Looking for Soccer News?

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Nairobi West Branch chairman Caleb Malweyi has lauded the gains made by the current office under the leadership of Nick Mwendwa to boost football in the country.

Harambee Stars qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time in 15 years but the team failed to make it to the last sixteen, after they came third in Group C, behind Algeria, and Senegal and ahead of Tanzania.

Harambee Starlets made their debut in the 2016 Africa Women's Cup of Nations after the current tenure re-introduced the FKF Women's Premier League and Division One Leagues which gave life to the then dying senior women's national team.

The team also closed the year 2019 as champions of the Cecafa Women's Championships in Tanzania for the first time ever.

“We have made gains in women's football, and youth football under the able leadership of Nick Mwendwa,” Malweyi told Goal. “We want to build on these gains in the coming four years.

“Harambee Stars did Kenyans proud by reaching the Afcon final for the first time in 15 years while the women’s team also did us proud by winning Cecafa trophy in Tanzania.

“The current regime also actualised the inconceivable idea of having a junior national team and developed the National Centre of Excellence that harbours the team and helps nurture young players who will then be pooled to the National Senior team, Harambee Stars.”

Malweyi’s sentiments come just a few days after the referees’ association led by Sylvester Kirwa lauded Mwendwa and his regime for helping them grow.

According to Kirwa, the referees’ manager at the federation, they have seen an increased number of referees joining the elite status.

“When I was employed by the federation, we decided to focus on certain key areas: building capacity, recruitment, development, and having more women,” Kirwa told reporters on Tuesday.

Kirwa says the fate of the local referees was changed completely after the federation managed to secure two critical Fifa funded courses that they used to support them.

“The result is we sent women referees to the Africa Women's Nations Cup (Awcon) and the World Cup for the first time,” Kirwa continued.

“Our two referees, Mary Ann and Caroline Wanjala have also joined the Elite ‘A’ category. Previously, referees used to pay money to attend courses but we abolished these allowing more of them to be trained.”

Kirwa said the number of men's elite referees have also gone up to three with Peter Waweru, Gilbert Cheruiyot, and Davies Omweno joining the club.

“Locally, we have seen very young referees coming up and now the majority of those handling the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) are between 24-33 years. This means that they have another 15 years at the top,” added Kirwa.

Kenyan football is preparing to go for elections with Mwendwa seeking to defend his seat but will face stiff opposition from former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, ex-Cecafa boss Nicholas Musonye, Herbert Mwachiro, former Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda and Sammy Shollei.

The potential that exists in a midfield partnership of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes excites Michael Carrick, but the Manchester United coach is eager to point out that “it’s not just about them”.

Two star turns at Old Trafford were paired together from the off for the first time in a 4-0 victory over Sheffield United.

They had also been used in tandem during a 1-1 draw at Tottenham, with Pogba stepping off the bench in that contest to win the spot-kick that allowed Fernandes to snatch a point from the penalty spot.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still working out how to bring the best out of two creative influences, with there experiments for him to carry out on selection and tactics fronts.

The general consensus is, however, that a World Cup winner will thrive alongside a Portugal international in time.

Carrick, who once kept the engine room ticking over for United, expects that to be the case.

He is, however, keen to avoid narrowing the focus on only two players, with the resurgent Red Devils looking to build towards a brighter future as a unit.

"It is understandable why a lot of the questions are 'can they play together' because they are two fantastic talents," Carrick told ESPN of Pogba and Fernandes.

"We feel we've got a really good balance in midfield between all the lads really. It is kind of unfair to single them out asking 'can they play together' because the other boys have done a terrific job and will have plenty to say as well.

"Of course, the talk is about Bruno and Paul and I'm sure they can play together. That's why they are both here at the club and I'm sure they are looking forward to it. But as Bruno and Paul would totally understand me saying, it is not just about them.

"We've got so many other options with lads who have already proven what they bring to the team. It is exciting to have that. They all bring something different and all have their own strengths."

Solskjaer will get another opportunity to work on partnerships within his top-four chasing side when the Red Devils shift their focus to FA Cup matters on Saturday and a quarter-final clash with Norwich.

Borussia Dortmund are increasingly confident of keeping Jadon Sancho, with the club yet to field any offers for the winger, who has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United and Chelsea this summer.

The England international has been in impressive form for the Bundesliga side this term, with his contribution of 17 goals in the league having seen him established as one of the outstanding players in Germany’s top flight.

That has seen him linked with a move for an astronomical fee, despite the Covid-19 pandemic throwing world football into a state of financial uncertainty, with any transfer potentially breaking the £100 million ($123m) mark.

While head coach Lucien Favre has admitted that he is unsure if the 20-year-old will remain with BVB for next season, Dortmund’s head of the licensed player division Sebastian Kehl has said that there has been no progress towards a deal and that he expects the winger to stay put.

“We expect Jadon to play with BVB next season and we’re all very happy with the quality that he brings to our side and the difference that he can make,” he told Sport Buzzer, while also confirming there have been no bids for the player.

Meanwhile, Dortmund will finish second in the Bundesliga this season, with their final match to take place against Hoffenheim at home on Saturday.

There was optimism that they would be able to make a stronger run at champions Bayern Munich but they will finish the season approximately 10 points behind Hansi Flick’s side, who found another gear following the coronavirus break to accelerate away from their challengers and comfortably take the title.

This has led to speculation over Favre’s future but sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed that he will not leave his post before his contract expires in June 2021.

And Kehl added on Favre and his future: "Lucien is authentic and has an extremely meticulous way of working. The public discussions over his position have been unfair. His work is recognisable.

"We’re absolutely not ashamed of our performance this season."

Despite optimism that Dortmund are continuing to build a side capable of further closing the gap to Bayern, Kehl believes that if the Bavarians remain in a stable position "it will be tough to get past them".

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has revealed why he believes Liverpool are such a difficult opponent to play.

Jurgen Klopp’s side ended a 30-year wait for the Premier League title on Thursday as they were confirmed as champions due to Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City.

The crown, though, had been in their hands for a long while before the outcome of that clash at Stamford Bridge, with the Reds having dropped points in only three fixtures to date this season, posting only one defeat in that time.

Suarez, who played for the club from 2011-2014, has felt first hand the oppressive quality of the Merseyside outfit, having been on the wrong end of a 4-0 defeat to them with Barca in the Champions League semi-finals last season – a result that incredibly turned around a 3-0 first-leg deficit.

Given the mental fortitude that Liverpool showed as goals from Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum, who netted two each, eliminated the Catalans, it is perhaps unsurprising that he picked that out as their outstanding strength when speaking to the club’s official website.

Asked why Klopp’s men are such a formidable opponent, he explained: “I think the mentality of the players is so important on the pitch. We arrived in Liverpool 3-0 up, but when you play there they have the supporters and the manager, and the players are so focused and concentrated on the pitch. It’s difficult. 

“They scored in the first 10 or 15 minutes and they got the confidence to continue their play. In the second half they played fantastically. We need to accept that and if we’d have scored one goal, we would have had a really good chance to go through, but I think they are really good players.”

The Uruguay international forward, who helped the club to the League Cup of 2012 and was a member of the squad that came within a whisker of winning the title in 2014, is far from the first to praise the character of Klopp’s side.

Chairman Tom Werner had previously hailed the former Dortmund boss on the club’s website, stating: “He has just created such an atmosphere at Liverpool that there's no alternative except to win. He has created such an atmosphere.”

Liverpool have seven matches of the league season remaining as a victory lap, including a clash with dethroned champions Manchester City next weekend.

Jurgen Klopp has ruled out a summer move for Jadon Sancho – despite admitting the England star would “look good” in a Liverpool shirt.

The Reds have been credited with an interest in the Borussia Dortmund star, who is also wanted by Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, among others.

Sancho is valued at more than £100 million ($123m), meaning a switch to Merseyside this summer is unlikely.

Liverpool have already rejected the chance to sign one target, RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, due in part to concerns at the financial implications of the coronavirus crisis.

And it is anticipated that it will be a relatively quiet summer, transfer-wise, for the newly-crowned Premier League champions who already have a settled squad.

Klopp was asked directly about Sancho at a live event hosted by German publication BILD and replied: “A red jersey would look very good on Jadon. But I don't think such a transfer will take place this summer. 

“He is a very interesting player. If he moved to Liverpool, I would be the most surprised of all!”

Klopp also dismissed the idea that he was now the best coach in the world after guiding Liverpool to their first league title since 1990, insisting that rival Pep Guardiola remained top dog in that regard.

“I can't do anything with the title 'Best coach in the World',” he said. "But I know that, together with the whole coaching team, we are very good coaches. 

“But I think Pep Guardiola is the best coach of the world.”

Discussing his own side, who wrapped up the Premier League with an incredible seven games to spare following Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea on Thursday, Klopp repeated his belief that Liverpool can kick on and win more trophies.

“This team doesn't need a change,” he said. “I cannot promise that we will dominate football now, nor do I know if it is time to talk about major upheavals, but I know that our goal is to keep the team together. 

“The boys are currently a great football age. We made a lot of right decisions together. If I have a talent, it is probably that I can bring extremely good people together. 

“For example, my coaching staff is exceptional, but there is no single recipe. It is also important that we have continued to develop. 

“The problem in Dortmund was that our team fell apart. That didn't happen here and now the team has been exceptionally consistent for two-and-a-half years. We play every game as if it were the last one because we have nothing else to do on weekends!”

Defender Washington Munene has praised the incredibly talented AFC Leopards side.

Asked to pick his best players during an Online TV interview, Munene said that was a tough assignment given everyone at the club is highly talented.

The former Wazito FC left-back, however, went ahead to pick youngsters Austin Odhiambo and Marvin Nabwire as his best stars at the Den.

“The talent at AFC Leopards is incredible even if I will pick the best, I know it is hard to do it,” said Munene.

“All in all, I will pick [Austin] Odhiambo; he is young and whatever he does on the pitch is amazing. If he continues to get the support he has been getting from the technical bench and the players he will end up being an incredible player.

“[Marvin] Nabwire is another talented player but what I know is there is talent in AFC Leopards generally.”

Munene settled for Benjamin Ochan as his preferred goalkeeper when he was tasked to name his best five a side team.

“Benjamin Ochan, Robinson Kamura, Eugene Mukangula, Boniface Mukhekhe and I are my ideal five a side AFC Leopards team,” he revealed.

Munene also went further to point out things younger footballers must have in order to realise their dreams.

“One's background does not matter because anyone from anywhere can play football,” advised the star.

“I am an example because I come from a region that has not produced prominent footballers and I believe it can be an inspiration to the young ones that.

“One needs more than just talent. Discipline, and taking advice from your seniors is very important. Football has changed unlike before when one was approached for being talented, now it is the opposite as it is the players who must strive to get what they want.”

Ingwe faced a tougher season when they had to honour matches without any financial partner and Munene reveals what might have made them stronger despite the off-pitch issues.

“We have had hard times even though things have slightly changed recently. The office did their best, they ensured we honoured matches and got us motivated. The players did their part and did what was expected from the,” concluded the left-back.

“Our technical bench has been like a family to us as they are people you can share with them anything. They are like brothers.

“The fans have always made us feel at home, have pushed us during the toughest matches and that is why players always fought to ensure they replicate the love. We will need that support even more next season.”

KCB FC are keen on signing Gor Mahia duo Boniface Omondi, Charles Momanyi and Darius Msagha of Bandari.
The Bankers are keen on strengthening their squad to stand a chance of winning the 2020/21 Kenyan Premier League (KPL). 

"There will be changes in the team to ensure we add the quality to stand a chance of offering stiff competition," a senior source from the club told Goal on Saturday.

"It is true, we are still negotiating with Omondi, Momanyi and Msagha, but we have not reached a conclusion. However, early signs are encouraging and we hope to reach an agreement soon. There are players who will strengthen us and give as the competitive edge we desire."

Some players will be released to create space for new signings; the decision over the same will be reached on June 28.

"We are meeting tomorrow [Sunday] to analyse the season and decide who we will release and who we will retain," our source added.

"Our target is to win the league next season, and we want to ensure we bring onboard players who can help us achieve the same."

When reached for comment, Gor Mahia defender Momanyi - who will be out of contract with the club soon, could not confirm or deny the reports.

"I do not want to comment on the [discussions] but when the time is ripe I will," the former Kakamega Homeboyz defender told Goal.

The 26-year-old joined K'Ogalo in December 2017, signing a three-year contract with the club. In an earlier interview, he revealed he was not sure whether he will be at the club for the next season.

"To be honest my future at the club is bleak, I am not sure whether I will extend my contract.

"It has not been easy surviving without pay when you have a family to feed. We are owed a lot of money which I do not know whether we will be paid or not, it will be the key to my extension.

"If the club settles my dues, we can re-negotiate, but if not, my eyes will be elsewhere."

The defender had revealed several clubs eyeing his signature, but he does not want to make a decision which he will come to regret.

"About three clubs have contacted me, but I have not promised anything because I also want to know the way forward with Gor Mahia," Momanyi added.

"Every player wants to play in a team which offers a favourable environment, without that, he will not deliver." 

Maritzburg United have decided to retain Siyanda Xulu's services, for now, amidst reported interest from Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United.

The Bafana Bafana international's contract with the Team of Choice is set to expire at the end of this month.

Xulu joined the KwaZulu-Natal side at the beginning of the 2017/18 season on a three-year contract, following his release from Kaizer Chiefs.

His agent, Paul Mitchell has revealed the experienced player will complete the season when it resumes having been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic last March.

“Siyanda will stay on at Maritzburg and complete the season and that is the agreement,” Mitchell told Daily Sun.

Xulu has been plagued by injuries this season having made just 12 appearances in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and netted once in the process.

However, the former Mamelodi Sundowns centre defender is said to have attracted interest from Gauteng-based clubs Pirates and SuperSport.

Maritzburg are still keen to keep hold of Xulu beyond the current campaign by extending his deal and this has been confirmed by his representative, Mitchell.

“At the moment, Siyanda is out of contract at the end of the season and he’s staying for now to complete the season," he added.

"We will obviously look at the situation. But Maritzburg have always shown an intention of keeping him, and we’ve been talking to them.

"At the moment, his concentration is to finish the season. He’s finishing the season with Maritzburg and then we’ll sit down with Maritzburg to discuss the way forward.”

Xulu has managed to revive his career at the Team of Choice following a disappointing two-year spell at Chiefs where he struggled for game time.

The former FC Rostov player made only six appearances in the league for the Soweto giants with the likes of Lorenzo Gordinho and Eric Mathoho preferred ahead of him.

Amakhosi released him at the end of the 2016/17 campaign and he secured a move to Maritzburg where he became a regular in the starting line-up.

Xulu made 58 appearances in the league for the Team of Choice in his first two seasons with the team - missing only two games in the competition.

The lanky player also played all five matches in the Nedbank Cup as they reached the final where they were narrowly defeated by Free State Stars in 2018.

Carlos Tevez has selected as many as seven Manchester United players from the past and present as he picked his dream XI, with his former Manchester City team-mates snubbed entirely.

The Argentina international striker, who is currently under contract with Boca Juniors, spent seven years in England, where he started out with West Ham in 2006 before winning two Premier League titles with the Red Devils and one with City.

He also won the Champions League while with United, with Tevez in the starting XI as Sir Alex Ferguson's side beat Chelsea in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Moscow back in 2008.

Although he spent four years playing at the Etihad Stadium, and just two under Ferguson at Old Trafford, Tevez named many of his former team-mates from the red half of Manchester when asked to reveal his ideal XI.

"If I retired and had to put together a farewell match, my team would be: Gianluigi Buffon, Hugo Ibarra, Rio Ferdinand, Gabriel Heinze, Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney. I’d stay on the bench," he told Radio La Red.

While Tevez has selected United midfielder Pogba in his side, he never teamed up with the World Cup winner at Old Trafford, instead turning out alongside him during his time at Juventus.

Ibarra represents Boca Juniors' only representation, while Messi has been a team-mate on the international stage.

And Tevez has also revealed that he may well be open to a return to relegation-threatened West Ham in the future, claiming he would go back to David Moyes's side to receive the adulation of the club's supporters.

"If I had to go back to Europe, I’d go to West Ham to be applauded," he said. "Or I’d play six months in Brazil with Corinthians. I don’t want to rule anything out because I don’t want to be a slave to my words."

The three-time South American Footballer of the Year has enjoyed a well-travelled career, in which he has played in five countries and on three continents, having also featured for Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League.

For his national team, meanwhile, Tevez has played for Argentina on 76 occasions, scoring 13 goals, winning Olympic gold in 2004.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted it is more difficult for Manchester United to win titles now than it was under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Solskjaer and United – fifth in the standings this season – watched bitter rivals Liverpool end their 30-year wait for an English league crown on Thursday.

United enjoyed dominance during Ferguson's 26-year tenure, winning 13 Premier League titles and 38 trophies in total at Old Trafford.

However, United have not won the Premier League since Ferguson's final season in 2013, though the Red Devils have had Europa League (2017), FA Cup (2016) and EFL Cup (2017) success.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Norwich City, United manager Solskjaer said: "We've got to be honest enough to say it is more difficult now.

"We've always had challengers, whether it was Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool. But most of the time it was just one of them challenging us.

"Finishing third wasn't normal. Now there are at least four, maybe five teams that can win the league and the cups."

Solskjaer, meanwhile, talked up the partnership between star United midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

Fernandes and Pogba – who has endured an injury-ravaged season – started together for the first time as United outclassed Sheffield United 3-0 in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Amid doubts over Pogba's future and whether the duo can work together, Solskjaer told reporters: "I'm certain they can play well together, yes.

"They've both played well in training and in the games they play together it's exciting. There will be rotations and there will be times that Paul will play up with Bruno, sometimes it's deeper, sometimes we will play with a diamond. It's encouraging to see them together. 

"It's also encouraging to see how Nemanja [Matic], Scott [McTominay] and Fred are making it difficult for me to keep them out.

"It's a good position to be in as a coach and you want to give Paul a chance to get 100 per cent fit with practice and rest. He's been out for so long and I think it says everything about the boy with the quality of his performances."

Former Kenya star Mike Okoth, the father of Divock Origi, has revealed how he celebrated Liverpool's Premier League win on Thursday.

Okoth featured for a number of foreign clubs including Boshar, KV Oostende, KRC Harelbeke, Genk, Molenbeek, Heusden-Zolder, Tongeren and feels his son achieved the dream of playing in the Premier League.

“In Kenya, the Premier League has been one of the most-watched competitions since we were kids. As a young boy growing up in Nairobi and Kenya, it was always our dream to reach there,” Okoth told BBC Sport.

“Unfortunately, I was not able to do it, but my son is representing me, so it's like me winning the Premier League.”

A 2-1 Chelsea win over Manchester City assured Liverpool the title, ending a 30-year wait and Okoth said it felt as if he is the one who lifted the Premier League trophy.

“It's a very special day. Everybody who knows the history of Liverpool knows that it's been a long, long time - Divock was not even born,” revealed the former Shabana FC striker.

“I still remember that in 1990 I was in Kenya - I had just signed for Kenya Breweries [now Tusker FC].

“So, it's been a long, long time waiting for their supporters and their people. You can imagine their emotions and the feelings that the fans felt yesterday, and for me as a father.”

The 52-year old retired star revealed how emotions engulfed the family as the Manchester City vs Chelsea game was ongoing.

“It's a very great moment for me personally and for us as a family. We watched Chelsea play Manchester City at home with friends and family - socially distanced, of course,” added Okoth.

“When Chelsea got the penalty and I saw the red card, we started preparing ourselves for a celebration. When the final whistle came, it was an explosion of emotions. You know, finally, it's there.

“When the game is still going on, you're not sure - in football, anything can happen. So, when the final whistle was blown, I got all the emotions.”

Okoth further revealed a quick chat between the Liverpool forward and the family after they were confirmed champions.

“After the Chelsea game finished, I had a few minutes with him - he called us immediately before they started the celebration. We congratulated him - but now he wants a few moments to have fun,” he concluded.

Origi won the Champions League title with Liverpool last year, and the Fifa Club World Cup earlier this season.

Yanga SC will drop up to nine players at the end of the season and replace them to help the team compete effectively.

The Jangwani based side has struggled to match their rivals both domestically and abroad and are keen to change next season. Belgian coach has already presented his report and suggestions to management in his bid to start early preparations.

"We will part ways with nine players after concluding the current campaign," GSM's Investment Manager Hersi Said, who is part of the team's management, told Mwanaspoti.

"Some of these players will be out of contract and we will not renew; we are also contemplating between sending some players out on loan or completely parting ways with them."

The administrator went on to reveal the suggestions made by the technical bench.

"Next season, the technical bench wants to work with a total of 26 players," Said continued.

"Our players in our youth teams will also be involved as we aim at developing them. They will have a chance to play in the senior team according to the head coach and his team."

The main problem has been on the attacking end where Timu ya Wananchi have struggled to get goals consistently.

"It has been challenging for us to get goals," Hersi continued.

"A bigger percentage of players coming in will be in the striking department. It does not mean we will release every attacking player, we have a few who we will give another chance to prove their potential."

One of the players who has been underperforming is Ivorian Gnamien Yikpe. The striker was excluded from the team that drew 2-2 with Namungo FC in their last league outing.

"The pressure for Yikpe was growing each and every day and I felt to help the player recover is to rest him," Eymael told Goal.

"The player is really going through tough times, and I think I will have to give him some time off, but what puzzles me is that [Yikpe] is a very good striker, if you watch him in training he is the best striker for the club.

"But I have never understood why he never turns his good show in training to league action, he never plays as he does in training and that becomes difficult to understand the player, I don’t know why he scores many goals in training but he cannot score goals in proper matches.

"But I have told the management I did not sign the player so they can try and see how to help him, either end his contract or see what they can do."

The Jangwani Street-based giants have struggled to win matches since the top-flight resumed on June 13.

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane has recalled his time with Orlando Pirates.

The accomplished tactician played for Buccaneers in 1989 as a left-footed attacker, before he moved to Greek side Ionikos FC where he spent six years.

However, Mosimane returned home in 1993 to turn out for Pirates in the United Bank International Soccer Festival in Johannesburg.

The pre-season tournament was organized by the South African Football Association (Safa)'s marketing partner Awesome Sports International.

English giants Manchester United and Arsenal took part in the four-team tournament which included South Africa's two biggest football clubs, Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

Nicknamed Jingles, Mosimane started for the Soweto giants against Arsenal, who ran out 1-0 winners at FNB Stadium.

The former Bafana Bafana international posted a Pirates team photo that was taken prior to the match on Twitter on Friday night.

"Good memories. Orlando Pirates FC vs Arsenal FC," Mosimane said.

Mosimane's former Pirates teammate Teboho Moloi, who was introduced as a substitute during the game against the Gunners, reacted to Jingles' tweet.

Moloi revealed how Mosimane helped him secure a move to Europe as he was signed by Turkish outfit Gaziantepspor ahead of the 1993/94 campaign.

"Sweet Memories Mdala [old man] I came on as a second-half substitute and got a contract to go to overseas [Turkey]," Moloi said.

"Thanks for the pep talk you gave me, before coming on you were hard on me at times and [I am] very grateful because I left for Turkey after that performance.

"He has always had an insight of the game even when he was still playing and here [on this photo] he was already playing in Greece and reminded me where we come from especially when I was a youngster and what to do if I was to impress the scouts in that game."

Moloi also had a spell with South American club Once Caldas between 1995 and 1996, and he became the first South African player to score a goal in the Colombian top-flight.

Just like his former teammate Mosimane, Moloi is now a coach having served as an assistant at Pirates and he also had a stint as Chippa United head coach during the 2017/18 campaign.

Borussia Dortmund attacker Erling Haaland has described his match-winning strike against Paris Saint-Germain as the best goal he has ever scored. 

In his first Champions League appearance for Dortmund, Haaland struck twice as he helped the club to a 2-1 win in the first leg of their last-16 clash.

After Haaland forced home the game's first goal in the 69th minute, Neymar equalised for the visitors just six minutes later, only for Dortmund's Norwegian star to step up once again. 

Having been picked out in the final third by Giovanni Reyna, Haaland took two quick touches before rifling the ball into the top left corner from just outside the box. 

The thumping effort left Keylor Navas with no chance in PSG's goal and settled a memorable first-leg. 

While PSG would go on to claim a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture to progress to the quarter-finals, Haaland still remembers his effort fondly and holds no ill will after the French side copied his celebration in Paris. 

“It is the best goal I have ever scored," Haaland told BT Sport. "I love the Champions League. I am happy PSG copied my meditation celebration.”

Haaland has impressed since joining Dortmund from RB Salzburg in January, scoring 16 goals across just 17 appearances in all competitions. 

His arrival has seen him join force with rising England star Jadon Sancho with Haaland savouring the chance to play alongside such a talent. 

“Amazing to play with him at Dortmund and I played against him when I was 16 also and he was the best player then and he is now," Haaland said of Sancho. 

"He is the same age as me and he has a very bright future.”

Haaland recently hit out at speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, stressing he is giving no thought to leaving Dortmund anytime soon. 

Dortmund's season will come to an end on Saturday when they host Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga with Haaland's side destined to finish second in the league. 

BT Sport exclusively brings you the conclusion of the Bundesliga this weekend on BT Sport 1, BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 3 from 2.00pm on Saturday 27th June.

DR Congo national team players have created the Leopards Foundation to support disadvantaged people as the country continues its fight against coronavirus pandemic.

In its communique, the players disclosed that the foundation is focused on giving free social assistance to aid the educational and sports development of Congolese youth.

They are also driven to cushion the hardship caused by Covid-19 on the citizens with their priority for people with special needs.

The Leopards captain and Wolfsburg defender Marcel Tisserand confirmed the giant step made by national team alongside former West Bromwich Albion and PSG midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu.

"Congolese Excellencies. It is with immense honour and great responsibility that the players of the national team of the Democratic Republic of Congo, announce the creation of the 'Leopards Foundation'," the statement read.

"She dedicates her activity to free social assistance through the educational and sports development of the Congolese youth.

"Faced with the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting food crisis, the Leopards Foundation mobilises and supports the most disadvantaged population, by directing its first actions aimed at people living with disabilities.

"The players of the national team of the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Leopards Foundation, wish for the unwavering support of their supporters through development actions and concrete aid." 

The gesture should rectify the displeasure between the fans and the DR Congo national team players after their unconvincing performance at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Madagascar via penalty shoot-out.

They have started their qualifying campaign for the 2021 Afcon on a rather poor note with a goalless draw against Gabon and a 2-2 draw against Gambia.

The Leopards are placed third in the Group D with two points after two outings.

England will kick off their next Nations League campaign in Iceland on September 5 after UEFA revealed a revised schedule for the competition. 

The tournament, which only began in 2018 and was won for the first time by Portugal last year, has slightly shifted the dates of some of their group stage games following the coronavirus pandemic. 

While the virus could still prevent the tournament from going ahead should further outbreaks emerge, UEFA has locked in a new schedule to accommodate changes to the international windows. 

"The 2020/21 UEFA Nations League group stage will be played on revised dates in September, October and November 2020," a statement from UEFA read.

"The new schedule was announced following a meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee on Wednesday 17 June to discuss the new European football calendar in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

"The national team football windows of October and November 2020 will now feature triple-headers instead of double-headers, thus allowing the postponed UEFA EURO 2020 play-offs to be rescheduled for 8 October and 12 November.

"The group stage matches of the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League will be played on the following dates: 3/4/5 and 6/7/8 September; 10/11 and 13/14 October; 14/15 and 17/18 November 2020.

"Friendly matches will be played on 7/8 October and 11/12 November."

The first matchday kicks off on September 3 with Germany's game against Spain the highlight of the day before Netherlands and Poland face off on September 4.

Iceland then host England on September 5 with reigning champions Portugal also in action at home against Croatia. 

There will be six matchdays in total with the finals then set to be played at a yet to be confirmed date next year. 

Portugal defeated Netherlands in the tournament's inaugural final last year with Guedes scoring the sole goal in a narrow 1-0 win. 

England's first foray into the competition saw them finish top of their group before losing to the Dutch 3-1 in the semi-finals. 

The full group stage schedule of the 2020/21 Nations League can be viewed here. 

Do you consider yourself a huge fan of the Indian football? How abreast are you when it comes to developments in and around the Indian football ecosystem?

How much do you know about Mohun Bagan, a club that has a rich and storied history?

This edition of Goal 's 'Sharp Minds' quiz is for the fans of the Mariners.

As we see football take a backseat among the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, here's your chance to while away some time.

We will bring you a set of 10 questions, a mixture of easy and tough ones, every week on Indian football. Try answering them on your own (without googling, we hope) and see how much you know about Indian football.

Share your scores with others and showboat. The latest edition of Sharp Minds is right here. Have fun.

NOTE : You are welcome to contact us through social media, if you need any clarification on the answers. We will try, to the best of our abilities, to explain.

Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will improve the more he plays after the coronavirus-enforced break, according to head coach Maurizio Sarri.

Ronaldo converted a penalty as Serie A leaders Juve routed 10-man Lecce 4-0 in Turin on Friday – the defending champions opening a seven-point advantage over Scudetto challengers Lazio.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner took his tally to 23 goals in Serie A this season, though Ronaldo has been in the headlines for his lack of form since the 2019-20 campaign restarted earlier this month following the Covid-19 crisis.

Asked about Ronaldo post-match, Sarri told reporters: "Cristiano now can play with a good fit. He needs to improve after the break and he is doing so match after match.

"He needs to play a lot. In the future we will find the way to preserve him across matches or for some matches.

"He is great in listening to himself and he will realise when he will need to stop and rest. But now I think he fits quite well."

Juve overran Lecce following a goalless opening 45 minutes which saw Fabio Lucioni sent off, with Paulo Dybala, Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Matthijs de Ligt on target in the second half.

Ronaldo teed up Dybala to score a brilliant 53rd-minute opener before doubling the lead from the penalty spot nine minutes later.

Juve forward Ronaldo was again influential for substitute Higuain's strike in the 83rd minute, with De Ligt rounding off the rout five minutes from the end.

Amid doubts and criticism over Higuain, Sarri said: "For us he is very important. He is powerful, one of the strongest centre forward in the world right now. He can be decisive for us at the end of the season.

"He had a difficult time on a personal and global level, because the coronavirus emergency hit him a lot and left a mark on him.

"He has returned, had a minor injury and is now getting back into shape. I am happy that he scored immediately, he is a player who will give us a lot in this season finale."

Sarri also stressed he's not worried about the future of Miralem Pjanic, who has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona at season's end. 

Juve – top of the table through 28 matches – travel to relegation-threatened Genoa on Tuesday.

ATK took a significant step towards defending the Indian Super League (ISL) title after the merged entity ATK-Mohun Bagan completed the contract extension of Fijian striker Roy Krishna.

The former Wellington Phoenix star played a key role in ATK’s title-winning campaign. He scored 15 goals and assisted six more to average a goal contribution in each of the 21 games he featured. He formed a dangerous partnership with Australian forward David Williams, another crucial cog in the wheel that the champions managed to retain ahead of the new season.

ATK have managed to keep together a huge chunk of their core. Sumit Rathi, Prabir Das, Pritam Kotal, Javi Hernandez and Jayesh Rane are other players who were instrumental in their campaign last season and will be staying at the club for at least one more year.

A player of Roy’s quality is bound to be pursued by numerous suitors. He confirmed the same in an interview with Fiji-based FBC Sports.

“I had a number of offers from around the world at the beginning of the year but right now there are no discussions due to COVID-19. I do hope that at the end of COVID-19  pandemic, I can play football again. I usually get a month or two between seasons for my break,” he said.

Opting to extend with ATK despite having offers from potentially bigger clubs in a bigger league is an indication of the player’s faith in the club’s sporting project. It is noteworthy that the ISL champions were prepared to offer a financially superior offer and this could have played a part in Roy’s decision.

ATK have qualified for the group stage of the AFC Cup 2021, thanks to their merger with Mohun Bagan who had won the I-League. This provided their talisman with an additional incentive to put pen to paper for another year. Roy enjoyed a fantastic time with Wellington Phoenix, but he never featured in a continental cup game in their skin.

Much like most of his teammates who are playing in the AFC Cup for the first time, Roy will be fuelled to perform to the best of his abilities.

The defending champions also made a statement for themselves in the ISL by retaining these key players. With the core intact, the squad for the 2020-21 season will be spared the trouble of starting from scratch as they look to build a rhythm. It would be fair to claim that they are a couple of overseas signings away from earning the favourites tag ahead of the new season.

Clearly, the management has not tinkered with the proven formula for winning. The extension of the contracts of their top players and coach Antonio Habas is a step in the right direction and the management will be hoping it reaps rewards.