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The MLS All-Stars will take to the field for the first time in two years when they meet an all-new Liga MX All-Stars side in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Watch MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The representative side head to the City of Angels for the first time to face a squad assembled from their rival competition at Banc of California Stadium, in a clash delayed from last July.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Liga MX matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news and rosters

Bob Bradley's build-up to this long-awaited clash has been far from an easy one, with key faces in Mexico star Chicharito and fellow forward Carlos Vela both ruled out through injury.

New England Revolution duo Carles Gil and Tajon Buchanan are also out, while Rodolfo Pizarro and George Bello included as late replacements.

Predicted MLS All-Stars starting XI: Turner; Araujo, Robinson, Wagner, Bello; Zelarayan, C. Roldan, Reynoso; Cowell, Bou, Nani.

Like their hosts, Cruz Azul coach Juan Reynoso has seen his inaugural selection pockmarked by injury, with Andre-Pierre Gignac the headline absentee from his original squad.

Nahuel Guzman, Kevin Alvarez, and Orbelin Pineda are among some of the players handed late call-ups who will be hoping to force their way into their manager's thinking.

Predicted Liga MX starting XI: Ochoa; Escobar, Doria, V. Guzman, Reyes; Sambueza, Gorriaran, Mena; Pineda, Canelo, Gimenez

Last ten MLS All-Stars results

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siyabonga Nkosi says he's not convinced by the Amakhosi central defensive pairing.

Having gone 2-0 up after 27 minutes at FNB Stadium, Chiefs squandered what felt like an avalanche of chances to add to their tally and had to endure a nervy last half hour of the game after Denwin Farmer had pulled a goal back for Baroka in the 59th minute.

And with the increased pressure which Amakhosi came under as Bakgaga rallied for a way back into the game, cracks started appearing in the hosts' defence. On one occasion for example, an anxious back-pass from Erick Mathoho nearly led to a goal.

"It outlines the problems Chiefs have in defence that we spoke about," Nkosi said.

"Yes they won, yes they scored the two goals, but they conceded one and there's still a concern when it comes to their defence and there's still a lot of work to be done."

Nkosi feels it's time for Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter to give some of the new central defensive signings such as Austin Dube and Njabulo Ngcobo, more game-time.

"I personally feel there has to be changes there, new personnel being tried out in that position. I was happy to see Dube coming on as well. Ngcobo is also an option that could be used later on. But I think he deserves an opportunity. Because especially the central pairing, not convincing."

Playing in the centre of defence for Chiefs against Baroka were Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso, who scored a well-taken header for his side's second goal.

Mathoho has been error-prone at times over the past few seasons, he’s left flat-footed on occasion by nippy attackers and has also been found wanting on aerial balls into the box.

The two full-backs, Sifiso Hlanti and Njabulo Blom, both provided assists from crosses.

Recently another SuperSport TV analyst, former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs defender Jimmy Tau, highlighted what he believes was an issue in the centre of midfield with a lack of creativity.

Baxter kept the same two players – Cole Alexander and Phathutshedzo Nange, in the engine room for the Baroka game.

Where he did make a change was by replacing Kgaogelo Sekgota with Keagan Dolly. The latter had a blinder and was behind everything good Chiefs did, being named Man-of-the-Match.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter lauded his side's attacking display following their win over Baroka FC on Wednesday evening.

Amakhosi claimed a 2-1 win over Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele having produced an impressive first-half showing which saw Baxter's charges play enterprising attacking football and they scored twice through Khama Billiat and Daniel Cardoso.

Baxter made a big claim about the football that was on display at the iconic FNB Stadium where the Soweto giants registered their first win of the season. 

"It's been a long time since this stadium has seen the attacking play we produced in the first half. Credit to the players. They did a great job. Their passing and movement were great. I thought we had a little issue with their long-ball game," Baxter told SuperSport TV.

"Fact is we should have gone in 4 or 5-0. And we didn't and then when they score, then there's a panic. And I didn't like that. I didn't like the fact that there was a mental looseness about the second half. Yes, we had chances to kill the game but we didn't.

"There are things we will certainly have to work on. I like the three points. It puts us in a more comfortable position than if we lost 2-1 and I'll take some of the positives from the attacking side of the game. But our attitude and staying focused in the here and now needs work to be done."

The British tactician also praised Baroka, who were the better side in the second half and they managed to pull one back through Denwin Farmer, but the goal proved to be a consolation for the visitors.

"I think the game turned into a long ball, second ball game. It was like being back in England in the 1970s. Credit to Baroka. They wanted to turn it physical. They didn't want to lose the ball in midfield and get turned on the transition," he continued.

"I would have expected us to deal with that better. We got sloppy with our positional play. The support was not there. There was a lot we could have done better to disarm that type of football. But we didn't and if you don't the pressure is going to stay there right until the last second unless you kill them with another goal."

Baxter was impressed by Keagan Dolly with the Bafana Bafana international having produced a Man of the Match performance on his full debut for the Soweto giants.

"Keagan went in tonight, did a great job. Fantastic. Really pleased for him. I didn't think he would last as long as he did. The change when he came out was purely tactical. Because it was going long and I got the centre-back in, Anthony [Akumu]," he added. 

"Some of the lads have been out for a long while, some of the lads who need to know how we play. They'll get there. I still think we've got 30 percent on top of what we showed tonight. And certainly, we've got 30 percent more to improve our attitude in managing the game."

Pep Guardiola has hinted he is likely to leave Manchester City at the end of his current contract, which runs out in 2023.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has suggested his next move will be to become an international coach.

The Catalan coach signed a two-year contract extension in November 2020 which will mean he will have been with the Premier League club for seven years, more than anywhere during his coaching career.

What's been said?

“The next step will be a national team, there is a possibility. International football is the next step," Guardiola told an XP Investimentos event, as per Brazilian website Globo.

"I would need a break after seven years [at City], I need to stop and look around, learn from other coaches, and I might take that road. I would like to coach in a European Championship, a Copa America, a World Cup."

Asked about the possibility of taking charge of Brazil, he added: "They are a fantastic team. I've already worked with some of their players, and competed against others. A fantastic national team, Brazil is always a strong candidate or the favourite [for trophies]. Always has been and always will be.”

The bigger picture

Guardiola was previously in charge at Barcelona for four seasons and Bayern for three but has always maintained that he cannot see himself staying in one job for too long.

He took a one-year sabbatical in New York between Barca and Bayern but moved straight to Manchester from Germany and has enjoyed an unprecedented period of success with three Premier League titles in five years, although the Champions League remains out of his grasp.

The former Barca midfielder won 47 caps for Spain but he is unlikely to manage the country because of his pride at being at Catalonian.

His former assistant Domenec Torrent has said that he would consider coaching Brazil in the future and he has helped the careers of Ederson, Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus at Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola has also enjoyed his time in England and the current squad includes several young City players including Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and John Stones.

Further reading

The Confederation of African Football has appealed to the British government to allow African players to travel for next month’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

After Liverpool blocked Mohamed Salah’s invitation to Egypt’s squad, the Premier League announced that other clubs will not release their players to travel to red-list countries due to fears of the coronavirus.

However, Fifa responded to the statement with a personal message from President Gianni Infantino to British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on Wednesday.

The African football body has also asked the British government to grant exemption to the continent’s stars for the second round of the World Cup qualifiers that will start in September.

“Caf has noted the current circumstances in place in Britain regarding the lack of sporting exemptions for players returning from several African countries after the international window next week,” read the statement on its website.

“Caf, acting on behalf of all African Member Associations, African players and fans, has urged the British Government to urgently provide the required exemptions to enable African players to compete for their countries in the upcoming Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers.

“Caf notes that similar exemptions were granted by the British Government to enable the attendance of delegations and officials, amongst others, at the finals of the European Championship held less than two months ago.”

Players would be expected to quarantine after the international assignments but Caf added that the situation of African countries in the red-list is not as serious as other foreign nations.

“It is further noted that the circumstances in the African countries on the red list in many cases are in fact less severe than other countries not currently on this list or for which exemptions were previously provided,” it continued.

“Furthermore, Caf would like to reiterate that the upcoming matches will be delivered under the strict protocols developed by Fifa and applied across the world, as was the case in previous windows and continental tournaments successfully delivered without any incidents.

“These protocols have now proven beyond a doubt that they mitigate the risks involved, reflecting the success of commensurate protocols applied domestically in England and other parts of the world.

“In light of the above, Caf has appealed as a matter of urgency, to the Football Association (FA) and the British Government that the same treatment previously applied to Europe now be extended to Africa under the principles of solidarity and equal treatment.”

Cameroon coach Antonio Conceicao has explained Liverpool defender Joel Matip is not interested to revive his international career.

After playing for the Central African nation at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and two Fifa World Cup tournaments (2010 and 2014), the 30-year-old turned down subsequent invitations to join the national team.

Matip first played for the Indomitable Lions in a friendly match against Italy in March 2010, and he scored their only goal at the 2014 World Cup which was in a 4-1 loss to the host country, Brazil.

In recent years, Cameroon have made efforts to convince the Liverpool defender to reconsider his international decision but Conceicao has now disclosed that he is not ready to make a U-turn.

“The situation of Matip is not new," the Portuguese manager said, as per BBC Sport.

“There are players who wanted to come back to the national team. For me, there is no need to enlist a player who is not ready to return.

“Matip does not want to return to the national team, that is the issue”.

Cameroon are getting ready to begin their qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with games against Malawi and Ivory Coast on September 3 and 6 respectively.

After announcing his 28-man squad for the matches, Conceicao disclosed the challenges ahead of the team in Group D.

“The first game that concerns me is Malawi,” he said. “This is a team that is theoretically weaker than Cote d'Ivoire and Cameroon, but which comes to Yaounde to complicate things for us, to cause us problems.

“It's a team that is very strong physically, that gives everything, fights for all the balls. We will have to put a tactical strategy with the creativity of our players to make the difference. Nowadays there are no easy matches.

“A lot of difficulties are expected against Malawi, Mozambique and Cote d'Ivoire. But we are prepared and ready to go into battle.

“We have six games before the Afcon. The World Cup qualifiers are more important. Obviously, if we have a good performance that will help for Afcon.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has urged the organisers of the Premier League and La Liga to reverse their decision to ban players from travelling to World Cup qualifiers this September.

The two leagues have confirmed that they will not let internationals travel to countries in which mandatory quarantine periods would be necessary upon their return. 

This could cause serious issues with the coming international window, with Argentina and Brazil among the nations set to take a hit due to the rules. 

What was said? 

“We have faced global problems together in the past and must continue to do so in the future. The release of players in the upcoming international windows is a matter of great urgency and importance," Infantino said in a statement published on FIFA's official website. 

"I am grateful for the support and cooperation from many stakeholders in the game during this challenging period. I am calling on a show of solidarity from every member association, every league and every club to do what is both right and fair for the global game.

"Many of the best players in the world compete in leagues in England and Spain, and we believe these countries also share the responsibility to preserve and protect the sporting integrity of competitions around the world.

"On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England, for players returning from red-list countries, I have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and appealed for the necessary support, in particular, so players are not deprived of the opportunity of representing their countries in qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup.

"I have suggested that an approach similar to that adopted by the UK government for the final stages of the Euro 2020 be implemented for the upcoming international matches. Together we have shown solidarity and unity in the fight against Covid-19. Now, I am urging everyone to ensure the release of international players for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”

The bigger picture

At the time of writing, more than 50 nations remain on the United Kingdom's Covid 'Red List'. This means that only UK Nationals or residents are cleared for travel, but they must complete a quarantine period upon arrival even if they have received vaccination. 

In South America only Bolivia finds itself off the list, meaning Argentina, Brazil and Colombia will have to make do without their Premier League-based stars, while similar restrictions remain in place in Spain. 

On Wednesday, Italy's Serie A released a statement in which it pledged to support clubs who do not wish to release players for the upcoming window. 

The outlook is similar to that of March, where amid rising cases in South America both CONMEBOL qualifying rounds were postponed, leaving a scheduling headache as the region looks to complete its marathon tournament in time for the finals in just over a year. 

Further reading 

Lucas Torreira has completed a loan move from Arsenal to Fiorentina, the Italian club confirmed on Wednesday. 

The Uruguay international struggled to make an impact at Emirates Stadium after a bright start, and spent last season in La Liga with Atletico Madrid. 

Now he is gearing up for a return to Serie A, where he shone during a spell with Sampdoria prior to joining the Gunners. 

What was said? 

"Fiorentina announces it has acquired, on a temporary basis with the right to buy, the sporting rights of the player Lucas Torreira from Arsenal Football Club," the Italian club explained in a statement published on their official website.

"The new Viola footballer, born in Fray Bentos (Uruguay) on 11 February 1996, last season wore the Atletico Madrid shirt, with which he won the 2020-21 La Liga. 

"Torreira also wore the Uruguayan national team shirt on 31 occasions, participating with the 'Celeste' in the last Copa America."

Fiorentina have the chance to sign the midfielder at the end of the season for an agreed fee, believed to be €15 million. 

The bigger picture 

Torreira moved to Arsenal in 2018 following a string of fine performances for Sampdoria and representing Uruguay at that year's World Cup. 

He quickly established himself in the Gunners' first team, playing 34 Premier League matches in his debut season and netting twice from midfield. 

The subsequent term however saw him lose ground, and by the start of 2020-21 he was deemed expendable by the club, leading to a loan switch to Atletico. 

Albert Sambi Lokonga and Martin Odegaard's arrivals further pushed Torreira down the pecking order and he did not feature in either of Arsenal's opening two Premier League games this season, which both ended in defeat.

Further reading 

Gor Mahia general-secretary Sam Ochola has confirmed the departures of Allan Okello and Jules Ulimwengu from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League side.

The two are leaving Gor Mahia who were unable to defend the league title and it means they have only served the local giants for one season as they were signed before the just-concluded campaign.

"All foreign strikers, including Ulimwengu and Tito, have exited," Ochola told Nairobi News.

"We are signing three super strikers who will help us reclaim the league title. Our focus is on the continental matches and we are in the process of signing three lethal strikers."

Meanwhile, head coach Mark Harrison has revealed he has already identified the players from outside the country.

"I have identified three strikers from Nigeria, Malawi, and the DRC. Even before our last match against Nzoia Sugar, I didn’t know the whereabouts of Tito and Jules. The team will have new foreign strikers as I look to rebuild the squad and challenge for the league title," said the former Chippa United head coach.

The departure of Okello and Ulimwengu comes at a time Clifton Miheso and Charles Momanyi are set to join Premier League champions Tusker after they expressed unwillingness to extend their contracts with Gor Mahia.

The strikers are said to have expressed the desire to leave before the season ended due to financial constraints, but Goal understands the club was not satisfied with the goal output of the foreign stars.

Before the new season begins on September 26, Gor Mahia are expected to have bolstered the squad as they have already signed Malian goalkeeper Adama Keita. They have been linked with Mali striker Emmanuel Sanogo, Francis Kahata, Dennis Ng'ang'a, Rooney Onyango, Boniface Omondi, Bernard Ochieng of Wazito FC and Rodgers Ouma of Western Stima.

Boniface Oluoch, who has been with them since 2014 and was largely overlooked in the 2020/21 season as Samuel Njau, Caleb Omindi and Gad Mathews were preferred in goal, is expected to leave at the end of the season.

Harry Kane’s decision to remain at Tottenham Hotspur means a lot to manager Nuno Espirito Santo and the club’s fans, according to Somali national team manager Said Abdi Haibeh.

The English international was expected to make a big-money move to Manchester City, nonetheless, that will never happen as the striker revealed he’ll be staying with the North London team.

Thus, that has put an end to limitless questions being asked of the 28-year-old’s future.

For the Ocean Stars’ top figure, Kane’s biggest mistake was failing to secure his future before the commencement of Euro 2020 – where he inspired the Three Lions to reach the tournament’s final.

Nonetheless, he claims the Spurs boss and fans are the biggest winners as they will now have their proven goalscorer lead their charge for goals in the 2021-22 campaign.

“This is what happens in football transfers, it gets difficult and takes time to come to an agreement,” Haibeh told Goal.

“Kane is now 28 and he has three years remaining on his Spurs contract. I feel he should have sorted out his future before the Euros.

“We knew it was going to be difficult with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy who is known as a hard bargainer. In the end, the two clubs couldn’t reach an agreement.

“At 28, Kane hasn’t won any trophy - domestic or European. He wanted to move on, make a name, and establish himself amongst the best strikers in the world.

“That’s not going to happen this summer, and this means he will continue to do well for Spurs.

“This also means a lot to Nuno [Espirito Santo] and the Spurs fans. The fans showed great support when Kane came on against Wolves last weekend.

“Nuno will be very happy to keep his world-class striker with Spurs supporters looking forward to seeing more goals from their star player."

With Pep Guardiola failing to land Kane, Haibeh gives a hint on what City will be doing as they continue their chase for a world-class striker.

“City’s focus will now be turned to Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe - the most sought-after players in world football,” he continued.

“We have six days left until the transfer window closes. If they [Manchester City] don’t sign their target this summer, they will during the January window.”

Fifa president Gianni Infantino is calling on the United Kingdom government to reconsider its stance on mandatory quarantine for international players from coronavirus red-listed countries, a directive that currently rules Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew and Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey out of Ghana’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

Brentford winger Tariqe Fosu will also be absent from the Black Stars trip to Johannesburg for the September 6 fixture under the standing guidelines.

Infantino’s appeal comes a day after the English Football Association announced Premier League clubs have “reluctantly but unanimously” agreed against releasing players for September’s round of internationals if they would be playing in red-list countries, including South Africa, owing to a 10-day mandatory quarantine requirement upon their return.

“On the issue of quarantine restrictions in England, for players returning from red-list countries, I have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and appealed for the necessary support, in particular, so players are not deprived of the opportunity of representing their countries in qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup, which is one of the ultimate honours for a professional footballer,” Infantino said in a statement on Wednesday.

“I have suggested that an approach similar to that adopted by the UK government for the final stages of the Euro 2020 be implemented for the upcoming international matches.”

Ghana are billed to play as guests of South Africa three days after hosting Ethiopia on the opening matchday in Group G of the qualifiers.

Although Amartey, Ayew and Fosu, members of a 30-man Ghana squad announced for the double-header, will be barred from traveling to South Africa, they are still expected to join the Black Stars for the Ethiopia opener.

Chelsea left-back Abdul Rahman Baba is also a doubt for the South Africa clash but his reported imminent departure from England before the close of the summer transfer window on August 31 means he is unlikely to be affected by the UK rules.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is also in the Black Stars 30-man squad, but a current ankle injury has rendered him likely to miss the September internationals.

The Premier League’s decision affects nearly 60 players from 19 clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries.

Kylian Mbappe will make a poor decision leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid, according to top Nigerian football administrator Samuel Olatunji-Okuku.

The 22-year-old’s deal at Parc des Princes expires next summer, nonetheless, Real Madrid are confident they can force a sale before the transfer window closes next week.

According to Goal, the 13-time Champions League winners have already submitted a €160 million (£137m/$188m) opening offer to sign the 2018 Fifa World Cup winner.

As Mbappe’s imminent move to Santiago Bernabeu continues to generate reactions across the globe, the respected club owner has highlighted reasons why the Frenchman must continue his stay in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

“Football-wise, it will be a poor decision if Mbappe leaves PSG because right now, he has the rare privileged of playing alongside the best talents in the world,” Olatunji-Okuku told Goal.

“What PSG have lacked over the years are experience and leadership to be able to go on and make things happen in the Champions League.

“With [Sergio] Ramos, Neymar in his prime and obviously [Lionel] Messi, these people bring their wealth of experience to the fore and the French team could achieve their dreams of ruling Europe.

“Even PSG would not have imagined that one day, they will have the assembly of this great squad - a perfect blend of experience and youth.

“Should he decide to leave eventually, it would be a case of a young boy who wants to realise his dreams of playing for one of the greatest clubs in the world as well as stepping out of the shadow of Messi.”

The Tripple 44 Academy proprietor also claims staying in PSG to win the Champions League – where he would write his name in the history books – is an appealing reason, instead of heading to Spain where things could go wrong.

“Mbappe should also know that Real Madrid have won everything in football, and he would definitely not do anything special at the Santiago Bernebeu,” he continued.

“Instead, what he would face is more pressure because many would look up to him to score at least 50 goals a season like [Cristiano] Ronaldo.

“That being said, I will implore him to remain in France where he is king and has a higher chance of writing his name in the history books with PSG.”

Mbappe has featured in all three of PSG's Ligue 1 games so far in the 2021-22 campaign, scoring his first goal against Brest.

With Keagan Dolly pulling the strings, Kaizer Chiefs ran out 2-1 winners over Baroka FC at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Having dominated for the opening hour of the match, the home side were made to sweat for the win after missing simple goalscoring chances.

With Dolly making his first league start, Chiefs dished up the kind of football their fans have been crying out for in the opening stanza, and although they were 2-0 up at half-time, it should actually have been five goals, such was their dominance.

With just a couple of seconds played, the hosts looked set to take the lead through Bernard Parker after a mistake from the defence, but with the goal at his mercy and with Khama Billiat in a great position, the veteran striker shot straight against a defender's legs.

The opening goal though was not long in coming and it materialized from an eye-catching move as Dolly sold the visiting defence a dummy which opened up the space for Njabulo Blom down the right-wing. Blom's low cross was inch-perfect and Billiat's first time finish high into the roof of the net gave goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke no chance, 1-0 after eight minutes played.

Another slick move soon after could also have ended in a goal, but it was not to be as Billiat ballooned his shot over the bar.

It was instead Daniel Cardoso who added the second goal in the 27th minute, the defender doing superbly to get on the end of Sifiso Hlanti's cross - the ball had been played a little behind him - before steering a looping header into the top corner.

Amakhosi remained in charge and it took a wonderful reflex save from Masuluke to touch Dolly's deflected cross over the bar.

In the final eight minutes of the first half, Billiat could and should have added a further three goals all by himself.

Twice he steered low shots wide of the upright, having been put clean through on goal first by Dolly and then by Cole Alexander, while he also struck the upright after a Blom cross had been deflected into his path.

Six minutes after the restart and there was yet another glaring miss from the Soweto side, Parker the guilty man this time – after being sent clear through on goal by Dolly, he could have scored himself or picked out one of Billiat or Samir Nurkovic, but instead played an attempted pass too close to the only defender in the box, Denwin Farmer, who made a good clearance.

Farmer wasn’t finished yet and popped up soon afterwards to pull a goal back for Baroka, scoring in the 59th minute with a sumptuous volley from a corner by Nhlanhla Mgaga as Chiefs paid the price for not having taken the game out of sight.

Unsurprisingly, Baroka grew in confidence from the goal while Stuart Baxter saw his side becoming increasingly cagey and with 11 minutes to go, a weak back-pass by Erick Mathoho nearly caused problems – luckily for the defender, his goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was able to bail him out.

Moments later Bvuma missed a cross and nearly conceded – he was lucky to see Richard Mbulu’s header glance the upright and go out of play.

There was another chance for Farmer in the 88th minute, but he fired well over the bar after the ball had fallen kindly for him in the Chiefs box.

Thankfully from Baxter’s point of view, the Glamour Boys were able to play out the four minutes of referee’s additional time with relative comfort - apart from a Farmer header right at the death which Bvuma scrambled to clear - to ensure the three points.

ATK Mohun Bagan have reached the interzonal semifinals of the AFC Cup 2021, courtesy of topping Group D which comprised of teams from the South Asian zone. 

They remained unbeaten in the group stage with two wins and a draw. They beat familiar opponents Bengaluru FC 2-0 in the opening match and followed that by another 2-1 victory over Maziya SRC. In their final group game against Bangladesh's league champions Basundhara Kings they rallied back to snatch a point and progress to the next round. 

With this, they have equalled their longest ever undefeated run in the second-tier club competition in Asia (W3 D2). They achieved a similar feat in 2016 (W3, D2). 

Who will Mohun Bagan face in the Inter-Zone playoff semi-finals? 

Mohun Bagan will face FC Nasaf of Uzbekistan. They emerged as the Central Asian Zone winners after winning 3-2 against Ahal FC of Turkmenistan. The Uzbek side had a two-goal cushion at halftime but a spirited display from Ahal wrote off the deficit. However, Hussain Norchayev restored the lead after converting from the spot. 

Ruzikul Berdiev’s side has had plenty of football going into the match as the Uzbek top-division league is on. They have played 15 matches and are currently in the fifth position with 24 points. But they have had a tough run in the recent past as they are winless in the last three matches. 

But at the continental stage, they have been a completely different side. In the group stage, they won all their three matches to finish on top with nine points. They scored nine goals and did not concede any. 

It is almost a decade since the club had last played in an edition of the AFC Cup, as they last appeared in 2011 when they clinched the trophy. 

When will the match take place? 

The match will be held on September 22. 

Where will the match be held? 

The match will be held in Uzbekistan and ATK Mohun Bagan will be the away team. 

Kylian Mbappe has been the subject of transfer talk ever since his breakthrough season at Monaco in 2016-17.

His ability and commercial appeal make him one of the most sought-after footballers in the world, but only a select few clubs could realistically afford him.

Paris Saint-Germain face a quandary as they attempt to keep hold of Mbappe and the situation is complicated by the time that is left on their star asset's contract.

When does Mbappe's PSG contract expire?

Mbappe's current contract with PSG expires in the summer of 2022.

The World Cup winner joined the Ligue 1 giants from Monaco in 2017, arriving on loan initially before a permanent transfer took effect in 2018.

He signed a four-year contract with the club at that point, with the €180 million deal between PSG and Monaco (€145m plus €35m in add-ons) making him the most expensive teenage football and the second most expensive signing of all time, behind Neymar.

Does Mbappe want to leave PSG?

According to PSG sporting director Leonardo, Mbappe wants to leave the club and Real Madrid are keen to secure his services.

In an August 2021 interview with RMC and Le Parisien,  the Brazilian said: "Kylian Mbappe wants to leave, that seems clear. If Real Madrid are making an offer, that seems clear.

'We cannot, the week before the end of the [transfer] window, change our plans. If he wants to leave, we will not hold him back, but on our terms."

As reported by Goal, by that point Mbappe had already rejected six different offers to renew his contract with PSG, making it clear that he was ready to leave the French capital.

Around the same time, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi made the point that the signing of Lionel Messi would go some way towards convincing the France international to stay.

"His future is clear. He said it himself, he wanted us to have a competitive team," Al-Khelaifi said at Messi's first press conference. "Well, we have the most competitive in the world right now. So there is no excuse for him now. He can't do anything else but stay."

However, if subsequent developments are any indication, Mbappe's mind has not yet been changed.

Could Mbappe leave PSG on a free transfer?

Yes. It is possible that Mbappe could leave PSG on a free transfer and such a scenario has indeed been acknowledged by PSG.

"In terms of our position on Real, it seems like a strategy to try to get a no from us, to show that they have tried everything and to wait for a year to get him for free," argued Leonardo. 

If PSG and Mbappe cannot agree a new deal, Mbappe would be free to speak to other clubs from January 2022.

While Madrid have tested the resolve of the French club with an offer of €160 million ($188m/£137m), the proposed fee does not match PSG's valuation.

Of course, if Mbappe absolutely cannot be convinced to stay, it seems likely that PSG would eventually decide to accept a bid in order to avoid losing an asset for no return.

Despite his superstar status and the multi-million transfer fee PSG could potentially command, it is not inconceivable for a player such as Mbappe to leave for free.

Indeed, the French club themselves benefitted from one of the most famous free transfers of all time, recruiting Messi for no fee following the expiry of the Argentine's contract with Barcelona.

In the same season, Sergio Ramos arrived at Parc des Princes after his Real Madrid contract ran out, with Gini Wijnaldum leaving Liverpool to join the club in similar circumstances.

Over the years, plenty of superstars have swapped clubs on free transfers, with the 1995 Bosman ruling being a watershed moment in the history of the game.

News of Cristiano Ronado’s possible transfer from Juventus to Manchester City has sparked major discussions, particularly on social media.

According to the latest report, the wantaway 36-year-old superstar could be headed for the Premier League this summer, three years after leaving Real Madrid for the Old Lady.

While many have linked City’s reported interest in him to the club’s unsuccessful attempt to lure Harry Kane away from Tottenham Hotspur, others say the prospect of working with Pep Guardiola at Etihad Stadium could be the enticement for the Portugal captain.

Not everyone, however, is excited by the rumours such as fans of Manchester United, for whom Ronaldo featured from 2003 to 2009 where he had won the Champions League. They are up in arms about a potential move for the player to rival club City.

A switch will add to what has already been a sensational summer transfer window following the Barcelona departure of Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain and growing speculation about Real Madrid’s possible imminent signing of France attacker Kylian Mbappe.

Below are the best reactions to the Ronaldo to City reports: