Looking for Soccer News?

Enyimba have bowed out of the 2020-21 Caf Champions League despite their 2-1 victory over Al Merreikh on Wednesday.

Having bowed 3-0 in the first round, first leg clash in Omdurman thanks to Saif Terry’s hat-trick, the People’s Elephant needed to defeat the Sudanese giants convincingly in Aba.

However, that was not the case and the two-time African kings kissed the competition goodbye.

In the keenly contested affair at the Enyimba International Stadium, it was Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s men who took the lead through Terry in the eighth minute.

However, the lead only lasted for six minutes as Victor Mbaoma slotted past impressive Munjid Al-Neel in the 14th minute.

That equaliser was a morale booster for the hosts, albeit, they fluffed several scoring opportunities.

Chances were few for the visitors but they looked dangerous on the counter-attack while forcing some smart saves from goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode, who was the captain of the Nigerian side.

Needing four goals to qualify at the expense of the Leaders, Enyimba surged forward at the commencement of the last 45 minutes.

They were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute following a reckless challenge on Samad Kadiri from an Al Merreikh defender. Mbaoma converted the ensuing kick to complete his double on the day.

The Nigerians attacked in their numbers but were poor in the final third with Mbaoma and Kadiri the main culprits.

Even with the introduction of Gabriel Orok and Anthony Omaka for Sadiq Abubakar and Dare Olatunji, Osho’s side were unable to break down the stubborn visitors.

After 90 minutes, it was the 21-time Sudan Premier League champions who progressed to the group stage in a 4-2 aggregate win.

Enyimba now join the likes of Morocco’s Raja Casablanca, Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, Ghana’s Asante Kotoko, Kenya’s Gor Mahia and South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in the play-off round of the Caf Confederation Cup.

Despite enjoying success on the continent by winning consecutive African titles in 2003 and 2004, the eight-time Nigeria Professional Football League kings have failed to make an impression on the continent recently while changing coaches regularly.

Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu believes national team coach CK Akonnor should not be pressured to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars are desperately in the search for a first title since winning the last of their four championships in Libya in 1982.

Akonnor was appointed head coach of the West Africans in January last year, taking over from James Kwasi Appiah and tasked to win the Afcon tournament in 2022, as well as secure Ghana qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

"There is a possibility Ghana can win the Afcon but we shouldn’t put pressure on the team and the coach because he is trying to rebuild a new team," Badu, who recently announced retirement from international duty, told 3 Sports.

"Rebuilding a team like the Black Stars is not an easy job for the coach because the national team is not like club level where you will get the players throughout the year to train with them to get cohesion and to know each other.

“For national team, every three months, you have a game; today you might have great form, the next day, the star player might be injured and you will have to replace that kind of player, so it's always difficult, they have quality, but I think they need time."

Akonnor's reign began on a bad note as the Black Stars suffered a 3-0 loss to Mali in a friendly fixture in October. Days later, the team made amends with a 5-1 thrashing of Asian champions and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in a second friendly.

A month later, Ghana beat Sudan 2-0 in a 2022 Afcon home qualifier but lost 1-0 in the reverse fixture on the road.

“It’s not about me. It’s about us," Akonnor told TV3 in May last year.

"Over 30 years we’ve not won Afcon. I don’t want to be just another coach who comes in to manage Ghana and goes and then it’s the same story.

"I want us to work and make an impact, be relevant.”

At the last Afcon tournament, Ghana, under Appiah, were eliminated by Tunisia in the Round of 16.

It was the first time the team failed to reach the quarter-final of the competition since 2006.

Inter manager Antonio Conte says that Christian Eriksen's future is in the hands of the club as the Danish midfielder seems destined for an exit.

Eriksen joined Inter last January, making the move from Tottenham in a deal worth a reported €20 million (£17m/$22m).

The former Spurs midfielder signed a four-year contract with the Italian side but, in recent weeks, it has become clear that he is unlikely to see out that four-year deal.

Eriksen has made just 12 appearances this season and has scored zero goals after scoring four times in 26 outings last campaign.

Having fallen out of Conte's plans, Eriksen appears set for an exit, with CEO Giuseppe Marotta confirming in December that the playmaker will be transfer listed in January.

"He has struggled to settle into the squad, he is not functional to the squad. That’s just an objective fact," Marotta told Sky Italy.

Eriksen played the final 20 minutes of Wednesday's clash with Sampdoria as Inter fell 2-1.

And, after the match, Conte was asked about Eriksen's situation and whether or not anything has changed since Marotta's statement.

“I try to make the most of the options available based on the situation," he said. "I am at the complete disposal of the club and any decision they make on the transfer market, so there’s nothing else I can do.

“The club knows perfectly well if there need to be players going out or coming in. I just work, the way I have done since the moment I arrived at Inter. Any decision that is made will always be shared by me.”

One potential landing spot for Eriksen is Paris Saint-Germain, now managed by Mauricio Pochettino, who worked with the playmaker for five seasons at Spurs.

When asked about Eriksen, Pochettino said he is "looking at all the possibilities", playing coy when it comes to potential transfers.

Inter currently sit second in Serie A, sitting one point behind rivals AC Milan who have a game in hand. 

Conte and co. will face a short turnaround following Wednesday's loss as Inter travel to Rome to take on Roma on Sunday. 

Swallows FC head coach Brandon Trutter is wary of a wounded Orlando Pirates side ahead of the original Soweto Derby clash.

The two teams are set to meet in an eagerly-anticipated Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter at Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Pirates suffered their maiden defeat of the season last weekend when they succumbed to a 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in a league game in Tshwane.

They will be up against a Swallows side which remains undefeated this term and they are coming off a 3-2 win over Cape Town City in Soweto on Tuesday. 

Truter lauded Pirates as a very offensive-minded team, but he explained that his side will be prepared for Bucs and they will have to keep it tight at the back. 

“Pirates are a very different kettle of fish. I think they’re a very dynamic‚ very offensive-minded team. I think it’s going to be very different to what we’ve faced‚” Truter was quoted as saying on The Sowetan. 

“I think the Sunday game will be a very good test of our character and strength in this league. We’ll prepare as best as we can because it’s their home game."

Pirates are inactive in midweek after their Caf Confederation Cup match against Angolan side Sagrada Esperanca was cancelled after the latter withdrew from the competition. 

Truter, who was named PSL Coach of the Month for October/November, expects the Buccaneers to come out guns blazing as they are well-rested team 

“And so‚ yeah‚ with their previous result as well [Pirates lost 1-0 to Sundowns]‚ I think they’re a bit under pressure to get the result and also I think they’ll be playing their first match this week," he added.

“So, they’ll be the fresher team and they have their backs to the wall – they’ll come out [all] guns blazing. It’s a about us‚ keeping it very tight at the back."

It will be the first meeting between Swallows and Pirates since December 2014 and that league encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Dobsonville Stadium. 

Siyabonga Nomvethe opened the scoring for Beautiful Birds, but his first-half strike was cancelled out by Lehlohonolo Majoro's 77th-minute goal. 

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores has reached its semi-final stage, as the delayed 2020 competition nears its end.

And Wednesday sees the action switch to La Bombonera with Boca Juniors' clash against Santos.

With six and three Libertadores titles respectively the two sides rank among the most successful in the competition's six-decade history, and each will be desperate to win through to a final against either River Plate or Palmeiras.

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores semi finals can be watched through Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial. 

The streaming platform offers the option to watch each game in the US.

How to watch Boca vs Santos on US TV

What has happened to Boca and Santos so far in the 2020 Copa Libertadores?

Boca have made steady if unspectacular progress through the Libertadores, buoyed by six goals from Argentina striker Eduardo Salvio and the ever-inspirational presence of Carlos Tevez.

The Xeneize came out top in Group H without losing a single game and conceding just one goal, and they looked set to continue in the same vein when Tevez's strike gave them a 1-0 victory away to Internacional in the last 16 first leg. 

Inter, however, struck back with their own win in the return, and the game was forced into a tense penalty shoot-out which was eventually won 5-4 by the relieved Argentines.

In the quarter-finals against Racing, a tense first leg at El Cilindro went in La Academia's favour thanks to Paraguay international Lorenzo Melgarejo, who headed past Esteban Andrada to gives the hosts a 1-0 victory. In the return, though, Boca fought back and prevailed on aggregate thanks to goals from Salvio and Sebastian Villa.

Watch now with Fanatiz English

Watch now with Fanatiz Spanish

Watch now with Fanatiz Portuguese

Santos finished top of Group G with a near-perfect 16 points from 18, although they then faced a potential banana skin in the last 16 in the shape of Ecuador Liga de Quito.

The Brazilians pulled off a major coup in prevailing 2-1 in the altitude of Quito, a result that meant they could afford to lose a bad-tempered return and still progress on away goals.  

The Peixe were then unlucky to see Gremio level at 1-1 deep into injury time of the all-Brazilian quarter final, first leg, but they proved too strong in the return as a superlative performance from young sensation Kaio Jorge led them to a 4-1 thrashing at Vila Belmiro and easy passage into the last four.

Boca and Santos team news and preview

The Xeneize welcome back midfielder Diego Gonzalez from a muscular injury, and the ex-Racing and Lanus man is likely to start following two weeks' absence from the first XI. 

Gonzalez's return means Boca will make just one change from the side that beat Racing in the quarter final second leg, with Nicolas Capaldo entering for the injured Jordan Campuzano.

Venezuela international Yeferson Soteldo missed the quarter-final clashes due to a positive Covid-19 test, but has now been cleared to return and will line up in attack at the Bombonera.

Santos will also field Lucas Verissimo, who has been sold to Benfica but will remain with the Brazilians until the end of their Libertadores campaign.

Probable Boca XI:  Andrada; Jara, Izquierdoz, Lisandro Lopez, Fabra; Salvio, Gonzalez, Capaldo, Villa; Soldano, Tevez.

Probable Santos XI: John; Para, Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres, Felipe Jonatan; Alison, Sandry, Diego Pituca; Marinho, Kaio Jorge, Soteldo.

When does the 2020 Copa Libertadores finish?

The 2020 Copa Libertadores was originally scheduled to conclude with a single final in a neutral ground, the system which replaced the old format of home and away legs last year, at the end of November. 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, the tournament suffered almost six months of interruption, meaning that the final phases had to be pushed back into the South American summer months of late December and January. 

The last quarter-final tie between Boca and Racing concluded on December 23. The first leg of the Xeneize's semi clash with Santos takes place just under 24 hours after River and Palmeiras locked horns for the first time on Tuesday, while both return matches take place next week.

The final proper is scheduled to be held at Rio de Janeiro's landmark Maracana Stadium on January 30.

Watch the Copa Libertadores live on Fanatiz. Sign up for a free trial now.

Atletico Madrid were the victims of a Copa del Rey giant-killing for a second successive season as Diego Simeone's side went down 1-0 to Cornella.

LaLiga leaders Atleti lost 2-1 to Cultural Leonesa in the round of 32 last season, and slumped out to Segunda B opposition on Wednesday.

The 10-time Copa winners fell behind to Adrian Jimenez's sensational flick seven minutes into the second-round tie in Catalonia.

Saul Niguez hit the woodwork and Lucas Torreira went close with a free-kick, but Ricard Sanchez's second booking compounded Atleti's issues as minnows Cornella claimed a famous triumph.

Sanchez was fortunate not to concede a penalty for handball in the opening minutes, before Jose Gimenez, making his 200th Atleti appearance, scythed down Raul Prieto.

With Gimenez, who was booked for his troubles, off the pitch receiving treatment, Cornella added insult to injury, with Agus Medina's cross flicked home expertly by Jimenez.

Atleti seemed set to restore parity shortly after the 20-minute mark, yet Angel Correa saw two efforts blocked either side of Saul hitting the crossbar.

Though Atleti were seeing over 60 per cent possession, they would have been 2-0 down heading into the break if not for Miguel San Roman's save from Pablo Fernandez.

Vitolo got in behind Cornella's backline early in the second half, only for an errant offside flag to deny him a chance to equalise.

Torreira's curling free-kick was inches away from levelling proceedings, though Atleti were then fortunate that Eloy Gila flicked over from close range at the other end.

Sanchez's frustrating night was made worse when he was deemed to have kicked out at Cornella goalkeeper Ramon Juan – the full-back seeing red just 11 minutes after receiving his first booking as Atleti's comeback efforts proved futile. 

SuperSport United failed to maintain their winning run in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as they drew 2-2 with Chippa United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday evening. 

Andile Mbenyane and Maloisane Mokhele netted for the Chilli Boys, while Matsatsantsa scored through Thamsanqa Gabuza and Bradley Grobler, who made it six goals from four league matches. 

Matsatsantsa were targeting their fourth successive victory in the league having ended 2020 with a 3-1 win over Baroka FC in an action-packed encounter which was played in Polokwane.

Grobler, Gabuza and Ghampani Lungu were deployed as the front three by coach Kaitano Tembo, while Luke Fleurs, who netted an own against Baroka, kept his place in the team.

Meanwhile, the Chilli Boys were desperate to end their five-match winless run in the league which saw the club dismiss coach Lehlohonolo Seema, who has since been replaced by Dan Malesela.

Malesela, who is back at Chippa for his fourth stint‚ handed club's stalwart Mbenyane his second appearance of the season, while Isaac Nhlapo marshalled the visitors' defence.

SuperSport applied some pressure on the Chippa defence from the first whistle and they came close to breaking the deadlock through Lungu.

The Zambia international's superb acrobatic attempt at goal was fantastically denied by Ayanda Mtshali as the Chippa goalkeeper pulled off a reflex save and the visitors cleared their lines.

Mtshali was the busier of the two keepers as he parried away an effort from his teammate Nhlapo, who nearly netted an own-goal, before coming off his goal-line to deny Kudakwashe Mahachi.

However, Chippa grew in confidence as the match progressed and they broke the deadlock seven minutes before half-time following a brilliant team move which was started and finished off by Mbenyane. 

The 32-year-old forward pounced and scored from close range to make it 1-0 to Chippa after SuperSport keeper Ronwen Williams had failed to parry Mokhele's low shot away from danger.

Chippa were then able to contain SuperSport and the score was 1-0 to the visitors at the interval.

Grobler, who was just three goals away from becoming SuperSport's all-time leading goalscorer, looked lively after the restart as the home side pushed for the equalizing goal. 

The Bafana Bafana international's goal-bound effort was deflected wide, before he netted with a looping header from Sipho Mbule's cross - making it 1-1 in the 49th minute.

It was his 56th goal for the Tshwane giants and he also became the league's top scorer this season with eight goals from eight matches. 

Malesela then made a triple substitution as he produced the attacking trio of Thabiso Lebitso, Bienvenu Eva Nga and Kurt Lentjies as visitors looked to restore their lead.

However, it was the Tembo's substitute Jamie Webber, who made an immediate impact as he grabbed an assist in the 87th minute when his corner-kick was headed home by Gabuza to make it 2-1 to SuperSport. 

The goal did not deter the Chilli Boys as they railed and they snatched a late equalizing goal through Mokhele's well-taken shot to make it 2-2 with three minutes left on the clock.

Mokhele's goal ensured that the match ended in a 1-1 draw as SuperSport and Chippa shared the spoils on the day.

The draw saw SuperSport remain third on the league standings - five points behind joint leaders Swallows FC and Mamelodi Sundowns, while Chippa also remained 14th on the log.

SuperSport are set to travel to Mpumalanga where they will face TS Galaxy in a league clash on Saturday, while Chippa are scheduled to face Lamontville Golden Arrows in Durban on the same day.

Simba SC cruised into the group stage of the Caf Champions League after a 4-0 win against FC Platinum in the return leg played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday.

The Platinum Miners came into the fixture with a slim 1-0 advantage secured from the first leg meeting played at National Sports Stadium in Harare on December 23.

Erasto Nyoni put Simba ahead from the penalty spot in the 40th minute before Shomari Kapombe added the second in the 61st minute, John Bocco grabbed the third in added time and Clatous Chama made it 4-0 with seconds left to the final whistle.

Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck made two changes to the side that played the first leg, with striker Chris Mugalu coming in for Meddie Kagere, who dropped to the bench while Rally Bwalya came in for Hassan Dilunga.

Despite recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of the first leg, striker Bocco was benched with keeper Aishi Manula starting, just as Kenyan defender Joash Onyango and midfielder of the year Chama, who was given the captain's armband in place of Bocco.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi showed their intent of going for an early lead as striker Mugalu missed a sitter in the eighth minute after his feeble shot from a Chama cross went inches wide.

Simba continued to press their visitors and it was defender Pascal Wawa who should have given them the lead in the 12th minute, when, after a well-taken corner kick from Luis Miquissone, the Ivorian rose the highest but directed his header off the target.

Simba finally took the lead leading up to half-time when Nyoni scored from the penalty spot after Miquissone was brought down inside the box and they went into the break enjoying a 1-0 lead on the day, with the tie on level terms.

On resumption, Simba, who were cheered on by a mammoth crowd then scored the second on the hour mark, this time Kapombe finishing off a cross from Chama.

It was Kapombe who set up the third goal for Bocco, who had just come on as a late substitute, to beat the Platinum keeper with a low shot.

With the referee checking his watch, Simba were not done yet as Chama drilled home the fourth goal after a defensive lapse inside the Platinum defence to ensure they booked their place in the group stage of the competition for the third time in history.

A few hours before the game, Platinum suffered a huge blow when five of their key players were withdrawn from the squad after testing positive for Covid-19.

A source within the team confirmed to Goal the five players were already set to start in the fixture until they received their results two hours before kick-off.

“It is unfortunate some of the players who tested positive were already in coach Norman Mapeza’s plans for the match,” the source, who did not want to be named, told Goal.

“We have to use the players we have anyway.”

Simba will now shift their focus to the Mapinduzi Cup which is currently taking place in Zanzibar.

Asante Kotoko's Caf Champions League first round, second-leg away fixture against Sudanese side Al-Hilal, which was scheduled for Wednesday, has been cancelled over a Covid-19-related issue.

With a group stage ticket to fight for, the two teams were set for a showdown in Omdurman, the first leg in Ghana having ended in a 1-0 win for visiting Hilal.

The game was, however, called off after kick-off was delayed for over 30 minutes, owing to Kotoko's inability to raise enough men for the match after seven players of the Porcupine Warriors tested positive for Covid-19.

"Al Hilal vs Asante Kotoko Game called off as we await CAF decision," Kotoko have announced on Twitter.

"Asante Kotoko has officially petitioned Caf on the overwhelming anomalies Association with our covid 19 results."

With all Kotoko players testing negative for coronavirus before the team's departure from Ghana, Kotoko are accusing Hilal of foul play.

"Four officials and seven players are alleged to have tested positive for Covid after the results of the tests came in," Kotoko posted in an earlier update on Twitter. 

"The Covid results were delivered by known officials of Al Hilal but suspiciously enough, the positive results clearly look different from the negative results.

"The team [Kotoko] has made an official complaint to the match commissioner as the Covid results have been tampered with.

"The team is, however, at the stadium to present a team.

"Game on temporary hold as we await the delivery of 'the missing Covid result' of one Asante Kotoko player.

"Kindly note that without the result of the outstanding player, Asante Kotoko cannot raise a team of the required players needed to play the [Caf Champions League]."

It is the second time Kotoko are involved in a Covid-19-related match cancellation.

In the preliminary round of the competition, the Porcupine Warriors saw their second leg home fixture against Nouadhibou of Mauritania cancelled after some players of the visiting team tested positive for coronavirus.

While Nouadhibou were unable to raise a team for the game, Kotoko was awarded a 2-0 win by Caf and handed qualification to the current round. 

Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd have been named in the 27-player U.S. women's national team training camp roster for January. 

Both players have been away from the USWNT since March of last year, missing both the October training camp and November's friendly against the Netherlands. 

USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski will trim down his roster to 18-player gameday squads for two friendlies against Colombia at the conclusion of January camp, which will be held in Orlando. 

The U.S. will take on Colombia on January 18 and January 22, with both matches set to take place at Exploria Stadium in Orlando. Fans will be allowed into the two games with a reduced capacity of 4,000.

Also making her return is Mallory Pugh, who was cut from last January's Olympic qualifying roster before injury kept her out in October and November.

Alex Morgan was not included on the roster after the forward announced on Tuesday that she and her family had tested positive for Covid-19 over the holidays.

Also missing out was Manchester United duo Christen Press and Tobin Heath. Press is currently recovering from a non-Covid illness while Heath has opted to remain in Manchester to compete in her team's Women’s Super League fixtures.

“A big credit goes to our players, team staff and overall medical staff for the tremendous work to make sure we have secure and healthy environments for our camps and games,” Andonovski said in a federation release.

“And a special thanks also goes to our game operations staff for enabling us to host two matches against a talented opponent. It’s extremely valuable to play a team we don’t see that often and it’s important for our Olympic preparation.”

USWNT January camp roster

GOALKEEPERS (4): Aubrey Bledsoe (Washington Spirit), Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS (10): Alana Cook (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA), Abby Dahlkemper (North Carolina Courage), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Fox (UNC), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit), Margaret Purce (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Jaelin Howell (Florida State), Rose Lavelle (Manchester City, ENG), Catarina Macario (Stanford), Kristie Mewis (Houston Dash), Samantha Mewis (Manchester City, ENG), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)

FORWARDS (5): Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Lynn Williams (North Carolina Courage)

Lionel Messi is the only player who can ensure Barcelona's value, according to presidential candidate Lluis Fernandez.

Messi wanted to leave Barca last year, due to frustration with the club's board and then-president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner ultimately elected to stay and see out his contract, which runs out at the end of the season, before Bartomeu and the entire Barca board resigned in October.

There has been talk that Messi may choose to remain at the club he has been at since 2001, having helped them to 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.

However, Messi, who marked his 500th LaLiga appearance by teeing up Frenkie de Jong's winner against Huesca last time out, will not make a decision until towards the end of the season – something Barca coach Ronald Koeman insists is not a problem.

With the presidential elections coming up on January 24, each candidate is outlining their vision for the future of the club, and Fernandez has vowed to do all he can to keep Messi at Camp Nou, outlining the financial benefits of retaining the 33-year-old.

"We can't forget that Barcelona have a greater income because of Messi," he told Radio Marca . "Barcelona would have less value without Messi.

"He is the only player in the squad who, by his mere presence, ensures Barcelona have more value and more income.

"We need income, but we also need to manage the club's structure. There's a need to negotiate the debt.

"But, there's no danger of Barcelona being forced to become a limited company. The members can rest assured about that."

Fernandez also wants the club to return to its roots and promote more players from its famed La Masia academy.

Ansu Fati is the most recent prodigy off Barca's production line and, should he win the election, Fernandez will speak to Koeman about the importance of giving youth a chance.

"We agree that Ronald Koeman should be given a chance," Fernandez added. "We need to speak with him because there's a need to give opportunities to the players from the academy.

"No starter has come out of La Masia since 2011, when Sergi Roberto did so. So, there's a need to speak to Koeman about this and about giving opportunities.

"From next year, we need to promote young players, as we won't be able to sign as much and we'll need to reduce the wage bill."

Antonio Candreva and Keita Balde were on target against their former club as Inter's eight-match winning run in Serie A ground to a halt in a 2-1 defeat at Sampdoria.

The Nerazzurri were aiming to go top, at least temporarily, and Alexis Sanchez saw an early penalty saved at the Luigi Ferraris.

Another VAR check led to Candreva opening the scoring from the spot and Keita – on loan at Sampdoria from Monaco – doubled the hosts' lead in an enthralling first half.

Stefan de Vrij finally headed wasteful Inter onto the scoreboard after 65 minutes, but Antonio Conte's side failed to find and a leveller and remain second, one point adrift of Milan.

In a breathless opening, Emil Audero foiled Ashley Young's whipped shot and Milan Skriniar skewed wide from the same corner that saw Morten Thorsby pinged for handball after VAR's intervention.

Audero kept out Sanchez's penalty and Young smashed the rebound against the post, while Lorenzo Tonelli's looping header for Sampdoria hit the crossbar soon after.

Candreva succeeded where Sanchez failed after 23 minutes, firing into the left of the goal after VAR spotted Nicolo Barella had handled a Tonelli header.

Things worsened for Inter when Keita swept home Mikkel Damsgaard's low right-wing centre seven minutes before the break.

Sanchez was denied by Audero again and Lautaro Martinez wastefully headed wide, before the former followed suit in similar style after the break.

Inter finally responded when De Vrij headed home Marcelo Brozovic's corner with 25 minutes left and substitute Romelu Lukaku saw a powerful downward header brilliantly stopped by Audero.

Ivan Perisic was twice off target with headers either side of Martinez testing Audero at his near post but Inter were frustrated in their endeavours.

What does it mean? Conte's men pass up great opportunity

With unbeaten league leaders Milan scheduled to face Juve later on Wednesday, Inter had the chance to leapfrog their neighbours - at least temporarily.

But Conte's side were wasteful when chasing a ninth straight league win, with only seven of their 25 shots finding the target. On another day this could have been a cake walk for the visitors, but the reality is their 11-match unbeaten run comes to an end.

Ghosts of Inter's past haunt Nerazzurri

It is a little late to be making gags about the ghosts of Christmas past but a couple of Inter old boys haunted their former employees here.

As well as his penalty, Candreva had four key passes and completed 21 of 27 passes (77.8 per cent). Keita stretched Inter's defence and completed each of his 10 passes.

Martinez and Sanchez misfire

Martinez was the catalyst for the 6-2 battering of Crotone on Sunday, scoring a hat-trick on that occasion. But here, in a game where Lukaku (thigh) was only fit enough to play the final half an hour, the Argentine striker was uncharacteristically wasteful.

Only one of his seven efforts were on target while his passing accuracy was just 44 per cent in an underwhelming showing.

Sanchez had two shots on target – albeit one was his missed penalty – but he too was guilty of misfiring, especially with a poor header early in the second half.

Key Opta facts

- Sampdoria have won a game against Inter in Serie A for the first time since April 2017 - six defeats in a row conceding an average of 2.7 goals per game since then.
- Inter have lost an away game in Serie A for the first time since the defeat against Juventus in March 2020, in their last match before the lockdown. 
- Sampdoria have scored in 16 consecutive home games in Serie A for the first time since October 1994 (16). 
- Keita has found the net for consecutive games in Serie A for the first time since December 2018, doing so with Inter. 

What's next?

Inter face a tricky trip to Roma on Sunday, a day before Sampdoria visit lowly Spezia.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) have bowed out of the Caf Confederation Cup despite a spirited 3-1 win over AS Kigali at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Wednesday.

A 2-0 walkover from the first leg ensured AS Kigali proceeded to the next round at the expense of KCCA, who were the strongest side in the second leg contest.

Brian Aheebwa was the man of the match after he notched a hat-trick as he continues to establish himself as Uganda’s upcoming striker. Muhadjiri Hakizimana's goal is all the visitors wanted to advance on away goals, even though they were clearly outrun in the second leg.

Aheebwa, who has scored seven Uganda Premier League (UPL) goals, opened the scoring early as neither team had settled into the game. The December UPL player of the month found the back of the net in the first minute and gave KCCA the needed spirit against the Rwandan side.

Joseph Bukenya, who was given his debut by coach Mike Mutebi, showed brilliance along with the right-wing and his deliveries caused trouble to the visitors who struggled to clear.

He, in one clear instance, outwitted his marker in the 26th minute but his cross for a well-positioned Aheebwa was quickly cleared by Bendata Janvier.

Aheebwa, who proved to be a thorn in AS Kigali’s flesh all through, doubled the Kasasiro Boys’ lead in the 36th minute. The goal brought the score level since the Rwandan outfit were awarded a 2-0 win in the first leg.

Hakizimana reduced the deficit as he pulled one back for the visitors from the penalty spot in the 50th minute.

Aheebwa, who toyed with AS Kigali’s backline on a number of occasions, added the third goal for the former Ugandan champions in the 75th minute, to level matters on aggregate, but still trailing in the tie due to Hakizimana's away goal.

In the final 15 minutes, the hosts were unable to get the winner they needed, and the Rwandan side advanced to the next round.

The Kampala side booked the AS Kigali date after Caf had given them a bye from the preliminary round. The game was their first in more than a year as they last played against AC Paradou in November 2019 in Algeria.

Mutebi’s side came into the game buoyed by a good record in the continental games since 2005. They have engaged in 24 games since then at home in both the Confederation Cup and in the Champions League and have won 15 games, lost four and six ended up producing draws.

KCCA FC XI: Charles Lukwago, Herbert Achai, Denis Iguma, Joseph Bukenya, Ashraf Mugume, Joseph Kafumbe, Keziron Kizito, Bright Anukani, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Brian Aheebwa.

AS Kigali XI: Bate Shamiru, Christian Ishimwe, Hassan Karera, Janvier Benedata, Hassan Rugirayabo, Rachid Kalisa, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Eric Nsabimana Muhadjili Hakizimana, Shaban Hussein, Aboubakar Lawal.

Cameroon forward Didier Lamkel Ze has tendered an apology to Royal Antwerp after he turned up to Tuesday’s training session in their rivals Anderlecht's shirt.

Lamkel Ze is reportedly trying to force a January move to Greek Super League club Panathinaikos after playing just five matches in the Belgian First Division A this season.

The 24-year-old was denied access to the Royal Antwerp training centre after wearing an Anderlecht shirt with Yannick Bolasie written on the back.

His encounter with the security operatives appeared to be a scuffle as he resisted their efforts at the door and tried to force his way in.

Royal Antwerp and Anderlecht are league rivals with the former placed fifth on the Belgian top-flight table, a point behind Vincent Kompany’s side, who are fourth.

After the incident, the Cameroon-born star felt sorry for his actions and he still hopes to be available for new manager Franky Vercauteren, who was appointed as Ivan Leko’s successor on Tuesday.

“I want to apologise to the club and to the Antwerp supporters, because they are magnificent and wonderful supporters, they have always supported me,” Lamekl Ze said in a social media video.

“If I reacted like this it is because my head was somewhere else (the transfer...), it was not easy for me.

“I really, really want to apologise for this gesture. I do not forget neither my team-mates in the locker room or the technical staff who have supported me since my arrival here.

“I am available for the club if the new coach needs me. I hope to find the supporters very soon on the pitch.”

Lamkel Ze moved to Belgium from French outfit Chamois Niortais in July 2018 and he scored 10 goals so far in 57 First Division A appearances.

He also helped Royal Antwerp win the 2019-20 Belgian Cup.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has insisted no letter from Caf sanctioning Gor Mahia to stream live their Caf Champions League match against CR Belouizdad on Wednesday was received.

According to Gor Mahia, Caf gave them the green light to stream the return leg clash played at Nyayo Stadium, but the FKF maintained they had not been cleared to do so and thus the game was not screened live.

FKF president Nick Mwendwa has told Goal they did not receive any letter from Caf indicating they had allowed Gor Mayia to screen the match on their social media platforms, and further wondered why the African body would be dealing directly with clubs and not the federation.

“We don’t have any letter from Caf stating Gor Mahia should stream live the match,” Mwendwa told Goal.

"In fact, Gor Mahia should give us a copy of the letter, I don’t understand since when did Caf start dealing with clubs directly without involving the federation?”

Mwendwa further maintained they had acted within the law to deny Gor Mahia access to stream the game which later ended 2-1 in favour of the North African giants.

“When did Caf start talking to Gor Mahia directly?" he asked.

"We have not received any letter from Caf, and if Caf wants them to stream the game live, they will write to us but if they communicated to them directly, then we are not aware.”

Gor Mahia were forced to write directly to Caf through chairman Ambrose Rachier after the FKF denied them access, with their letter to the African body and obtained by Goal stating: “We write to request the authority to live stream the said match strictly online and not on national TV station.

“We had presented the request through the match commissioner at the pre-match technical meeting held in Nairobi on Tuesday and we are yet to officially obtain the direct go ahead, our technical team is already at the match venue waiting for the authority to proceed to layout the equipment ahead of the 3 pm kick-off time.

“We are looking forward to your favourable consideration so that our fans, who are barred from attendance due to the Covid-19 conditions can have a chance to view the match.”

Caf then responded through commercial director Ali Aissaoui, who stated: “Kindly note the rights for the said game are not centralised and belongs to the club hosting the game.

“Therefore, we do not have any objection to your request, and should such a game be indeed broadcasted, would you be kind enough to communicate the live streaming link?”

In their letter to Gor Mahia denying them access to the live coverage signed by CEO Barry Otieno, the FKF said: “Reference is made to your letter dated January 5, 2021, informing the federation of Gor Mahia’s intention to live stream the Caf Champions League match no. 76 Gor Mahia vs CR Belouizdad, scheduled for January 6, 2021.

“In this regard, and further to Caf guidelines on the broadcast of Caf competitions, the federation has regrettably been unable to obtain a clearance from Caf for the match to be broadcasted, as the request by Gor Mahia was made outside of the provided Caf timelines.

“In light of the aforementioned, please be advised that live streaming of the said match will not be possible, unless with prior written consent from Caf.”

The game was, however, not streamed live as K’Ogalo went on to lose 2-1 and exit the Champions League on an 8-1 aggregate scoreline.

Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka has backed himself for big things in the future, saying he could go on to emulate fellow African stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

The 22-year-old has been tipped to join the trio in the Premier League, having been linked with moves to Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal during the last transfer window.

Daka has started the current season in red-hot form, scoring 15 goals in 17 matches in all competitions for the Austrian side.

The Zambian has looked to the Premier League for inspiration, believing he could follow in the footsteps of some of Africa's best. 

"To see our big brothers like Aubameyang, Salah, Mane, it's something that gives me the dream that I can also make it," Daka told BBC Sport. "I can be like them. They are my inspiration, knowing that they also come from Africa.

"I think when people are making those kinds of comparisons, it's great, looking at the status of Sadio Mane, the kind of football he plays and the kind of person that he is."

Daka's national team coach Milutin Sredejovic agreed with his star forward's assessment that big things lie ahead.

"I would say he's on the road to replace what Samuel Eto'o once was in representing Africa and African football," Sredejovic said. "He could be compared to Sadio Mane or Samuel Eto'o, with the level of skill and speed that he has. With the sense for space, sense of positioning, in the right place at the right time."

Salzburg has become a jumping-off point for top talent in recent years, with Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mane himself among those who have moved to a bigger club from the Austrian side. Daka is careful not to speculate too much about his future, but he believes that his next club must view him as a long-term investment.

Speaking about a potential next club, Daka said: "The most vital thing that I've noticed is that the club [doesn't] focus much about receiving big money for players. They're more concerned about the development of the player."