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A number of Kenyan Premier League (KPL) teams have welcomed the transfer window which started in the country on Monday.

The window will allow clubs to strengthen their weak areas ahead of the new KPL season which Goal understands will start in October.

Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa is among the officials to have welcomed the transfer window which is set to run for 12 weeks until November 2.

“It gives us the chance to re-look at our squads again and make sure we have the right balance going into the new season,” Kalekwa told Goal on Monday.

“As a club, we have set a target of bringing on board five new players, most probably we will have three from local clubs and two from the foreign land, we have negotiated with most of them and now that the window is open, they should sign deals anytime soon.”

On whether ex-Gor Mahia captain Musa Mohammed is still among the targets, Kalekwa said: “We are looking at many players, the technical bench gave a list of players they want us to sign, of course, we are also looking at Mohammed, but we will not force ourselves to sign him if he doesn’t want to take our offer.”

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula says he will definitely beef up his squad now that the window is open.

“We were waiting for the window to open so that we can start talking to our targets and we now have the chance to start negotiations,” Shimanyula told Goal.

On whether they will let go off midfielder Peter Thiong’o, Shimanyula said: “We want to keep our squad and add a few players, we don’t want to let our key players leave and furthermore, it is AFC Leopards am told who want to sign Thiong’o but you know they don’t have money to sign the player.”

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack maintained he will be cautious in this window despite losing a number of key players including Dickson Ambundo, Boniface Omondi, and defender Joash Onyango.

“I know the window just opened but do I have the money to sign new players? Polack posed a question to Goal. “I can only talk about new signings when the management gives me to bring in new players, we don’t have money and I don’t know how the situation will unfold.”

On the first day, AFC Leopards confirmed parting ways with striker Vincent Oburu, while Gor Mahia revealed defender Onyango is set to sign for Tanzanian giants Simba SC on a two-year deal.

Express FC have unveiled the signing of goalkeeper Kusiima Cryspus from Tooro United.

The club has confirmed the arrival of the keeper on their official website by stating: “Express have on Monday, August 10, announced the signing of goalkeeper Kusiima Cryspus on a two-year deal.

“The 24-year-old who was formerly at Tooro United will be looking to battle for the number one jersey alongside mainstay Matthias Muwanga.”

On signing for the Red Eagles, Cryspus said: “I am very happy to join this great club and I can’t wait to get started.”

Kusiima’s arrival is a boost to the goalkeeping department which needed backup in case any of the goal minders picked up a long term injury.

The custodian becomes the first of many signings to come for Express ahead of the new season which is scheduled to start on October 17.

In a recent interview, Express boss Wasswa Bbosa admitted he was expecting a competitive 2020/21 Ugandan Premier League (UPL) season.

"We all know clubs are re-organizing themselves and that they will be competitive next season," Bbosa told reporters.

"But actually if anything, we have already done our homework on all the teams. So I would say we are braced up for any team that will come our way."

The six-time league champions finished the abandoned league in the ninth position with 31 points, after managing nine wins, four draws, and 12 losses.

Bbosa was appointed at the club at the expense of the sacked George Ssimwogere. After steering the team from the relegation zone to a ninth-place finish, he was rewarded with a three-year contract.

Bbosa is also keen to make Express a competitive side in the country, able to challenge their rivals in the top-flight among them KCCA FC, Vipers SC, and SC Villa.

"We want to bring the team to the level where it will be competing for trophies," the experienced tactician said.

"Express is a well-known traditional club. She is a big brand that does not need to be in relegation dogfights. I promise the fans that we are ready to do anything that will make this club great again.

"Before I left Express it was performing well and in good positions and I hope and believe that it's where we are going. We are working on so many things to ensure that we revamp Express. This is a big club with a rich history so it should aim for big things."

After the 2019/20 struggles, the Wankulukuku-based side went on to release 18 players who they felt were surplus to requirements.

Those released were Tonny Kyamera, Joshua Adea, Mohammed Yiga, Emmanuel Bafoe, Martin Kizza, Joseph Zziwa, Hamis Batega, Andrew Kiwanuka, David Kakeeto, Hamdan Nsubuga, Axel Konan, Lawrence Kigonya, Dennis Sserukwaya, Peter Mutebi, Isaac Doka, Shafiq Avemah, Baker Lukooya and Idris Kabonge.

Former India international footballer Renedy Singh expressed his grief over the passing away of his former teammate Laishram Manitombi Singh with whom he shared the dressing room at Mohun Bagan and the Indian national team.

The former Mohun Bagan and Salgaocar FC defender breathed his last after a prolonged illness on Sunday. He was only 39 at the time of his death.

Singh could not fathom the death of a teammate as he said, “It is really sad. He has gone too soon. We played together for Mohun Bagan. He was also in the Indian team. After retirement, I used to meet him in Manipur. He used to train academy boys. He was also coaching a local team. He retired early but he was quite active with football after retirement.

“This is something which is not in our control. It is difficult for me to accept that someone who played with me is no more. May his soul rest peace,” the former Mohun Bagan winger told Goal.

He informed that Manitombi was suffering from an illness for the past four months and the situation got worse in recent times.

“Four or five months back I saw him at the stadium (Khuman Lamphak). He was suffering from an illness. In the last few months, it got worse. It is really sad. But in life, you never know. He has served football with honesty, he worked with the youth.”

The late footballer is survived by an eight-year-old son and wife and Renedy Singh informed that he is planning to gather former and current players to raise funds once the Covid-19 pandemic is over in order to support the deceased’s family.

“He has got one son who is eight years old and a wife. I don’t know if his wife is working. I was thinking if we could raise some funds for the family. Because he suffered from the illness for long and a lot of money must have been spent in the last few months. We can't do anything now due to the pandemic but once it is over all of us the ex-players and current players will try to raise some funds for his family. We are just thinking of this,” said Singh.

Garhwal, formerly an independent kingdom in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand was founded by Kanakpal, the progenitor of the Panwar dynasty, in 823 AD. In 1947, when India became independent from the British Raj, Garhwal was one of the princely states that did not accede to India. It was two years later that, the 60th king of Panwar Vansh, Manvendra Shah, the last ruling Maharaja of the Garhwal Kingdom, accepted India's sovereignty. 

A few years later, Kesar Singh Negi, founded Garhwal Heroes FC, a platform for young players of the Garhwali community to compete locally in Delhi. Subsequently, they were registered with the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) and in 1986 they won the first Delhi Senior Division League title. After braving a lengthy period of financial hardship, the club once again became the Champions of Delhi in 2012-13. 

Following the win, the club rechristened itself as Garhwal Football Club (GFC) in order to fulfill the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) club licensing criteria to participate in the AIFF (All India Football Federation) recognised competition. 

In 2020, in the 2nd Divison I-League, the club was hitting all the right notes and was placed at the top in Group A with 14 points from seven matches until the Coronavirus pandemic forced the suspension of the competition in mid-March. Although the break-in sporting activities has hampered their preparations, the team is raring to get back on the pitch and restart their quest to book a berth in I-League. 

Kishore Taid, one of the directors of the club remains upbeat about their chances and feels that it is time that the Government allows sporting outfits to at least start training. 

"Live sports and international fixtures are not the only important activities. There are many livelihoods involved here at the grassroots. So many coaches are being hit financially because of the pause in sporting activities. People are going regularly to markets and other activities have resumed. Actually, this is such a small industry that it seldom attracts the attention of the government," Taid explained to Goal.

The team will retain its core members and might add an Asian overseas player before the start of the tournament as reinforcement. Their goal poacher Ekmobong Victor Philip was in fine form as he netted seven goals in as many matches and will continue to lead the lines. Nigerian defender Bala Alhassan will marshall the defence.

"We had a good squad and we were playing well as you can see that the team was on top when play had to be stopped. Definitely, our preparations have been affected due to the pandemic. But the squad knows how to stick together and the coaches are in constant touch with the players. They are keeping themselves fit and we are doing whatever that can be done remotely. 

"The foreign players will remain the same. But Kazu (Kazumasa Noura) has gone home in April due to the pandemic. So currently we have two foreigners and only two can play in the starting XI. But we will be looking to add one more, and also a few domestic players as well," informed Taid. 

The contracts have been extended till the end of the 2nd Division tournament and only if the club qualifies for I-League the side, will look to renew the deal with players who do not have a multiple-year agreement. 

(Vikas Rawat, Coach)

Like most other outfits Garhwal has also been hit financially by the Coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, the testing costs during the tournament will burn another hole in the pocket. Taid believes that in this situation, financial management will be key for the clubs to survive as in spite of subsidies from AIFF, the revenue sources have taken a hit. 

"All industries are affected due to the pandemic and we are no different. The sponsorship market has also taken a hit. So to hold the competition in a shorter format is a good idea from the federation. The cost remains the same but the revenue has gone down. It is difficult and now we have to manage our finances accordingly. 

"The AIFF has already announced that they will give subsidy. Now the question is whether they will shell out more because of the pandemic. The Covid expenses will be extra and we will talk to AIFF about that. But again subsidy is not a long term solution. We should look for financial sustainability."

Coach Vikas Rawat and his assistant Arun Singh had done a phenomenal job in guiding the team to the top of the pile before the break. But the circumstances have changed and moreover, opposition teams like Mohammedan have made some blockbuster signings like Willis Plaza and Eze Kingsley to strengthen their bid for a spot in the upper-division. Ekta (Unity), Shaurya (Bravery), Vijay (Victory) are the guiding principles of the club - the time has come to live up to them on the football pitch. 

Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has described Chelsea new signing Hakim Ziyech as ‘magnificent’ while also comparing him with Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez.

Ziyech shone during his four-year stay with the Sons of the Gods as they clinched the Eredivisie title, KNVB Cup, Johan Cruyff Shield and finished as runner-up in the 2017 Europa League.

The Reaal Dronten academy graduate scored 38 goals and provided 62 assists for Ajax amid other dazzling displays which caught the attention of several European clubs.  

The forward then settled for Chelsea after it became clear he was leaving the Johan Cruyff Arena outfit with the Premier League club parting with €40 million to secure his signature.

The winger, who signed a five-year deal with the Stamford Bridge outfit, only teamed up with the Blues in July, after completing the 2019-20 season with Ajax.

The 27-year-old Morocco international is known for his dribbling skills and technique which he uses to break up defences.

Ferdinand feels the style of play of Ziyech is similar to Algeria international Mahrez and believes the forward will be a hit in the Premier League.   

"We watched Ziyech last season for Ajax, he was magnificent," Ferdinand told BT Sport

"He reminds me a little bit of [Riyad] Mahrez but he crosses the ball a little bit more. He's someone who's really always trying to find a way to unlock defences with his delivery. [He has] a lot of guile."

Mahrez was the best-performing player as Leicester City won the Premier League in the 2015-16 campaign and deservedly scooped the club’s Player of the Season and PFA Players' Player of the Year awards among other individual accolades.

The winger spent four years at the King Power Stadium before joining Manchester City in the summer of 2018 and has also been in fine form for the Citizens.

In the 2019-20 campaign, the forward bagged 12 goals and provided 13 assists as Pep Guardiola’s men finished as runner-up in the Premier League.

While Ziyech has 14 goals in 32 appearances for Morocco, Mahrez has been capped 57 times by Algeria and led the side to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Goias had their opening game of the Campeonato Brasileiro season against Sao Paulo postponed after 10 of the club's players tested positive for COVID-19.

In the hours leading up to kick-off on Sunday, Goias announced they had only that day been informed 10 of their 26-man squad had returned a positive result and eight of those were set to feature in the starting line-up.

Tests carried out on Thursday were deemed invalid by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) due to being "improperly packaged", the club said.

After receiving the results from a new round of testing undertaken on Friday less than 24 hours before kick-off, Goias sought to have the game suspended.

Players took to the field to warm-up as it remained unclear whether the match would go ahead, but a decision was taken just before the scheduled kick-off at 16:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

The president of the CBF's medical commission Jorge Pagura told SporTV: "As soon as it was clear that the results came out, that Goias had 10 players with a positive test, we started to contact the Goias medical department.

"Goias requested, as is its right, to do a counter-test. We awaited the results.

"In order not to lose the game we waited the maximum amount of time. Near the time to make the decision came the result of the 10 positives. At that time, health comes first."

Results of the counter-tests carried out by Goias were only received 10 minutes before kick-off and nine of the initial group of 10 were positive again, club president Marcelo Almeida told a news conference.

Sao Paulo approved of the decision not to go ahead with the game.

"Sao Paulo expresses its support and informs that it is in agreement with the decision to postpone the game this Sunday, in Goiania," the club posted on Twitter.

"There is nothing more important, at this time, than preserving health and reflecting to society the important of taking care."

Brazil has seen over three million confirmed cases of coronavirus and more than 100,000 deaths as a result of the virus.

Gianfranco Zola said he is "surprised" by Juventus' decision to appoint first-time head coach Andrea Pirlo following Maurizio Sarri's dismissal.

Pirlo, 41, was sensationally appointed Juve coach on Saturday after the Serie A winners sacked Sarri following their Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of Lyon.

Former Juve midfielder Pirlo, who was only recently named the Under-23s boss in Turin , will surprisingly have his first taste of senior coaching with the Bianconeri.

Zola worked as an assistant to Sarri at Chelsea in 2018-19 and he told Sky Sport Italia: "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprised by this.

"It's fascinating and if the project works, it'll go down as a huge success story for the club. It's not an easy job, though, as Juventus are asking to win in a certain way.

"This is a courageous move from the club and based on the quality of the man, but Pirlo will need their support going forward. It's not simple, but I do think he can have real success."

Bianconeri legend Alessandro Del Piero believes Pirlo has what it takes to match the achievements of Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid - who has won three Champions Leagues and a league title with the Spanish club.

"It’s not a fair comparison, because Zizou had already worked with the Real Madrid youth team and then was Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant manager, but Pirlo has everything it takes to do even better than Zidane," Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia.

"He already knows the club, the players, the directors, so I think they communicated in a very clear way.

"To be honest, I wouldn’t have bet on him becoming the coach. It’s a surprise for me too.

"I was already pleased for him taking the Under-23 role and thought that was the right move for him, but he’s skipped ahead, so I can only wish him luck.

"I think the general perception of former players who become coaches is changing in Italy. Before, there was this need to go through a long process in the lower leagues to learn the trade, but in recent years we’ve seen Filippo and Simone Inzaghi succeed, plus Gennaro Gattuso. They were great players and started straight away with great teams."

Pirlo left Juve in 2015 after the Bianconeri, who had been chasing the treble, were beaten 3-1 in the Champions League final by Barcelona.

He spent two years in MLS with New York City FC before calling time on his playing career.

The 2006 World Cup winner is a six-time Serie A champion, having won two Scudetti with Milan and four with Juve. He twice triumphed in the Champions League as a Rossoneri player, in 2003 and 2007.

Highlands Park striker Kwena Manyathela has set his sights on making his father, Lesley Manyathela, proud. 

Lesley, who tragically died in a car accident on August 9, 2003, was one of the best strikers in the country during his days with Orlando Pirates. 

Kwena was only three years old when his father passed away and he also pursued a career in football.

The promising marksman is currently playing for the Highlands Park' reserve side having been nurtured at the club's academy. 

“My dad passed away when I was three-years-old," Kwena told Far Post. 

"So, I don’t recall many things about him but I have many wishes if he was alive one thing I know is that I love him and I want to pick up where he left."

Kwena, whose middle name is Lesley Junior, is keen to make a name for himself and go on to ply his trade abroad. 

“I have a lot to achieve and I just want to make him proud. There is a reason why he named me after him [Lesley Junior]" he added.  

"I am going to give my all to make sure that I achieve his dream by playing overseas."

Nicknamed Slow Poison, Lesley attracted interest from European clubs after he inspired Pirates to the 2002/03 PSL title by scoring 18 goals and he scooped the league's Golden Boot award.

Slow Poison, who played for Bafana Bafana, South Africa under-23 and under-20 national teams, underwent trials with French giants Olympique Lyonnais and Greek side OFI Crete.

However, Manyathela returned to Pirates ahead of the 2003/04 season and he scored a consolation against Jomo Cosmos in the 2003 SAA Supa 8 (MTN8) match on August 9, 2003.

The goal proved to be his last as the prolific frontman was killed in a car accident as he was on his way to his Limpopo hometown of Musina.

The Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot Award is named after him and his jersey number 22 has been retired by Pirates in honour of the player.

The South African Football Association (Safa) also temporarily retired the number 19 jersey which Manyathela had previously worn while playing for Bafana.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would love to see Paul Pogba lift the Europa League again with Manchester United after sensing the Frenchman is fully committed to the cause.

The Man Utd boss has decisions to make in a host of areas and admits it is hard to see how senior goalkeepers David de Gea, Sergio Romero and Dean Henderson can all stay with the club.

But Pogba's status with the club has shifted so considerably that Solskjaer knows he can rely on the French midfielder heading into Monday's quarter-final against Copenhagen.

There were previously question marks over the World Cup winner's interest in staying at Old Trafford, but Pogba has once again become a central figure for his manager.

"We're delighted he's back playing, he's fit and he's enjoying his football," Solskjaer said.

"He's got to make up for lost time and he's trying to do that. He's training extra, he's always a great personality in and around the place.

"Hopefully we can see him lift this trophy that he's done before."

Pogba was in the side that beat Ajax to win the 2016-17 Europa League, and next season a Champions League campaign awaits.

Solskjaer was speaking in Cologne, where Man Utd's remaining games in Europe will take place this season.

He spoke in glowing terms of the progress made by Anthony Martial, saying the French forward has "made huge strides" and is "physically at the best level in his career".

Solskjaer also addressed the prospect of playing behind closed doors when there are such high stakes at play, expressing his regret that the pandemic has made such steps necessary.

"I think it is strange and it's not football as it should be," Solskjaer said.

"That little bit of passion and that edge to the game is missing because the fans have got to be there.

"But I have to commend my players. They've handled the situation really well and I know our fans can't want to get back to Old Trafford to support us.

"We have to make the most of this Europa League now - hopefully get as far as we can so they're looking forward even more to seeing the players."

Cyriel Dessers and Paul Onuachu inspired Genk to a 2-1 comeback victory against Zulte Waregem in their opening game of the 2020-21 Belgian First Division A season on Sunday.

Dessers joined the Blue-White in June following his eye-catching performances during his one-year stay with Dutch side Heracles Almelo.

The forward bagged 18 goals across all competitions and his 15 strikes in the Eredivisie earned him the league’s top scorer award along with Steven Berghuis.

The 25-year-old was handed a starting role in his debut game in the division after impressing during their pre-season matches, where he scored a number of goals.

Dessers spearheaded Genk’s attack and marked his competitive debut with a goal while his compatriot Onuachu came off the bench to make a key impact.

After a cagey opening 40 minutes, Olivier Deschacht broke the deadlock to give Zulte Waregem the lead after benefitting from Bassem Srarfi’s assist.

Onuachu was then introduced for Mats Moeller Daehli moments before the hour mark and ignited his side’s comeback with a well-taken effort in the 73rd minute.

Dessers then scored the match-winning goal with 10 minutes left to play, converting from the penalty spot.

The Belgian-born Nigerian striker featured for the duration of the game along with Senegalese midfielder Ibrahima Seck and Burundi international Saido Berahino, who ended on the losing side.

Dessers was handed his first Nigeria call-up against Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game which was scheduled for March 2020 but the outbreak of coronavirus forced the postponement of the game.

Onuachu, meanwhile, has six caps for the Super Eagles and was part of Gernot Rohr’s side that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Nigerian strikers will hope to help Genk continue in the winning ways when they take on OH Leuven in their next league game on August 15.

New Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah is expected to lead the club's decision-making process concerning their possible participation in the Caf Champions League next season.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has handed the Porcupine Warriors a ticket to represent the West African nation in the elite continental inter-club championship following premature termination of the 2019-20 domestic football season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In ordinary times, the winners of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) earn the sole right to represent the nation in the Champions League.

Amponsah was announced as the new Kotoko CEO on Friday.

"Nana Yaw will start work on Monday at the club secretariat to assess things and advise the board on Africa," Kotoko board member Alhaji Abu Lamin told Atinka FM.

"He has not met with the technical team yet and he needs to know the kind of players we have if they are quality enough [and] the club financial status before anything."

Amponsah, a GFA presidential aspirant last year, has replaced GFA Executive Council member George Amoakoh as Kotoko CEO. 

Among the former Phar Rangers chief's challenges will be leading the club through a one-year directive which requires the club to stay off the transfer market for one season.

The embargo was issued by club life patron Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

“I just came, so I will engage the coaches and assess the current squad," Amponsah told Opemsuo FM.

"Kotoko were third in the truncated league, and they could have won the league.

"I am not sure the current crop of players are that bad so when I see there’s a need to improve the team through the recommendations of the technical team, then I will engage the Board, and I am sure when they explain it to Nana [Otumfuo] and it makes sense to him, I know Nana won’t restrict us from doing that and, he will do just what will make Kotoko great again."

Kotoko have won the Champions League on two occasions, 1970 and 1983.

“The Nana Yaw Amponsah I know is a very ambitious and persistent fighter for long-lasting success. With the support from the Board and supporters, there is no way he is not going to succeed,” former Kotoko coach Michael Osei told Opemsuo FM.

“It is good the Board has agreed to let Nana Yaw Amponsah steer the affairs of the Club now because he’s got the connection to help the Club secure juicy sponsorship to fetch money for the club."

On the domestic scene, Kotoko have won the Premier League on 23 occasions, the most by any club. 

Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo were in action as Rangers secured a convincing 3-0 victory over St. Mirren in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership game.

Balogun teamed up with Steven Gerrard’s men in July after parting ways with Championship side Wigan Athletic following their relegation to League One.

The 32-year-old defender was handed his second consecutive start and delivered a solid showing to help the Gers keep a clean sheet and secure all three points.

While Balogun paired Connor Goldson at the heart of Rangers defence, Aribo starred in the midfield along with Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara.

The Gers started the game on an impressive note when Conor McCarthy was forced to turn the ball into his own net in the 23rd minute.

Alfredo Morelos then doubled the lead in the 69th minute before completing his brace in the 74th minute to ensure Ithe brox Stadium outfit secured a comfortable victory in the encounter.

Balogun, who featured for the duration of the game, made three clearances, one key pass and had a 100% pass accuracy in the match.

Aribo, meanwhile, made five key passes, struck one shot on target and had impressive pass accuracy before he made way for Scott Arfield in the 74th minute.

The midfielder won the Gers’ Young Player and Goal of the Season awards for last campaign and was in a terrific form during their pre-season games.

Rangers, who finished second behind Celtic in the 2019-20 season, now have six points from two games after opening the new campaign with a win over Aberdeen

The Nigeria internationals will hope to continue the fine performances for the Ibrox Stadium outfit in their next league game against St. Johnstone on August 12.

Balogun has 32 caps for Nigeria since he made his debut for the three-time African champions against Mexico in March 2014.

Aribo, meanwhile, has played four times and scored two goals for the Super Eagles, having made his bow against Ukraine in 2019.

Godfrey Oboabona put in a good shift in Dinamo Batumi’s 4-0 triumph over FC Chikhura by accounting for an assist.

Having defeated FC Samtredia 2-0 in their last Georgian Erovnuli Liga encounter, George Geguchadze’s men secured an away win at the Central Stadium Sachkhere to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Batumi made their intent known as early as the third minute when Giorgi Nikabadze beat goalkeeper Giorgi Begashvili to give the visitors the lead.

Injury to winger Goncalves Nogueira saw him coming on for Tornike Gaprindashvili but that did not threaten Geguchadze’s team as they doubled their lead two minutes later through defender Mamuka Kobakhidze, who converted the Nigeria international’s assist.

Jaba Jigauri ensured that his team went into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead after making good use of Nikabadze’s assist.

FC Chikhura had their own fair share of opportunities, nevertheless, the trio of Giorgi Bukhaidze, Luka Kikabidze and Tengiz Tsikaridze were unable to convert the chances that came their way nor beat a backline marshalled by Oboabona and Vladimer Mamuchashvili.

Jigauri completed his brace in the 79th minute with Mamuchashvili credited for the assist.

Oboabona saw every minute of action alongside compatriot Benjamin Teidi as Dinamo Batumi secured their second away win of the season.

With this result, they have now accrued 17 points after nine matches to stay second in the log - one point behind leaders Dinamo Tbilisi.

Oboabona and his team visit Sport-kompleksi Shatili next Sunday for their next fixture against Merani Tbilisi. Zorbeg Ebralidze’s men, who are 10th in the log, are yet to win a game since the commencement of the season.

The Nigerian took to social media to revel in his team’s victory as well as hist assist.

“One assist for me and another away win for Dinamo Batumi today. Kudos to my team for a job well done. We will keep fighting until we get the league title which is our main focus,” he tweeted.

After spells with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig, Croatia’s HNK Gorica and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the 29-year-old joined the Georgian outfit, who will be campaigning in the Europa League next season.

Two members of Atletico Madrid's travelling party for the Champions League quarter-finals in Lisbon have tested positive for the coronavirus, the club has confirmed.

The news comes as Diego Simeone's side prepare to face RB Leipzig in the Portuguese capital on Thursday with a place in the final four at stake, with the results of those positive tests potentially putting UEFA's condensed finale to the season in jeopardy as the European governing body look to conclude their showpiece tournament.

Both individuals, who have not been revealed to be either players or staff members, are currently in self-isolation at home.

"Yesterday, [on] Saturday 8 August, all members of the first team and the club's traveling party [set to head] to Lisbon underwent PCR tests at the Ciudad Deportiva de Majadahonda as required by UEFA protocol, [in order] to participate in the quarterfinals of the Champions League," the club confirmed in a statement .

"Among the results known today, two positives have appeared. Both individuals are isolated in their respective homes, and their results were immediately communicated to the Spanish and Portuguese health authorities, UEFA, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the Portuguese Federation and the Higher Sports Council.

"The corresponding action protocol foreseen for these cases has been activated, which requires new PCR tests to be carried out on the first team and members of the expedition to Lisbon and the closest contacts of the positive cases.

"These tests will result in changes to training schedules, and in the structure and development of travel and accommodation in the Portuguese capital.

"The club will coordinate the new schedules with UEFA and as soon as there is a new plan, it will be made public. We request the utmost respect for the preservation of the identity of the two positive cases."

Atletico have not played since July 19, when they concluded their domestic campaign with a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, to secure a third-place finish in La Liga.

They were set to return to action this week on the back of their remarkable triumph over Champions League holders Liverpool back in March, when they turned the Reds over 4-2 on aggregate

Ghana international Lee Addy has disclosed he is in discussion with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak over a potential transfer.

The 30-year-old was among a contingent of Ethiopia-based Ghanaian footballers recently evacuated back home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With Ghana's borders closed to regular travel and with no trip back to Ethiopia in sight, the centre-back is looking to make a return to the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

"I am talking to three clubs Kotoko, Ashanti Gold and Hearts of Oak and we hope to come to a conclusion soon," Addy told Max FM.

"Hearts and Kotoko are like Barcelona and Real Madrid but I also respect AshGold very well, so any of them that gives me a good offer I will gladly accept.

"I am a footballer and will take any offer which is good for me, it could be in Africa or Europe and I will embrace the offer."

Addy played for Berekum Chelsea in Ghana before travelling abroad.

After a fine showing for the Black Stars at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Accra-born joined Serbian side Red Star Belgrade.

"I had played the World Cup in 2010, won the best defender in Ghana twice but when I got to Red Star Belgrade I was told I am not ready to play and needed more time," Addy said.

"My first game was a derby and I was not invited to camp but later I was called to come and play.

"That first game I played I earned a contract in China because I played very well."

After two years with The Star, Addy sealed a transfer to Chinese outfit Dalian Aerbin.

The defender moved on to play for Croatian folds Dinamo Zagreb and Lokomotiv Zagreb before joining Cukaricki in the summer of 2015.

“I am still playing and any team that comes to me that we should go into an agreement and it is good, then I think I will embrace it and play for them. If it is a local club or team from outside Ghana," Addy recently told TV3.

“Football is like a military or pastoral job, anywhere God directs you to go, you have to go. So anyone who comes to me that I need you to come and help my club, I will be very glad to go and exhibit the great talent God has given to me.

“This is my country and when you are playing in your country, it is a little bit easier because of the language and the culture but when you are playing outside it is very difficult.

"I have played all over the world and I know how it is, especially Eastern Europe like Serbia, Croatia, etc, but if you are playing in your motherland and the contract is okay, then you play to your very best and you excel.”

Addy played for Zambian side Lusaka Dynamos and South Africa outfit Free State Stars before travelling to Ethiopia. 

Brandon Williams has been "perfect" for Manchester United this season, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Sunday, as the teenage defender spoke out about his rapid rise.

Left-back Williams has shot to prominence, making his first-team debut in the EFL Cup against Rochdale last September and swiftly becoming a fixture in Solskjaer's plans.

He should start against Copenhagen in Man Utd's Europa League quarter-final on Monday, with Solskjaer having no doubt the 19-year-old is ready for such stages.

Williams was selected as the player to face the media in a news conference and shed a little light on why there is a spark of aggression in his game.

"I think it's from when I've been a kid here from the age of eight," said the academy graduate.

"It's drilled into you from a young age what this club means. It's part of the DNA to have that inside you, but you've got to have it controlled and not over the top.

"That's from what the United coaches over the years gave me."

Like most youngsters given a chance of top-level football, Williams is obliging to those above him, so as he sat next to Solskjaer it was no surprise he said he was happy to feature "wherever the manager wants me to play".

He was rewarded with a new four-year contract in the past week, but Williams is wary that a fall could yet follow his impressive scaling of the club's ranks.

"It's been a crazy season for me, myself and my family to be honest," he said.

Asked at what point he felt he had established himself as a first-team player, Williams said: "I think it's not a case of that, because at any time I can drop down into the Under-23s or pick up an injury or anything.

"I'm just focused on what I'm doing. I want to keep working hard, improve on as many things as I can improve on, and try to play as many games for the club as I can."

Solskjaer, keen to push through young players with promise, added: "It's a great achievement for him this season and he's been perfect for us."

The game is not all about youth though, with Solskjaer preparing for a reunion with an old friend and former Norway team-mate in Copenhagen boss Stale Solbakken.

Solbakken said Copenhagen would have to play the "perfect" game and hope that United "don't fire on all cylinders".

"We need to take the one, two or three chances we get in a match like this," Solbakken said.

"The chances are not great, but it's an advantage for us that it's over 90 minutes and not 180 minutes. You shouldn't put your house on us tomorrow, but we will give everything."

Solskjaer recalled first playing against Solbakken in 1995 and compared their careers of fluctuating fortunes. Solbakken is enjoying his second spell at Copenhagen, after less successful stints with Cologne and Wolves.

"In a similar way he's had his ups and downs but he's really come through again," said the United boss, who recalled how in 2011 Solbakken helped him secure his coaching badges.

"I went to Copenhagen to do my study for the Pro Licence, which was very kind of him to let me in. They lost to Chelsea [then] so hopefully this time they'll lose to us."

Antonio Conte is eager for Inter to "give everything" in the last eight of the Europa League, even if only to ensure they have no regrets should they be beaten.

The Nerazzurri have advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face Bayer Leverkusen on Monday in their first match of an eight-team finals tournament in Germany.

Inter have long been among the favourites to win Europe's secondary club competition and got past Getafe in the last 16.

But while Conte is optimistic heading into the Leverkusen game, he suggests Inter could still go away content if they performed to the best of their ability and fell short.

"We must be positive," Conte told a pre-match news conference on Sunday. "We work hard to achieve the goal, which must be the maximum possible.

"To get from here to the end, we will have to prove it on the pitch. We cannot have complaints. We will have to give everything.

"If it is enough to get to the semi-finals, or the final, or to raise the cup, we will all be happy - or we will go out where it is right to go out but without having complaints."

The coach acknowledged a tough schedule had taken its toll on his side, but Inter are still raring to go.

"We come from playing many games in a row in harsh weather conditions," he said. "But there is enthusiasm and desire to face this challenge and go to the semi-finals.

"I think we are all trying to work to bring Inter back to where they belong, to be a team who are capable of winning trophies."

However, to get past Leverkusen, Inter will have to find a way to stop Kai Havertz, the talismanic forward who has been heavily linked with Chelsea.

"Havertz is a player who has great qualities," said former Chelsea coach Conte.

"He has great technique and has what it takes to have a great career, but we hope he won't show it tomorrow."

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott thinks Kevin De Bruyne needs to continue his ‘remarkable’ performances for 'a bit longer' to eclipse Yaya Toure’s impact at the club.

The 29-year-old, renowned for his playmaking skills, produced outstanding performances for the Citizens this campaign as they finished second in the English top-flight and as they aim for the Uefa Champions League trophy.

During the 2019-20 Premier League campaign, De Bruyne was involved in 33 goals which include 13 goals and he equalled a league record of 20 assists in 35 appearances. Meanwhile, Toure, during his fourth campaign in England, scored 20 goals from the middle of the park with a contribution of nine assists in 35 games.

Toure left Man City in 2018 after helping them win three Premier League titles while the Belgium international guided Pep Guardiola’s side to back-to-back league success in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.

When quizzed whether De Bruyne's impact at Manchester City eclipses Toure’s, Lescott said: “No. He’s got to do it for a little bit longer.

"Yaya’s best season outweighs Kevin’s (best season). He scored 20 goals in that season, in 13/14.”

The former England centre-back who played for Manchester City between 2009 and 2014, also urged De Bruyne to be consistent with his performances if he hopes to etch his name as a Premier League legend.

“What he’s doing and the impact he’s having on every game is remarkable. He’s setting a new standard,” he added.

"Rio’s era of Gerrard and Lampard - some great players in the Premier League era - but what Kevin De Bruyne’s doing is remarkable.

“I think if he continues to do this for another three or four years, he’s in the conversation (of Premier League greats).”

After dumping Real Madrid out on Friday, Manchester City will battle Ligue 1 club Lyon in the Champions League quarter-final at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Saturday

Kostas Tsimikas is set to become Liverpool’s first signing of the summer, with the Olympiacos defender set for a £11.75 million ($15m) move to Anfield from the Greek outfit, Goal can confirm.

The 24-year-old is set to arrive at the Premier League champions as an back-up for starting left-back Andy Robertson, who has not faced any natural competition for his place over the course of the last season, with James Milner filling in when required.

It is expected he will complete a medical early next week, after which his arrival will be made official.

After failing to agree terms with Norwich City over a deal for 22-year-old Jamal Lewis, the Reds turned their attentions to the Greece international, who featured 46 times for the Pireaus side during the 2019-20 campaign, fashioning seven goals.

The Canaries turned down a £10m ($13m) bid from Liverpool for Lewis last week, and that ultimately persuaded Jurgen Klopp’s recruitment team to seal a deal for Tsimikas.

The Reds had also studied the possibility of moving for Sergio Reguilon, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla from Real Madrid and has been linked with a possible summer moves to Chelsea and Everton after a campaign in which he scored three goals and laid on four more in all competitions for the outfit from Andalusia. 

The arrival of Tsimikas is set to signal the end of Yasser Larouci’s Liverpool career, with the 19-year-old former Le Havre player set to be allowed to depart the club on a permanent basis.

He had made two appearances for the first team, both in the FA Cup, while he also featured in the EFL Trophy for the Under-23s on a couple of occasions this term. 

Meanwhile, 20-year-old left-back Adam Lewis is set to be given first team experience elsewhere, with a number of clubs vying to sign the England U20 international on loan.

It is believed that Luton Town, who finished 19th in the Championship last season, just three points above the relegation zone, are among the front runners for his services.

Liverpool have already seen Dejan Lovren depart the club for Zenit St Petersburg this summer, while Adam Lallana joined Brighton on a free transfer. Nathaniel Clyne and Andy Lonergan have also been released.