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The Campeonato Brasileirao Serie A is the top level of soccer in Brazil and has been the breeding ground for some of the world's greatest players including Pele and Neymar.

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

As a result, football fans and scouts from all over the world watch the Brasileirao to see some of tomorrow's stars today, as well as some of the most exciting and entertaining games on television, filled with amazing technical ability and plenty of goals.

The 2020 Serie A season was due to begin on May 3 and end in December but, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the tournament calendar was paused before eventually starting in August. It will now continue until February 24, 2021, barring any further delays.

How to watch Vasco vs Internacional

Vasco find themselves in dire relegation trouble going into the Serie A season's final stretch. 

The Rio side went into the weekend in 17th position, inside the drop zone to the second tier. 

And they will have their work cut out for them against Inter, who are flying high at the top of the table. 

Inter kick off at the same time as title rivals Flamengo on Sunday, who sit one point back in second. 

With just three games remaining in the season, victory for the Porto Alegre outfit and a loss of points for their challengers would go a long way to securing the fate of the crown.

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

Brasileirao 2020 is exclusive to Fanatiz outside Brazil and the Balkans.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Vasco vs Internacional team news and preview.

Vasco are without the suspended Marcelo Alves, and will be sweating on the health of Henrique, who took a knock in the team's last outing.

Inter, meanwhile, welcome back Moises and Rodrigo Lindoso, who have completed the bans that kept them out last time round against Sport Recife.

Watch all this weekend's Brasileirao matches on Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Brasileirao matches are available on Fanatiz?

Watch the Brasileirao live on Fanatiz.

The Campeonato Brasileirao Serie A is the top level of soccer in Brazil and has been the breeding ground for some of the world's greatest players including Pele and Neymar.

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

As a result, football fans and scouts from all over the world watch the Brasileirao to see some of tomorrow's stars today, as well as some of the most exciting and entertaining games on television, filled with amazing technical ability and plenty of goals.

The 2020 Serie A season was due to begin on May 3 and end in December but, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the tournament calendar was paused before eventually starting in August. It will now continue until February 24, 2021, barring any further delays.

How to watch Flamengo vs Corinthians

It has been a turbulent season for defending Brazilian and South American champions Flamengo.

Pep Guardiola's former assistant Domenec Torrent was chosen to replace the wildly successful Jorge Jesus, but lasted a matter of months in the hotseat before being sacked in favour of Sao Paulo legend Rogerio Ceni.

Ceni oversaw Fla's shock Copa Libertadores exit at the hands of Racing Club but has kept them competitive in their bid to retain the Serie A title, with the Rio club just one point behind leaders Internacional with four games to play.

Corinthians have seen any chance of a title challenge slip out of their grasp, but a place in the Copa Libertadores in 2021 is still within reach. 

The Sao Paulo giants currently sit in eighth place, with the top seven qualifying for South America's premier club competition. 

City rivals Palmeiras are four points clear of the Timao having played one game fewer, but the Timao can still make up lost ground. 

Defeat against Flamengo would likely end their hopes, though, leaving them with the consolation prize of a probable Sudamericana berth.

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

Brasileirao 2020 is exclusive to Fanatiz outside Brazil and the Balkans.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Flamengo vs Corinthians team news and preview.

Flamengo have received a boost prior to Sunday's crunch match with the return of defender Rodrigo Caio, who has been out of action for almost three weeks due to injury.

The visitors, meanwhile, will have to do without Gabriel and Mateus Vital, who are both suspended.

Watch all this weekend's Brasileirao matches on Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Brasileirao matches are available on Fanatiz?

Watch the Brasileirao live on Fanatiz.

Swallows FC remain undefeated in the PSL this season after drawing 0-0 with AmaZulu FC in a match which took place at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Beautiful Birds were looking to snap a three-match drawing run in the league having secured a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Cape Umoya United in the Nedbank Cup game last weekend. 

Defenders Vuyo Mere, Wandisile Letlabika and Njabulo Ngcobo were among the six players who recalled to the starting line-up as coach Brandon Truter brought back his key players. 

On the other hand, Usuthu were eyeing their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions having defeated Lamontville Golden Arrows 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Nedbank Cup game last weekend.

Coach Benni McCarthy handed Zukile Kewuti his debut after the winger joined AmaZulu on loan from Cape Town City this week and he started alongside Augustine Mulenga, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Luvuyo Memela in the attack.  

AmaZulu threatened first through Lehlohonolo Majoro, whose shot was well-saved by Thela Ngobeni, after being awarded a starting berth ahead of fellow former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Virgil Vries.

The Beautiful Birds were not sitting back as they launched attacks and Usuthu shot-stopper Veli Mothwa produced a diving save to deny Kamohelo Mahlatsi.

Swallows saw most of the ball, but they could not cut open AmaZulu's resolute defence which was marshalled by Mbongeni Gumede.

Thabo Matlaba, who is one of the best long-range shooters in the PSL, tried his luck from distance and the Swallows full-back's shot was easily saved by Mothwa.

Usuthu were then able to contain the Beautiful Birds and the score was 0-0 during the half-time break in Soweto. 

A relatively quiet second-half followed with Swallows and AmaZulu struggling to create clear cut chances as both teams gave away possession easily in the final third. 

With his side unable to create goalscoring opportunities, McCarthy introduced Siphelele Mthembu in the 71st minute as AmaZulu looked to break the deadlock. 

However, Mthembu could not make an impact on the game as he was tightly marked by Man of the Match Ngcobo, who had a good game at the heart of Swallows' defence. 

The Beautiful Birds played long balls into the opposition's box with Truter having introduced strikers Kagiso Malinga and Joseph Mhlongo in the closing stages of the game.

AmaZulu defended very well against the long balls and ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw with the two teams sharing the spoils on the day.

The result saw Swallows climb up to third place on the league standings - four points behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, while AmaZulu remained seventh on the log.

Swallows will now take on Cape Town City on February 21, while AmaZulu are set to face Kaizer Chiefs on February 17.

Express FC have moved fourth on the Ugandan Premier League table after a laboured 1-0 win over Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) FC in a game played at the Arena of Visions, Ndejje on Sunday. 

George Senkaaba scored the lone goal to hand the visitors maximum points and a place in the top four.

The Tax Collectors came into the match hoping to maintain their decent start in the league. Prior to their game, they had managed to get three wins from the five matches they had played, with two ending draws, and to prove they were serious title contenders, they had to get a win against their visitors.

However, it was the Red Eagles who had a good start as they aimed at destabilizing their opponents by going for an early goal.

Their tactic paid off in the 11th minute as Senkaaba was left unmarked in the danger zone and his volley found the back of the net.

The four-time league champions upped their tempo in search of an equalizer, but they failed to break down the Red Eagles defense that was well organised and was determined to protect their lead. 

Express looked more dangerous in the final third and in the 40th minute they almost doubled their advantage. Their skipper Enock Walusimbi managed to get in the 18-yard area, but his effort hit the woodwork and bounced to safety.

In the 51st minute, URA managed to get their chance through Shafik Kagimu. However, goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga made a decent save, pushing the ball out for an unfruitful corner.

Despite pressure from the Tax Collectors, Express kept their discipline at the back, relying on counter-attacks.

They almost scored their second of the match with five minutes to go, but goalkeeper Hannington Ssebalunyo pulled a stunning save to deny Godfrey Lwesibawa who was almost certain to score.

It was the last piece of meaningful action as Express resorted to cautious play to ensure they did not drop points. The win was their third of the season, and they are now on 12 points from six games. 

Namungo FC coach Hemed Morocco has discussed how they have learned from their Caf Confederation Cup cancelled game in Angola.

The domestic cup winners were already in Luanda to face Primeiro de Agosto in their first leg clash but the game which was set for Sunday was cancelled by Caf after the Angolan authorities ordered all Namungo players to self-quarantine owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Morocco has now explained the team suffered while in Angola but said they can use the experience to make them prepare for the future.

“We want to thank God that everyone is okay and safe but what happened is a lesson for us to learn,” Morocco said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“It’s a challenge for us and it’s a lesson too so we have nothing to say at the moment, we are back in Tanzania to prepare for our upcoming matches.”

On cancelling the fixture on Saturday, Tanzania Football Federation explained: “Caf has cancelled the first leg match pitting Primeiro de Agosto against Namungo,” read a statement by TFF signed by media officer Cliford Mario Ndimbo and obtained by Goal.

“The game was scheduled to be played on Sunday in Luanda but earlier on authorities in Angola had ordered the entire team of Namungo to be quarantined after arriving in Luanda and also be tested for Covid-19.

“Owing to the standoff, Caf has moved to call off the match and confirmed the outcome on the game will be discussed and communicated in due course.”

Earlier on Saturday, the TFF confirmed in a statement they were closely monitoring the situation by stating: “TFF is closely following up on why Namungo was quarantined by the Angola authorities immediately after undergoing the mandatory Covid-19 tests,” read a statement from the Federation and obtained by Goal.

“Namungo reached Angola [on Friday] to play their final Caf Confederation Cup preliminary game against Agosto.

“On reaching Angola, all players were subjected to Covid-19 tests, and later on, the authorities directed the whole team to be quarantined in the military premises which contravene the Confederation of African Football (Caf) directives.

“TFF has been in constant communication with Caf to find an amicable solution fast to allow Namungo to continue with their preparations for the game that will be played on February 14.”

The East Africans were paired against Primeiro de Agosto of Angola in a draw conducted on January 8. The Tanzanian Premier League side, who are making a first appearance at this stage, were scheduled to play away, before a home match against the Angolan outfit, on February 14 and 21, respectively.

Rasheedat Ajibade scored her first goal for Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Valencia in a Spanish Primera Iberdrola encounter.

Since joining Atletico on a two-year deal from Norwegian Toppserien side Avaldsnes on January 1, 2021, Ajibade has failed to find the net, although she only played as a substitute in all five games.

The Nigeria international was handed her sixth appearance as a substitute again, and she went on to mark her presence on the pitch, with her first goal in Spanish football.

At Centro Deportivo Wanda, the hosts made a false start to the encounter as Iina Salmi played Candela Andujar through to hand the visitors a shock lead after 22 minutes of action.

Atletico, however, bounced back into the mix when Amanda Sampedro set up Ludmila to level eight minutes later before the duo combined well to gain the lead on the brink of half time.

After the restart, the hosts continued to preserve their narrow lead until Maria Jimenez gifted them a third of the match four minutes after Ajibade was brought on for Ajara Nchout in the 75th minute.

Eight minutes from full time, Sampedro grabbed her hat-trick of assists when she teed up the Nigerian to score her maiden Atletico goal to guarantee her side's return to winning ways, at home.

The result moves Atletico to fourth with 38 points from 20 matches - 10 behind leaders Barcelona, who still have four matches in hand.

Nigeria's Ajibade featured for the final 15 minutes of the contest and has now scored one goal in six appearances for Atletico, while Cameroon's Nchout was in action for the opening 75 minutes.

After the international break, the former champions will aim to continue with their winning form when they confront Real Betis on March 7.

Terem Moffi continued with his tremendous goalscoring form in FC Lorient’s 2-2 draw at AS Monaco in Sunday’s Ligue 1 encounter.

The Nigerian striker now boasts eight goals in his last nine games for the Merlucciidaes in all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign.

Buoyed by their 2-1 defeat of Paris FC in a Coupe de France encounter on Tuesday – where Moffi was among the goalscorers, Christophe Pelissier’s men travelled to Stade Louis II to face title-chasing Monegasques.

With just seven minutes into the game, the visitors took the lead through Moffi who beat goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte from the penalty spot. Referee Benoit Millot pointed to the spot after a goal-bound Yoane Wissa was hacked down by Lecomte.

Monaco came out attacking in their numbers, nevertheless, they were unable to level matters as the first-half ended a goal in favour of the visiting team.

Three minutes into the second half, the hosts levelled matters through Wissam Ben Yedder from a penalty after Djibril Sidibe’s fine corner kick spun and touched the arm of Houboulang Mendes. Despite goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer guessing the right way, he could not stop the ensuing kick.

In the 62nd minute, Moffi put his side ahead - firing past the goalkeeper after dribbling past the hosts’ defenders.

Knowing that his men were in danger of losing, manager Niko Kovac introduced French left-back of Malian descent Fode Balo for Djibril Sidibe, Ruben Aguilar for Senegal and Morocco prospect Sofiane Diop and Pietro Pellegri for Caio.

The substitutions paid off with Yeddar ensuing that the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note after profiting from an assist from Benoit Badiashile.

Moffi was in action from start to finish alongside Madagascar international Jeremy Morel, while Wissa who was handed a starter's role was substituted for Jonathan Delaplace in the 78th minute.

Morel's compatriot Thomas Fontaine, Cote d'Ivoire's Stephane Diarra, Togolese defender Josue Homawoo and Cameroonian midfielder Franklin Wadja were not listed for the clash.

For Monaco, Krepin Diatta was handed a place in the starting XI but he was replaced at half time by Stevan Jovetic.

Thanks to this result, Lorient occupy 17th position with 23 points from 24 games, while Monaco sit in the fourth spot with 49 points from 24 outings.

Ilkay Gundogan says he could spend the rest of his career at Manchester City.

The midfielder has been a crucial player for Pep Guardiola's side this season and is having his most productive spell since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. 

Gundogan, 30, has scored 13 goals in 25 appearances in 2020-21 to help lead City to the top of the table amid a 16-game winning run.

What did Gundogan say?

"I must honestly say that I can imagine that happening," he told Sky Sport in Germany regarding whether he could see out the remainder of his playing days at City. 

"The way they work here, not only athletically but also in all areas around it, is something I have never seen before in my career. I feel like the club is more than just the football itself and it's just a nice feeling to be a part of this family."

He continued: "I think that in my career I have had phases in the past where I was playing just as well. The way I played football. Of course, what is added this season are the goals. The numbers are much better, that's why it stands out even more at the moment.

"But that's also because I play a more attacking role. I have more freedom when it comes to attacking the opposing goal. But also the hard work I do. I try to do everything as well as possible and take the best possible care of myself."

Are Man City title favourites?

City beat Tottenham 3-0 on Saturday to protect their lead in pole position, while reigning champions Liverpool fell further behind with a 3-1 loss to Leicester.

Gundogan is confident his side can win back the Premier League crown, but insists his side must be at their best. 

"If we continue to play like this, I will see ourselves as the favourites for the title. But it takes a lot of work from every player. Individually and as a team," he said.

"We know what we have achieved in the last few weeks and what kind of responsibility that entails. We have to face the responsibility because we want to become champions in the end."

Further reading

Orlando Pirates proved too strong for Jwaneng Galaxy as they claimed a 3-0 win in the Caf Confederation Cup play-off round first-leg match in Gaborone on Sunday afternoon.

Thulani Hlatshwayo opened the scoring with a header in the first half and two second-half goals from Linda Mntambo and Jean-Marc Mundele sealed the Buccaneers' comfortable victory. 

The Buccaneers were determined to grab a first-leg advantage after recording their second win in a row when they brushed aside Cape Town City 2-0 in a PSL match on Tuesday. 

Coach Josef Zinnbauer made two changes to the team which faced City as Mntambo and Terrence Dzvukamanja made their return to the Bucs starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Galaxy were playing their first competitive match since they lost 3-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Caf Champions League first-round second-leg match in Pretoria on January 5.

Ex-TS Galaxy duo of Ezekiel Morake and Thero Setsile started for Oris Radipotsane's side, while Lebogang Ditsele, who was once on the books of the now-defunct Highlands Park, was deployed in midfield.

Galaxy were under pressure from the first whistle with Pirates launching attacks with the Soweto giants looking to grab an early goal, but they were denied by Morake, who was in top form between the sticks for the hosts.

Morake pulled off a magnificent finger-tipping save from Vincent Pule's long-range shot and he produced a breathtaking double save as parrying away Happy Jele's header, before denying Dzvukamanja from close range.

The Buccaneers kept probing for the opening goal and Morake pushed away Deon Hotto's curling free-kick which was heading for the near-post and he also gathered Fortune Makaringe's long-range shot. 

Pirates' pressure finally paid off in the 32nd minute when Hotto's quality corner-kick was headed home by an unmarked Hlatshwayo to make it 1-0 to the visitors with Galaxy ball watching at the back. 

Galaxy tried to respond with a goal, but Junior Dion was brilliantly denied by goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who ensured that the first-half ended with Pirates leading 1-0.

Bucs pushed for another away goal after the restart, but they could not keep their shots on target with Paseka Mako and Hotto placing their attempts over Morake's goal-posts.

Galaxy coach Radipotsane decided to introduce former Pirates midfielder Ricardo Lourenco just after the hour-mark as the Botswana champions searched for the equalizing goal.

Zinnbauer then refreshed his attack as he brought on attackers Mundele and Kabelo Dlamini and the Buccaneers continued to launch attacks toward the end of the game.

Pirates doubled their lead through Mntambo, who was afforded time and space on the edge of the Galaxy box in the 77th minute and he scored with a powerful shot after being set-up by Mako.

The Galaxy defence was then bullied by Mundele, who fought for an aerial ball in the box with 11 minutes left before firing past Morake with a volleyed effort to make it 3-0 to Pirates.

The visitors were running riot and they could have scored more goals, but Morake pulled off fantastic saves to deny Mntambo and Siphesihle Ndlovu - ensuring that the match ended 3-0 to Pirates.

The two teams will meet again in the second-leg encounter at Orlando Stadium on February 21 and the winner on aggregate will advance to the group stage.

Yanga SC have suffered a huge blow in their quest to win the Mainland Premier League title after losing striker Saidi Ntibazonkiza for one month.

The Jangwani giants signed the Burundian star during the mid-season transfer window and despite their plans to have him push the team to the title, they have now confirmed he will be out due to a hamstring injury picked during the Mapinduzi Cup on January 13.

During the tournament held in Zanzibar, Ntibazonkiza was the star for Yanga as they beat rivals Simba SC 4-3 on penalties, with the striker notching the decisive penalty.

Yanga Media Officer Antonio Nugaza has confirmed the injury to Sokalabongo by stating: “Basically people need to realise a player always uses his feet to make sure he plays, so if he is in pain, he needs a long time to treat himself especially for injuries like Saidi [Ntibazonkiza], who is suffering from swelling in the thigh and waist joints where they are often treated using radiation.

“He says he is feeling better at the moment, he should have been sidelined for two months, but he hopes to return to the field within a month.”

Meanwhile, Mbeya City coach Mathias Lule has blamed the referee for the team’s 1-1 draw against Yanga in a league match played on Saturday.

According to Lule, the goal scored by Deus Kaseke in the 85th minute did not deserve to stand because it did not cross the line.

"At first we were not playing well in the first few minutes especially for the players failing to follow instructions but later they were able to get back into the game,” Lule explained as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“As for the goal we conceded, I can't talk about it because if a referee decides it's a goal you can't change his decision for us but if you ask me the ball did not cross the line, from my point of view, it was not a goal.”

Despite the draw, Yanga remained top of the 18-team league table with 45 points from 19 matches, while rivals Simba SC, who were on duty in the Caf Champions League, are second with 39 points from 17 matches.

Trent Alexander-Arnold believes Liverpool's performance against Leicester was one of their best despite losing 3-1.

The reigning Premier League champions took the lead midway through the second half through Mohamed Salah, but the hosts fired back 11 minutes later with a goal from James Maddison.

Jamie Vardy put Brendan Rodgers' side ahead shortly afterwards and Harvey Barnes struck to put the result beyond doubt.

What was said?

Alexander-Arnold told the club's official website: "I think for 70 to 75 minutes we were outstanding, up there with one of our best performances – counter-pressing, taking the ball off them for fun, they couldn’t really get out. Really, really top drawer from us.

"I think first half we never created too many clear-cut chances but second half we did, had a few more shots, scored, and we were in the driving seat.

"Then the tables turned and they put the game to bed within the matter of five to 10 minutes and that’s football. It happened so quickly, it just happened in a moment and we’ve just crumbled at the end of the day."

Leicester's equaliser came from a free kick outside the Liverpool box and was initially disallowed for offside, only for a VAR review to change the decision.

The Reds right-back believes his side were hard done by in that incident, but says they must improve the way they deal with difficult situations.

"We had confidence going into it. We were 1-0 up, I haven’t watched it back but being part of the challenge, I personally didn’t feel like it was a foul," he said. "I’ve heard it’s been dubious to be offside, but it’s part of football, we’ve got to get on with it.

"The second goal is one in a million really, just a lack of communication, no-one to blame there. The third goal, we’ve lost the ball in a bad position and they’ve punished us for it.

"By that point the game is dead and buried and it’s tough to get back from that point. But like I said, I think our mentality needs to improve in those tough situations that we had."

Can Liverpool bounce back?

Jurgen Klopp's team are now on a three-game losing streak and the coach admitted after the match that their hopes of defending the Premier League title are over.

Alexander-Arnold is happy with the way the Anfield side have been playing, however, and is confident they can get back in form.

He said: "Everyone talks about a bad spell and a dip in form and stuff, but I feel personally we’ve performed well in the last few weeks, in the last two months or six weeks or so.

"I thought we’ve performed well, it’s just that we haven’t been getting the results [and] it’s a results business so there’s no excuses for that.

"But I think confidence-wise, we’re not playing badly, we’re not getting battered. We’ve been playing well but not getting the results so it’s about turning those performances into results and that’s probably what we need to look at most."

Further reading

Mauritania U20 coach Mauril Njoya says his ambition is to help a squad that would become an asset to the country’s senior national team.

The West African country are hosts of the 2021 U20 Africa Cup of Nations and they will commence their campaign against Cameroon at the Stade Olympique.

Making their debut at the biennial African championship, the Junior Lions of Chinguetti are modest about their ambitions, and the tactician who replaced Malian Baye Ba in December 2020, is upbeat that his team would give a good account of themselves.

“Our objective is to have a good performance for this group to continue growing. We are building a team to become an asset for the senior national team,” Njoya told Caf website.

This is a team that we have been preparing for three years. I believe this is a dream opportunity for Mauritanian footballers and we prepared for this event in a very good way. Now we ask the whole nation to support these junior players.

“We prepared on two levels. Our technical department studied players in the national championship, and we had our eyes on players abroad in France, Turkey and academies in Senegal. I am not saying we are to win this U20 Afcon, but Mauritania will have their word.”

The Cameroonian also admitted it was a risk taking the coaching role less than three months to the commencement of the tournament.

“Yes, I replaced one of the best coaches on the continent (Baye Ba), but the job of a coach is always linked with some risk,” he continued.

“You can win titles and be sacked afterwards. When you coach a team it's always a risk.

“I was recruited to continue a job that my predecessor had started three years ago. It’s a project that started with the creation of this team that has gone through several tournaments.

“I found a well-prepared team, and I must pay tribute to my predecessor Ba who did a good job. We continued what he started - to build a winning team before the U20 Afcon.”

After Sunday’s fixture against the Cubs, they will square up against Uganda and Mozambique in their remaining Group A games.

The Confederation of African football has confirmed the Caf Champions League Group C postponed match between Wydad Casablanca and Kaizer Chiefs will be played at a neutral venue on a date to be announced.

The two sides were due to clash on Saturday in Casablanca but Chiefs failed to travel after they were denied Moroccan visas.

Morocco is not allowing in travellers from South Africa due to the coronavirus new strain.

After Bloemfontein Celtic faced almost similar circumstances in their Caf Confederation Cup match against Nigerian side Rivers United, Caf has admitted that organising matches for South African clubs have become difficult.

“As a result of the stricter travel restrictions imposed on South Africa by some countries due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have experienced more difficulties to organise matches in South Africa,” Caf secretary-general Abdelmounaim Bah wrote to Safa.

“We consider this as an extraordinary situation and as a result, the case was presented to the Caf Organising Committee for inter-club competitions which has recommended to replay the match in a neutral country that will be confirmed along with the date and kickoff time within the coming 24 hours.”

Chiefs could, however, be taking the postponement of their Champions League match as a blessing in disguise as they will have nine days off competitive action until their next match when they host AmaZulu on Wednesday for a Premier Soccer League clash.

This comes after coach Gavin Hunt on a number of occasions complained about crammed fixtures.

Chiefs reportedly used R1 million in preparing for the aborted trip to Morocco.

“Kaizer Chiefs can submit to Caf the justification of the financial losses they have incurred and we would present it to the concerned committee for their decision on who should bear the cost. We rely on your usual understanding and cooperation during this tough period where certain unforeseen measures need to be taken,” said Caf.

With Morocco strict on not permitting in travellers from South Africa, it is not yet clear if Caf presidential hopeful Patrice Motsepe and Safa president Danny Jordaan, as well as the rest of their delegation, will be allowed entry into Morocco for the Caf elections on March 12.

Angola is another country which does not encourage travelling between their country and South Africa which saw Sagrada Esperanca abandoning their trip to Orlando Pirates for a Caf Confederation Cup assignment.

Steven Gerrard has revealed why he started Nigeria international Joe Aribo in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of Kilmarnock in a Scottish Premiership showdown.

Unbeaten in their last 11 league games, the Gers silenced Tommy Wright’s men with Ryan Jack scoring the only goal in the 37th minute.

Alongside compatriot Leon Balogun, Aribo – who played his 22nd league game of the 2020-21 campaign was in action from start to finish at the Ibrox Stadium.

While lauding his men for maintaining their 100% home record, he disclosed why he chose the former Charlton Athletic midfielder ahead of Finland international Glen Kamara.

“Glen Kamara obviously we never used today but he is another top one who can complement them,” Gerrard told the club website.

“It is a fantastic midfield three but at home we want to be a bit more aggressive, a bit more bold and that's the reason why we decided to go with Aribo.

“It is certainly an improvement on last week, we had a few meetings early in the week to reset ourselves and I thought we were back today in terms of owning the pitch and our organisation out of possession.

“Allan [McGregor] had a relatively quiet afternoon but I'd like us to be a bit more clinical and ruthless going forward.

“I think we created the chances but I'll never complain after a 1-0 win. It is another clean sheet and that is 14 wins out of 14 at home which is the standard and level we have been striving for so credit to the boys.”

The win saw the Gers maintain their lead at the summit of the Scottish top-flight log having accrued 79 points from 29 games - 21 points ahead of closest challengers Celtic.

Rangers travel to Belgium for Thursday’s Europa League clash against Royal Antwerp and the Liverpool legend claimed his men are in a sound state of mind for the clash.

“We are in a fantastic place and we want the players to try and enjoy this,” he continued.

“We realise it is a really critical and important time but we want them to pump their chests out and really enjoy this journey and the story they are creating so far.

“The squad's getting healthier, Alfredo and Kamar are available on Thursday and then Alfredo is available next week too. Defoe has had a couple of sessions and we used Arfield today just to give him a taste of it.

“We are in a good place and we just need to take each challenge as it comes now but it’s very positive for us.”

Ralf Rangnick has claimed that Chelsea wanted to bring him in as their new interim coach before turning to Thomas Tuchel.

Frank Lampard was relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge on January 25, with Tuchel drafted in as his replacement having been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain the previous month.

Ex-RB Leipzig boss Rangnick was also touted as a contender for the role at one stage and he has now confirmed that the Blues offered him the chance to step into the dugout on a caretaker basis.

What was said?

Rangnick told The Times of his negotiations with Chelsea: "I said: 'I would like to come and work with you, but I can't do it for four months. I'm not an interim coach."

Asked if he would be open to taking up a different position in the Premier League in the future, he added: "it would have to be something special. It depends on the club and whether you want to work with a German coach."

Rangnick's links with England

It has been reported that Rangnick was among those interviewed to succeed Roy Hodgson as England's new permanent boss prior to Sam Allardyce's appointment in 2017.

Allardyce only took charge of one competitive game before being sacked amid allegations of corruption, with Rangnick now revealing that he was the current West Brom manager's main competitor for the job.

"The England job was between me and Allardyce. They decided on Sam. We know how that went," he said.

Who else has Rangnick managed?

In addition to his two spells in the hot seat at Leipzig between 2015 and 2019, Rangnick has coached ten different clubs over the course of his managerial career - all of which have been based in Germany.

Schalke, Hoffenheim, Hannover and Stuttgart are among those to have benefitted from the 62-year-old's wisdom, and he has also been credited for influencing Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Jurgen Klopp.

Further reading

Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of €42.5 million ($52m/£37m).

Bayern have won the race to sign Upamecano ahead of a whole host of top European clubs, as the defender has put pen to paper a pre-contract agreement with the German champions which will see him move to Allianz Arena in the summer.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Juventus had also been linked with the 22-year-old, but he has opted to continue his development with the newly crowned sextuple winners.

What was said?

Bayern have confirmed the signing in an official statement on their website, which reads: "Dayot Upamecano will play for FC Bayern Munich from July 1, 2021. The defensive player and the German record champions agreed on a five-year collaboration until June 30, 2026."

The club's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic added: “We are happy that we were able to win Dayot Upamecano for FC Bayern Munich. Dayot will be a very important component for our team in the coming years, we are convinced of that."

What will Upamecano bring to Bayern?

Upamecano should be able to slot into Hansi Flick's starting XI next season, given the fact he already has plenty of Bundesliga and Champions League experience under his belt from his time at Leipzig.

The Frenchman has racked up 139 appearances across all competitions for Julian Nagelsmann's side since making his debut in 2017, establishing himself as one of the best young centre-backs on the continent.

With David Alaba set to leave Bayern upon the expiration of his contract in June, the club have already secured a ready-made replacement in Upamecano, who will be linking up with fellow countrymen Kinglsey Coman and Benjamin Pavard at Allianz Arena.

What comes next for Upamecano?

Upamecano will hope to end his Leipzig career on a high before joining up with his new team-mates at Bayern later in the year, having played a key role in their progress on both domestic European fronts in 2020-21.

Nagelsmann's team are currently second in the Bundesliga, and will be back in Champions League action when they take on Liverpool in the first leg of their round of 16 tie in Budapest on Tuesday night.

Further reading

Hansi Flick says he is confident that Jamal Musiala will sign a new deal at Bayern Munich, but has refused to engage in the Germany-England tug-of-war the teenager is currently involved in.

Musiala has just entered the final 18 months of his youth contract at Allianz Arena, with talks over an extension progressing as he approaches his 18th birthday.

Flick sees no reason why the young playmaker, who is eligible to play for both Germany and England, would want to continue his development anywhere else given the fact he enjoys the full support of everyone behind the scenes at Bayern.

What has been said?

Asked if there is any chance of Musiala leaving Allianz Arena later this year, Flick told Sport Bild: “Why should he go anywhere else? He can develop here, and he has the support and appreciation of the club, the coaching team and the other players. "

The Bayern head coach did not, however, wish to be drawn into the debate over which country the 17-year-old will end up pledging his allegiance to at international level.

“I spoke to Jamal and told him that he would have to decide it all by himself," Flick added. "He has to take responsibility for his future himself."

Could Flick and Musiala link up with Germany?

The German Football Association (DFB) are confident that Musiala will choose to represent Germany instead of England, as national team director Oliver Bierhoff told Bild last week: "We had a very good and open conversation, we are convinced that he will be a national team player, but it's a very personal decision.”

Current national team manager Joachim Low has promised to pick Musiala, despite the fact that questions are being asked over the 61-year-old's position due to the team's erratic form in recent years.

Flick has been named as one of the top candidates to replace Low, but he claims to have no designs on the role after a fantastic start to his managerial career at Bayern.

"I know what it means to work at FC Bayern and I see no reason to think about anything else," he said. "I have absolutely no reason to change anything at the moment."

Flick added on Low: "He is still doing a great job. I remember from my time how everyone raved about the way we played football when we became world champions [in 2014]. That was a development, which he was in charge of."

Musiala's record at Bayern

Flick has utilized Musiala's talents on a regular basis in the first half of the 2020-21 campaign, handing the midfielder 25 appearances across all competitions.

The England U21 international has scored three goals for Bayern so far, and could have the chance to make an impact once again when they take on Arminia in the Bundesliga on Monday.

Further reading