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Real Madrid will be aiming to end their year in style and continue their recent renaissance when they host Granada in their penultimate match of 2020.

After the doom and gloom of the Autumn, Zinedine Zidane’s side have turned things around emphatically, winning their last four matches domestically and their last five in all competitions.

In fact, Real have taken maximum 15 points since they were defeated 2-0 away at Shakhtar Donetsk on December 12, the loss that represented the nadir of their miserable run.

Since then, they’ve conceded just two goals in five matches, with Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach, Atletico Madric, Athletic Bilbao and Eibar all being put to the sword during an impressive December.

They head into their midweek fixtures level on points with Atletico, although they’ve played two games fewer than their city rivals and have an inferior goal difference.

The pressure may well be on Real when they host Granada, as Los Merengues could have fallen three points behind Atletico when they host Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

At the weekend, Real excelled away at Eibar, running out 3-1 winners with Karim Benzema in imperious form.

The France striker opened the scoring after six minutes—following fine work from Rodrygo—and contributed two further assists, setting up Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez to add to Real’s lead.

With Sergio Ramos back in defence alongside Raphael Varane, Real are notably more confident at the back, with Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal representing reliable options at full-back.

With Casemiro back from suspension, he took his place alongside Modric and the influential Toni Kroos, while Vazquez and Rodrygo enjoyed two of their strongest performances of the season flanking the lethal Benzema.

Zidane will be hoping to welcome back some of his other attacking options for the visit of Granada; Vinicius may step into the side—on the left flank—as the French coach rotates his options, while he also may include Fede Valverde as Real look to negotiate the festive period.

Valverde stepped in when Casemiro was out, and looks likely to replace Modric, who missed training on Monday after developing a muscle problem in his left leg.

The Croatia midfielder will undergo tests on Tuesday to ascertain the seriousness of the injury, and he’ll be sorely missed should he—as expected—miss out, having played a key role in Real’s recent winning streak.

Los Blancos could also welcome back Eden Hazard—at least for a place on the bench—as the Belgium superstar looks to put his latest injury misery behind him.

Things haven’t worked out for the ex-Chelsea playmaker since his arrival from the Premier League for an eye-watering fee, and Zidane must manage his fitness cautiously—easing him back into a successful side will help—as the attacking midfielder looks to get back to his best.

A fully fit Hazard would represent a major boost for Real as they look to retain their title, as the former LOSC Lille hero could be the protagonist in a strong start to 2021—if he stays fit!

Isco remains doubtful for the Granada game, while Granada have plenty of problems of their own.

Key midfielder Maxime Gonalons is out with suspension, which could open the door to Ramon Azeez or Yan Brice Eteki, while the likes of Neyder Lozano and Angel Montoro are also absent.

Victor Diaz, Fede Vico and Darwin Machis are all doubtful for the visitors.

Real are overwhelming favourites to take all three points, despite Granda’s strong start to the season.

Los Blancos won the last meeting between these two—five months ago—to extend their winning run in this fixture to 10 matches. On average, they have scored 3.4 goals per match across this run, so expect goals when the Nasrids come to the capital on Wednesday.

Granada have never won at the Bernabeu, and it would represent a major surprise should Diego Martinez be able to take maximum points in a fixture where even a draw would represent an exceptional result.

Benzema appears primed to be key once again; he has a terrific record against Granada—having scored 12 in his last 14 matches against the visitors.

He’s scored eight and contributed two assists in his last home matches against the Rojiblancos, and will be looking to punish them again.

Real Madrid will be aiming to end their year in style and continue their recent renaissance when they host Granada in their penultimate match of 2020.

After the doom and gloom of the Autumn, Zinedine Zidane’s side have turned things around emphatically, winning their last four matches domestically and their last five in all competitions.

In fact, Real have taken maximum 15 points since they were defeated 2-0 away at Shakhtar Donetsk on December 12, the loss that represented the nadir of their miserable run.

Since then, they’ve conceded just two goals in five matches, with Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach, Atletico Madric, Athletic Bilbao and Eibar all being put to the sword during an impressive December.

They head into their midweek fixtures level on points with Atletico, although they’ve played two games fewer than their city rivals and have an inferior goal difference.

The pressure may well be on Real when they host Granada, as Los Merengues could have fallen three points behind Atletico when they host Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

At the weekend, Real excelled away at Eibar, running out 3-1 winners with Karim Benzema in imperious form.

The France striker opened the scoring after six minutes—following fine work from Rodrygo—and contributed two further assists, setting up Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez to add to Real’s lead.

With Sergio Ramos back in defence alongside Raphael Varane, Real are notably more confident at the back, with Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal representing reliable options at full-back.

With Casemiro back from suspension, he took his place alongside Modric and the influential Toni Kroos, while Vazquez and Rodrygo enjoyed two of their strongest performances of the season flanking the lethal Benzema.

Zidane will be hoping to welcome back some of his other attacking options for the visit of Granada; Vinicius may step into the side—on the left flank—as the French coach rotates his options, while he also may include Fede Valverde as Real look to negotiate the festive period.

Valverde stepped in when Casemiro was out, and looks likely to replace Modric, who missed training on Monday after developing a muscle problem in his left leg.

The Croatia midfielder will undergo tests on Tuesday to ascertain the seriousness of the injury, and he’ll be sorely missed should he—as expected—miss out, having played a key role in Real’s recent winning streak.

Los Blancos could also welcome back Eden Hazard—at least for a place on the bench—as the Belgium superstar looks to put his latest injury misery behind him.

Things haven’t worked out for the ex-Chelsea playmaker since his arrival from the Premier League for an eye-watering fee, and Zidane must manage his fitness cautiously—easing him back into a successful side will help—as the attacking midfielder looks to get back to his best.

A fully fit Hazard would represent a major boost for Real as they look to retain their title, as the former LOSC Lille hero could be the protagonist in a strong start to 2021—if he stays fit!

Isco remains doubtful for the Granada game, while Granada have plenty of problems of their own.

Key midfielder Maxime Gonalons is out with suspension, which could open the door to Ramon Azeez or Yan Brice Eteki, while the likes of Neyder Lozano and Angel Montoro are also absent.

Victor Diaz, Fede Vico and Darwin Machis are all doubtful for the visitors.

Real are overwhelming favourites to take all three points, despite Granda’s strong start to the season.

Los Blancos won the last meeting between these two—five months ago—to extend their winning run in this fixture to 10 matches. On average, they have scored 3.4 goals per match across this run, so expect goals when the Nasrids come to the capital on Wednesday.

Granada have never won at the Bernabeu, and it would represent a major surprise should Diego Martinez be able to take maximum points in a fixture where even a draw would represent an exceptional result.

Benzema appears primed to be key once again; he has a terrific record against Granada—having scored 12 in his last 14 matches against the visitors.

He’s scored eight and contributed two assists in his last home matches against the Rojiblancos, and will be looking to punish them again.

Gor Mahia have confirmed their first-leg, second preliminary round match in the Caf Champions League against CR Belouizdad will now be played on Saturday, December 26.

The Kenyan champions had written to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) requesting for the game to be pushed forward owing to a failure to get a means of travelling to Algeria since their airspace was locked.

"The Caf Champions League preliminary fixture, CR Belouizdad vs Gor Mahia, that was to be played [on Wednesday] December 23 in Algeria has been pushed to December 26," Gor Mahia tweeted.

"Match to kick off at 10.45 pm Kenyan time, the venue remains the same."

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa went on to confirm the new development.

"It is true, Caf have written to us confirming the game has been pushed forward," Mwendwa told Goal on Tuesday.

"The flights are available on Wednesday, December 23 and Friday, December 25. Caf have provided Gor Mahia with options regarding the flights that will be convenient for them."

The Federation head went on to explain what is now needed from the Kenyan outfit.

"It is now up to Gor Mahia to organize themselves for another Covid-19 test and ensure they have made travel arrangements," Mwendwa added.

"The consequences of missing that game will be dire to the FKF and the club as well.

"FKF will not be responsible for their new Covid-19 test because the initial one has already expired. Everything is entirely on the club." 

K'Ogalo will now have to convince the striking players to recollect themselves for the game.

In an initial interview, chairman Ambrose Rachier had stated willing players will be considered for the trip.

"Currently we do not have money and we are doing our best to pay the players," Rachier told Goal.

"We will leave for Algeria with willing players, we are not going to force anyone to travel with us. This is a match we want to win and we have to work with players willing to play for us."

The Kenyan champions qualified for the next phase of the competition after they managed to secure a 4-3 aggregate win against APR of Rwanda in a two-legged affair.

The Rwandan champions came into the return leg with a 2-1 advantage from their first leg meeting in Kigali, but could not withstand the pressure as Gor Mahia scored two quick goals in added time to win 3-1 and advance.

On the other hand, CR Belouizdad of Algeria reached the next round after a 4-0 aggregate win against Al Nasr of Libya.

The Algerian champions won the first leg away in Tripoli 2-0 and returned home to complete the job with another 2-0 win and will now face K’Ogalo.

Napoli have won their appeal to replay a match against Juventus after the original tie was deemed a forfeit due to coronavirus concerns.

A match between the two was scheduled for October 4 in Turin, but that match was quickly thrust into doubt after Napoli was barred from travelling due to coronavirus rules.

The scheduled clash between Napoli and Juve was set to kick off just days after the former had faced off with Genoa, who then developed over a dozen cases of Covid-19.

Originally, Napoli's visit to Juventus was ruled to have been abandoned, with Juventus arriving at the stadium only to be handed a 3-0 victory.

Additionally, Napoli were punished further as the club was docked one point for not travelling for the match.

Serie A  and the Italian federation (FIGC) ruled that Napoli had not stuck to the league's Covid-19 protocols, meaning that their inability to appear for the match was their own doing.

The FIGC upheld Serie A's decision upon Napoli's original appeal, determining that it was fair to penalize Napoli on the grounds that not enough squad members had tested positive to postpone the match under the terms of the league's Covid protocol.

In their ruling, Serie A said that "force majeure", the legal term for an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond any party's control, did not exist in this case.

Napoli's appeal had also been denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who determined that Napoli "deserve the sanction because it was not at all impossible for them to take part in the match, having instead pushed the situation in that direction in a voluntary and pre-ordained manner."

In the weeks since, Napoli appealed the ruling, stating that they were legally unable to travel as they were ordered by the local health authority due to two positive coronavirus cases within the team, Piotr Zielinski and Eljif Elmas.

On Tuesday, Napoli won that appeal with CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) determining that the match will be replayed and Napoli's previously deducted point will be restored.

As a result of the ruling, Napoli will move up one place in Serie A due to the restored point, as they will overtake fourth-place Roma on goal difference.

They are now also only three points behind Juventus, who sit third in Serie A, as well as seven points behind league-leaders AC Milan.

Napoli, who will take on Granada to begin the Europa League knockout rounds in February, are set to face Torino on Wednesday in their last game of 2020.

Juventus, meanwhile, will play host to Fiorentina in their final game before the week-and-a-half-long winter break in Serie A.

Simba SC have confirmed their two key players will not be ready to face FC Platinum in the Caf Champions League on Wednesday.

The Tanzanian champions will meet the Platinum Miners from Zimbabwe for the first time in history at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

However, coach Sven Vandenbroeck has confirmed the news that both keeper Aishi Manula and captain John Bocco have failed late fitness tests and will thus not be available for selection.

“We have a few hours before the game, but it comes with bad news because we've tried everything to get Aishi [Manula] and John [Bocco] ready for the game but it’s going to be hard to be ready,” Vandenbroeck told the club’s social media pages.

“[Bocco] is still in bed he's not feeling okay, [Manula] was hurt during our last league game against KMC FC and will take a week or more to be okay. So far there is 50 percent possibility of being in the game.”

Simba travelled to Zimbabwe with a contingent of 24 players and Vandenbroeck is confident he will get replacements for the players during the first leg of their second preliminary round fixture.

“at this point, I will have to use the available players, it is the reason we have a squad of 24 players here, and I know those who will come in, will step up well and do the job that we want,” Vandenbroeck continued.

In the absence of Manula, the Belgian coach will start Ben Kakolanya between the posts while Rwanda striker Meddie Kagere will step in for Bocco.

Kagere, who scored the only goal against KMC from the penalty spot before the team left for Harare, has often been used as a substitute and he will have the chance to show what he can offer against Platinum with a starting berth.

In a previous interview, Simba CEO Barbara Gonzalez explained they stand a good chance of beating FC Platinum because of their match fitness.

Gonzalez feels Simba have the edge because they have been active on the football scene for a longer period than their opponents, who suspended their leagues owing to the Covid-19 pandemic that affected many countries globally.

She also pointed out another advantage to Simba is their rivals will be playing at a new ground, despite being the home team, saying this will help the Wekundu wa Msimbazi as they will not have their home supporters.

“This is an advantage for us,” Gonzalez said as quoted by Daily News. “They are not residing in Harare, their home city’s weather is as hot as Dar es Salaam.

“They are, therefore, acclimatising with the cold weather here in Harare like the same we do here.”

On Simba’s preparations since arriving in Harare for the match, Gonzalez said: “The entire squad comprising of 24 players and technical bench members plus other leaders of the club are all well looking forward to the game.

“We had a good reception made by our Tanzanian ambassador to Zimbabwe, Emmanuel Mbenna, Zimbabwean Football Federation, and Platinum officials.

“What we request at this juncture from our members and fans wherever they are, including all Tanzanians is to pray for their team, to win so that we can have an advantage while heading to the reverse game at home.

Last season, Simba failed to make it past the preliminary stage after losing on the away goal rule to UD Songo of Mozambique.

The two sides had battled to a 0-0 draw in Mozambique, and in the return leg played in Dar es Salaam, it ultimately ended 1-1, meaning Songo advanced on the away goal rule.

Peter Olayinka has expressed his delight after signing a three-year contract extension with Czech First League side Slavia Prague.

The 25-year-old teamed up with the Red and Whites in the summer of 2018 from Belgian First Divison A club Gent for a fee of €3.2million.

The forward has been delivering fine performances since his arrival at Sinobo Stadium, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in 85 appearances across all competitions.

Olayinka has helped Slavia Prague win two league titles, one Cup trophy, one Czechoslovak Supercup diadem and played a key role in the 2019-20 season as the club qualified for the Champions League.

In the 2020-21 season, the winger bagged six goals in 17 appearances, including two strikes in the Europa League.

Olayinka is impressed with the faith reposed in him by the club and pleased to continue his stay with the Czech Republic champions.

“I am happy that I could extend my contract in Slavia and that I can continue playing for the club,” Olayinka told the club website.

“It is very important to see that the club trusts me and that they want me to stay. It is pushing me forward.

“My first year here was quite difficult, but now I am enjoying myself and everything is going good. This season and the last one were both fantastic.”

Olayinka started his career with Albanian side Bylis Ballsh in 2012 and spent two years with the side before joining Skenderbeu.

His eye-catching performances for Skenderbeu earned him a move to Belgian club Gent, where he shone during his two-year stay.

The forward will hope to continue his impressive showings for Slavia Prague and help them win their third consecutive league title.

The attacker will be expected to feature when his side take on Viktoria Plzen in their next league game on Wednesday.

Olayinka has one cap for the Nigerian national team, featuring against Brazil in a friendly in September 2019.

Odisha stretched their winless run to seven matches in the Indian Super League 2020-21 season with a 2-2 draw against NorthEast United at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.

Despite dropping points, head coach Stuart Baxter said that he is pleased with his team's improved performance. 

Odisha created multiple chances in front of the goal in the first half but were wasteful. Baxter said that his team tried to score goals with the attacking intent and he was happy with their approach against the Highlanders. 

" We were trying to score goals. Players were certain. We should have got at least one penalty. And I think the attacking play was slightly better. I have to say there is an improvement in the attack," Baxter said after the game.

"I'm not satisfied. We have been close to picking up more than one point in more that one game we have played. We just do not have the upper hand. I'm not happy with the point but the improvement," he added.  

Cole Alexander saved Odisha from the jaws of defeat with a brilliant goal in the 67th minute. Baxter was happy the performance from the midfielder and said that Alexander is a great acquisition for Indian football.

"Cole's performance in general was great. He is an infectious player at times, the boys love him. He is a one-man pressing unit. And he can get from box to box very quickly. So it was no surprise for me. He is a great acquisition for Indian football," Alexander said. 

Baxter has had a poor season as a coach thus far this season. He is among the most experienced coaches in the league but confessed that managing Odisha is one of the toughest projects he has taken.

"Nelson Mandela told me when I was in South Africa - he said that everything seems impossible till you do it. I think you look at projects before thinking you can rank it. But it is very difficult given the pandemic, the lack of preparation, given the very young squad. The players and their attitude keeps me enthusiastic"

Brendan Rodgers has declared striker Jamie Vardy fit for Leicester City's Boxing Day clash with Manchester United.

Vardy was substituted late on in Sunday's 2-0 win over Tottenham as Leicester climbed to second in the Premier League, a point above United having played a game more.

He netted from the penalty spot at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to make Premier League history, becoming the first player to score away to an opponent at three different grounds following previous goals at White Hart Lane and Wembley Stadium.

It took the 33-year-old's tally for the season to 11 goals in 13 outings, placing him behind only Mohamed Salah in the Premier League scoring charts - the Liverpool forward scoring 13 times in the same number of appearances.

Vardy has also now scored 43 goals since Rodgers' first game in charge of Leicester in March 2019, more than any other player in that time.

And Rodgers is expecting to have Vardy available for the visit of United as Leicester aim to improve on a return of five losses in six Boxing Day fixtures since their promotion in 2014.

"Vardy will be fine for the game, it's just a bit of soreness. It will be pretty much the same squad," the manager said at a pre-match news conference on Tuesday.

"[Caglar] Soyuncu may be close. If not for Saturday, he could be ready for Monday [away to Crystal Palace]."

Leicester have lost more games (19) and conceded more goals (60) against United than they have versus any other side in the Premier League.

United enter the game on the back of a 10-match winning run away from home in the Premier League, one short of the record jointly-held by Chelsea and Manchester City.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was under intense pressure following elimination from the Champions League earlier this month, but Rodgers has praised the work being done by his opposite number.

"I think Ole's doing a fantastic job," he said. "They'll be disappointed to go out of the Champions League because it's a competition they have history in.

"Ole has reshaped the club in terms of the values, and he's looking to develop young players. I think he's done a very good job. They've got big quality."

Odisha FC held NorthEast United to a 2-2 draw in the Indian Super League 2020-21 clash at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.

Both the teams played out an evenly-matched contest. The Highlanders looked to have an edge at various points in the game and head coach Gerard Nus believes that his team deserved to take all three points.

"I think we deserve the three points. We had a great performance with the ball. We created three chances. We deserved to score more compared to the other games and the thing is this game is so competitive and once you don't pay attention then the teams will punish, no matter who you're playing against.

"We are disappointed with the result. But I cannot say anything about the commitment and work rate of the players," Nus said after the game. 

"It's going to be hard. Sometimes you will have fewer chances but you score more goals. This is football. We played eight games but lost one. We will fight till the last game. Last minute. We started the season by beating Mumbai City," he added. 

Federico Gallego had a good game in the midfield as he registered 70 per cent pass accuracy. and 41 touches on the ball. He was, however, substituted in the 53rd minute of the play. Explaining his decision, Nus mentioned that, Gallego was injured and he did not want to risk him further. 

"He's a player and he can be substituted and in that case, he was injured and he was coming from an injury. And he was bringing a lot to the game. To be fair the plan was to play him even less. But we gave him (more time) because he was bringing a lot to the pitch. But you want to prevent another injury."

Nus said that the decision to not start Khassa Camara in the midfield was quite straightforward as he got a yellow card in the previous game and he can only field a limited number of foreign players in a match.

"You have to play eleven players. Camara got a yellow card as well but he is also a foreigner."

Meghalaya-based Alison Kharsyntiew was appointed as the assistant coach for NorthEast United earlier this month. He brings with him the experience of managing Shillong Lajong. Nus said that he has brought in positive energy to the side.

"He just started but we are happy to have him. He has big experience in Indian football. He is bringing positive energy already. So happy to have him."

Uganda have won the U17 Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) Championship after defeating Tanzania 3-1.

The champions scored their goals through Ivan Irinimbazi, Travis Mutyaba, and Ibrahim Juma while Vincent Mulema scored into his net for the Serengeti Boys' goal.

In the first half, neither of the two sides could get an opening goal despite the numerous chances created.

The Cubs scored their first goal in the 63rd minute. The Serengeti Boys committed a foul in their penalty area and it was brought in well, and Irinimbabazi rose highest to head the ball into the back of the net.

With 10 minutes to go, Mutyaba managed to double the advantage. A long ball was played into the danger zone and the Tanzanians did not clear it. 

The ball fell to Mutyaba who managed to work his way into the danger zone before shooting the ball past the goalkeeper.

Tanzania managed to get at the Cubs with a counter-attack in the 89th minute. In his desperate bid to clear the ball, Mulema, unfortunately, turned the ball into his own net.

The Serengeti Boys then conceded a penalty in stoppage time - Omari Yahya was beaten to the ball by Mutyaba, and the former brought down the forward in the danger zone. 

The referee had no option but to point to the penalty spot and captain Ibrahim Juma held his cool to send the custodian the wrong way and seal the win.

The Cubs have now managed to retain title and they will be playing in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2021. Despite losing the final, Tanzania have also qualified for the biennial competition.

Ethiopia finished third after defeating Djibouti 5-2.

Uganda Cubs XI: Mwebe Henry, Mulema Vincent, Peter Gava, Ivan Irinambabazi, Ronald Maddi, Oscar Mawa, Travis Mutyaba, Ibrahim Juma, Enock Luyima, Issa Bugembe, Samir Mudiba.

Subs: Mwanje Elvis Eddy, Shafiq Magogo, Jumbe Fahad, Hassan Mubiru, Kaliisa Shugai, Tuma Tenywa, Abdu Magada.

Tanzania XI: Abdallah Hamisi, Abubakar Lubotile, Yahya Omari, Abdulkarim Kiswanya, Abubakar Sabian, Omar Mvungi, Ladaki Chasambi, Omari Bakari, Sylvester Otto, Hijja Shamte, Mbarak Mohamed.

Subs: Edward Edward, Nuhhu Lugalamila, Chande Mkala, Abdulrazak Dominick, Shomary Mkwawa, Rahim Chapaulinge, James Mabada, Said Said.

Eden Hazard is back in contention for Real Madrid's clash with Granada after coming through his eighth injury absence in 16 months.

The Belgium international suffered a thigh problem at the end of last month in the shock 2-1 home defeat to Deportivo Alaves, lasting only 28 minutes on the pitch.

It was the latest in a string of fitness issues that have plagued Hazard since swapping Chelsea for Los Blancos ahead of the 2019-20 season.

On top of the three injury absences he has had to contend with this term, he was also ruled out for a chunk of November due to coronavirus.

He will hope to finally find some consistency and regular playing time starting with the visit of Diego Martinez's in-form Granada on Wednesday – the Andalusians are unbeaten in five across all competitions.

Before Madrid announced the squad on Tuesday, Zinedine Zidane addressed Hazard's mental state after such a difficult start to life at the club.

"So far, emotionally, it may not have been easy [for Hazard]," Zidane told reporters. "But now I see him well. You have to do things patiently, little by little."

Hazard has played 19 times for Madrid in La Liga but scored only twice, while his assists tally is only marginally better at three.

Even when he has been fit, Hazard has struggled to live up to expectations – his 21 chances created hardly an outstanding figure.

Belgium team-mate Thomas Vermaelen nevertheless affirmed in a recent  Goal  interview that it was only a matter of time before Madrid saw his best form .

"Firstly, everybody is very quick to say that he's got an injury. Injury-prone and that kind of stuff. I think he had a knock on his ankle and that's not his fault. It must be a muscle injury. I think it's not too bad," he explained.

"For me personally he's a world-class player, played against him in England. He will come back. He's very positive. When he comes back and starts playing the game. You'll see the best of him. I'm not worried about him. He'll come back." 

Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 victory over Sagrada Esperanca in the Caf Confederation Cup first round first-leg match at Estadio Municipal dos Coqueiros on Tuesday afternoon.

Thembinkosi Lorch was the hero for the Buccaneers as he grabbed a late goal which earned the team a hard-fought victory over the Diamonds in Angola's capital city, Luanda. 

The Buccaneers were hoping to record an important away win against the former Angolan champions after defeating Chippa United 1-0 in a PSL match over the weekend.

Coach Josef Zinnbauer made seven changes to the team which took on Chippa with left-back Bongani Sam surprisingly being deployed in central defence, while Wayne Sandilands started in goal. 

Meanwhile, the Diamonds were playing their maiden competitive match since March 2020 when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Progresso in an Angolan top-flight league (Girabola) game. 

Esperanca's Brazilian coach Rui Oliveira was looking to mastermind a surprise win over the 1995 African champions with Nigerian striker Joseph Femi Olatubosun spearheading his attack.

Pirates saw most of the ball in the early stages of the match with Fortune Makaringe pulling the strings from midfield for the visitors.

The 27-year-old player, who likes making forward runs from midfield, had an opportunity to score, but he was denied by the Esperanca goalkeeper Landu.

The Diamonds grew in confidence towards the half-hour mark and they began to press the Buccaneers as they looked to break the deadlock.

The pressure was mounted on the Bucs defence which saw Sam being booked after making a hard tackle, before his central defence partner Ntsikelelo Nyazua conceded a free-kick near the box.

However, Sandilands produced a fine save to deny the home side from the set-piece and his save ensured that the first-half ended with the two teams locked at 0-0.

Zinnbauer introduced Jean-Marc Makusu prior to the start of the second-half with the DR Congo international making his official debut for Pirates.

The Buccaneers adopted an offensive approach in the second-half with striker Makusu having replaced midfielder Linda Mntambo and the Soweto giants were able to create chances.

Frank Mhango's attempt from a free-kick hit the woodwork and Terrence Dvzukamanja's shot went across the face of the goalmouth, but there was nobody there to connect.

However, Bucs did get the goal they had been looking for when Lorch beat Landu to make it 1-0 to the visitors with 16 minutes left on the clock.

The Soweto giants were then able to contain the Diamonds until the match referee blew the final whistle and Pirates emerged 1-0 winners on the day.

The two teams will meet again in the second-leg game in South Africa on January 6, but before that, Pirates are scheduled to take on Mamelodi Sundowns in a PSL game on January 2. 

Ghanaian youngster Philip Yeboah Ankrah reveals he did not expect to be called upon to play in Hellas Verona's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina in Serie A on Saturday.

The game was his professional debut.

Having made the bench for the first time, the 18-year-old was surprisingly thrown into the fray by coach Ivan Juric, replacing Mattia Zaccagni in the 78th minute.

"I'm very excited for my debut. For the first time, I finally made the bench of the first team. I was really anxious," Yeboah Ankrah told Arthur Legacy media.

"I didn't expect the coach to let me play the game but I hoped until the end.

"I think I did a good performance, I believe I can always do better.

"The coach told me that for being the first time on the football field, I made a good performance. Going forward, I expect to always give my best!"

At 10, Yeboah left Ghana for Italy, where he started his football career. He was discovered by a scout of the Yellow and Blues and joined the club's youth ranks, developing through the system until last season, when he was promoted to the first team.

"We’ve been discussing and looking forward to a debut. But to be Frank, this came in a bit early and it was a surprise. To us it is the door to the career Yeboah has been dreaming of," Agent Oliver Arthur said.

"More respect to the coach. It tells me he has his tactics or plan and doesn't rely on only experienced players. I would say that is a good coach.

"Yeboah is a strong, fast and a clinical finisher. If he continues with the same focus and determination, he would be a top-level striker in Serie A."

With an eye on a second straight appearance, Yeboah Ankrah will be hoping to keep his place in Hellas Verona's matchday squad for Wednesday's league encounter with Inter Milan.

The striker could be drafted into the Ghana U20 team ahead of the 2021 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania. The team recently won the Wafu B Cup of Nations in Benin.

Fernandinho has to be considered one of Manchester City’s best buys of the modern era, says Pablo Zabaleta, with the versatile Brazilian proving a serious point to those who questioned a £34 million ($45m) transfer.

Few knew what to expect from the hard-working South American when he was snapped up from Shakhtar Donetsk back in the summer of 2013.

He had been plying his trade in the Ukraine for eight years and was something of an unknown quantity to many in English football.

Fernandinho was, however, to slot seamlessly into the fold and is now assured of legend status at the Etihad Stadium whenever the day comes for him to depart Manchester.

He has taken in 320 appearances for the Blues, claiming three Premier League titles along the way, and has inherited the captain’s armband under Pep Guardiola this season.

Zabaleta believes the 35-year-old, who has thrived in midfield and defence for City, will go down in history as a Blues great.

The Argentine, who enjoys a similar standing himself, told the club’s official website: “Fernandinho is like a fine wine. He gets better as he gets older.

“He’s always been really physically strong, but when he’s on the field he brings that leadership and experience to the team.

“His positioning is always good; he can tackle and his distribution of the ball is always excellent.

“OK, maybe he has lost a yard of pace, which is quite normal for a player who is 35, but playing in midfield or at centre-back, you don’t really need that kind of pace.

“He can protect the back four as well as anyone in the Premier League, especially when he plays alongside Rodrigo and he is still a very important player for City.

“He’s also a really nice guy and, for me, one of the greatest signings City made during my time at the Etihad.”

Zabaleta added on Fernandinho’s rise to prominence: “It’s funny, back in 2013, £34 million for a player who was relatively unknown outside Ukraine probably raised a few eyebrows at the time.

“But for what he’s given and for all the trophies the Club has won during his time makes the fee look like excellent business.

“He is always positive and is such an important influence on the pitch and in the dressing room.

“He is not afraid of anything and always plays with total commitment.

“In a 50/50 challenge he will never give anything but 100% and I love players like this.

“In the Premier League, you need players like that if you want to be successful but he has so much to his game and can even score great goals from outside the box.

“He is also happy to do what I call the 'dirty work' – winning the ball back, breaking up play or starting moves from the back and he is someone I loved to have as a team-mate.”

Fernandinho, who is only tied to a contract through to the summer of 2021, has taken in 11 outings for City in the current campaign, with injury issues forcing him onto the sidelines at times.

Mothobi Mvala was back on the scoresheet again, while Peter Shalulile added another goal as Mamelodi Sundowns upstaged Jwaneng Galaxy 2-0 at Lobatse Stadium on Tuesday in their Caf Champions League first round, first-leg encounter.

In his second appearance for Sundowns after scoring on debut in last Saturday's 1-1 Premier Soccer League draw away at Golden Arrows, Mvala was again on target.

While Sundowns were expected to unleash a full-strength squad on Galaxy, the coaches did not make many changes from the squad that played Arrows.

Shalulile was fielded upfront with Lebohang Maboe in the absence of his attacking partners Themba Zwane and Kermit Erasmus, who were not even named on the bench.

Defender Bangaly Soumahoro was handed a rare start while Khuliso Mudau was also in the line-up for the first time this season.

It did not take long for Sundowns to break the deadlock after Lyle Lakay made a run down the left flank to meet a Shalulile pass before providing a low cross which was slotted in by Mvala 10 minutes into the contest.

The hosts rarely troubled Downs, who nearly doubled their advantage six minutes later when another dangerously-looking Lakay cross was headed to safety as Shalulile and Mudau lurked ready to head in.

A well-positioned Shalulile then nearly found the target but his weak shot from inside the box was cleared before the Namibian came close again in the 36th minute after being set up by Maboe, but Galaxy goalkeeper Katlego Mbise was quick to arrive first to collect the ball.

Former Orlando Pirates youth captain Ricardo Lourenco started for Galaxy but lasted just 39 minutes before being replaced by Tebogo Sembowa.

Sundowns also made their substitution at that time with Aubrey Modiba coming on for Maboe in his second appearance of the season.

In what was the Botswana champions' first meaningful attempt at goal, Resaobaka Thatanyane's low drive was saved by Denis Onyango three minutes before the half-time break.

A few seconds into the second half, Shalulile profited from Isaac Paeye's failure to clear the ball before firing past Mbise while being sandwiched by a recovering Paeye and his defensive partner Fortunate Thulare.

Sundowns nearly furthered their advantage three minutes later but Lakay's freekick went just over the bar.

The hosts tried to respond moments later but Ivorian striker Junior Dion arrived a bit late to meet a cross from the left, while Lebogang Ditsele could not direct his shot towards goal and it went high.

Soumahoro stood tall to keep the Galaxy attackers at bay before he was substituted for debutant Spesihle Mkhize.

As Galaxy pressed for a comeback, Downs survived an attack after Ricardo Nascimento failed to clear a cross meant for Dion and the Brazilian had to thank Onyango, who was quick to avert danger.

Downs held on to the win and now prepare for the second leg in Pretoria on January 6.

Karim Benzema is playing the best football of his career for Real Madrid but can still improve, according to head coach Zinedine Zidane.

Former France forward Benzema scored one goal and created two more in Madrid's 3-1 win at Eibar on Sunday.

The 33-year-old's latest telling contributions, following on from a brace against Athletic Bilbao, took him to seven goals and five assists for the champions in La Liga this season.

He leads Madrid in both regards, also topping the charts in terms of shots (40), shots on target (18) and big chances created for his team-mates from which they would be expected to score (five, tied with Rodrygo).

Benzema is averaging 1.0 goals or assists per 90 minutes this term, his best rate across a season since 2015-16 (1.4).

Leading the line alone this term, unlike in that campaign when Cristiano Ronaldo carried the burden, Zidane has been delighted by his number nine's form.

Asked if this was Benzema's best-ever stretch, the coach told reporters: "I think so, yes. Most recently he's been in his best form. What he's doing recently, he's been phenomenal.

"What's yet to come? I think Karim can even get better than he is now - that's what we all hope, for the team, for him, personally.

"On top, it's his ambition. He wants to get better as well as a player. That's very important."

Benzema has played 12 of Madrid's 14 league games, but they took just one point from the two matches he missed.

Indeed, Madrid have won all seven of the fixtures Thibaut Courtois, Sergio Ramos, Casemiro and Benzema - the team's spine - have started together, claiming only two victories when at least one of that quartet have been absent.

Zidane's team selection has therefore come under scrutiny with the topic of rotation broached at Tuesday's news conference before a midweek clash with Granada.

"You guys make me laugh in a good way," said the Blancos head coach. "In the end, if I rotate, you ask me why I do it; if I don't, you ask me why I don't.

"I have it clear what I want to do and how I want to deal with my players. I'm going to count on every one of my players.

"It's true that recently the team has been playing very well and we've rotated less, but I think the players are ready and training very well.

"I think the important thing is with the amount of games coming up - and we have a lot of games coming up - when a squad player gets called upon, he is ready and ready to do a job. That's exactly what they're doing."

Despite the reliance on their key men, Madrid are level on points with rivals Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga, although Diego Simeone's men have two games in hand.

Real Sociedad, who have played a further game more, are three points back in third, but Zidane is not yet calling a two-horse race.

"We know how difficult this league is. You ask me about Atletico Madrid, they are going to say the same thing as me," he said.

"There are a lot of teams here that are going to challenge for this league title. That's the beautiful thing with this league; there are no easy games, you have to always battle, you have to always go out on the pitch to suffer and to win, it's always difficult.

"In any way, we're going to face difficult teams until the end to win this league."

Kenya international Michael Olunga has been crowned as the J1-League Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the concluded 2020 season.

The lanky striker scored 28 goals for Kashiwa Reysol and helped them to a seventh-place finish in the concluded season. The Sun King finished the season as third best scorers with 60 goals. Champions Kawasaki Frontale scored 88 while Yokohama F Marion, who finished ninth, scored 69.

Olunga played a great role for the club and his influence led to his crowning as the best in the concluded season.

"It was a great season for me in 2020," the Kenya international told Goal after being crowned on Tuesday.

"I was able to score a lot of goals. I would like to thank the people at Kashiwa Reysol for their support. I am very honored to be Kashiwa Reysol's first top scorer and the first African MVP."

The 26-year-old has further revealed his hope for the league and African players at large.

"I hope that what I have achieved will have a positive impact on Japan and on the rest of the world.  

"I hope that the J-League will continue to be the best football in Asia and that more and more African players will play in it."

The former Gor Mahia striker went on to appreciate his colleagues as well for their role in his achievements.

"Glad to be named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) 2020 in the Meiji Yasuda J-league," Olunga posted on his social media account.

"First, I want to thank God for this opportunity and blessings throughout this season.  

"Also, the collective effort from myself, my teammates, the entire Kashiwa Reysol fraternity and fans helped make this dream realizable for me, and for this, I am grateful. 

"I hope this is the beginning of more achievements in my career. Thank you all once again and happy holidays."

Olunga, played 32 games for Kashiwa Reysol in the 2020 J1 season and scored 28 goals and as a result, won the Golden Boot. This was the first time an African player has won the MVP in the J1-League.

Allan Saint-Maximin has denied suffering any lasting effects from Covid-19 while squashing talk of a rift with Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce.

Newcastle were dealt a major blow heading into the festive period after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced the Premier League to cancel their fixture against Aston Villa at the start of the month.

The Magpies training ground was closed for over a week to prevent any further spread of the illness, but the team was able to return to action on December 12, with a 2-1 home win over West Brom temporarily lifting the mood at St James' Park.

Bruce, who saw his side plummet back down to earth with a 5-2 defeat away at Leeds United and a 1-1 draw against Fulham the following week, confirmed on Friday that two members of his squad were still dealing with "damaging effects" of Covid-19 after being diagnosed with the disease earlier in the season.

The 59-year-old did not name the duo in question, but told reporters at a press conference: "My thoughts are with the two players, and the welfare of them.

"It's frightening when you think they are young and fit and absolutely supreme athletes. If anybody needs reminding of how serious this is, then we have witnessed it.

"We've had vomiting, sores, mouth ulcers, no smell, no taste, but the big thing, and which is worrying, is the welfare of one or two of them. It's not great at all.

"That long-term Covid is something which you wouldn't think possible in young, fit athletes. Unfortunately, it is so.

"They go for a walk for half an hour and then they want to go back to bed... It's as brutal as that."

Reports had since confirmed that Saint-Maximin and Jamaal Lascelles were the two players laid low with the virus, amid reports of a squad-wide fall out with Bruce in the dressing room.

Saint-Maximin has come out to address both issues ahead of the Magpies' Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Brentford on Tuesday, however, insisting he is in perfect health physically and mentally and that he has "no problem" with his manager.

"I feel great. I have no problem, nothing. Not injured," the French winger said on Instagram Live.

"[I have] No problem with the club, with Steve Bruce. I love this trainer a lot and he takes care of me. I love the club, I love the fans.

"I love everything, I love my life in England and everything and I feel great. That is the only thing you have to know."