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Malaysia Premier League teams breathed a collective sigh of relief when the Malaysian Football League (MFL) announced on Wednesday, August 19 that none of them will be relegated to the third tier when the 2020 season ends later this year.

According to MFL, the decision was made due to the fact that the 2020 M3 League had to be abandoned due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For Selangor 2 head coach Michael Feichtenbeiner, the decision allowed him more leniency, in that he does not need to worry about securing safety for the reserve team when the Malaysian league resumes later this month.

Several of his players; such as young midfielder Mukhairi Ajmal and foreign striker Bajram Nebihi, have attracted the interest of first team boss B. Satiananthan in their recent friendlies, especially when the Challenge Cup, a competition that reserve teams take part in, will not be played this year.

Mukhairi Ajmal. Photo from Selangor

The German trainer is willing to let his young players, many of them Mokhtar Dahari Academy graduates, join up with the first team, if Satiananthan requires their services.

"...For me, the best players in the country should always play at a higher level. They will dominate if they play against same-age opponents but this is not really [helping], so I believe that if they play against against other Premier League sides and Malaysia Super League teams, those with four, five import players, we will struggle at first...but they will learn a lot. If any of the 18, 19 year old players are outstanding, they must play in the Super League as soon as possible. We want to prepare them for the top tier quickly.

"Satia and I will have to discuss it, but my understanding is that if they can help him, they must play. They must be grateful if he gives them opportunity [to play on the first team]. But if these players, the most talented Selangor players, are only on the bench, they must play on my team. However, this is to be discussed with Satia; if he needs the players, for sure they will go and we'll be happy to send them. The rest of the squad however is to be prepared while remaining on the Premier League team," said the former MPPF FC head coach following his charges' 4-0 friendly win over Malaysia U-19 on Wednesday.

This opportunity to play competitively with the first team is welcomed by Selangor 2 captain Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar.

"I'm willing to fight and work hard for a spot on the Super League team. I am a young player, so I have to prove my mettle to be with the more senior players."

Vipers SC have appointed Charles Masembe as the club’s new sporting director ahead the new Ugandan Premier League season.

“The club is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Masembe to the new role of sporting director,” confirmed a statement in the club’s official website.

“Masembe has a wealth of experience in the Ugandan game, having played, coached and officiated as a Fifa certified referee at international level.

“The former Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will have to ensure he creates a favourable environment at the club for the players, coaches, management and oversee youth structures with the responsibility of organising workshops and training for all staff.

“His other major role will be as a link between the technical staff and board of Directors. He will be mandated to provide technical advice to the coaching staff, give guidance for the club's vision and sporting strategy.”

The statement continued: “At such a challenging time, the club looks forward to Masembe commencing his role, helping to drive the continual improvement in the football operations by ensuring that it is implementing best practices, to enhance the overall performance of the club.”

Vipers President Lawrence Mulindwa who was at hand to unveil Masembe said: “We are delighted to have appointed Masembe. This is a role we have been keen to introduce into the structure for some time, and it has been in our strategic plan.

 “We unveil Masembe as one of the most experienced and exposed football administrators because our dream is big and we want people like him that can help us archive our vision of becoming a first-class football club in Uganda and Africa.”

On his appointment, Masembe said: “It is an honour and privilege to join Vipers, an institution with big dreams. I have always admired to give my contribution to institutions with dreams and I have landed well in a place where I can also be helpful.”

Masembe will also be charged with ensuring the successful delivery of the agreed aims, objectives and outcomes of the first team within the strategic football development plan.

Vipers won the league title last season, beating their closest challengers KCCA FC, after the Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) moved to end the top-flight prematurely owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

By winning the league, Vipers will represent Uganda in the Caf Champions League while KCCA will go for the Confederation Cup.

Rising Borussia Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko has mentioned the names of Lukasz Piszczek, Emre Can and Julian Brandt as the first team players who are doing the most in helping him integrate into the first team.

The 15-year-old - who is dubbed the 'New Eto’o’ due to the prolific scoring nature of Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o during his career, has made headlines for the right reasons because of such attributes.

Indeed, the Yaounde-born striker, who also holds a German passport, has scored more than 150 goals for Dortmund at youth level.

This prompted calls for the wonderkid to be included into the first team and with the DFB reducing age restrictions to make a senior debut from 17 to 16. Moukoko is now poised to feature in November.

He has already started training with the first team as pre-season has resumed ahead of the 2020-21 Bundesliga season kicking off on September 18.

"Lukasz Piszczek helped me a lot, but Emre Can and Julian Brandt also support me," Moukoko said.

“Piszczek pulled me straight to the side and said: “Just have fun, be yourself. And don't be afraid of us professionals.”

Piszczek has been at Dortmund since 2010, amassing more than 360 appearances for the club and winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles under current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in 2011 and 2012.

Can is a Germany international who played the previous season on loan from Juventus before his move to the Signal Iduna Park was made permanent this summer, while Brandt is a 31-time German international that joined Dortmund last summer after five years with Bayer Leverkusen.

Moukoko has been able to adjust to the difference of first-team training and that of the youth squad. He did admit he will remain with the Under-19s at the start of the new season with the hope of reaching 200 goals as he currently stands at a combined 183 strikes in the various youth categories.

“You don't have time to think about it anymore [first team training], you have to be very quick to act," he stated.

 "I will use the time until November in the U19. I still want to break the 200-goal mark.”

Desire Oparanozie is excited about her positive start to life at Dijon after opening her goal account with her new French women's top-flight outfit.

The Nigeria international has begun to hit the ground running for Yannick Chandioux's team since arriving from Guingamp this summer and scored three goals in four warm-up games.

The 27-year-old could not score in Dijon's wins against Servette Chenois and French Thonon-Evian but eventually broke her duck with a brace in Standard Liege before her late strike against Reims.

Having found her scoring boots again, the Super Falcons star is vowing to continue her impactful form in the friendlies and beyond.

"I'm really happy to have scored my first goals for Dijon," Oparanozie was quoted by The Nation newspaper. 

"It was an amazing feeling for me and I hope to carry on like this for the remaining two friendly games we have and the start of the season on September 5. 

"The magic behind the two goals I scored against Standard Liege was because I played for a long period in the game, unlike Servette where I only lasted 45 minutes. 

"I played for 80 minutes against Liege and added 10 minutes more against Reims, where I also got a goal. I'm looking forward to the new season with high expectations."

Dijon will open their French top-flight campaign with a trip to face Soyaux on September 5 before hosting Issy a week later and visit her former side Guingamp on September 26.

Before the league's commencement, they will continue their build-up against Chiamaka Nnadozie's Paris on Saturday in Beaune before wrapping up their pre-season against Fleury a week later.

New Young Africans (Yanga SC) winger Tuisila Kisinda has warned Mainland Premier League champions Simba SC that he is coming to deal with them.

Kisinda was signed from AS Vita of the Democratic Republic of Congo and has confirmed he has been briefed on how the Yanga-Simba rivalry is and thus he is ready for the duel.

Both Kisinda and his teammate Mukoko Tonombe were signed for two years by an ambitious Yanga who are ready to dominate the Tanzanian Premier League after recent shortcomings.

“I have had a long conversation with Hersi Said [Yanga official] and he has explained, in detail, to me about the Yanga and Simba rivalry,” Kisinda is quoted as saying by Mwanaspoti.

“He has told me the only big team there is Simba and that he is in the market for strikers now.

“I have asked him to buy good strikers and then he should leave Simba matters to us. We, the players, will deal with them [Simba] on the pitch.

“I fear no defenders because I have played against a lot of them and even Simba, I have met them before and they know what kind of work I am capable of doing.

“It will not be long before I arrive to start on my new job.”

Kisinda and Tonombe are expected to join their new teammates on Thursday.

Meanwhile, AS Vita assistant coach Raoul Shungu has explained how productive both Tonombe and Kisinda can be for his former club.

“At AS Vita, we were told the two players will leave and they are really good but you know football is business,” Shungu told Mwanaspoti.

“I am happy that both are leaving and joining one team and it is a team that I support in Tanzania. They are going to be of great value to Yanga but what I will just wish is that the coach should know how to get the best out of them.

“Yanga have done the transfer business in quite a diligent manner unlike how things were done in the past.

“AS Vita bosses are also happy after seeing how Yanga came and conducted the whole transfer activities with them which ended in a very professional way.”

Finally, Fullback Aboubakr Ngalema has extended his stay with newly-promoted side Dodoma Jiji FC. Ngalema's contract extension was confirmed just hours after another defender George Wawa was signed from relegated side Singida United. 

Bloemfontein Celtic secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in a PSL match which was played on Wednesday evening. 

Amakhosi were presented with an opportunity to extend their lead to nine points at the top of the league standings after edging out Polokwane City 3-2 on Saturday.

Coach Ernst Middendorp made four changes to the team which faced Polokwane with Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Bernard Parker, Leonard Castro and Willard Katsande all returning to the starting line-up.

On the other hand, Phunya Sele See were looking to move closer to the top eight on the league standings after drawing 1-1 with SuperSport United on Saturday.

Middendorp's counter-part John Maduka named an attack-minded team with strikers Motebang Sera, Victor Letsoalo and Ndumiso Mabena all starting upfront for Celtic.

Phunya Sele Sele were the better side in the opening stages of the encounter with the hosts' front three, Letsoalo, Mabena and Sera looking lively.

Maduka's men threatened first when Letsoalo unleashed a thunderous effort from range, but Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi produced a fantastic finger-tipping save to deny the frontman.

The visitors grew in confidence as the match progressed and Leonardo Castro forced Celtic shot-stopper Sipho Chaine into a great reflex save with a good header.

Phunya Sele Sele were conceding too many corner-kicks and set-pieces in their own half and they were punished by Amakhosi's towering central defender Eric Mathoho.

The Bafana Bafana international headed home birthday-boy Khama Billiat's corner-kick to make it 1-0 to Chiefs 10 minutes before the half-time break.

However, Middendorp's men went to sleep on the stroke of half-time and they were punished by Sera, who beat Akpeyi with a decent finish and the score was 1-1 at the interval.

Celtic came back brimming with confidence following their half-time team talk with Malawian tactician Maduka.

The hosts took the lead for the first time on the night when Sera completed his brace with a close-range finish to make it 2-1 to Celtic with the Lesotho international netting his sixth league goal of the campaign.

Chiefs then took control of the match with Katsande dictating terms from the middle of the park and he forced Chaine into a magnificent diving save with a long-range effort.

Maduka then made a change pulling out a tired-looking Sera and the retired central midfielder introduced another striker in Harris Tchilumbu as the hosts refreshed their attack.

Phunya Sele Sele looked dangerous every time they pushed forward and they took a two-goal lead when Mabena set-up Letsoalo, who fired past Akpeyi to make it 3-1 to Celtic with 16 minutes left.
 
Amakhosi launched late attacks as they looked to grab at least two goals in order to ensure that the match ended in a draw, but the Siwelele defence stood firm at the back and Chaine was not seriously tested.

Ultimately, the match ended in a 3-1 victory in favour of Celtic, who moved up to the tenth spot on the league standings - a point behind seventh-placed Cape Town City.

Now leaders Chiefs are six points above second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand.

Manchester United goalkeeper Lee Grant joked that he still has Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his pocket as he added that he had the Swedish star 'on toast' during their clash in the Premier League.

Grant has been with Manchester United since 2018, having moved to Old Trafford after previously playing for Stoke, Derby, Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday.

His arrival came shortly after the Swedish star's departure, with Ibrahimovic leaving the Premier League to sign with the LA Galaxy and, eventually, AC Milan.

Even after Ibrahimovic's departure, he remained a much-discussed figure in the Manchester United dressing room, with Grant saying that he's still a player that many in the squad look up to.

“He wasn't here as a player but he was in LA, he came and visited us,” Grant told the Utd Podcast. “All I was hearing in that first month or so, while I was acclimatising, were stories about Zlatan.

“His period at the club had just come to an end but the lads would talk about him constantly. 'Do you remember when Zlatan did this?' 'Do you remember him getting on to such and such in training and he nearly made him cry?' 'Do you remember that thing he does, the kung-fu kick over his head?' 'Do you remember Zlatan scored that goal? Do you remember when he nutmegged that guy and absolutely took the p***?

“I thought: 'Oh my god, who is this Zlatan character?' but that was what it was like all the time.

“I got to meet him in LA but it was literally for five or 10 minutes, just to say hello and ask how he was enjoying America and all the rest of it.

“For me, just to see how the lads interacted with him. Huge stars, well huge stars to me, looking up to the king! It was quite an eye-opener. But he seemed a really nice guy.

“I'm actually disappointed I didn't get the chance to play with him myself. I played against him, of course."

Grant's face-off with Ibrahimovic came in October 2016 with the goalkeeper's Stoke side taking on Ibrahimovic and Man Utd.

On that day, Stoke held on to a 1-1 draw with Grant having a spectacular game that he still recalls fondly.

“I had him on toast!" Grant joked. “He's in here, in my pocket somewhere.

“I had him on toast that day. Of course, I wouldn't say that to his face. If I was training against him, I would imagine he would have me on toast more than I had him on toast but that was a good day for me.

“I wanted to show the Manchester United fans, and everyone in that stadium, not consciously perhaps, but I wanted the fans to remember Lee Grant after this game. Subconsciously, I really wanted to do well and make some impression. I made 10 saves and had a really good game.”

Grant has made two appearances since making the move to Man Utd, featuring in a Carabao Cup loss to Derby in September 2018 before starting this past November's Europa League loss to Astana. 

David Silva has said Real Sociedad's style of play and family considerations led him to select the Basque side as his next destination instead of Lazio.

After 10 hugely successful years at Manchester City, Silva left England as a free agent with plenty of clubs around the world showing interest.

Lazio appeared to be in pole position to land the 34-year-old but in an unexpected move, Silva signed with Sociedad on a two-year contract on Monday.

The move angered the Serie A side, who believed they had done enough to seal a move for the Spaniard. The club's director Igli Tare was particularly incensed.

"I learned about David Silva's transfer to Real Sociedad. I have great respect for the player, but not for the man," Tare said. 

Speaking to his new side's official website, Silva outlined his reasons for choosing a return to La Liga ahead of a move to Serie A.

"The sensations are very good. After the announcement, I have received many expressions of affection, messages from many people," Silva said. 

"I've had quite a few offers in all this time. I decided on Real Sociedad because they are doing things very well. They have a style that suits my game very well. I know San Sebastian, it is a very beautiful and quiet city.

"My family had to do with my decision. I watched Real Sociedad games and they play very well. I also have very good references from the coach.

"We can do important things, there is a good group and for my conditions it is very good. It is a very nice challenge, I am looking forward to starting.

"Holidays help relax the head. I hope we finish the challenge well and I can do my bit to help the club win things.

"There is a great atmosphere, I already played in the old stadium and the grass was always spectacular. When you sign up for a new club, you want to get started. Now I will rest my mind and then start with my batteries charged."

Silva will play in La Liga for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign, his final season with Valencia before he left to join Man City.

Youssoufa Moukoko has thanked Lukasz Piszczek, Emre Can and Julian Brandt for helping to ease his transition into the Borussia Dortmund senior squad.

The 15-year-old forward, who boasts an incredible record of 183 goals in 120 games for Dortmund's youth team, is working with Lucien Favre's first-team group as they prepare for the 2020-21 Bundesliga season.

Regulations in Germany's top flight mean Moukoko will not be able to make his competitive debut until he turns 16 on November 20, but he will be getting up to speed during the intervening period.

"Lukasz Piszczek helped me a lot, but Emre Can and Julian Brandt also support me," he told Bild.

On 35-year-old full-back Piszczek, Moukoko added: "He pulled me straight to the side and said, 'Just have fun, be yourself and don't be afraid with us professionals'."

In the meantime, Moukoko still has ambitions in the youth categories.

"I will use the time until November in the under-19s," he said. "I still want to break the 200-goal mark."

Giovanni Reyna, 17, was a breakthrough teenage star for Dortmund last season.

The son of former USA international Claudio Reyna, the youngster has paid tribute to the role of his late brother Jack in his formative years as a footballer.

Jack died of cancer aged 13 when Giovanni was nine.

"It was Jack who got me excited about football," he told SportBild.

"People always think that I became a footballer because my dad, Claudio, was already a professional.

"But it was my late brother who sparked my passion for football. Without Jack I wouldn't be at BVB today."

Reyna made 15 appearances in the Bundesliga last term and has said he's looking to follow in the footsteps of Dortmund's England star Jadon Sancho.

Reyna added: "Jadon's first steps when he starts dribbling are unbelievable - wow! I try to learn from him in every training session, because his development here at BVB is an incentive for me."

Sancho has been heavily linked with a big-money move to Manchester United, even though sporting director Michael Zorc insists the 20-year-old will now remain at Signal Iduna Park for the forthcoming campaign.

ATK Mohun Bagan defender Boris Singh Thangjam has tested positive for the Coronavirus, Goal can confirm.

This is the first case of Covid-19 among active high-profile footballers in India.

The 20-year-old was to undergo strength and conditioning training in the city of Bengaluru ahead of the new season of ISL. The player underwent a Covid-19 test which turned out to be positive. However, sources close to the player have informed that no symptoms have been visible yet.

He is in a stable condition and is observing isolation protocols in his home.

The 18-year-old was a key member of India's FIFA U-17 World Cup squad last season and subsequently attracted eyeballs with his impressive performances in the I-League. 
Although he was a consistent performer for Indian Arrows for two season, the youngster is yet to make his first team debut for ATKMB in the ISL. 

He had appeared for the team's Reserve side last season in the Durand Cup.

Boris had been earmarked as a huge talent ever since he caught the All India Football Federation (AIFF) scouts' eye when he led Manipur to the U14 national championship title in 2013.

He was also part of the India U20 team beat Argentina 2-1 in the COTIF tournament in Spain under Floyd Pinto's tutelage.

Goal wishes the youngster a speedy recovery.

Chukwubuike Adamu helped himself to a hat-trick as Red Bull Salzburg came from behind to win 4-3 and end Lyon’s Uefa Youth League hopes at Nyon’s Colovray Stadium.

Lyon were eying a place in the last four for the first time in their history and they were going through when Yaya Soumare opened the scoring after 30 minutes.

A ball hoisted over their strike force was reached by the speedy Soumare, who pipped Jusuf Gazibegovic to it at the far post and headed past goalkeeper Daniel Antosch.

10 minutes later, Nigeria prospect Bryan Okoh levelled matters for Bo Svensson’s wards after leaping higher than the entire French backline to head home Gazibegovic’s corner kick.

On the stroke of half-time, Adamu put the Austrians ahead after his header from Luka Sucic looped over the hapless Mamadou Ousmane who was in goal for Lyon.

Salzburg pushed on impeccably at the start of the second half with pouring attacks. It was not long until they got their reward as Adamu fired past the goalkeeper from close range after he was played in beautifully by German-Nigerian Karin Adeyemi.

The 19-year-old completed his treble a minute later after smashing home after Adeyemi squared the ball perfectly to him.

Florent da Silva made amends for his earlier penalty miss by giving the French side their second goal of the evening in the 71st minute courtesy of an assist from El Hadj Coly.

Eight minutes later, Eli Wissa powered home the third goal after breaking past three Salzburg defenders before beating Antosch in goal.

Despite Lyon’s late resurgence, they could not get the much-needed equaliser as Svensson’s boys cruised into the competition’s last four where they face Real Madrid. The Spaniards silenced Inter Milan 3-0 courtesy of second-half goals from Marvin Park, Miguel Gutierrez and Ivan Ruiz.

Manager Svensson described the game as ‘weird’ while claiming there is room for improvement for his team.

“It was a really weird match right from the start,” he was quoted by the club website.

“On the whole, it wasn't a superb performance from us - we are capable of playing much better. It was warm out there, but we need to be in better shape at the end of the match.”

Manchester City have confirmed that goalkeeper Scott Carson has extended his loan deal with the club for another season.

Carson joined the club last summer on a one-year loan deal from Derby County, having been with the Championship side since 2015.

The 34-year-old has served as backup to both Ederson and Claudio Bravo, with the latter leaving the club this summer following the expiration of his contract.

Bravo looks set to join Real Betis, ending his four-year stay in the Premier League.

Carson didn't make any appearances for Man City this season after making over 150 during his time at Derby, although he was on the bench for the final four Premier League matches in July and was part of the Champions League squad in Lisbon.

The goalkeeper has also featured for the likes of West Brom, Liverpool, Leeds and Turkish side Bursaspor throughout his 18-year career.

He was a member of Liverpool's 2004-05 Champions League-winning squad, having also won the Super Cup during his time at Anfield.

Carson has earned five caps for England, having featured as part of Fabio Capello's 2006 World Cup squad in Germany. 

With Carson and Ederson already at the Etihad, Manchester City are set to turn to Zack Steffen to serve as the Brazilian's No.2 next season.

Steffen spent this past season on loan with Fortuna Dusseldorf after originally joining Manchester City from the Columbus Crew.

The U.S. men's national team goalkeeper saw parts of last season derailed by injury, although he started 17 consecutive matches to start the season before dealing with two knee issues.

Steffen is expected to be Manchester City's cup goalkeeper with Pep Guardiola expected to turn to the American in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Meanwhile, Aro Muric is expected to go out on loan once again after a disappointing spell at Nottingham Forest and has been linked with Championship side Rotherham.

Manchester City finished this season second in the Premier League, having won the Carabao Cup, while they fell in the semi-finals of the FA Cup in a loss to Arsenal.

The season also ended on a disappointing note, with a Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of underdogs Lyon in Lisbon.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp believes his players took the game against Bloemfontein Celtic too easily. 

The Glamour Boys suffered a shock 3-1 loss to Phunya Sele Sele despite first taking the lead through Eric Mathoho. 

Middendorp made four changes to the side that beat Polokwane City 3-2 last weekend, and the Amakhosi coach said he expected those who contributed to the team's win to apply themselves in a similar way against Celtic but he admits it just didn't work.  

"It is always something [that happens] when you take it too easy. I think we had this problem today," Middendorp told SuperSportTV.  

"We were thinking with this setup, how we turned around the Polokwane City game, started today and we were thinking we will take this drive into this game. Unfortunately, it didn't work."

Middendorp feels his players lacked the energy required after going 1-0 up in the first half while he also believes Celtic made it difficult for them by putting more numbers in front of their goalkeeper.  

"We had a 1-0 lead and again it's all about the energy, it's all about how we approach the game and the entire second half of the game... yeah, we haven't done it right. On the other hand, good, Bloemfontein Celtic is a difficult team to play against - they did things right, simple, easy and they put up the wall. 

"At a certain moment, into the right, defending a set-piece with balls bringing in a font in the half-spaces on top of the defence line and we had a lot of issues and challenges there." 

The 61-year-old mentor explained the decision to withdraw Lebogang Manyama at the start of the second half. 

"Manyama already had a certain challenge in terms of a hamstring and it was a risk already to bring him in today. I could see he wasn't free to move." 

"On the right-hand side, we had some problems and I wanted to block it. It was a little bit more solid with Reeve (Frosler) and Daniel Cardoso but unfortunately, more or less in the first second of the second half, we conceded a goal again through this channel. It didn't work," he admitted.  

As disappointing the defeat was to millions of Amakhosi fans, Middendorp warned that every team they play will be difficult to beat at this stage of the season although he reiterated his charges were not in it to win on the night; something he said they will discuss in the next few days before the Stellenbosch FC game on Sunday. 

"Yeah, it is definitely. As I said, it is not about bigger teams or smaller teams. Whatever team you are playing is a big team. Every team has a certain issue. They will be deeply disappointed; there is no doubt about it. 

"We haven't really approached it like we wanted to win. We wanted to do it today and take another big step and that is what we have to discuss among ourselves to be better prepared for Sunday," concluded Middendorp.

Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry have matched Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as the Bayern Munich duo now have their sights set on sealing a Champions League record.

Gnabry netted a first-half brace in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, giving Bayern a 2-0 half-time lead over Ligue 1 side Lyon in the one-legged clash.

The German winger fired home Bayern's first goal just moments after seeing Lyon hit the post at the other end, giving the Bundesliga side a 1-0 advantage in the 18th minute.

He found the back of the net again just 15 minutes later, pouncing after Lewandowski was unable to fire home a cross from Ivan Perisic to double the Bavarian side's lead.

The goal was Gnabry's ninth Champions League goal of the season, with the German international scoring four goals against Tottenham and two goals against Chelsea as part of that run.

Mario Gomez is the only German player to have scored more in a single Champions League campaign, with the former striker firing 12 goals during the 2011-12 Champions League as Bayern fell to Chelsea in the tournament finale.

Bayern went on to win the title a year later in what was their most recent triumph in Europe. 

This time around, Gnabry and Lewandowski have been Bayern's two top scorers, with the duo now combining for 23 goals in the competition.

Those 23 goals have seen the duo equal Ronaldo and Bale, who fired the same amount between them during the 2013-14 Champions League campaign.

Real Madrid took down Atletico Madrid in that season's final, with Ronaldo scoring 17 goals throughout the competition and Bale chipping in a further six.

Bayern, though, have a chance to be even more prolific than that Real Madrid team, as the German side became only the fourth team in Champions League history to reach the 40-goal mark in one competition.

The only other sides to do so were Barcelona in 99-00 (45), Real Madrid in 13-14 (41) and Liverpool in 17-18 (41).

Paris Saint-Germain booked a spot in the final on Tuesday by taking down RB Leipzig, with the French side sealing a 3-0 win to advance to the Champions League final for the first time in the club's history.

Former India international goalkeeper Bhaskar Maity, who suffered a brain stroke, passed away at the age of 67 on Wednesday afternoon.

The late footballer is survived by his wife, son Adhish Maity who is a professional bodybuilder and daughter Iris who is an actor.

Bhaskar Maity made his professional debut in 1973 and was introduced to football by another former India international footballer Prasun Banerjee, who is a Member of Parliament from Howrah and West Bengal and also the brother of legendary late footballer P.K Banerjee.

The goalkeeper was an integral part of the Indian national team at the 1978 Asian Games wherein India was ousted from the semifinal group stage. He was also a member of the Indian team at the Agha Khan Cup and Dhaka Cup in 1977.

Maity’s career, though, was short-lived as he decided to hang his boots at the age of just 25 reportedly due hierarchical politics. At the club level, he represented Mafatlal Sports Club and RCF Football Club in Mumbai. He also represented Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy.

As a coach, he worked as an assistant coach at Mumbai-based football clubs Mumbai FC and Mumbai Tigers.

Legendary goalkeeper Bhaskar Ganguly, who was also a member of the Indian team at the 1978 Asian Games, rued the death of his former teammate. 

“I have no words to describe the feeling of passing away of a friend. He was a very nice person. He hailed from Midnapore in West Bengal. He was a very good player and had a very successful career in Mumbai. Whenever we used to travel for away games we used to meet. He was a perfect gentleman,” said Ganguly on Bhaskar Maity death.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel too condoled the former footballer's death.

UEFA is considering using the Super Cup next month as a trial for allowing fans back into stadiums, the organisation announced on Wednesday.

The federation is currently hosting both the Champions League and Europa League in neutral locations behind closed doors, as supporters are still not allowed to attend due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Europe's top leagues recently completed their domestic seasons without fans as well, although there have been friendlies in France with supporters in attendance.

On Tuesday, UEFA hosted a videoconference featuring all 55 general secretaries of the member associations, with the key point of discussion being the potential gradual return of fans to UEFA matches.

With one eye on the 2020-21 season and another on the current status of the pandemic, UEFA revealed on Tuesday that the federation could use September's Super Cup as a test run with a reduced number of spectators allowed to attend.

"Today’s participants underlined the need for strict hygiene and sanitary measures to be in place to guarantee the health of all those present at a game before allowing fans to return," the federation said in a statement.

"UEFA mentioned that it would be too early to already allow fans into the upcoming UEFA national team competitions matches to be played at the beginning of September and that test matches should take place to study precisely the impact of spectators on current medical protocols.

"UEFA suggested to use the UEFA Super Cup, which will be played on September 24 in Budapest, as a pilot match for which a reduced number of spectators could be allowed in."

The Super Cup is a match that features the winner of the Champions League taking on the winner of the Europa League, with Liverpool's victory over Chelsea serving as the most recent iteration.

This upcoming match will feature either Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich or Lyon taking on either Sevilla or Inter at Puskas Arena in Budapest.

Originally scheduled to be played at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, the match was relocated to the Hungarian venue after the remainder of the 2019-20 Champions League campaign was moved to Portugal in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

In addition to discussing the possibility of allowing fans back into matches, UEFA's meeting also focused on international matches, including the possibility that players would be travelling from countries that would force them to be quarantined upon arriving for international duty.

The federation is encouraging their representatives to approach their local governments to request exemptions, adding that the UEFA protocol would mean travelling players and staff would not present any danger to the rest of the local community.

Associations would also be permitted to move matches to a neutral venue in an effort to prevent games from being cancelled due to local restrictions.

Igor Angulo is of the opinion that that FC Goa have a good squad going into the 2020-21 Indian Super League and the upcoming AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League.

During a conversation with a group of reporters on Wednesday, the Spaniard stressed that he is not concerned with the overhaul at the club. After Sergio Lobera depared the club midway through the 20019-20 season, several key players such as Hugo Boumous, Ferran Corominas, Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall, Mandar Rao Dessai and Jackichand Singh have also left. 

"We are going to have a lot of new players but it is like this for all the teams around the world. I think we will have a squad good enough to play the league, in the [ISL] play-offs and in the [AFC] Champions League. So I hope it's going to be a very good season for us," said the former Athletic Bilbao marksman.

Speaking about the expectations of the club and the new head coach Juan Ferrando on him, the new signing added, "I spoke with both of them and they want me to be one of the most important players in their team. I think I can do it. My role is going to be important and I am used to playing important roles in my previous teams."

Ferran Corominas has the enviable record of being the ISL's all-time top scorer with 48 goals and has 50 goals for the club over the span of the last three seasons. Angulo feels the credit for his success has to also be given to the team. 

"Corominas is a legend at the club but if he scored so many goals, it is because of the team," Angulo mentioned. "So both the team and Corominas have to be great for each other. Corominas was a good part of Goa but now we have to look at the future as he's not going to be with us.

"As I said, we have a very good squad and I'm sure that we will not miss him. I wish him the best because I know him personally from when we were playing together in the Spanish U-21 national team.

Igor Angulo himself has scored around 80 goals for Polish side Gornik Zabrze in the last four years and is used to the pressure of scoring goals. 

"I know that I am going to replace Coro because he has scored so many goals for the club, but I'm used to having this kind of pressure. In the last four years, I had the pressure to be the best for the team.

"I think in Goa it's going to be the same. In the end, football is a collective sport and we will need the help of everyone. One player cannot do anything by himself. Only a good squad can do it and I think we will have it," he culminated.

FC Goa have managed to retain the services of Edu Bedia and have signed Jorge Ortiz and Ivan Gonzalez. As far as Indian signings go, the club has roped in the likes of Redeem Tlang and Makan Winkle Chote while Alexander Romario Jesuraj is set to return from his loan stint with Mohun Bagan.

Television pundit Jabu Mahlangu believes while Kaizer Chiefs aren't playing good football, they will still win the league this season. 

This is a different view from what Mahlangu said a while ago where he backed Mamelodi Sundowns instead of Amakhosi to win lift the PSL trophy at the end of the current campaign.  

However, he doesn't think Chiefs will keep Ernst Middendorp as head coach for next season. 

"In my opinion‚ the only reason Chiefs wouldn't win this league title would be because they don’t want it. They are not playing good football at all‚ but they are grinding out results like they did last weekend when they came from behind to beat Polokwane City (3-2)," Mahlangu told TimesLIVE . 

"And because of this, I don’t think that coach Ernst Middendorp will stay at the club next season because their fans don’t like the brand of football they are playing," he said. 

Mahlangu is not suggesting in any way that Chiefs should change their style of play in the remaining matches, saying playing good football shouldn't be a priority. 

"By saying that they are not playing good football‚ I am not in any way suggesting they must change their style because what they are doing is working for them. At this stage of the season‚ it is not about playing good or entertaining football‚ but about getting results."

The Daveyton-born legend said the reason for picking Chiefs over Sundowns is that Pitso Mosimane's men have had a dip in form since the resumption of the season. 

Sundowns are winless in their last three league matches - drawing against both Orlando Pirates and Highlands Park and losing to Cape Town City. 

"I have changed my mind and I am saying this league title will go to Naturena."

"Sundowns have dropped in form since they returned and this has presented Chiefs with a good opportunity‚" continued.

"The fact that Sundowns have dropped points since the restart of the season has left Chiefs in a very good position at the top.

With a handful of matches to go before the completion of the 2019-20 season, Mahlangu doesn't see Chiefs losing two games.

"I don’t see Chiefs losing two matches and allowing Sundowns to close the gap on the log standings.

Manchester United are set to complete the transfer of Barcelona wonderkid Marc Jurado, with international clearance finally due to be sorted in the coming days.

It is understood the 16-year-old agreed to join United earlier in the summer after turning down a new deal at Camp Nou, but there has been a delay on his arrival due to paperwork taking time to finalise.

The right-back appeared to confirm his move with a reply to a Bruno Fernandes Instagram post with ‘we keep fighting’ and his signing is expected to be completed soon. 

However, the teenager will not be able to instantly start training with his new team-mates as a government ruling due to the pandemic means he will be forced to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

United announced their academy intake for next season last month and that included the arrival of Logan Pye and Joe Hugill, who were previously at Sunderland, and Radek Vitek from Sigma Oloumouc.

Left-back Alvaro Fernande\, who similarly to Jurdao has already posted a goodbye message on his Instagram page, is also expected to join having agreed to leave Real Madrid earlier in the summer. 

Like Jurado, he is awaiting the finalisation of international clearance which should be completed imminently, and he will also have to quarantine for 14 days.

The pair will likely join Neil Ryan’s Under-18s side, who have been back in training for three weeks, while Neil Wood’s U23s have been training for a month ahead of a return to action on weekend of September 12. 

Wood is anticipating having a very young side this season with a number of more senior players in the squad expected to go out on loan.

James Garner is set to join a Championship club while Tahith Chong has joined Werder Bremen for the 2020-21 campaign. 

Aliou Traore has signed for French club Caen for the season and it is understood the club is also considering other loan deals for Matej Kovar, Di’Shon Bernard and Dylan Levitt. 

Teden Mengi, who has recently earned a promotion to the first team squad, is expected to stay at the club to further his development.