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Yanga SC have sensationally claimed the new signings will help the team to clinch the Mainland Premier League and domestic Cup titles this campaign.

The Jangwani giants were involved in the mini-transfer window which closed on January 15 by bringing on board two signings – striker Fiston Abdoul Razak from Burundi and defender Dickson Job from Mtibwa Sugar.

The two players arrived at Yanga while they are topping the 18-team league table with 44 points from 18 matches and are still the only unbeaten side in the division.

According to Hersi Said, who is one of the leaders of the Yanga registration committee, the two players will add a much-needed boost, and there is nothing that will stop them from winning the league title and FA Cup.

“We will deal with everyone who comes before us, no one will be safe, we have done our best additions and are ready to continue from where we left, our target is to win the league and FA Cup,” Said was quoted saying by Sokalabongo.

“We signed a striker who will come to add value to Yanga’s attacking line-up, Fiston is coming to put sugar in the cake, he is what we have been missing and soon you will see his contribution to the team’s targets.”

On his part, Yanga coach Cedric Kaze also urged the club fans to wear their jerseys without fear as they are headed for big things this season.

Apart from Kenya's Sofapaka, Razak featured for a number of clubs across Africa including JS Kabylie, LLB Académic, Rayon Sports, CSMD Diables Noirs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bloemfontein Celtic, C.D. Primeiro de Agosto, and Al-Zawra'a SC.

In 2014, he was named in the Burundi national team squad that took part in the African Nations Championships held in South Africa.

Yanga are currently basking from winning the Mapinduzi Cup tournament held in Arusha, Zanzibar, after they overpowered their rivals Simba SC 4-3 on penalties in the final staged at Amaan Stadium.

Yanga are currently on a break after arriving from Zanzibar and last season, they failed to reach the final of the domestic Cup after losing to eventual winners Simba in the semi-finals.

Football Association of Zambia president Andrew Kamanga has explained why the African Nations Championship tournament has come at a vital moment for them.

Zambia will start the campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday and Kamanga believes the competition could offer a big door for players to pursue their professional dreams.

“What is important is that this tournament is coming at a very crucial point., we are happy that even for the players it is an opportunity to showcase their skills,” the FAZ top official said as was quoted by the federation’s Facebook page.

“Those who will be fortunate may just get their professional careers taking off because we have a lot of scouts who are monitoring the players and the international transfer window still open until the end of January.

“So, those who will do well have an opportunity to go into professional football. But most importantly also as the executive, we have made sure that the team which is participating here is critical because we have other engagements beyond this tournament.”

Kamanga also said the players must fight hard in order to be part of the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations qualifiers in just over month’s time.

“In March we are back with the Afcon qualifiers we play Algeria and Zimbabwe away and after that, in June we have World Cup qualifiers,” he added.

“So, for the players, it is an opportunity that they should be part of this team, be part of the Afcon team to play qualifiers and be part of the World Cup. So, in terms of motivation and progression, there is enough for them to fight for.”

The president further said the importance of according the players proper preparations is because they want to do better in the competition than they did during the last edition.

“Our idea was that we give the team enough preparation as they come into the tournament,” he concluded.

“Where we are today, the tournament has started, we expect that the team is now ready, and they will be able to do well, initially get out of the group stages and get to the quarterfinal.

“Last time, we came out in the quarterfinal, we expect that this time around there will be an improvement and go beyond the quarterfinal.”

Rio Ferdinand has leapt to the defence of Bruno Fernandes following his below-par display in Manchester United’s draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

Fernandes has been an inspirational figure for United, and he picked up his fourth Premier League Player of the Month award when scooping December’s gong.

He was tipped to have a big impact against Liverpool, but he was short of his best - particularly in the passing department - with his accuracy down at 58 percent.

The Portugal international did come close to scoring in the second half but saw his effort kept out by Reds goalkeeper Alisson.

A goal would have glossed over a rare disappointing display, but United great Ferdinand feels Fernandes must be cut some slack on account of his record since arriving at the club from Sporting CP last January.

“They looked off but we’re top of the league so I always look at it like that,” Ferdinand said on Stretford Paddock in response to questions about the performances of Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. “Yeah, there might be players off form, but if you’re still nicking results and you’re still winning and you’re still in a healthy position, that’s not a bad thing. 

“If we played this game and had zero shots on target and we looked like we had no threat at all, then I’d be a little bit concerned.

“But, listen, you can’t talk about [Bruno]. I wouldn’t say Bruno’s looked off recently. The geezer’s output has been phenomenal.”

The 0-0 draw kept United top of the Premier League table, two points clear of Manchester City and Leicester City, and Ferdinand was happy with the result.

“If I look at it as a player, when I played, I’d have taken a 0-0 before the game," he said. "I think the players, Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], before the game would have sat there and said, 'If we get a 0-0 we’ll take that, we’re still top of the league and we’ll just build on it.'

“So I think they’ll be quietly satisfied with what they did. They didn’t pull up any trees, didn’t play particularly well, but we didn’t play bad and we didn’t look like a team inferior to the other, which was a good sign for confidence going forward.”

AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy has called on his team to make better use of their opportunities as he admits that chances of victory are getting slimmer in their Premier Soccer League campaign as their rivals are becoming keener for points.

After a lot of optimism surrounded his appointment as AmaZulu coach in December 2020, he started his tenure with a 3-1 win over Chippa United.

But Usuthu quickly fizzled out, failing to win the following three matches, with the latest being Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Maritzburg United to leave them 10th in the standings.

“We had a perfect game-plan. The way we played, the way we were structured, organised, the way didn't give them even a glimpse of getting in at goal,” McCarthy told AmaZulu’s media.

"We restricted them and didn't allow Judas [Moseamedi] and [Thabiso] Kutumela [to be free], they were nowhere in the game because we were so organised, well-drilled and we eliminated any threat they could throw at us.

“And yeah, we just gave them a point. We ended up with nothing because yeah everyone says a point is good but this was a big missed chance to get three points, so it's something I won't get over that much.

“But I have to because in a few days' time we go again against SuperSport United and chances are getting harder and harder because teams are gunning for points.

"I'm not happy because we let three points slip and only managed to get one.”

Usuthu now prepare to travel to Tshwane for Wednesday’s date with third-placed SuperSport United, who are unbeaten in their last seven games.

AmaZulu became the team to hand Kaizer Chiefs three points for the first time since October 2020 when they were edged 1-0 by Amakhosi last Wednesday.

McCarthy feels that is when their attacking woes began, despite being held 1-1 by Bloemfontein Celtic in the prior match.

“I think since the Chiefs game, I understand the frustrations that we dominate, play well and create chances but unfortunately just our finishing is letting down a little,” continued McCarthy.

“We have been working on it from the strikers and midfielders but in the game we hit the post and had the most opportunities. I'm really not happy because we are drawing games we should be winning.

"Players have to believe they can score goals that they can kill the game. They need to be confident to bury those chances.”

Chennaiyin head coach Csaba Laszlo was left disappointed by his team's performance following a goalless draw against East Bengal in the Indian Super League clash at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday. 

Laszlo believes that his team had control of the game but failed to make it count. He mentioned that his team did not create enough chances to win the game. 

"We had control of the game. But we did not win the game. Not that we did not control the game but we did not win the game. 11 against 11 you have to win the game. Sometimes it is not easy to play against 10. If you play 10 against 11 it's easier to win the game if you create chances which we did not have. I am disappointed about it," Laszlo said. 

Chennaiyin created a couple of chances but lacked intent in front of goal. Laszlo, however, defended his players and said that his team needs to pick themselves up and keep going in the competition. 

The Marina Machans lacked a link between the midfield and defense. Laszlo pointed out that lack of creativity in the midfield cost his team two points. He, however, backed his players and said that there are bad days at work everywhere. 

"This is a question about the midfield. If we have more creativity in the midfield then we had the possibility to score more," Laszlo said.

"No one in the central midfield showed his best performance today, But then you have days like this," he added.

The Chennaiyin head coach had no clear update on Enes Sipovic and Anirudh Thapa's injury. 

"Sipovic. I can't tell you. Thapa had a small pain in the hamstring. We have to talk to the doctor," he concluded.

East Bengal played most of the match with 10-men but managed to register a goalless draw against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League clash at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday.

The Kolkata giants were reduced to 10 men in the 31st minute after Ajay Chettri was shown a second yellow and subsequent red card for bringing Anirudh Thapa down with a rash challenge.

East Bengal head coach Robbie Fowler was disappointed with the result as he believes that his team maintained enough possession to win the game. He, however, said that he will take the one point due to the circumstances. 

"No. I am disappointed. We still got enough to control the match. There are a few half chances. We did enough to win the game. I'm disappointed we haven't got the three points. We will take the one point obviously due to the circumstances," Fowler said after the game.

East Bengal did not field Matti Steinmann and Fowler revealed that it was a tactical decision. He revealed that the Finnish-German picked up a bit of problem in the previous match and it would be unfair on the other players to say that his absence had an impact on the result. 

"Well it's a tactical one. Matti played every single minute. He's played more or less every game. Against Bengaluru, he came with a little bit of a problem. We look up to players. The players who played tonight did a superb job," he said. 

"It's an irrelevant question. We haven't lost the game. I think even with 10 men we played better football. It would be massively disrespectful to the player who played in," he added. 

Fowler, however, downplayed his team's finishing woes as he mentioned that his task is to defend his team. 

"Every single day it's a different question on the defense and attack. It feels comedic. Some of the questions and answers we have got to give. Its every single game. I have to defend my team for the way they are defending or attacking," Fowler said. 

East Bengal goalkeeper Debjit Majumder made consecutive saves to keep Chennaiyin FC away from scoring. Fowler, however, said that this kind of performance is much expected from him.

"Yeah. I think he's been brilliant. I don't think he was the man of the match tonight. He had got few good saves. He's a goalkeeper who is playing really well. We expected to make save," Fowler said. 

East Bengal played most of their 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) match against Chennaiyin with 10 men but managed to register a goalless draw at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday.

The Kolkata giants were reduced to 10 men in the 31st minute after Ajay Chettri was shown a second yellow for bringing Anirudh Thapa down with a rash challenge.

East Bengal head coach Robbie Fowler was disappointed with the result as he believes that his team had enough possession of the ball to win the game. 

"I am disappointed. We still controlled the match. There are a few half chances. We did enough to win the game. I'm disappointed we haven't got the three points. We will take the one point obviously due to the circumstances," Fowler said after the game.

East Bengal did not field Matti Steinmann and Fowler revealed that it was a tactical decision. He revealed that the player picked up a minor injury in the previous match and it would be unfair on the other players to say that his absence had an impact on the result. 

"Well, it's a tactical one. Matti played every single minute (so far). He's played more or less every game. Against Bengaluru, he came off with a little bit of a problem. We look up to players. The players who played tonight did a superb job," he said. 

"We haven't lost the game. I think even with 10 men we played better football," he added. 

Fowler, however, downplayed his team's finishing woes as he mentioned that his task is to defend his team. 

"Every single day it's a different question on the defence and attack. It feels comedic. Some of the questions and answers we have got to give. It's every single game. I have to defend my team for the way they are defending or attacking," Fowler said. 

East Bengal goalkeeper Debjit Majumder made consecutive saves to keep Chennaiyin away from scoring. Fowler praised his efforts in goal, "I think he's been brilliant. I don't think he was the man of the match tonight. He had a few good saves. He's a goalkeeper who is playing really well."

Didier Deschamps has poured cold water on the prospect of Karim Benzema securing a France recall.

Benzema has been in France exile since November 2015, when he won the last of his 81 France caps, with coach Deschamps not prepared to pick him while he is facing trial over his alleged involvement in an attempted blackmail plot of former Les Bleus midfielder Mathieu Valbuena.

Real Madrid forward Benzema has denied any wrongdoing, and his France status was thrust back into the spotlight earlier this month when a candidate for the presidency, Michel Moulin, said he would make it a priority to get the 33-year-old back in the fold.

Such comments have not sat well with Deschamps. In an interview with Le Figaro, the Bleus coach questioned the seriousness of Moulin’s statements and urged him to take on the role as manager of the national team if he wants to influence selection policy.

“Frankly it’s not serious,” Deschamps said. “There are those who like to make a buzz.

“I read his (Moulin) statements in your newspaper and I will answer him, even if I know that by doing so I feed the media machine. 

“This gentleman should have applied for the post of coach. As he apparently has his diplomas, he may have a chance to replace me.”

Reiterating his stance that he has turned the page on Benzema for the correct reasons, and that the national team is flourishing in his absence, Deschamps added: “I always take my decisions in my soul and conscience, for the good of the France team. 

“Look at our attacking plan. Rarely, perhaps never even, an attack has shown such effectiveness as the one which is currently playing. That is factual even if few speak about it.”

While the appointment of Moulin could shake things up, Deschamps is in favour of Noel Le Graet taking the top job in French football.

“It would be a very good thing,” Deschamps said of the prospect of Le Graet being appointed FFF president. “I will not say for me, because it would be selfish of me, but for French football.”

Phil Neville will reunite with former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham at Inter Miami after being appointed the new manager of the MLS club.

Miami announced earlier this month that they had agreed to mutually part ways with Diego Alonso, the Uruguayan coach who oversaw their inaugural season.

The club finished 10th in the Eastern Conference on their MLS debut, making it to the playoffs play-in round, where they were beaten 3-0 by Nashville.

Now Neville, who left his role as head coach of England’s women’s national team with immediate effect earlier on Monday, will take his first leading job in the men’s game.

The 43-year-old was appointed manager of the Lionesses in January 2018, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

However, he was set to leave the job this summer upon the expiry of his contract, with Sarina Wiegman, currently in charge of the Netherlands, to take over after the Olympic Games.

Beckham, the president and co-owner of Inter Miami, spent nine years playing in the Man Utd first team with Neville, the pair winning 12 major trophies together – including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

They also played together for England, both making their senior international debuts in 1996.

"I am incredibly delighted for this opportunity to coach Inter Miami and to work with Chris and the entire ownership group," Neville said of the appointment. 

"This is a very young club with a lot of promise and upside, and I am committed to challenging myself, my players and everyone around me to grow and build a competitive soccer culture we can all be proud of.

"This fantastic soccer-loving market deserves consistent performances and a winning mentality, and I look forward to getting to work."

Inter Miami co-owner Beckham added: "I am very happy with the leadership group we have established to lead the team as we turn the page following our inaugural season and look forward to having Chris and Phil join us soon.

"I have known Phil since we were both teenagers at the Manchester United Academy. We share a footballing DNA having been trained by some of the best leaders in the game, and it’s those values that I have always wanted running through our club.

"Phil has deep experience in football, as a player and as a coach at both club and international level, and over his career he has worked with many of the finest managers and players in the game.

"I know his qualities as a person, his decency, loyalty and honesty - and his incredible energy and work ethic. Anyone who has played or worked with Phil knows he is a natural leader, and I believe now is the right time for him to join."

Neville’s appointment creates a difficult situation for Team GB women’s football team, whom Neville was expected to take charge of at the Summer Olympics.

With Wiegman set to take a Netherlands team to the Games, her final task before becoming England manager, Team GB are now without a coach with just six months until the event takes place in Tokyo.

SuperSport United forward Bradley Grobler says he still has “a lot to achieve” in his career and is eyeing the 20-goal mark by the end of current Premier Soccer League campaign.

Having so far managed 10 goals in 11 league games this season, Grobler is attempting to reach the tally last achieved by Siyabonga Nomvete while in the colours of Moroka Swallows (now Swallows FC) during the 2011/12 term.

The 10 goals Grobler has struck include three braces in a season he has received three assists from Sipho Mbule as the most feeds from one teammate.

“I think someone needs to push over that 20-goal barrier, every year we go into a season and we’re always hearing about that 20 goals. I think it’s about time,” Grobler told Far Post.

“People are scoring goals now. I don’t know if that’s down to the amount of pressure that’s being put on strikers over the years by the South African public and the media about not scoring. Maybe people are doing a lot more shooting drills at training.

“I’m going to do my best to achieve that 20-goal barrier and I think I still have a lot to achieve in my career. Being a footballer myself I know there is no way you can do this unless you’re 100 per cent committed.”

Other players showing potential to score 20 goals this season are Mamelodi Sundowns’ Themba Zwane and Swallows FC midfielder Ruzaigh Gamildien, who have each managed eight goals so far.

Collins Mbesuma remains the highest scorer in one season during the PSL era after he fired in 25 goals for Kaizer Chiefs in the 2004/05 campaign.

Having joined Mtsatsantsa in 2013 from Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs), the current campaign is a season in which Grobler has equalled or broken records.

The Bafana Bafana forward, who turns 33 on January 25, became the only other PSL player to score 10 goals in the opening 10 league game after Christopher Katongo’s 2006/07 season feat.

Grobler also surpassed, by one goal, the late Abram Raselemane’s 57 goal-record to become SuperSport United’s all-time top scorer.

“It’s an amazing feeling to have broken that record at, not just any club, but a prestigious club who have a great history,” Grobler continued.

“It’s been difficult for me, I’ve had some good seasons, and I’ve had challenging seasons because of a couple of injuries."

"The club has been good to me over the years, they have stood with me through the good times and the bad times.

"They have always believed in me. It’s a nice feeling for me to break that record, but it’s a better feeling to know that I’ve repaid the club for the faith they’ve shown in me.”

After failing to score in last Saturday’s Tshwane derby against Mamelodi Sundowns, Grobler has a chance to increase his tally against AmaZulu on Wednesday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang “still seems a little below par” for Arsenal, admits Alan Smith, with a talismanic presence at Emirates Stadium registering just six goals this season.

Only three of those have come in the Premier League, with a once prolific frontman finding himself stuck in a serious rut.

The 31-year-old’s standards have dropped off since he signed a lucrative new contract in north London, with it suggested that he may have lost some of his drive.

Smith is not buying that, with Aubameyang as important to Mikel Arteta’s cause as he has always been, but he concedes that the Gabonese has looked a shadow of his former self.

“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still seems a little below par,” the former Gunners striker told Sky Sports.

“He had one or two moments against Crystal Palace, one when he cut in off the left flank before getting a strong shot away. That was a bit more like it, but, in fairness, he was part of a team that was stuttering and couldn't really get going.

“That didn't help him. Chances were not being created, and you can't underestimate what a big miss Kieran Tierney was. His runs on the outside allow Aubameyang to drift in and get closer to goal. That didn't happen enough against Palace.

“Having got a goal against Newcastle in the FA Cup, you are hoping now he can get one or two more and go on a run. He doesn't now want to go on a run of three or four games without a goal because anyone's confidence would be affected under those circumstances.”

Arsenal, who saw off Newcastle 2-0 in the third round of the FA Cup, will play host to the Magpies again on Monday in the Premier League.

Thomas Partey will be hoping to see more minutes in that contest, with a big-money summer signing from Atletico Madrid making his first appearance since December 6 in the Gunners’ last outing against Crystal Palace.

“We don't really know what Arteta's number one midfield partnership would be, but you'd have to say Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey would be close to it,” Smith added.

“Their respective games should complement each other well. Partey is someone who can drive forward with the ball, he can pick out a clever pass and Xhaka can hold a little more and he's got a decent passing range.

“It would be good to see them play together in the coming weeks and build up some sort of partnership.

“There's no doubt Partey can add to the side and make it a better team with what he's got at his disposal, and a better understanding with Xhaka would help that.”

Manchester City are already title favourites in the eyes of Micah Richards, but the former Blues defender says a new striker signing in January would be “the icing on the cake” for Pep Guardiola.

There is already plenty of firepower on the books at the Etihad Stadium, with big money invested in proven performers.

All-time leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero is, however, continuing to endure fitness issues, while Gabriel Jesus has managed just one goal through his last 11 appearances.

Others are helping to carry the load, with rejuvenated centre-half John Stones bagging a brace in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, but Guardiola will be eager to rediscover an attacking spark.

City have quietly made their way up to second spot in the Premier League table, with the Blues boasting a game in hand on arch-rivals Manchester United while sitting just two points off the pace.

Richards believes a third title in the space of four years could be heading to the Etihad, particularly if Guardiola can free up more funds in the current window to land another frontman.

“Man United are in pole position, so it's theirs to lose!” Richards joked on Sky Sports after City's comprehensive win over Palace.

“City, I've backed them from the start of the season, just because of the size of their squad.

“I know they are winning games but just when you want to break down a side later on like Liverpool, United or Chelsea, I think they need a striker, just to put the icing on the cake.

“And if they get a striker in January, I'll still say Manchester City.

“I backed them at the start of the season but when you lose a player like Aguero... like Liverpool have done well without Van Dijk and Gomez as well, so I'll always give them a shout as well.

“I still think it's between Man City and Liverpool, I really do. I just think there's a little bit more quality in the squads.”

City, who have already booked a place in the Carabao Cup final, will be back in action on Wednesday when they play host to Aston Villa – who have seen a Covid-19 outbreak keep them out of Premier League competition since New Year’s Day.

Kaizer Chiefs utility player Anthony Akumu believes being changed from the defensive midfield position into a centre-back shows the confidence that coach Gavin Hunt has in him.

The past three Premier Soccer League matches have seen Akumu operating as a central defender alongside Ramahlwe Mphahlele.

Under that defensive set-up, Chiefs first lost to Maritzburg United, before edging AmaZulu 1-0 and then last weekend's 2-1 win over Cape Town City.

“I’ve adapted to playing wherever coach Gavin Hunt utilises me. Playing anywhere on the field is all about the belief that the coach and your teammates have in you,” Akumu told the Chiefs website.

“So, I’m comfortable with being deployed in any position that I can play. I have played in many positions as player, so it’s not a new thing for me.

"Playing with ‘Rama’ and the other guys is good. Someone like Rama makes it easier because he communicates with me all the time and he’s experienced. It’s a good thing to be playing and winning.”

While fielding the Kenya international at the heart of defence has been facilitated by the absence of Erick Mthoho, it appears to be a solution to Chefs’ defensive frailties.

In the win over Usuthu, Chiefs scored 11 minutes into the match and then successfully defended their lead for most of the match.

Against City, they scored two goals in the first 20 minutes of the game before managing to hold onto their advantage despite a spirited comeback attempt by their opponents.

Those were away shows of resilience by the Chiefs defence that had developed a reputation of being easily cracked in previous matches this season.

Now Amakhosi are back at FNB Stadium where they will host Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Tuesday and Akumu wants the same recent approach to games maintained.

“Winning two games in a row is a morale booster. We can continue from where we left off for the next game against TTM,” said Akumu.

“If we can approach the next game in the same way we approached the last two games, I believe that we can get the maximum points we need. Our next game on Tuesday won’t be easy.

"It will be as tough as the other ones. Therefore, it’s about the right attitude and approach. I believe we can collect the three points. Whoever will be there on the pitch must be supported.”

If Mathoho is available for selection for the TTM match, it would be interesting to see how Hunt would arrange the central defensive position.

The six points collected by Chiefs lifted them up from being one point above the bottom of the standings to mid-table, where they are five points above basement side TS Galaxy.

The Confederation of African Football are launching an investigation into allegations of witchcraft made against African Nations Championship hosts Cameroon by Zimbabwe national team coach Zdravko Logarusic.

Ahead of Saturday’s Chan opener – a 1-0 victory for the Indomitable Lions over the Warriors – an image emerged of Logarusic, standing over the carcass of a bat he found on the centre-circle, with a note accusing the hosts of witchcraft.

When questioned by Goal about the allegations made against the hosts, Caf have confirmed that they will be looking into the matter and that Cameroon can expect sanctions if evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered.

“Issues of witchcraft are not the prerogative of Caf,” a Caf official told Goal . “We have launched an investigation into the said action and if there is a breach of the regulations of the tournament, appropriate sanctions will be handed out accordingly.”

Ultimately, Salomon Banga Bindjeme’s acrobatic opener was enough for an over-eager Cameroon to take all three points in their opener against a Zimbabwe team whose domestic league has been suspended since March 202.

However, Zimbabwe’s sense of disappointment at the defeat was likely tempered by a burning sense of injustice at the hosts’ attempts to allegedly resort to the dark arts in order to gain an advantage in the encounter.

This is not the first time that Cameroon have been accused of resorting to the dark arts in order to influence a competitive fixture.

In the Afcon 2002 semi-final between Mali and the Indomitable Lions, Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer and goalkeeping coach (and national team legend) Thomas Nkono were arrested by riot police after allegedly placing a charm on the pitch ahead of the fixture.

"We are no more willing to see witch doctors on the pitch than cannibals at the concession stands," said a spokesperson for Caf in the aftermath of a previous incident involving the Nigerian Football Association at the 2000 edition of the Nations Cup.

In Group A’s other match on Saturday, Mali defeated Burkina Faso to move level with Cameroon at the top of the group.

The Eagles face the Indomitable Lions in their second group game, also in Yaounde, on Wednesday, before Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe meet at the same venue later that evening.

The Football Kenya Federation has confirmed the mid-season transfer window will open on January 25.

According to a statement from the federation obtained by Goal, the window will run from January 25 to March 1.

“FKF wishes to notify all the [Kenya] Premier League clubs and other stakeholders the Second Player registration period [Transfer Window] for the league shall officially open on Monday, January 25, 2021, and shall run through to Monday, March 1, 2021,” read the statement sent to all the clubs and obtained by Goal.

“The International Transfer window will open on the midnight of Monday, January 25, 2021, and close on Monday, February 22, 2021, at 2359hrs.

“Meanwhile, the domestic transfer window will officially open on Monday, February 1, 2021, at midnight and shall close on Monday, March 1, 2021at 1700hrs.”

The Kenyan league started late owing to the coronavirus pandemic and so far seven rounds of matches have been played, with KCB still leading the 18-team table despite losing their unbeaten run to AFC Leopards on Sunday.

The Bankers were the only unbeaten side in the division until Elvis Rupia scored a double to end the run in a 2-1 defeat at Kasarani Stadium.

The defeat, however, did not affect their top position as they have 18 points from seven matches while Tusker, who are second on 17 points from eight matches, beat Kariobangi Sharks 4-2 on Saturday.

Despite the defeat to the Brewers, Sharks remained third on the log with 15 points and are followed closely by Wazito FC, who edged out promoted side Bidco United 2-1 on Sunday.

AFC Leopards are fifth on the table with 12 points while Bandari, under the leadership of new coach Casa Mbungo, are sixth with 12 points, and this is after they beat Kakamega Homeboyz 4-3 at Mbarak Grounds.

The transfer window will help the clubs to beef up their squad with Sharks among those affected with injuries after they confirmed on Monday they will be without up to three players against AFC Leopards in their next FKF Premier League game.

The players out injured are Patillah Omotto, who suffered an abductor sprain against Tusker, alongside Sudanese defender Kuol Chuol and his compatriot Fredrick Alushula.

Mohamed Salah has reiterated that his future lies “in the hands of the club” at Liverpool, and the Egyptian forward says his plan is to remain at Anfield for “as long as I can”.

The prolific 28-year-old sparked exit talk in December when revealing that he could not rule out linking up with Real Madrid or Barcelona at some stage.

He did, however, point out that any transfer would be driven by his current employers as he remains tied to a contract through to 2023.

Salah has no intention of breaking that agreement, with the Champions League and Premier League title winner eager to get his hands on as many trophies as possible while plying his trade on Merseyside.

Asked about his future by TV2, Salah said: “I do not know. If you ask, I say I want to stay here as long as I can, but as I have said before, it is in the hands of the club.

“I will always give 100 per cent to the last minute I am in this club and I want to win as many trophies as I can, and I want to give 100 per cent to the people, who show me love all the time.”

Liverpool have slipped to fourth in the Premier League table with a goalless draw at home to Manchester United last time out seeing them remain off the pace, but Salah is not looking for excuses as the defending champions manage their way through an injury crisis.

He added: “It has of course affected us in one way or another, but the players who play in that position always do their best. We have lost some top players like Virg [van Dijk] and Joe [Gomez], and Diogo Jota was also injured.

“The situation would be better if we had everyone available, but we do not complain since we have young players who have done very well and who are doing their best. Yes, we have had injuries, but we must handle the situation and continue. It is that, and not complaining, that will make us masters.”

While fitness setbacks have been hindering Liverpool’s cause, Salah admits a lack of atmosphere as supporters remain shut out amid the coronavirus pandemic is also impacting performances.

He said: “It is difficult. Anfield is Anfield and all the people and fans who come here make a huge difference to us, but the most important thing is their health. We cannot complain. Some people struggle more than we do, so we are in a good position.

“We test ourselves every other day and we feel completely safe. We miss the fans, both at home and away, but I cannot complain because I know the situation and I read the news. Hopefully it will get better soon, so that people can come back to the stadium.”

Frank Lampard has confirmed that N'Golo Kante isn't ready to return from his hamstring injury, with Chelsea travelling to face his former club Leicester City who sit above them in the table.

Chelsea have been on a poor run of form which sees Lampard under increased pressure and the Blues in seventh place, six points behind Brendan Rodgers' side.

The absence of Kante will be hard felt after he missed the win over Fulham through suspension upon picking up five yellow cards. The France international was expected to return, but he still isn't over a hamstring issue that bothered him after the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

"Andreas Christensen's available, and N'Golo Kante, unfortunately, isn't, his hamstring isn't ready," Lampard confirmed in his press conference at Cobham Training Centre.

The Foxes' only confirmed absence is Dennis Praet, who is out for three months with a muscle injury. However, Jamie Vardy pulled up and was subsequently substituted in his side's 2-0 win over Southampton and Rodgers confirmed fears about his fitness.

"We hope so [that it is only a minor issue]," he told Leicestershire Live. "It was obviously sore and restrictive for him, so we thought we would take him off towards the end and give him some sort of breather. It was that impingement he gets on his hip."

Chelsea have yet to progress on talks over incoming signings in the January transfer window but they have been willing to let players go.

Fikayo Tomori is set to join AC Milan on a six-month loan that includes an option to buy him for £26 million ($35m). Along with that more, Chelsea flop and £35m ($47m) signing from Leicester Danny Drinkwater has joined Kasimpasa on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

Lampard confirmed that the outgoings don't necessarily mean that the Blues will be making new signings in the winter window.

"In terms of players, I think it is great for Danny to leave and go and play for himself to try and get some games," he added. "Fikayo's a developing player. As a squad, we had four centre-backs last year, and you can't play four in one game. You try to find consistency at different times. At one point Fikayo was in that, and then later on not so much.

"This year we have five centre-backs, so the predicament is difficult for centre-backs who are not playing regularly. That's why he may go out on loan for his development, he's a young player and he's had a huge rise in the last two or so seasons since I've been working with him, and that will continue, and we'll find the best path for that.

"I am not concerned with getting players out to bring some in at this point. I am trying to make sure the balance of the squad is right and if players do move on, then that's beneficial for them and our squad, I see that as a positive."

The 2008 FKF-Premier League champions Mathare United have recorded their first win this season after defeating their hosts Zoo FC 2-0 at Kasarani Stadium on Monday.

Daniel Otieno and John Mwangi scored the goals that handed the Slum Boys maximum points.

After back-to-back defeats against Sofapaka and Gor Mahia, the Slum Boys hosted the Kericho-based team hoping to collect their first win this season.

They were not going to get it easy against their visitors who had registered two 1-1 draws against Bandari and Posta Rangers in their last matches.

The Salim Ali-led team needed seven minutes to open the scoring when Mwangi managed to pick out Otieno in a good area and the latter took a low shot that Vincent Misikhu failed to keep out.

Five minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. Mwangi, who assisted the first goal, was let into the danger zone.

He unleashed a fierce shot which the goalkeeper parried straight to him, and the winger made no mistake with the second attempt from close range.

In the 20th minute, the Herman Iswekha-led team created a good opportunity: Kepha Ondati created space and had a good hit ball from about 30 yards, but Job Ochieng did a good job to stop it from finding the back of the net.

In the 33rd minute, Zoo custodian Misikhu had to be alert in goal to stop Dani Lual from scoring the Slum Boys' third goal from close range.

Moments later, it was the turn of Mwangi to get his brace, but with the goalkeeper to beat, he shot narrowly wide.

Mathare resorted to cautious play after the break, ensuring Zoo do not get much of the ball.

Despite changes by either side, nothing changed on the scoreboard as the Nairobi-based team held on to record their first win of the season.

Zoo FC XI: Vincent Misikhu, Brian Kiplang'at, Pascal Ogweno, Matini Murabwa, Stanslaus Akiya, Geoffrey Gichana, Ongeri Dennis, Summy Ggolola, Kepha Ondati, Odongo Mathew, Collins Neto

Subs: Maxwell Mulili, Alex Onchwari, George Otieno, Edwin Namasaka, Newton Ondari, Ernest Kipkoech, Danson Kiprono, Dominic Kiprono

Mathare starting XI: Job Ochieng (GK), Martin Ongori, David Ochieng, Austin Ochieng, Norman Ogolla, Lennox Ogutu, Chris Oduor (C), Daniel Otieno, Danson Kago, John Mwangi, Dani Lual

Subs: David Okello (GK), Alphonse Ndonye, Kennedy Ochieng, Martin Werunga, Khalid Jumaan, Boniface Akenga, Cersidy Okeyo, Eugene Wethuli, Klinsman Omulanga

Tito Okello struck twice to ensure Gor Mahia picked up a 3-1 win over Western Stima in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Monday.

Samuel Onyango scored the first goal for K’Ogalo before Okello found the back of the net twice in the second half after the Powermen had equalised through Villa Oramchan late in the first half.

Onyango scored the opener for the Green Army in the 23rd minute after a dominant opening period, and Kenneth Muguna unleashed an ambitious long-range strike in the 33rd minute, but it flew just wide.

Having looked good in dealing with Gor Mahia’s attacks, Western Stima then levelled through Oramchan, who is proving his worth at a team he has enjoyed a considerable time with.

The Ugandan, who also scored against Gor Mahia’s arch-rivals AFC Leopards, found the back of the net in the 38th minute after a nice delivery by Baron Oketch.

At half-time, both teams had conceded two corners and had committed seven fouls in a game that looked very physical.

Gor Mahia had one attempt on goal compared to Western Stima’s two and off-targets shots for the hosts were four compared to the visitors’ five.

New Gor Mahia coach Vaz Pinto made a tactical change in the 46th minute when he withdrew Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Konfor and brought on South Sudanese forward Okello to sharpen the frontline.

The introduction of Benson Omalla in place of Ulimwengu in the 61st minute made the champions even more determined to pursue more goals.

The change in the striking department paid off as Okello restored Gor Mahia’s lead in the 65th minute.

K’Ogalo were not happy with the slim lead as they fought and earned the third goal in the 85th minute through the former Vipers SC star.

Western Stima will face Mathare United in their next assignment while Gor Mahia will be up against Vihiga United.

Western Stima XI: Samuel Odhiambo, Mukisa Junior, Bravo Otieno, Marvin Ayoro, Brian Steve, Ibrahim Ochieng, Baron Oketch, Patrick Otieno, Villa Oramchan, Austine Wahongo.

Subs: Ian Nagweya, Rodgers Ouma, Ochieng Mark, Spencer Obura, Devance Ochieng, Mohamed Mbaruku, Frank Leon.

Gor Mahia XI: Boniface Oluoch, Charles Momanyi, Philemon Otieno, Joachim Oluoch, Ernest Wendo, Samuel Onyango, Bertrand Konfor, Kenneth Muguna, Jules Ulimwengu, Clifton Miheso.

Subs: Gad Mathews, Kevin Wesonga, Andrew Juma, Tito Okello, John Onyango, Omondi, Benson Omalla.