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'It's definitely something to work on' - Davids critical of Orlando Pirates' finishing after Royal AM draw

The retired striker has identified an area where the Soweto giants need to improve after dropping points at home

Orlando Pirates co-interim head coach Fadlu Davids was disappointed by his charges' finishing in front of goal following their draw against Royal AM on Thursday evening.

The Buccaneers fought back to hold Thwihli Thwahla to a 1-1 draw with Linda Mntambo canceling out Levy Mashiane's opening goal in a PSL encounter which was played at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Davids was also not pleased with the manner in which they conceded against Royal AM as miscommunication between defender Happy Jele and goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane led to Mashiane tapping the ball into an empty net.

"We never really got into the game in the first minute, credit to the opponent they came pressing us, their centre-backs stepping into midfield lines, we didn't really get that space," Davids told SuperSport TV.

"But we were giving away too many balls easily in the build-up phase, not able to progress the ball from the back, to midfield and into the next line. So the first half was not what we really expected.

"Disappointing the way we conceded, although we were not in the game but to concede a goal like that is really disappointing but okay, it's part of the game but really fantastic second-half."

The 40-year-old tactician feels that Bucs played much better in the second half following the introduction of Bandile Shandu, who was a livewire in the right flank as a wing-back.

"We changed the structure a little bit, inverted our wing-backs, really creating problems getting back into the game and really unfortunate that we couldn't get the winner, because the dominance in the second half I think we should've got a goal from that," he continued. 

"We really need to take the positives out of this second-half performance and we have to start games better, especially at home. We wanted to dominate the game but really we couldn't put our foot on the ball but much better second-half."

The former Maritzburg United head coach, who is working with fellow co-interim coach Mandla Ncikazi, feels that the 'final shot' is one of the aspects missing from their game. 

"That's how we want to play, that's how we want to dominate teams but again what's eluding us is that final shot, we're getting into fantastic positions," he added.

"We're unlocking teams but we're not able to put the ball in the back of the net, it's definitely something to work on and of course starting games better."

Pirates will now play host to Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on November 2. 

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)
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'I was raised to respect everyone' - Pjanic ends Koeman feud with Instagram denial

The midfielder claimed he meant no contempt by his social media post after his former boss was sacked

Miralem Pjanic has ended his prolonged feud with former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman after Koeman was sacked on Wednesday night.

The Besiktas midfielder, who sparred with Koeman repeatedly following his Blaugrana exile, denied an ambiguous, since-deleted Instagram post was meant as disrespect towards the head coach, and the Bosnia and Herzegovina star appeared to put the entire clash behind him.

Pjanic wrote that "it’s very easy to misquote someone and place them out of context" and added he was "raised to respect everyone" and didn't want to cause further problems.

What's the context for Pjanic's comments?

The 31-year-old on at least two occasions since his September exit has spoken in strong terms about Koeman.

He accused Koeman of disrespect soon after his move to Besiktas, and then suggested Barcelona needed a better leader earlier this month.

As a result, people honed in on his social media accounts to see what he might say in the wake of Koeman's firing. But it seems his initial post - which shared the quote "know when to let that sh*t go" - was misconstrued by fans as a dig at the Dutchman.

Pjanic then shared a follow-up message to explain himself.

What has been said?

“In a world where everyone’s eyes are glued to their screens, it’s very easy to misquote someone and place them out of context," Pjanic wrote.

“Throughout my career, I have never intentionally, indirectly or directly, intended to harm anyone. I was raised to respect everyone and anyone.

“And I content to continue doing that in all ways. I wish Ronald Koeman the best of luck in his future journey.

“I will continue to focus on doing my best for my team.”

Further reading

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Mohamed Salah and the Curse of Normalised Brilliance

Who would make a Dream Team of the Reds’ 2019-20 and the Blues' 2009-10 generations?
(Originally posted by Ed Dove)
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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Man Utd lose interest in Conte

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
(Originally posted by Goal)
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'Not acceptable!' - Rooney rips Man Utd players for lazy effort against Liverpool

The former Old Trafford hero said the 5-0 defeat last weekend "wasn't easy to watch"

Wayne Rooney has ripped former club Manchester United for not putting in sufficient effort in their 5-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend.

The current Derby County manager said it "wasn't easy to watch" the Red Devils be run off the pitch by their rivals, but he came away most concerned by "too many players not willing to run back, not willing to defend and not willing to put everything on the line for that club".

He called the display "unacceptable" as he added to a chorus of criticism against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men.

What has been said?

"The Liverpool game wasn’t easy to watch," Rooney told reporters. "I’m seeing too many players not willing to run back, not willing to defend and not willing to put everything on the line for that club and that’s not acceptable.

"Those players need to be hurt, need to feel when you lose games how much it hurts you.

"There is a big responsibility on those players. They are world-class players, international players and a club like United need more.

"The players have to question themselves. It’s too easy for the manager to take all the stick when those players are being paid a lot of money to do the job and I don’t think they’re doing it well enough."

Solskjaer a 'fighter'

Rooney also defended Manchester United's boss as someone who will battle until the end to turn around his team's fortunes.

"Obviously there’s pressure on Ole - everyone can see that," he said. "But I know Ole and he’s a fighter. He’ll keep doing the right things, believing in what he believes in, and trying to get more out of those players."

Bigger picture

Former Manchester United players and coaches have been brutal in their assessments of the club this season, with Rooney joining Gary Neville and Sir Alex Ferguson in criticising the club this month.

The pressure has registered with the players; on Wednesday, forward Marcus Rashford admitted to feeling embarrassed in the wake of the Liverpool loss.

Further reading

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Transfer Talk: Brentford keeper Raya on Arsenal's radar

The striker was not permitted to take part in Tokyo, but he will not take no for an answer for the next Games

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has announced his intention to play the Olympic Games in his native France in 2024. 

Mbappe is already a World Cup winner, having lifted the title in Russia with Les Bleus three years ago. 

And he has now set his sights on Olympic gold, stating that he cannot miss out on the opportunity to represent his country in the "unique" competition. 

What was said? 

“It was while watching the London Olympics in 2012 that I realized the importance of this global competition. The Games are "THE" benchmark for sport, the absolute holy grail that all sportsmen and women in the world want to compete in and experience at least once in their life," Mbappe stated in an open letter published in L'Equipe.

"This is the time when you can give people the most pleasure, convey emotions and experience them in return. Being in the Olympic Village, giving, receiving, is a unique experience."

Mbappe went on to explain how watching the London Games in 2012 inspired his dream of one day leading out France at the world's biggest sporting event.

"I must have been 13, I was still very young, I remember the hours leading up to some competitions in London. I was impatient. Before each game of the American basketball super team, with LeBron (James), Kobe (Bryant). I wanted to see how Usain Bolt was going to transport us to the track in athletics, 100m, 200m," he added.

"I followed a lot of other sports, of course football with Neymar's Brazil who was beaten in the final by Mexico, and Ney, disappointed, said he wanted to win four years later in Rio, in his country.

"That's when I said to myself, I want to be there too. I want to experience the Paris Games. It's a strong inner feeling, as if I were destined to participate in this huge celebration in my city, in my country, a hundred years after the last competition in France (the Summer Games). 

"It is a childhood dream that emerges. I dream of going to other sports that we don't have time to see the rest of the year: judo, handball and men's women's basketball, 3x3 in basketball, volleyball, canoeing, even skateboarding!"

What happened in 2021? 

PSG refused Mbappe permission to take part in the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo, along with Brazil duo Neymar and Marquinhos, arguing that it would disrupt pre-season preparations following his participation in Euro 2020 earlier in the summer.

"Already, in 2020, for the Tokyo games, I wanted to participate, it was an objective but they quickly pulled the rug out from under my feet," he said of missing out on the competition.

"When you see what the French teams have succeeded ... We won in volleyball, in hand, we were finalists in basketball against the United States. They went to look for gold and brought credit to France. I hope to experience that and do the same in 2024, with a team that would bring together the best players of the moment.

"These Games will be in France, they are those of the centenary in Paris. It's not the biggest competition in football, but you have to play the Games in your career. It is something unheard of when you are in love with sports."

Further reading 

(Originally posted by Goal)
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Brighton boss Potter describes Liverpool’s Salah as 'out-of-this-world class' ahead of Premier League clash

The 29-year-old is the leading top scorer in Jurgen Klopp's team having scored in each of his last 10 matches for the club

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter has described Mohamed Salah as 'out-of-this-world' player ahead of their Premier League trip to Liverpool on Saturday.

Potter is aware of the danger Salah poses to his team after he scored a hat-trick against Manchester United last Sunday to extend his league tally to 10 goals and five assists after nine games.

Jurgen Klopp's men are yet to lose a match in the English top-flight this campaign as they are on a nine-game unbeaten streak.

When asked about how his team will stop the Egyptian goal machine on Saturday, Potter said per the Independent: “That’s a very good question. At the moment he’s not world class, he is out-of-this-world class!

"He is producing in all the big games too – Chelsea, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United.

“But, unfortunately for us, it’s not just him who is a top, top player for Liverpool. It’s a team. These top teams have wonderful individual players but they are also a unit and a team and we must try to deal with that.”

Brighton and Hove Albion have failed to win their last four league games, however, Potter is optimistic that the Seagulls can turn their poor form around at Anfield.

"Anything is possible of course, but it is the most challenging footballing environment there is," he added. "Anfield with a crowd is a completely different animal, I would suggest, than what it is without.

"You need everything pretty much to go your way if you want to try to get a result at Anfield.

"You have to be perfect yourselves, you have to be together, you have to be resilient and play at such a high level and then you have to hope that they have a bit of an off day as well. Because while we are in the same league, we are not at the same level as them.

"We can learn and use that experience last season but I would suggest we will have to step it up again.”

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)
  351 Hits

Kenya 2-1 Zambia: Nyakeya helps Harambee Stars earn rare victory against Chipolopolo

The minister gave an account of the cash she alleged the FA had received over the last three years and will be part of the ongoing inspection

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has dismissed claims they received Ksh433,500,000 from the government to support the national teams.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, on Wednesday according to Daily Nation, told a parliamentary committee that the said money is part of the cash channelled to the federation since the 2019 financial year to support national football teams.

Acknowledging receipt of money of varying amounts from the government, FKF, however, stated they did not receive the actual amount claimed by the minister.
 
"Football Kenya Federation has learnt that the Ministry informed the Sports, Culture and Tourism parliamentary committee, on October 27, 2021, that the government advanced Ksh433,500,000 meant for national team engagements, to the federation," the letter - in possession of Goal - from the federation to the Sports Minister, read.
 
"Whereas the federation remains grateful for the support the Ministry of Sports has accorded the Kenya national teams thus far, our bank account records indicate that between 2019 and 2021 the federation received and accounted for Ksh355,512,205 and not Ksh433,500,000 as communicated by your good self. 
 
"In light of the aforementioned, and in order to reconcile and account for the missing Ksh77 million that was not received by FKF as part of the Ksh433,500,000 figure shared with the sports and tourism parliamentary committee.


 
"The federation wishes to request the Ministry of Sports and/or the National Sports Fund, to furnish FKF with exchequer releases and/or bank details indicating where the more than Ksh77 million meant to support the national teams were remitted, including a Ksh 9.5 million that was purportedly remitted to the federation to support the Harambee Stars in the Cecafa tournament, as the federation has no record of the remittance. 
 
"Kindly accept, dear Cabinet Secretary, our sincerest gratitude, this even as we await your kind but urgent feedback on the matter."
 
There has been friction between the Sports Ministry and the FA, especially after Mohamed ordered the Sports Registrar Rose Wasike to undertake an inspection of the accounts of the federation.  

"The roadmap on the future of FKF will be determined by the findings of the committee. If the audit establishes that everything at the federation is okay, there will be no need to go further," Amina said of why the insection is being undertaken.

"If the committee establishes that there are issues, we shall engage stakeholders on the way forward."

(Originally posted by Kiplagat Sang)
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Blow for Orlando Pirates as Mabasa joins growing injury list ahead of Royal AM clash

Bucs have issued an update regarding the injuries in their camp as they look to snap their three-match winless run in PSL against Thwihli Thwahla

Premier Soccer League giants Orlando Pirates have announced that Tshegofatso Mabasa has joined the club's growing injury list ahead of the clash with Royal AM.

The Buccaneers are set to resume their PSL campaign when they welcome Thwihli Thwahla at the 2010 Fifa World Cup training ground, Orlando Stadium, in Soweto on Saturday.

They are coming off a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Congo-Brazzaville outfit Diables Noirs on Sunday which saw Pirates advance to the play-off round of the Caf Confederation Cup.

Mabasa featured as a substitute against Diables in the second round first-leg match which was played at Orlando Stadium, where the Buccaneers won the tie 1-0 on aggregate. 

Pirates have now released the following statement indicating that Mabasa and veteran goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands are the latest players to pick up injuries: 

"There has been some progress on the injury front, with some players in the Buccaneers’ long injury list nearing a return to action," a club statement read. 

"Meanwhile, goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands and striker Tshegofatso Mabasa are among the latest injury concerns in the camp.

"Neither side [Pirates and Royal AM] has a player in the suspension list, meaning all fit players in both camps are eligible for selection."

Mabasa has been Bucs' best striker thus far this season and he has been named in the Bafana Bafana's provisional squad for next month's 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Ghana and Zimbabwe.

The left-footed marksman and Sandilands have joined the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch, Innocent Maela, Zakhele Lepasa, Richard Ofori, Frank Mhango, and Vincent Pule on Pirates' injury list. 

While one of Bucs' key players Ben Motshwari remains suspended by the club after being charged by the police last month.

Meanwhile, Pirates have been boosted by the availability of Olisa Ndah, who missed the match against Diables Noirs.

"Having hit the ground running in his first few appearances in Bucs colours, new recruit Olisa Ndah can be expected to feature in the matchday squad after not being available ahead of the Club’s last fixture," a club statement read.

The Nigeria international, who is a central defender by trade, impressed in Pirates' last PSL game against Maritzburg United which ended in a 0-0 draw in Pietermaritzburg on October 20.

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)
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‘Osimhen shifts balance more than Lukaku’ – Bologna coach Mihajlovic hails Napoli star

The Nigeria star continues to dazzle in front of goal and he is still the leading scorer for the Parthenopeans this campaign

Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlovic has labelled Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a "really strong" player ahead of their Serie A clash on Friday.

Osimhen has scored nine goals in 11 competitive matches this season and his fine goalscoring form has helped Luciano Spalletti’s men maintain an unbeaten streak in the Italian top-flight.

Napoli are three points behind leaders AC Milan, with a game in hand, and Mihajlovic described the Nigeria international as "an engine" who controls the Parthenopeans’ frontline, comparing him to former Inter Milan talisman Romelu Lukaku, who scored 24 Serie A goals last campaign.

He further claimed Osimhen justified the record amount paid for his signature from Lille in August 2020.

“He shifts the balance even more than Lukaku,” Mihajlovic said in a press conference, per Football Italia. “What do they eat in Naples?

“He seems like he has an engine. He’s ‘ignorant’, but in the good sense of the word. He runs, opens the game, restarts, scores.

“He’s really strong, but I didn’t expect this much. It’s also true that they paid €70m for him.”

Meanwhile, Napoli boss Spalletti also talked about Osimhen’s development despite their tight schedule across all competitions.

“When there are such tight deadlines, you risk being too heavy if you go into depth,” Spalletti said. “It’s clear that when there are weeks available, you also remain individually with different players, to work on what they do least.

“When the time is limited, it must be used at a group level, as a team. Then, even within the group, there are situations that can improve individual players because we watch videos, we work on possession and non-possession phases, on how our construction should be.

“Osimhen has already adapted very well and must know that he will receive much more. It’s part of his role. After the messages sent, he has received everything and now has exemplary behaviour, that is OK for us.”

Napoli dropped their first points of the season against Roma after a goalless draw on Sunday, but they have the chance to reclaim the top spot at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona if they grab maximum points.

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)
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AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Late penalty sinks India against UAE

After yesterday's results all four teams of Group E are tied at three points...

India U-23 suffered a 1-0 defeat to UAE U-23 in their second Group E match of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers at the Fujairah Club Stadium in Fujairah. In a match where chances were hard to come by, the victors were fortunate to get a penalty in the 80th minute which was duly converted by Abdullah Idrees. 

India's coach Igor Stimac made a single change to the starting XI that won 2-1 against Oman with Lalengmawia replacing Aniket Jadhav. The Croatian stuck to the back four of Asish Rai, Deepak Tangri, Narender Gahlot, and Akash Misra with Dheeraj Singh under the sticks. Lalengmawia slotted in as a defensive midfielder and skipper Suresh Singh was instructed to operate in an advanced position to put pressure on the UAE centre backs while chasing the ball. Vikram Pratap Singh and Rahul KP occupied the wide areas while Rahim Ali was the lone striker upfront. 

The Whites started to dominate right from the start enjoying the lion's share of ball possession. But India held their shape well and hardly provided any space for UAE. The likes of Sultan Adil and Majid Rashid kept knocking but ran out of steam after they reached the attacking third with Gahlot and Tangri stifling the forwards. 

It was not until the 33rd minute that UAE had a clear sight of the goal but Rashed Salem's attempt was brilliantly kept out by Dheeraj in a one-on-one situation. Just at the nick of half-time India had got the ball at the back of UAE's net but Ali was adjudged to have touched the ball from an off-side position.

The dynamics of the game hardly changed after the break with UAE trying every trick up their sleeve to break down a disciplined and composed Indian defense. Around the hour-mark Abdullah Sultan found an open net to head the ball home due to some miscommunication in Indian defense but the player could only strike it wide. Stimac responded immediately by sacrificing Vikram Pratap and bringing on Sumit Rathi. 

The hosts upped their ante in the final 20 minutes as they started pouring more bodies forward in search of the opener. In the 74th Ali Saleh got a freebie as India lost possession in a crucial area but it was Dheeraj once again who came to the rescue with an outstretched hand. 

With just 10 minutes to go, Suresh conceded a penalty as he brought down Ali Saleh inside the box. Abdullah Idrees stepped up to take the spot-kick and the defender made no mistake to break the deadlock with a calm and composed effort. Stimac threw in Jadhav and Rohit Danu in the dying embers of the game to salvage a point but it was not enough. 

In the other match, Oman beat Kyrgystan 1-0 which meant that all teams are tied at three points after two matchdays. Stimac's troops will once again return to action in the decider against Kyrgyzstan on October 30. 

(Originally posted by Soham Mukherjee)
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2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification: Indian U23 national team squad, fixtures, results

All you need to know about India U23 national team's 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification participation...

India were off to a flying start in the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, as they edged out Oman 2-1 in their opening group stage clash on Sunday at the Fujairah Stadium in Fujairah, UAE.

Rahim Ali and Vikram Pratap Singh had handed India a convincing 2-0 lead in the first half itself. Oman then pulled one back in the 89th minute of the match but it wasn't enough in the end as the Blue colts bagged the three points. 

Coach Igor Stimac named a 23-man squad for the same including some players from the senior team in the likes of Suresh Singh, Lalengmawia. The team assembled in Bengaluru on October 17 and on October 20, they flew to UAE. 

INDIA U23 NATIONAL TEAM SQUAD FOR THE 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification:

GOALKEEPERS: Dheeraj Singh, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Mohammad Nawaz.

DEFENDERS: Narender Gahlot, Alex Saji, Hormipam Ruivah, Asish Rai, Sumit Rathi, Akash Mishra.

MIDFIELDERS: Suresh Singh, Amarjit Singh, Lalengmawia, Jeakson Singh, Deepak Tangri, Rahul KP, Komal Thatal, Nikhil Raj, Bryce Miranda, Princeton Rebello.

FORWARDS: Vikram Partap Singh, Rahim Ali, Rohit Danu, Aniket Jadhav.
 

2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification: INDIA NATIONAL TEAM FIXTURES

DATE TIME FIXTURE STADIUM RESULTS
October 24 10:00 PM Oman U23 vs India U23 Fujairah Stadium Oman 1-2 India
October 27 10:00 PM India U23 vs UAE U23 Fujairah Stadium  
October 30 10:00 PM India U23 vs Kyrgyz Republic U23 Fujairah Stadium  
(Originally posted by Soham Mukherjee)
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LIVE: West Ham v Manchester City

Thanks for joining me for this coverage of West Ham's 5-3 penalty shootout win over Manchester City in the EFL Cup after the 90 minutes ended 0-0.

Guardiola's team had won this competition the last four seasons in a row, but this penalty shootout defeat confirms that there will be a new name on the trophy this season. For the hosts, it's a huge win in a season that is shaping up to be pretty special as they continue to defy the odds in the league as well as in domestic and European cup competitions.

So it finishes 5-3 on penalties to the hosts after finishing goalless in normal time. Foden missed his side's opening penalty by putting it wide of Areola's goal, and the Hammers scored all of theirs to knock out the reigning champions of this competition. That's harsh on the visitors, who did everything but score during the 90 minutes.

It’s all over! Benrahma’s penalty is brilliant and right in the side of the net, and it’s West Ham who go through.

Grealish keeps his side in it by smashing his penalty into the top right.

It’s 4-2 to the Hammers! Cresswell places it into the bottom corner.

Jesus coolly slots it into the right side of the goal as Areola went the other way.

Dawson makes it 3-1! He sends the keeper the wrong way.

What a penalty! Cancelo smashes his penalty into the side of the net to get his side on the board.

It’s 2-0 to the Hammers! Steffen gets a hand to Bowen’s penalty but it goes into the net anyway.

Foden has missed! The young Englishman smashes his effort wide of the right post!

The captain Noble side foots his effort straight down the middle to make it 1-0 in this shootout.

It's up to Steffen and Areola to be the heroes for their respective teams. Which keeper will win the mind games and send their team through to the next round of this competition?

And so we finish goalless and this game will be decided from the penalty spot. It was a game that was certainly dominated by the visiting side, and they will wonder how they haven't managed to get this tie won within the 90 minutes. They went closest with Ake in the first half and then Stones and Sterling in the second period. The hosts also had chances and Soucek probably went closest as he fired past the far post.

90' + 4' END OF 90 MINUTES: WEST HAM UNITED 0-0 MANCHESTER CITY

90' + 3' The free-kick is blocked by the wall and Sterling then heads straight at Areola.

90' + 2' Fernandinho wins a late free-kick in a potentially dangerous position outside the box.

90' Close again for the visitors! Foden lashes a low shot just past Areola's left post as we move into three minutes of additional time.

88' Soucek sends a side-footed effort well over from the edge of the box.

86' City force a couple of late corners as they start to really put the pressure on. Can they take advantage of one of these?

84' What a save! Zinchenko shoots from 30 yards out Areola makes a great acrobatic save to get up and tip it over the bar.

80' It's the visitors who are looking the more likely to snatch a late winner here and send themselves through to the next round.

78' De Bruyne tries to dribble into the box but his touch is too heavy and it goes harmlessly behind for a goal kick.

76' Foden's shot deflects into the path of Gundogan but the German just can't quite get enough quality contact on the ball to stab it home.

74' The full-back is up and we are back playing.

73' Cresswell is down receiving treatment after a coming together with Sterling. 

71' Cresswell's corner is very poor and curls out for a goal-kick after missing everybody in the box.

70' Zincehnko blocks a Lanzini effort from distance behind for a corner.

68' Palmer smashes well over after Sterling laid the ball off to him in the middle of the box.

66' Cresswell sends a corner over but there's an offside as it pings around the area and the visitors have a free-kick.

64' The visitors still have Foden to come on off the bench, who has been involved in nine goals in his last seven starts in this competition.

61' Mahrez sends a tame half-volley from the edge of the box towards goal, but Areola easily gathers the attempt.

60' Soucek gets the ball laid off to him in the box and he aims for the top right corner but his effort just goes past the post. This game has shot into life in the last few minutes.

59' City go close for the third time in a matter of minutes! That might be Areola's best save of the three too, as he palms a Stones header from a corner away from five yards out.

58' Now it's De Bruyne who goes close, as his shot from the edge of the box is deflected and Areola again makes a good save to push it behind for a corner.

57' Sterling cuts in from the left and aims for the near post, but Areola does well to save it low to his right.

55' And now it's the hosts who go close! Steffen can only palm Masuaku's effort across to Yarmolenko, when Zinchenko does brilliantly to get across in time to block his countryman's shot.

53' It should be 1-0 to the visitors! Palmer does well to hold off a challenge from Soucek and the young forward passes to Gundogan to the left of the goal, but the midfielder's dinked effort goes across the face of goal and out for a goal kick.

52' Mahrez has a cross blocked by his teammate De Bruyne before it can reach its intended target.

50' Masuaku sends a decent effort arrowing over Steffen's goal after he was played in down the left by Noble.

48' The Hammers have started this second half well as they press for the opening goal.

46' The hosts get us back underway for the second period.

Both teams will hope to progress into the next round of this competition as they look for cup glory this season. Which manager will blink first and make the necessary changes to win this tie?

The scoreline is 0-0 as we go to the break although Guardiola will surely feel his men should be in front after spurning a couple of good chances. The best of those came just before the break as Ake sent a header wide of the post from a Mahrez free-kick when it looked as if the visitors would go in front. Mahrez and Palmer also went close, with the best opportunity for the hosts coming when Noble's shot from distance was saved with relative ease by Steffen.

45' + 1' HALF TIME: WEST HAM UNITED  0-0 MANCHESTER CITY

45' A big chance goes begging for City! Mahrez sends the free-kick over and Ake does excellently to get on the end of it. However, he can't get his header right and it edges past the post when he should've scored.

44' Lanzini drags down Gundogan in midfield and is perhaps lucky to escape a booking for doing so.

42' Areola is brave to come and claim a Gundogan cross as Stones lurked.

41' Palmer sends a poor effort over with his left foot when he had options to pass on both his left and right.

39' Ake does just enough to intercept a cross before Yarmolenko can get a header away at goal. He heads it up into the air, allowing Steffen to come and claim.

37' The electric Mahrez tries again to make something happen, but his effort from distance is blocked by Dawson.

35' Gundogan lofts a cross over to the back post but Mahrez's volley flashes back across goal and away from danger.

34' Mahrez tries to deliver into the area but the Algerian gets it badly wrong and it curls out for a goal kick.

32' Walker sends in a low cross but it's dealt with by the defence before it can reach Sterling.

30' Gundogan fires well over from outside the box.

28' Sterling weaves into the box but is crowded out by the home defence and he loses the ball.

26' Yarmolenko gets the ball to feet in the area but he can't make space for a shot and Ake smashes clear.

25' Palmer shoots from the edge of the box but Areola saves it with his feet and the danger is cleared.

23' The home side are just starting to creep up the pitch and ask a few questions of their own.

21' Ake brings down Yarmolenko as the Ukrainian breaks, but Noble's free-kick to the back post doesn't cause any issues.

19' The visitors win a corner but it's headed clear at the front post.

17' Noble stings the palms of Steffen with an effort from distance.

15' Zinchenko gives the ball away but the Hammers can't capitalise on the mistake.

13' Guardiola's men have certainly started the brighter but haven't created a decent chance as of yet.

11' The hosts have been knocked out in both of their League Cup ties with the visitors.

9' Mahrez plays another clever pass to Gundogan but the midfielder can't get his shot away.

7' Mahrez tries a ball through to Palmer but he is offside.

5' City have beaten tonight's opponents in ten of their last 11 meetings.

3' It's a cagey start to the game as both sides see attacks peter out.

1' The visitors kick us off and we are underway.

The two sides make their way onto the pitch.

Visiting boss Pep Guardiola brings in seven changes from the beating of Wycombe in the last round with the likes of Stones and Palmer coming into the starting lineup while Foden drops to the bench.

Home manager David Moyes makes three changes with Cresswell, Soucek and Vlasic coming in while Bowen drops to the bench and Ryan Fredericks and Alex Kral miss out completely.

SUBS: Joao Cancelo, Scott Carson, Ruben Dias, Samuel Edozie, Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus, Jack Grealish, Ayemeric Laporte, Rodri.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Zackary Steffen; Oleksandr Zinchenko, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker; Ilkay Gundogan, Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne; Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez.

SUBS: Darren Randolph, Harrison Ashby, Jamal Baptiste, Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen, Daniel Chesters, Vladimir Coufal, Pablo Fornals, Kurt Zouma. 

WEST HAM (4-2-3-1): Alphonse Areola; Ben Johnson, Craig Dawson, Issa Diop, Aaron Cresswell; Mark Noble, Tomas Soucek; Arthur Masuaku, Manuel Lanzini, Andriy Yarmolenko; Nikola Vlasic.

The Citizens are third in the league and are through to this round of the competition having beaten League One side Wycombe Wanderers 6-1 in the previous round. They've won this competition the last four seasons in a row.

The Hammers are through to this stage of the cup after beating Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford with an early Manuel Lanzini goal. They also sit fourth in the Premier League having won six of their nine games this season.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of this Round of 16 EFL Cup clash between West Ham United and Manchester City at the London Stadium.

  325 Hits

LIVE: Preston North End vs Liverpool

That is all for tonight folks, thanks for joining us once again. Goodbye!

Liverpool will find out their next opponents on Saturday, but their attention will quickly turn to the Premier League ahead of their game against Brighton, while Preston will hopefully use tonight's display as a launchpad to improve their Championship fortunes.

Two moments of quality from Minamino and Origi help Liverpool book their place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup. Preston missed three chances to score in the first 45 minutes, with Maguire, Ledson and Potts all going close, but Liverpool made them pay when they got the opportunity. Minamino converted Williams' cross for the opener, before Origi's scorpion kick doubled his team's advantage. Job done as far as Liverpool are concerned, while Preston will be proud of their efforts. 

90' + 3' FULL-TIME - PRESTON 0-2 LIVERPOOL.

90' Three minutes of stoppage time to come at Deepdale.

89' SAVE! Rudd ensures that the score stays at 0-2 as he races off his line to smother a shot from Williams. The right-back had the chance to play in Minamino, but he went for the selfish route and was made to pay. 

86' Origi has now been directly involved in 13 goals in his ten starts in the League Cup, scoring 11 and assisting two.

83' McAvoy looks to have played all of his cards by now, and it will take a massive effort from Preston to come back from behind at Deepdale, but time is on their side.

80' Jones drives forward towards the Preston box, but he sees his shot saved by Rudd after failing to generate any power.

75' Phillips' introduction at half-time has been seamless for Liverpool, with the youngster forming a solid partnership with Gomez. The duo have had very little to do so far, but there's every chance they will be put through their paces before full-time.

72' Liverpool forward Minamino now has five goals in as many EFL Cup matches for the Reds!

65' Preston now have 25 minutes to salvage something from this tie, but they will need to dig very deep indeed, with Liverpool looking comfortable in possession like they have done all night.

60' Barkhuizen tries to squeeze his shot into the near post, but Adrian gets into a prime position to deny him. 

58' Maguire appears to have had some of his fingers strapped, and he looks fine to continue! 

57' The game comes to a halt as Maguire goes down under a challenge from Minamino. It looks like the forward has hurt his hand, and the physios are now on the field to tend to him.

54' CLOSE! Oxlade-Chamberlain thrashes a shot wide of the far post, and Rudd was worried, but the former Southampton man went for power over placement.

51' McAvoy has also got some big decisions to make, with his team doing a fantastic job so far. If he decides to freshen things up, his side may lose their foothold on the game. 

49' Liverpool have injected a bit more pace into the game at the start of the second half, but Rudd's only involvement has been to take goal-kicks. If Klopp wants to avoid penalties, he may need to introduce Jota or Firmino in the next ten minutes or so. 

48' Minamino wastes a great chance to score after being played in by Oxlade-Chamberlain. The winger latched onto the looping pass but took his eye off the ball and the home side win a goal-kick instead.

46' We are back underway at Deepdale, with just one change being made at the interval.

Liverpool's second-string will no doubt come out firing after a rallying cry from Klopp at the break, and the first ten minutes of the second half are so important for Preston. Hopefully, they can produce more of the same, and we get an end-to-end second 45 minutes. 

The referee brings the first half to a close, and overall, that was a disappointing 45 minutes of action. Liverpool have had plenty of possession, but they have not done anything with it, with Preston goalkeeper Rudd a passenger so far. Sadly for Preston, they have wasted their chances to score, with Potts going close twice, while Maguire and Ledson saw their shots saved on the line. 

45' + 1' HALF-TIME - PRESTON 0-0 LIVERPOOL.

44' Rudd has yet to make a save tonight, and McAvoy would have taken that with one minute remaining of the first half.

41' This game has felt like a training exercise for Liverpool, but Preston have not had anything to worry about so far, and the sheer number of changes Klopp has made has taken the sting out of his team by the looks of things.

39' Liverpool have progressed from 16 of their last 17 League Cup ties against sides from a lower division, with the exception coming in the 2010-11 campaign when they lost on penalties to Northampton Town.

36' Liverpool could do with lifting the tempo of this match, especially if they want to open the scoring before half-time. Everything is a little one-paced at present, and that is playing into Preston's hands.

34' Liverpool duo Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jones are starting to get more joy in midfield, but they have yet to create any meaningful chances for Blair, Origi or Minamino.

30' This game is now starting to feel like a proper cup tie; it just took 25 minutes for the players to warm up.

28' SO CLOSE!!! Preston miss three chances to open the scoring, but Liverpool keep them at bay. Maguire's first shot was blocked by Adrian, but Ledson then saw his effort saved on the goalline by Williams. With Liverpool failing to clear their lines, Potts had the chance to punish them, but he leaned back and blasted his shot over the crossbar. Preston might not get a better opportunity to open the scoring, and they will be kicking themselves! 

24' CHANCE!!! Potts goes close to opening the scoring, but Adrian stays big to deny the Preston midfielder. Liverpool's midfield were caught trying to play a high line, but Potts failed to take the chance, and it remains 0-0.

20' Preston's five-man midfield is doing an excellent job of neutralising Liverpool's attacks, but whether they can keep that up for the rest of this match is another question.

18' Just a reminder that his game will go straight to penalties, should neither side get the job done inside 90 minutes.

15' Liverpool's midfield needs to take control of this fixture, with Oxlade-Chamberlain a key cog in this Klopp team.

13' Nearly 15 minutes into the game and Liverpool have barely got going, which perhaps might not surprise some readers after Klopp decided to change his entire starting XI.

10' Preston registers the first real shot on goal, and Barkhuizen is the man that wastes it. The home side sat deep and launched a quick counter-attack, only for Barkhuizen to find the back of the stands with his effort.

8' Maguire and Barkhuizen are taking it in turns to drop into midfield to help Potts, and so far, the plan is working for McAvoy's side.

5' The home side have made a decent start to tonight's encounter, keeping Liverpool away from their penalty box inside the opening exchanges.

2' Deepdale is packed as Preston eye a famous cup shock, and they will be hoping to make a fast start in front of their passionate fanbase.

1' We are underway in Lancashire!

This is the first meeting between Preston and Liverpool since January 2009, with the Reds winning 2-0 at Deepdale in the FA Cup.

Preston boss Frankie McAvoy makes nine changes to his team after Saturday's 2-0 Championship defeat to Blackpool. Van den Berg has been given the opportunity to play against his parent club, and he will form part of the back three, and he and Hughes are the only two players to keep their place in the team. Reds coach Klopp changes his starting XI for the trip to Lancashire, with midfielder Morton makes his full debut, while Blair makes his first senior appearance for the Reds.

SUBS: Diogo Jota, Ibrahima Konate, Nathaniel Phillips, Marcelo, Conor Bradley, Owen Beck, Elijah Dixon-Bonner, Roberto Firmino, Liam Hughes.

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Adrian; Neco Williams, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Konstantinos Tsimikas; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, Tyler Morton; Harvey Blair, Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino.

SUBS: Emil Riis Jakobsen, Joshua Earl, Jordan Storey, Benjamin Whiteman, Daniel Johnson, Patrick Bauer, Daniel Iversen, Scott Sinclair, Paul Huntington.

PRESTON (3-4-1-2): Declan Rudd; Sepp van den Berg, Liam Lindsay, Andrew Hughes; Joseph Rafferty, Alistair McCann, Ryan Ledson, Greg Cunningham; Brad Potts; Tom Barkhuizen, Sean Maguire.

Preston's recent form is not something that will give them any hope as they prepare to try and pull off a cup shock. The Lilywhites have won one of their previous six matches, but they are unbeaten in seven at home.

Liverpool's squad will still be on a high following their historic win over Manchester United, but it is back down to business tonight as they travel to Deepdale. The Reds beat Norwich City in the previous round, and they will be confident of booking their place in the quarter-finals.

Good evening and welcome to tonight's live coverage of the EFL Cup tie between Preston North End and Liverpool. The Reds are unbeaten so far this season in all competitions, and the Championship side will have to be at their best to even come close to beating Jurgen Klopp's men.

  287 Hits

Drogba or Salah? Ex-Ghana and Leicester City star Paintsil makes choice on Africa’s Premier League greatest

The ex-right-back shares his thoughts on whom he thinks is the player from the continent who have made the biggest impact in the English top flight

Former Ghana and Fulham defender John Paintsil believes Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is yet to overtake Chelsea legend Didier Drogba as Africa’s greatest in Premier League history despite the former overtaking the latter as all-time top scorer.

Against Manchester United on Sunday, the Egyptian netted an incredible hat-trick to move up to 107 goals in the Premier League, three more strikes than the Ivorian whom he was tied with on 104 goals heading into the big game.

“When you talk about Premier League history, it’s a big thing. You just mentioned Drogba leading in goals and now Salah has taken over,” Paintsil told Goal .

“Drogba took about eight years to set his record and Salah has taken about four years, so we can say currently Salah is the African hitting it so hard, but also we have to look at the efforts on how they did it.

“I’d say there’s a difference between the two players. Drogba was a powerhouse. Although he spent about eight years and Salah has spent about half of that, I will still give the accolade to Drogba.

“But Salah is not that far from overtaking Drogba looking at the way he’s going. In terms if quality, power and team ethic, I can say most of Salah’s goals are individual goals.”

Drogba first played for Chelsea between 2004 and 2012, before returning for a brief second spell in the 2014-15 season.

Salah, on the other hand, first came to England in 2014, signing for Chelsea where he made his Premier League debut and scored his first goal in the competition.

He, however, struggled to settle down at Stamford Bridge, warranting a permanent move away to AS Roma in 2016 after loan deals at Fiorentina and the Italian capital club.

A year later, he moved to Liverpool.

“As I am talking to you know, I am a technical man, I’m a coach, so I will speak from a coach’s point of view. Players who play as a team and work according to the pattern of the team are always brilliant,” Paintsil explained further.

“Individual players we don’t add as team players. But sometimes when you need individual brilliance, then one can go in for them.

“Drogba was very good in the air, he was very good on free-kicks, he was also good on long-range efforts and his leadership quality was also good on the pitch and off the pitch.

“He had all these and he was a people’s person, socialised more, and as a sportsman all these count. But by the way Salah is going, he might catch up very soon.”

Paintsil, who represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, also featured for West Ham United and Leicester City during his time in England.

(Originally posted by Prince Narkortu Teye)
  234 Hits

2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification: Participating teams, fixtures, tables, top scorers, stadium and all you need to know

South Korea are the defending champions of the AFC U-23 Asian Championship...

The 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup will be the fifth edition of the biennial tournament. As the name suggests it is an age-group tournament and only players who are born after January 1, 1999, can take part. 

It was previously known as the AFC U-23 Championship but from this edition, it will be known as the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. The qualification round of the main event is set to start on October 23. 42 teams will be participating in the qualification round. 

23 teams from  West Asia, Central Asia and South Asia, were drawn into five groups of four and there is another group which has three participants. Meanwhile, 19 teams from ASEAN and Northeast Asia were drawn into four groups of four and there is one group with three teams. However, in Group G there are currently only two participants as Brunei and China withdrew on September 3 and October 11. 

Let us take a look at the groups in detail. 

2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification: Group A Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule 

Date Fixture Scores Stadium
25/10/2021 Qatar vs Yemen 3-0 Khalifa International Stadium, Doha
25/10/2021 Syria vs Sri Lanka 5-0 Suheim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
28/10/2021 Sri Lanka vs Qatar   Khalifa International Stadium, Doha
28/10/2021 Yemen vs Syria   Suheim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
31/10/2021 Syria vs Qatar   Khalifa International Stadium, Doha
31/10/2021 Yemen vs Sri Lanka   Suheim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha

Standings 

Ranking Team W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Syria 1 0 0 5 0 +5 3
2 Qatar (H) 1 0 0 3 0 +3 3
3 Yemen 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0
4 Sri Lanka 0 0 0 0 5 -5 0

Group B: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule

Date Fixtures Scores Stadium
25/10/2021 Iran vs Nepal  4-0 Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe
25/10/2021 Tajikistan vs Lebanon  1-0 Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe
28/10/2021 Lebanon vs Iran   Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe
28/10/2021 Nepal vs Tajikistan   Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe
31/10/2021 Lebanon vs Nepal   Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe
31/10/2021 Iran vs Tajikistan   Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Iran 1 0 0 4 0 +4 3
2 Tajikistan (H) 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
3 Lebanon 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
4 Nepal 1 0 1 0 4 -4 0

Group C: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule

Date Fixtures Scores Stadium
25/10/2021 Iraq vs Maldives 4-0 Al Muharraq, Arad
25/10/2021 Bahrain vs Afghanistan   Al Muharraq, Arad
28/10/2021 Afghanistan vs Iraq   Al Muharraq, Arad
28/10/2021 Maldives vs Bahrain   Al Muharraq, Arad
31/10/2021 Afghanistan vs Maldives   Al Muharraq, Arad
31/10/2021 Iraq vs Bahrain   Al Muharraq, Arad

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Iraq 1 0 0 4 0 +4 3
2 Bahrain (H) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Maldives 1 0 0 0 4 -4 0

Group D: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule

Dates Fixtures Scores Stadium
27/10/2021 Saudi Arabia vs Uzbekistan 2-2  Paxtakor Markaziy Stadion, Tashkent
27/10/2021 Bangladesh vs Kuwait 0-1 Stadion Majmuasi, Tashkent
30/10/2021 Uzbekistan vs Bangladesh   Paxtakor Markaziy Stadion, Tashkent
30/10/2021 Kuwait vs Saudi Arabia   Stadion Majmuasi, Tashkent
02/11/2021 Saudi Arabia vs Bangladesh   Stadion Majmuasi, Tashkent
02/11/2021 Kuwait vs Uzbekistan   Paxtakor Markaziy Stadion, Tashkent

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Kuwait 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
2 Saudi Arabia 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
3 Uzbekistan 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
4 Bangladesh 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0

Group E: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule

Dates Fixtures Scores Stadium
24/10/2021 UAE vs Kyrgyzstan 1-2 Fujairah Stadium, Fujairah
24/10/2021 Oman vs India 1-2 Fujairah Stadium, Fujairah
27/10/2021 Kyrgyzstan vs Oman 0-1 Fujairah Stadium, Fujairah
27/10/2021 India vs UAE 0-1 Fujairah Stadium, Fujairah
30/10/2021 UAE vs Oman   Fujairah Stadium, Fujairah
30/10/2021 India vs Kyrgyzstan   Fujairah Stadium, Fujairah

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 India 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
2 Oman 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
3 Kyrgyzstan 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
4 UAE (H) 1 0 1 2 2 0 3

Group F: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule

Dates Fixtures Scores Stadium
25/10/2021 Turkmenistan vs Jordan 0-1 King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman
28/10/2021 Palestine vs Turkmenistan   King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman
31/10/2021 Jordan vs Palestine   King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA G D Pts
1 Jordan (H) 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
2 Palestine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Turkmenistan 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0

Group G: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule

Dates Fixtures Scores Stadium
26/10/2021 Indonesia vs Australia 2-3 Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe
29/10/2021 Australia vs Indonesia   Pamir Stadium, DUshanbe

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Australia 1 0 0 3 2 +1 3
2 Indonesia 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0

Group H: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule 

Dates Fixtures Scores Stadium
25/10/2021 South Korea vs Philipines   Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore
25/10/2021 Singapore vs Timor-Leste   Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore
28/10/2021 Timor-Leste vs South Korea   Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore
28/10/2021 Philippines vs Singapore   Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore
31/10/2021 Timor-Leste vs Philippines   Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore
31/10/2021 South Korea vs Singapore   Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA G D Pts
1 Philippines 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Singapore (H) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 South Korea 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Timor-Leste 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Group I: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule

Dates Fixtures Scores Stadium
27/10/2021 Vietnam vs Chinese Taipei 1-0 Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek
30/10/2021 Chinese Taipei vs Myanmar   Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek
02/11/2021 Vietnam vs Myanmar   Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Vietnam 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
2 Myanmar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Chinese Taipei 0 0 1 0 0 -1 0

Group J: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule

Dates Fixtures Scores Stadium
25/10/2021 Thailand vs Mongolia 1-1 MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar
25/10/2021 Malaysia vs Laos 1-0 MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar
28/10/2021 Mongolia vs Malaysia   MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar
28/10/2021 Laos vs Thailand   MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar
31/10/2021 Thailand vs Malaysia   MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar
31/10/2021 Laos vs Mongolia   MFF Football Centre, Ulaanbaatar

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Malaysia 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
2 Thailand 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
3 Mongolia (H) 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
4 Laos 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0

Group K: Fixtures, Scores & Standings

Match Schedule

Dates  Fixtures Scores Stadium
23/10/2021 Cambodia vs Hong Kong 4-2 J-Village STadium, Hirono
26/10/2021 Japan vs Cambodia 4-0 J-Village STadium, Hirono
28/10/2021 Hong Kong vs Japan   J-Village STadium, Hirono

Standings

Ranking Team W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Japan (H) 1 0 0 4 2 +2 3
2 Cambodia 1 0 1 4 6 -2 3
3 Hong Kong (H) 0 0 1 2 4 -2 0
(Originally posted by Soham Mukherjee)
  301 Hits

Arsenal's 10 Best Away Kits of All Time - Ranked

The former Blackburn Rovers star believes that his charges were not complacent after eliminating one of the giants of African football

AmaZulu FC head coach Benni McCarthy felt that his side deserved a hammering following their defeat to Sekhukhune United on Wednesday evening. 

Usuthu were brushed aside by Babina Noko, who emerged 2-0 winners in a PSL game which came three days after the KwaZulu-Natal giants booked their place in the Caf Champions League group stages.

McCarthy's side was in a buoyant mood after eliminating one of this season's Champions League contenders, TP Mazembe of DR Congo with the two teams drawing 1-1 in Lubumbashi on Sunday and AmaZulu won the tie on the away goals rule.

"I wouldn't say it is complacency. I don't think these boys would allow themselves to be complacent. At least I don't allow them, to be complacent. Like I said medical reasons before the game," McCarthy told SuperSport TV. 

"So it was just not just one person it was quite a few. Not that it is an excuse, Sekhukhune made it difficult. They were very straightforward, they played the long ball and they got in behind a few times.

"We were not at our best, but normally Shoes [Mbongeni Gumede], TP [Tapelo Xoki] are so reliable. They are the ones who struggled the most today. They were the ones who were affected."

The Bafana Bafana legend revealed that some of his players were not fit to play against a well-rested Sekhukhune side, who claimed their third successive win in the PSL.

"So, the fact is that they went out there and gave everything for the team and yeah, we only lost 2-0. We have to be proud of that because what went on in our camp we had to get a hammering," he continued. 

"That is how bad it was. A 2-0 defeat we take it and move on and I think there are lessons to be learned. From now on we can prepare ourselves better when we are doing to Caf games.

"And then when coming back domestically, teams go for it, they capitalise on the travels and everything that Caf clubs deal with. So yeah today was one of those days for us."

The 43-year-old tactician stated that he was proud of his charges and he refused to blame them for the defeat to the PSL newcomers.

"I can't really blame the players or have a go at them because every single one of them gave an effort and the fact that they fought not being 100% medically fit to play," he insisted. 

"Normally most players would say no I don't want to play. But I have those players who are still willing to go out there for the team and so I am proud of the guys.

"We work hard, we go forward and we know that we are a far much better team than what we showed today. Like I said it is only the first round. There will be a second round," he added.

"In the second round, I'm very sure that this won't be the state we will be in, then it will be a different football game. For now, let them enjoy the spoils. Congratulations to them for the victory."

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)
  324 Hits

Awoniyi scores seventh goal in a row for Union Berlin to secure German Cup progress

The Super Eagles forward came off the bench to inspire the Urs Fischer's men to victory after they conceded the first goal in Mannheim
(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)
  246 Hits

'Absolutely shocked' - Bayern Munich suffer worst-ever cup defeat in Monchengladbach thrashing

The Bavarians started a full-strength lineup but still fell to their worst defeat in 43 years

Bayern Munich suffered their worst-ever DFB-Pokal defeat on Wednesday when they were thrashed 5-0 at the hands of Borussia Monchengladbach.

Gladbach took the lead within two minutes and were 3-0 up after 21 minutes, the first time Bayern had ever conceded three goals that early in a German cup match.

Ramy Bensebaini and Breel Embolo each scored a pair of goals for the home side, with Kouadio Kone also finding the net for his first Gladbach goal.

What was said?

"I'm absolutely shocked," Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told ARD after the game. "We just weren't in that match. In every situation they were tougher than us.

"A collective blackout. That was inexplicable. We know how difficult it is always in Gladbach, we discussed that beforehand. It's all difficult to explain, I have to be honest." 

Salihamidzic denied that the absence of head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who is currently recovering from Covid-19, had much to do with the result.

"Of course we want the coach to be there. But the defeat has little to do with Dino, rather that we weren't there for the duels at all.

"Everything that could go wrong really went wrong. It has little to do with the coach today."

An historic defeat

Bayern's defeat to Gladbach marked the second consecutive season they had been eliminated from the DFB-Pokal in the round of 32.

It is now the first time since 1994-95 and 1995-96 that Bayern have failed to reach the last 16 in back-to-back seasons of the competition.

Additionally, it is the first time that Bayern have lost any game by at least a five-goal margin since Fortuna Dusseldorf defeated them 7-1 in Bundesliga play in 1978.

The last time Bayern conceded five goals or more in a game was in November 2019, when Eintracht Frankfurt defeated them 5-1. Head coach Niko Kovac was sacked in the aftermath of that result.

Further reading

(Originally posted by Seth Vertelney)
  300 Hits

Nuno Espirito Santo offers positive Rui Patricio injury update

A loss to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday was the final straw for the Dutchman, who was dismissed just hours after the game

Barcelona have sacked Ronald Koeman as head coach following Wednesday's defeat at Rayo Vallecano, while Goal can confirm the role has now been offered to club legend Xavi.

The loss left Barcelona in ninth place in the La Liga table, having won just four of their opening 10 league games.

The Blaugrana have also struggled in the Champions League this term, which led to Koeman's ouster after just over a season in charge.

What was said?

"FC Barcelona has dismissed Ronald Koeman tonight as coach of the first team," a statement released by the club said. "Club president Joan Laporta informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano.

"Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad this Thursday at the Ciudad Deportiva.

"FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the club and wishes him all the best in his professional career."

Xavi offered the job

Barca could soon have a replacement for Koeman as Goal can confirm that longtime midfielder and current Al Sadd head coach Xavi has been offered the job.

Xavi has an exit clause with the Qatar side but it is understood that he wants to move to Barcelona, who are prepared to pay the fee needed to secure the 41-year-old.

Rayo loss accelerated Laporta's decision

Laporta had lost faith in Koeman several weeks ago, Goal understands, but he had remained in charge despite a slow start to the season.

But after Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Rayo, which came on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico at the weekend, Laporta felt that a change was needed immediately.

Koeman's time in charge

The Dutchman was confirmed as Barcelona manager in August 2020, taking over after Quique Setien had been dismissed in the aftermath of the club's disastrous 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Koeman saw his side struggle in his first season in charge, but did manage to bring home one piece of silverware in the form of the Copa del Rey.

This offseason saw the club go through a major period of turmoil as its dire financial situation saw club legend Lionel Messi depart as a free agent after Barca were unable to re-sign him.

Overall in 67 games in charge, Koeman had a record of 40 wins, 11 draws and 16 defeats.

Further reading

(Originally posted by Adrià Soldevila)
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