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Aduana Stars talisman Yahaya Mohammed is unhappy by the Ghana Football Association's decision to hand the nation's tickets for the 2020-21 Caf inter-club competitions to Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold.

On Tuesday, the GFA announced the complete cancellation of the 2019-20 domestic season after three months in standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic and went ahead to name the two clubs, who represented Ghana in Africa this season, for next year's championships.

Ordinarily, the winners of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) are awarded the slot for the Caf Champions League while victors of the FA Cup earn the Confederation Cup spot. Aduana led the GPL table before the season cancellation.

“I don’t have a problem with the two clubs that have been selected to represent Ghana in the Champions League and Confederation Cup," Ghana international Yahaya told Angel FM.

"However, are these two clubs ready to go and lift the flag of Ghana high? In fact, at the moment, no GPL club is ready for Africa.

"The FA would have to select the top 18 players in the GPL to represent Ghana in those competitions.

“Based on the preparation of clubs, Aduana and Medeama should have the nod to represent Ghana. Those teams are very well prepared."

While Aduana led the Premier League table as at Tuesday, Medeama occupied top spot at the time of the halt in March but a late GFA Disciplinary Committee ruling moved the Yellow and Mauves from first to sixth, handing over the kingship to then second-placed Aduana. 

Kotoko and AshGold held the third and fifth positions respectively on the standings.

In 2017-18, Ghana was similarly unable to complete its football season, then due to a corruption scandal, consequently decided against presenting any representatives for Caf competitions.

There were no Premier League or FA Cup competitions in 2018-19 as the nation was still picking itself up from the turbulent scandal. However, following a decision to make a return to continental inter-club football after a one-year absence, Ghana organised novelty competitions to determine representatives for the 2019-20 African campaign.

Kotoko won the Ghana Tier One Special Competition, which replaced the Premier League, and participated in the Champions League where their adventure ended early as they were knocked out by Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in the first round.

Ashanti Gold, who won the Ghana Tier Two Special Competition - which replaced the FA Cup - played in the Confederation Cup. Like Kotoko, the Miners journey ended in the first round following defeat to Moroccan fold RS Berkane.

Timo Werner's "obsessive quest for goals will help him settle" at Chelsea, according to Oliver Bierhoff, who has backed the £47.5 million ($59m) striker to continue scoring at a prolific rate in England.

Chelsea reached an agreement to sign Werner from RB Leipzig on June 18, bringing months of speculation over his future to a close.

The 24-year-old was linked with a whole host of top clubs across Europe before the Blues secured his signature, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Liverpool.

He has been a standout player for Leipzig throughout his time at Red Bull Arena, with the 2019-20 campaign marking his best season yet in the Bundesliga.

Werner hit 28 goals in 34 appearances to help Julian Nagelsmann's side finish third in the final standings, and Chelsea supporters will hope he can replicate that kind of form at Stamford Bridge.

Former Germany international Bierhoff - who enjoyed spells at Udinese, Milan and Monaco at club level - thinks a fellow countryman will need time to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings, but doesn't expect his output in the final third to drop in the Premier League.

"In a foreign country, you are left to your own devices,"  Bierhoff told The Athletic. "There’s a risk factor involved, but I would always do it again because you mature so much. Italy was a shock to me at first.

"You believe football is the same everywhere, but it’s totally different everywhere. The people are different, the dressing room humour is different, communication is different, the game is different.

"You need a bit of time to get used to it. There is an expectation on you that you should not take too long, of course, but I believe that Timo’s obsessive quest for goals and his ambitiousness will help him settle quickly.

"He doesn’t look left or right too much, he’s focused on scoring and performing well. And with his pace, he will score goals in England, I’m sure."

Werner's contract with Chelsea will officially begin on July 1, which means he will not be eligible to turn out for Leipzig in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The German frontman admitted that it "hurts" to be unable to help his former club continue progressing in the competition. He told Sportbuzzer: "It was clear that all parties - Chelsea, RB and my side - should and must settle this.

"Of course, I tried to keep out of the Champions League issue as much as I could because it was clear that I would have to hurt one side. That's why my agent finally agreed it with the clubs."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admires the way Jurgen Klopp's clubs play football, stating that Liverpool's high-pressing, all-action approach to games is “a benefit for the world”.

Guardiola's City beat the Reds to the Premier League title last season by a solitary point, but were ultimately blown away in the 2019-20 campaign as Klopp's well-oiled machine rolled their way to glory for the first time since 1990.

Both teams are widely regarded to be the best the English top tier has to offer ahead of the clubs going head to head on Thursday, with many more hotly-contested clashes between the sides bound to go ahead in the future.

Guardiola, however, insists that he continues to have a positive relationship with the man who is considered to be his closest rival in terms of managerial prowess.

“As a human being first, I don’t know him that well,” the Catalan coach told a press conference. “We had dinner together once. I admire him, the way his teams in Liverpool and Dortmund, this type of football that his teams produce always is a benefit for world football.

“It is a massive, positive thing to try and always score goals. Jurgen is a big, big example for this. He wants to win and I want to win but when it is finished the game is over, it is done. He is my colleague and after my career I want to have a good relationship with all the managers.”

Asked if City have a point to prove against Liverpool, Guardiola added: “In sport, you have to prove [a point] every time. We are incredibly satisfied with what we have done and what we are doing but for athletes it is never enough.

“The past is the past, memories, but the show must go on. It's a new chapter in our lives and we have to live it.”

While the Premier League title has been wrapped up, City are still in the hunt for Champions League and FA Cup glory, with ties against Real Madrid and Arsenal to come in those competitions.

And Guardiola feels that the best way to ensure progression on both fronts is to gain momentum in the league.

“We have a lot of time to think about the Premier League,” he said. “Tomorrow is an important game and we want a good performance. We want to take a result [against Liverpool] and against Southampton to arrive at the best condition for Arsenal [in the FA Cup].

“The best way to do this is to play well in the Premier League.”

Zinedine Zidane is adamant the title race is far from over in La Liga, insisting Real Madrid "have won absolutely nothing" yet despite Barcelona's recent wobble.

Leaders Madrid hold a one-point lead over their arch-rivals and also have a game in hand against Getafe to take in on Thursday, where they will be aiming to make it six successive wins since the 2019-20 season resumed in Spain.

In contrast, Barca have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. The reigning champions drew for a third time in four outings on Tuesday, twice pegged back by Atletico Madrid in a frustrating 2-2 stalemate at Camp Nou.

Having picked up four points in the two Clasico contests during the campaign, giving them the added buffer of the head-to-head advantage, the Blancos are now firm favourites to finish on top.

Zidane, however, is refusing to take anything for granted.

"We haven't won anything [yet]," the Madrid boss told a press conference on Wednesday. "We have six games. Eighteen points.

"Until we are mathematically champions, we have to keep going, our rivals are going to do everything they can to win their games.

"No confidence and no saying, 'this is over'.

"I've experienced this situation as a player. We have won absolutely nothing."

A goal from Casemiro was enough for Zidane's side to overcome struggling Espanyol 1-0 at the weekend, boosting their bid to win the league for the first time since 2017.

With neighbours Atletico helping them out by holding Barca, Madrid have the opportunity to move four points clear at the summit when they face fifth-placed Getafe.

"I'm very happy and proud of the players," Zidane added. "But we have six 'finals' left and one is tomorrow.

"We have to think about trying our best to win. We're good, but this doesn't mean anything."

After their latest outing, Madrid will start preparing for a trip to Athletic Club on Sunday, after which they will benefit from five days rest before playing host to Deportivo Alaves.

Zidane's men could end up winning a domestic and European double come August, but they must first overcome a 2-1 last 16 first-leg deficit against Manchester City when the Champions League resumes.

Nzoia Sugar have officially been handed their new team bus ahead of the new Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season slated to kick-off in August.

Goal exclusively reported ten days ago the Sugar Millers were due to unveil their new team bus after receiving it from the source.

The Bungoma-based club benefitted from a promise made by CS for Devolution Eugene Wamalwa when he visited the team’s Nzoia Sugar firm early this year.

Nzoia chairman Evan Kadenge has told Goal they have officially been handed over the 52-seater bus by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who went ahead to pledge Sh2million to boost the team during the difficult times being occasioned by the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have finally received our new bus and are currently heading home with it, the event took place at Harambee House in Nairobi,” Kadenge told Goal on Wednesday.

“I also want to take this chance to thank President Kenyatta for personally coming out to hand over the bus to us and also for the Sh2million pledge which will go a long way to support the players.”

The occasion was also attended by the senator and governor from Bungoma County, Wamalwa, Cotu secretary-general Francis Atwoli, while Nzoia were represented by Ian Simiyu (player), Florence Mutinda (Public Relations Officer), Benson Mangala (Goalkeeper), Peter Gin (team captain) and club Managing Director Wanjala Makokha.

In an earlier interview with Goal, Kadenge revealed the bus had been promised by Wamalwa.

“Wamalwa promised us the team bus earlier this year when he toured our sugar factory and I can confirm the bus is now ready and he has spent at least 90 percent to have it ready while Nzoia only gave the rest of the percentage.

“It is a 52-seater bus and we will use it specifically for the team when the league starts but I will be able to have the other details on the bus when we arrive in Nairobi for the handing over ceremony.”

Most of the clubs in the top-flight are used to hiring buses when travelling to honour matches and only Wazito FC, AFC Leopards, Homeboyz, Sofapaka, Bandari and Tusker have branded team buses.

Homeboyz’ team bus was unveiled earlier last month with club chairman Cleophas Shimanyula bragging they had purchased "a huge machine" that cannot be compared to what other teams have in the KPL.

“We bought a very serious machine, even Wazito, who used to brag they have the best bus in the league, cannot match our bus,” Shimanyula told Goal.

“It is a state-of-the-art machine and will accommodate 42 people, I used over Sh18million to get the bus, and remember that amount is more than four times more than what a winner in KPL league gets as prize money.

“KPL gives league winners Sh4million, which sometimes they don’t even give out but we managed to purchase a bus at Sh18million.

"It means the club is now becoming a force to reckon with in KPL, we are coming up slowly and soon things will be very different in the league.”

By the time the top-flight was ended, Nzoia Sugar were lying in 15th position with 13 points and were fighting for relegation.

Manchester United have provided an update on the futures of on-loan duo Chris Smalling and Alexis Sanchez, stating that the pair will remain with Roma and Inter respectively until the conclusion of the Serie A season.

Both players had been scheduled to return to Old Trafford at the end of June, but with the coronavirus pandemic having caused chaos to the football calendar, the Italian top flight was forced to reschedule its fixtures and will now run until the beginning of August.

As such, United have permitted both players to remain in Italy to see out their domestic campaigns before returning to the Theatre of Dreams ahead of the 2020-21 season.

The Serie A sides will, however, be without the pair for upcoming Europa League matches.

It is likely that the Red Devils have not allowed the players to finish up European campaigns due to injury concerns, with the Premier League outfit reportedly keen to move on both players to ease their wage budget.

Indeed, Smalling had looked nailed on for a permanent move to Stadio Olimpico pre-coronavirus pandemic, but the Italian capital side are no longer in a position financially to cope with what would be a sizeable outlay.

For Alexis' part, United will almost certainly look to sell on the Chilean, who failed miserably to recreate his Arsenal form after swapping the Emirates for Old Trafford.

The issue, however, is Alexis' huge wage packet, with the majority of clubs now in a period of financial instability.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has in the past said that Sanchez would return to the club and “prove everyone wrong”, while more recently he admitted that he would like to sign a new striker in the summer to provide competition for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Should United struggle to find a buyer, Sanchez could well end up being that man to keep the striking pair on their toes.

Another player who could be sold is Marcos Rojo, who has entered the final year of his contract following a loan move to Estudiantes. Odion Ighalo, meanwhile, is staying at United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua until January 2021.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho feels the expectation for Harry Kane to score more goals than he is currently managing is his own fault, having set his own lofty standards since establishing himself as one of the most feared strikers in football.

Kane was back in action for Spurs after the Premier League returned following the coronavirus-enforced break and has scored one goal in two games since the restart.

But Kane has been singled out for some criticism regardless, with fans expecting more from a proven finisher.

Mourinho, however, was quick to point out that his star man has only recently returned to the pitch following a bad hamstring tear, having picked up that injury on New Year's Day.

“In the game before the goal [against West Ham], I think it was minute 60, we had a defensive corner that Dele Alli cleared with a header and Harry Kane was in the box on a defensive corner,” the Portuguese boss started.

“I think 10 or 11 seconds later, he was in front of [West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz] Fabianski with a left-footed shot that was almost a goal at the far post.

“You expect Harry to score more than one goal in two matches – that's his fault. He created this expectation for you. So when the guy doesn't score many goals you think there's a crisis, but there is no crisis, there's an improvement.”

Another area of his squad that has been pleasing Mourinho is his defence, who recorded their first clean sheet in 10 games across all competitions when they beat the Hammers 2-0 in their previous encounter.

“The defensive organisation is not just about the keeper and the back three or back four,” he said. “It's about the team.

“Speaking about the defensive organisation of my team, I want to speak about my attacking players - the way they close spaces and respect organisation, the way they are learning to defend zonally.

“We are improving. I hope we are not saying this and then in the next two or three matches we concede a lot of goals. Hopefully the stats and the numbers are helping us, but our feeling is that we are improving, we are more stable and the team is getting better. 

“That's why I'm saying, independent of results and the table, I think when we start next pre-season we will be a better team than we are today.”

Eden Hazard will soon be firing on all cylinders for Real Madrid but Zinedine Zidane has warned he will remain a target for opposing players.

The former Chelsea star has not had the expected impact since arriving in the Spanish capital in June last year.

Having dazzled at Stamford Bridge, the Belgian's maiden campaign in La Liga has been disrupted by injury and he underwent ankle surgery in March.

Since the return from the coronavirus-enforced break, Hazard has been substituted in all four games he has played in, but he has also continued to be met with some rough treatment, drawing regular fouls.

Madrid coach Zidane, who has guided his side to the top of LaLiga ahead of Thursday's visit of Getafe, sees nothing sinister in the way opponents deal with Hazard but says he can expect more of the same as the 29-year-old seeks to rediscover his fitness and best form.

"He's very good and the opponents know it," Zidane said when asked about the number of fouls committed against Hazard. 

"But there's no intention of hurting any player.

"We have to be calm with Eden. He's been off the pitch for a long time and you have to go easy on him.

"He'll be fine in a little while."

Another player in the Madrid ranks not having quite the season he will have hoped for is James Rodriguez.

The Colombia international has spoken freely of his frustration at not getting enough playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Zidane understands how he feels.

"James is telling the truth," said the Frenchman. "He wants to play more and that's normal. I understand that.

"But we're going to go until the end like this."

Madrid's title hopes received a further boost on Tuesday when Barcelona were held to a 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid, with Lionel Messi's 700th goal proving insufficient for the Catalans. 

That result means that the Merengue can go four points clear with just five games left to play at the top of La Liga should they take down Getafe, while Zidane's charges also hold the edge over Barca in the event of a tie on points at the end of the season due to their superior head-to-head record. 

Gor Mahia have revealed the forthcoming elections will be conducted through the electronic voting method owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants confirmed they had picked August 8 as the new date to conduct the exercise and elect new officials to run the club for the next four years.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has now confirmed the exercise will be conducted through electronic voting if the pandemic will not be contained by then and only registered members will be allowed to cast their votes.

“We will be having our club elections on August 8 and in view of the biting Covid-19 pandemic, an electronic method of voting will be used, and only registered members will vote,” Rachier told the club’s official website.

“We advise fans to register as members in order to participate in such a process.”

Rachier conceded they are in office illegally since their four-year mandate as already expired and clarified that only four officials will be elected to serve the club, unlike the outgoing regime which had 11 elective posts.

“It is only proper to conduct an election as indicated in the club’s constitution and that is after four years,” Rachier continued. “We will soon put up a board to oversee the exercise and we will give more direction to those wishing to vie for any post but only four posts will be available – chairman, vice-chairman, secretary-general, and treasurer,” Rachier continued.

Rachier is yet to confirm whether he will be seeking another term to lead the giants though in a recent interview with Goal, he revealed his intentions to hand over the mantle to another person but after steadying the ship.

“It is quite true that last year on several occasions, not just once I indicated I will hand over the leadership mantle of Gor Mahia to another chairman in an election that would have been held sometime early this year,” Rachier told Goal.

“But what then has transpired is that our boat has been locked, I have been the captain of the boat and the boat has been rocked, first by the departure of the sponsor and now the coronavirus pandemic and for that reason, I have decided as a captain you do not let the boat sink when you are kind of directing it.

“We are going to look at different aspects here and there and when the boat is stabilised I will still carry out my intention, that is to leave, and that is my position, that I am still running Gor and will run it to a point I think it has been steadied because if I leave it now, in the situation it is, I will be accused of neglect.”

In order to be eligible to vote, members must pay Sh1,200.

Arsenal are hopeful Bukayo Saka will sign a new contract this week, sources at the club have confirmed to Goal.

Negotiations with the teenager winger, whose current deal is due to expire in 2021, have been ongoing for months and have moved forward dramatically in the last few weeks.

Final details are now being ironed out and Arsenal are hoping to make an official announcement that a new long-term contract has been signed in the coming days.

The news will be a massive boost to head coach Mikel Arteta, who has been desperate to keep Saka at the club amid interest from several of Europe’s top sides.

Speaking last week, the Spaniard raised hopes that a deal was imminent when asked about the future of the 18-year-old.

“I am very positive that everything is going to be done with Bukayo very shortly,” he said. “The communications between the club, agents and the family has been going on for months and are very fluent. 

“The player and family knows how much trust I have in him. He is just showing that every week and his consistency level is getting better and better.”

Arteta added: “He has a manager that has total belief in him, he has a club that really supports him and he has team-mates who adore him for who he is. 

“He's such a nice boy, he's very intelligent and he's so willing to learn. He's eager to be the best, he tries to be the best every day, and you can put him in different positions and he picks it up really quickly. 

“Every decision he makes, he takes risks. The maturity he shows on the pitch is really good.”

Saka joined Arsenal when he was seven years old and after a rapid ascent through the youth ranks, he was handed his senior debut in November 2018 by Unai Emery in the Europa League.

He made four senior appearances in 2018-19 but has been a near ever-present in the current campaign, having made 33 appearances so far - scoring three goals and setting up 11.

Saka is expected to start again on Wednesday night when the Gunners host Norwich City at Emirates Stadium.

Arteta’s side could be without Mesut Ozil (back) and David Luiz (knee) for the meeting with the Canaries, but Cedric Soares is available for selection for the first time since joining from Southampton in January.

Sofapaka striker Ronald Okoth has revealed his dissatisfaction with the composition of the Advisory Committee on Resumption of Sporting Activities in the country.

The committee was formed by the Cabinet Secretary of Sports Amina Mohamed but Okoth has questioned its membership.

The Kenyan striker says footballers have been overlooked in a process that is set to make decisions that will directly affect them.

"So, in the list, Amina has released for the Sports Advisory Committee set to look into a possible resumption of sporting activities in the country, there is no one with a background of active involvement in football?" Okoth asked in a Facebook post.

"Being one of the most events that have been hugely affected by the effects of the pandemic, I would have at least expected some of us to sit in that committee, work hand in hand with the government like how Bundesliga, English Premier League, and Serie A did.

"Current and former players have been included in the vital decision in regards to a future road map for sports in respective leagues.

"We, current and former players, have a long way to go. Why can't we sit in the high-table and make the decision that affects us when we have the capability to? Challenge is over to us."

The former Gor Mahia and Western Stima striker asked his fellow footballers not to fear in demanding their voices to be heard.

"I don’t want to mention names but the names on that list are clear and nobody is against their appointments, let me clarify that," Okoth added.

"I’d be happy to see former players from different sports federations or associations come out strongly to ask why they’ve been left out rather than not see even one.

"Again, we need to stop being okay with being at the bottom of the barrel as local footballers.

"Otherwise, if we don’t step up we will keep on crying out loud when it comes to decisions that affect our welfares because they were made on our behalf by people who never got to experience the game or know where the shoe pinches most.

"That is why we are where we are today."

In Mohamed's list, the Cabinet Administrative for Sports, Hassan Noor Hassan will lead a panel that includes Pius Meto, Rose Wachuka, Walter Ongeti, Gerald Gitonga, Agnes Oluoch, Naim Bilal, Elias Makori, Wycliffe Makanga, Doreen Odhiambo, Japhpter Rugut, Rose Wasike, Barnabas Korir, Francis Mutuku, Christine Mangwana, Kweya Obed, James Ochola and Sylvia Kamau.

Mohamed, during the appointment of the committee, made clear what their mandate is.

"They will engage all the stakeholders but not limited to sports organizations and collect their views in regard to resuming sports," the letter of appointment read as obtained by Goal.

"Review the existing global trends in resuming sports activities and explore the possibility of resuming sports activities in the country."

Chelsea have unveiled their new home kit for the 2020-21 season, with the herringbone-knit patterned jersey due to be available from July 9.

A simple design, said to be inspired by the traditional craft of London tailoring, will see a new sponsor emblazoned across the front in the form of mobile company Three UK, with Yokohama Tyres no longer the club's main shirt partner.

Announcing the new shirt, the west London club said: "Chelsea’s 2020-21 home kit brings a touch of Savile Row to Stamford Bridge by blending the latest in athletic innovation with the finesse of fine London tailoring.

"Inspired by west London’s long association with master tailors and their exquisite craftsmanship, the Blues’ new home jersey ventures into the realm of statement shirting. A luscious, textured, modern classic, wholly befitting the capital’s most stylish club."

Star striker Tammy Abraham, who will be competing with new signing Timo Werner for a spot in the starting XI next season, is a big fan.

"The kit is really, really smart – very Chelsea," he told the club's official website. "You can see the story behind the kit with how it looks and all the little touches that remind you of a good suit. I think we will certainly be the best dressed team next season."

Chelsea women's striker Fran Kirby added: "I’m really excited to be wearing this kit when we take to the pitch again for the 20/21 season. Winning the WSL was an incredible moment for the club and we’ll be proud to be wearing the new kit as champions next season."

The Blues are currently locked in a battle to finish in the top four in the Premier League, with Frank Lampard's side currently two points ahead of Manchester United but with a game in hand.

That fixture sees them face West Ham at the London Stadium on Wednesday night as they look to extend their impressive recent run of form that has seen them win their last five matches in a row in all competitions.

As well as beating Manchester City to hand Liverpool the title, the Blues knocked the Merseysiders out of the FA Cup, with their win at Leicester City in the quarter-final seeing them drawn against United in the semi-final at Wembley.

They are, however, facing an uphill task to progress in the Champions League, with Lampard's men 3-0 down from the first leg of their last-16 tie against Bayern Munich after a devastating loss at Stamford Bridge.

Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold have been given the nod to represent Ghana in Caf inter-club competitions next season, the football association (GFA) has announced.

The decision follows the cancellation of the west Africans' 2019-20 football season on Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kotoko will play in the Caf Champions League while AshGold take a seat on the Confederation Cup train. The two teams were Ghana's representatives in the competitions this season.

"The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has taken a decision to cancel the 2019/20 football season following a marathon meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at the GFA Secretariat in Accra," the GFA announced on its official website.

"Accordingly, all records associated to the season has been expunged but fines accrued must be honoured by clubs.

"There shall also be no demotion and promotion.

"The Executive Council also decided that per the relevant provisions of the Caf inter-club football Regulations, Asante Kotoko SC and AshGold SC will represent Ghana in the Caf Champions League and the Confederations Cup respectively.

"The Executive Council will meet on Thursday, July 9, 2020 to discuss all issues relating to the next football season and Congress.

"The GFA will continue its engagement with all sponsors and all stakeholders following the cancellation of the season."

Winners of the Ghana Tier One Special Competition which replaced the Premier League last season, Kotoko participated in the Champions League this season but the adventure ended early as they were knocked out by Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia in the first round.

Ashanti Gold, who won the Ghana Tier Two Special Competition - which replaced the FA Cup last year - played in this term's Confederation Cup where their journey was ended by Moroccan fold RS Berkane in the first round.

Hearts of Oak, who won the Champions League in 2000 and the Confederation Cup in 2004, had expressed interest in the 2020-21 continental action.

Aduana were in pole position to win the Premier League this season and will consequently represent Ghana in the Champions League next season as they topped the standings as at matchweek 15 when the championship was initially just temporarily suspended because of Covid-19 fears. 

Bafana Bafana international Lebogang Phiri has opened up about reports linking him with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor.

The central midfielder was one of EA Guingamp's best players during the 2019/20 French Ligue 2 season which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic last April.

Phiri's exploits have not gone unnoticed as Trabzonspor and French clubs Nimes Olympique, RC Strasbourg and Stade Brestois are all reportedly interested in his services.

According to Fotospor, Phiri and Nigerian midfielder Azubuike Okechukwu of Turkish side Istanbul Başaksehir have been identified as possible replacements for John Obi Mikel, who left Trabzonspor last March.

Phiri has confirmed the interest from the above-mentioned clubs having joined Guingamp three years ago on a four-year deal which means he has one year left on his contract.

"When I signed that four-year contract, I told myself I'll be dedicated for the next four years to this team and make sure they get the best of me and doing so I can improve myself," Phiri told Carol Tshabalala on an Instagram Live.

"I've had Strasbourg, Trabzonspor, I had Brest recently, Nimes were interested. But I'm not one to fight over club's coming to me because I've pushed and done so much for you but on the other hand I've received a lot too."

The former Bidvest Wits academy player is hoping to hold talks with the Guingamp management regarding his future with the club.

"So, I'm going to respect you if you respect me but if that doesn't happen [anymore] that's when I will consider moving.  Until then I feel Guimgamp have done an exceptional job grooming Lebogang Phiri to who he is today," he added.

"I appreciate that and respect it, but with a year left I need to discuss my future in the board room [soon]."

Phiri was appointed new Guingamp captain midway through the 2019/20 campaign and he made 25 appearances in Ligue 2 - scoring once and registering three assists in the process.

He joined the Red and Blacks from Brondby IF prior to the start of the 2017/18 season after playing a key role in helping the team finish second in the Danish Superliga.

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his hope that Everton can soon fight for the Premier League title.

Ancelotti inherited a team that had slipped to within four points of the relegation zone when he replaced Marco Silva in the Goodison Park hotseat back in December.

The Toffees have gradually played their way out of danger under the Italian head coach, and are now sitting just four points adrift of the European places.

A 0-0 draw against newly-crowned champions Liverpool in their first game back following the coronavirus hiatus on June 21 served as solid proof of Everton's recent improvement, and they followed up that result with a 1-0 victory at Norwich.

Ancelotti led Chelsea to Premier League glory in his only previous stint in English football, and is now targeting repeat success on Merseyside.

The former Milan and Paris Saint-Germain boss acknowledges the fact that Everton are a long way behind the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea at the moment, but he can see that gap being closed as he brings through the next generation of stars at Goodison.

"Everton has to be competitive and fight for the first position of the Premier League with Liverpool, with Chelsea, with Tottenham, with Manchester United, with all the big teams," Ancelotti told Sky Sports.

"I don't know how long it takes but I hope that soon we are able to compete.

"We have a young squad with young players with a lot of skills, a lot of ability. I think just the fact that we can improve this skill and this ability can give us more opportunity to stay at the top."

After watching Liverpool pick up a first domestic crown in 30 years, Ancelotti admits Everton can learn from Jurgen Klopp's blueprint for growth at Anfield.

"I think that Liverpool did a fantastic job in the last five years," the Toffees boss added: "When Jurgen came, and year-by-year they improved their squad.

"I think this is the way that we have to follow - to improve the squad year-by-year."

Ancelotti has been tipped to make several changes to his squad when the transfer window reopens, with Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes being mooted as a potential first-choice target.

Asked if Everton have a good chance of securing Gabriel's services later in the year, the 61-year-old tactician added: "You have to ask him.

"Honestly, we are looking around - this is absolutely normal as all the teams do at the moment - but the squad, the manager, the staff are focused on finishing the season."

Arsenal have hit back at Saint-Etienne after the Ligue 1 club slammed the Gunners for not allowing William Saliba to see out the remainder of the season in France.

The north Londoners paid £27 million ($33m) to sign the centre-back last summer, on the proviso that the Paris-born teenager would remain with ASSE on loan for the 2019-20 campaign.

The rescheduling of fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic saw the Coupe de France pushed back to July 24, however, almost a month after Saliba was due to arrive in London.

Head coach Mikel Arteta had originally expected the defender to take part in the cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain with Arsenal's permission , but Saliba has since departed.

Saint-Etienne panned the Gunners' decision to recall their player, stating that the move was "absolutely unacceptable" .

Arsenal, however, have responded in kind, explaining that the terms set out for a loan extension were not accepted by the French side and that the well-being of their player is paramount.

A statement released on Wednesday reads: “Throughout our discussions with St Etienne, our aim has been to protect the welfare of William Saliba as well as the interests of Arsenal Football Club, while honouring the terms of the loan. 
 
“Despite the loan ending on June 30, we were willing to find a way for William to play in the [French] cup final on July 24, despite having no contractual obligation to do so. 
 
“As William is returning from injury, we asked that St Etienne follow a clear training plan with William in close collaboration with us, to ensure he is fully fit for the start of next season. 

“To our surprise we were unable to reach agreement to this plan which was proposed by our medical experts, and we are simply not prepared to risk the welfare of an Arsenal player. 

“While it was not our primary concern, and ultimately not relevant as our training plan was not accepted, we also expected not to be financially disadvantaged by extending the loan. This was also not acceptable to St Etienne. 
 
“We know this is a disappointment for William but he understands we are working to protect his long-term interests and those of Arsenal.”

Azam FC coach Aristica Cioaba has called on his players to sacrifice on the pitch and produce a winning mentality against Simba SC in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Wednesday.

The ‘Ice-Cream Makers are standing in Simba's way to win a double after they were crowned Mainland Premier League champions despite a 0-0 draw against Tanzania Prisons in Mbeya City on Sunday.

And with the quarter-final contest coming up at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the Romanian coach has called on his players, especially the strikers to make use of the chances they create because they will be playing against a very organised Simba side.

“Of course on Wednesday [today] is a big game for us against Simba, now Simba mathematically are the league champions, Simba have good players all over the pitch. In every position Simba have players who are good and I think they deserved to win the league title,” Cioaba told Goal.

“But on Wednesday, we need a fantastic determination on the pitch, a fantastic organisation on the pitch and also my players need to have a good spirit and sacrifice, and they should know it is a Cup game, which will be played only once, you play and lose you go home, you win, then you proceed to the next stage.

“I want my players to go and sacrifice on the pitch, they should give their all and should fight to the end, and for the fans, they need to trust our team, you know Simba have a huge fan base but they should trust on us, we are ready to fight, and I know after the game, we will have advanced to the next stage.

“Also I like Azam to have little luck, I have told my strikers to use the chances they make, I want more concentration from my strikers, I want my strikers to use the chances they create, and I am praying they will do exactly that and that is my message to my strikers, use the chances you create to score goals.”

On Tuesday, Simba rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC), and Namungo FC made it to the last four of the completion after winning their respective matches.

Yanga beat Kagera Sugar 2-1 while Namungo edged out Alliance FC 2-0.

Mesut Ozil is one of the worst players in the world without the ball, according to Paul Merson, who has slammed the Arsenal star for his "disinterested" demeanour on the pitch.

Ozil has been absent from three of Mikel Arteta's last four matchday squads since the Premier League restart on June 17.

The 31-year-old hasn't seen a single minute of action during that period despite Arsenal's struggles for creativity in the final third, but he continues to pocket £350,000 per week as the club's highest earner.

Arteta has hinted that Ozil's absence is down to his fitness levels, despite the fact that the German's commitment to the club's cause continues to be called into question.

He is contracted to remain at Emirates Stadium until next summer, and Merson doesn't think Arsenal will be able to offload a divisive figure before his current deal expires.

The former Gunners midfielder says Ozil is guilty of going through the motions while picking up his lucrative pay packet, and cannot see how he fits into Arteta's plans going forward.

Merson told Sky Sports: "I think Ozil is a prime example of a player who has to play in a proper team, that is going to be right up there, dominating football matches. He's got to play in a majorly successful team.

"He can't play in this Arsenal team, here's why: he's not going to change his game now in his 30s, and Arsenal aren't going to change their game for him.

"He isn't tracking back, chasing players, and you need him in a team where you're getting 70 per cent of the ball each week, and he'll play. You get players around him, let him play.

"We all know how Ozil plays, you give him the ball and he'll find you. If you don't have the ball, he won't win it back for you for love nor money. He's not interested when they don't have the ball. How can you give someone £350k-a-week when we all knew that was his style of play?

"If he hasn't got the ball he's one of the worst players in the world! I would say that. Name me a worse player in the world when their team doesn't have the ball? I've never seen somebody so disinterested when they don't have the ball, but he hurts you at the other end!

"Can Arsenal form a team around him? At the moment, it's at the stage where you can't do that. They're not going to change the team for him. He'll pick up his £350,000-a-week and everything is rosy for him.

"They have to come to a deal with him; maybe he'll take £200k a week somewhere else. I don't know how this gets resolved though. Does he want to play football? If he loves football, he has to come to a deal with Arsenal, but it's easy to say that.

"Nobody wants to lose £150k a week, no matter how much you earn! Who is mad enough to throw that money away, no matter who you are?"

Midfielders are arguably the most valuable players in fantasy football, given their role and capacity to score points.

That is reflected in their prices, with some of the most expensive options coming in this category.

With the new Premier League campaign here, Goal takes a look at the best midfielders to select in your fantasy football team, including a few bargains.

Don't forget to listen to our brand new fantasy football podcast for more tips and advice throughout the season!

Contents

Best fantasy football midfielders

What makes a great fantasy football midfielder? Chiefly, goals and assists are what get points, as well as clean sheets.

It's important to remember that fantasy football is not the same as making a balanced dream team, so there is absolutely no need to pick defensive midfielders who don't score or set up goals.

Kevin De Bruyne | Man City | £10.7m

Kevin De Bruyne's terrible luck with injuries saw him endure a nightmare year as he was confined to the sidelines for most of the season, but he is making up for it in 2019-20.

His value dropped a little, but the Belgium international's vision and technical ability means that he is a top pick. Indeed, his price has risen since the beginning.

De Bruyne is the division's assist king and is adept from dead-ball situations, scoring plenty of goals himself too.

Sadio Mane | Liverpool | £12.5m

Senegal international Sadio Mane made tremendous improvements in 2018-19, adding more goals and finishing the season as the Premier League's joint-top goalscorer.

His value has shot up since the start of the 2019-20 campaign, but he is very much worth the investment, and has been directly involved in over 20 goals this season so far.

Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | £12.6m

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was the most expensive player on the official Premier League fantasy football game at the start of the season and with good reason: he scores goals and sets them up.

Salah's debut season for the Reds saw him amass over 300 points and, last season, despite not quite hitting the same heights, he scored 259 points.

The Egypt international is a pivotal player for Jurgen Klopp's side and, like his partner-in-crime Mane, has been directly involved in over 20 goals as the season heads into the final stage.

Raheem Sterling | Man City | £11.7m

Raheem Sterling has matured immensely under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, evolving into a key player for the champions.

The former Liverpool winger has added more goals and assists to his game - he was involved in 32 goals (17 goals, 15 assists) last term - which is ideal for fantasy football.

He was close to catching Salah last season and has continued on his upward trajectory in 2019-20.

Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | £8.8m

A big-money January signing, Bruno Fernandes has had a remarkable start to life at Manchester United and appears to be the missing piece of the puzzle for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Portugal international is a playmaker who scores and creates goals, something that had been sorely lacking at Old Trafford. He is also relatively cheap and it looks likely that his price will shoot up next term.

Richarlison | Everton | £8.3m

Brazil international Richarlison has been touted for bigger things ever since his arrival in the Premier League with Watford and he continues to show his worth at Everton.

The Toffees rely on the winger the unlock defences, but he also possesses a physical dynamism that causes difficulties for defenders in the box.

Richarlison is into double figures in the scoring charts and is also a regular in the assist department.

Riyad Mahrez | Man City | £8.5m

Riyad Mahrez has gradually established himself as one of Manchester City's key players and, by extension, that means he is great to have in fantasy football.

The Algeria international occasionally finds himself sacrificed in Pep Guardiola's rotation plan, but he has become one of the more reliable performers for the Catalan coach.

Heung-min Son | Tottenham | £9.8m

Heung-min Son is a fan favourite at Tottenham and he's also a popular pick in fantasy football, thanks to his exciting attacking play.

The South Korea international was involved in 20-plus goals - getting double figures in the goal charts, too - in each of the past three campaigns.

He is a creative outlet for Spurs and has great composure in front of goal, taking some pressure off Harry Kane.

Anthony Martial | Manchester United | £8.2m

France international Anthony Martial would have been a bargain buy in FPL at the start of the season, but his value has shot up a bit thanks to an upturn in fortunes.

He is enjoying his best season in fantasy football chiefly thanks to the system deployed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, which makes him a focal point for goals.

Best fantasy football bargain midfielders

Bargains can be found - or at least, players who represent good value for money - in midfielders who play for mid-table teams or those just promoted.

Here's a few suggestions that could end up bargains this season.

James Maddison | Leicester City | £7.4m

Leicester City have been enjoying a resurgence under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers and one of the players who is thriving for the Foxes is James Maddison.

The winger is a solid fantasy football pick given his status as a set-piece taker and is considerably cheaper than others who occupy a similar role at the bigger clubs.

Jack Grealish | Aston Villa | £6.2m

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has relished his role as the team's talisman and has led by example by pulling strings in midfield, scoring goals and laying team-mates on.

Todd Cantwell | Norwich City | £4.6m

Defiant and exciting, Norwich City's Todd Cantwell has been a true wildcard when it comes to fantasy football in the Premier League.

The youngster has a knack of getting onto the end of attacks and has set up a few goals himself.

Ayoze Perez | Leicester City | £6.1m

There were question marks hanging over former Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez when he joined Leicester, but the Spaniard has shone in Brendan Rodgers' system.

Mason Mount | Chelsea | £6.2m

The FIFA-imposed transfer ban that Chelsea have had to deal with has had a positive effect in that it has cleared a pathway to the Blues first team for a number of young players.

Mason Mount is one of them and he is continuing the sort of form that earned him plaudits under Frank Lampard while on loan at Derby County last season.

Adama Traore | Wolves | £5.8m

Earmarked for a bright future since his time as a youth at Barcelona, Adama Traore is finally making his impact felt and he is turning heads with his influence on games.

Still not quite as prolific as other wingers in the Premier League, Traore nonetheless chips in with plenty of assists for Wolves.

Best fantasy football midfielders: Honorary mentions

Each fantasy football squad can only have five midfielders, but there is a wealth of options available outside those we have already highlighted above.

Manchester City veteran David Silva (£7.3m) is priced reasonably, but may not play as often as Sterling and Co.

Chelsea's new signing Christian Pulisic, nicknamed 'Wonderboy' by the American media, is just £7m, while the more experienced Willian is £7m too.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans has been a ball of energy for the Foxes, getting among the goals and can be picked for £6.1m.

Dele Alli, Tottenham's hardworking midfield playmaker, can be picked up for £8.3m and Arsenal forward Pepe is more expensive at £9.2m