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Wednesday evening was one of joy for Indian football enthusiasts in Delhi after the Sudeva FC were given a direct entry into the I-League for the upcoming season by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Not only does this mean Delhi gets their first ever I-League club, the development marks the return of top level football to Delhi after Delhi Dynamos shifted bases to Odisha at the start of the 2019-20 season.

Sudeva's entry into the I-League is a dream come true for co-owner Anuj Gupta who has been planning for this day ever since he started the club alongside his friend Vijay Hakari in 2014.

"It is a great moment for me, Sudeva FC and Delhi football as well. It is the best moment of my life," Anuj told Goal. "We have been planning this for quite a while now. The development is historic not just for us but also for Delhi football as a whole."

"Now, our focus will be on developing players and putting them into the I-League platform so that they can be ready for the national team in the future."

More importantly, Sudeva's entry into the I-League should be a welcome development for Indian players. Anuj has made no secret of his commitment to developing Indian players and has confirmed that the club will play their first ever I-League campaign with a completely Indian squad.

"It is a great moment not only for us but also for young talent who could not get opportunities despite having the ability. They can definitely approach me. Of course, we can only have 30 or so players in the team, so I will be very selective.

"We will be putting an all Indian contingent with a mix of youth and senior players."

Anuj feels that Sudeva's performances will not be affected by the lack of overseas players. He cites the example of Indian Arrows who despite fielding a team made of teenage Indian players, have some notable wins in their record. Anuj feels that a bit of experience would have helped the Arrows get even better results.

"I have a strong conviction that we will be able to perform much better than people expect from a side without foreign players. It could also be an eye opener for me but anyhow. If you add some experience to the Arrows side, they could have converted many close results."

Sudeva are also planning to expand their already impressive facilities with the addition of new grounds which Anuj feels will benefit Delhi football in the long run.

"Next year, our plan is to come up with a new facility with four to five grounds in Delhi and some of those grounds will be given to Football Delhi and AIFF to have their matches. It should help the state football scenario because there will be more grounds and more teams and players."

Do you have a friend who has, at some point, asked you why you are 'wasting time' being a part of a supporters' club?

Sports has risen above the levels where it is considered as just another way for people to have fun. It has managed to unite people and has influenced followers to give back to society. 

Only three months ago, Kerala Blasters fan group Manjappada organized a Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) football tournament and donated the money earned from the event to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) and the PM Cares fund. They were able to collect and donate more than INR 1 lakh with the help of football lovers across the state. 

The lockdown in India due to the Coronavirus pandemic started in March and is still enforced in certain zones. Sporting activities are yet to resume and there are uncertainties in every field which have left several in need of financial aid.

A few weeks ago, Arsenal Supporters' Club Kerala donated INR 1 lakh to the CMDRF to help the state fight the pandemic.

"We initially thought we couldn't do this because of everyone's financial situation. A few members of the group put forward the idea and we launched a campaign officially. We spread the message in all our groups and there were a lot of youngsters who took it up actively," Sandeep, a senior member of the Arsenal fan group told Goal .

"Keeping aside all the rivalries, there is a bond between fans of different football clubs. Ultimately, football unites us and it has given us an opportunity to do something useful," he added. 

In Kolkata, Debu Dutta, a bereaved Mohun Bagan fan donated the money he kept aside for the Shradhh ceremony of his late father, a gesture that the club's top officials including Srinjoy Bose acknowledged. "The Shraddh function is due on April 25 but owing to the ongoing situation it will not be possible to feed people during the ceremony. So I decided to donate the amount I had kept aside for this to the State Relief Fund," Dutta told PTI.

East Bengal Real Power (EBRP), a fan forum of the historic club also organized a collection drive for the Government fund and brought in nearly INR 72000 in just four days. They also helped out a couple of ardent East Bengal supporters who needed financial help. These are proof that football fan clubs, when dedicated and united for a cause, can yield massive results. 

Liverpool fans across India were delighted as the Reds finally clinched the Premier League title a few weeks ago. The Liverpool supporters' club in Mangalore took the celebration to another level when they fed the needy in their city. The money collected from the Reds in the city was enough to fund the catering of 900 packets of cooked food which was then supplied to hospitals, orphanages, old age homes and the homeless people in the city. 

Fan clubs of Tottenham Hotspur in Bengaluru and Kerala also did their part. Bangalore Spurs delivered food packets for the poor in association with the city police. Kerala Spurs donated a Smart TV to an underprivileged family so that kids can attend online classes.

Were all these done only because there is a pandemic? The answer to that is a firm no as these groups are active throughout the year to celebrate football on and off the field.

Let your friend know that you did your part when it mattered. 

Bhawanipore FC coach Sankarlal Chakraborty is hoping to create history this year by winning the 2nd Division League and make it to the I-League for the first time in club’s 110-year history.

The century-old club has not been amongst the big names in Kolkata football but this time they are dreaming big. Despite the problems the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up, the club are optimistic.

Though the first phase of the 2nd Division was halted, Bhowanipore has a chance to play in the final stage, which could be hosted in West Bengal, and seal qualification.

Chakraborty, while speaking about the club’s ahead of the league’s final round, accepted that it will be a challenge for him to prepare the team after such a big gap, but he is still dreaming of making it to the top tier.

“Our target is to win the Second Division League. But the situation we are at the moment, we don’t know when we can start training. This is a big problem for everyone. The players haven’t played for a very long time. There is a difference between training at home and training together on the ground.

“We have given training schedules to the players and have instructed them to work as per the schedule. We are yet to finalise our full squad and once it is done a detailed training program will be handed over to the players so that they can start training at their home. There is, of course, a big question mark over our pre-season at the moment,” the Bhawanipore head coach told Goal.

The former Calcutta Football League (CFL) winning Mohun Bagan coach spoke about the impact the pandemic has had. He said, “The pandemic had a huge impact on the Kolkata Maidan. From local kit manufacturers to groundsmen to the coaches and other coaching staffs a lot of people are involved in the maidan.

“This is a huge industry. You won’t find so many divisions in any other state leagues. So I think the Coronavirus came as a huge blow for the Maidan. This will also have an impact on the players both physically and financially.”

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has not decided where to host the tournament but West Bengal is certainly a front runner. On asked if playing the league on home conditions will benefit his time, Chakraborty said, “I am not thinking about home advantage. I am just concerned about the fitness of my players, how will they be able to regain their fitness before the start of the season after such a gap. Playing home or away is not my concern at the moment.”

The Bengali also confirmed that the club have already strengthened their side by roping in last season’s CFL top scorer Ansumana Kromah and former NEROCA FC and Mohammedan Sporting striker Philip Adjah. They have also signed experienced Indian players like Manotosh Chakladhar and Jiten Murmu.

On the personal front, the former Mohun Bagan boss is hoping to get his AFC Pro License degree.

Comparing the challenges of coaching clubs of varying stature like Mohun Bagan and Bhawanipore, Chakraborty suggested, “The experiences are completely different. When you manage a big club you need to know how to deal with big players. Also, the pressure of media and fans is there. On the other hand, in a smaller club, there are no expectations. No one will question if you lose or praise you if you win. But again there is this challenge to manage low key players and motivate them so that they can do well."

Orlando Pirates legend Joseph 'Duku Duku' Makhanya says the club's decision to suspend Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga should be respected.

The two attackers have been suspended by the club due to disciplinary issues and they are set to miss the action on the field of play for the rest of the current 2019/20 season.

The Buccaneers made the announcement ahead of their PSL clash with Mamelodi Sundowns which ended in a 0-0 draw on Tuesday night. 

"Yeah, I saw the statement from the club regarding the suspension of the two players, but we don't know the real reason behind their suspension," Makhanya told Goal. 

"However, Pirates is a professional club. All professional clubs have a code of conduct. Players have a responsibility to ensure that they abide by the club's code of conduct.

"So, if the club decides that whatever they have done is enough to warrant a suspension, then we have to respect the club's decision." 

Lorch has struggled to replicate the form which saw him clinch the PSL Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards at the end of the previous campaign.

The 27-year-old winger has looked a shadow of his former self this season having admitted that he was disappointed after he failed to secure a move to an overseas club earlier this season.

Some believe Lorch is unhappy at the Houghton-based side with the club having rejected offers from overseas after the gifted player was linked with Belgian sides Royal Union Saint-Gilloise and Club Brugge, and French clubs Dijon Football and Toulouse FC.

Makhanya, who was on the books of Pirates' first team between 2000 and 2011 as a fan favourite, believes Lorch is still committed to the Buccaneers. 

"No, not at all. It has nothing to do with the player's commitment because he has worked hard for the team this season," the 38-year-old retired winger said.

"When you play for a big club like Pirates you have to respect the jersey and wear it with pride. You also have to respect the club's badge."

The Bafana Bafana international has netted only one goal in 17 league appearances this term compared to the nine he netted from 26 games last season.

"The fact that his performance has dipped this season doesn't mean that he is unhappy at Pirates. He has shown the same commitment he displayed last season," Makhanya added.

"It's just that things have not gone his way this season. It happens in football. Whenever I have watched him play I have seen a player, who is committed on the pitch."

Lorch was signed by Pirates from then-National First Division (NFD) club Maluti FET College in 2015 and he spent the first round of the 2016/17 season on loan at Chippa United. 

Simba SC have taunted their rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) after they won a case to have midfielder Bernard Morrison feature for them in the coming season.

The Ghanaian forward moved from the Jangwani giants to the Wekundu wa Msimbazi in a controversial manner with the former arguing the player was still contracted to them until 2022 and went ahead to lodge a complaint with Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).

However, on Wednesday, TFF ruled in Morrison and Simba’s favour meaning the player can now play for the Mainland Premier League champions for the next two seasons.

Though Yanga, who were not satisfied with the decision and have now vowed to challenge the same in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) based in Zurich, Simba have now taken to their social media pages, to mock their rivals by stating Morrison had made the right decision to sign for a club where Cups are always won.

“When you reach a safe place,” Simba wrote with a picture of Morrison kissing the club badge. “The section that is your status,” the statement added.

“The part that you'll find happiness. The part where cups are not something to ask, there is the part you love and ready to serve with all your heart. Is this wrong?”

As if not enough, Simba Information Officer Haji Manara also took to his social media pages to blast Yanga for their intended move to take the case to CAS, stating they will lose again and might end up being relegated from the top-flight because they will be found guilty.

“It is a shame that Yanga now wants to take their complaint to CAD before even starting from Fifa, it means all the officials in Yanga don’t know exactly what they want and must do,” Manara wrote on his social media pages.

“Allow me to teach them something, they should first start with Fifa and then if it doesn’t favour them, then they can move to CAS, but they will still find it difficult because the contract they have for Morrison was signed on January 15 even before the player himself arrived in Dar es Salaam.

“They will also find a contract which they deleted using a black pen and the e-mails they sent to Morrison and remind them how they signed [Tambwe], let them go but don’t be surprised when you see them losing the case again and CAS will relegate them from the top-flight as they did to Juventus.”

Morrison is the first signing for Simba in this transfer window.

Faith Micheal found the back of the net for the first this season after helping Pitea earn a 1-1 draw against Linda Motlhalo and Portia Boakye's Djurgardens in Wednesday’s Damallsvenskan outing.

The Nigeria international scored a 63rd-minute equaliser to open her 2020 goal account after 10 games.

The result saw Pitea earn their first point in five consecutive matches in the Swedish elite division.

Stellan Carlsson's side started the encounter on the back foot after Rachel Bloznalis fired Djurgarden ahead in the 27th minute.

They trailed for most of the fixture until Micheal found the back of the net 13 minutes after the restart, thanks to Vilma Koivisto’s assist.

The 33-year-old Nigeria international, who is in her 10th season with the former champions was in action from start to finish for Pitea.

Djurgardens, on their part, featured South Africa's Molthalo and Ghana's Bokaye but the African duo could not help them claim their first win in their last three outings.

The draw saw Pitea sit in seventh place with 12 points from 10 games, while Djurgardens are 10th with nine points from same matches and just a point above the drop zone.

Pitea will travel to face Eskilstuna United in their next fixture on August 16, while Djurgardens welcome Rosengard the next day.

Kylian Mbappe thanked Paris Saint-Germain's medical staff for getting him fit in time to play a starring role in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final win over Atalanta.

Speaking two weeks ago, PSG head coach Thomas Tuchel said key man Mbappe required "a miracle" to recover from an ankle sprain sustained on July 24.

But the France international was named among the substitutes and made a big impact from the bench in the final half hour of the Ligue 1 champions' remarkable 2-1 triumph.

Mbappe linked up with Neymar and set up fellow substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting for a 93rd-minute winner, 149 seconds after Marquinhos cancelled out Mario Pasalic's opener. 

After helping his side book a first semi-final appearance in the competition since 1995, the 21-year-old went on social media to praise the club's backroom staff.

"You don't talk to me about pain," he tweeted. "A big thank you to the medical staff for getting me back on my feet, no one believed it except us. 

"Congratulations to the whole group, we want to get this one."

Tuchel, who broke a bone in his foot during a training session last week, clenched both fists and let out a huge roar when the winning goal hit the net, potentially saving his job at the Parc des Princes in the process.

Speaking to RMC Sport after the match, the German coach said: "Imagine what I could have done with two legs! It is our 50th birthday today and we will not forget this day. We are really happy to be in the semi-finals. 

"It is a historic season, with four titles and a Champions League semi-final.

"I doubted after 88 minutes of play, I was realistic, but we always thought about scoring.

"I told my assistants: 'if we draw, we will make a difference soon after'. We had a great game and the qualification is deserved.

"It was a bit of luck with those late goals but if you look at the whole game, it's deserved."

PSG now move into the semi-finals of the competition and will come up against either RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid, who square off against each other on Thursday.

Joe Aribo opened his Scottish Premiership 2020-21 season account in Rangers 3-0 triumph over St Johnstone.

The 24-year-old midfielder scored the Gers’ last goal as Steven Gerrard’s team cruised to a routine win inside Ibrox Stadium.

While it looked like the first-half might not produce a goal, Borna Barisic put the hosts ahead with his stunning free-kick in the 21st minute.

The Croatia international curled his strike past goalkeeper Elliott Parish after Alfredo Morelos was fouled 25-yards from goal.

Barisic turned provider for Ryan Kent to double the Gers’ lead on the stroke of halftime.

Four minutes into the second half, Aribo made it three for Rangers after connecting to James Tavernier’s corner kick to rifle home his first goal of the new season.

Filip Helander came close to a fourth after getting on the end of Barisic’s free-kick, however, was unable to make nothing out of it.

Anglo-Nigerian Isaac Olaofe almost reduced the deficit, but his point-blank strike was saved by goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin,

After putting up a fine performance on Aribo was replaced by Scott Arfield in the 61st minute of the encounter, while his compatriot Leon Balogun was substituted for Filip Helander after the first-half.

Thanks to this result, Gerrard’s men have now won all games since the commencement of the new campaign. They top the league after accumulating nine points from three outings.

They are guests of Efe Ambrose’s Livingston in their next league outing billed for Sunday.

In a recent interview, Super Eagles’ Aribo revealed how he is working to improve his goalscoring abilities.

“That’s the one thing I’ve always wanted to be known as, a goalscoring midfielder,” he was quoted as saying in Rangers matchday programme.

“I’ve sat down with the gaffer and we spoke about it, so I know that is one area I need to improve on.

“I think it’s a case of wanting to be in the right place at the right time and having the willingness and the desire to be there.

“It’s also about being calmer in front of goal as well, not slashing at shots and taking your time with them. Hopefully, that will help me get more goals.

“But I feel I have developed a lot and I’m learning day in day out in games and on the training field as well.

“When you look at the staff, you have the gaffer and Macca, two great players that have played in my position too. So, I can just take little things off them every single day and, of course, you learn in matches.”

M’baye Niang found the back of the net as Rennes registered a 3-0 win over Saint-Etienne in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

The Red and Blacks have been having a good run in the warm-up games, the previous ending in a 2-1 win over Brest.

This time it was Niang that got things off by opening proceedings in the 29th minute for a 1-0 first-half lead.

The scoreline remained that way until French forwards Martin Terrier and Romain del Castillo came off the bench to complete the scoring in the 83rd and 85th minutes.

The result was Rennes' fourth win in five pre-season games, the only blemish being a 1-1 draw with Lorient. Wednesday’s result was also the third time they have kept clean sheets having done so in victories over Angers and Chateauroux.

Niang was Rennes top scorer during the 2019-20 season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions which were crucial in giving the Brittany side a place in the Champions League for the first time ever.

In all games he found the back of the net in Ligue 1 ended in victory bar one that finished in a 1-1 draw with Olympique Marseille. His best scoring form came in 2-1 wins against Amiens and Nimes Olympique.

The Senegalese forward has been reportedly linked with a transfer to Marseille, however, Rennes have debunked such claims even though Niang has admitted a move to the Stade Velodrome was something he won’t turn down.

Marseille boss Andre Villas-Boas has also come out to debunk the claims that the 25-year-old is not on their radar at all.

Niang was born in the French city of Meulan-en-Yvelines and began his career at Caen before moving to AC Milan. He played 79 times for the Rossoneri between 2012 and 2018, scoring 12 goals.

He was not a regular during his time at the San Siro and spent time on loan at four clubs (Montpellier, Genoa, Watford and Torino). Niang joined Torino permanently ahead of the 2018-19 season but was shipped to Rennes on loan who made his deal permanent after he scored 11 goals in 29 Ligue 1 appearances.

Mohammed Salisu has joined Premier League outfit Southampton from Real Valladolid for a fee worth £10.9million (€12m).

Despite being linked with a move to Real Madrid, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, the 21-year-old centre back joined Ralph Hasenguttl’s men on a four-year deal at St Mary’s Stadium.

In the just concluded La Liga season, Salisu featured in 32 games as the White and Violets finished 13th in the log having accrued 42 points from 38 games.

With this move, he becomes Southampton’s second signing of the season following the arrival of Kyle Walker-Peter from Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.

He is also the fourth African in Hasenguttl’s squad after Mali's Moussa Djenepo, Gabon's Mario Lemina and Morocco's Sofiane Boufal.

“For me, it has been a dream since I was a child to play in the Premier League and I am very, very happy to be here,” an elated Salisu told club website.

“We all know it is a very tough league, but I am ready for everything to put all I can into helping the team.

“It is a very good feeling to be a Southampton player. I am very happy to be part of the club and I am looking forward to starting here.

“It’s a very good club for me to develop my skills and to learn a lot as a young player and I’m very happy to join. Southampton has a fantastic history in developing young players and I hope I do my best to add to that group.”

The Ghanaian felt moved by the response of the Premier League club’s fans to rumours of his potential move to the Saints.

“I saw it and I am very happy they are welcoming me so warmly and that they are happy with me. I am going to try my best to put happiness on their faces," he continued.

“I must thank my family for supporting me and believing in me, as well as my team from Ghana where I started, I want to thank them because they really helped me.

“The African Talent Football Academy too, because without them I would not have reached where I am today. They helped me and they brought me to Europe.”

Caf Medical Committee member Dr Prince Pambo has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to fast-track coronavirus testing for its three national teams who are set to regroup for upcoming international assignments.

On special permission from Ghana president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the national U17 male and women teams, as well as the women's U20 outfit, are expected to resume camp.

The three outfits ought to have begun their training programme on August 1, per their original plans.

“I will plead with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association on the Covid-19 testing for the national team players," Pambo told Happy FM.

"If they go for the normal one which is for free, the handicap with that one is that the results take long to come out.

"So the Ministry and the Covid-19 team should cooperate so they do a test which will see the results come out early.

“The test should be out by 43 hours, which will help the players to begin camping. If the test results are not out the players cannot be in camp."

All contact sports, including football, are currently suspended in Ghana since the nation recorded its first cases of coronavirus in March.

The ban led to the premature termination of the 2019-20 domestic football season in June, after three months of waiting for a possible return.

Meanwhile, the GFA has organised a training workshop for technical team members of the national sides ahead of their imminent training resumption.

“As all and sundry are clamouring for the return of football, there will be the need to be in a good position to protect ourselves and that of our brothers and sisters," FA boss Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku said at Wednesday's programme.

“Hopefully it will start with the girls and the boys will join and hopefully we will have the fully domestic league coming back to us."

Ghana are set to face off with archrivals Nigeria in a 2021 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup qualifier in October and November. The U20 women's team have a World Cup qualifying date with Guinea-Bissau in September while the male U17 fold is looking forward to the upcoming Wafu Cup.

Chile women's national team began training this week for their Women's Olympic Games qualifying play-off game against Cameroon.

La Roja regrouped for the first time since they won the 2020 Turkish Women's Cup in March before the world went into lockdown after the global health crisis arising from the coronavirus outbreak.

The pandemic forced the indefinite postponement of the doubleheader play-off between the South Americans and Africans, which was initially fixed to be played on 9 and 15 April 2020.

After the rescheduling of the Olympic Games for next June, Fifa has confirmed new play-off dates of the matches between Chile and Cameroon to be played on February 18 and 24 respectively. 

With the set new dates, the players and officials are excited to return to the pitch for the first time in five months.

Karen Araya, one of the returning players, told the La Roja; "We are happy to return. To step on the grass again. We missed being on the field, outdoors. It is what we athletes missed the most. 

"This team is convinced of what it wants to achieve; the important thing is to run again, to feel the field and, as time goes by, we will take the level again."

Jose Letelier, the team's head coach also said: "This is a double responsibility because on the one hand there is everything that has to do with the preparation for the play-offs, which is something that of course motivates, but on the other, it is related to the circumstances that we are experiencing worldwide. 

"Therefore, we must handle both situations in a good way, respect the protocols as much as possible and hope that both the preparation and the health of the players and the coaching staff are on the right track. We hope to prepare ourselves in the best way and achieve a historic achievement for our football."

The winner will join hosts Japan, Brazil, New Zealand, Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, United States, Zambia and Australia for the 2020 Women's Olympic football tournament in Tokyo.

Neymar was tipped to shine against Atalanta in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final but for much of the game, he had a nightmare. 

However, the Brazilian played his part in a dramatic late comeback and it was an unlikely hero, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who sealed a 2-1 win and a place in the semi-final for PSG.

Neymar's tough evening started in the third minute when the Brazilian found himself clean through on goal, only to badly scuff his shot well wide of the target.

Neymar would squander two more golden opportunities in a first half to forget, as Mario Pasalic gave Atalanta a 1-0 lead at half-time.

There was some sympathy for Neymar's performance, with many pointing out his dribbling and running were causing problems for Atalanta — though his end product did not deliver.

PSG looked set to be crashing out but it was two second-half subs, Kylian Mbappe and Choupo-Moting, who combined with Neymar to help turn the tide.

Choupo-Moting's ball in the 90th minute found Neymar behind the Atalanta defence, and the Brazilian's cross found Marquinhos who tapped home the equaliser.

Just three minutes later, Neymar's through ball found Mbappe, who squared to Choupo-Moting to finish for the winner.

It was a dramatic turn of events and there were plenty of reactions on social media to Neymar's up-and-down night and the former Stoke forward's unlikely winner.

Ritah Kivumbi and Sarah Micheal scored a goal each as Mallbackens defeated Hanna Boubezari's Lidkopings 3-0 in a Swedish Elitettan game on Wednesday.

Uganda's Kivumbi continued from where she left off in the first leg against Lidkopings, where she bagged a brace in their 5-3 win two weeks ago and was on her eighth appearance this term.

While Nigeria's Micheal was on her fifth appearance and played her part in the encounter, finding the target to ensure an away win.

Returning from a two-week break, Mallbackens aimed to extend their winning run to three games and they made a bright start to the contest when Kivumbi netted the opener after just 12 minutes.

Four minutes later, Micheal came close to extend the lead for the visitors but could not find the back of the net before she eventually managed to double the advantage four minutes after the restart.

The hosts almost pulled one back through Boubezari but the Algeria international's attempt was denied by Conny Johansson's team in the 52nd minute.

Mallbackens did not rest on their oars as they pushed for more and they secured the third through Emmie Johansson in the 65th minute.

Kivumbi, who featured for 62 minutes for the visitors, has now scored five goals in eight outings, while Micheal, who lasted for 72 minutes has now two goals in five games.

Algeria's Boubezari, played from the start to finish on her 10th appearance this season but her presence could not save Kidkopings from defeat in front of their home fans.

The result saw Mallbackens move to seventh on the log with 17 points after 10 matches, while Lidkopings remain in 12th with five points from the same number of games after the fourth defeat in a row.

Mallbackens will pay a visit to fourth-placed Jibex on August 15, while Lidkopings will face off with ninth-placed Alingsas a day later.

Antoine Griezmann is expecting Barcelona to make it all the way to the Champions League final on August 23 and quipped he has even packed his PlayStation for his stay in Lisbon.

Barca saw off Napoli 3-1 in Saturday's last-16 second leg to advance 4-2 on aggregate and set up a meeting with much-fancied Bayern Munich at the Estadio da Luz on Friday.

Bayern have won 26 and drawn one of their last 27 competitive matches and are the favourites of many to win Europe's premier club competition but Griezmann says Barca are ready to knock the Bavarian giants out.

"I have the suitcase ready to be in Lisbon until August 23 - I have even brought the PlayStation," he told the club's official website.

"We have three games left to win the Champions League but we have the tools to achieve it.  Every team has the potential to win a single match.

"We are looking forward to it, we have worked well tactically and we are ready to play the game. 

"We know it will be difficult, but we know what we have to do to qualify for the semi-finals. It will be a very good match.

"We hope to take advantage of the quality we have. We are in a good moment and we can play a good game.

"We have to be together, up front and at the back, and try to have the ball as much as possible."

Prolific Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski either scored or assisted all seven of his side's goals in their 7-1 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the first knockout round.

Griezmann acknowledged it will be tough to stop the Poland international and is well aware of the other attacking talents in the German champions' ranks.

"Bayern are playing very well, they have a great striker, but we also have the tools to play a great game. We have to look at our strengths and try to qualify," he said.

"They're a very physical team that's used to having the ball. We have to make life difficult for them and play our game.

"Bayern are not just Lewandowski. The wingers get forward a lot, [Thomas] Muller, [Serge] Gnabry are also very good. 

"Lewandowski scores a lot of goals but the danger comes from anywhere."

Barca have disappointed domestically this season, finishing second to bitter rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga after being knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage.

However, the fit-again Griezmann - who lasted 84 minutes against Napoli - is adamant his side have showed signs of progress ahead of their showdown with Bayern.

"On a personal level it was good for me to have a few days to be able to recover and play against Napoli," he said.

"In the first minutes of the Napoli game I had no rhythm but little by little I felt better. The team really wanted to play a great game, and we are on the right track."

Manchester City should forget about the teams that have been knocked out of the Champions League because every team left is capable of lifting the trophy, according to Bernardo Silva.

Holders Liverpool exited in the last-16 back in March while City beat record 13-time winners Real Madrid last week, meaning there will be a new name on the trophy for the first time since 2015.

City are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history and are among many people's favourites but Silva insists they cannot take any team left lightly.

“Anything can happen. Juventus were knocked out by Lyon. We have seen a lot of surprises in the competition over the last years,” he said.

“We lost against Tottenham last year in the quarter-finals. It’s very difficult to predict the games and the results in the competition.

“The fact that Liverpool are out, Real Madrid are out, it’s not going to make our path any easier. That would be a wrong thought.

“We need to go game-by-game, be very focused, knowing that every game is going to be very tough.

“All the teams in Lisbon are here because they deserve it. We need to be at our best level to win games and try to reach the final.”

Many expected Juventus to be City’s opponents in Saturday’s quarter-final clash but Lyon snatched a victory on away’s goal rule to stun the Italian champions.

City faced the French side, who finished seventh in Ligue 1, in the group stages last season and lost at the Etihad Stadium and then could only draw away.

“I know Lyon very well having played for three years in Ligue 1 where I played many times against them,” Silva added. “Also here at Manchester City we faced them last season and it wasn’t easy. We didn’t manage to beat them in either of the two games.

“That shows how difficult a team they are. Not only Lyon, but all the French teams are very physical, very strong and in just one game, it’s unpredictable.

“They knocked Juventus out of the competition and it’s not going to be an easy task for us. It’s going to be a completely different game than Real Madrid, because they both play different ways and with a different style of players.”

The end-of-season mini-tournament has given Silva the chance for a surprise return to his home city after the Covid-19 outbreak forced an extension of the season and a switch from Istanbul for the final.

Silva was back in Lisbon for his birthday on Monday, celebrating with his team-mates and telling them that the Champions League would be the perfect gift.

“For me, it's amazing to be in my city, returning back for such an important competition. I'm very happy and looking forward to the game to arrive,” he added.

“The Champions League is the only competition we still haven't won at this club. Manchester City has never won this competition, most of our players haven't won it yet, including me.

“Of course, winning this competition has always been a target for the players and the club. It will be very special to win it.

“For me, even more so because it's my city and it's an extra motivation to fight for the trophy here. It would definitely be special to win the Champions League in Lisbon.

“We play every competition to win, we try to give our best in every competition. This one is the only one we haven't won at City, there is an extra motivation to give our best and try to go as far as possible.

“It's a goal for the club, the fans, the staff, everyone. If we could do it this year, it would be a proud moment and we would include our names in the history of the club.”

Paul Pogba has put fans out of their misery following his cryptic social media post on Tuesday – announcing he has signed for Verdansk FC in the war-torn fictional country of Kastovia, as part of a promotion for Call of Duty: Warzone Season 5.

Pogba made waves on Twitter on Tuesday with a teasing tweet which some thought signalled he was set to sign a new contract at Manchester United.

The midfielder later clarified that the post had nothing to do with football – though it turns out that wasn’t completely true.

Pogba has confirmed the next step in his career will see him sign for a non-existent club in a non-existent country – whose brand-new National Acropolis Arena serves as one of the game’s new locations in Season 5.

While plenty saw the funny side of Pogba’s tease, some weren’t so amused – while others pointed out the similarity to a recent stunt from Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, whose promise of a “new club” turned out to be the creation of a youth team in his home town of Alicante.

With Verdansk apparently able to splash the cash on World Cup-winning midfielders, it remains to be seen whether any more real-world players will put pen to paper and head to Kastovia – and what sort of presence such figures will have within the game.

For now, Pogba remains their only player, though presumably a deal has been struck to allow him to complete United’s ongoing Europa League campaign.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are recuperating after being taken to extra-time in their recent quarter-final clash with Copenhagen, with Bruno Fernandes’ penalty eventually enough to see them through.

They will face perennial Europa League winners Sevilla in their semi-final on Sunday, after the Spanish side edged past Wolves.

Should United make the final, they will have an extra day's rest ahead of the showpiece event against either Inter or Shakhtar Donetsk on August 21.

Despite the somewhat anticlimactic conclusion to Pogba’s recent posts, fans will still be holding out hopes of seeing the Frenchman commit to fresh terms.

Recent reports have suggested United are ready to reopen negotiations over a new contract once their Europa League campaign is complete.

Paris Saint-Germain hero Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has said he told himself, "We can't go home like this," before entering the game with his side trailing late against Atalanta on Wednesday.

Choupo-Moting was at the heart of a dramatic comeback in the Champions League quarter-final, with Atalanta clinging onto a 1-0 lead as the game neared its conclusion.

But after entering in the 79th minute, Choupo-Moting had a game-changing effect. First the Cameroon striker played a lofted ball behind the defence in the 90th minute which Neymar brought down and squared to Marquinhos for the equaliser. 

But three minutes later Choupo-Moting would go one better, tapping home a late winner from fellow substitute Kylian Mbappe's cross to give his side a 2-1 win at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

Speaking to BT Sport , Choupo-Moting said he was confident in his team despite the deficit after he entered the match for the ineffective Mauro Icardi. 

"It was a crazy game. A tough game against a tough opponent. It wasn't easy. Neymar had a great game," Choupo-Moting said.

"I thought when I was coming on, 'We can't lose, we can't go home like this'. I was confident in myself and the team.

"We had a good feeling in the team. We are enjoying good moments on and off the pitch. We won four trophies but this one is the most important.

"We believe in ourselves. Everyone knows we have top-quality individuals but we wanted to show team [work]. I'm very happy we did it today.

"It's a long time and we [have] never won the Champions League. With such a great team you have to have this ambition. We will give everything in the next game and continue to believe."

With the win, PSG reached the last four of the Champions League for the first time since 1994-95. The Ligue 1 champions had been eliminated from the competition at the quarter-final stage in three consecutive seasons.

PSG will now face the winner of Thursday's match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig in the semi-final at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday.

Paris Saint-Germain produced a stunning late turnaround to beat Atalanta 2-1 and reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 1995.

Mario Pasalic's first-half strike had looked set to settle a contest in Lisbon that will be remembered for a series of first-half misses from Neymar, the worst of which came when through on goal in the third minute.

Thomas Tuchel's side dominated large spells but looked short of sharpness after playing few games in the past five months, even following Kylian Mbappe's introduction from the bench after he shook off an ankle injury.

However, Marquinhos prodded home a fortuitous equaliser in the 90th minute before Neymar and Mbappe combined to set up Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to become the unlikely hero and break Atalanta hearts.

Keylor Navas saved from Alejandro Gomez but it was Neymar who missed the best of the early chances, combining brilliantly with Mauro Icardi only to skew a finish well wide with the goal at his mercy. 

Navas then produced two outstanding stops to keep out headers from Hans Hateboer and Mattia Caldara, although the latter had been in an offside position. 

Neymar created another opening only to fail to take advantage, but Pasalic made no mistake 27 minutes in, curling a first-time finish past Navas after the ball deflected into his path off Duvan Zapata. 

Neymar had become the only PSG player looking likely to score and yet was the reason they went into half-time behind, the Brazil star dancing his way through and rifling wide and then blazing over after an errant backpass from Hateboer. 

Berat Djmisiti flashed a shot wide following a set-piece before Tuchel turned to Mbappe with just over half an hour remaining and then threw on Julian Draxler as desperation grew. 

Mbappe drilled a shot straight at Marco Sportiello and Neymar did likewise after another mazy run, and a brilliant challenge from Jose Luis Palomino denied Mbappe from close range. 

Just as Atalanta seemed to have done enough for another famous victory, Neymar turned a deep cross into Marquinhos' path and he finished via the knee of Caldara. 

And 149 seconds later, Neymar released Mbappe into the area, the France striker drilled the ball across the box and Choupo-Moting slid in to send PSG into the last four to face RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid.

What does it mean? Tuchel saved by magic touch of an ex-Potter  

League success was not enough to spare Maurizio Sarri the sack after Juventus were knocked out by Lyon, and Tuchel was likely facing a similar fate as the clock struck the 90th minute. 

Credit must be given to his players, who battled on until those crucial late chances came – and few would have thought it would be former Stoke City man Choupo-Moting to provide the killer touch. 

Atalanta will feel deflated, having played so well throughout the season during their first visit to Europe’s top table. 

Neymar illuminates... 

In the first half in particular, Neymar was dazzling at times. Atalanta had a set-up designed to limit his room to operate and yet he waltzed through challenges as though in a video game. 

He had 112 touches in the match, created four chances, contested 33 duels and attempted 50 passes in the Atalanta half – and played a key role in both goals. 

...and infuriates 

Those misses! 

Neymar’s wayward first-half finishing looked set to go down in infamy – the first one had Mbappe watching on in disbelief – and PSG almost paid the price. 

What's next? 

PSG go through to face either RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid next Tuesday.