Looking for Soccer News?

The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan has become the fourth fully operational stadium for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after the inauguration on December 18, Friday, which is also the Qatar National Day. 

The stadium hosted the 48th Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Arabi to mark its inauguration, a game which finished 2-1 in favour of Al Sadd, coached by Xavi Hernandez. 

The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium joins the Khalifa, Al Janoub and Education City stadiums as venues for the 2022 World Cup already unveiled. The 40,000-capacity stadium will host seven matches till the Round of 16 stage during the 2022 World Cup and will function as the home of Qatar Stars League (QSL) outfit Al Rayyan. 

The stadium has been named after Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar who ruled from 1960 to 1972. Qatar gained its independence as a sovereign state in September 1971 under his rule. 

Before the Amir Cup final, there was a spectacular ceremony which featured music, cultural performances and stunning visual effects, along with a riddle recited by presenters Hamad bin Mohsen Al Naimi and Ali bin Rhema Al Marri. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present at the stadium to oversee its inauguration. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, H.E. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, and UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin were also in attendance along with star names such as Samuel Eto’o, Tim Cahill, Mohamed Aboutrika and Ali Al Habsi. 

“Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is a wonderful venue for football,” said Infantino. “The atmosphere is incredible, with the seats extremely close to the pitch. Even with a socially-distanced crowd, I could feel the passion for the game. I am sure this will be a perfect football arena in 2022 when it hosts matches during the World Cup.”

Infantino continued: “I would like to congratulate Qatar on the completion of this latest World Cup project. The country is very well prepared for the next World Cup and on track to host a memorable version of the tournament – the first in the Middle East and Arab world, and the second in Asia.”

The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium is adjacent to the Mall of Qatar and is within walking distance of Al Riffa Station – on Doha Metro’s Green Line. 

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), said: “The inauguration of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Qatar National Day is another important milestone on the road to 2022 and a triumph of the efforts of everyone involved to put on such a successful event during a global pandemic. The stadium and surrounding precinct are sure to be a source of pride for Al Rayyan Sports Club and everyone who lives in this historic city.

“As we look ahead to 2021, we look forward to unveiling more stadiums in the new year, as we ensure that all tournament venues are delivered well in advance of the big kick-off in 2022.”

Nasser Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said:“Tonight was an immensely proud occasion for Qatar and the people of Al Rayyan. It was also another opportunity to test our readiness for Qatar 2022, with thousands of fans enjoying the spectacle, despite the challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic. We look forward to developing the Qatar 2022 fan experience further next year when we host more major tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Arab Cup – events which are sure to excite football lovers in Qatar, across the region and around the world.”

Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah reveals he is not ready to make a return to the domestic league just yet.

The former Juventus midfielder ended a two-year stay with Inter Milan in October, having been sidelined by manager Antonio Conte in the months leading up to his departure.

Currently unattached, he has been linked to Sampdoria and Turkish sides Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, but former international teammate Laryea Kingston has urged the ex-Udinese man to consider a return to the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Former Sunderland and Rennes striker Asamoah Gyan is the latest high-profile player to make a return home after years in Europe, joining Legon Cities in October.

"In the future, I won't mind going there [to Ghana] and play football, but this is not the right time for me to do so," Asamoah told BBC Sport Africa.

"I have quite a few years ahead of me to play in Europe before considering such a move.

"For me it would mean to go back and support Ghana's football, to encourage the young ones, share my experiences in Europe with them and give something back.

"I know they would look at a player like me and be eager to learn; I could help them with my experience, show them what is necessary and encourage them.

"This might also inspire other players who are in Europe now to go back and help. We could be role models for them."

Asamoah last played for Ghana at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where the team exited the competition at the Round of 16 stage.

It was his fourth unsuccessful attempt at helping the Black Stars end their search for a first continental title since 1982.

"We were so close to winning the Africa Cup of Nations many times, and we never did it," said, Asamoah.

"We've been chasing this for some 30 years now; we got to the final three times, but never managed to win it.

"I know you need to accept these things, you can't win everything, but this is something I would have really loved to bring home for my country."

Asamoah played for Liberty Professionals during his time in the Ghana Premier League.

At international level, he also represented Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments. 

Cristiano Ronaldo is extremely close to his family and makes an effort to include them in all aspects of his life.

Reflecting on his life in the 2015 biographical film Ronaldo, the Portugal star said: "If you don't have family, life will be very, very tough."

Goal takes a look at who Ronaldo's sisters are, how many siblings he has and more.

On this page

Who are Cristiano Ronaldo's sisters?

Ronaldo has two sisters, who are both older than him. Elma Aveiro is his eldest sister and Katia Aveiro is the younger of the two.

Katia is a singer and businesswoman, describing herself on her Instagram profile as a "digital influencer". Similarly, Elma's Instragram says that she is an "enterprising woman".

Indeed, Ronaldo has promoted their work on his own social channels, notably encouraging his followers

Both sisters have been quite outspoken on matters pertaining to their brother Cristiano, particularly if they feel that he has been the victim of a perceived transgression.

In 2018, for example, Katia leapt to the Juventus star's defence following his red card in a Champions League match against Valencia.

"Football's shame... justice will be served," Katia Aveiro fired in an Instagram post. "They want to destroy my brother but God never rests. Shameful."

Katia found herself in the headlines again in 2020, this time after a positive coronavirus test kept Ronaldo out of a number of games in October.

The Portugal captain returned a positive Covid-19 result while on international duty and, despite being asymptomatic, was forced to isolate per the public health guidelines in Italy and across the world.

Ronaldo was clearly frustrated with the scenario, as he felt fully fit and healthy. It was a frustration that was also shared by Katia, who blasted that the pandemic was "the biggest fraud" in a social media tirade.

"If Cristiano Ronaldo is the one who has to wake the world up, I have to say that this Portuguese really is an envoy from God. Thank you!" she wrote on Instagram.

"I believe that, today, thousands of people who have come to believe so much in this pandemic, in the tests and the measures taken will, like me, see it is the biggest fraud I've seen since I was born.

"A phrase that I read today and that I stood up to applaud: 'Enough fooling the entire world'. Someone, open your eyes, please."

Elma is not shy about voicing her opinions either and she prompted headlines across the football world in 2020 when she shared a photo of Lionel Messi 'worshipping' her brother.

After Juve came out on top in the Champions League against Barcelona in December, Elma shared the image of Messi kneeling in front of a triumphant Ronaldo along with the message: "My king. The best ever. The pride of my life."

It was not her first time in the news for such matters, having previously criticised the style of play deployed by former Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri mid-way through 2020.

How many siblings does Cristiano Ronaldo have?

In total, Cristiano Ronaldo has three siblings - one brother called Hugo and his two sisters Elma and Katia. They are all older than him, meaning he is the baby of the family.

Elma is the eldest of Ronaldo's siblings, having been born in 1973, followed by Hugo, who was born in 1975. Katia was born two years after Hugo in 1977.

There are eight years between Katia and Ronaldo, who was born in 1985.

Ronaldo's family are tightly knit, having come through the difficulties of poverty while growing up together in Portugal.

As well as supporting their business ventures, Ronaldo regularly celebrates milestones, events and birthdays with his siblings, as well as his mother Maria Dolores.

Who are Cristiano Ronaldo's parents?

Ronaldo is the youngest child of Maria Dolores Aveiro and Jose Dinis Aveiro. Ronaldo's father passed away in 2005 at the age of 53 as a result of liver failure.

His father, who had been a soldier and later a kit-man at their local club, battled alcoholism for much of Ronaldo's life.

"My father was very funny when he was drunk," Ronaldo said in the 2015 documentary film Ronaldo. "He used to tell a lot of stories. He used to sing. He was funny.

"He was drunk nearly every day and when that happens it's not easy to have a conversation, to get to know him a bit more.

"I'm not ashamed to say it, I didn't really get to know my father for real, from the heart, to open up and tell him things. I never had those kinds of conversations."

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend?

Georgina Rodriguez has been Ronaldo's girlfriend since 2016 and she is the mother of his youngest daughter, Alana Martina.

A model from Spain who met Ronaldo while working at a Gucci store, Rodriguez is undoubtedly the Portugal star's most serious girlfriend and the pair have been living together for a number of years.

As well as being the mother of Alana Martina, Rodriguez is the effective step-mother of Ronaldo's other children, Cristiano Jr. and twins Eva and Mateo.

Read more about Georgina Rodriguez in our profile

Bayern Munich have begun discussions around a new contract for Jamal Musiala, but they face pressure to get the deal done with Premier League clubs monitoring the situation.

The 17-year-old could be offered as much as £100,000 per week after breaking a number of records and earning regular minutes under Hansi Flick.

Despite his first-team status, Musiala remains on a youth contract with the Bavarians which has just 18 months left to run.

The likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are said to be monitoring the situation should any potential opportunity arise following a collapse in talks.

Musiala has made 15 appearances at Bayern Munich in all competitions already and he has seen his standing grow in the Bundesliga.

The youngster came through the Chelsea academy before being poached by Munich, who offered both a great pathway and lucrative terms.

Born in Stuttgart to a German mother and British-Nigerian father, Musiala began his footballing education at TSV Lehnerz in his hometown of Fulda before moving to England as an eight-year-old.

Musiala's contract decision could have wider implications for his international future, with both England and Germany fighting to secure his services.

Germany may find their opportunity to convince Musiala boosted by a deal in Munich, but England Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd has earmarked him to be part of the U21 European Championships which begin in the March international break.

The Young Lions feel that his development is going well at the Allianz Arena.

"Definitely, he has increased game time," Boothroyd said. "We don’t know, but he might have a growth spurt and he hasn’t finished growing yet. I saw him against Atletico Madrid the other day and he didn’t look out of place against that massive array of talent for Bayern Munich.

"We are really pleased for him, he did well for us, scored and personally I think it might be too early for him to make the seniors in March just yet. But in two or three months with more experience, you just never know.

"Being out in Germany, training with that calibre of players and coaches every day is really going to help his development for us."

Still, it is understood that the DFB (German Football Association) remain positive about their efforts to turn him before he gains a call for Gareth Southgate's squad.

He remains eligible for Germany until he plays in a competitive senior international match and DFB national team director Oliver Bierhoff has highlighted his Die Mannschaft's intentions.

"Jamal Musiala is a very interesting player, who we are watching because of his DFB past and current performances," Bierhoff told Sport1. "There was already contact between him and our DFB officials a few months ago.

"He has currently decided to play for the England U-21 national team, which we of course respect. However, we will continue to keep an eye on him and of course, keep discussing whether his stance can change."

Maritzburg United were held to a 2-2 draw by Stellenbosch FC in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match which was played at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.

Judas Moseamedi scored twice in the first-half for the Team of Choice, but Stellies netted through Marc Van Heerden and Stanley Dimgba to ensure that the game ended in a draw.

The Team of Choice were desperate to end their 12-match winless run in the league including last season's matches, having lost 2-0 to Swallows FC in midweek. 

Moseamedi led Maritzburg's attack despite the striker having failed to score this season with coach Ernst Middendorp keeping his faith in the player.

On the other hand, Stellies were hoping to secure their third victory of the season in the league after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to Cape Town City in midweek.

Goalkeeper Sage Stephens was handed his debut for Stellenbosch by coach Steve Barker, who also recalled David van Rooyen to the starting line-up.

It took just three minutes for Moseamedi to open his scoring account for the season when he beat Stephens with a low shot from outside the box to make it 1-0 to Maritzburg.

However, the Team of Choice went to sleep at the back and they conceded following a good move by the visitors. 

Van Heerden finished off a move which he had started when he headed home Van Rooyen's delightful cross to make it 1-1 10 minutes into the match.

The hosts did not sit back after conceding as they piled pressure on Stellies and Stephens made a mistake as his poor pass was intercepted by Moseamedi.

The former South Africa under-23 international then punished Stephens as he scored with a low effort to make it 2-1 to Maritzburg in the 15th minute. 

Stellies nearly responded with a goal when Ashley du Preez's goal-bound effort was pushed onto the crossbar by Maritzburg goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange and the hosts cleared their lines.

Maritzburg then contained Stellenbosch and the home side was leading 2-1 at the half-time interval.

The visitors pushed for another equalizing goal after the restart and they managed to score a minute before the hour-mark following a quick move by Barker's side.

Du Preez played a low cross from the left for Dimgba, who fired home from close range to make it 2-2 with the home side's defence exposed.

It was end-to-end stuff as the Team of Choice were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Stellies box after Moseamedi was fouled by Stellies hardman Nathan Sinkala.

Keagan Buchanan then stepped up and beat Stephens from the set-piece, but the upright came to the visitors' rescue and they cleared their lines.

Both teams launched attacks in search of a late winning goal, but it never came and ultimately, the match ended in a 2-2 draw as Maritzburg and Stellenbosch shared the spoils.

The draw saw Maritzburg remain 16th on the league standings, while Stellenbosch climbed up to the eighth spot.

Maritzburg's next match is against Bloemfontein Celtic on January 2 and Stellenbosch are scheduled to take on Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on January 5. 

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been thrilled with the attitude of "ambitious" midfielder Paul Pogba.

Pogba has once again seen speculation about his future thrust into the spotlight after his agent Mino Raiola recently declared his time at Old Trafford was coming to an end.

Solskjaer has spoken to the World Cup winner but is determined to keep the content of their discussions private.

His main priority is Pogba's dedicated approach to matches and training, which is leading to improved performances.

"Paul, he wants to play, he wants to train," Solskjaer said to Sky Sports.

"He enjoys football, he wants success, he's ambitious, so when he's on the pitch and on the training field I see a boy who enjoys his football - that's what I care about. 

"What we talk about, him and me, we know what we have discussed.

"He's a player who has got all the attributes. I'm delighted with his performances."

Pogba impressed in his side's 3-2 away win over Sheffield United on Thursday.

The 27-year-old delivered a superb pass for Anthony Martial's goal and some impressive skill in the build-up to Marcus Rashford's second strike of the night.

Pogba had also shone in United's previous away win at West Ham, scoring a sublime goal to open his Premier League account for 2020-21.

He has spoken about his improving fitness being key to his form after a difficult recovery from coronavirus and a long-term injury absence, something Solskjaer agreed with.

The United boss added: "I think fitness and confidence goes a little bit hand in hand.

"When you've got the quality that he has, of course fitness is a foundation of your confidence, because you know your ability will get a performance.

"He's had a difficult year last year with loads of injuries, about nine or 10 months he was out. 

"Then he got Covid, at the start of the season he didn't feel fit, so then what comes first - do you play him to get him fit? Or rest him so then he won't get playing time?

"Now he's responded to the work we've done and you see the good performance."

Solskjaer's side are unbeaten in six league games going into their game at home to rivals Leeds United on Sunday.

Striker Edinson Cavani, who came through training on Friday, is set to return after three games out with a groin problem.

Azam FC remained winless under new coach George Lwandamina after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Ruvu Shooting in a Mainland Premier League match played on Friday.

The Zambian coach arrived at the Chamazi-based giants two weeks ago to replace fired Aristica Cioba and his first match in charge saw the team held to a 2-2 draw by Namungo FC.

The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ took a deserved lead in the 34th minute when striker Ayoub Lwanga headed home from a corner kick but Emmanuel Martin levelled matters for Ruvu in the 53rd minute.

Azam regained the lead in the 60th minute when Mudathir Yahya powered home from close range but the goal was not enough to end their bad run as Fully Zullu Maganga ensured Ruvu got a point from the tie in the 70th minute.

It was the sixth straight match that Azam have now gone without winning and their good start to the season has now gone up in flames.

Azam started the season on a flying note, winning seven straight matches, and also enjoyed the lead of the 18-team table before they started crumbling after losing 2-0 to KMC.

The draw will leave them in third spot on 28 points while Yanga are top with 37 points from 15 matches and champions Simba SC, who beat KMC 1-0 on Thursday, are second with 32 points from 14 matches.

In other matches played on Friday, Biashara United laboured to a 3-0 win against Mbeya City. Christian Zigah was the hero for Bishara as he notched a double in the 10th and 25th minutes before Derick Musa scored the third in the 68th minute.

Meanwhile, Kagere Sugar also picked up a vital win after seeing off Coastal Union 3-1.

The Sugar Millers had to come from a goal down after Coastal Union took the lead in the 45th minute when Abdul Suleiman scored from the penalty spot.

However, Kagera recovered to level matters in the 56th minute through Nassor Kapama before Peter Mwalyanzi made it 2-1 in the 73rd minute, and Sadat Mohamed sealed the win with a well-taken strike in the 80th minute.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed the club is doing all it takes to ensure Wilfred Ndidi does not suffer a relapse.

The midfielder suffered a groin injury in September which ruled him out from action for more than five weeks, missing a number of the Foxes’ games.

Ndidi is gradually being introduced to action after recovering from the injury and has continued to deliver solid defensive performances.

The midfielder was drafted into the defence in Leicester’s defeat to Everton in their last Premier League game due to the unavailability of some of the club’s players, including Jonny Evans, who served a one-match suspension and gave a good account of himself.

Rodgers has praised the performances of the Nigeria international, reiterated the importance of the midfielder to his team and revealed the club will continue to protect him to regain his full fitness.

"Wilf Ndidi dropped into the backline and was outstanding during the week,” Rodgers said in a pre-match press conference.

“But obviously when you have to move him, you’re taking a top player out of the midfield sector, so Jonny coming back in will be very important for us.

"That’s what we’ve done in the other games that he [Ndidi] has played. We’re building him up towards that 90 minutes. He’s such a pivotal player for us, so we’re just trying to manage it.

"Whether you’ve been injured or not, it’s a really tough schedule. As you’ve seen with our squad, we’ve tried to use the whole squad to try and have that intensity.

"Him [Ndidi], in particular, coming back, we're trying to ensure we do everything we can to protect him."

Ndidi has been playing a significant role for Leicester City since he teamed up with the club from Belgian side Genk in 2017.

The midfielder has featured in more than 130 games and helped the Foxes qualify for the Europa League last season.

Ndidi has, however, only made seven appearances across all competitions for the King Power Stadium outfit in the current campaign due to injury problems.

He will be expected to play a part when Leicester square off against Tottenham Hotspur in their next Premier League game on Sunday.

Djibouti joined Uganda and Ethiopia in the Cecafa U17 Championship despite a 1-1 draw against Tanzania on Friday in Rubavu, Rwanda.

Free-scoring Oscar Mawa and Ivan Irinimbabazi scored the goals that ensured Uganda were 3-0 victors in their showdown against Ethiopia in the second game played.

Uganda earned an opener in the 17th minute when Mawa scored to give his side a deserved goal given the determination they showed from the first whistle.

The Cubs doubled the lead in the 35th minute through Ivan Irinimbabazi to stun Ethiopia who had settled and were ambitiously fighting to secure an equaliser.

In the 52nd minute, the Ethiopia coach made a change as he introduced Mikiyas Ganta for Ismael Reshid in an effort to contain Uganda. Another change was effected at the hour mark when Bereket Mohamed came on to replace Tsega Arbrea.

The changes did not discourage the determined Cubs who added the third goal in the 63rd minute through Mawa. The goal is the youngsters’ sixth of the junior tournament from two games.

Uganda made a change in the 64th minute when Tuma Tenywa went out and his place was filled by Issa Bugembe. Six minutes later, Samir Mudiba came on for the scorer of the second goal Irinimbabazi.

The loss, however, did not stop the Ethiopian youngsters from joining their tormentors Uganda, Djibouti and Tanzania in the semi-finals.

In the first game staged in Rubavu also, Djibouti were the surprising semi-finalists given they had been ranked outside the favourite teams who were tipped to progress in the junior tournament.

A 1-1 draw against Tanzania which is their second such result in Group B was enough to seal their place. In their opening match, they had held Rwanda, a side that Serengeti Boys defeated 3-1, to a goalless draw.

An own goal by Abdek Mouhoumed in the 33rd minute looked to have undone the Sharks’ great defensive work that had frustrated Tanzania for more than half an hour. In the 80th minute, Moktar Djama Ali scored to help Djibouti equalise and subsequently seal a place in the semis.

Djibouti did well to defend against attacks, especially from Omar Myungi who scored a brace in the game against Rwanda, and eventually ensured the tie ended in a draw.

“I am very happy that after hard preparations we have made it to the semi-final. Now let us plan for the knock-out stage,” Djibouti’s coach Mohamed Ali Affasseh said after the match.

The Cecafa U17 semi-finals will be played on Sunday while the play-off for third place and the final will take place on December 22.

The finalists will be guaranteed a place in the African Cup of Nations U17 tournament set to be held in Morocco in March 2021.

Jamshedpur returned to winning ways with a narrow win over NorthEast United on Friday in the Indian Super League (ISL). A goal from Aniket Jadhav was enough to ensure three points for the Men of Steel.

The Jamshedpur boss Owen Coyle was elated after picking up three points against a side who were unbeaten in the league until Friday.

"It was important. NorthEast have had an unbeaten start and they have been outstanding. But we have also had a good run, we drew some games and so tonight was the game to go and stamp our authority and go up in the table and join NorthEast on points. We fully deserve that.

"We were terrific from start to finish and we deserve the three points. With seven players missing, the players gave everything they could and we are building a tremendous spirit but I think we will still continue to get better as the season progresses," said Coyle.

The former Ireland international heaped praise on goal scorer Aniket Jadhav and suggested that the Indian youngster has a bright future ahead.

"You are never going to score every chance you get. The important thing for me is that Aniket was in a position to try and score. I have missed many chances as a striker but also have come back to score many goals and Aniket did that. He has pace and power and we just need to give him a bit of understanding of the game.

"He was outstanding tonight and fully deserves to score the winning goal. I am very pleased with him and he is an amazing Indian talent who I hope will grow and develop."

Nerijus Valskis, who has scored the most number of goals (6) this season so far along with FC Goa's Igor Angulo, did not manage to find the back of the net against NorthEast but the coach backed the Lithuanian striker as he said that it was important that he created goal-scoring chances for other players.

"I don't think Valskis had an off day. The only thing he didn't do was not scoring but despite that he contributes to the team and that is important. You cannot just rely on Valskis for scoring. Stephen Eze has scored, Aniket has now scored and we want more people to score.

"In Valskis we have an amazing player, he was the golden boot winner. What we have to do is create chances for Valskis but he is a wonderful player and even when he doesn't score he creates chances for others. He does such an important job for the team and that is why I enjoy working with him."

Simba SC have confirmed the reason midfielder Bernard Morrison did not make the trip to face FC Platinum in the Caf Champions League on Wednesday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi are due to face the platinum miners in the first leg battle at the National Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe.

However, when leaving for the first meeting, Simba announced a squad of 24 players but conspicuously missing was their Ghanaian forward, who was signed from rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC).

Simba team manager Abbas Ali has now explained the player was left behind because he is suffering from malaria.

“We don’t have Bernard [Morrison] in the squad because he is down with malaria, Abbas told reporters before the team embarked on their journey to Zimbabwe. “Right back David Kameta, will also not travel due to his assignment in the national U20 team [Ngorongoro Heroes].”

In the traveling squad, coach Sven Vandenbroeck has named new signing Taddeo Lwanga alongside striker Meddie Kagere, John Bocco, and midfielder Clatous Chama.

It was Chama who scored the away goal against Plateau United in the first round battle played away in Abuja, Nigeria and Simba managed to hold them to a 0-0 draw in Dar es Salaam to advance on a 1-0 aggregate scoreline.

On the other hand, Platinum eliminated Costa Do Sol of Mozambique after a 4-1 aggregate win.

Simba squad:

Goalkeeper: Aishi Manula, Ally Salim, Beno Kakolanya.

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Gadiel Michael, Mohamed Hussein, Erasto Nyoni, Ibrahim Ame, Joash Onyango, and Pascal Wawa.

Midfielders: Jonas Mkude, Mzamiru Yassin, Said Ndemla, Taddeo Lwanga, Larry Bwalya, Hassan Dilunga, Francis Kahata, and Clatous Chama.

Strikers: Meddie Kagere, John Bocco, Chris Mugalu, Miraji Athumani, Luis Miquissone, and Ibrahim Ajibu.

NorthEast United's unbeaten run in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season came to an end as they went down 0-1 against Jamshedpur in their seventh game on Friday at the Tilak Maidan.

The Highlanders coach Gerard Nus felt that his team gave its all in a competitive match against Jamshedpur.

"I think we worked hard in the game, we had our chances. They stopped our penalty. So it was a tough game, very competitive. But our effort is something which no one can take away. They are a good side, they gave good players and at the end of the day we knew it was going to be a tight game and they got the three points so congratulations to them," said Nus.

Striker Idrissa Sylla failed to convert a penalty in the 66th minute which could have earned the team at least a point but the Spanish backed the player and instead gave credit to Jamshedpur goalkeeper Rehenesh TP for stopping the shot.

"It is something that happened, Sylla did not want to miss. The goalkeeper is there for a reason, he did his job and did it well. We learn from this and let's hope we convert the next one. We had also missed one penalty in another game but that is part of football. We learn from this and now we will think about the next game which is against Odisha."

Former Crystal Palace forward Kwesi Appiah was substituted in the 54th minute of the match and the 30-year-old player expressed his disappointment while leaving the pitch but the manager defended the striker's actions by saying that the action showed how passionate the player is.

"Everyone wants to play 90 minutes because they care and want to help the team and when a player shows this kind of passion for the game I feel very proud. I don't think he did anything wrong to the team and me. He was just disappointed because we were down and he wanted to help more. He did well during his time on the pitch and I am happy with the effort he has put in the game."

The 35-year-old manager is not too worried about the unbeaten run of the team ending and instead lauded his team's efforts on the pitch.

"Now is the time to see how the team sticks together. Sooner or later this would have happened. It has happened to almost every team except two and now is when we see the true character of the team. We have to hold our heads high because the effort was there and I am proud of it. We haven't done everything perfectly even in the games we won and so we have to analyse them for the future," the NorthEast coach signed off.

KCB maintained their unblemished record in the Football Kenya Federation Premier league after a late 2-1 win at Mbaraki Stadium on Friday.

Derrick Otanga and David Owino played critical roles in the showdown that turned in their favour as their race in fighting for the maiden league title gathers speed.

The Dockers would have taken an early lead but Shaban Kenga failed to make maximum use of his fourth and sixth-minute opportunities.

Bernard Odhiambo saved the day for Bandari in the eighth minute as he stopped a well-engineered counter-attack by the Bankers.

Harambee Stars forward Hassan Abdalla attempted to find the top corner with an outrageous strike outside the box in the 19th minute, but his effort flew just over the crossbar as KCB’s defenders looked comfortable in dealing with attacks from the hosts.

Another chance for Bandari came in the 25th minute when Yema Mwana and Kenga produced a good combination but the final cross did not land in Wadri’s path, where he was in a good goal-scoring position.

KCB took a surprising lead in the 32nd-minute when former Wazito FC and Sony Sugar striker Otanga found the back of the net.

The FKF Shield Cup champions had settled in the game and looked the side likely to get an opener, but Zedekiah Otieno’s men cautiously sat in their own half and mounted a few chances and one resulted in the opener.

Bandari had to make a 39th-minute change when Hassan was withdrawn and Darius Msagha was given playtime with a few minutes to the half-time break remaining.

Bandari fought and in the 79th minute, Bernard Odhiambo equalised for them to punish KCB who were dominant in the second half but failed to produce goals with the chances created.

But the Bankers rallied back in the additional minutes and grabbed a late win in the fifth minute of the added time courtesy of a goal from Owino.

Bandari registered six corners compared to KCB’s five and the attempts on goal stats tied at three while attempts off target were five on each side.

Whereas the Dockers committed 14 fouls compared to their rivals’ 17, none of their players were yellow-carded while one Banker entered into the referee’s book.

KCB were caught offside four times while the coastal side was flagged off on one occasion.

KCB, now on top with 12 points, are the only side yet to drop points after AFC Leopards succumbed to a late onslaught from Western Stima in Nairobi. Leopards are second with nine points.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers believes Harry Kane has become even more dangerous since his role change at Tottenham.

The striker has been used in a deeper role for Jose Mourinho's side this season and has chipped in with nine goals and 10 assists in 13 Premier League matches.

Despite the 27-year-old's productivity, former England star Michael Owen has claimed Kane must be "frustrated" that his side are not getting the best out of his strengths.

But Rodgers argued Tottenham are better off with Kane playing further back and that it only benefits the forward.

“I think if you look through the game, you look at Roberto Firmino, he does a similar role for Liverpool. Lionel Messi did it for Barcelona. Other players have done it all through time," he told reporters ahead of Sunday's trip to face the north London side.

“You’re not seeing something being taken away from Harry’s game. You’re seeing something that’s been added to his game.

“He’s clearly a wonderful goalscorer with great ability, finishing in and around 25 or 30 yards out.

“But what you’re now seeing also is the ability of a player to drop underneath, and make passes like a midfield player.

“So I don’t think anything has been taken away from his game. I think Jose has asked him to drop that little bit deeper and I think it’s his natural intelligence.

“In Harry you can see he’s a wonderful player, he’s got a great football brain. You see him dropping underneath and having that ability to make those passes.

“So it’s an addition to how they play rather than something taken away from them.”

Leicester currently sit fourth in the league and a point behind Sunday's opponents after a bright start to the season.

But the Foxes have won three and lost three of their last six games in the English top flight and Rodgers hopes his side can now put together a run of victories.

“We’ve seen over the course of all the teams that inconsistencies are there," he said.

"Most teams’ home records are not as good as before. The lack of a crowd and lack of intensity. I can sense that for us. And then there are injuries. It’s having that ability when you do lose to bounce back. We’ve lost and then we go on a run of wins."

Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp expressed his frustration after Premier League clubs again rejected an increase in available subs per game. 

On Thursday, clubs agreed "in principle" to introduce additional permanent concussion substitutions, but rejected a proposal to change each team's available subs per game from three to five. 

The Premier League did confirm teams will be allowed to name up to nine substitutes on the bench in each game – an increase from seven.

With a condensed schedule in the 2020-21, Klopp and several of his colleagues have argued that teams should have the ability to make five changes per game.

Smaller clubs have opposed the change though, arguing that it would favour bigger clubs who have deeper squads.

Though every other major league in Europe has increased each team's available subs to five for this season, the Premier League continues to stick with the usual three allowed changes per match. 

"Everybody knows my opinions about it," Klopp said in reaction to the vote. "Everyone knows 10 clubs voted against it. It was not about advantages, it was only about player welfare. And they voted against it.

"Pretty much only they voted against them in the whole world.

"I don't know which other leagues only have three subs. There must be a good reason for it, for all these leagues and clubs to vote for it."

Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard concurred with Klopp, saying that player welfare has been overlooked in the vote. 

"When we spoke about it as managers, the overriding factor from managers, whether they were maybe for or against, was that this is a case of player welfare, making sure we are looking after players and giving them the best opportunity to play at optimum level and not putting them at risk and such, because of the uncertain times and the schedule," Lampard said. 

"And that schedule gets tougher, for instance we play two games in three days over Christmas. So I think it would have been really beneficial for player welfare. Normally the modern-day player welfare comes out on top, I don't think it quite has this time."

Pep Guardiola cannot guarantee Sergio Aguero will play a prominent role for Manchester City against Southampton after the forward missed two days of training this week.

Aguero, who has endured fitness setbacks in the wake of knee surgery, made his first league appearance since October in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with West Brom.

He played only 14 minutes and Guardiola revealed the Argentina striker did not return to training until Friday after suffering a problem unrelated to his knee.

Asked how much Aguero could be involved on Saturday, Guardiola replied: "I don't know. After the game he could not train, yesterday no training, today he trained.

"He trained really well but I don't know how many minutes [he will play against Southampton].

"It's important he can make training sessions. Unfortunately after the game he could not, nothing about the knee. Unfortunately a different position. Today he trained."

The draw with West Brom followed a goalless stalemate in the derby with Manchester United and led to more questions about a lack of goals in Guardiola's team.

According to Opta, City have converted 30 per cent of their "big chances," and only relegation-threatened Sheffield United, West Brom and Burnley have fared worse in this regard in 2020-21.

But Guardiola does not see their issues in front of goal getting to the point where he will consider bringing in a new forward.

The former Barcelona boss pointed to the long-term performance of Gabriel Jesus and the absence of Aguero as reasons not to rush into the transfer market in January.

Jesus averages a goal every 140 minutes, putting him eighth all-time among players to have scored at least 10 Premier League goals. Aguero leads the way with a goal every 108 minutes in his career in the division.

"Absolutely not," Guardiola replied when asked if the goalscoring woes could leave him feeling the need to add to his options up front.

"Sergio could not play much and Gabriel has incredible numbers of minutes and goals since he came here, he is one of the best in history.

"We took 13 corners last game so everyone can score goals. The way we defend depends on the strikers and the same happens up front. The strikers have more responsibility but everyone is involved to try to win games."

Guardiola was also asked if Kevin De Bruyne could receive a rest over a busy period of fixtures.

De Bruyne has played in all but one of City's Premier League games this season, and Guardiola made it clear he will continue to rely on the Belgium star.

"He is so important for us that he won't rest," said Guardiola. "He rested in the Champions League previously and right now we need him."

Frank Lampard has "no doubt" Timo Werner will come through his difficult spell of form for Chelsea. 

Chelsea are under pressure ahead of Monday's home fixture with West Ham having lost two straight Premier League games, going down to both Everton and Wolves on the road. A third consecutive top-flight defeat would represent their worst run for over five years. 

Germany international Werner, a high-profile signing from RB Leipzig, has not scored for eight matches across all competitions. 

He particularly struggled to make an impact in the games against Everton and Wolves, but Lampard insists his deployment on the left of a front three is not the reason for his woes. 

Asked why Werner was playing on the left, Chelsea boss Lampard said: "For different reasons. We had a big reference for a target man [Olivier Giroud]. 

"Timo for Leipzig and Germany played in lots of roles, so it is not a problem for him to be used there. He can be used across the front three. 

"I have players who can play on both sides. Not all, like Hakim [Ziyech] on the right, but Timo and Christian [Pulisic] can play left and right. It can give the opposition a problem. I like to have the option to change it at times. 

"With Timo, any goalscorer wants to score regularly but must have the mental toughness and confidence to go through periods. That is every striker. It is no problem. He needs to keep getting in those areas and the goals will come, no doubt."

Late checks will be made on the fitness of wingers Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who both trained on Friday after spells out with injury. 

West Ham did the double over Chelsea last season, winning the match at Stamford Bridge 1-0. That was the first time in 14 attempts they had won away at Chelsea in the Premier League. 

Declan Rice continues to impress for West Ham and England, leading to Lampard being asked if he regretted Chelsea allowing the youth product to slip through their fingers.

"He is a fantastic player for West Ham and England - fair play," Lampard said about Rice. "It's a good story because with a lot of those stories, it shows a strength of character.  

"I wouldn't say it's a regret. Our academy is one of the best in the world and it's not easy because it's not an exact science. Declan deserves personal credit for the start he has had at West Ham." 

Three straight wins against the Blues would be West Ham's best run in the fixture for 46 years. It is the start of a key stretch for Chelsea, with matches against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City also coming up during the busy festive period.