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Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt has hailed his side’s show of character in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Baroka FC at FNB Stadium but has asked his charges to be “tougher”.

After Thamsanqa Masiya thrust Baroka into the lead early in the second half, it appeared Chiefs were headed for a loss, but they had to thank an own goal from the visitors’ Goodman Mosele which earned them a point.

Hunt was not happy with his side wasting scoring chances and the way they conceded after Evidence Makgopa jumped higher than the taller Chiefs defenders to flick the ball for Masiya to hit home.

Despite that lapse, Hunt lauded his side’s resilience which pressured Baroka until Mosele turned the ball into his own net.

“They [Baroka] did well, they worked hard, they're strong, they're fit, but we knew that. But all in all, disappointed with the result but we showed a little bit of character to come back. But we've got to be tougher. Can't concede a goal like that,” Hunt told SuperSport TV.

“Well, opportunities again. We could've been out of sight in the first half. Our two centre-backs I think they must be eight feet tall and their 27 [Makgopa] was out-jumping them the whole day.

“I thought their 27 was unbelievable. Fantastic performance from the boy upfront. That's how the goal came. Anyway, that’s what we have got to get better at. We've got to get a lot more game toughness in us and a little bit more awareness.

“But we had a lot of opportunities. I mean Castro should have scored two when he came on. Happy should have scored in the first half, Reeve had an open goal in the first half. We had to change the shape because of the situation, but you have to score bigger opportunities. I’m disappointed with that but all-in-all we just have to keep moving.”

Chiefs now shift focus to Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.

Their traditional rivals also drew 1-1 at home against TS Galaxy on Tuesday, making the derby one to recover from the setbacks for both sides.

“It’s obviously something that is very difficult because of the situation to play,” said Hunt.

“We'll embrace it and face it on Saturday. We have got an extra day now which we haven't had for the past couple of weeks. Two days to play, [and again] two days to play, hopefully, we can try and regroup and get one or two back.”

Away from the glamour of a top flight dominated by Real Madrid and Barcelona, Almeria are fighting a very different battle.

Third on the table in the Segunda Division, a point behind second-place Mallorca but with a game in hand, Jose Manuel Gomes’ side look well-placed for a return to La Liga for the first time since 2015. Powering their ambition is striker Umar Sadiq, whose nine goals and three assists in 18 appearances this season have put Almeria in the mouth of success.

If the name sounds familiar, it is because, back in 2016, 6ft 3in Sadiq was the spearhead of Nigeria’s quest for gold in the men’s football event at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The giant centre-forward stuck out for more than just his size, however.

He scored four times as Samson Siasia’s team captured bronze, and did so while (or perhaps despite) looking like a newborn fawn; he lacked coordination, but was oddly effective at unsettling opposing defenders with his frame, and with legs that seemed to go on for an eternity.

Nevertheless, his talent was clear enough even then.

A year prior, Italian side Roma had acquired his services on loan following a number of eye-catching performances for the Spezia youth setup in the Campionato Primavera. He affirmed the decision, and his potential, by scoring for the Giallorossi both on his debut and in his first start, aged just 18.

So impressed were Roma that, on the eve of the Olympics, they exercised an option in the contract to make his move permanent.

What followed, however, was a spate of loans away from Trigoria, taking in (other parts of) Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland and Serbia.

While he enjoyed some success in the Eredivisie with NAC Breda and with Partizan Belgrade, what quickly became clear was that, for all his physical gifts, the Kaduna native was as mercurial as they come.

At Rangers, he barely presented at a proper standard.

Steven Gerrard despaired of him, and eventually gave up trying to coax acceptable performances from an asset he had personally pushed to acquire.

In response, Sadiq blasted the Liverpool legend and accused the club of maltreatment, but his continued antics did little for his credibility; in August 2019, after being substituted at half-time for a particularly poor outing at Partizan, he was pictured sitting up in stands, sitting on a fence and talking on the phone while the game went on.

It seemed that, ultimately, his erratic temperament would continue to undermine him and his talent.

Still though, this is the same player who, when the moment takes him, can be utterly unplayable. His brace against Astana in the Europa League Group Stage in October 2019 was Sadiq at his best: one a superb bit of movement and a finish on the stretch, the other a crashing finish at the near post that is becoming something of a signature.

He contributed to a goal every 84 minutes (17 goals and 17 assists in all competitions) over the course of 2019/20 as Partizan finished in second place in the Super Liga, and then picked right up where he left off in 2020/21, with six goals in his first 10 league appearances.

That arduous path has now brought him to Spain, where he is once more proving his talent. Almeria took a chance on him, and after a slow start, it has proven an inspired punt.

After only two goals in his first nine appearances, Sadiq has roared into life, scoring nine in the last 10 and five in his last two. His latest performance, in the Copa Del Rey against La Liga challengers Alaves, saw him hit two in a 5-0 rout, and will no doubt make many sit up and take notice.

There are suggestions there already has been interest in his services from the top flight, with some sources reporting interest from no less a suitor than Sevilla. It seems outlandish, but it is worth considering that, with transfer guru Monchi, Sevilla have always had an eye on undervalued potential and ‘diamond in the rough’ types. Sadiq very much fits the category and profile, if nothing else.

It is also obvious, not just in his goals but in the manner of them, that Almeria have on their hands a player who is too good for Segunda.

From the tendency to play with his food from time to time (see his third goal in the recent victory over Ponferradina, where he attempts a dribble in front of an open goal), to needlessly elaborate finishes when simpler ones would suffice, one can infer Sadiq is the type to switch off when he perceives a challenge as too easy.

While it suggests his aptitude for a higher level, it also displays some of the old lack of professionalism that has so threatened to douse his flame down the years. As such, the final stage of his development will need to be a mental one; if he could get a handle on that, there is no telling quite what Umar Sadiq could ultimately become.

Former Chelsea star Oscar has revealed why he believes ex-team-mates Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah failed to make the grade at Chelsea.

Oscar featured for Chelsea from 2012 to 2017 after making the move to Stamford Bridge from Internacional. He made 203 total appearances fo the Blues, scoring 38 goals, before moving to China to join Shanghai SIPG.

During his time with Chelsea, Oscar played alongside both De Bruyne and Salah, two players that were eventually sold by the Blues only go on to become Premier League stars elsewhere.

De Bruyne has since become a Premier League-winning midfielder with Manchester City, while Salah has been a key piece in lifting Liverpool to Champions League and domestic crowns.

Oscar says that he believes that De Bruyne's lack of consistency and Salah's shyness impacted their time at Chelsea, preventing them from being stars under Jose Mourinho.

“De Bruyne even gave me an assist,” Oscar told Yellow and Green Football. “There was a formation where [Eden] Hazard, De Bruyne and I played in midfield and it worked well. He only had a few chances, played well but then got injured. I guess that not being consistent at a club that had many options in the centre of the park meant he was not a good fit at the time.

"With Salah, it was different. He was unstoppable during practice, but always shy and quiet off the field. During the games, I guess he did not have the confidence that we saw at every club he played for after Chelsea, and especially now at Liverpool.”

He added: “Sometimes players don’t feel comfortable with that pressure. I liked it because it made me better.

"Mourinho helped me a lot and he is one of the best coaches in the world. He gives a lot of confidence to his players, but also wants to see them perform at the level of that trust.”

De Bruyne has gone on to win two Premier League titles as part of an eight-trophy haul with Manchester City, earning honours as Premier League Player of the Season in 2019-20.

Salah, on the other hand, has scored 113 goals in 180 games for Liverpool, finishing third in FIFA's Best Men's Player voting in 2018.

Cameroon women's coach Alain Djeumfa has invited 34 players for their Olympic intercontinental playoffs against Chile next month.

Having missed an automatic ticket to Tokyo 2021 at the expense of Zambia, the Lionesses must beat La Roja to seal their return to the showpiece for the first time since London 2012.

Ahead of the doubleheader in February, coach Djeumfa has named a 34-player squad, comprising of 22 home-based stars and 12 foreigners for the showdown with the South Americans.

In the 34-player list, four goalkeepers, 11 defenders, eight midfielders and 11 strikers are scheduled to feature in the final camp leading to the crucial clash with Jose Letelier's team.

The major returnee is Tenerife midfielder Feudjio Raissa, who will be making a return to the fold since October 2019, missing the duels against Cote d'Ivoire and Zambia due to a knee injury.

Besides CSKA Moscow's Aboudi Ouguene and Atletico Madrid's Ajara Nchout, Amazone's Ngah Manga and Catherine Mbengono, who tops the top-flight scoring chart, made the list. 

According to the Cameroon Football Federation, (Fecafoot), the invited local players are expected to resume camp on Wednesday and will, later, be joined by their foreign counterparts.

The Africans are billed to square up against Chile in the first leg on February 18 in Yaounde before travelling to Santiago six days later.

Goalkeepers: Ongmaham Marthe (AWA FF), Bawou Ange (Louves Minproff), Biyina Michaelly (Eclair Filles De Sa’a), Ayangma Pauline (FC Ebolowa)

Defenders: Kouesse Magoumkoua (AWA FF), Edjangue Siliki (Ebolowa FC), Tsadja Dolores (Louves Minproff), Ndzana Collette (Eclair Filles De Sa’a), Nguiadem Kamdem (AWA FF), Mercy Ngah (Vision Sports FC Bamenda), Njolle Alvine (FC Minsk), Estelle Johnson (Sky Blue USA), Mambo Lame (GD Juan Grande – Spain)
Awona Marie (Reims – France), Mayi Kit Esther (Reims – France)

Midfielders: Omboudou Brigitte (Amazone FAP), Endalle Emilienne (Caiman Filles De Douala), Mefire Peka (Louves Minproff), Adama Raissa (Louves Minproff), Konda Natacha (FC Ebolowa), Meyong Menene (Louves Minproff), Feudjio Raissa ( Dranadilla Tenerife) Ngock Yango (Guingamp – France) 

Forwards: Alexander Takounda (Eclair Filles De Sa’a), Ngah Manga (Amazone FAP), Lamine Mana (Amazone FAP), Ngo Back Batoum (Louves Minproff), Bengono Catherine (Amazone FAP), Djuka Chanelle (Tokyo University), Nkada Agnes (Pericuria Mixtafriol) – Spain, Akaba Michelle (Sochaux – France), Nchout Ajara (Atletico Madrid – Spain), Aboudi Onguene (CSKA Moscow – Russia)

Luka Jovic believes he was unlucky during a disappointing spell at Real Madrid that saw him score just two goals in a season and a half. 

Jovic moved to Santiago Bernabeu from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019 for €60 million (£53.5m/$73m), but injuries and a lack of goalscoring form hindered his time at the club. 

The 23-year-old returned to Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this month on a loan until the end of the season, and has immediately picked up where he left off with the Bundesliga club. 

Jovic has scored three goals in three games so far, despite all those appearances coming off the bench. In 76 minutes of play, the Serbian has exceeded his goal total from 32 games with Madrid.

In a press conference on Tuesday, the striker said that he felt right back at home with his former side.

“I am very happy to be back. I feel very comfortable and that can be seen on the pitch," Jovic said. "I scored two goals during my time at Real Madrid and now I have three here."

While his time in Madrid did not go according to plan, Jovic still believes he learned a lot during his spell in the Spanish capital.

“I was unlucky at Real Madrid," he continued. "The injuries harmed me and privately, it didn’t go well at all. I feel lucky to have been able to return to Frankfurt, where they have really welcomed me.

“I have been lucky to have been able to train every day with the best players in the world [in Madrid]. I have gained experience and I consider myself a better player today. Despite not having been able to have the continuity on the pitch, I take plenty of positives from Madrid.“

Jovic was asked to compare Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane and Frankfurt boss Adi Hutter, and the forward had plenty of praise for both.

“I don’t want to go into details, they are both phenomenal coaches," Jovic said. "Zidane is also very good on a personal level, but it is easier for me to communicate with Adi in English since I am not fluent in Spanish to be able to converse fluently with Zidane. These kinds of details make it easier for me.”

In January 2011, long-time Sky Sports commentators Richard Keys and Andy Gray were forced to leave the broadcasting company after the leak of several tapes in which the duo were found to make derogatory, sexist comments about female referee Sian Massey and other female figures in the industry.

What exactly did the two say? Goal takes a look.

The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications.

During Liverpool's 3-0 Premier League victory against Wolves, when Massey made a tight offside decision that was found to be completely correct upon video replay, Keys said, thinking their microphones had been switched off: “Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her Massey.”

“Yeah, I know. Can you believe that? Female linesman. Forget what I said - they probably don’t know the offside rule," Gray added.

"Course they don't," said Keys.

Gray replied: “Why is there a female linesman? Somebody’s f*cked up big.”

Keys was also found to have made a comment about West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady's newspaper column, saying: "The game's gone mad. See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour, love."

Another tape was revealed consisting of Gray crudely discussing Massey's physical appearance with a different colleague - Andy Burton.

Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked.

Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world. I accept that. We failed to change when the world has changed. We wholeheartedly apologise for our behaviour. It was wrong. I deserve to be battered. I can stand up and take a beating. I'm not sorry for me, I'm sorry for Sian Massey."

Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. That is not to defend what happened."

Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. Not for myself. We got it wrong. Bad."

The statement was made in a final attempt to save his job, but was not well-received.

The Premier League confirmed that Keys had called Massey to apologise, but that did not stop him from continuing blaming the ordeal on "misguided fun" and referring to "lads' mag humour", attributing it as normal in pubs, clubs and dressing rooms across the country.

"There is not inherent sexism at Sky, nor in the sports department or the football department. There is a sports room, a little boisterous like a dressing room up and down the country. It reflects what goes on in pubs and clubs," he said.

"If you're in a pub and a masculine type is bothering someone at the bar, we don't like that. There is an attitude that exists such as that. If this starts to change that, it would give me some pleasure."

Both Keys and Gray eventually signed a contract with Al Jazeera in June 2013, covering football from Qatar where they commentate on the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. The pair are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels.

Kaizer Chiefs did not move from seventh spot on the Premier Soccer League standings but escaped another disappointment at the hands of Baroka FC following a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.

A Thamsanqa Masiya goal early second half stunned Chiefs who then had to thank the visitors' defender Goodman Mosele for beating his own goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke with 15 minutes to go to earn Amakhosi a point.

The point earned did not move Amakhosi from position seven on the log with 19 points ahead of Saturday's Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates, while Bakgaka are back in the top-eight.

Playing Baroka for the first time since that September 2021 afternoon when they were denied the PSL title by the Limpopo side on the final day of last season, Chiefs were almost frustrated again but managed to scrap a point.

They started the match with Lebogang Manyama wasting a freekick from he edge of the box after Siyabonga Ngezana had been fouled on edge of the box by Manuel Kambala three minutes into the contest.

The hosts were struggling to cope up with Baroka’s attacking speed but it took 14 minutes for Bakgaka's first real chance at goal.

Amakhosi goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi spilled Nhlanhla Mgaga’s long range shot but there was no Baroka player nearby to pounce as the Nigerian struggled to save the straying ball.

It was then Akpeyi’s opposite number Masuluke time to save his side when he stretched his leg to block a bottom corner-bound shot from Reeve Frosler out for a corner kick in the 23rd minute.

Action then swung back to the other end as Ananias Gebhardt beat an advancing Akpeyi but his headed effort off a corner kick went just over the bar.

Promises for goals from both sides continued and Masuluke was quick to intercept a Frosler cross as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo lurked to pounce 10 minutes before halftime but the teams went for the break goalless.

The deadlock was then broken eight minutes into the second half when Masiya sneaked the ball past Akpeyi off a flick from Evidence Makgopa.

Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt responded by introducing Leonardo Castro for Eric Mathoho and Ngezana was switched from right-back to central defence while Frosler moved to the wing-back position.

With 20 minutes to go, that coming on of Castro almost paid off when he came at the end of a Manyama cross but Gebhardt’s challenge did not allow the Colombian to freely head in, resulting in narrowly missing target.

Castro was proving to be troublesome to Baroka defenders and two minutes later, he arrived a little bit late to chest in a Ngcobo cross from the left side.

Chiefs’ pressure finally came to fruition with 14 minutes remaining when Mosele attempted to clear a Frosler low cross but instead turned the ball into his own net past Masuluke.

The goal appeared to energise Amakhosi who turned on the fire with attack after attack although Masuluke stood steely in goal as his teammates seemed tired after some hard-running for the better part of the contest.

Samir Nurkovic and Castro took turns to fire at Masuluke, while Anthony Akumu had a goal-bound powerful shot deflected and closely missed target as Chiefs kept on probing but could not get the winning goal.

Hunt and his men now shift focus to face Orlando Pirates in Saturday's Soweto derby at Orlando Stadium.

Genevieve Mbeleck was on target as Maccabi Kiryat Gat defeated Maccabi Emek Hefer 3-0 in Monday's Israeli Ligat Al encounter.

Mbeleck had joined Kiryat from Belarusian side Minsk in October and made a scoring debut against Hapoel Petach Tikva in December 2020.

She earned her third league start of the campaign and put up a fine display in front of goal to propel her side to another home victory.

Following back-to-back opening games, Eyal Sade's team continued from where they left off when Yuval Nagar netted the opening goal for them after just 20 minutes of action in the encounter.

15 minutes later, Ghana's Sherifatu Sumaila set up Mbeleck to double the lead from a rebound after Nigerian Uchechi Sunday was denied from close range.

Three minutes from half time, the hosts almost grabbed their third goal of the encounter after they were gifted a penalty advantage but Super Falcons star could not convert from the spot.

After the break, Brazilian Ana Bruniera Arruda Caroline netted a third of the match in the 63rd minute to wrap up the win for Sade's side.

Cameroon's Mbeleck played from the start to finish and has scored two goals in three league appearances this term for Kiryat Gat. 

Ghana's Sumaila was also involved for the duration, while Nigeria's Sunday featured for 82 minutes of the contest.

The victory means Maccabi Kiryat Gat are second on the Ligat Al log after garnering nine points from three matches - sitting one point adrift of leaders ASA Tel Aviv from four matches.

The Cameroonian and Nigerian will aim to add to their tally when their side will face off against Hapoel Be'er Sheva on January 28.

Orlando Pirates let a lead slip to draw 1-1 with TS Galaxy in a PSL match which was played at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Bongani Sam's first-ever goal for Bucs handed the Soweto giants the lead, but Masilake Phohlongo levelled matters for the Rockets. 

The Buccaneers were keen to register their second successive victory in the league having edged out Maritzburg United 1-0 away over the weekend. 

Ben Motshwari made his return to the starting line-up as coach Josef Zinnbauer made one change to the team which faced Maritzburg with Vincent Pule being dropped to the bench.

On the other hand, the Rockets were hoping to win two matches in a row having thrashed Maritzburg 3-0 away last week.

Former Pirates coach Owen Da Gama made one change to the team which took on Maritzburg as he handed Phohlongo his official debut for the Rockets. 

Bucs saw most of the ball in the opening stages with Fortune Makaringe making dangerous runs from midfield and he nearly scored when his shot went inches wide of the target.

The skilful playmaker was involved when the home side broke the deadlock 11 minutes into the game following a brilliant team move by Zinnbauer's side.

Makaringe received a pass from Thembinkosi Lorch, before setting up Sam, who fired past Marlon Heugh in the Galaxy goal-posts to make it 1-0 to Pirates.

The Rockets then took control of the match and they began testing Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who made two good saves to deny Mxolisi Macuphu and Bathusi Aubaas.

However, Ghana's finest goalkeeper Ofori was beaten in the 20th minute when Phohlongo headed home Luckyboy Mokoena's cross to make it 1-1 with the Bucs defence exposed.

Pirates tried to respond with a goal, but Heugh produced two fines saves to deny Deon Hotto and Thulani Hlatshwayo to ensure that the first-half ended with the two teams locked at 1-1.

Pule was introduced by Zinnbauer prior to the start of the second-half - replacing an ineffective Azola Tshobeni as the home side looked to restore their lead.

Sam was Pirates' most dangerous player and he beat his marker before forcing Heugh into a magnificent save following an overlapping run by the South Africa under-23 international.

The left-sided player then found Hotto with a pinpoint cross, but the latter placed his effort over the crossbar from close range with the Galaxy defence caught ball watching.

With his side struggling in front of goal, Zinnbauer introduced striker Jean-Marc Makusu with 20 minutes left as the hosts looked to snatch a late winning goal. 

Lorch's long-range shot narrowly missed the target, before Makaringe's cross which was meant for Makusu was parried away by Heugh in the latter stages of the game.

Ultimately, the match ended in a 1-1 draw and the result saw Pirates remain fifth on the league standings, while Galaxy moved up to 12th spot. 

Pirates will now take on their archrivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby clash on Saturday, while Galaxy are set to face Black Leopards on the same day.

NorthEast United won back-to-back games for the first time in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season after defeating  ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1 at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Tuesday evening.

Luis Machado and Federico Gallego got on the scoresheet for the Highlanders and Roy Krishna's second-half goal wasn't enough for the Mariners to come back into the game. 

"The good result is all because of the players. They worked very hard, especially our supporting staff, physios (physiotherapists), team manager, technical director - everybody worked together. We got these [three] points because of our collective effort," said interim coach Khalid Jamil.

Having defeated Jamshedpur by the same margin in their previous game, Jamil has now won both his games in charge of the side since the departure of head coach Gerard Nus.

"It's not about me. It's about the players. I only motivated them and they played their natural game. That's it," the 43-year-old insisted.

The Highlanders are the only side to defeat the top two teams on the table this season but shrugged off the tag of 'giant-killers'. 

"Now we're thinking about the next game. Then we'll think about the next game."

Up against one of the strongest defences in the league, Jamil admitted that his team did not have it easy on the field. He said, "It was very tough. They have a good defensive line but we used the experience of [Luis] Machado and [Federico] Gallego, Khassa [Camara]. So we got these wonderful two goals."

Both Machado (60') and Gallego (81') scored in the second half and  ATK Mohun Bagan have scored 12 out of their 13 goals after the break. Jamil revealed that he asked the players to focus on their game at the break. 

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

With 18 points from 13 games, NorthEast United stand fifth on the table, level on points with Hyderabad.

"We are not thinking about the table. We're thinking about the next game. Then after two-three matches, we'll see. We are not taking any team lightly, especially since we play against a very good team (Mumbai City) next. We'll go match by match," he signed out.

Napsa Stars coach Mohamed Fathi has recovered from Covid-19 and will be available to lead the side against Gor Mahia in the playoffs of the Caf Confederation Cup.

The Zambian Pensioners will face the Kenyan champions in the playoffs of the competition, with the first leg set for Nairobi on February 14 and the return leg planned for February 21 in Lusaka.

However, the team was thrown into confusion two weeks ago after their head coach contracted the Covid-19 virus after routine tests conducted before their week 13 FAZ Super League match against Red Arrows turned positive.

The club has now confirmed coach Fathi has recovered well from the virus and has resumed his duties with the team after returning negative results.

“We are excited to see our coach Mohamed Fathi fit and back to full-time work,” the club said on their social media pages. “Coach Fathi who had suffered from Covid-19 finally tested negative and is back with the team.

“Welcome back coach and we thank God for your quick recovery.”

In Fathi’s absence, assistant coach Geoffrey Hamakwendwa handled the team in two league matches.

Meanwhile, the club has confirmed the return of Austin Banda, Danny Silavwe, goalkeeper Rabson Mucheleng'anga, and Amos Simwanza have all resumed training after recovering from injuries.

Banda sustained a quadriceps muscle strain during the team’s week-13 game against Red Arrows and has been out since then, Silavwe sustained Achilles tendinitis during their Confederation Cup game played against UD Songo in Mozambique, the same as Simwanza, who suffered a cut on his tibialis anterior muscle.

Napsa will come up against K'Ogalo, who were relegated to the Confederation Cup after they were tossed out by CR Belouizdad in the first round of the Caf Champions League, losing the first leg 6-0 in Algeria before they went down 2-1 at home in the return leg.

Before facing the Algerian champions, Gor Mahia had to navigate past APR of Rwanda in the preliminary round. On the other hand, Napsa Stars reached the second preliminary phase after a 1-1 draw against UD Songo of Mozambique.

The Pensioners advanced courtesy of the away goals rule after Emanuel Mayuka equalised for them in the 74th minute in Beira, having gone behind in the first half of the second leg.

ATK Mohun Bagan were beaten 2-1 by NorthEast United in an Indian Super League (ISL) tie at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Tuesday evening.

Luis Machado fouled defender Tiri before slotting the ball past Arindam Bhattacharya to score the Highlanders' opening goal and the referee chose to overrule the linesman who had raised his flag and allowed the goal to stand. Habas was unhappy with the refereeing and felt that the goal changed the game. 

"It was not an inconsistent performance. I think today's result is because of the referee's decision for NorthEast United's first goal. After that, it was another match. 

"In the first 45 minutes, we were better than the opponent but we could not score. In the second half, the referee (affected) the score. We conceded the goal when the linesman had the flag raised. I don't understand. We have not had any luck with the refereeing all season," fumed the Spaniard.

The 63-year-old felt that the controversial decision changed the course of the game and revealed that he brought on Manvir Singh after the break due to an injury to David Williams.

"It (decision for the first goal) changed the nature of the match and we had to substitute a player after William's injury. First half was different from the second and the decision of the referee changed the match. The opponent won 2-1 but the first goal was not legal," he went on.

"We didn't have a lot of chances in the second half. We attacked but couldn't create enough chances to score goals. Machado and [Federico] Gallego are good players. They got chances and scored."

Roy Krishna scored his first goal in four matches after failing to register a shot at goal in his last three games. But Habas expressed full confidence in the star striker. 

"Roy is a very good player who is very important for us. It's impossible to score goals every day. I have confidence in him and always support him."

The loss keeps ATK Mohun Bagan six points behind leaders Mumbai City at the top of the league table. 

"We are still with the same idea and philosophy. We lost a match but not the league. I think we need more respect from the referees. We have only one penalty. I don't understand. All the other teams have five, six, seven penalties and ATK have only one," Habas concluded..

Kenya striker Pistone Mutamba has sealed a move to Libyan top-tier side Asswehly SC.

The forward had left the country for the North Africa region after the Red Knights showed interest in his services. The former Rising Star did not hesitate to take the offer and he has now signed for an undisclosed period.

The lanky striker was signed by Bidco United at the beginning of the 2020/21 season as a free agent after being dropped by Wazito FC alongside 12 other players. 

"Mutamba came to me and said he has an offer from a Libyan team and requested to leave," Bidco United head coach Japheth Akhulia told Goal on Tuesday.

"Being that it is a greener pasture I had to let him go. It was a short term with us and we appreciate the time we have been working together. I took him in when he was dropped, shaped him and I am happy he has impressed someone out there.

"We will miss his services but in football, things happen and as a club, we just wish him the best."

The former Sofapaka player was signed by the promoted side alongside veteran forward Stephen Waruru, who won the Golden Boot in the 2012 season while with Ulinzi Stars. He has also had spells with Sofapaka and KCB.

Another player who was signed by the Thika-based side was the then unattached Noah Wafula, who had amassed top-tier experience after turning out for Tusker FC and AFC Leopards.  

Former Zoo FC defender Wilson Anekeya also made a return to his former town. It was in this place where he made his name while with former top-flight football side Thika United. Luke Ochieng' was also signed from Western Stima, the same as Brian Opondo from Kariobangi Sharks.  

Veteran Dennis Monda was roped in alongside former Nzoia Sugar forward Batts Awita, Anthony Gathu, who was with Murang'a Seal, goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe from Wazito FC, and Victor Ayugi of KCB.  

Mutamba leaves Bidco in the 15th position with eight points coming from the 10 games they have played so far.

U20 Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso believes his charges are in a dangerous group in the 2021 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The Hippos will have to battle for a quarter-final berth with hosts Mauritania, Central African heavyweights Cameroon and Mozambique. The tactician is however hopeful his youngsters will shine and winning the 2020 U20 Cecafa Championship will play a big role psychologically.

"Being the champions of East Africa is a good motivation and therefore we have to go and represent well," Byekwaso told reporters . 

"We shall have to put in a lot of effort and also raise our character if we’re to have a good tournament. It is going to be very tough and dangerous in the group."  

The Ugandans are currently in camp preparing for the competition and Byekwaso has shed light on what he is working on.

"We have to do a lot of stuff including the raising of our ball usage skills in order to play well and overcome our opponents."

Neighbours Tanzania, who lost the Cecafa finals to Uganda, have been placed in a tough Group C that features Ghana, Gambia and Morocco while Group B has Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Namibia, and the Central African Republic.

The two winners from each group will be guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals of the biennial competition alongside the two best third-place finishers from any of the two groups.

Mali are the defending champions after beating Senegal 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. However, none of the two nations will be in Mauritania for the competition which will take place from February 14 to March 4.

Nigeria are the most successful team having won the title a record seven times. The competition was founded in 1979 to help introduce African youth to the competitive world. Four top teams from the competition will represent the continent in the 2021 Fifa World Cup to be held in Indonesia in the yet to be identified dates.

Uganda will be aiming at stamping its authority in continental football in youth football after dominating the East African region. On the road to Mauritania, they eliminated Kenya and Tanzania along the way.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given an update on Marcus Rashford's knee injury ahead of Manchester United's meeting with Sheffield United.

Rashford scored his 15th goal of the season during United's 3-2 win over Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The England international also recorded an assist to cap a superb all-round display, but was seen limping down the Old Trafford tunnel after being replaced by Anthony Martial late on.

Solskjaer confirmed post-match that the 23-year-old was feeling pain in his knee, raising doubts over his availability for a Premier League clash against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United in midweek.

However, the Norwegian head coach has now revealed that Rashford has been cleared to play after undergoing a scan on the issue, as he told a press conference on Tuesday: "Marcus is available, yeah, he trained this morning. He is available for selection.

"He tweaked his knee a little bit but trained fully this morning. It's a good place to be."

Mason Greenwood also got himself on the scoresheet against Liverpool, which marked his first goal since a 3-1 victory at West Ham in early December.

The 19-year-old has struggled for form and fitness this season, but Solskjaer is confident that the best is yet to come from an academy graduate boasting bags of potential.

"We think Mason is going to be very important in the second half of the season but it's not just going happen by itself. He scored against West Ham a while back as well and was expected to kick on," he said.

"He's taken steps, he's grown, he's more mature and he's been training with Edinson Cavani for half a season, he’s learning good habits, and whoever doesn't learn from players like him, or Bruno [Fernandes] or the players we’ve brought in, that's a pity.

"I'm very confident that Mason will chip in with good performances and with goals and assists."

Solskjaer added on the impact Cavani has had on the squad as a whole since moving to Old Trafford on a free transfer in October: "How long have we got? What he brings is when a striker of that age runs almost 12km, he chases down every time the centre-back has got the ball, every time the goalkeeper has the ball, puts in tackles on centre midfielders.

"He made a mistake for [the second] Liverpool goal but he’s the one that’s closest to winning it back inside their own 18-yard box. It's his reaction, his work rate and his habits and his threat in the box, and the humility of coming in every single day to do your best.

"We could go on and on and on, but his experience and attitude, of course, that’s given us a lesson, every single one of us."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he is grateful he has not found himself in the same situation as Frank Lampard after Manchester United stuck with him through ‘patchy periods.’

Lampard was sacked as Chelsea manager on Monday after a run of poor form which sees the Blues sitting in ninth in the league having already lost six times.

Solskjaer found himself under similar scrutiny at the start of the season after United’s poor beginning to the campaign, however, the Norwegian’s position was never seriously under threat despite claims that Mauricio Pochettino was being lined up to replace him. 

The feeling from the United board is that, while results had to improve, this is a long-term project and the former Red Devils striker has been given time to turn things around, with the team now sitting top of the Premier League table at the halfway stage of the campaign. 

“It's not really for me to comment too much on that one," said Solskjaer about Lampard's dismissal.

"Of course, one thing I know for sure is Frank doesn't want any of us to feel sorry for him. I know his character and mentality and I’m sure he'll bounce back and have a very good managerial career.

"He went through a patchy spell, a short spell, but not long ago they were top of the league. It’s the first dip of form they really had under Frank so I’m a little bit surprised but it's not my job to comment on what's happened at Chelsea."

Comparing it to his situation and the time he has been given, he added: “I've said it many a time. We looked at the squad, looked at the situation we were in, and we put a longer-term plan in place.

"We knew there would be some patchy periods and that we would have to stay strong mentally. The leadership they have shown has been very strong and steady, and I'm very grateful for the communication that has been open and honest all of the time.

“We knew we were going to have some rough and patchy periods and they stood strong. I’ve had good backing from the club and the leadership has been very steady, which I have been very grateful for, because we have been through two or three bad spells of form of course.”

Watford forward Ismaila Sarr has revealed his surprise after discovering the Championship to be a difficult league.   

The 22-year-old has featured 21 times in the English second-tier this season, scoring five goals and providing five assists.

The forward was one of the stand-out performers for the Hornets in the 2019-20 Premier League season, scoring five goals, amid other dazzling displays.

His effort was, however, not enough to help the Vicarage Road outfit avoid relegation at the end of the campaign after finishing at the bottom three.

The Senegal international has now explained his experiences playing in the Championship for the Hornets.

“It's a hard league and it has surprised me a lot. It's a very physical league and it's been tough, but I've just tried to work as hard as I can for the team. That's my job,” Sarr told the club website.

“You have to use your body more against defenders in this league as everyone is really physical. Everyone fights so hard and I have to win these battles for the team.

“I cannot only use my speed in the Championship and just use the threaded through ball. We must use different tactics and find a different way other than pace.”

Watford are third on the Championship table after 13 wins, including three consecutive victories over Huddersfield Town, Barnsley and Stoke City.

The forward has revealed his readiness to make more impacts for Watford this season to ensure they continue their impressive form and return to the Premier League.

“I can bring more to the team. We must keep winning games, especially against our direct rivals,” he continued.

“Then promotion will be possible, but we have to be thinking about every game as if it's a final. It's very important to get back to the Premier League.

“This is our mission and everybody is working hard to fulfil this objective. It will not be easy, but this is our ultimate goal.”

Sarr teamed up with the Hornets from French club Rennes in the summer of 2019 and explained his difficulty in adapting to the side on his arrival.

“It was hard to adapt and then I spent a bit of time without playing. I didn't speak the language, but I tried not to speak too much and speak with my feet instead,” he added.

“I kept working very hard and eventually made it. I like it here a lot. Everyone at the club is very nice and very kind to me. Everyone tries to help me out.

“Troy was always helping me and being respectful even before [Sadio] Mané spoke [about looking after me] at Anfield. This is normal for Troy and he is always trying to help everyone in the team.”

The winger will be expected to feature when Watford take on Millwall in a league game on Tuesday night.