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Dynamo Brest made an awe-inspiring Champions League debut after defeating FC Astana 6-3 in Tuesday’s game, with Senegalese striker Abdoulaye Diallo bagging two goals and an assist.

Having been crowned as the Belarusian champions for the 2019-20 season ahead of BATE Borisov, Sergey Kovalchuk’s men earned a berth to feature in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time against the Kazakhstan’s reigning kings.

Despite playing the first qualifying round without fans at the Regional Sport Complex Brestsky due to the coronavirus pandemic, Brest strolled past Astana in the nine-goal thriller.

Mikhail Gordeychuk handed them a 16th minute lead thanks to Diallo’s assist before Kiril Pechenin doubled the advantage a minute later.

In the 22nd minute, Pechenin turned provider for Gordeychuk who completed his brace. In the goal-laden first-half, Pavel Sedko made it four for the hosts. However, the visitors pulled one back through Marin Tomasov on the stroke of half-time.

Astana looked more adventurous in the second-half and were rewarded with a second goal through Dorin Rotariu in the 53rd minute courtesy of Tomasov’s assist.

That strike woke Kovalchuk’s team from their slumber as Diallo responded with his club’s fifth strike two minutes later – with the assist attributed to Ukrainian forward Artem Milevskiy.

The Kazakhstan team netted their third of the game courtesy of Abzal Beysebekov with three minutes left to play, while the Senegalese completed his brace in the 90th minute.

Just like Diallo, Cameroonian midfielder Gaby Kiki – who was cautioned in the 35th minute - was in action from start to finish.

With this result, the Belarusian giants have booked their place in the second qualifying round of the Champions League where they will square up against FC Connah's Quay Nomads or FK Sarajevo.

They will shift their attention to Friday's league game against Belshina and would be aiming to return to winning ways having lost 1-0 in their last outing against Shakhtyor. Currently, they are ninth in the log having accrued 29 points from 19 outings.

24-year-old Diallo joined Brest in 2020 on loan from Rukh Brest. He is eligible to represent the Teranga Lions at the senior level.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva has warned his team to stay focused after they reached the Champions League final with a 3-0 win over RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

Angel Di Maria was the star for the Ligue 1 outfit in the semi-final in Lisbon, with the Argentine scoring a goal and adding two assists in a comfortable win. 

The result means PSG have reached the Champions League final for the first time in club history, having fallen short against AC Milan 25 years ago in the team's only other semi-final appearance.

Silva, who is leaving PSG at season's end after more than 300 appearances in eight years, has cautioned against complacency as his side eye a final against either Bayern Munich or Lyon.

"It wasn't easy at all," Silva told RMC Sport. "There were some very difficult times. But today we deserved to be in the final. I am very proud of my team. We played fair. We are very strong up front. Each match we have the opportunity to score.

"It’s historic but it’s not the end! We have to rest for Sunday.

"I hope we all enjoy it together with the title. I came to PSG for that. Now we are in the final. It will be up to us. It will be very complicated for Bayern because Lyon are playing very well.

"I wanted to end my career at PSG. Now I am calm in my head. I am red and blue.

"This year we have regained our balance. We are more competitive. The team that will win this Champions League, everyone will remember."

PSG did not have first-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas on Tuesday after the Costa Rican suffered a torn hamstring against Atalanta in the quarter-final. 

His understudy, Sergio Rico, enjoyed a comfortable evening against Leipzig and expressed his gratitude to be given a chance to play in such a big match, indicating he could play again in the final on Sunday.

"I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to play today, it rewards the daily work," Rico told RMC Sport. "I give everything in each training session, including helping Keylor Navas.

"I am proud of all the work done this season, I worked all year to take advantage of this moment.

"There are no words to describe how I feel. Everyone is happy, everyone deserves it when you see the work done this year.

"The superiority of PSG was total both in terms of possession and opportunities. PSG have been above Leipzig. With the intensity we put on it is difficult to pose problems for ourselves.

"I don't know how it will be for Sunday, we will see what state Keylor is in. But I am ready to play."

PSG head coach Thomas Tuchel says the Champions League is for "big players" after his stars dominated in a 3-0 Champions League semi-final win against RB Leipzig.

The Ligue 1 champions' star players all had a strong impact on the result, with Angel Di Maria snaring a goal and two assists, Neymar setting up the latter's strike, and Kylian Mbappe starting the match and playing 86 minutes.

Tuchel's side now move into the final of the competition - to play either Bayern or Lyon on Sunday - and the German boss was ecstatic at the performance of his team, particularly the impact of his star players.

"It's incredible! We are here to play a final and to win," Tuchel told RMC Sport. "The team did very well. The team showed its qualities, hunger and determination. It was a good mix. And we deserved to win.

"I was very nervous, yes, and I felt the pressure. I have players who are used to this pressure and they love it. In football, we are never sure. But, we defended well. And it was very important. We had the right state of mind.

"Our plan was to keep our principles of the game, control the spaces and use the speed of Di Maria, Mbappe and Neymar. It's a competition for big players. We have to put them in comfort. We must not adapt too much to the opponent, we must show our strength. And the team showed its hunger, and its wish to suffer together."

Bayern and Lyon will face off on Wednesday to meet PSG in the final, with Tuchel explaining he felt the Bundesliga champions were most likely to be their opponent in a match that would be the most momentous of his career.

"I will enjoy and watch this game tomorrow," he said. "With my players and my staff. We know that Bayern are the favourites, but it's football.

"Obviously, that will be the biggest challenge of my career on Sunday."

PSG will be shooting for an unprecedented quintuple of trophies in the Champions League final, having already won Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue and Trophee des Champions.

Lyon star Moussa Dembele's youth coach believes that the forward has what it takes to succeed Olivier Giroud in the France national team. 

Dembele started Saturday's Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City from the bench, but made a game-changing contribution as a substitute by scoring twice in a shock 3-1 win. 

Those two goals came after a Ligue 1 campaign in which the 24-year-old netted 16 times and attracted transfer interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs. 

Despite his progression, Dembele has yet to debut for France's senior side after representing Les Bleus at various youth levels.

Laurent Bonadei, who coached Dembele while he was a youth star at Paris-Saint Germain, believes that the striker can be a perfect compliment for current PSG forward Kylian Mbappe at international level.

"Moussa has always been a complete player," Bonadei told Goal and SPOX.

"He's not a player who will dribble three players in a phone booth, like Mbappe or Neymar, but he can become Giroud's successor in the French team, because he doesn't hesitate to go into duels and work for the collective."

Bonadei has been impressed by Dembele's career development, which had seen him move to Fulham in 2012 and then on to Celtic in 2016 before returning to his native France with Lyon in 2018.

"He's someone who has great self-confidence," Bonadei continued. "His choice to go to Celtic after Fulham was a good one. He has always favored playing time for his development.

"He discovered a new championship, he played in the Champions League, he reached [high] levels. And to return to the French championship was also ambitious. He arrived at a team like Lyon where the competition is hard, with [Memphis] Depay, [Karl] Toko Ekambi or Nabil Fekir before."

Dembele was surely frustrated to miss out on Rudi Garcia's line-up against Juventus and Man City, but Bonadei was impressed by the forward's professionalism and reaction to adversity.

"He didn't start against Juve," Bonadei said, "against Manchester City, he didn't start either. It's good that he scored two goals. It will boost [his confidence].

"When you're a striker like him, you want to score goals and win all matches. He was very professional, without qualms. He surely also benefited from the fatigue of his opponents."

Dembele will look to make a similar impact in Wednesday's semi-final against German powerhouse Bayern Munich.  

Tanzania Mainland champions Simba SC have extended Hassan Dilunga's stay at the club by two years.

The player's time at Wekundu wa MSimbazi was nearing an end and many had linked him with a move away from the team, especially but it is not going to be the case.

"Hassan Dilunga is not in the market anymore," the club confirmed on their official Facebook page on Tuesday.

"As champions, we do not let go of quality players for whatever reason. [Dilunga's] contract with Simba has been extended and he will continue being part of the family for the next two years."

The midfielder joined the 21-time league champions in the 2017/18 season from Mtibwa Sugar. His former team Young Africans SC, or Yanga SC as it is commonly referred to, were also keen on re-signing the player but he chose to join their bitter rivals.

Dilunga was an important part of coach Sven Vandenbroeck's side in the 2019/20 season.

He played a vital role as Simba won the Community Shield, the FA Cup and the league title, for the third time in as many seasons.

The champions have also extended the stay of Said Hamis Ndemla, also by two years.

The 24-year-old joined Simba in 2013 and has remained loyal to the team for the last seven years. It is for this reason the management decided to renew his contract.

"[Ndemla] has a great working relationship with the club and, apart from Jonas Mkude, he is the longest-serving player in the team," Wekundu wa MSimbazi posted on their social media accounts.

"We have come to an agreement that he will continue serving us for two more years."

Earlier on, Simba official Haji Manara had warned Yanga to get ready for another beating when the two sides clash in the derby for the new season 

The Tanzanian Premier League Board (TPLB) released fixtures for the new 2020-21 campaign on Monday, with the first Kariakoo derby pitting Simba against Yanga set for October 18 at Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

"We [Simba] have already started training with our coach Sven [Vandenbroeck], while our colleagues [Yanga] don’t even have a coach," Manara said.  

"We have already finished with our registration of new players and there is no first-team player who left, but in Yanga a third of the team was fired, get ready before it is too late, don’t regret later and start saying that TFF is helping Simba when the season starts."  

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has postponed the season opener pitting Simba SC against Namungo FC by a day.

The Community Shield, which will raise the curtain on the new Mainland Premier League season, will now be played on August 30, 2020, and not August 29 as earlier planned.

The season opener will be played at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha and it will pit the league champions against the FA Cup semi-finalists.

Simba won the FA Cup after beating Namungo 2-1 and the latter will be going for revenge in the match set to kick-off at 15.30.

After the Shield Cup, league action will resume the following weekend on September 6 with Simba starting their title defence with a tie against newly-promoted Ihefu FC at Sokoine Stadium.

Simba rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) will start the new season with a match against Tanzania Prisons at the newly-named Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Yanga fought hard and edged Azam FC for the second place in the 2019/20 season but the next campaign will see them face their rivals without notable players.

Former captain Papy Tshishimbi, last season's top scorer David Molinga and defender Kevin Yondani are among the players who will not be part of the Timu Ya Mwananchi next season.

Namungo will host Coastal Union at Majaliwa Stadium, while another newly-promoted side Gwambina FC will start their Premier League journey with a game against Biashara United at Karume Stadium.

Dodoma FC, who sealed their top-tier ticket after a hard-fought campaign in the First Division League, face Mwadui FC at Jamhuri Stadium while Ruvu Shooting - who have already appointed former Yanga assistant coach Boniface Mkwasa as their head coach - will be away at CCM Gairo Stadium to face Mtibwa Sugar.

Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC FC) who struggled in the first round of the 2019/20 season before firing Ugandan coach Jackson Mayanja, will host Mbeya City who survived relegation by a whisker.

Kagera Sugar will welcome JKT Tanzania at Kaitaba Stadium in the second match for September 7 while the last match of round one will see the 2013/14 league winners Azam FC host Polisi Tanzania at Chamazi Complex.

Paulo Dybala's agent has responded to reports linking the Juventus star with a move away from the club, stating that the Argentinian star is more than happy to remain in Turin for the foreseeable future. 

Dybala's future remains uncertain as Juventus continue their shakeup following the club's shock Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon.

Manager Maurizio Sarri was the first to go as he was dismissed in the wake of the defeat, with subsequent reports stating that Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo could perhaps follow suit in the coming weeks.

Dybala has been pinned as the more likely to exit this summer, despite being named the Serie A Player of the Season.

The 26-year-old attacker is out of contract in 2022, with Juventus' chief football officer Fabio Paratici recently stating that the club plans on keeping him around as the two parties remain in "advanced" negotiations.

And Dybala's agent, Jorge Antun, says that he expects his client to stay in Turin going forward as the two sides look to come to terms on a new deal.

"I have read the rumours in the newspapers through the last few days and they're completely false," Antun said. 

"Paulo Dybala is a Juventus player and happy to be one. We'll work with the club to renew the contract with our usual attitude as always."

Dybala has been with Juventus since 2015, having joined the Serie A powerhouse in a move from Palermo.

He has gone on to make 228 appearances during his time in Turin, scoring 95 goals in all competitions.

This season, he scored 17 goals in 46 appearances, with 11 of those goals coming in 33 Serie A matches.

Juventus once again sealed the Serie A title, with Dybala getting his hands on the trophy for the fifth consecutive season.

In total, Juve have won the league nine consecutive times, with Inter finishing one point behind them this season as Antonio Conte's side settled for second place.

Dybala had previously been linked with a move away from the club last year, with Manchester United and Tottenham reported to be among the suitors for the Argentine. 

Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has revealed that he snuck out of the team hotel to celebrate with supporters outside of Anfield after his side clinched the Premier League title.

The Reds clinched their first Premier League crown in June after Manchester City's 2-1 loss at Chelsea gave Lovren and Co. an unassailable lead atop the table. 

With seven games remaining, it was the earliest any side had ever won the Premier League title.

Following Chelsea's win, Liverpool held a party at their team hotel that lasted until around midnight. Despite team rules forbidding players from joining fans celebrating outside their home ground, Lovren was in the mood to keep the party going.

"I did something that I don't know if anybody knows about. You are the first person that knows," Lovren told Sport 24.

"After the game, a lot of all the fans went to the stadium, it was a big party.

"They told us, 'Guys don't even go to the stadium because you will have problems, we can't keep you safe.'

"I said to myself, the party was almost over, 'I don't want to go to sleep, it's too early, at midnight' and I said to myself, 'I will take the car and go to Anfield, just to experience this.'

"I drove myself there, I have a video, I put the mask on and I went there. My god, tens of thousands of people celebrating and I just wanted to feel this emotion because we didn't have a good celebration in the stadium — it was empty. 

"I needed to do it and I was really happy that I did it. It was a good experience."

When asked if anybody recognised him, Lovren said: "Maybe three people because I put my mask down to see my phone. In this second like four of them saw me but it was really good.

"I was alone, nobody else. I said to Adrian I was going and he said, 'No you're not going, you're lying'. I went and sent him some videos, he was like, 'No chance you did that.' He was so surprised."

After Liverpool's season came to a close, the 31-year-old Croatian left Liverpool to join Russian outfit Zenit for a fee in the region of €12 million (£11m/$14m).

Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by a stubborn Baroka FC side in a PSL match which was played in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening. 

Coach Josef Zinnbauer was keen to ensure that the Buccaneers snapped their four-match winless run in the league after drawing with Bidvest Wits on Saturday.

Pirates were boosted by the return of Thembinkosi Lorch following disciplinary procedures, but he was named amongst the substitutes by Zinnbauer.

The German mentor's counterpart, Dylan Kerr, was looking to guide Bakgaga to a much-needed win with the relegation-threatened side having drawn 0-0 with AmaZulu FC on Saturday.

The English tactician kept his faith in young striker Evidence Makgopa, who had netted twice from three league matches in his debut season in the PSL.

Pirates were under pressure having failed to score in their last four league matches and Zinnbauer had opted for two strikers with Tshegofatso Mabasa and Frank Mhango.

The move paid off as Mabasa marked his return to Bucs' starting line-up with a goal which was his seventh of the season in the league, 16 minutes into the match.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic marksman pounced on a mistake by the visitors' defence, before beating Baroka goalkeeper Elvis Chipepeze with a low shot to make it 1-0 to Pirates.

Wayne Sandilands then became a very busy man in the Pirates goal as he produced two fantastic saves to deny Thamsanqa Masiya and Goodman Mosele.

However, the experienced goalkeeper was beaten 10 minutes before half-time when Makgopa scored from close-range from Masiya's low cross from the right-hand side.

The score was 1-1 at the interval after Chipezeze made a comfortable save from Vincent Pule's free-kick, before Gerald Phiri Jr's deflected effort was well saved by Sandilands in the closing stages of the first half. 

The reigning PSL Footballer of the Year Lorch and Nkanyiso Zungu were both introduced by Zinnbauer at the beginning of the second half. 

Chipezeze was the busier of the two keepers as he made a brilliant diving save from Thabiso Monyane's curling effort, before gathering Pule's long-range shot with ease.

Bakgaga suffered a blow when their influential defensive midfielder Kambala, who had done well to protect the visitors' defence, picked up an injury and he was replaced by Kulegani Madondo.

However, Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele continued to attack and they nearly grabbed a late winning goal in stoppage time when Masiya received the ball in the box, but he fired straight at Sandilands.

Ultimately, the encounter ended in a 1-1 draw and the result saw Pirates remain third on the league standings - three points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, while Baroka remained 13th on the log.

Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt hopes his players such as midfielder Cole Alexander and Rowan Human can get new clubs as they have been fantastic for his side.

The four-time Premier Soccer League (PSL) winner says the 31-year-old former SuperSport United and Polokwane City midfielder has been a vital cog for the club since the season was restarted a week ago.

On the other hand, Human was promoted from the MultiChoice Diki Challenge in January this year and he has also received praise from his manager for his contribution so far.

“Cole has been fantastic for us,” said Hunt to the media.

“He has been a fantastic asset to the team. Rowan has been twice as much. I just wish they would get clubs at the end of the season.

“They have been great in the two matches. Now I am just waiting for the next match.”

Since their 2019/20 season got underway with a clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, Alexander has been a key figure for the Braamfontein-based club and has delivered some stellar performances.

Apart from the fact they are yet to secure a win out of three league matches against Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Golden Arrows, Alexander was on target and bagged the Man of the Match award against coach Ernst Middendorp's troops.

Coming to the 19-year-old midfielder, Human has featured for the Students in eight league matches and two Nedbank and Caf Confederation Cup appearances, and is regarded as one of the stars for the future.

Meanwhile, a number of players in the Wits stable have been linked with moves away from the club just after the news that the club was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

Skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo, Sifiso Hlanti, and Buhle Mkhwanazi have reportedly been linked with moves to Orlando Pirates and Amakhosi.

In addition, the veteran manager recently expressed his opinion on Zimbabwean striker Terrence Dzvukamanja, saying he was baffled why he has not been snapped up yet.

With Alexander having played 30 matches across all competitions and netted two goals so far, he could attract the attention from PSL clubs and his future remains a subject of speculation.

National Super League side Shabana FC are mourning the death of their defender Evans Obutu.

The experienced defender succumbed to injuries sustained in a friendly match between Town Warriors and Patarion on Friday. However, the match was abandoned minutes prior to the break after a collision between the 33-year-old and the opponent's custodian.

He was then taken to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital but there were no doctors to attend to him owing to the ongoing strike. Subsequently, he was rushed to Nyangena Hospital where he was treated and discharged, but the situation worsened on Sunday.

He died less than 24 hours later after a procedure owing to what was termed as intestine complications caused by the injury.

"We as the Shabana family are saddened to announce the death of one of our players Evans Obutu who plays in the defensive position," the Glamour Boys posted on their official Facebook page.

"The late Obutu succumbed [Monday] evening after an operation. 

"We urge calmness to the rest of our playing unit and players as we try to come to terms with the loss of our good defender. The remains of late Obutu are preserved at Nyangena Hospital Mortuary. 

"We shall miss you, Evans."

His coach Vincent Nyaberi has mourned the player saying it will not be easy to find his replacement.

"It is very sad to lose him at this time when we needed his services the most. We regret that it might take longer to get another player who can fill his position. Obutu was a utility player who could at times play as a midfielder," the former Thika United defender told Nation Sports.

The fallen defender started his footballing career in 2002 while in high school. He was signed by Posta Rangers in 2009 and stayed for seven years before he was sent to the Glamour Boys on loan. 

Obutu played a starring role for the Kisii-based side in 2018, and as a result, the team was promoted to the National Super League in 2018 after winning the promotion play-off against Coastal-based side Mwatate FC.  

Police FC have continued in their fight to keep their best players after defender Joseph Sentume extended his stay on Tuesday.

The defender, whose contract had run down in June, has now penned an extension of three years which will see him stay at the club until 2023.

Police have confirmed the news by stating: “Today [Tuesday], Joseph [Sentume] has put pen to paper to a three-year deal with the club until 2023,” the club said on their social media pages.

The central defender who captained the side last season in the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) was happy to sign the new extension.

“It’s a pleasure having given this opportunity. It’s a sign of trust and confidence in me by the club and I promise to double my effort compared to last season,” Sentume told reporters.

Police CEO Fahad Lumu, who attended the ceremony, revealed why they had opted to extend his stay saying they wanted him to continue serving as the club captain.

“He is a very instrumental player in the team, he has the extreme experience and we believe he will put all efforts together to achieve our main goal.”

Sentume promised the fans he will put up a good display and work tirelessly to ensure the team performs well in the coming season.

He becomes the eighth player to renew a contract with Police after attacking midfielder Edward Kiryowa, midfielder Yusuf Ssozi, right-back Denis Rukundo, winger Odong, left-back Musa Matovu, midfielders Bashir Kabuye and Mubarak Nsubuga.

On the signing front, the ambitious Police have already roped in five new faces among them Muwadda Mawejje, experienced midfielder Tony Mawejje, goalkeepers Tom Ikara and Sammon Oloka, defender Hassan Mohamood as well as left-back Eric Ssenjobe.

Police chairman Asan Kasingye has stated they will make sure they leave a mark in the league come the new season.

“We no longer just want to compete; we need to win trophies. We are former champions and it's time to think big,” Kasingye told reporters.

“Football is a big enterprise in the world that doesn’t entertain mediocrity. We need to do the right thing like other clubs.”

Kasingye added it was the right time for the team to secure sponsors because Police are a big organisation and many people want to be a part of it.

Liverpool have landed themselves a “world-class” talent in Kostas Tsimikas, according to Victor Palsson, a man who has spent time in the Reds’ academy system and playing alongside their latest signing in the Danish Superleague.

Palsson spent 13 games working with Tsimikas when the Greek full-back took in a loan spell at Esbjerg in the 2016-17 campaign.

He saw enough during that stint to suggest that the 24-year-old was destined for bigger and better things.

A move to the Premier League champions has now been secured by the promising left-back, with Andy Robertson about to face greater competition for his spot at Anfield than he has done for some time.

Liverpool have invested £11.75 million ($15m) in Tsimikas, with Jurgen Klopp snapping up a player who had been catching the eye at Olympiacos.

The Reds, who have enjoyed considerable success in the transfer market of late, are expected to find further value in a player who will not look out of place as part of a star-studded squad.

Palsson believes that will be the case, telling the Liverpool Echo of a defender he has seen at close quarters: "To be honest, it was a very difficult year that we had [at Esbjerg]. We ended up getting relegated that year and the whole season was very difficult - we had three different managers.

"But Tsimi was a fantastic lad - a great guy, always very positive. He has good banter, he’s a funny kid and I can only say good things about him.

"It was a difficult year for us but you could always see the potential that he had. He was very young when he was with us and then he went to Willem II in Holland the next year and he did very well.

"Even though we were struggling, he would never put on the sad face. I really liked him when I played with him. With Olympiacos, he has done fantastically and playing for the Greek national team as well.

"I’m really happy for him and when I saw he was going to sign, it’s a massive thing to sign for the biggest club in the world and I am really, really happy for him.

"His offensive strengths are something that I always saw in him and he has very good technique. He has an eye for some good passes.

"When I played with him, he was lacking in the defensive part, but we have been watching him in a few games since then and he has really improved.

"When a club like Liverpool wants to sign you, you are in that world-class category."

Asante Kotoko board member Alhaji Abu Lamine has made an audacious claim, saying the Porcupine Warriors are key to the survival of all clubs in the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

With 23 titles, the Kumasi-based outfit is the most successful team in the history of the domestic league.

In addition, they are considered to boast the biggest fanbase, a status reflected in the African Sports Centre for Data, Research and Technology's 2019 Ghana Premier League Report where the club garnered 41 per cent of survey participants' allegiance ahead of the 2019-20 league season.

“At club level, Kotoko is what [the team] everyone knows. Some [other clubs] have done well but not to Kotoko’s level,” Lamine told Asempa FM.

“If you want to get the truth in this, go to the GFA and check their source of match revenue from various stadia. All the 16 to 18 Premier League clubs, even if a club owes, they project a Kotoko game [gate proceeds] to raise revenue to pay off the debt.

“We don’t need to politicise this, go to GFA and check attendance from all the stadia. Even Accra Hearts of Oak know they can only raise more money after playing us… they know, they are just loud.

“Kotoko is bigger in terms of revenue generated and following. Kotoko is worshipped."

In July, King Faisal president Alhaji Karim Grunsah revealed his club plans its financial strategy around fixtures with Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, who rival the Porcupine Warriors over Ghana's biggest club status.

Lamine's comments follow a similar declaration by new Kotoko chief executive officer (CEO) Nana Yaw Amponsah, who rated the club bigger than Ghana's two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the  National Democratic Congress (NDC) at his unveiling last month.

Among their new ambitions, two-time African champions Kotoko are eyeing a first continental title since 1983. To achieve their goal, they have an imminent decision to make about whether they will be participating in the Caf Champions League next season or not, in the wake of the coronavirus disruptions.

“We have not really set a target for him [Amponsah]. We have given him a mandate for three years, but if he gets to the ground, he will come back to us," Lamine said about Amponsah.

"If he comes, he will update us on what he will need, that is when we will analyse whether we should go to Africa or not.

“He has met the coach, he will do an assessment of the playing body and the quality available [then decide] those who should go and those who should stay.

“So he will need not less than two weeks to put all those pieces together. So I believe that we should give him two to three weeks, he will get to the board and provide the real state of affairs of the club, then we’ll take it from there."

Kotoko have also clinched the Ghana FA Cup on nine occasions, just one win below rivals Hearts.

On social media, the Porcupine Warriors have the highest following on various platforms combined among all Ghanaian clubs.

Reading manager Mark Bowen revealed the financial situation of the club will determine the signing of Liverpool forward Ovie Ejaria.

The 22-year-old has had two loan spells with the Madejski Stadium outfit, having first joined the Championship side in January 2019 until the end of the season after cutting short his temporary stay with Rangers.

The Anglo-Nigerian then rejoined the Royals last summer with Reading having an obligation to make the deal permanent.

Ejaria was a consistent performer for the Madejski Stadium outfit in the 2019-20 campaign to help them finish the season in 14th spot on the table.

The central-midfielder made 39 appearances for Reading across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists.

Bowen has confirmed Ejaria has been allowed by his parent club Liverpool to train with his side but revealed his future is not yet sorted out.

"We’re lucky to have Ovie Ejaria here training with us - and thanks to Liverpool for allowing us to do that,” Bowen told the club website.

"But anything we can or can't do on him will depend on the finances at the club and what we are able to do to take that situation forward.

"I’ll be trying to get more information on what we are going to be able to do, but it is all wrapped up into what we are able to do in terms of our finances at the club."

Bowen also revealed Ghana international Andy Yiadom has rejoined the rest of his squad for training along with Lucas Joao after overcoming their injury problems.

"We really missed them at the back of the last season – they both had similar recurring hamstring injuries, but they’re back in training now which is a real bonus for us,” he added.

"Yids is looking sharper with every session, but at the same time we’re mindful of the fact that in pre-season we aim to put the players through their paces, so we have to dip him in and out just to be sure there is no recurrence of any injury."

While Yiadom has five caps for Ghana, Ejaria, who is eligible to play for Nigeria and England is yet to make his international commitment.

The 22-year-old has previously trained with the Nigeria U17 team before representing England at the U20 and U21 levels.

Should he decide to play for the Super Eagles, he will join the likes of Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses, Ola Aina and Shola Ameobi, who previously featured for the youth team of the Three Lions before pledging their allegiances to the West Africans.

Nairobi City Stars forward Ebrima Sanneh has revealed how he was allegedly deceived of the good life in Kenya and almost returned to Gambia.

The forward joined Simba wa Nairobi in 2014 after helping Real de Banjul to win the domestic league title. However, the grass was not greener on the other side as he explains.

"Winning the Gambian League title gave me the chance and ticket to come to Kenya to seek better opportunities," Sanneh told the club's website.

"But what I was promised by City Stars before I came left me surprised and extremely disappointed. I almost went back to Gambia because of stress. I never saw the apartment and money that I was promised. 

"I was thrown to stay with two other people on Jogoo Road but luckily my uncle worked at the UN here in Kenya and I ended up moving in with him for a year and four months before finding my own place."  

The problems followed the forward on the pitch as well; he went on to take time before making a competitive debut for his new team and has explained the reason.

"My issues were more as since arriving [in July 2014 on a six-month loan], I never played football that season due to lack of a work permit; only training and not playing was frustrating," Sanneh recalls. 

"I only got to play after three months into the 2015 season. I think I outdid myself after I started because I had never played in the KPL. I scored goals every week and in most games that saw the team beat the relegation red zone on the last day."

After having a short but impressive campaign with Simba wa Nairobi, many teams came for his signature including Zesco United of Zambia. He was sure of the deal to the point that he turned down other offers, but things turned out negative.

"After 2015 I had to leave the team. I had been scouted by big clubs after my first season with Nairobi City Stars," the Gambian explains.

I had an offer from Zambia’s Zesco United and there was interest from all top Kenyan clubs. But I rejected all of them as I was sure [I thought] I would sign a contract with Zesco.

"Unfortunately, things never worked out which really disappointed me and I ended up signing with KRA on the last day for the transfer window for a year to redeem myself."

The striker made a return to City Stars in 2019 and has played a vital role in helping the team get promoted to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

Ronald Koeman is a “good fit” for Barcelona, says Rivaldo, with a Dutchman who boasts strong ties to the Blaugrana considered the best option to fill a void created by Quique Setien’s dismissal.

Another change is being made in the dugout at Camp Nou, a matter of months after Ernesto Valverde was relieved of his duties.

Setien flopped badly in the most prominent of posts, with La Liga and Champions League setbacks leaving his head on the chopping block.

Koeman is now being lined up for an emotional return to Catalunya, having previously starred for Barca as a player, and Rivaldo believes the 57-year-old can bring the good times back for an out-of-sorts outfit.

“Barcelona look set to appoint Ronald Koeman as their new manager after Quique Setien's exit,” Rivaldo told Betfair.

“I worked with Koeman, when I was playing for Barca and he was Louis van Gaal's assistant coach, so I know the new boss very well.

“Besides being a successful player for Barcelona and a good person, Koeman learned a lot from the managers he worked with as an assistant.

“He's done solid work at some clubs, and more recently now as manager of the Netherlands national team, so I think he is a good fit for Barcelona.

“Of course, there will be a huge responsibility on his shoulders and he'll need some time to introduce his methods.

“Koeman has work to do to get the squad back on their feet after their embarrassing 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

“I hope he can achieve that goal as quickly as possible but he needs his time to bed in his methods.

“There will be many changes at Barca this summer, with players coming and going. I'd back Koeman to make good decisions and make Barcelona stronger in the near future.”

Much of the speculation at Camp Nou is currently focusing on Lionel Messi and the future of a six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Barca are hoping to see him stay on, but a number of other departures are expected.

Rivaldo admits Koeman will have a big job to oversee if he is handed the reins, with comings and goings required on and off the field in order for the Blaugrana to rekindle their spark.

The legendary Brazilian added: “Gerard Pique has said he's ready to leave Barca if necessary at the end of that embarrassing defeat [to Bayern].

“I believe that any player would have said the same in Pique's situation as it was a very disappointing moment to lose 8-2 wearing a Barcelona shirt. It's a huge club with a huge reputation.

“It's up to Koeman, though, to evaluate which players should go and which should stay at the club. That will require a bit of time and someone who wasn't involved this season to make the right calls.

“I believe Koeman could be the right person to handle the situation, talking to the players and understanding which of them are committed to helping the club and which are already thinking about a new challenge.”

Manchester City have announced the signing of USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle, who joins the club after four seasons in the National Women's Soccer League.

With 45 international caps to her name and 12 goals, she joins fellow World Cup winner Sam Mewis at the Academy Stadium, the latter having also signed this month with Gareth Taylor's outfit.

Lavelle, who won the Bronze Ball for her country in France last year and will wear the No.21 shirt at City, told the club's official website: “I’m so excited to join Manchester City and I can’t wait to play alongside some really talented players.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity of playing in England and competing in the Champions League.

“After talking with Gareth about the team and how he saw me fitting in, it seemed like a great environment that would really push and develop me as a player.

“I’ve heard amazing things about the club and it just felt like a really good fit overall. I want to challenge myself and feel that Manchester City is the perfect environment to do so and hopefully, I’ll find some success along the way.”

Head coach Taylor is understandably delighted with the signing, stating: “We’re thrilled to have secured Rose’s services – with her impressive back catalogue, she is an incredibly exciting player and one we’re all looking forward to working with.

“Her endless accolades for both club and country are proof of what a talent she is and she’s exactly the kind of player we want here at City, with her ambitions and desire for success matching our own.

“I’m extremely excited to see her make her mark on the Barclays FA Women’s Super League this season in what will hopefully be a successful campaign for Manchester City Women.”

Gavin Makel, head of women’s football, added: “Over the last few years, we have followed Rose’s career with huge interest and watched her grow into one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.

“She is a highly technical and intellectual player who will give us another threat in the attacking third, and who will further strengthen the squad that we already have in place.

“I’m extremely pleased with our recruitment so far this summer and Rose’s signing is another example of our intentions with the league becoming more competitive.

“I’m sure our fans will be just as excited as I am for the start of the season and we cannot wait to get going.”

Joe Hart has expressed his excitement after joining Tottenham on a free transfer, while insisting he's still "got so much to give" at the highest level.

Spurs confirmed Hart's arrival in north London on Tuesday, as the 33-year-old goalkeeper put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the club.

The former England international had been a free agent since leaving Burnley at the end of his deal on June 30, but will now serve alongside Paulo Gazzaniga as one of Tottenham's back-up shot-stoppers behind Hugo Lloris.

Hart won two Premier League titles at the height of his career at Manchester City, but was eventually deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola in 2016, and sent out on loan to Torino and West Ham before securing a permanent move to Burnley in 2018.

The experienced 'keeper was unable to take Nick Pope's number one spot at Turf Moor, and spent the majority of last season warming the bench.

Despite the fact he could be facing a similar scenario at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Hart is looking forward to a new start with a club set to return to the European stage in 2020-21.

“Firstly, I just want to say thank you to the club for seeing something in me,” The ex-City star told the club's official website after his unveiling. “No getting away from it, it’s been a difficult couple of years for me personally on the football field, but I feel I’ve got so much to give, I feel like I’ve got a lot of quality, a lot in the bank, but not much game time recently.

“I can only look at things positively. I’m ready to go. I feel like I’m starting again, and I quite enjoy that feeling. My body is certainly ready for me to start again. I’m ready to push and ready to get back to levels. I love the idea of European football, two games a week... it all excites me.”

Hart added on the struggles he's faced in recent years and the prospect of being involved in a Spurs squad full of top-class talent: “They’ve been a process, something I’ve certainly not had to get used to, because I didn’t want to ever get used to it, but I’ve lived it, I’ve worked hard, kept the same standards I’ve kept throughout my career, right from Shrewsbury Town.

“I’ve tried to grow as a person, tried to grow as a player, tried to use my time, tried to look at it differently... if I’m not playing on the pitch, what can I get out of myself off the pitch? I still feel like exactly the same player, and I still feel like I’ve got more to give.

“You can’t help but get excited at this club. Off the field, doing everything right, tremendous training ground, one of the world’s greatest stadiums, some of the best players you can get in football.

"I think we can work together as a team and work together as a unit and the sky’s the limit, it has to be.”