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly recently. The Mozambican winger shone three days ago after his well-taken goal earned the Msimbazi giants a 1-0 win against African champions Al Ahly in their Group A match of the Caf Champions League at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Playing in front of 30, 000 fans, Miquissone, who joined Simba from UD Songo, scored the goal in the 31st minute, meeting a ball from midfielder Clatous Chama which he controlled and turned to unleash an unstoppable right-footed effort that beat Al Ahly keeper Mohamed El Shenawy to the roof of the net.

With Al Ahly among the top teams interested in the players’ services, Simba Media Officer Haji Manara has stated they will only let the player leave if a club pays 1m euros for his signature.

“You know a lot of people are asking about Luis [Miquissone], he’s a very special player with a lot of potential on the pitch,” Manara explained to Sokalabongo.

“Now we know and have seen what he can do after his exploits during the Champions League, then those interested for his services must plan to land his services, they don’t have to say they want him without action, they must plan because he is a player who will cost them millions.

“I want to make it very clear that Luis is currently under contract with Simba and his final offer cannot be less than one million euros, that is the last offer that Simba will accept for the player to leave.

“The current world spends more on Euros so his offer cannot be less than that.”

In a separate interview, Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane, named Miquissone, and Kenya defender Joash Onyango as his stand-out opposing players.

“Simba managed to play hard and defend themselves well for the entire 90 minutes,” Mosimane said as quoted by Sokalabongo. “They were careful to save all the dangerous balls that came in their goal, dangerous players were number 11 [Luis] and 16 [Onyango].”

Other teams reportedly keen to sign Miquissone include TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bel Belizizadad of Algeria, and Al Hilal of Sudan.

Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy Omollo insists they will not underrate Nzoia Sugar in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League game scheduled for Saturday at Sudi Stadium.  

The reigning champions are targeting maximum points on the road to continue ascending on the table. The Sugar Millers have been inconsistent this season and many believe K'Ogalo have an upper hand.

However, the former Posta Rangers tactician is not buying into any opinions and insists the visitors will take the match with the seriousness it deserves.

"In football, you do not underrate your opponent because that is like planning to fail," Omollo told Goal on Saturday.

"Nzoia are playing at home, and they have good players who want to prove a point. Again, playing Gor Mahia is always a motivation; so we have to go there and give our best on the pitch with a positive mentality."

Prior to the league game against Nzoia, Gor Mahia's last assignment was in the final preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup against Zambia's National Pension Scheme Authority (Napsa Stars).

The Kenyan representatives drew 2-2 and as a result, were knocked out 3-2 on aggregate by their opponents. Will the result affect K'Ogalo's game this weekend?

"It is history, we are not on it now and our focus is on the FKF Premier League," Omollo added.

"Yes, the result was heartbreaking but this is football and we expect, sometimes, things like those. The players are mentally strong and they are determined to get a win against Nzoia.

"We want to play in the continental assignments as well, and the best way to do that is by winning the league again."

Is there anyone out injured?
"No, every player is available and ready, and anyone who will be called to do the job will do it effectively.

"It is a plus to the technical bench to have everyone available for the game."

Gor Mahia are currently placed ninth on the table with 16 points from the nine games they have played. K'Ogalo have managed to get five wins this season, a draw and three losses. They have also scored 17 goals and conceded 10.

Paulo Dybala won’t need surgery on his troublesome knee injury, Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo has said.

Dybala has been out for almost two months and recently flew to Barcelona for a consultation with specialist Dr Ramon Cugat.

Juventus play Hellas Verona on Saturday evening, looking to claw back the eight-point deficit to Serie A leaders Inter.

What has been said?

On his attacking options, Pirlo told a press conference: “[Dejan] Kulusevski is doing well even in a role that may not be his. We ask him slightly different things from what his characteristics are, but he's fine. 

"[Alvaro] Morata is still struggling with a virus, while there is no news on Dybala." 

Asked if they could return for the Champions League clash with Porto on March 9, he replied: "We are waiting for Alvaro, he must rest until Sunday. For Paulo, we will evaluate with the medical staff what is the best solution to get him back as soon as possible.

“There is no risk of an operation.”

How did Dybala get injured?

Dybala injured his knee during his last competitive appearance for Juve, against Sassuolo on January 10.

The club later confirmed he had suffered a “a low-grade lesion of the medial collateral ligament of the left knee”, and was initially expected to miss between 15 and 20 days of action.

He has been absent from the squad for 11 games in total but was on the bench for the 2-1 defeat to Porto in the Champions League on February 17.

Further reading

Uganda U17 head coach Hamza Lutalo has picked the final 25-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament that will be held in Morocco in March.

The Cubs are expected to leave for the tournament on Saturday afternoon and will be led by the leader of the delegation Agnes Mugena who is also the Fufa executive member. 

Uganda are in Group A that consists of Morocco, Ivory Coast and Zambia. The Afcon tournament, which consists of 12 teams, has been scheduled to start on March 13 and will last until March 31.

Tanzania are in Group B where Nigeria, Algeria and Congo are the other members. In Group C, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali and South Africa have been pooled together.

Lutalo earlier expressed confidence in his players saying the target is to go deep into the knockout stage.

“We are ready to face the teams that are in our group. As the technical team, we are preparing the boys to face any kind of opposition because our target is to advance past the group stage," he said.

Assistant coach Ssenyondo Brian, goalkeeper's coach Kiberu Mubarak, Mutyaba Bashir who is the team manager, team doctor Lule Micheal and the kit manager Damba Noah Veron are part of Uganda's Afcon-bound contingent.

Uganda have been part of the continental competitions this year as the senior team participated in the African Nations Championship but were eliminated in the group stages.

The U20 side, led by Morley Byekwaso, are in Mauritania and advanced to the semi-finals after beating Burkina Faso. The Hippos will now face Tunisia in the penultimate stage of the junior competition.

Uganda Afcon U17 full squad:

Goalkeepers: Magada Abdu (Busoga United FC JT), Mwebe Henry (Express FC JT), Oyirwoth Humphrey (Express FC JT), Kamya Shamulan (Bright Stars FC JT)

Defenders: Mulema Vincent (Kyetume FC JT), Mungufeni Yabezi (Matete Comprehensive Seed), Ibrahim Juma (KCCA FC SA), Luyima Enock (Volf  SA), Nsambu Lloyd Tendo (Metz FC U17, France), Gava Peter (Express FC JT), Madoi Ronald (Wakiso Giants FC JT), Mukisa Simon (KCCA FC SA)

Midfielders: Irinimbabazi Ivan (Bright Stars FC JT), Jemba Abudshakur Ramsey (Isra SA), Alafi Ceasor (Matete Comprehensive Seed), Mutyaba Travis (Vipers SC JT), Ssekajugo Elvis (Bright Stars FC JT), Mutebi Hakim (St Henrys College-Kitovu), Mwanje Elvis Eddy (KCCA FC SA)

Forwards: Magogo Shafiq (KCCA FC SA), Mubiru Hassan (Express FC JT), Mawa Oscar (KCCA FC SA), Jumbe Fahad (Vipers SC JT), Bugembe Issa (Bright Stars FC JT), Mukiibi Marvin (Wakiso Giants FC).

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder-cum-defender Anthony Akumu does not mind Amakhosi being regarded as the inferior side when they face Wydad Casablanca in Sunday’s Caf Champions League Group C match.

Facing the 2017 champions who were also finalists in this competition two years later, Akumu knows that they might not be mentioned in high regard ahead of their second group match.

The Kenya international feels that carrying the underdog tag into this game to be played in neutral Burkina Faso can play into their advantage.

“Wydad Athletic are a good side, they've been in the competition and they are still there, I don't know for how many years, but they have been there and have been doing well,” Akumu told Chiefs media.

“They are a semi-finalist or quarter-finalist team because every time they are there. On our side, maybe we will look like underdogs but that's a good sign because maybe they don't know us, and we don't know them, so that's another good thing.

“For us we will just go there, play our game the way we know and do our best to get maximum points. The game being played on a neutral ground is even better because it's a place we don’t know and they are also not familiar with. That’s a good part about it.”

Chiefs began their Group C campaign with a 0-0 draw against Guinean champions Horoya at home on Tuesday.

That left the Soweto giants third on the standings and Akumu says that does not take away their Champions League ambitions despite their domestic woes.

“It’s very important to get three points. We have ambition in the group stage of the Champions League,” said Akumu.

“If you see back in the PSL we are not doing that good, we are not collecting the points needed but this is the only trophy we have and looking forward to. It will be so good for us and the whole Kaizer Chiefs fraternity if we can get the three points it will give us a boost. I believe we can do that.

“I think the spirit is there and everyone is eager because we didn't get maximum points in the last game which was the first game we played in the group stage. But coming to this now, we believe and trust that we prepared well, and we are ready for the game.”

After the Wydad match, Chiefs’ next Champions League assignment is hosting Petro Atletico on March 6.