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Famara Diedhiou was left grinning after his first-half brace helped Bristol City secure a 2-1 triumph over Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night.

Making his 150th appearance for the Robins, the Senegal international was at his best to hand Dean Holden's men their 12th win of the 2020-21 campaign.

In the 22nd minute, the 28-year-old profited from Antoine Semenyo’s clever dummy before latching on to Alfie Mawson’s pass, took the ball around goalkeeper Ryan Schofield before showing composure in front of goal.

Four minutes later, the former Angers man met Kasey Palmer’s pass before a first-time finish into the far corner. That was his sixth league goal of the current season.

“It’s always a pleasure to score. I thought we started the game brilliantly with the two goals,” Diedhiou told Robins TV after the game.

“Huddersfield are a decent team but the most important thing is the three points and it’s good!. These were two great assists and I needed to be calm to finish.”

In the second-half, the Terriers did everything possible to level matters having reduced their deficit courtesy of Juninho Bacuna in the 59th minute. After that, they hit the woodwork four times, but it was the hosts who walked away with all points at stake.

“Of course, there was pressure because they are a very good team. We saw how they play but we took the three points and it’s what we needed to move on,” he continued.

“The confidence is there and we have to keep going. Come on, let’s go!”

Before his brace, Diedhiou had been cautioned in the fifth minute by referee Stephen Martin. After an impressive shift, he was substituted for Chris Martin in the 64th minute, while Ghanaian midfielder Opi Edwards was not considered for selection by manager Holden.

Thanks to this result, Bristol City climbed to eighth on the Championship log after accruing 39 points from 25 games, while Huddersfield Town stayed 14th with 31 points despite playing a game more.

The Teranga Lions would be hoping to take his goalscoring form to the Pride Park Stadium where they lock horns against Wayne Rooney’s Derby County.

Tammy Abraham has dismissed rumours that Antonio Rudiger has caused rifts behind the scenes at Chelsea as "complete nonsense" after Frank Lampard's sacking, insisting the defender "is a big bro to all of us".

Lampard was relieved of his managerial duties at Stamford Bridge on Monday after 18 months at the helm, with a club legend paying the ultimate price for the team's disastrous form in the Premier League.

The board decided to act in the wake of a 2-0 defeat at Leicester City which saw the Blues fall 11 points behind leaders Manchester United in this season's title race.

Ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has been drafted in for Lampard, who has not been given the chance to see a long-term project through to its conclusion after being handed a £200 million ($275m) war chest in the summer transfer window.

The 42-year-old brought in the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva to try and take Chelsea to the next level, while dropping several members of the squad that had been regulars in his debut season.

Rudiger was one of those who saw his playing time restricted, and it has been reported that the Germany international was a disruptive influence behind the scenes throughout the final months of Lampard's tenure.

Claims that the centre-back clashed with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta surfaced in the wake of the manager's departure, but Abraham has jumped to the defence of his team-mate on social media.

The Blues striker wrote on Twitter: "Hearing some mad stuff about Antonio Rudier on social media today. Complete nonsense. Toni is a big bro to all of us."

Didier Drogba, who enjoyed two successful spells at the Bridge, responded to Abraham with words of praise while highlighting the importance of using outside negativity as fuel to create a greater collective bond.

"Well said Son, THIS IS THE WAYYY!!! Stick together, get results and the fans will forgive you everything," the Chelsea great tweeted.

"Critics hurt but when you are together it makes you stronger and better."

Abraham and Rudiger will both be in contention for a place in Tuchel's line-up when he takes charge of his first game as Blues head coach against Wolves on Wednesday night.

Chelsea are in desperate need of three points after losing five of their last eight top-flight fixtures, but a 3-1 victory against Luton Town in the fourth round of the FA Cup last weekend served as a timely confidence boost for the squad.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has disclosed why he decided to play Nicolas Pepe as a left-winger against Southampton.

The left-footed 25-year-old, who was signed from Lille for a club-record £72 million, has predominantly been used on the right-wing in his career.

Against the Saints on Tuesday, the Cote d’Ivoire international was swapped to the left while England international of Nigerian descent Bukayo Saka was redeployed to the right.

Nevertheless, Pepe - who made his first league start since December 19, 2020 - was among the goalscorers as the Gunners cruised to a comfortable 3-1 triumph against Ralph Hasenhuettl's side at St Mary's Stadium.

Speaking to the Arsenal website after the game, the former Manchester City assistant manager gave reasons for his tactical change.

“It was more because of what we wanted to do in attack and the spaces we wanted to exploit,” Arteta told the Arsenal website.

“We believed that he could exploit some spaces there and he could be really efficient in doing that.

“I thought that the other day he had a good game and was involved in our best attacking moments, and the way he's been training he deserved his chance. Today [on Monday] he did the job really well.”

The former Lille star was cautioned by referee Kevin Friend in the 70th minute after departing the field too slowly prior to an Arsenal substitution. However, the Ivorian stayed on due to injury to Emile Smith Rowe.

“Well we were going to take Nico off and bring Gabi on but Emile got injured, so we had to change straight away,” he continued.

“We didn't want to use that substitution because then we'd have to make two. The referee believed that we were wasting time or something and he made a call.”

After putting up an impressive performance, Pepe – who now boasts of three goals in 13 league appearances – was replaced by Joseph Willock in the 90th minute.

Thanks to this result, Arsenal climbed to eight on the English top-flight log after garnering 30 points from 20 games. They will be full of confidence against Manchester United in their upcoming Premier League match.

Yanga SC have clarified why they picked Nizar Khalfan as the team’s assistant coach to replace Juma Mwambusi.

Goal exclusively reported on Tuesday the Jangwani giants had settled for the former player to take up the role which fell vacant seven days ago after Mwambusi left the position, citing health issues.

Mwambusi tendered his resignation in Zanzibar where the team took part in Mapinduzi Cup tournament and beat rivals Simba SC 4-3 on penalties, and the club moved with speed to appoint Khalfan after vetting over ten coaches, who had applied for the job.

Yanga media officer Hassan Bumbuli has now explained age, experience, and the exposure of their former midfielder earned him the chance to serve the team again.

“After a thorough assessment of our former players who took up coaching lessons at some point of their career, an exercise which consumed at least two days, the judges recommended Khalfan to fill the assistant coach void,” Bumbuli said as quoted by Daily News.

“Coaching slot is very tactical and requires a person who is serious with his works. All those who were shortlisted for the post conducted interviews but in the end, a group of judges were impressed with Khalfan to fill the vacuum.”

Bumbuli further said the appointment of Khalfan was also approved by the team’s head coach Cedric Kaze, who had requested to work with somebody who knows the DNA of the club and who is ready to share ideas with him for the success of the team.

On confirming the appointment of the former African Lyon’s coach, Bumbuli told Goal: “We have picked on Nizar [Khalfan] as he was the best among the coaches who applied for the job. In fact, over ten coaches had applied for the job and only five reached the final stage with Khalfan emerging the best.”

Among the coaches who reached the final stage before the team settled on Khalfan include Salvatory Edward, Maalim Saleh, and Omary Kapilima.

Meanwhile, Mwambusi has hit out at those castigating his move to leave Yanga, saying they were giving misguiding information to the club's family.

“There have been many stories which are misguiding Yanga family and those people who are involved in making such comments are destroying my reputation as a skilled and experienced football coach,” Mwambusi told the same publication.

“I have always enjoyed a good working atmosphere at Yanga and this was the second time for me to work at the club as such, both of us value each other well hence those who need to divide us have no room to excel.”

Yanga are topping the 18-team league table with 44 points from 18 matches.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn't think Manchester United need to dip into the January transfer market because his squad is already “full of quality”.

After guiding United to a third-place Premier League finish last season, Solskjaer added Donny van de Beek, Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri to his ranks in the summer window,

An agreement was also reached with Atalanta for the transfer of Amad Diallo, who finally completed his £37 million ($51m) move to Old Trafford at the start of the month.

Solskjaer has been able to consistently rotate his starting line up to keep everyone fit during the shortened 2020-21 season, with a plethora of top talent to choose from in all areas of the pitch.

United have risen to second in the Premier League after 19 fixtures and look set to fight for their first title in eight years, but it has still been suggested by some fans and experts that the team is still one or two players short of being the finished article.

The Red Devils do not have a natural right-winger on their books at the moment, and Eric Bailly's injury record means he is not the most reliable source of cover at centre-back, but Solskjaer has no plans to bring any new faces before the transfer market closes on January 31.

When quizzed on the possibility of signing any new players this month, the Norwegian head coach told a press conference: "I wouldn't think so, no. I'd be surprised if we do any incomings.

"The squad is strong, it's full of quality. I still need to leave players out for the squad at times.

"Bar something surprising happening, I wouldn't think something will happen [in terms of] incomings, no."

Solskjaer was speaking ahead of his side's clash with Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, which they will head into fresh from a thrilling 3-2 win over arch-rivals Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

United will be expected to make light work of the Premier League's bottom club, but the manager insists his players cannot afford to take anything for granted against the Blades.

“I’ve been part of the team that’s been winning leagues by making sure you perform to the best of your ability every game,” said Solskjaer.

“It doesn’t matter who you play against. That might mean, in some of the big games, you might lose, and that if they’re tight matches you might not get the result you want.

”If you add the consistency in the games on paper you should be winning and everyone thinks there’s an easy fixture down the line… It’s never an easy fixture in the Premier League.

“We’ve had a good, strong defensive set-up and I think that’s the key to it. The ability to work hard and make sure we keep the ball out of our net because we got the quality to score.”

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Player’s Status Committee, on Monday, handed I-League side Gokulam Kerala a transfer ban for two windows over an alleged contractual dispute with footballer Malemngamba Meetei. 

The Manipuri winger had joined the Malabarians from NEROCA ahead of the 2019-20 season on a three-year contract but after completing just one season, the club was alleged to have unilaterally terminated the player’s contract towards the end of last season.  

It is believed that the player contacted the Indian FA’s Player Status Committee over a financial dispute with the club. The Committee examined Meetei’s case and arrived at the decision that the club will have to pay the player a compensation amount of INR 6 lakhs for the 2020-21 season and INR 12 lakhs for the 2021-22 season.

A total of INR 18 lakhs must be paid to the footballer by the South Indian club and the Committee has also directed the player to directly notify the club regarding the payment process. 

The player claimed a compensation amount of INR 28 lakh from the club but the committee arrived at the figure of INR 18 lakh by using the method of mitigated compensation. The forward is currently under contract with Bengaluru United and Gokulam are required to pay only the amount that he is not earning from his current contract (Compensation = Wage agreed with Gokulam - current wage) which amounts to INR 1.5 lakh per month.

The committee calculated the total amount for four months for the ongoing season and it amounts to INR 6 lakh. They also considered the cost for eight months (2021-22) season which makes it INR 12 lakh.

It has been learnt that the player also wanted the club to pay him for the month of April and May (2019-20 season) but it was rejected as the season ended early in March before the Coronavirus pandemic struck.

If Gokulam Kerala fails to compensate Meetei within 30 days of the notification, the case will be directly referred to the AIFF Disciplinary Committee for non-compliance of the verdict. 

Along with a hefty compensation amount, the I-League side has also been handed a transfer ban for two windows in accordance with AIFF Regulations. 

The decision comes as a huge blow for the Malabarians but the Kozhikode-based club are set to appeal against the verdict. 

Goal has learnt that Meetei is the only player from last season's Gokulam Kerala squad who was given a show-cause notice by the club due to disciplinary issues. According to a source close to the developments, the player failed to turn up for training sessions without citing valid reasons and is also claimed to have misbehaved with the then Gokulam head coach Fernando Varela due to a lack of first-team minutes.  

However, the player has denied all charges levelled against him. 

"The club did not send me any show-cause notice. I had some problems with the coach but it was resolved amicably. We are like a family and now I am in good terms with him as well," said Meetei to Goal. 

The 29-year-old winger has represented Indian clubs such as Salgaocar, Bengaluru, Mumbai and NEROCA. He has also played for Indian Super League (ISL) outfit NorthEast United during the 2017-18 season.

Bengaluru FC interim coach Naushad Moosa stated that it is vital to give opportunities to young players to get a taste of topflight professional football. He maintained that while they are in the race for a position in the top four at the end of the Indian Super League (ISL) league stage, the experience the young players would gain out of the minutes under their belt this season would go on to help them in the long term.

“We are trying to balance things. We have not given up for play-offs. But we are giving them time to prepare for next season. So, the idea is there to prepare our team for the next season also. It is important for them to understand the level of ISL as its totally different. So, giving them 20-to-30 minutes to understand the pressure and level of the game,” said Moosa.

They will face Hyderabad FC on Thursday evening and Manuel Marquez’s team haven’t won a game in their last three outings. Moosa pointed that they will look to take advantage of the spaces Hyderabad leave when they move forward and reiterated that the play-off berths are up for grabs citing the example of how NorthEast United have moved up on the standings.

“They (Hyderabad) are pressing well. They are playing well between the lines. We will try to use the spaces that they leave. They are a good team. The way we are on the table we have to  go all out and play more attacking football to get those three points. It is open for everyone. NorthEast have got two wins in a row. It is very important for us to win the next match,” he mentioned.

In the last four matches under Moosa, Bengaluru FC have managed to amass two points and he was questioned on whether he is feeling the heat from not getting the desired results. He replied that the players as keen as himself to get three points on the table.

“As a coach, I would love to have three points. But I need to understand the dynamics of the players. More than me they (the players) are desperate for the win. The players are fighting out. They have been a few defensive lapses. But they are working hard. Three points are very important for us to move forward. All are fighting for that,” he answered.

The Blues do not have a recognised left-back in their ranks. Ashique Kuruniyan was deployed in the said role and the India international suffered an injury. Since then, the likes of Ajith Kumar, Rahul Bheke and Parag Shetty have been asked to fill in. Moosa explained that he needs a player with more speed to play on the left flank in order to provide enough protection to the left-back.

“Our left side was exposed more. Cleiton (Silva) was not dropping down much. We will see that it is covered. We will try to remain compact throughout the field. I’m still trying to find the apt shape for the team. Cleiton is a more attacking player. I’ll need a fast player to cover my left-back. Maybe Leon (Augustine) can play on the left as he has pace. We will take a call on that. Tomorrow we look to have a compact defence.

“Last two days we have been working on it. The first 15 minutes are very important to have control. It is important to not concede early and keep possession. We gave the ball easily in our defensive third (in the last game against Odisha). We are working on that now. We hope to improve tomorrow. Harmanjot Khabra should play. We will take a call after today's training. We will not force him to play. He is confident to play and would like to have him,” said the former Air India coach.

Almost every ISL team have struggled to score goals regularly and Bengaluru FC too have been plagued with the same concern. Moosa spoke on the positional shift for skipper Sunil Chhetri as he has been playing more centrally as opposed to start from the left side.

“It was our main concern. Since I took over we are focussing on that. We are working on finishing drills. But it takes time. We are really missing a number nine…a player like Miku. Sunil was playing from the left and now I am playing him more centrally. But from the next games, we hope to be able to improve on that,” he pointed.

Moosa also spoke on the importance of playing in front of their home fans at the Kanteerava Stadium and how not playing at Bengaluru has, to an extent, not helped their results.

“It is the same for every team. Of course, there is a lot of difference. I have been with the team for the last three years. Playing a home match was totally different. It really helped us. We rarely lost points in Bengaluru. It is affecting. But it is for all teams. We are in a bubble with no access to the outside world. If it was not for bio-bubble then it would have been different. But the fans are with us even in this situation. We have been receiving supportive messages in social media from them,” he signed off.

Riyad Mahrez continued his remarkable Premier League run against West Bromwich Albion with a goal and an assist during Tuesday’s game.

The Algeria international accentuated his importance to Pep Guardiola’s team by helping the Citizens silence the Baggies 5-0 at the Hawthorns.

Having won their last ten games across all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign, the Etihad Stadium giants faced Sam Allardyce’s men, who were hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to West Ham United their last time out.

City raced to take the lead in the sixth minute through Ikay Gundogan, who received a cross from Joao Cancelo from the right, took a touch on the edge of the box before rifling past goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

While the hosts were aiming to launch a comeback, the visitors doubled their lead in the 20th minute courtesy of Cancelo.

Bernardo Silva darted onto the ball down the right and cut back for the Portuguese defender, who dinked it home for his first strike in the English elite division, before Gundogan got his second of the night ten minutes later.

In a goal-laden first half, Mahrez gave Guardiola’s men a four-goal advantage on the stroke of half-time after he was picked out by Raheem Sterling.

With that, the former Leicester City man has now been directly involved in nine goals in eight league fixtures against West Brom. He has only registered more goal involvements in the competition against Watford (ten).

Some 12 minutes into the second-half, City completed a routine win after Mahrez turned provider for England international Sterling.

Thanks to his commanding performance, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner – who now boasts of five goals in 14 league games so far – was on parade from start to finish.

On the other hand, Nigeria international Semi Ajayi saw every minute of action, albeit, he could do little to prevent Allardyce’s side from obliteration.

Manchester City’s result takes them a point above Manchester United on the log having accrued 41 points from 19 games.

They continue their quest for the English top-flight diadem when they face relegation-threatened Sheffield United this weekend.

Indian Super League (ISL) side ATK Mohun Bagan have been clubbed with Bangladesh's Basundhara Kings, Maldives' Maziya S&RC and the winner of the play-off round in the Group D (South Zone) of the AFC Cup 2021.

Fellow ISL side Bengaluru FC will be facing the winner of the qualifying play-off preliminary round one clash between Nepal Army Club and Sri Lanka Police in the preliminary round two. In the other preliminary round two clash, Bangladesh, Abahani Dhaka will face the winner of Maldives' Club Eagles and Bhutan's Thimphu City. Both matches will be played on April 14.

The winners of the preliminary round two will square off in a play-off clash and the winner of that match will join the other three clubs in Group D.

This year all AFC Club competitions will be held in a centralised venue. The group stage matches of the AFC Cup South Zone which is the Group D will commence on May 14.

The AFC Cup West Zonal Semi-finals will be held on September 13 and 14 with the second-leg scheduled to take place two weeks later. The ASEAN Zonal Semi-finals will take place on August 10 and 11 over a single leg.

The two-legged Zonal final involving South, Central and East clubs is scheduled for August 11 and 25, with the ASEAN single-leg Zonal final planned for August 25, before the two-legged West Zonal Final takes place on October 20 and November 3.

The two-legged Inter-zonal Semi-Finals is scheduled for September 14-15 and 28-29 with the Inter-zonal Final to be staged on October 20 and November 3.

ATK Mohun Bagan, after their merger, took Mohun Bagan's AFC Cup group stage slot which they had earned by winning the I-League last season. As a result the qualifying preliminary round two slot which was kept for the ISL champions which ATK won, went to Bengaluru FC as they finished third in the league of the ISL 2019-20 season.

Zambia coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has warned his side not to underrate Namibia when the two sides face off in their final Group D match of the African Nations Championship on Wednesday.

The Chipolopolo will seal their place in the quarter-finals of the competition if they bag a win against Namibia at Limbe Stadium, a side that has already been eliminated after losing their opening two matches.

Despite heading into the match as favourites, Sredojevic has warned his charges to guard against complacency, saying they should not face them as an eliminated side.

“We have no right to see in front of us an eliminated team [Namibia] because they are coming with pride and play for themselves,” Sredojevic told Zambia FA social media pages.

“We need be fully focused that we are not playing an eliminated team but like we are playing a cup final before the final.

“Only that mindset without complacency can bring us good results, anything else is a huge risk and we know that that football is a game that will lead any direction. We have recently seen Liverpool and Burnley.

“We want to give respect to opponents and if we respect them, we have no right to underestimate them and be complacent and we will take them the more serious way performing to the standard demanded on the field of play.”

On his part, Namibia coach Bobby Samaria has admitted they will only play for pride having been eliminated from the competition.

“As much as the game is of no significance for us, it is important to play for the flag as well as for the badge,” said Samaria.

Guinea are topping the group on four points while Zambia are second, also on four points, but the former enjoy a superior goal difference.

In the other match, Tanzania, who are third in the group with three points, still have a chance to make it to the quarter-finals, if they beat Guinea.

Tanzania revived their hopes of making it from the group after they beat Namibia 1-0.

Farid Mussa secured the maximum points for the Taifa Stars after he scored the all-important goal in the 66th minute and they will now face the Syli Nationale knowing a win will guarantee them passage.

Mamelodi Sundowns will resume their quest to open a gap at the summit of the Premier Soccer League with a clash against Black Leopards at Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday.

The Brazilians have risked losing grip on top spot after dropping six points following draws in their last three games.

But thanks to their nearest rivals also failing to collect maximum points, they are still leading the standings, albeit on goal difference.

They visit unpredictable Black Leopards who have been flirting with relegation but recently stunned Orlando Pirates in Thohoyandou.

That 2-0 win over Pirates on January 17 could be a signal of what awaits Downs.

Seated second-from-the-bottom, Leopards are also keen to go up the table and ease their relegation woes in what could make Sundowns' trip a tough one.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Leopards begin life without coach Dylan Kerr who parted ways with the club earlier this week.

After losing 3-0 to Chippa United last Saturday, Kerr’s second stint with the club ended as he left them 15th on the standings.

The Englishman was in charge of a difficult nine matches during his two-month spell at the club and Lehlohonolo Seema will temporarily hold the coaching reins at the club.

The Venda side will also be without suspended Ghanaian midfielder Edwin Gyimah after the former Orlando Pirates star picked up a red card against Chippa United.

Sundowns co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena say they have been fielding a depleted squad since early December due to injuries and illness.

The latest to be hit by injury was defender Brian Onyango who missed the top-of-the-table clash against Swallows FC last weekend. It is not yet clear if the defender will be back on Wednesday as they club is yet to issue an update on their squad.

Defenders Lyle Lakay and Bangaly Soumahoro as well as midfielder Khuliso Mudau also missed the Swallows clash due to “medical reasons” and their availability for the Leopards match is shrouded under uncertainty.

Striker Peter Shalulile and Ricardo Nascimento were not around for the Swallows match and it is not yet known if they will feature against Lidoda Duvha.

Match Preview

Having shared spoils in their last three games, Sundowns have gone on a three-match league winless streak for the first one since May 2017 when they posted a similar run of successive draws.

The current performance has placed their title credentials have been under question.

Although their slump includes draws against fellow title contenders SuperSport United and Swallows FC, that does not take away the scrutiny emanating from a failing to win in three games.

Still unbeaten in this campaign, Sundowns started the year on a high by edging Orlando Pirates 1-0, before beating Baroka FC 2-0 but their recent form undermined those efforts.

That has put them under pressure to launch a recovery at Thohoyandou Stadium, a potential minefield where Pirates were upset by Leopards.

Also scoring just one goal in three matches is an unfamiliar situation for Downs.

The Brazilians have 27 points, the same as second-placed SuperSport United and Swallows, who are in the third spot.

They now face a Leopards that managed just two wins, three draws and four defeats in the nine games under Kerr.

Lidoda Duvha’s defence, which has conceded 19 times in 12 games portrays, their defensive challenges which Downs might want to exploit with an attack that has scored 20 goals in 13 matches.

The last time the two sides met saw Sundowns convincingly winning 3-0 during the PSL bio-bubble four months ago.

Gor Mahia coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto has admitted they must work on their finishing if they are to return to winning ways against Zoo FC in an FKF Premier League match on Wednesday.

The Kenyan champions will welcome the Kericho-based side at Kasarani Stadium in one of their catch-up matches and it comes after they had suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against promoted side Vihiga United at the same venue on Saturday.

It was the first defeat for coach Pinto, who joined the club to replace Roberto Oliviera, and speaking ahead of the match, he has cautioned his players to improve their finishing if they are to get a win in the fixture.

“I noted some aspects in our last game [against Vihiga United] that we need to improve,” Pinto told the club’s social media pages.

“We lost but I consider it to be one of the best because we created a lot of chances.

“We need to improve on our finishing, all games against us are difficult because opponents know the quality of Gor Mahia squad they always give their best to win and we respect these teams.

“We will do our best to outsmart our opponents to get all three points.”

On how prepared they are for the fixture which comes only three days after they lost on Saturday, Pinto said: “Three days are not enough to prepare well but we did what is possible to make the team ready for Wednesday game [against Zoo].

“The team is not in the best shape, we require more time to train but that’s the schedule and we need results to continue giving confidence to the team.”

With the transfer window now open, Goal exclusively reported on Tuesday Gor Mahia have entered the race to sign forward Ovella Ochieng and defender Bolton Omwenga.

Gor Mahia have made a rather bad start to the season and despite playing three matches fewer than the leaders, they are in 10th position on the 18-team table with nine points from six matches.

K’Ogalo are also taking part in the Caf Confederation Cup and this is after they performed dismally in the Champions League, where they lost 8-1 on aggregate to Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

Gor Mahia have now been lined up to face Napsa Stars of Zambia in the playoffs of the Confederation Cup, with the first meeting planned for Kenya on February 14 and the return fixture a week later in Lusaka.

Football fans took to social media to react to Odion Ighalo bidding farewell to Premier League side Manchester United.

The Nigerian striker’s loan deal with the Red Devils will come to an end on January 31, and he is set to return to Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

Ighalo arrived the Old Trafford giants on a temporary deal on the final day of the 2020 January transfer window, to provide Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with cover for the injured Marcus Rashford, who was sidelined with a back issue.

Nevertheless, his contract was extended having impressed in his eight appearances before lockdown - scoring four goals in three starts.

However, he had precious little time on the pitch in the 2020/21 season and subsequently returned to his parent club.

As expected, fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the former Watford man’s departure.

Former Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini says the Kaizer Chiefs substitutes had a huge influence on Tuesday’s 1-1 Premier Soccer League draw against Baroka FC, as he singles out Leonardo Castro’s contribution at FNB Stadium.

Chiefs had to come back from behind to salvage a point as they appeared set for defeat after Thamsanqa Masiya put the visitors ahead eight minutes into the second half.

Amakhosi coach Hunt responded by introducing Leonardo Castro for Erick Mathoho and Siyabonga Ngezana was switched from right-back to central defence, while Frosler, who was playing as an attacker, moved to the wing-back position.

It was a more offensive approach which also saw Kearyn Baccus coming on for Happy Mashiane, while Lebogang Manyama was pulled out for Dumisani Zuma.

This resulted in Castro combining well with Samir Nurkovic for some relentless attacking, which saw Baroka buckling under pressure before Goodman Mosele beat his own goalkeeper for an own goal that handed Chiefs a point.

“Positive impact indeed [by Chiefs substitutions]. All of a sudden Castro became that difference also trying to knock the ball down,” said Dlamini in her post-match analysis on SuperSport TV.

“Unfortunately for Mosele who I thought had a good game in controlling that midfield turned in into his goal. But it’s quite frightening to see Kaizer Chiefs chasing almost every game they play. They have become a team that chase and fortunately here they were rewarded.

“I guess they were rewarded for trying. Other than that it wasn’t really a great day for Kaizer Chiefs where the final cross lacked. The crosses that they were looking for and the final pass didn’t come at all for the strikers.”

With Chiefs’ next assignment being a short trip down the road to Orlando Stadium to face Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s Soweto derby, Dlamini feels that Amakhosi's latest outing geared them up for the showdown against their old foes.

Pirates were also in action on Tuesday and also recorded a 1-1 draw against visiting TS Galaxy.

Dlamini says Pirates were also afforded “proper preparations” just like Chiefs ahead of the Soweto derby.

“I have no idea what is going to happen on Saturday but I do expect both teams to really go at each other,” Dlamini said.

“We miss the Soweto derby and of course I thought both teams would really want to fine-tune for Saturday because all the coaches would say they want to concentrate on Tuesday’s games first.

"But I thought these matches were preparations, proper preparations confidence-wise, team structure-wise that gets you the final execution on matchday Saturday.”

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer says his side is missing a 'typical' striker following their draw with TS Galaxy on Tuesday evening.

The Buccaneers were held to a 1-1 draw by the Rockets in a PSL match which was played at Orlando Stadium.

The deadlock was broken by Bongani Sam in the 11th minute to hand Pirates the lead, but Masilake Phohlongo levelled matters for Galaxy 10 minutes before the half-hour mark.

"We started the game well, we took our opportunity but then it's one cross and we're asleep in the defence, not one player alone, one, two, three players," Zinnbayer told SuperSport TV.

"Then we work on this, we do our best but in the end we hit the post, the chances that we had, in the moment we don't score but if you don't have goals you don't win the game.

"We can't change the world, we don't have a striker what need [Deon Hotto] did a good work coming from the wing but we need another striker." 

Pirates strikers Frank Mhango, Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa are all out nursing injuries and Zinnbauer has been forced to deploy Thembinkosi Lorch as a centre forward.

"You can feel this, you can feel in the box the typical striker like Lepasa, Mabasa, 'Gaba' [Mhango] you have not," he continued. 

"But we can't change the world we do our best, Lorch in the last minute so close [to scoring], you see [Bongani] Sam made the goal, a full-back.

"We found the system for this but it's always a foot between the ball and a goal, we have a little bit unlucky in the moment we cannot change, we have to focus on the next game, we have to work on it."

Zinnbauer, who introduced DR Congolese striker Jean-Marc Makusu in the 70th minute, said he will have to work with what he has at his disposal at the moment.

"We have not a lot of training sessions in the last four weeks, it's not possible to say now a striker is here, we have to work with what we have," he added. 

"We have good players but the result is not okay for me, it's not enough, the performance yes, the tactics, it's running we had situations to score.

"But at this moment we don't have this power what we need for a goal."

Pirates are set to take on their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a titanic PSL encounter at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Teams playing against ATK Mohun Bagan shouldn't be too happy about going into the break without conceding goals. That is because all of Bagan's goals except one have been scored in the second half. 

Bagan end their games well and with the second-best defence in the league taking care of oppositions' attackers, it is no surprise that they are second on the table after 13 games, only behind Mumbai City.

But on Tuesday, NorthEast United not only dealt with Bagan's attack that featured Roy Krishna and David Williams but also breached their defence twice. 

Luis Machado and Federico Gallego made their presence felt and got on the scoresheet to help Khalid Jamil win two games in two since taking over from Gerard Nus earlier this month. 

In the first half, NorthEast had a couple of good chances but they failed to convert them. It was more concerning for the Highlanders as they needed to get off to a good start against the Mariners who were a 'second-half team'.

After the break, NorthEast matched Bagan in all areas of the pitch and there was a flow to their game. It must be noted that Bagan had to substitute David Williams after an injury to the Australian. That injury affected Bagan's forays forward. 

Although Manvir Singh did trouble Nim Dorjee Tamang on quite a few occasions, Bagan struggled to make their chances count. Tamang did produce a moment of brilliance as he made a crucial goal-line clearance in the second half.

After the game, Jamil said, "I just told my players that concentration should be good and asked them to play their natural game. They did what I told them to do." 

Both teams went for it and NorthEast looked more dangerous in the final third. However, they were also at the receiving end of some help they did not ask for from the referee. 

Firstly, Luis Machado barged into Tiri and sent him to the floor as he dribbled into the box and beat the keeper to open the scoring. The goal was very-well taken but there was a clear foul during the build-up for which the linesman had raised his flag. The referee overruled it and allowed the goal to stand. 

To add to Habas' frustration, keeper Roy Chowdhury failed to get to a ball into the box and instead brought down Krishna but both the referee and linesman awarded a goal kick instead of a penalty. 

Krishna found the equaliser and ended his goal drought after guiding a brilliant Carl McHugh through ball into the net from inside the box.

There was poor refereeing on display for sure but that was not a strong enough excuse to throw the game away. Highlanders kept going whereas Bagan looked less likely to score as the game progressed. 

And then the magic happened in the 81st minute. Gallego picked up the ball on the left flank, dribbled inside, made space for a shot from the edge of the box and curled a magnificent effort into the bottom right corner of the net. 

The famed Bagan defence could only stand and watch as the player did all of these in a matter of seconds. It was the spark that NorthEast had been missing. It was just reward because NorthEast were testing the Bagan defence continuously. 

Kassa Camara also tested Arindam Bhattacharya from distance while Mashoor Shareef saw his header come off the woodwork. In fact, the defender could have had a brace as he saw his effort from a corner miss the target by a few inches.

Khalid Jamil's team are level on points with fourth-placed Hyderabad and they are up against league leaders Mumbai City next. With two wins in two games, the Highlanders will be high on confidence going into that crucial fixture.