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Franck Kessie is confident AC Milan can secure a win in their derby against Inter Milan on Sunday and climb to the top of the Serie A table.

The Ivory Coast international has been making key contributions for the Red and Blacks this season, scoring seven goals in 21 league games.

His impressive performances ensured Milan’s second place on the Serie A table, only one point below league leaders Inter.

Ahead of their crucial encounter with Antonio Conte’s men at San Siro, Kessie is upbeat the Red and Blacks can leapfrog their arch-rivals to the top of Serie A with victory in the encounter.

"There are still many games left. And it seems that there are many difficulties, but we will win the derby and return to the top of the table,” Kessie told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We are a group that has grown in difficulty and we believe in the championship.”

Kessie is also backing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to continue to take the Milan penalties despite missing a number of his strikes from the spot this season.

“If there is a penalty, Ibra will take it and he will be happy with the result,” Kessie continued.

“From a technical point of view he is unsurpassed and as a teammate, he always gives you something more.”

Kessie has been with Milan since the summer of 2017 when he teamed up with the side from Atalanta, where he spent two years.

The midfielder has since been delivering consistent performances for the Red and Blacks, featuring in more than 140 games across all competitions.

In the current campaign, the Ivory Coast international has made 31 appearances across all competitions for Milan.

The midfielder will hope to continue his impressive displays against Inter and help his side return to winning ways after a two-game winless run, including a defeat to Spezia.

Kessie is also a prominent member of the Ivory Coast national team and will be expected to feature in their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March.

Bruno Fernandes has shown shades of Eric Cantona during his first year at Manchester United, according to Steve Bruce, but the former Red Devils captain has warned off outright comparisons to the legendary Frenchman.

The Portugal international has proven to be a catalyst for change since his arrival last January, having helped transform the fortunes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

Such an impact has seen Fernandes compared to former Red Devils star Cantona, whose imperious mid-1990s form helped guide the club to major success, but Bruce feels the former must first claim silverware to truly compare.

What has Bruce said?

“What you have to judge people on over a period of time is what they’ve won," said Cantona's former team-mate, and Newcastle manager Bruce, ahead of the Magpies' trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.

"Certainly, Eric for us, was the catalyst to go and win things. The way Fernandes has played in the last 12 months, it feels a bit like Eric because it’s his stage. Eric adored everything that went with playing for arguably the biggest and best club in the world.

“Fernandes has done fantastically well in doing that, it’s his stage. For it to be even suggested that he’s on the same hymn sheet as Eric is a wonderful compliment to him.

“Now they have to go and achieve and win things the way Eric did, and on big occasions win cup finals and semi-finals. If he does that then of course you can compare him to Eric.”

Fernandes' Man Utd record

The playmaker was already one of United's brightest lights after just half-a-season, and he has continued to light up the Old Trafford stage since, with 21 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season.

In 2020, he set a new record when he was named the Premier League Player of the Month an unprecedented four times in a single calendar year, picking up the gong for February, June, November and December

He is yet to taste silverware, however, having missed out on potential finals in both campaigns, in 2019-20 with FA Cup and Europa League semi-final losses, and this year with a Carabao Cup exit in the last four against Manchester City.

What did Cantona win at Man Utd?

Like Fernandes, the Frenchman transferred to United halfway through the season, making the short trip from rivals Leeds down the M62 to join Sir Alex Ferguson's side in 1992.

Having helped the Whites to the last First Division title, his arrival helped spark an upturn in form for the Red Devils, guiding them from mid-table to the summit and helping them claim the maiden Premier League crown.

He went on to help establish Ferguson's initial top-flight dynasty, with three more titles, along with two FA Cups and a trio of Charity Shields.

What can Man Utd win this season?

Solskjaer did take United top of the Premier League last month, but a recent stumble in form has seen them slip 10 points behind local rivals Manchester City.

However, United are still in the Europa League and beat Real Sociedad 4-0 in the first leg of their last-32 tie on Thursday.

United are also through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and will face Leicester next month, leaving Solskjaer's side with two realistic avenues of a trophy this season.

Further reading

Azam FC have suffered a blow after their forward Yahya Zayd was ruled out of action for six weeks.

The 24-year-old was among the players signed by the ‘Ice-cream Makers’ during the mini-transfer window and he arrived from Egyptian side Pharco FC on a six-month loan deal.

However, the player will now not be able to play for the next six weeks after he picked an injury during their Mainland Premier League match against Mbeya City played at Chamazi Stadium.

“Our forward Yahya Zayd is expected to stay out of action for the next six weeks,” Azam confirmed on their social media pages. “This is after he picked a shoulder injury during the match against Mbeya City.

“Zayd, who assisted the goal scored by Prince Dube during the match, was forced out of the match before the second half after he picked the injury while trying to score in the match.”

Apart from Zayd, during the mini-transfer window which shut at midnight on January 15, Azam brought on board striker Mpiana Mozinzi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ugandan goalkeeper Mathis Kigonya from Zambia’s Forest Rangers.

Azam went on to win the fixture 2-1 with Dube notching one of the goals.

The forward has now been called up to Zimbabwe's national team squad ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers by head coach Zdravko Logarusic.

Zimbabwe are preparing for matches against Botswana on March 25 in Gaborone before they return home in Harare to play against Zambia on March 29.

Azam coach George Lwandamina has acknowledged the latest move by coach Logarusic to hand Dube a call up to the national team.

“He is a good player, and despite returning from injury, you can see he has picked up from where he left,” Lwandamina told reporters on Saturday.

“I am happy for me that finally, he has made it to the national team and I know he will not disappoint the selectors.”

Azam are lying third on the 18-team table with 36 points from 20 matches while Yanga SC are sitting at the top with 46 points from 20 matches and champions Simba SC are second on 36 points from 18 matches.

Kerala Blasters have amassed 16 points from 18 matches this season and have now seen their head coach Kibu Vicuna being shown the door.

The club have now appointed assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed to take over the reins until the end of the season. They next face Chennaiyin FC on Sunday and Ahmed pointed that there is scope for improvement in their performances this season.

“We all know that it is a difficult situation and there is no time to change many things. But yes, there will be a few things that we want to improve, and we are working on that. The most important thing is that the boys are motivated even though we know that we have nothing to play for.

“For me, there is everything to play for, which is our pride, our self-respect and I think the players are up for these two matches,” said Ahmed.

Ayush Adhikari, who made his debut as a second half substitute against Hyderabad FC, is hopeful of getting a positive result on Sunday evening. The former Indian Arrows midfielder was pleased that he finally got a chance to debut in the country’s top tier league.

“This season was very hard for us and the club, but we learned a lot and hopefully we will apply it for the next game and get a positive result,” he mentioned.

“It was an absolutely memorable day for me, and I felt really good. I've been working hard since the first day and I finally got a chance to play for the Blasters. Even though the result (4-0 defeat to Hyderabad) was very hard to take, it pushed me and gave me more motivation to push myself,” he added.

Police FC chairman Asan Kasingye has called on the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) to suspend him after alleging the referees for the Friday game against Vipers Sports Club were corrupt.

Kasingye stormed onto the pitch when their goalkeeper Derrick Ochan was red-carded after what looked like he handled the ball outside his area. Police, who have been on a good run, were reduced to 10 men and ended up losing 3-2 to the league champions.

Ochan was sent off by referee George Olemu after consultation with his assistant Juma Osire.

"The world must know about Vipers and their relationship with referees," Kasingye tweeted. "I am now waiting for my suspension. That will be my highest achievement ever in managing a
UPL team for 30 years. Fufa, hurry up, suspend me and enjoy your referees' antics!

"Let it come even now. Are they not late? This is going to liberate the clubs that fear to talk out. Vipers will do it again. In the near future, you will remember me. In fact, I am setting a legacy in Uganda’s football that will transcend my physical life on earth."

The move to send off the goalkeeper infuriated Kasingye, who in a number of tweets, alleged Vipers have always had a questionable relationship with referees.

"I know how they operate. I know. The little respect I had for you Vipers is all gone," added the visibly angered chairman. "This is the order of the day for Vipers. It’s too much. We can’t keep looking on as they rape the beautiful game. Someone must stop this madness. Corruption in football has gone beyond and Vipers, together with your hired refs, shame on you.

"As of now, focus on me. This matter of corruption in the game of football is a huge elephant in the room. StarTimes pays referees their share of the sponsorship money. Why do they engage in shameful activities?"

Kasingye further alleged corruption has infiltrated the Ugandan game and states the time to deal with it is now.

"I have been in football for long," explained the chair. "I am normally a cool person and when you see me like this, then enough is enough. Remember, I was the director of Interpol and directed investigations into corruption in football in 2016. Some communication officers need to shut up!"

"In 2015, the Uganda Cup headed to Kyamate grounds in Ntungamo.  Referee Robert Downey does the unthinkable and he was banned in July 2015. Do Ugandan referees learn? We have discussed these things at the board. It’s high time I came out. I don’t mind if I stand alone. Posterity will absolve me."

Club Brugge midfielder Charles De Ketelaere has admitted that he harbours an ambition to test himself abroad amid interest from Serie A giants AC Milan and Lazio.

The teenage prodigy enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Pro League outfit last term, and has carried his form across into the current campaign, earning his first senior cap for Belgium in November last year.

De Ketelaere, reportedly valued at €25 million (£22m/$30m), is contracted through to June 2023 with Brugge, and says that he is not in a hurry to leave the club - but has acknowledged that he would love to play outside of his homeland in the future.

What has De Ketelaere said?

"Honestly, I do dream of an adventure abroad, but I don't have to right now," the 19-year-old told Krant van West-Vlaanderen .

"I will always make a healthy choice. Only sporting ambitions count. You always want to improve.

"There is no concrete career plan. A few foreign clubs were interested, but if I say that I want to stay at Club Brugge for another three years I would be very happy with that."

What has he achieved so far?

De Ketelaere, who has already notched up 50 games for his club, very much remains one of Brugge's biggest prospects and could further emerge as a key matchwinner for the club as they look to take further steps in Europe.

Last year, he finished fifth in the voting for the Belgian Golden Shoe, awarded to the country's best player, while he was also named Best Youngster, following in the footsteps of Thorgan Hazard and Youri Tielemans.

His first senior cap, handed to him by Robert Martinez in November, saw him make the leap from the youth system to the first team, placing him in consideration for this year's Euro 2020 squad.

The bigger picture

Though they sit 13 points ahead of second-place Royal Antwerp in the Pro League, Brugge are competing in their third consecutive Europa League round-of-32, following a Champions League group-stage exit.

De Ketelaere, who has started 15 of their 26 league fixtures this season, has already carved out a reputation as a key passer amid the senior faces of his squad and Brugge would surely hope that he remains with them for the near future.

But with a price tag that may prove tempting for some, including Milan, Lazio and fellow Serie A side Atalanta, they could face a fight to keep him at the club - especially if he makes the cut for Belgium at Euro 2020, which would likely put him in the shop window.

Further reading

Yanga SC interim chairman Frederick Mwakalebela believes their fans are provoked by alleged 'poor officiating' which causes them trouble.

The administrator has raised his concerns regarding the officials in the Tanzania Mainland League which he believes are wanting. The fans have, at times, found themselves on the wrong side of the law and the official explains why.

"It is always Yanga fans who are fined; Tsh500,000, Tsh 1 million and so forth; and we are being told that our fans are always trouble makers," Mwakalebela told reporters.

"Honestly, our fans are not trouble makers, but at times, there are provocative situations that arise which make our fans make noise and react.

"Yanga have been at the receiving end of poor officiating even in tough games which the players have done their best to win. We are even asking whether we should continue taking part in the league."

The official hopes referees will be punished and that the responsible authorities will also act to ensure there is fairness in the game.

"If there is a predetermined champion, then crown them, why should we always be victims in every match we play?," Mwakalebela posed a question.

"Tanzania Football federation, Tanzania Premier League Board, the 72-hour Committee, and the Referees Committee should urgently intervene.

"We will not tire from crying for justice and we are following up to know what action has been taken against the officials who were in charge in our game against Mbeya City and Kagera Sugar respectively."  

Meanwhile, Timu ya Wananchi gave Simba SC communications officer Haji Manara a 14-day notice to publicly apologise for allegedly degrading their brand.

"Yanga is a big brand and recently, we celebrated 86 years since inception and the club has done great things," Mwakalebela stated.

"We have used a lot of energy and resources to grow the Yanga brand in East Africa, it is not easy work. 

"However, recently Simba spokesperson Haji Manara decided to mock our brand. As Yanga management, we have taken legal redress as required.

"Through our lawyers, we have written to Manara and demanded a public apology in the next 14 days for degrading our brand, failure in which we will take him to court."  

For the first time in a decade, the Milan giants occupy the top two positions in Serie A heading into the city’s derby, which is the 174th between the duo.

Considering this, it’s fair to say that Sunday’s showdown is the biggest meeting between the two heavyweights since that fixture in 2011, when AC Milan defeated Internazionale in the title race.

Their victory ended the Nerazzurri’s five years of success, but since then, neither of the pair have clinched the league title, with Juventus enjoying a remarkable period of domestic dominance.

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This time round, however, the Milan pair occupy the top two spots, with Inter on 50 points, leading their neighbours by one point.

As Juventus—two defeats in their last five league games—continue to look short under Andrea Pirlo, will this be the year when the Scudetto returns to Lombardy?

AC Milan vs Inter Milan: Team News

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was rested for Milan’s Europa League draw with Red Star Belgrade in midweek, as Mario Mandzukic made his debut, but the Swedish superstar will be back leading the line for the derby.

Sandro Tonali returned to action from the bench following a brief injury, in midweek, although Brahim Diaz remains absent with a hamstring problem.

Inter’s only absentee is Stefano Sensi, who will be missing with a muscle injury.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan: Key facts & stats

Inter have the stronger recent derby record heading into this one, having won four of the last five meetings between the pair.

However, Milan won the first match between them earlier this season, and will be desperate to do their first double over their city rivals since 2010-11.

The improvement between the Milan giants this season has been startling; to date, they have a combined 99 points—16 more than they did at the same stage last term—although there’s a fear that the Rossoneri are turning the corner.

AC Milan have lost three of their last seven matches, and must prove that their fragility is a thing of the past.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan: Prediction

Considering how decisive a defeat could prove in the title race, neither of these two will countenance a loss on Sunday, so expect a cagey encounter.

Milan’s midweek exploits against Red Star—albeit with a much rotated team—could prove decisive, with Inter set to be fresher and better rested heading into this one.

Similarly, while Milan got the better of Inter last time around, the Nerazzurri will be in better recent form, and have lost just once in the league since mid-October.

Prediction: AC Milan 1-1 Internazionale  

Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso looks set to miss the rest of the season and France's Euro 2020 campaign after he tore a tendon in his left thigh during training this week, the club have confirmed.

The Frenchman pulled up during routine practice with the Bavarian giants on Thursday, while attempting a shot on goal, and faces a spell on the sidelines that could rule him out for the next six months.

The 26-year-old has played on only 14 occasions this season in the Bundesliga, as part of Hansi Flick's rotated squad, but remains a core component of his coach's plans.

What's been said?

Speaking ahead of his side's clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, Flick was unsure how long Tolisso would definitely be ruled out for.

"I'm very sorry for Coco," said Flick. "We expect him to be out for at least three months.

"I hope the operation went well. We were all shocked; he limped off the pitch and was in tremendous pain.

"In recent games, Coco has again shown his quality, and I'm more than impressed by him. He'll be given all the time he needs and he has our full support.

The bigger picture

Tolisso's injury comes as Flick and Bayern look to carry the form of their exceptional 2019-20 campaign on with further triumphs at home and abroad.

They currently lead the Bundesliga by five points, and have already won the Club World Cup this season, in which Tolisso played a part.

His projected layoff is more than just a concern for his club, but also one for France boss Didier Deschamps, potentially robbing him of one of his most decorated midfielders.

The former Lyon man first made his debut for Les Bleus in 2017 and was a member of the squad that won the World Cup at Russia 2018 the following year. 

Favoured as an impact player in big games - he came off the bench for Deschamps in the World Cup final against Croatia and for Flick in the Champions League final against PSG respectively - his layoff is likely to force the national team coach to look for other options.

Further reading

Yanga SC management has hit out at what they term as unfair treatment which is affecting their results in the Tanzania Mainland League.
 
The last two matches involving Wananchi against Mbeya City and Kagera Sugar respectively have been marred with controversies which have cost the 27-time champions vital points. It is for this reason they have come out demanding explanations.

"We have realized that Yanga are not treated fairly by authorities managing football in the country; I mean the Tanzania Football Federation, Tanzania Premier League Board, the Referee's Committee as well as the 72-hour Action Committee," Yanga interim chairman Fredrick Mwakalebela told reporters.

"Yanga have been treated unfairly; for example in our match against Mbeya [that ended 1-1], the centre referee and his assistants were giving out contradicting decisions.  

"In the 76th minute, Mbeya conceded a clear penalty but the referee denied us. Every fan who has watched the incident has admitted it was a penalty. None has denied that fact. As a result, Yanga lost two points unfairly. 

"Not only that; recently against Kagera Sugar [a match that ended 3-3], our player was fouled in the danger zone, the referee did not award anything. Again, there was a handball by our opponents in their 18-yard area and once again the referee ignored."

Mwakalebela is now questioning why the officials do not work in unison and went on to question whether there are hidden agendas set.

"A centre referee is always assisted by his assistants when it comes to making a decision that he did not see clearly or was unable to reach on time," he continued. 

"However, when you see the officials arguing on a certain decision, it raises eyebrows.  

"We are asking, what have Yanga done to those who manage football in Tanzania? Are we not supposed to challenge for the league title? Do we have a pre-determined champion? Why do these problems arise when Yanga are playing and not any other team?"  

The 27-time champions are scheduled to play Mtibwa Sugar on Saturday in the league assignment.

Wananchi are currently leading the race to the title with 46 points coming from the 20 games they have played. They have not lost any game this season.

Kaizer Chief will be out to avoid recording a four-match losing run when they host SuperSport United in a Premier Soccer League match at FNB Stadium.

After succumbing to Orlando Pirates, Richards Bay and AmaZulu in their last three matches across all competitions, Chiefs are keen to prevent further embarrassment.

From those three defeats, Amakhosi have gone five matches without tasting victory and now come up against a team that is second on the standings.

It is a SuperSport United side which beat Chiefs 2-1 in the reverse fixture at Lucas Moripe Stadium on December 15.

Following Chief’s slump in form, they are currently placed ninth on the PSL table.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

The Chiefs match comes a few days after coach Gavin Hunt announced he has stripped goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune of the captain’s armband.

The Bafana Bafana gloveman made another blunder in their last match against AmaZulu.

It was another error by Khune who had been handed a start for the first time in two months.

Chiefs will still be missing left-back Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya due to suspension.

Darrel Matsheke will also not take part in this match after being handed a red card against AmaZulu.

SuperSport have not released a list of injured players for this match as coach Kaitano Tembo would need his key players to be available for a match of this magnitude.

But the likes of Lucky Mohomi, Bongani Khumalo and Sipho Mbule were spotted participating in full training on Friday.

Match Preview

The last match between these two sides saw SuperSport emerging victorious with a 2-1 victory.

That was in December 2020 as Bradley Grobler and Mbule scored for SuperSport, while Lebogang Manyama pulled one back for Amakhosi.

It is now a fresh challenge for the Gauteng giants as SuperSport seek to close the five-point gap between them and leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Matsatsantsa go into this match on the backdrop of mixed results in their previous outings.

They have one defeat, two wins and as many draws in their last five games but the 2-1 win over Cape Town City last Saturday could be spurring them.

They come up against a Chiefs side low on morale after losing two of their last league games

Kampala City Council Authority coach Mike Mutebi has maintained a cautious approach as they come up against struggling MYDA FC in a Ugandan Premier League match on Saturday.

The Kasasiro Boys will host the newcomers for their first meeting ever in the league’s history at Lugogo Stadium, seeking a win having drawn their last fixture 1-1 against Express FC in the derby.

The former league champions are also having a bad run of their own as the last time they won a league match was on December 11, 2020, against Mbarara City FC.

Despite MYDA remaining winless in the top-flight from seven matches and lying 15th on the 16-team league table, the veteran Mutebi has called on his players not to underrate the promoted side as they are capable of causing an upset in the fixture.

“We have prepared well; we know they [MYDA] are capable of causing an upset to us. We will approach the game smartly and make sure we get maximum points at home,” Mutebi told the club’s official website.

“We have the home advantage and this will add some confidence to our players because it has been a while since we played a league game at our home.”

Ahead of the match, Mutebi will be a happy man as he does not have any injury concerns and will be able to use the squad from the derby staged at Wankulukuku.

Youngsters Sadat Anaku, Ayella Dominic, and Opio Sunday are ruled out due to licensing issues and missed the clash against Express, while the fixture comes a little early for Julius Poloto, Denis Iguma, and Gift Ali who are still recovering from injuries.

Magambo Peter, Filbert Obenchan, Musana Hassan, Achai Herbert, and Kato Samuel are the available options for coach Mutebi to pick from, while on-form youngster Charles Lwanga and league top scorer Brian Aheebwa will lead the forward line against MYDA.

MYDA picked their only point thus far against Mbarara City FC at home while KCCA will go into matchday eight with 10 points from seven games.

Meanwhile, champions Vipers SC who beat Police FC 3-2 on Friday, are topping the table with 18 points from eight matches while Police are second on 16 points from eight outings.

Confederation of African Football has allowed 30,000 fans to attend the Group A Caf Champions League match between Simba SC and Al Ahly on Tuesday.

The Tanzanian champions will face the African champions in their first-round meeting at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and according to Simba spokesman Haji Manara, Caf has accepted their request to have fans attend the match.

“Caf has told us we can have 30,000 fans only during the match,” Manara told reporters in Dar es Salaam. “And this being a big match, fans will pay Tsh3000 for terraces, Tsh, 15,000 for VIP B and Tsh30,000 for VIP A.

“For those purchasing tickets they must do so by the end of Monday night since from Tuesday, which will be matchday, the tickets will increase in price with those for the terraces going for Tsh5,000, VIP B Tsh20,000 and VIP A Tsh40,000.”

On Friday, Simba formed a rallying call by coining ‘Total War in Dar’ as their slogan ahead of the key game.

“The last time we met here in Dar es Salaam we defeated Al Ahly 1-0 in 2019 and our slogan then was 'Yes, we can',” Manara told reporters on Friday.

“Before the last game [vs FC Platinum] we said 'War in Dar' a war that was fought in 90 minutes, it was a war of blood and sweat and we emerged victors.

“This time around the clarion call is 'Total War in Dar'. Al Ahly are a big team but we are at a point of no return. We must fight them and we must win.”

The Msimbazi giants opened their group campaign with a vital 1-0 away win against AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo while the African champions cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win against Al Merrikh of Sudan.

The Egyptian giants, led by South African coach Pitso Mosimane, were yet to start their group stage fixtures as they were taking part in the Fifa Club World Cup held in Qatar, where they managed to clinch a bronze medal.

For Simba, it was Congolese forward Chris Mugalu who delivered the three points after stepping up to score from the penalty spot for the 1-0 win while Al Ahly benefited from Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Walter Bwalya, and Mahmoud Kahraba's goals to move top of the group, but on goal difference.

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has predicted an equally difficult game when they take on Simba SC in their Group A match of the Caf Champions League on Tuesday.

The two sides have started their campaign on a winning note, Simba beating AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 away in Kinshasa while the African champions cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win at home against Al Merrikh of Sudan.

Ahead of their match set for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, Mosimane has now said they are equally prepared to come up against a side that beat them the last time they faced off at the same venue.

“We are equally prepared to face Simba, it is going to be a difficult game, Simba beat us last time we played here so maybe it is time we correct it,” Mosimane told reporters after the Egyptian giants touched down at the Julius Nyerere International Airport on Friday night.

Pressed further to explain what he expects from Simba, Mosimane said: “We are happy to be here and we will talk more during the press conference, thank you.”

In 2019, Simba came up against Al Ahly in the same competition with the Red Devils winning the first leg in Cairo 5-0 but Simba returned home to beat them 1-0 courtesy of a Meddie Kagere strike.

Mosimane has arrived in Tanzania minus five players - Ali Maaloul, Taher Mohamed Taher, Walid Soliman, and Salah Mohsen, who have been ruled out due to injury, while Hussein El-Shahat is suspended.

He will, however, welcome back Ayman Ashraf who missed their first group match against the Sudanese side in Cairo.

In an earlier interview, Simba coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa admitted it will not be an easy game against the champions but remained confident they will fight to get something from the fixture.

“It is not going to be an easy game, every team needs a win and our target is to see we get a win to build on what we achieved in Congo,” Da Rosa told reporters after the team beat Biashara United 1-0 in a Mainland Premier League match.

In the other group match, both Al Merrikh and AS Vita will face off seeking their first wins in the campaign at Al-Hilal Stadium on Tuesday.

Al Ahly full squad: Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shennawy, Ali Lotfi, Mostafa Shobeir, and Hamza Alaa.

Defenders: Rami Rabia, Ayman Ashraf, Mahmoud Wahid, Badr Benoun, Yasser Ibrahim, Saad Samir, Ahmad Ramadan Beckham, and Mohamed Hany.

Midfielders: Amr El-Sulya, Aliou Dieng, Hamdi Fathi, Akram Tawfik, Mohamed Magdy Afsha, and Mahmoud Kahraba.

Forwards: Junior Ajayi, Mohamed Sherif, Marwan Mohsen, and Walter Bwalya.

Francisca Ordega has urged Nigerian fans not to set high expectations for the Super Falcons in the 2021 Turkish Women's Cup ahead of Saturday's showdown with Uzbekistan.

The African champions started their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow at Emir Sports Complex on Wednesday, with Ordega assisting Chinwendu Ihezuo's winner.

Despite claiming a slim triumph over the Russian champions, the West African side struggled to impress in the second half. 

But the former Shanghai striker assured that her side will get better in the course of the four-team championship in Antalya.

"I will appeal to Nigerians to keep supporting us. We desire more positivity and no negativity from them," Ordega told Goal.

"This is a new team and a new coach. They should not expect too much from us, but we will not disappoint."

We will continue to do our best. Putting on the green and white is everyone's dream. Whenever we put it on, we should always strive to give our all. 

"Even if we lose which will never be our intention, although I don't pray we lose anyway. They should rather support us than criticise us. It will go a long way to help us get better."

The Super Falcons reassembled for the first time since October 2019 when they bowed out of the Olympic qualifiers against Cote d'Ivoire.

After a win over CSKA, Ordega lauded her mates' good fighting spirit in handing new coach Randy Waldrum a winning start in charge.

"It feels great to be back together as a team since October 2019," she continued.

"Even before the game, the coach told us that it was a preparation competition for us. He said he's not really interested in the result or the scoreline but he is keen about seeing our performance. 

"He wanted to see how we will be able to play together as a team after a long time and also deal with pressure. I commend my teammates for a good fight and teamwork for the win.

"Overall, I believe we're just starting and we had some lapses which we are working on and he has also pointed out that already to us." 

The first half was great [against CSKA Moscow] because we played to the coach's instructions but the second half was not good enough.

"I believe in the second game we will step up and correct some of the mistakes we made in the first match. We will surely get there.

"If we win the tournament, it's fine but we want to come together, know ourselves better and also have an idea of what the new coach wants from us." 

Gor Mahia have failed to travel to Zambia as planned and are still stranded in Kenya ahead of their return leg clash of the Caf Confederation Cup on Sunday.

The Kenyan champions were due to travel on Friday to Lusaka for the return leg against the pensioners of Zambia but the trip was cancelled owing to logistical issues.

According to Gor Mahia secretary general Sam Ochola, the team is still expected to hit the runway anytime before the clash is set for National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday.

“It is true, we have not travelled as expected, we were supposed to leave for Zambia on Friday but some issues cropped up so we did not travel,” Ochola told Goal on Saturday.

“We are doing our best to make sure the team travels before the end of Saturday; we are working on it.”

Asked to explain why the Friday trip aborted, Ochola said: “There are many things and I cannot explain now, just call me after two hours and I will be able to give you full details of what happened and what time the team will travel.”

A senior player at K’Ogalo, and who did not want to be named, also told Goal they had not travelled as earlier planned and are not sure if they will make the trip.

“We have been told to prepare and travel on Sunday, and remember the game against Napsa Stars will also be played on Sunday, we are not happy with how they have planned the trip,” the player told Goal on Saturday.

The Kenyan champions are already facing a tall order to qualify having lost the first leg 1-0 at home a week ago.

It was Daniel Aboko who powered home the lone goal with four minutes left to the final whistle after his powerful shot from outside the box sizzled past Gor Mahia's defenders and beat keeper Boniface Oluoch.

The goal complicated matters for K’Ogalo as they travel for the return leg but Portuguese coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto has put on a brave face, insisting the record Kenyan giants are still capable of turning around the first-leg deficit and return home with a qualification berth.

Gor Mahia travelling squad:

Goalkeepers: Boniface Oluoch, Gad Mathews.

Defenders: Geoffrey Ochieng, Joachim Oluoch, Charles Momanyi, Philemon Otieno, Kevin Wesonga, Fred Nkata, Andrew Juma, Frank Odhiambo.

Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna, Ernest Wendo, Alpha Onyango, Sydney Ochieng, Nicholas Omondi.

Forwards: Nicholas Kipkirui, Jules Ulimwengu, Benson Omalla, John Macharia, Tito Okello.