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Diego Jota and Virgil Van Dijk have given Liverpool a rare bit of positive fitness news this week by progressing from their respective injuries in training.

Jota (knee) fully participated with team-mates in Wednesday's session, while Van Dijk (knee) was able to work out on his own outside. 

It appears Jota will be in outside chance at contention for this weekend's trip to Sheffield United - a much-needed boost following the announcement captain Jordan Henderson's groin problem "doesn't look good". Van Dijk remains far from a match return, but his appearance near the training ground nonetheless offers a reminder of the world class talent the ailing squad will eventually get back.

What is Jota's injury timeline?

Jota last played on December 6 against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League. The recovery process from his knee injury suffered in that match has been arduous but seems nearly complete.

What is Van Dijk's injury timeline?

Van Dijk is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign with the torn ACL he endured in October, though Jurgen Klopp has said he's pleased with the speed of the centre-back's rehab.

The bigger picture

Liverpool have been in astonishingly poor league form, dropping four straight matches to fall from title contenders to Champions League qualification outsiders.

Jota, signed last summer, had been brilliant before his injury, scoring nine goals across all competitions. His creativity has been missed as the Reds have seemingly run out of ideas in the final third lately, and his return would be a welcome lift for Klopp's attack.

Van Dijk's injury, meanwhile, represented the turning point in the season. It took time for cracks to fully emerge, but the domino effect Van Dijk's absence has had in forcing natural midfielders to drop into defence has been a factor in a previously harmonious squad to losing its balance.

Further reading

Uganda and Tanzania have learnt their Africa Cup of Nations U20 opponents after the draw that was conducted by Caf on Wednesday in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

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.

Uganda's coach Hamza Lutalo has confirmed they are ready for the tournament.

“We are ready to face the teams that are in our group," Lutalo told Fufa's website. "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."

The Uganda Cubs will be taking part in the tournament for the second time having played in the 2018 edition. Lutalo guided the team to Afcon U17 after they emerged as Cecafa champions in the zonal qualifiers that were held in Rwanda.

On his part, Zambia's George Chilufya has claimed the group is a balanced one and hopes better preparation will help them perform admirably in Morocco.

“It’s a balanced group having teams from almost all major regions in Africa. We just have to do our best in the preparations and during the tournament,” Chilufya, who guided Zambia to their second continental appearance at Under-17 level, said.

“Football is a competition and if you have to become champions, you have to compete against other teams in the tournament so whichever team comes your way, you should be ready for battle.”

The tactician is not concerned by how big their rivals could be as he stated their belief in their own capabilities will be key.

“Morocco will be one of the teams at the tournament so we are not looking at names apart from participants so we just have to believe in our abilities and make sure that the boys are psyched so that they believe that they are capable of upsetting the hosts,” he added.

Tanzania and Uganda were also part of the U20 competition that is ongoing in Mauritania. Ngorongoro Heroes of Tanzania were eliminated at the preliminary round but Uganda's Hippos progressed and will face Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals.

The East African countries, and Zambia as well, were also participants in the African Nations Championship tournament and were eliminated at the group stages but Chipolopolo were knocked out in the Round of 16.

Lucas Digne has signed a new contract at Everton which will keep the left-back at Goodison Park until 2025, the club confirmed on Wednesday. 

Digne joined Everton from Barcelona in 2018 and quickly established himself as Toffees favourite Leighton Baines' successor in defence. 

He has committed his future to the Merseysiders with a four-year extension to his current deal. 

What has been said? 

"Lucas Digne has signed a new long-term contract with Everton, committing his future to the Club until the end of June 2025," the Toffees said in a statement released on the club's official website on Wednesday. 

Digne, 27, also expressed his delight at extending his stay at Goodison Park. 

“We have a big project with the club and can reach something very good at the end of this season and for the next few years," the Frenchman said. “I want to play in Europe and Everton is the best place to do that.

“I have seen the progress every year since joining the club, we are building a strong team.

“When you sign for Everton, it is like an amazing wedding. You just have to do your best every day to show Evertonians the love you have for them.

“That is what I do. I want to show them what they give me and it is just amazing. It was clear in my mind that I want to continue with Everton.”

The bigger picture

After failing to settle at Barcelona in two seasons at Camp Nou, Digne cost Everton £18 million ($25m) in August 2018. 

He earned the club's Player of the Season and Player's Player of the Season awards after a fine debut campaign, and was once more a towering presence in 2019-20 as the Toffees claimed 12th place in a difficult year that saw Marco Silva sacked as manager and replaced by Carlo Ancelotti. 

Digne has picked up where he left off in the current term too, despite missing several Premier League matches with a fractured ankle. 

With six assists to date in the league he lies joint-fifth in the Premier League rankings, with only West Ham's Aaron Cresswell matching that figure out of defence.

Further reading

Tusker coach Robert Matano has called on his player to stay focused and forget getting excited as they chase the FKF Premier League title this campaign.

The Brewers stretched their lead at the top of the 18-team table to seven points after they rallied from behind to beat Nzoia Sugar 2-1 in a match at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday.

Late goals from substitute Jackson Macharia and Henry Meja’s ninth of the season completed the turnaround against the Sugar Millers, who had taken a shock lead through Hillary Simiyu, two minutes to the half-time break.

And despite enjoying the seven-point lead, the veteran tactician, who has won league titles with Sofapaka and Ulinzi Stars, has now called on his players to forget about the win against Nzoia and focus on their next match against Bidco United on Saturday.

“This victory is now gone and we forget about it,” Matano told the club’s official website. “There is no need to be excited, we cannot talk about it now.

“Our focus is on the game against Bidco United on Saturday and we need to continue being consistent, it is still very early in the league and still tough, but we have to keep working hard and deliver results.”

On the game against Nzoia, Matano said: “It was a very tough game for us. We know that Nzoia is a strong team with very good running players and they have a lot of energy. We also knew that after beating KCB, they would come strongly and were ready for us,”

“The first half was tough because they play very well in their half, but in the second half, we knew they would be tired and we made tactical substitutions that suited our game plan in the final minutes and I am happy we got a win.”

Tusker were heading to a defeat until Matano made a triple substitution, with Humphrey Mieno, Macharia, and George Odhiambo coming in for Brian Marita, Okoth, and Onyango.

With 20 minutes remaining, he threw his last dice, with Faraj Ominde and Zakayo coming on for Hashim Sempala and Namanda and the changes brought the much needed fresh legs in attack, and just four minutes later, Macharia equalised with a shot from inside the box after Faraj teed him up from Erick Zakayo’s cross.

After a disappointing defeat against Jamshedpur in their last match, Mumbai City returned to winning ways with a 6-1 win against Odisha on Wednesday.

The Islanders who never really allowed Odisha to take control of the game were dominant from the first to the final whistle and followed Lobera's instructions to the T.  

Coach Sergio Lobera was pleased with the result and the football his team produced after conceding an early goal. 

"I think in terms of result, this was the best performance," said Lobera. "But the most important for me is how the team got the result. We reacted very well to difficult conditions at the beginning of the game. We conceded a penalty goal. It was very important to be strong at that moment, and I am very happy with the performance of the team."

The Spanish coach mentioned that he was pleased to see that his players rectified their mistakes from Jamshedpur and most importantly stuck to his philosophy.

"It was very important for us to not repeat the mistakes we did in the last game. But today we were very strong as a team and were loyal to our style of play. Playing with a clear head is very important, and I am very happy with the performance," said the Mumbai City boss.

The former FC Goa coach expects an exciting top of the table clash in the final match of the league stage on Sunday when Mumbai City face league leaders ATK Mohun Bagan. Mumbai can top the league stage by getting three points while the Mariners need only a point to retain their spot at the summit.

"We need to focus on ourselves. We need to improve in every game, we need to be ambitious and ATK Mohun Bagan are doing an amazing job and it is going to be an amazing match. It is good for the league. We deserve to get to the last game with our options and hopefully, we can win the next game," opined Lobera.

The Spaniard was also pleased with high his two strikers Bartholomew Ogbeche and Adam Le Fondre, who started the match together after a long time, gelled well.

"They (Ogbeche and Le Fondre) can play together. But every game is different, the context is different. Today I thought it was the best option for us but sometimes I make the decision to play with just one striker. They are very good players with good experience," Lobera stated.

SuperSport United came back to hold Orlando Pirates to a 1-1 draw in a PSL encounter which took place at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Vincent Pule opened the scoring for Bucs in the first-half with his fourth league goal of the season, but his teammate Ben Motshwari netted an own goal to level matters after the restart.

Matsatsantsa were keen to return to winning ways after drawing 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in a PSL clash over the weekend and also avenge their 2-1 defeat to Pirates in the first round match in November 2020.

Former Pirates duo of Kudakwashe Mahachi and Thamsanqa Gabuza were among the three players, who were recalled to the starting line-up by coach Kaitano Tembo. 

Meanwhile, Bucs were determined to win five matches in a row for the first time since February 2020 having edged out Botswana's Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 in the Caf Confederation Cup game over the weekend.

Coach Josef Zinnbauer made 10 changes to the starting line-up which faced Galaxy with the likes of Richard Ofori, Happy Jele, Thembinkosi Lorch and Deon Hotto making their return to the team.

Pirates got off to the perfect start as they took the lead just 10 minutes into the match with Pule marking his return to the starting line-up with a well-taken goal.

Hotto was the provider as the Namibia international played a delightful cross for Pule, who then controlled the ball well, before firing past SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a low shot.

However, the Buccaneers had to make an early change after Lorch went down holding his hamstring and was replaced by 18-year-old sensation Azola Tshobeni in the 28th minute. 

The visitors continued to launch attacks in search of another goal and Jele's goal-bound header was well-saved by Williams, who also dealt well with crosses that were played in Matsatsantsa's box.

SuperSport pushed for the equalizing goal towards the half-time break, but Pirates stood firm at the back and the Soweto giants were leading 1-0 at the interval.

Pirates controlled the match after the restart with Motshwari dictating the tempo of the match from the middle of the park and Tembo decided to introduce Teboho Mokoena.

Mokoena was hoping to score against the Buccaneers for the second time this term having netted Matsatsantsa's consolation goal in their first round loss to Pirates at Orlando Stadium.

The influential midfielder tried to make an immediate impact, but his curling attempt from a free-kick was comfortably saved by Ghana's finest goalkeeper, Ofori in Pirates' goal-posts.

The momentum was with the hosts at this point and they managed to level matters when Ghampani Lungu's low shot was turned home by Motshwari, who netted an own goal to make it 1-1 in the 66th minute.

It was then end-to-end stuff with the two teams searching for more goals and Ndlovu set-up Hotto, who placed his effort over the crossbar with only Williams to beat.

At the other end, Jamie Webber pulled the trigger from range and his powerful shot was parried away by Ofori, who was having a busy second-half.

Pirates should have snatched a late winning goal when Hotto's low effort beat Williams, but Luke Fleurs made a crucial goal-line clearance in stoppage time to ensure that the match ended as a 1-1 draw.

The result saw SuperSport remain second on the league standings - three points behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, while Pirates moved up to fourth place on the log - a point behind third-placed Swallows FC.

SuperSport will now take on AmaZulu FC in a league game on March 2, while Pirates are scheduled to face Maritzburg United in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 match on February 27. 

China-based duo Mubarak Wakaso and Emmanuel Boateng have been handed call-ups as Ghana reassemble on Thursday to continue preparations for next month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

Currently on holiday back in Ghana as they await the start of the 2021 Chinese Super League in April, Jiangsu Suning midfielder and Dalian Professional striker Emmanuel Boateng will join 24-home-based players for national training in Accra. The latest list of invitees was announced via the GFA official website on Wednesday.

Last week, the Black Stars opened camping for the double-header after a home-based squad of 32 players was selected.

The home-based contingent has now been whittled down to 24, with Hearts of Oak centre-back Mohammed Alhassan, Ebusua Dwarfs duo Benjamin Acquah, George Asamoah and Techiman Eleven Wonders winger Ibrahim Salifu dropped. 

All three players from the second-tier league who were called up for last week's camp have been dropped. 

Ghana's squad is expected to be beefed up with more foreign-based players ahead of the two games, although there remains huge uncertainty about the release by clubs owing to possible travel restrictions in relation to the coronavirus. 

Currently top of Group C, Ghana are set to take on South Africa away on March 24 before taking on Sao Tome and Principe in the last game of the qualifiers. A win in either game will book the Black Stars a place at the continental showpiece to be hosted by Cameroon next year.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Joseph Addo (Aduana Stars), Razak Abalorah (Asante Kotoko), Eric Ofori Antwi (Medeama SC)

Defenders: Ganiyu Ismail (Asante Kotoko), Yusif Mubarik (Asante Kotoko), Kwadwo Amoako (AshantiGold SC), Konadu Yiadom (WAFA), Ibrahim Moro (Asante Kotoko), Haruna Jamal Deen (Great Olympics), Christopher Nettey (Asante Kotoko), Dennis Korsah (Ebusua Dwarfs), Joseph Agyei (Legon Cities)

Midfielders: Gladson Awako (Great Olympics), Justice Blay (Medeama SC), Michel Otou (Great Olympics), Yaw Annor (AshantiGold SC), Rashid Nortey (Medeama SC), Maxwell Abbey (Great Olympics), Augustine Boakye (WAFA), Salifu Moro (Bechem United), Mubarak Wakaso (Jiangsu Suning), Joseph Esso (Dreams FC)

Forwards: Emmanuel Boateng (Dalian Pro), Kwame Peprah (King Faisal), Kwame Opoku (Asante Kotoko), Diawusie Taylor (Karela United)

Napoli doctor Alfredo Bucciero, who is attending to Victor Osimhen, has revealed the forward will be out of action until early March after suffering head trauma against Atalanta on Sunday.

The 22-year-old was unconscious as he was rushed to hospital after colliding with Cristian Romero and hitting his head on the turf in the Serie A game.

The Nigeria international underwent numerous tests and has been cleared of head damage but will need some time to rest before returning to action.

Bucciero confirmed the centre-forward will need some days to recover before playing again and will not be available when Napoli take on Benevento in Sunday’s Serie A game but could return against Sassuolo on March 3.

“He suffered head trauma with memory loss,” explained neurosurgeon Alfredo Bucciero to Radio Kiss Kiss.

“Now the medical tests are showing good results, but we still need to wait for the natural recovery time to be completed.

“We don’t have signs of a haematoma on the brain, nor damage to the skullcap. We must be cautious, he needs at least a week of complete rest.

“I think he could be available again from early March. Osimhen is in a rush, he wants to play and asks me to hurry up the process, but in these situations, rest is necessary. We cannot run any risks.”

Osimhen’s debut season has been hampered by injury, suspension and coronavirus-related problems since his move from Lille last summer.

The problems have limited his playing time to 16 games across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr has also revealed he has got in touch with Osimhen and hopes the forward will be fit to feature in his side’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March.

“I spoke to Victor, he told me he's physically and mentally okay now but must wait for the club doctors," Rohr said.

"My thoughts are with him because he's had a difficult start in Italy, but he's a strong boy and he must wait for the doctors to clear him to play again.

"He's an important player for us and we'll see how it goes at his club first because his well-being is very important for everyone."

Osimhen has scored five goals in 10 appearances for the three-time African champions since making his debut in 2017.

KCB fought back to share the points with Sofapaka after a 2-2 draw in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Wundanyi Stadium in Taita Taveta county.

Lawrence Juma scored twice for Batoto ba Mungu as KCB got goals from Vicor Omondi and Reagan Otieno to avoid a defeat. Juma scored for Sofapaka in the 30th minute with a clinical volley over Gabriel Andika in KCB's goal. Three minutes later, the Bankers restored parity when Victor Omondi equalised.

Ken Odhiambo was forced to make a change in the 42nd minute when goalkeeper Aigba Moubarak was injured and his place was taken by former Sony Sugar custodian Kevin Omondi. Further changes for Batoto ba Mungu were effected in the 46th minute as Timothy Otieno and Amissi Bizimana came on to replace Collins Wakhungu and Brian Nyakan.

In the 50th minute, KCB were awarded a penalty but Omondi saved Sofapaka from going down as he stopped the spot-kick. Eight minutes after the penalty was saved, Juma scored the second for the 2009 champions to give them the lead again.

Otieno equalised for the Bankers in the 76th minute and the score remained unchanged until full-time as both sides shared the points.

At Kasarani Annex, Wazito FC and Mathare United ended up sharing the points after a 1-1 outcome.

Maurice Ojwang scored for Wazito when Mathare United failed to clear the danger presented by their visitors in the third minute. Lennox Ogutu equalised for the Slum Boys in the 18th minute after he picked James Kinyanjui's delivery and headed home.

Dani Lual and Kinyanjui launched an ambitious forward move but Wazito dealt with the challenge superbly in the 51st minute. Salim Ali made a change in the 56th minute when he threw Khalid Juma into action to replace John Mwangi while Wazito's Francis Kimanzi responded by introducing Eric Otieno for Vincent Oburu.

Ali Abondo was cautioned with a yellow card in the 90th minute after he had replaced Whyvonne Isuza as neither side failed to get the winning goal even in additional time.

At Kericho Green Stadium, Zoo FC and Kakamega Homeboyz drew 1-1 in their respective showdown.

AFC Leopards emerged 1-0 winners against Ulinzi Stars in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League tie played on Wednesday in Kasaarni.

Peter Thiong'o scored for Ingwe in the 77th minute to award the 13-time league winners with a hard-fought but deserved home win.

AFC Leopards recovered to deny Ulinzi Stars an opener in the 17th minute after Oscar Wamalwa's failed to act quickly after he was sent through on goal. The Harambee Star took too long to pull the trigger and invited the home side to recover and clear.

Elvis Rupia was stopped by a raised offside flag after he ran to collect a good pass from Harrison Mwendwa ending a nice build-up by Patrick Aussmes' side. Mwendwa was greatly involved again in the 38th minute when he collected the ball after a melee inside the Ulinzi Stars area but his final shot hit the post with goalkeeper James Saruni all but beaten in the process.

Saruni denied Rupia again two minutes before the half-time break when he pulled a key save to punch the forward's free-kick away.

In the 46th minute, coach Benjamin Nyangweso made two changes as he brought on Omar Boraafya and Ibrahim Shambi for Clinton Omondi and Elvis Nandwa respectively. Aussems also made changes in the opening moments of the first-half when he withdrew Said Tsuma and Mwendwa as Caleb Olilo and Said Tsuma came on.

Ingwe engineered another ambitious combination between Owiti and Yusuf Mainge but the latter's effort was equally dealt with by Saruni to stop AFC Leopards score an opener in the 56th minute. Owiti was later replaced by Thiong'o as the search for the first goal continued.

Saruni, in the 66th minute, stood tall and denied Olilo a very clear chance for the Nairobi club who were the more dominant side since the second-half began. But almost 10 minutes later, AFC Leopards grabbed an opener when Thiong'o struck to give them a deserved lead. Austin Odhiambo did well to outwit Ulinzi Stars defenders before he passed the ball for the scorer.

Another change for AFC Leopards was in the 86th minute when Tedian Esilaba, who was making his debut, was injured and was replaced by captain Robinson Kamura.

AFC Leopards XI: Benjamin Ochan, Yusuf Mainge, Tedian Esilaba, Clyde Senaji, Isaac Kipyegon, Fabrice Mugheni, Said Tsuma, Jaffery Owiti, Bienvenue Shaka, Harrison Mwendwa, Elvis Rupia.

Subs: Jeff Oyemba, Lewis Bandi, Robinson Kamura, Austin Odhiambo, Hansel Ochieng, Marvin Nabwire, Caleb Olilo, Eugene Mukangula.

Ulinzi Stars XI: James Saruni, Harun Mwale, Boniface Andayi, Bonaventure Muchika, Byron Odiaga, Bernard Ongoma, John Kago, Elvis Nandwa, Clinton Omondi, Dan Waweru, Oscar Wamalwa.

Subs: Timothy Odhiambo, Omar Boraafya, Ibrahim Shambi, Alex Masinde, Churchill Muloma, Mark Bikokwa, Michael Otieno, Daniel Njuguna, Oliver Ruto.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not surprised that clubs are interested in signing Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata.

The Spaniard’s current deal expires in the summer, and the club do hold the option to extend it for a further year.

But, with interest from abroad, Solskjaer said the 32-year-old is able to speak to other clubs should he want to.

What has Solskjaer said?

It was put to the United manager that there has been interest from abroad in Mata, to which he replied: “I’m not surprised there are teams that are interested in him.

"One, he’s a very good footballer, two, he’s a fantastic professional and human being.

“When the contracts are running towards the end there will be interest, I’m sure Juan has been able to speak to other clubs if he wants to. I keep in touch with him all the time anyway, we have a good dialogue.”

How many times has Mata played this season?

He has made just 12 appearances in all competitions this season and just four starts in the Premier League. His two goals this campaign came in the Carabao Cup against Luton and Brighton, where he also got an assist.

Since joining United in 2014, he has made 267 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 50 goals and assisting 47 more.

Who is interested in signing Mata?

Serie A trio Inter, Roma and Juventus are just three of the clubs who are said to have registered an interest in the former Chelsea man.

Goal view | Charlotte Duncker | Man Utd correspondent

Despite his lack of minutes on the pitch, Mata has had a key role to play at United this season off the pitch. His experience and mentoring has helped what is a young dressing room and he has been key in assisting in training.

He showed in the Carabao Cup games he started earlier in the season that he is still a useful squad player and, coupled with his maturity and experience in the dressing room, he has still been key.

But, with playing minutes lacking, it’s understandable he would want to look elsewhere. Solskjaer will not be able to offer him reassurances over more playing time as there is a long list of players ahead of him in the pecking order, and more on the horizon pushing through.  

Further reading

Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr is hoping Napoli forward Victor Osimhen will be fit enough to feature for his side in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The West Africans will take on the Republic of Benin on March 27 and play Lesotho three days later in Lagos which would decide the fate of the Super Eagles.

Nigeria currently lead the Group L table with eight points and a loss in both games could end their hopes of qualifying for the continental tournament in Cameroon.

The German tactician is set to name Osimhen in his team for the crucial games but his fitness has called for concern.

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

The centre-forward was subsequently rushed to the hospital and spent the night there, where he was subjected to numerous tests.

Osimhen has now been cleared of any head damage but has been advised to rest before returning to action.

Rohr revealed he has reached out to the centre-forward, who has bagged four goals in the qualifiers and assured of his health.

“I spoke to Victor, he told me he's physically and mentally okay now but must wait for the club doctors," Rohr said, as per BBC Sport.

"My thoughts are with him because he's had some difficult start in Italy, but he's a strong boy and he must wait for the doctors to clear him to play again.

"He's an important player for us and we'll see how it goes at his club first because his well-being is very important for everyone."

Osimhen has been playing a key role for the Super Eagles since Odion Ighalo retired from international football in 2019 after helping the West African side to finish third at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Napoli attacker has bagged five goals in 10 appearances since making his debut for the three-time African champions in 2017 against Togo.

Osimhen has scored two goals and provided one assist in 16 appearances since he joined the Parthenopean last summer from Lille.

The forward could miss his side’s Serie A game against Benevento on Sunday but could make his return against Sassuolo on March 3.

RB Leipzig defender Angelino has insisted that he didn't get a "real chance" at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola while claiming the Catalan "killed my self-confidence".

Angelino, who began his professional career at the Etihad Stadium, returned to City in 2019 after an impressive season-long spell at PSV with the intention of forcing his way into Guardiola's starting XI.

However, the left-back was restricted to just six senior appearances before being loaned to Leipzig, who signed him outright earlier this month, and he has now criticised Guardiola for the way he was treated in Manchester.

What was said?

"Pep has killed me and my self-confidence," Angelino told reporters.

“After my move from Eindhoven back to City, he had already judged me on two pre-season games and then didn't give me a real chance again. 

"So I was happy that I moved to Leipzig and that I am now an integral part of the club."

Asked to address the differences between Guardiola and Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann, the 24-year-old responded: “One of them gave me confidence and let me play. The other one just didn't. 

“In Leipzig, I felt trust from day one. The club and the coach gave me an incredible push. I am now happy to be able to play consistently in Leipzig."

How has Angelino performed for Leipzig this season?

Leipzig renewed Angelino's loan deal after his impressive performances in the second half of the 2019-20 campaign, and he has since established himself as one of the most important members of Nagelsmann's squad.

The Spaniard has already featured in 31 games across all competitions this term, while also scoring eight goals and laying on 11 assists, helping the German side rise to second in the Bundesliga and reach the latter stages of both the Champions League and DFB Pokal.

The bigger picture

Leipzig triggered an €18 million (£16m/$21m) obligation to buy Angelino after he reached a pre-agreed number of appearances for the current season, which ended his long-standing affiliation with City.

Guardiola had no use for the defender at the Etihad amid strong competition for places at the back, with Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko among his options on the left.

The move has worked out well for both parties as City have developed into the strongest defensive side in the Premier League while Angelino has grabbed the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level in different surroundings.

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted he is still in contact with Erling Haaland and refused to rule out Manchester United making a move for the Borussia Dortmund man.

Solskjaer has a good relationship with the 20-year-old having managed him at Molde, and it is understood that the Red Devils tried to sign him in the 2020 January transfer window before he ultimately moved to the Bundesliga.

A release clause in his contract would allow him to leave for €75 million (£65m) in the summer of 2022 and it has led to frenzied speculation about his future.

What has Solskjaer said?

The United manager was asked about a possible reunion with his former player ahead of Man Utd’s clash against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

He said: “I think when you’ve had kids and players through as a coach, you follow them, of course. I keep in touch with Erling and it’s great to see him become the player he has become and I know he’ll work to improve all the time. 

“He’s a Dortmund player and we just wish him well there and let’s see what life will bring later on.”

Pushed on whether United could go in for him again in the summer, Solskjaer replied: “You know I can't speak about Erling because he’s at Borussia Dortmund. I think it's disrespectful to talk too much about it apart from that I know him and I speak to him. 

“Who wasn't interested in him a year ago? Everybody would say you would take the best players in the world and Erling is a top player. 

“But for me, we have recruited well. Dan [James] and Bruno [Fernandes] show that the signings we have made since I came to the club have all contributed and added to the squad and that is part of what we have to do. 

“We have to complement what we have in our group with other different types of players and also young players. I'm happy with our recruitment model and the processes that we go through.”

What has Haaland’s agent said about a move?

Mino Raiola represents the 20-year-old and spoke about his future in an interview this week with the BBC.

He said: “There are only a maximum of 10 clubs that can afford to buy him from Dortmund. Four of them are in England. You can call them and say ‘would you be interested?’ I think there is not a sporting director or trainer in the world that would say he would not be interested.

“It’s like saying: ‘Is there a Formula One team who would not be interested in having Lewis Hamilton?’”

How many goals has he scored?

Haaland has scored 43 goals in 43 appearances for Dortmund since signing for them in January 2020 from Red Bull Salzburg. This season he has 27 goals in 25 games and also seven assists for his club.

Who else is interested in him?

Although Solskjaer remained coy on his side’s interest in the young talent, he is of interest at United. If they were to make a move, however, it is understood they would face stiff competition as Manchester City are also keen - as are Real Madrid. 

Further reading 

Manchester United forward Amad Diallo and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba have paid tributes to Atalanta’s Willy Braciano Ta Bi, who died of liver cancer.

Ta Bi started his career in his country, Ivory Coast, featuring for Moossou and ASEC Mimosas before moving abroad to team up with Atalanta in 2019.

The defensive midfielder helped his side win the Italian youth title, the Primavera, shortly after his arrival from Mimosas.

The 21-year-old died in his country, Ivory Coast, having returned there for about a month after he was confirmed to be suffering from the liver problem.

“President Antonio Percassi and the whole Atalanta family are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Willy Braciano Ta Bi,” read a statement from the Atalanta website.

“A cruel fate prematurely interrupted a dream that had begun with the Nerazzurri shirt in January 2019.

“It took him a few months to play a leading role in the Primavera and help bring the Scudetto back to Bergamo, but, above all, to leave a great memory of himself.”

Diallo spent six years with the Black and Blues before joining Premier League giants Manchester United in January after previously reaching an agreement with the club last summer.

The 18-year-old winger has taken to social media to pay a touching tribute to his former teammate, Ta Bi.

"Rest in peace, Willy Braciano Ta Bi. Forever in our hearts. Now sleep in peace, friend,” Diallo posted on Instagram.

Former Ivory Coast captain and Chelsea legend Drogba has taken to social media to pay his tribute.

"Ivory Coast, the football world is mourning you, you fought against this damn disease as you fought on the pitches like a real boss, a leader!!!!"

Ta Bi featured for Ivory Coast at the U17 and U20 level and captained the youth team.

A minute silence will be observed when Atalanta take on Real Madrid in a Champions League game on Wednesday night in honour of the midfielder.

Football Kenya Federation has planned three friendly matches for national team Harambee Stars as they prepare for their 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

According to FKF CEO Barry Otieno, Kenya under coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee will host three matches at home starting with South Sudan on March 13, and then play neighbours Tanzania twice – on March 15 and 18 respectively.

“We have planned three friendlies for the national team and all matches will be played at Kasarani against South Sudan on March 13, and then we face Tanzania twice on March 15 and 18,” Otieno told Goal on Wednesday.

“With most of the players featuring for their clubs [in FKF Premier League], we feel the three matches will also give the technical bench time to gauge their preparedness as we have two vital Afcon qualifiers coming up, and we want the team to be ready for the task.”

Kenya, who are lying third in Group D of the qualifiers, are scheduled to face Egypt in Nairobi on March 22 before flying out to Lome for their final group tie against bottom rooted Togo on March 30.

Kenya’s chances of reaching a second successive Afcon final were dealt a major blow after the team lost 2-1 away to Comoros in their last outing.

Coach Mulee has already named a provisional squad of local-based players to prepare for the qualifiers with AFC Leopards striker Elvis Rupia, Tusker’s Henry Meja, and Erick Kapaito of Kariobangi Sharks earning their first call ups after impressing in the top-tier.

Among the goalkeepers summoned are those who have also been good in the top-flight including James Saruni of Ulinzi Stars, Joseph Okoth of KCB, and Brian Bwire of Sharks.

Kenya’s provisional squad: Goalkeepers: Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars), Joseph Okoth (KCB), Peter Odhiambo (Wazito).

Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito), Michael Kibwage (Sofapaka), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks), Nahashon Alambi (KCB), Bonface Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks), David Owino (KCB), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks), Baraka Badi (KCB).

Midfielders: Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards), Micheal Mutinda (KCB), Musa Masika (Wazito), John Macharia (Gor Mahia), Reagan Otieno (KCB), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker), Kevin Kimani (Wazito), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari)

Forwards: Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards), Henry Meja (Tusker), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia).

A ground-breaking coalition of USA’s top football stars and clubs have come together with Common Goal to launch a new project to tackle racism in football.

Forged by a shared determination to act, they aim to fund and implement a toolkit designed by Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) experts across the U.S. soccer landscape that will provide anti-racist training for players, coaches, fans, club staff and executives from grassroots to elite level.

The Anti-Racism Project (ARP) has been created by Common Goal together with former USMNT player Tony Sanneh, Oakland Roots (USL), Chicago Fire FC (MLS), Angel City FC (NWSL) and U.S National Team supporter group, the American Outlaws. 

“We have made some progress but not enough. Racism takes many forms,” says Sanneh. “We know what the problem is - now is the time to go and fix it.”

USMNT and Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen is one the first players to pledge his individual support to the project.

“There’s been so much talk over the last months about racism in soccer and beyond, and enough is enough. It’s time to take action,” said Steffen.

The coalition is now calling on fans, players, teams and leagues to join the collective effort against racism.

Common Goal is a collective social impact movement that sees those in the game donate a minimum of 1% of their earnings to support high-impact initiatives.

Since its inception, more than 180 professional football players and managers from over 40 countries have joined Common Goal, including Serge Gnabry, Pernille Harder, Jurgen Klopp, Alex Morgan, Paulo Dybala, Juan Mata, Eric Cantona and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Find out more about how Common Goal is uniting the global football community in tackling the greatest social challenges of our time