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Romelu Lukaku admits that he forced Inter's hand once learning that interest from Chelsea was "serious" during the summer transfer window, with the Belgian striker determined to complete a £98 million ($136m) move.

That offer eventually proved to be enough for Serie A champions to part with a prized asset, with three previous bids being knocked back.

Lukaku started to fear that a deal would never be done, leading to him seeking out talks with those at the centre of discussions as his heart started to head back to Stamford Bridge.

What has been said?

Lukaku has told HLN of securing a return to Chelsea 10 years after he first linked up with the Blues: "With Chelsea’s third offer, I knew it was serious and I wasn’t there anymore.

"Chelsea offered €110m plus [Davide] Zappacosta, but Inter said no, so I went to [Simone] Inzaghi’s office asking to find an agreement.”

"I was still at Inter, but my head was already in London.

"Inter pulled me out of sh*t, I would have only left the Nerazzurri for Chelsea."

Why did Chelsea want Lukaku?

Chelsea first signed Lukaku back in 2011 when he was a promising teenager that had burst onto a senior stage at Anderlecht.

He took in just 15 goalless appearances for the Blues before heading out on loan to West Brom and Everton, with a permanent move to Goodison Park made in 2014.

With his stock continuing to rise, a big-money switch to Manchester United was completed in 2017 and Lukaku went on to become a member of the Premier League's 100-goal club.

His qualities were never fully appreciated at Old Trafford, though, and he left for Inter after two seasons with the Red Devils.

Two productive years in Italy delivered 64 goals in 95 appearances, along with a Serie A title triumph, and those exploits convinced Chelsea that he was worth another shot.

The powerful 28-year-old is already up and running back in English football, with a debut goal recorded against Arsenal, and the expectation is that he will help to fire the Champions League holders into contention for a Premier League title in 2021-22.

Further reading

Rayo Vallecano have confirmed the signing of Radamel Falcao.

The Colombia international left Galatasaray on Wednesday when his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

The 35-year-old's move to back to La Liga had been on the cards since his departure and Vallecano confirmed the news on Saturday.

What has been said?

Vallecano, who gained promotion back to the Spanish top-flight by winning the Segunda Division play-offs, announced that the striker has joined the club.

They did not reveal how long his contract will last, but reports suggest it is a one-season deal.

On the same day, Vallecano confirmed the signing of fellow Colombia international Ivan Arboleda, who was a free agent after leaving Banfield in July.

How did Falcao perform for Galatasaray?

Falcao spent two years at Galatasaray after making the move to the Super Lig side from Monaco.

His time in Turkey was plagued by injury, however, and he was limited to 43 games in all competitions but managed to score 20 goals overall.

He featured three times this season but only in brief appearances off the bench.

Falcao played two minutes of Colombia's 1-1 draw with Bolivia in World Cup qualifying this week, his first appearance for the national team since last October.

Where else has Falcao played?

Falcao broke through at senior level in his homeland with Lanceros Boyaca but it was with Argentine side River Plate he made his name.

The forward moved to Porto in 2009 and helped the Portuguese side to Europa League and Primeira Liga success in 2011 before making the move to Atletico Madrid.

After winning the Europa League again and La Liga in two years at Atletico, he was snapped up by Monaco and was subsequently loaned to Chelsea and Manchester United, before eventually joining Galatasaray.

Further reading

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr is anticipating a more difficult challenge from Cape Verde when both countries clash for their second 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying fixture.

The three-time African champions are scheduled to leave Lagos for the island country a day before Tuesday’s evening encounter.

They started their qualification campaign for Qatar 2022 with a 2-0 win over Liberia on Friday, thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho’s first-half brace.

In his assessment, the German coach expressed satisfaction with the team's performance at the Teslim Balogun Stadium after they kept their fourth clean sheet in a competitive game.

“Job has been done, we had to win our first game at home and we didn’t want to concede a goal also to show that now we are stable behind, so for four or five games now we didn’t concede a goal,” Rohr said after the match.

“We knew some of our players have to leave after the match and they had to do well before leaving because they cannot go to Cape Verde.

“We scored our two goals in the first half and we were calm and played our football but under difficult conditions because after the rain, the pitch was not easy to play for the two teams but we had to adapt under the circumstances.”

Next up for Nigeria, is a match against Cape Verde who settled for a 1-1 draw with Central African Republic on Wednesday but Rohr is aware of the threats posed by the Blue Sharks.

Meanwhile, nine UK-based players will not make the trip to Mindelo because the country is included in the British government's red-list countries for coronavirus.

He continued: “Nine players are leaving so there will be another team. It’s not easy to beat another team in only two days and also to play on synthetic pitch especially after playing on a dry grass.

“Now we have to beat another team so it’s a challenge for the staff and the players. But we have to show our solidarity and for the players coming in now, who will be 20 going for the game.

“We will have to manage the situation and I believe our team will put in another good performance even knowing it will be a more difficult game than Liberia.”

Liverpool have been handed another attacking injury headache with the news that Takumi Minamino has been forced to withdraw from the Japan squad.

The Reds lost Roberto Firmino to a hamstring problem during their last Premier League outing against Chelsea.

That knock could have seen a door open for Minamino, as he looks for his first domestic minutes of the season, but he has also been forced onto the treatment table.

What has been said?

A statement from the Japanese FA on their official website reads: "Midfielder Takumi Minamino (Liverpool FC) has been withdrawn from the team due to an injury ahead of the Asian final qualifying (Road to Qatar) China national team match. 

"We will inform you of additional convened players to replace Minamino as soon as they are decided."

How long will Minamino be out for?

No timescale has been put on Minamino's recovery, with the Japanese FA offering no indication as to the severity of his injury.

He was, however, unable to play any part in a 1-0 defeat to Oman on Thursday and will also sit out a crunch clash with China on Tuesday.

Liverpool will be hoping that the versatile 26-year-old is not out of action for long.

Brazil international Firmino is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks after being forced off during a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield.

Minamino could have provided useful cover in the attacking third of the field, as he can operate as a creative midfielder or a central forward.

Jurgen Klopp may, however, be down to just Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Divock Origi and Diogo Jota by the time Liverpool return to action away at Leeds on September 12.

The Reds boss has seen his decision not to bring in striking reinforcements questioned by some on the back of another quiet transfer window, with the loss of Minamino to an untimely knock further highlighting the lack of depth on Merseyside.

Further reading

Al Ahly new signing Luis Miquissone says he “received a lot of offers” but chose to join Al Ahly amid reported interest from Kaizer Chiefs.

Reports suggested Chiefs could have brought the attacking midfielder back to the Premier Soccer League, having previously spent three years in South Africa where he had signed for Mamelodi Sundowns. 

But the Mozambique international explains what drew him to the Cairo giants.

“I received a lot of offers during the previous period. I spoke with my agent and we decided to come to Al Ahly,” Miquissone told the Al Ahly website.

“The club is so big and their ambitions have no limits. I want to help the team win trophies. As a player, I also need to be part of this and to get my chance to help the team. I need to grow up and to face big challenges, so that is why I chose Al Ahly. 

“They need to win everything and I need to be part of this. Any player dreams of playing in the Fifa Club World Cup. It will be a great experience for me.”

Miquissone talks about the Pitso Mosimane influence which also made him settle for the Cairo giants.

The player and the coach were already familiar with each other after Mosimane signed the midfielder at Sundowns in January 2018 from Mozambican side UD Songo.

“The relationship between me and coach Pitso is so good. When I was a player in Simba, I faced Al Ahly and it was great to see him,” said Miquissone.

“I spoke about him in a previous interview and I said that he was the coach who helped me reach my peak and grow up as a footballer. My experience with him in Mamelodi Sundowns was so good; he made me a good player and to be better. He made me know more about football, as football is not just to get good things, but you also need to learn about bad things.”

Miquissone’s three-year stay in South Africa was, however, a difficult spell as he found PSL football tough.

This saw loan stints at Chippa United and National First Division side Royal Eagles, before returning to UD Songo from where he joined Simba SC and ultimately Al Ahly.

“I got a little bit of experience in South Africa and Tanzania and this is my third time to play outside Mozambique,” he said.

“I think it is good for me to play here. It is a good team and they have a good philosophy that suits me. My adaptation in South Africa was not good. I was young when I left my home. So it was difficult for me to adapt in a different country with a different language.

“It was so good to join Mamelodi Sundowns. They received me very nice and at that time, the team’s coach was Pitso Mosimane. They loaned me for one year and I accepted the decision because I needed to gain experience.

“The decision to leave South Africa was very difficult, but I took it to get more playing time. In football, you need to play to reach your top level. Also, I needed to have another challenge.”

Miquissone was announced as an Al Ahly player the day when the club confirmed Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau as another new acquisition. 

Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Tusker have confirmed the signing of former AFC Leopards defender Clyde Senaji.

"Tusker FC would like to confirm that defender Clyde Senaji has returned to the club. Senaji will be part of the Tusker family for the next two years," confirmed the 13-time Premier League champions.

The Harambee Star - whose contract with Ingwe ended in June - revealed the reasons that convinced him to sign for a club that terminated his contract in 2018.

"I am delighted to return to Tusker and complete what I had not achieved here," he said.

"This is a great club with a great history and this season playing continental football. I aim to fight for a position in the team and get that experience of playing in the Champions League."

Tusker's chief executive officer, Charles Obiny believes Senaji is going to strengthen their team as they hope to have a successful campaign in the 2021/22 season at home and in Africa.

"We are happy to have Senaji back in the team. He has done really well since his departure and he is a player we are glad to welcome back with open arms. He is going to add a lot of quality to the team," Obiny said.

The Brewers have already signed John Njuguna, Teddy Osok, Patrick Matasi, Charles Momanyi, Kalos Kirenge, and Joshua Ibrahim. Just like Njuguna and Matasi, Senaji is making a return to his former club.

The Premier League champions released George Odhiambo, Luke Namanda, Michael Madoya, Crispinus Onyango, Brian Marita, Faraj Ominde, Chris Ochieng, Robert Mboya, Robert Aloro, Sammy Meja, and Eric Ambunya as they restructure ahead of a season that will see them play in the Caf Champions League.

The new league campaign is expected to begin on September 26.

Brighton's Enock Mwepu and Leicester City's Patson Daka will not be part of Zambia's team that will take on Tunisia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
 
Both stars featured as Chipolopolo defeated Mauritania 2-1 in their opening qualifying fixture on Friday and they have now left for England. Their absence from the Zambian team was occasioned by Premier League's announcement that they would not exempt players from the 10-day quarantine if they traveled to Covid-19 red zones and Zambia is classified as such.
 
"I think we have talked a lot with the guys, and we all knew we were not going to be part of the team to play Tunisia in Zambia, so everyone was ready," Daka told FAZ media.
 
"We all knew that we had to utilize this [Mauritania] game so that we could make sure that we had a platform to give the guys as they go to play at home."
 
But it is a very sad feeling for me and Enock [Mwepu] because we won’t be part of this amazing group, but at the end of the day, we know the team is bigger than the players.
 
"We have got a lot of quality players, no one is better than the other in this team that is what is very important."
 
"We treat each other equally and we know anyone can deliver at any given time so we believe in the guys who have remained they will do the required job and they have our support."

After the Mauritania victory, Leicester City's star has called on their fans to keep supporting the national team as they fight to grab a World Cup ticket to Qatar.
 
"We say they should continue to believe and supporting us, they are the ones who keep us going. We appreciate their support," he added.

"It gives us a lot of confidence and we just pray that everything works out next week as we play Tunisia and that this journey that we have begun and will continue to be great as we are hoping for the World Cup qualification."

Jadon Sancho has been released from the England squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Poland, but Manchester United have been assured that the winger is only suffering with a "minor knock".

A summer signing at Old Trafford has been ruled out of Gareth Southgate's plans for upcoming fixtures on the road to Qatar 2022.

He is, however, expected to be ready to resume domestic action with the Red Devils when they return to Premier League competition with a home date against Newcastle on September 11.

What has been said?

A fitness update released on the Football Association's official website reads: "Jadon Sancho will play no part in England’s forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Poland. 

"The forward picked up a minor knock in training earlier this week which ruled him out of the 4-0 victory in Hungary. 

"Following further assessment, the 21-year-old has returned to his club and is expected to recover in time for Manchester United’s fixture with Newcastle United on Saturday 11 September. 

"Gareth Southgate now has a 23-man squad at his disposal for Sunday’s match against Andorra at Wembley Stadium (5pm kick-off)."

How many caps does Sancho have for England?

A talented 21-year-old will be disappointed to have been forced out of the Three Lions fold as he looks to add to an ever-growing collection of senior caps.

He has figured for England on 22 occasions so far, with three goals recorded across those outings.

Sancho was unable to play any part in a 4-0 victory over Hungary on Thursday, with the decision now taken to remove him from the squad completely.

That should give others an opportunity to impress against Andorra and Poland, with Southgate expected to shuffle his pack.

United will, however, be pleased to learn that a player they have invested £73 million ($101m) worth of faith in should be raring to go by the time they play host to Newcastle in a contest that could see Cristiano Ronaldo make his second debut for the club.

Further reading

UEFA has "grave concerns" about plans to hold the World Cup every two years, president Aleksander Ceferin says.

The idea to make the tournament a biennial event has gained traction since it was first raised at a FIFA congress in May and the governing body is carrying out a feasibility study.

But Ceferin is upset by FIFA's lack of consultation with UEFA and the impact that such a move would have.

What has been said?

Ceferin expressed his concerns in response to a letter from Football Supporters Europe, writing to executive director Ronan Evain: "UEFA and its national associations also have serious reservations and grave concerns surrounding reports of FIFA’s plans.

"Considering the major impact this reform may have on the whole organisation of football, there is widespread astonishment that FIFA appears to be launching a PR campaign to push its proposal whilst any such proposals haven’t been presented to confederations, national associations, leagues, clubs, players, coaches, clubs and all the football community.

"As one concrete example amongst so many, it is imperative to highlight the concerns shared across the footballing world regarding the impact a biennial FIFA World Cup would have on the international match calendar and, prominently in this context, on women’s football."

He added: "Your letter and the concerns it raises on behalf of supporters across Europe regarding FIFA’s potential plans to hold the FIFA World Cup every two years, are extremely valid and important.

"Allow me to assure you that UEFA stands with you and the fans on this important issue. We must work together to defend the interests of the game and reinforce the position of fans as key stakeholders."

Why does FIFA want a World Cup every two years?

FIFA's members approved the launch of a feasibility study about staging the World Cup every two years instead of four after the proposal was submitted by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

President Gianni Infantino suggested he is in favour of the change after the FIFA congress in May, saying at a press conference: "You don’t need to be an Einstein to know that if you have the World Cup every two years you double the revenue.

"We have to go into these studies with an open mind. We know about the value of the World Cup and the impact of the World Cup."

The plan is also backed by ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is currently FIFA's chief of global football development.

The Frenchman said in July that it would lead to fewer international breaks during the season and lower the risk of injury to players.

Wenger denies that there is any financial incentive behind the idea, L'Equipe this week: "The principle would be a grouping of qualifiers every year, and at the end of the season a major competition, World Cup or continental championship.

"The idea is really to improve the level of play and competitions, there’s no financial incentive behind it, especially as FIFA redistributes the money to all of the federations around the world to develop football in their countries."

Further reading

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye feels if Evidence Makgopa could not sign for Orlando Pirates, then he is not good enough to participate in Bafana Bafana’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualification campaign.

Makgopa made his senior national team debut in June, grabbing a  brace in an international friendly match against Uganda, amid reported interest from Pirates.

The lanky forward then went to the Tokyo Olympic Games with the national Under-23s and came back with a goal to his name as his profile continued to rise after also being named the Premier Soccer League Young Player of the season last term.

But Khanye feels the Baroka FC striker is not ripe enough to lead Bafana’s attack after firing blanks in Friday’s 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe away in Harare.

“As for Makgopa, you can’t jump some development stages and then go to play in World Cup qualifiers,” Khanye told iDiski Times.

“I don’t know why he must be in the national team. He couldn’t make it to Pirates but we trust him in World Cup qualifiers. What do we mean as South Africa?”

Khanye also says he does not understand what Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was trying to do in their draw against Zimbabwe.

South Africa began their World Cup qualification bid by dropping two points away in Harare against a depleted Warriors side missing at least seven key players.

Khanye is not convinced by the Bafana team selection as he also questions Broos’ fitness for the job.

“I don’t understand the system that was being used by Hugo Broos,” said Khanye.

“What is his philosophy? I know he is new in this job and has not had much time to prepare. That’s why I ask why Safa employed him.

“You can’t play [Mothobi] Mvala who doesn’t raise up his hands. I watch him week in, week out in the Premier Soccer League [playing for Mamelodi Sundowns].

“I believe it is a favour done to him to even play in the PSL. You can’t play him in the World Cup qualifiers as a defensive midfielder. Also, the coach’s selection, you play Nyiko Mobbie as a left-back when he is a natural right-back. 

“It’s disappointing. Who is really selecting the national team? I don’t understand what South Africa were trying to do. It was as if they were playing a 3-5-2 system, 4-2-3-1, they were changing the system.”

Khanye also feels Bafana were quiet in midfield, which saw defenders resorting to counter attacks.

Mvala, Teboho Mokoena and Gift Links started in midfield behind forwards Percy Tau, Luther Singh and Evidence Makgopa.

“Siyanda Xulu and Rushine De Reuck are very good two defenders and composed but the problem is I don’t think I can play both of them because they are slow and cannot deal with one-on-one situations,” said Khanye.

“They were circulating the ball at the back between themselves and Mobbie as well as goalkeeper Williams who would pump the ball up forward because there was no one to play with in midfield. Mvala was always nervous and if you check he was always protecting the back four.

“I don’t know what the coach and his technical team were doing. We couldn’t win aerial balls and you know Tau is short. So how would the ball reach Tau when there was no midfield? It was a problem.

South Africa now prepare to host Ghana on Monday after the Black stars kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 home win over Ethiopia on Friday. 

Ghana coach CK Akonnor admits his team struggled to clinch victory in their 2022 World Cup opener against Ethiopia on Friday.

The Black Star walked away from the Cape Coast Sports Stadium with a slim 1-0 win, thanks to Mubarak Wakaso’s goal, which was ensured by a goalkeeping howler.

The home triumph has sent Ghana top of the table in Group G, where they sit two points clear.

“We managed to win. It was a very difficult game. We were not too exciting as we were expected to play I must admit. But we managed to win the three points which is the most important thing,” Akonnor said at the post-match press conference.

“If you watch our game, we create a lot of chances. This same chances [we converted] against Qatar to score five goals. So, it’s not a situation whereby we cannot score goals but now it seems so but I strongly believe we will score goals.

“We are doing well and creating chances. With time it will come”

“I congratulate Wakaso for scoring that goal. He saw the goalkeeper was weak and he shot and got the goal. I congratulate him.”

Ghana’s jump to the top of the table was facilitated by the result in the other Group G fixture, a 0-0 draw between South Africa and Ethiopia, who are each tied on a point.

Ethiopia unsurprisingly sit bottom of the log.

On Monday, the Black Stars have an opportunity to make up for Friday’s dull performance as they play as guests of South Africa in Johannesburg on matchday two.

The two teams met seven months ago at the same venue, when they settled for a 1-1 draw in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“Three points. Nothing comes easy. Not a full stadium but a great atmosphere. We thank all Ghanaians for the support and love. We keep going!” Ghana captain Andre Ayew said of Friday’s win."

The Black Stars are chasing a return to the World Cup after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia.

It will be their fourth appearance at the global showpiece should they qualify for Qatar 2022.

Zambia coach Beston Chambeshi has maintained a cautious approach despite his team winning their 2022 World Cup qualifying opener 2-1 against Mauritania on Friday.

The Chipolopolo registered a good start in their Group B campaign after goals from Enock Mwepu and Prince Mumba enabled them to beat the home team, who pulled one back through Mamadou Niass at Stade Olympique in Nouakchott.

It was Mwepu who scored the opener with only 10 minutes played after applying a cool finish and in the second half, Mumba fastened onto a cross from Patson Daka to double their advantage in the 57th minute before Niass scored for Mauritania in the 69th minute.

Chembeshi, who was handling Zambia for the first time in a competitive match since replacing Serbian Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, had admitted he was elated with the team’s effort to pick an away win but stated they will not get carried away.

“It is a good win from home, and you know these are qualifiers so if you pick three points away from home it is good,” Chambeshi said as quoted by the Zambia FA website after the game.

“It is good for the boys and the technical staff. It was not an easy match; Mauritania came out and played but we were on top of things especially in the first half.”

“We liked the approach; the boys had to take the game and contain. It was good for us to have a goal in the first half. I think that goal lifted the team-up. I liked the attitude in the first half.”

On the upcoming game against Tunisia, Chambeshi said: “These are qualifiers, we cannot just defend, we have to make sure we attack and be cautious in defence because we are playing at home.

“Tunisia, yes, they are a big team, the Arabs play attacking football but all you must do is make sure the defence is intact and hope and trust the strikers will come to the party.

Chambeshi said although the team will miss the England based duo of Patson Daka (Leicester City) and Mwepu (Brighton & Hove Albion) their replacements would fill the void adequately,

Chipolopolo will host Tunisia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday with only 5,000 fans allowed to attend the battle.

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Benedict Vilakazi says Friday’s 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe was an indication that coach Hugo Broos and his men are doomed to fail.

Bafana were facing a depleted Zimbabwe side without at least seven key players including Aston Villa’s Marvelous Nakamba, former Kaizer Chiefs defender Teenage Hadede, Wigan captain Tendayi Darikwa, Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, Ipswich Town's Macauley Bonne and ex-England youth international Brendan Galloway.

A makeshift Warriors defence saw SuperSport United left-back Onismor Bhasera playing as a central defender while inexperienced Takudzwa Chimwemwe was a right-back.

“If we failed to beat a depleted Zimbabwe while we had everyone, then we are not going anywhere [to the World Cup],” Vilakazi told iDiski TV.

“Remember, we are going to face Ghana on Monday. The same Ghana which troubled us here while depleted as well. The coach should play these Under-23 boys who participated at the Olympics. That’s where he needs to build his team from for the next Afcon and [2026] World Cup.

“I don’t know if this was a friendly game for the World Cup qualifiers or it was a World Cup qualifier proper. I don’t think we took this game seriously. We have people here in South Africa who have been watching football for many years and know our players.”

The Orlando Pirates all-time top goalscorer insists on Broos using the Under-23s who were in Japan for the Olympic Games if he is to rebuild. 

“I don’t know what the coach’s plan is really. If his plan is to build a team, start with the Under-23 team which was at the Olympics, then you build a team,” said Vilakazi.

“I remember he once said, in an interview, that let’s not expect anything now from these qualifying games but look beyond that. So what is the point of having these players who are playing now if you want to build a team for the next Africa Cup of Nations and for the other [2026] World Cup?

“It doesn't make sense to me. If I was building, I would go for those Under-23s from the Olympics and I would play them. If the coach is not expecting anything from the current squad, then what is it that we need to expect from you? How do you build a team around a person who is 28-years-old or 30? Unless you say you want to qualify for tournaments now, it’s fine, select them.”

In the team which played on Saturday, only Siyanda Xulu is above the age of 30, while captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is 29 and Thapelo Morena 28.

Tanzania Mainland Premier League side Kinondoni Municipal Council is set to unveil Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo after completing the deal.

In a number of photos that appeared on social media on Saturday, Shikhalo is seen in KMC's colours, ready to be unveiled by the Dar es Salaam-based club.

"He has signed a one-year deal with KMC," a source close to the former Talanta FC goalkeeper told Goal.
 
After two years, Shikhalo parted ways with Yanga SC after his two-year contract ended at the conclusion of the 2020/21 season. The former Posta Rangers star had been signed by the Tanzanian giants after participating in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with Harambee Stars in Egypt.
 
He was brought on board to compete with Tanzanian goalkeeper Metacha Mnata and both were released this year due to inconsistencies in their performances. Timu ya Wananchi have so far signed Diarra Djigui and Erick Johola as replacements for Shikalo and Mnata.

Zambia captain Enock Mwepu had dedicated the team’s 2-1 win against Mauritania in their opening match of the World Cup qualifiers to newly elected President Hakainde Hichilema.

The Chipolopolo got off to a flying start in their Group B campaign after goals from Mwepu and Prince Mumba enabled them to beat the hosts, who pulled a goal back through Amadou Niass.

It was Mwepu, who was handed the captaincy armband hours into the game, who set the ball rolling with the opening goal in the 10th minute when he slotted home from a neat finish.

In the second half, Zambia added the second goal when Mumba raced to meet a cross from Patson Daka, before angling it to the back of the net.

Though, Mauritania pulled a goal back in the 69th minute through Niass, and then Chipolopolo held on to claim the vital away win.

The win left new Zambia President Hichilema elated, and he has taken to his social media pages, to congratulate the team for the good work.

“Congratulations Chipolopolo for beating Mauritania in the World Cup qualifier last night! Special recognition to Enock Mwepu and Prince Mumba who scored for Zambia,” the President wrote.

In his response to the Tweet, Mwepu, who features for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, has dedicated the win to the president-elect terming it a new dawn for Zambia.

“Thank you, your excellence that win was for you…it is a new dawn.”

After six attempts to rule Zambia, Hichilema defeated outgoing President Edgar Lungu in a landslide by almost one million votes and was sworn in on August 24.

Zambia will now return home to prepare for their next qualifier against Tunisia set for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on September 7.

Just like Zambia, Tunisia also started their campaign on a winning note after beating Equatorial Guinea 3-0 at Stade Olympique de Rades.

The North African giants were, however, forced to wait until the second half to subdue the visitors with goals from Dylan Bronn in the 54th minute, Eliyes Skhiri in the 78th minute, and Wahbi Khazri, who scored from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.

Cameroon have outshined Malawi in their 2022 World Cup qualifier to go top of Group D courtesy of a 2-0 win at Olembe Stadium in Yaounde on Friday.

Vincent Abubakar scored the opener for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations hosts in the ninth minute when he found a way past Malawi's goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe. Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui scored the second goal for the Central African nation in the 22nd minute and they were able to hold onto the win to earn three points and rise to the top of their group.

In the second half, the Flames had few chances, but the hosts - especially goalkeeper Devis Epassy - were able to deal with them.

Limbikani Mzava, Yamikani Chester, and Frank Mhango, who came on for Gerald Phiri, were Malawi's players who were yellow-carded while no Cameroonian was cautioned.

In the next qualifiers, Cameroon will play Ivory Coast while the Flames will be at home against their Cosafa rivals, Mozambique, on September 6 and 7 respectively.

Meanwhile, at the Olympic Rades Stadium, Tunisia saw off Equatorial Guinea 3-0 in their respective qualifiers to grab the top position in Group B.

Dylan Bronn, Ellyes Skhiri, and Wahbi Khaziri scored for the 2004 African champions in the 54th, 78th, and 82nd minutes as the hosts launched a stronger campaign in the second half.

Khaziri's goal came courtesy of a late penalty for the North Africans.

Before he scored in the second half, Bronn had been yellow-carded in the fifth minute while Ferjani Sassy and Hamza Mathlouthi are the other Tunisians who were cautioned in the 69th and 86th minutes respectively.

On the other hand, Salomon Obama, Luis Meseguer, and Jannick Buyla were Equatorial Guinea's stars who were yellow-carded in the fourth, 32nd, and in the second minute of added time respectively.

Tunisia will play Zambia while Equatorial Guinea will host Mauritania, both on September 7, in their next qualifiers.

Ghana had sealed a 1-0 victory against Ethiopia in their 2022 World Cup opener but their fans were far from impressed by their performance in the Group G fixture on Friday.

In their opening game of the qualifiers for the global showpiece, Mubarak Wakaso’s first-half goal, which had more to do with sloppy goalkeeping, ensured a narrow win for the hosts in Cape Coast.

The 2010 tournament quarter-finalists were without the injured duo of Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus on the day, a probable reason for their struggle to take control of the game, particularly in the second half.

With a big matchday two away clash against South Africa on the cards on Monday, Ghanaians have shown an apparent concern by the team’s laboured performance against Ethiopia.

Below are some of the best reactions on social media:

Nigeria vice-captain William Troost-Ekong became the 26th player to win a 50th cap for the national team on Friday in the 2-0 win over Liberia in their Group C World Cup qualifier.

Kelechi Iheanacho's brace at the Teslim Balogun Stadium took his international tally to 11 goals as he closes in on Jay-Jay Okocha and Julius Aghahowa's mark of 14 goals in the national team colours.

The Watford defender was happy with the win as he reached the milestone for the West African nation.

"[Plus three points] first step towards Qatar 2022! Well done to all the boys," Troost-Ekong posted on his social media platform. 

"On a personal note, it is very special to play my 50th cap for the Super Eagles. Onwards and upwards from here!"

He made his debut on June 13, 2015, against Chad in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier and was part of the Nigeria U23 provisional team for the Rio 2016 Olympics. 

His memorable moment, so far, with Nigeria, is scoring the 89th-minute winner in 2019 Afcon that lifted his team past South Africa to qualify for the semis of the competition held in Egypt, before eventually finishing third.

Meanwhile, Everton star Alex Iwobi was named the Most Valuable Player against Liberia. The former Arsenal player provided two assists as the Super Eagles powered past their opponents.

"Honoured to win Most Valuable Player of the game," Iwobi tweeted later on. 

Iheanacho was voted for the Man of the Match award while Iwobi claimed another one million naira as the Most Valuable Player. 

The victory powered Nigeria to the top of Group C with three points after their rivals Cape Verde and the Central African Republic played out a 1-1 draw on Wednesday. 

Next up for the three-time African champions is a trip to Cape Verde for their second group match on September 7 while Liberia battles the Central African Republic on Monday.

Ugandan Benjamin Ochan has confirmed his exit from Football Kenya Federation Premier League heavyweights AFC Leopards.

The latter have been struggling to keep hold of their best players owing to the financial struggles they are facing. The experienced custodian is the latest to have confirmed his exit from the 13-time league champions.

'Leopards helped me become a better keeper'

"Today I say goodbye to the magnificent club as it is AFC Leopards," Ochan posted on his official social media account.

"I want to thank the club for helping me become a better goalkeeper and for making me feel at home during my time here. After all these years I can only say thank you to the club, to the fans that have supported me since the first day, and good luck to my teammates."

The Uganda shot-stopper joined Ingwe in July 2019, signing an initial one-year contract. The contract expired a season later and the two parties struggled to reach an agreement owing to financial constraints experienced by the club.

Eventually, an agreement was reached and it was extended. He is leaving as a free agent.

Who has left the Den?

Several players have already left the former champions after the completion of the 2020/21 season.

Former captain Robinson Kamura announced he will not be part of the team after his season expired. He has since been linked to Gor Mahia and Sofapaka .

Harrison Mwendwa, who joined the team from Kariobangi Sharks, also announced he is leaving the den after barely a year.

Unlike Kamura, Mwendwa has been a key player for AFC Leopards under head coach Patrick Aussems. Kamura was stripped of the club's captaincy with Isaac Kipyegon taking up the armband while Elvis Rupia was appointed his deputy.

Mwendwa, who was part of the Slum Boys team that won the SportPesa Super Cup and played against English side Everton at Kasarani 2019, could be the latest player to join a Zambian side from Kenya.

Ian Otieno and Jesse Were are at Zesco United, while Duke Abuya is plying his trade with Nkana FC. Shaban Odhoji and David Odhiambo are at Napsa Stars, who were relegated at the end of the 2020/21 season.

Ghana captain Andre Ayew has conceded it was not an easy outing despite claiming a vital 1-0 win over Ethiopia in their 2022 World Cup qualifier on Friday.

A solitary strike from Mubarak Wakaso was enough to hand the Black Stars maximum points over Walya Antelopes in Group G at Cape Coast Stadium on Friday. Ghana coach CK Akonnor put faith in China-based Wakaso and Real Mallorca man Mohammed Iddrisu Baba to marshal the midfield in the absence of the first-choice pair of Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus.

It was the former who repaid the manager's faith in him by scoring an all-important goal for the West Africans.

"Three points. Nothing comes easy. Not a full stadium but a great atmosphere," Ayew posted on social media.

"We thank all Ghanaians for their support and love. We keep going."

The Black Stars are now top of the table with maximum points while South Africa and Zimbabwe come in with a point each after their goalless draw.

This was coach Hugo Broos' first match in charge of Bafana Bafana having missed the team's friendly against Uganda and the 2021 Cosafa Cup as he had returned home in Belgium for his second Covid-19 vaccination.

But after 90 minutes, at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, the spoils were shared.

Bafana Bafana will now host Ghana in their second Group G match on Monday, while Zimbabwe are scheduled to face Ethiopia away on Tuesday. 

South Africa have not defeated Ghana in their last five meetings in all competitions. Their most recent win over the Black Stars came in a friendly match on August 11, 2010, when they had emerged 1-0 victors.

In the 2015 Afcon competition, Ghana won 2-1 before the teams settled for 1-1 and 0-0 scorelines in friendly matches played in October 2015 and June 2019 respectively.

Ghana won 2-0 in the first round of the 2021 Afcon qualifiers on November 11, 2021, before settling for a 1-1 draw on March 21.