Looking for Soccer News?

Hyderabad FC made a brilliant start to their Durand Cup 2021 campaign as they defeated Assam Riffles 5-0, whereas Gokulam Kerala managed a 2-2 draw against Army Red, on Sunday.

With either of Army Red, Hyderabad and Gokulam Kerala still with a chance to progress from Group D, Sunday's loss meant elimination for Assam Riffles.

Hyderabad FC thrash Assam Riffles

Indian Super League (ISL) side Hyderabad FC recorded a 5-0 win over Assam Riffles at the Mohun Bagan stadium in Kolkata.

Four of the five goals were scored in the first half though Abdul Rabeeh (7'), Lalchungnunga Chhangte (18'), Rohlupuia (21') and Arun Kabrabam (27') with Chhangte (87') completing his brace in the second half.

Rabeeh and Chhangte turned providers for each other in the opening two goals for Hyderabad, with the latter also providing the assist for Rohlupuia's header from six yards. Kabrabam scored from a tap in with Chhangte adding another from a well-taken free-kick later on.

The defeat, after the 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Army Red, meant the end of the road for the regimental side in the 130th edition of the Durand Cup.

Gokulam Kerala rally back to a draw

Gokulam Kerala began their title defense with a 1-1 draw against Army Red football team at the Kalyani Stadium.

Although Rahim Osumanu (9') gave the I-League team an early lead, the Malabarians found themselves trailing by a goal at half-time with Jain P. (30') and Bikash Thapa (43') on target for the Army men. It was until they 70th minute that Sharif M Mohammad scored from the spot to earn his side a point.

Osumanu broke the deadlock with a screamer from distance but the Ghanian forward would not make the best of the chances that befell him later.

Gokulam were also dealt with a blow when goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar had to be replaced by Ajmal PA after the former had a nasty collission against Mukesh Kumar of the opposite team, moments before Jain P scored the equaliser and Thapa made it 1-2 in favour of Army Red.

Mohammad missed the first real chance of the second half before making amends by converting from the penalty spot.

Shooting Stars, Remo Stars, Niger Tornadoes and Gombe United have all secured a return to the Nigeria Professional Football League.

In the just concluded Nigeria National League Super Eight play-off staged at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, the quartet picked four tickets to the country’s elite division.

While Tornadoes and Gombe qualified from Group A that boasts DMD FC and El Kanemi Warriors, 3SC and Remo Stars saw off Bendel Insurance and Ekiti United in Group B.

They will now replace Jigawa Golden Stars, Warri Wolves, Ifeanyi Ubah United and Adamawa United who got demoted in the 2020-21 campaign.

3SC’s general manager Rasheed Balogun reveled in this triumph while showing appreciation to all who made it possible.

"What else can I say, after God, it is governor Seyi Makinde, who made this feat possible. I have worked with governors in the past, but I can tell you that this man is unique,” he told media.

"What this team is today and what we have achieved today, was by the grace of God, the determination of the team and of course, the full backing of Makinde, who gave us everything we needed to get the much sought-after promotion ticket.

"Names are too numerous for me to mention, but I appreciate everyone who stood by us through thick and thin.

“On behalf of the team, I say a big thank you. This achievement is for all the good people of Oyo State and lovers of 3SC all over the world.”

The Oluyole Warriors were relegated to the second tier after the 2016-17 season following their defeat on the last day.

They are one of the most successful clubs in the history of Nigerian football having emerged as Nigerian kings on five occasions with four Nigerian FA Cup titles to their credit.

On the continent, they won the African Cup Winners' Cup (now Caf Confederation Cup) in 1976 – defeating Cameroon’s Tonnerre Yaounde 4-1 on aggregate.

Also, they emerged as runners-up in the 1984 and 1996 editions of the Caf Champions League.

In addition, they have produced notable players like Rasheed Yekini, Segun Odegbami, Ajibade Babalade, Mutiu Adepoju, Felix Owolabi amongst others.

3SC’s promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League return has banished painful memories of the club’s failed attempts in the second tier, according to goalkeeper Charles Tambe.

The Ibadan-based outfit were demoted during the 2016-17 campaign having lost to Niger Tornadoes on the last day.

Nevertheless, Edith Agoye’s Oluyole Warriors – buoyed by the depth of quality in their squad – earned one of the tickets to the Nigerian top flight thanks to a superb showing at the just concluded Nigeria National League Super League in Enugu.

Revelling in this triumph, the 27-year-old, who was named as goalkeeper of the tournament following some inspiring performances, weighs in on the mission accomplished.

“This is a thing of joy for us at Shooting Stars and as you can see, we were all full of smiles after the end of Nigeria National League Super Eight,” Tambe told Goal.

“Without sounding arrogant, our return to the NPFL did not come to us as a surprise because we put in a big deal of dedication, determination and hard work.

“It was not an easy task though; however, I am glad that we have been able to achieve our ambitions. A big kudos to my teammates, coaches, club management and fans. They all played their roles well in making this happen.

“In all honesty, this promotion has wiped away the painful memories of our failed attempts to secure promotion in the past.”

When quizzed on what the 2021-22 campaign holds for one of Nigeria’s iconic teams, Tambe – who is eligible to represent Cameroon at international level - says the team will commence preparation for next term after a brief break.

“For now, we will all take a break then return to commence preparations for the new season,” he continued.

“We understand the huge task ahead and we will do everything possible to remain in the Nigerian top flight.”

3SC are one of the most successful clubs in the history of Nigerian football having emerged as league winners on five occasions with four Nigerian FA Cup titles to their credit.

In Africa, they won the African Cup Winners' Cup (now Caf Confederation Cup) in 1976 – defeating Cameroon’s Tonnerre Yaounde 4-1 on aggregate.

Mohamed Salah has become the latest player to enter the Premier League's illustrious 100-goal club after he netted a first-half finish against Leeds at Elland Road.

The Egypt international, a continued history-maker during his time with the Reds, has brought up another landmark achievement after striking early for Jurgen Klopp's visitors on Sunday.

Salah joins the likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard in achieving the landmark, doing so in just 162 games.

How did Salah reach the landmark?

Salah had moved to 99 Premier League goals prior to the international break, netting a penalty in the Reds' draw against his former club Chelsea.

And the 29-year-old wasted little time in reaching his latest Liverpool landmark against Leeds, 

More to follow...

Michael Zorc has hit out at Bayern Munich's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic after he criticised Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus following his withdrawal from international duty with Germany.

Salihamidzic questioned why Reus pulled out of the Germany squad before Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland with a knee injury, only to be fit to play 90 minutes for Dortmund against Bayer Leverkusen three days later.

Zorc did not hold back in his response, making it clear he does not think Salihamidzic should be commenting on Dortmund affairs.

What was said?

Salihamidzic argued Reus would not have pulled out of the Germany squad had he played for Bayern Munich, as he claims Bayern players continue to play for the national team even if carrying an injury.

He used Serge Gnabry as an example, who played and scored in the Iceland game but was forced off at half-time of Bayern’s match at RB Leipzig on Saturday with a muscle injury and could now miss their Champions League tie with Barcelona in midweek.

However, it should be noted that Thomas Muller missed all three of Germany’s games during the international break through injury but was able to play 75 minutes at Leipzig.

"That's not my thing, but I find it surprising when you drive away from the national team and then play again a few days later," said Salihamidzic.

"Our players stay and then play anyway. It's not the first time either. If you're injured, ok, then you're out, but otherwise stay.

"Serge Gnabry stayed and he'll probably be out against Barcelona now.”

Zorc has responded angrily to those comments, telling Kicker: "Salihamidzic should keep his mouth shut and comment on the issues of Bayern Munich.

"Who does he actually think he is?"

Further reading

Christian Kouame bagged a second-half double as Anderlecht decimated KV Mechelen 7-2 in Sunday’s Belgian First Division A encounter.

The Cote d’Ivoire opened his Purple and White goal account in style, with Joshua Zirkzee, as well as Francis Amuzu, also finding the net in the nine-goal thriller.

Fuelled by their defeats to Vitesse and Genk in their last two fixtures, Anderlecht welcomed De Kakkers to Brussels’ Lotto Park with the ambition of ending their poor run.

They achieved that in grand style as Wouter Vrancken’s men returned home with their heads bowed low.

Benito Raman put the hosts ahead in the 23rd minute after he was teed up by English defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

That lead lasted for just 14 minutes with the visiting side restoring parity through a fine strike by Nikola Storm who was assisted by Hugo Cuypers.

Vincent Kompany’s men came into the second-half like a house on fire to regain their lead through Kouassi in the 49th minute. That effort was made possible courtesy of a pass from Kristoffer Olsson.

Three minutes before the hour mark, the Cote d’Ivoire player beat goalkeeper Gaetan Coucke again. This time, it was left-back Sergio Gomez who supplied the last pass.

Four minutes later, Michael Amir Murillo extended the lead before Ghana prospect Amuzu – who replaced Lior Refaelov in the 70th minute – made it 5-1 with just four minutes after his introduction.

Despite being assured of all three points, Kompany’s men were not satisfied as they pressed harder for more goals.

Yari Verschaeren made it 6-1 for Anderlecht five minutes before full time as he was set up by Nigeria prospect Zirkzee who scored their seventh strike in the 87th minute.

Captain Onur Kaya got Mechelen’s second goal of the afternoon few minutes after coming in for Cuypers.

Ghana’s Majeed Ashimeru was introduced for Murillo eight minutes from full-time while Cameroonian midfielder Samuel Gouet was in action from start to finish for the visitors.

Thanks to this result, Anderlecht climbed to fourth on the log having accrued 10 points from six matches. They are guests of Standard Liege in their next outing on September 19.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce reacted angrily after being asked if he went on holiday ahead of his team's 4-1 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

Some Newcastle fans voiced their anger at Bruce's management of the team during the defeat at Old Trafford as his side continue to disappoint.

The Magpies are still without a win in the Premier League this season and have collected just one point from four matches.

What has been said?

But Bruce insisted their preparations for the match against United were up to scratch as he was asked if he had gone on holiday while some players were away on international duty.

"Do I really have to answer that to you? That’s what the fans are asking are they?" Bruce said at a press conference.

"We trained all week, we were in every day this week.

"The preparation was meticulous, let me tell you. There is nothing more [that could have been done] in preparation.

"What was I supposed to do when I had six of them away [on international duty].

"The preparation was fine. Absolutely fine. We have been in all week. You could see the game plan what we worked to.

"To answer questions like that is typical to the question I would get off you and your newspaper (the Chronicle) if I am being brutally honest.

"That is why [Newcastle fans] are the way they are, the way you are and your negativity constantly in your newspaper."

What position are Newcastle in?

Bruce's side are currently second bottom of the Premier League after four weeks.

Newcastle are in action again next Friday when they take on Leeds at home followed by a trip to Watford a week later.

Further reading

Norwich boss Daniel Farke says Josh Sargent has suffered a hamstring injury but remains hopeful the forward will be able to make a swift return.

The USMNT star suffered the injury on international duty and sat out the Canaries’ 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Saturday.

However, Farke says the injury is not too serious and he could be back in action sooner rather than later.

What did Farke say?

Sargent featured in all three of the USMNT's World Cup qualifiers during the international break, with Gregg Berhalter’s side travelling to El Salvador and Honduras either side of a home clash with Canada.

Speaking after Norwich’s defeat at Emirates Stadium, Farke said the injury was only discovered when the 21-year-old had reported back to the club’s training ground.

“He plays in the early hours of Thursday, then arrives after an 11-hour flight from Honduras back to London, so he has jet lag and not much sleep,” said Farke.

“I would have taken him in the squad but we scanned him on Friday and there was a low-grade muscle tear in his hamstring.

"Hopefully for the next game he will be available, because he is already a key player for us and important for the group.

"We hope the injury settles in the next few days and then he can train.”

The bigger picture

This injury has come at a frustrating time for Sargent as he looks to establish himself at Norwich following his €10 million (£9m/$12m) summer move from Werder Bremen.

The 21-year-old had featured in all of Norwich’s games prior to the international break, scoring twice in his only start against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.

That remains the Canaries’ only victory of the season so far, with the club losing all four Premier League matches and scoring just once. However, there is some mitigation given they have faced three of last season’s top six in their opening four games, including champions Manchester City.

That places greater emphasis on their next game against fellow newly-promoted side Watford at Carrow Road on Saturday. 

Further reading

Cristiano Ronaldo says moving back to Manchester United is the "best decision" he has made.

The Portugal star made a dream return to Old Trafford as he scored twice on his second debut for the Red Devils as they beat Newcastle 4-1 on Saturday.

Ronaldo, 36, was signed from Juventus at the end of the transfer window as United swooped in to ensure he did not end up at rivals Manchester City, who had looked set to land him.

What has been said?

The former Real Madrid star says things turned out for the best and that he hopes to help guide United to silverware.

"It's the best decision I've made. It was the right time," Ronaldo said in an interiew with Telefoot.

"I want to make history, help Manchester to have great results and win trophies."

Varane happy to reunite with Ronaldo

Ronaldo's return to United sees him reunite with ex-Madrid team-mate Raphael Varane, who also moved to the club in the summer window.

The pair spent seven years together at the Santiago Bernabeu before Ronaldo left to join Juventus and the centre-back is delighted to be on his side once again.

"To play with the best is a great pleasure. Cristiano is a great professional, physically he's always at his best, he always has that finishing quality," Varane said.

"What he will bring to this team is his will to win, his winning mentality."

What next for Ronaldo and Man Utd?

United now turn their attention to the Champions League as they prepare to take on Swiss side Young Boys in their first game of the group stage on Tuesday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men then have a double header against West Ham, first facing David Moyes' team in the Premier League on September 19 before welcoming them to Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup three days later.

Further reading

Reading defender Abdul Rahman Baba was disappointed after his side were held to a 3-3 draw by Queens Park Rangers in an EFL Championship fixture on Saturday, although he was happy to make his first appearance for his new club.

The Ghana international, who signed for the Royals for the entire 2021-22 campaign but on-loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, was handed his debut by manager Veljko Paunovic and went on to impress despite the team conceding two late goals at Madejski Stadium.

It was QPR who took the lead in the 11th minute when Michael Morrison scored into his own net but John Swift levelled the scores for Reading in the 35th minute after sliding in a cross from Ovie Ejaria.

The home team then took the lead for the first time in the game in the 64th minute courtesy of Swift and he later made it 3-1 in the 77th minute.

However, a late rally by QPR saw them score two goals courtesy of Andre Gray in the 79th minute and Stefan Johansen in stoppage time to snatch a draw.

The 27-year-old Baba, who signed a new deal with Chelsea before moving to the Royals, was left gutted with they could not get hold of the three points but was also delighted to make his debut.

“Delighted with my debut today [Saturday] but gutted we could not hold on for all three points,” Baba wrote on his social media pages.

“We have to change that on Tuesday. The fans were also amazing till the end.”

Nigeria midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru was also handed his full home debut by Reading and he provided the assist for the second goal scored by Swift.

Reacting to the outcome of the game, Royals coach Paunovic praised the team for scoring fantastic goals but warned them to stop conceding so easily.

"There were a lot of positives in our second-half performance, but I can't deny that it feels like a defeat," Paunovic said as quoted by the club’s official website.

"We were on the verge of winning three points. But again conceding three goals…it is a must-fix, we must address it. It is a priority and urgency for our team. We scored a lot of goals but we have to stop the bleeding.

"We will have games like this. In the first half, we didn’t play well at all; in the second half we managed to play against a very good team who are in very good form right now.

"The three goals we scored today – they were pieces of art. But we need to fix the defence and we need urgency at this point.”

Reading will host Peterborough in their next league assignment on Wednesday.

Thomas Tuchel says it was "simply impossible" for Chelsea to allow Callum Hudson-Odoi to leave in the final day of the transfer window.

The Premier League side blocked the 20-year-old winger from making a move to Borussia Dortmund at the end of August.

Hudson-Odoi was left on the bench for the Blues' first three matches of the season, but was called on to start in the 3-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday.

What has been said?

Although Tuchel acknowledges the switch to Germany would have been a good opportunity for the England international, he says there was no chance he would let him leave so late in the window.

"We have spoken. It was a very easy decision for me to make on the last day of the transfer period," he told reporters.

"We cannot let a player go who is in the 18/19 man squad. He is able to play as a right wing-back, a left wing-back, in the two number 10 positions. He knows the group, we know him very well. There was no chance to say yes on the last day.

"For him personally it may have been a good opportunity but for us and our targets that we want to achieve, it was simply impossible. It was an easy one for me actually."

Will Hudson-Odoi get a chance at Chelsea?

Hudson-Odoi emerged as one of the Stamford Bridge side's most promising players when he made his debut at the age of 17.

But he has been unable to secure a place in the starting XI under Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard or Tuchel.

He started just 10 of the 23 Premier League matches in which he played last season and Tuchel says he still has a lot of work to do if he is to cement a spot in the first team.

"Callum has to overcome the gap between training and games," he said. "I see a stronger Callum every day in training and he needs to overcome this gap and show this kind of determination that he shows in training.

"If he gets minutes, it's never a gift. Nobody gets gifts because we take maybe sometimes hard decisions like for Callum not to let him go. He needs to deserve it. I know it's not his favourite position but I think he can play this position and serve the team when it's necessary.

"[Against Villa] it was necessary and still he can do better. Still he can be more aggressive, still he needs to push himself absolutely to the limits.

"This is what he does in training. He needs to overcome this gap to fight for his place in the squad. This is life at Chelsea."

Further reading

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was happy with the impact the fans had on Saturday in their 1-0 win over Norwich City in the Premier League.

The striker scored the goal that handed the North Londoners maximum points at the Emirates Stadium. It was an excellent way of ending a poor start to the 2021/22 campaign. 

It was a goal also that eased the pressure on Mikel Arteta's side who, prior to the result, were at the bottom of the table.

"Ahh, I’m really happy; when [the fans] are here, you feel them. This is a great feeling and we are happy... to win this game," Aubameyang told the club's media later.

"We have needed the fans for a long time. Personally, I am just happy that they are here. This always gives you something as a plus. I think it’s a bonus. When you are a player, it gives you energy, a lot of energy, even when it’s tough. They give you something to make a difference.

"I think it was a tough game but everyone gave everything on the pitch. Maybe we could be more clinical because we had a lot of chances at the end, but the most important thing today is three points - and we did it."

Arsenal started their campaign away to promoted Brentford FC. However, they fell 2-0 before Chelsea claimed another win against them by the same margin.

The heaviest defeat, so far this season, for the Gunners came prior to the international break when they lost 5-0 away at the Etihad Stadium to Manchester City. 

It explains why Arteta welcomed Saturday's win over Norwich who had also lost their opening three matches.

"When you read the stuff [that’s written] you don’t really know what to expect," Arteta told the same portal.

"I’m extremely grateful because I know that it’s a difficult moment, but I just saw a crowd that wanted to inspire the team. 

"They were ready to suffer with the team and just give positive energy and support. To demand that when you lose three games is not easy, so it was a very special reaction. Thank you very much.  

"Emotionally it was a difficult game to play - after three defeats you come here sitting bottom of the table and [have] everything to prove. But I thought the boys played with tremendous character, a great attitude, and right from the beginning you could see what we wanted to do.  

"We had periods in the game and overall I think we deserved to win the match. We should have scored many more."

The next assignment for Arsenal will be away to Burnley next Saturday.