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Liga MX match postponed due to volcanic activity

Sports journalists from the East African region give their views on whether the 28-year-old made the right decision to return to Stamford Bridge
(Originally posted by Dennis Mabuka)
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Kenya defender Okumu grabs first goal for KAA Gent in Europa Conference League

The 24-year-old Harambee Star scored from a powerful header to help the Belgian side reach the play-off round on Friday

Kenya international Joseph Okumu notched his first goal for KAA Gent as they secured a 1-0 win against Rigas FC 1-0 on Thursday night to progress to the Europa Conference League play-off round.

The towering Harambee Star powered a header home in the 73rd minute to give his team a 3-2 aggregate win and qualification for the play-off round as the first leg in Belgium finished 2-2.

Okumu has been a regular for the Belgian giants since joining them from Swedish side Elfsborg FC and his goal against the Latvian outfit has handed them a clash against the Polish side Rakow Czestochowa, with the winner proceeding to the group stage of the competition.

The 24-year-old has expressed his delight at notching his first goal for the club and remained confident they will make it to the group stage.

“It's nice to score. We are also starting to get to know each other better now. Timing remains important and therefore also knowing where your teammates will place the ball,” Okumu told the club’s official website.

“I'm happy with the win. We knew we were going to have to put in 110% to continue today. We have made the best possible use of our qualities and that has paid off.”

On being played as a right-back, Okumu said: “I want to play. We are professionals and must be able to adapt to the position that is assigned to us.

“We are still two games away [against the Polish Rakow Czestochowa] from the group stage of the Conference League. 

"It will be important for the club and the team, but also for me. As a footballer, you always hope to get as far as possible. This would be my first time playing a European group stage.

“We will do everything we can to continue anyway!”

Gent coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck was satisfied with the outcome.

“We played here on a stiff field against a team that was defending with ten men in front of their sixteen, which made it even more difficult than last All those big, solid players are strong in the air, so it's somewhat surprising that we just scored with a header,” Vanhaezebrouck told the same portal.

“All in all we can be satisfied, we gave away almost nothing. One thing was important here and that was to continue. We are now in the play-offs of the Conference League, one team left knock and we are in the groups. That will be a tougher opponent because they were able to eliminate Kazan and that is the current leader in Russia.”

Okumu and Gent will shift their focus to the Belgian Pro League when they host Mechelen at Ghelamco Arena on Saturday.

(Originally posted by Dennis Mabuka)
  197 Hits

How to watch Premier League 2021/22 in Singapore

Watch all 380 matches of the EPL season with Singtel, amazing offer available with Singtel CAST!

The world’s most exciting and watched football league is back upon us and here’s how you can get the ULTIMATE EPL experience in Singapore.

As the official broadcaster of the Premier League in Singapore, Singtel will be showing the full coverage with up to 10 live matches each match week - sign up or upgrade your Singtel TV pack to access the Premier League. Prefer a box-free and no-contract option? Get Sports Plus on Singtel CAST, the most affordable Premier League pack in town.

Watch as Manchester City try to retain the title they won last season with the addition of former Aston Villa captain, Jack Grealish. Cross-town rivals, Manchester United, are looking to fight their way back to the top once again with the arrivals of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.

2019/20 champions Liverpool will be looking to make a stronger challenge this time around whilst Thomas Tuchel is planning for UEFA Champions League winner Chelsea to land the big one on the domestic front.

The Manchester derby, Merseyside derby, North London derby and many more rivalries will be renewed for the new season with the unique English atmosphere as fans are allowed back into the stadiums again.

Another incredible season awaits and it’s one that you don’t want to miss!

All you need to do is sign up or upgrade to a Singtel TV Value/Ultimate pack - learn more here. Alternatively, you can get Sports Plus on Singtel CAST, a box-free subscription with no contract, through these plans:

Payment by Credit Card: Non-Singtel mobile, fibre broadband and TV subscribers are able to subscribe to Sports Plus by paying through their credit or debit card. You will need to log in or create a CAST account, to subscribe via credit card. Payment via Singtel Billing: Available for Singtel Postpaid Mobile subscribers, Fibre Broadband subscribers and Singtel TV subscribers. Do note that this service is not available to mio Stadium+ and Cross-carriage subscribers. Offers available are on $49.90/month no-contract recurring basis, and $49.90/month on a 12-month contract recurring basis with free 3 months.

Fans can also opt for the Sports Plus 7-day pass on CAST at $19.90 one-time charge through a credit card or debit card with no recurring charges following the initial payment. Pay only for the matches you want!

With Singtel CAST, all the epic battles across 20 Premier League stadiums can be watched on TV, desktop, mobile & tablets (iOS/Android).

Don’t miss out on the action. Log onto www.singtel.com/football to sign up and find out more!

(Originally posted by Ooi Kin Fai)
  353 Hits

Wrexham's Mullin to recover at owner's L.A. home

The veteran striker believes the team's general performance will play a key role in as far as his personal ambitions are concerned

Hopeful Moroka Swallows striker Ruzaigh Gamildien has stated his team has to improve if he is to achieve his dream of emerging as the Premier Soccer League top scorer.

In 24 games last season, Gamildien scored 11 goals and he is hopeful the 2021/22 campaign will be a better one, but that can only happen if his team also improves.

PSL Dream

"I started the [last] season well, but I did not finish strong," Gamildien told The Sun.

"It is every striker's dream to be the top scorer, so hopefully, I can get across the line this season. We also have to improve as a team because we tailed off in the latter stages of last season.

"It is important for us to convert draws into wins. That will make a huge difference."

Meanwhile, Gamildien has explained why they need no motivation against Orlando Pirates during the MTN8 encounter on Sunday.

Swallows will start their season with a clash against the Soweto giants and, according to the 32-year-old, given the fact that the game is the original Soweto Derby, players are automatically motivated for the big occasion.

Automatic Motivation

"It is a big game. But as players, these are the kinds of games that we really look forward to and want to play in," Gamildien added.

"This is where you get to test yourself against strong teams. You do not need any motivation for such games. These types of games will automatically get the best out of you and, hopefully, we can be at our best.

"It would be great to win this competition, but we only take one game at a time, starting with Pirates."

Gamildien's assessment of the original Soweto derby comes a day after his coach, Brandon Truter, said they were not scared of the Pirates.

"We have a certain amount of arrogance here in our playing style where we do not change," Truter said.

"We’re not scared to say this is how we play and you adapt to what you want to do against us.

"We have our own style, we have our mindset and that applies to anyone this season as well. That’s what we’re trying to instil in the boys.

"We want to be fearless on the field of play and whether it’s home or away, our playing style and our philosophy will not change."

The Birds qualified for the competition after finishing sixth last season.

(Originally posted by Kiplagat Sang)
  149 Hits

World Cup Qualifiers: Onyango left out as Uganda name squad to face Kenya

The Serbian has overlooked calling from retirement the experienced custodian ahead of the upcoming qualifier against Kenya

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango will continue to enjoy his international retirement after new Uganda coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic left him out of the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches in September.

On Thursday, reports emerged in Uganda that the Serbian tactician, who is making a return to handling the Cranes, was considering recalling the experienced Onyango from retirement for the qualifiers.

Onyango, who has 79 caps to his name after making his international debut in 2005 against Cape Verde, confirmed his retirement from the Cranes squad on April 13.

Who are the keepers in the squad?

Sredojevic has named a provisional squad for the team’s first match against Kenya with four goalkeepers - Joel Mutakubwa of Ugandan Premier League champions Express FC, Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), Simon Tamale (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), and Nafian Alionzi (URA FC) – making the list.

Among the foreign-based players included in the squad are midfielder Abdu Lumala of Egyptian side Pyramids FC, and striker Patrick Henry Kaddu of Moroccan giants RS Berkane.

The team will hold a local training camp on Monday before flying to Jordan for two friendly games against the Syrian national team, then one more in Ethiopia before traveling to Kenya for the first qualifying game on September 2 at Kasarani.

The players will be required to undergo a mandatory Covid-19 test before entering residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel on Saturday.

Uganda are pooled in Group E of the qualifiers alongside Kenya, Rwanda, and Mali.

Goalkeepers: Joel Mutakubwa (Express FC), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), Simon Tamale (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), and Nafian Alionzi (URA FC).

Defenders: Enock Walusimbi (Express FC), Innocent Wafula (Mbarara City FC), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Eric Ssenjobe (Police FC), Aziizi Kayondo (Vipers SC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Murushid Juuko (Express FC) Garvin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa), Hassan Muhamood (Police FC), and Denis Iguma (KCCA FC).

Midfielders: Nicholas Kasozi (Kyetume FC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC), Muzamiru Mutyaba (Express FC), Shafik Kuchi Kagimu (URA FC), Ali Abubaker Gift (KCCA FC), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), and Abdu Lumala (Pyramids FC).

Forwards: Richard Basangwa (Vipers SC), Steven Dese Mukwala (URA FC), Patrick Henry Kaddu (RS Berkane), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Unattached), Yunus Ssentamu (Vipers SC), Jude Ssemugabi (Mbarara City FC), and Martin Kizza (Express FC).

(Originally posted by Dennis Mabuka)
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'Ligue 1 is not as easy as people think' - Messi's arrival doesn't guarantee PSG the title, insists Fabregas

The Monaco midfielder has warned his former team-mate that the French top-flight has become far more "competitive" in recent years

"Ligue 1 is not as easy as people think", according to Cesc Fabregas, who has insisted that Lionel Messi's arrival at Paris Saint-Germain does not guarantee them the title.

Messi was forced to call time on his illustrious 21-year career at Barcelona last week as the club announced that they were unable to re-sign the 34-year-old due to the current wage limit in La Liga.

PSG subsequently swooped in to sign Messi on a free transfer, completing a star-studded squad that also contains the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Ramos, but Fabregas has warned that it is by no means a forgone conclusion that they will dominate the French top-flight in 2021-22.

What's been said?

The Monaco midfielder, who played alongside Messi at Barca between 2011 and 2014, has told The Guardian: “When PSG don’t win the league everyone sees it as a disaster because they spend a lot of money.

“Everyone takes it that this is a one-team league but in the last five years they’ve won three because Lille and Monaco have also won the title and put the brakes on their winning streak.

"It is a competitive league. It is not as easy as people think. It’s very aggressive, very intensive, very fast with strong players who defend very well."

Fabregas went on to express his belief that PSG's main goal won't be to wrestle the Ligue 1 crown back from Lille now that Messi is on board, with a first-ever Champions League crown deemed to be more important for an ambitious outfit.

“I’m sure as a coach [Mauricio] Pochettino prefers to have a fantastic squad with a lot of pressure on himself knowing he needs to win than the other way around," he added. "They must have pressure when they create a super team like that. It’s obvious they want to win the Champions League.

“They’ve been trying to catch it for a very long time and it seems like this is the last push – like, there is nothing better than Lionel Messi, there is no better defender than Ramos, [Georginio] Wijnaldum is one of the best midfielders at the moment, [Achraf] Hakimi is one of the best right-backs in Europe.

'It feels like they are doing the little extra final push to see where it takes them. We will see."

Fabregas on Messi's welcome in Paris

Messi was greeted by thousands of PSG supporters at both the airport and Parc des Princes after touching down in France on Tuesday, with Fabregas of the opinion that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is the only active player that commands such a following wherever he goes.

The ex-Barca star has suggested that Messi is oblivious to just how popular he is across the globe, while predicting that PSG's fanbase will grow exponentially now that they have the Argentine on their books.

“Sometimes I tell Leo he doesn’t know how big he is," said Fabregas. "He goes to places and thinks the reaction is normal because he has been raised being the best and has been always surrounded by fans.

"But when you see it from the outside it is something I’ve not seen around anyone else. Sometimes there are more followers of Leo as a person than for a single club.

"A lot of people now will be following Ligue 1, especially with Leo there. The three of them, with Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappé there, will be fantastic to watch.”

Further reading

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Aston Villa 1-4 Liverpool: Reds survive scare from youthful hosts

As the English top flight begins a new season, Goal takes a look at key records between teams that are going to face off in the opening games
(Originally posted by Kiplagat Sang)
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Real Madrid only capable of making one big name signing this summer

The Gunners bring the curtain up on a new campaign with a trip to the Bees, in their first season back in the top flight for almost 75 years

Arsenal will look to kick off the 2021-22 Premier League season as they mean to go on, when they travel to face newly-promoted Brentford.

Watch Brentford vs Arsenal on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The Gunners will bring the curtain up on a new campaign with a trip to the Bees, who are looking to make the most of their first season back in the top flight for almost 75 years.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Premier League matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Position Brentford roster
Goalkeepers Raya, Gunnarsson
Defenders Thompson, Henry, Goode, Pinnock, Jansson, Ajer, Jeanvier, Sorensen, Roerslev, Stevens, Gordon, Radic
Midfielders Norgaard, Jensen, Onyeka, Dasilva, Ghoddos, Peart-Harris, Baptiste, Janelt, Bidstrup, Zamburek
Forwards Canos, Forss, Wissa, Toney, Mbeumo, Dervisoglu, Fosu, Haygarth, Valencia

It's been nearly three-quarters of a century since the Bees were last at the high table of English football, but under Thomas Frank they have more than earned a shot back at the big time.

They have managed to keep the core of their Championship play off-winning squad together while adding talents such as Celtic's Kristoffer Ajer and Lorient's Yoane Wissa to their ranks - and they'll back themselves to deliver an early upset on opening day.

Predicted Brentford starting XI: Raya; Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock; Roerslev, Norgaard, Baptiste, Henry; Mbeumo, Toney, Forss.

  Arsenal roster
Goalkeepers Leno, Runarsson, Okonkwo
Defenders Bellerin, Tierney, White, Gabriel, Holding, Cedric, Tavares, Chambers, Mari, Kolasinac
Midfielders Partey, Smith Rowe, Torreira, Maitland-Niles, Sambi, Elneny, Willock, Xhaka
Forwards Saka, Lacazette, Willian, Aubameyang, Pepe, Nelson, Balogun, Nketiah, Martinelli

Last season's failure to qualify for Europe left a dark mark over the Emirates Stadium, - but Mikel Arteta has looked to reshape their fortunes accordingly, with a clutch of new arrivals.

In ex-Brighton defender Ben White, they have shored up their defence - and with Euro 2020 starlet Bukayo Saka at the forefront of a versatile attack, they'll hope to improve on last season's goal haul of 55, their lowest since 1996.

Predicted Arsenal starting XI: Leno; Chambers, White, Mari, Tierney; Lokonga, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Lacazette; Aubameyang.

Last five results

Brentford results Arsenal results
Brentford 2-1 Valencia (Aug 7) Tottenham 1-0 Arsenal (Aug 8)
Brentford 0-1 West Ham United (Jul 31) Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea (Aug 1)
Manchester United 2-2 Brentford (Jul 28) Arsenal 4-1 Watford (Jul 28)
Watford 1-3 Brentford (Jul 24) Arsenal 4-1 Millwall (Jul 24)
Boreham Wood 0-2 Brentford (Jul 20) Rangers 2-2 Arsenal (Jul 17)

Head-to-head

Date Result
9/26/2018 Arsenal 3-1 Brentford
5/26/1947 Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
9/12/1946 Arsenal 2-2 Brentford
6/5/1939 Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
9/8/1938 Brentford 1-0 Arsenal
  232 Hits

Barcelona keen to land Paul Pogba on free transfer

The national football’s governing body has published new information concerning the much-talked-about fixture

Ghana's Commissioner of Police is leading investigations into alleged match-fixing in the game between Ashanti Gold and Inter Allies in the Premier League, the Football Association has revealed.

The GPL made global headlines following the final round of matches after footage showed what has been described as “soft goals” in some of the matches.

Things turned from bad to worse after Allies defender Hashmin Musah admitted to deliberately scoring two own goals in their 7-0 loss with an aim to foil a suspected match-fixing plot.

“The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has formed a strong team to investigate the match-fixing and bribery allegation that hit the Ghana Premier League matchday 34 clash between Ashanti Gold SC and Inter Allies FC,” the GFA has announced on its official website.

“This follows an earlier meeting between President of the Ghana Football Association Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, COP Isaac Ken Yeboah on Monday, July 26, 2021.

“The Investigative team is led by a Commissioner of Police (COP) with support from other Divisions within the Police Unit. The team has begun work and are expected to cooperate with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to weed out the canker.

“The Investigative team later had an initial engagement with the General Secretary of the GFA, Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.) and Obed Tuffuor - Integrity Officer of the GFA on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.”

Aside from the Ashanti Gold versus Allies clash, the match between Legon Cities and Eleven Wonders also raised concerns.

Some players, including Musah, have already been summed for a hearing by the GFA, whose boss Kurt Okraku is determined to tackle the match-fixing canker head-on.

“Our football has been attacked by faceless cowards. It is my responsibility and that of the Executive Council to defend the passion of the nation,” Okraku recently remarked.

“Everybody who has played a part [in match-fixing relating to betting] will face it.

“We will clean our sport and bring confidence to a sport that feeds me and all of us, a sport that gives hope and spiration to the entire 30 million people of this country.

“If you are here and you know that you played a part, just be ready.”

The GFA has also barred Ashanti Gold and Allies’ final matchday squad and team officials from international travels.

(Originally posted by Prince Narkortu Teye)
  220 Hits

Solskjaer: Van de Beek's time will come

Chelsea supporters ought to expect better performances from the Morocco star in his second season at Stamford Bridge
Original author: Seye Omidiora
  239 Hits

Pogba told to shut his 'f*cking mouth' in angry confrontation with West Ham fans after Manchester United win

The Real Salt Lake goalkeeper says he'll commit his international future to El Tri while opening up on his battle with depression

Real Salt Lake goalkeeper David Ochoa has committed to Mexico after previously representing the U.S. men's national team.

Ochoa was in the USMNT's Nations League squad for this summer's triumph over El Tri, but will now make the switch over to Mexico after shining for the U.S. throughout the youth levels.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper explained his decision in a piece for the Players' Tribune, where he detailed his complicated Mexican-American upbringing, his battles with depression and why he has ultimately opted to play for El Tri going forward.

What did Ochoa say about the USMNT?

"Just so you know, my decision is nothing against the U.S. It’s nothing against any teammate or any coach, or against American soccer," Ochoa wrote while detailing how the loss of goalkeeper coach Des McAleenan to suicide shaped his decision-making process. "Honestly. I still play soccer here, and I owe so much of my career to the American youth system.

"This is where I have matured as a player and a person. This is where I found the coach who changed my life. So, yeah, I want to make that clear: I am very, very grateful to American soccer.

He added: "And I realized that, no matter how much I try, I will never be fully American. Nor will I ever be fully Mexican, so it’s about where I feel more comfortable, and something inside me feels more at home with the Mexican players. They are loud and fun and outgoing. They make me feel like I’m with my friends from Oxnard...Basically, after all that’s happened, I just want to be happy.

"So that’s why I’m choosing Mexico, and I really hope you understand. Even though it’s a personal, emotional decision, I hope it makes sense. It definitely does to me."

Nations League frustration

Ochoa joined Zack Steffen and Ethan Horvath in the USMNT squad for the Nations League as well as a post-tournament friendly against Costa Rica.

The Real Salt Lake goalkeeper was the only U.S. player not to feature across the three games, including in the friendly at his home stadium.

While the incident was the true deciding factor, Ochoa admitted that he was left frustrated that Gregg Berhalter opted not to play him in front of his hometown fans.

"The final against Mexico was weird," he said. "Sitting on the bench, I was obviously rooting for the U.S., because I was part of the team. But something in my heart was like, Wow ... these Mexican players are the ones I grew up watching on TV. Guillermo Ochoa was playing. I really felt that Mexico had a place in my heart. 

"In the end, I became the only player in the camp not to play a single minute. I’m not saying I should have played in the Nations League. I’m still young, and the team had two other very good goalkeepers. I also know that I’d made an error in the Olympic qualifiers. But I did really well in training, and I wanted to show what I could do. 

"When we met Costa Rica after the tournament in a friendly, I was thinking, They have to give me this game.  We were playing where I play home games with Real Salt Lake, in front of my own fans.

"At one point, the crowd was chanting for me to come on.  The game was easy for us, too. One half. Even just 15 minutes. But it never happened. 

I"’m not gonna lie about it: I was frustrated. I was angry. I felt like they didn’t really believe in me. So when Mexico invited me to a training camp before the Gold Cup, I felt like I had been given the green light to say yes. Tata Martino had coached Barcelona and Argentina — he had been working with the best goalkeepers in the world — and now he was saying that he believed in my potential. So I went just to train and check things out. "

The bigger picture

In joining Mexico, Ochoa joins a program that also offers a more clear path towards senior minutes.

The U.S. currently has Steffen, Horvath and Matt Turner as the program's top three goalkeepers, with Turner the oldest of that group at just 27.

Mexico, meanwhile, are still led by Ochoa at age 36 while 38-year-old Alfredo Talavera started all of El Tri's games at this summer's Gold Cup with Ochoa at the Olympics.

Further reading

 

 

 

  291 Hits

First Touch: How did Sandesh Jhingan take to playing football?

As the India international gets ready to move to Croatia, GOAL looks at the humble beginnings of the defender

Sandesh Jhingan is making all the right buzz in the transfer market as he is set to depart ATK Mohun Bagan and join Croatian top division side HNK Sibenik. 

It is no secret that the defender wanted to ply his trade in a European outfit and when Sibenik came calling, he accepted the offer with both hands. 

After winning the ISL (Indian Super League) Emerging Player of the Year in 2014, there has been no looking back for the India international. He went from strength to strength and his efforts were recognised as he was named AIFF (All India Football Federation) Men's Footballer of the Year for the 2020-21 season. 

However, not many fans know about his humble beginnings. It was Jhingan's elder brother Saurabh who hand-held him into football with a tennis ball. The two of them would play football for fun with that tennis ball in the veranda of their house. And soon he took to street football. He was a regular player in the school team and got enrolled in the St. Stephen's Football Academy. 

He took part in the Manchester United Premier Cup 2008, a youth tournament conducted by the Premier League giants, and St. Stephens defeated Mahindra United in the national finals to earn a slot in the South East Asian finals of the competition.

 

Two key injuries that almost forced Jhingan to quit football 

After playing in the Premier Cup Jhingan started taking football seriously. He got selected in the India U16 team and was soon a regular in the India U19. At that time, he suffered a knee injury. After months of rehab, he recovered but within two weeks of his comeback, he broke his ankle. At just 17, he was about to quit football but support from his family helped him get through this difficult phase. 

But his troubles had just started. After turning professional he came to Kolkata looking for clubs. To his dismay, he was rejected even by the second and third division sides. However, former Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia came to his rescue. 

"They all said no on my face. Then United Sikkim happened. To be in that club (Sikkim United FC) and to get a contract was unbelievable. I was lucky to start my career at United Sikkim. Two months ago, I did not get through second and third division clubs in Calcutta, and then there you were training with your idols," stated Jhingan previously. 

Jhingan made his debut in the then-top tier of Indian football (I-League) in the 2012/13 season against Salgaocar. And on his debut, the defender went on to get his name on the scoresheet as United Sikkim defeated the Goan giants.

In 2014, he made his ISL debut for Kerala Blasters in a 2-1 defeat to Chennaiyin. However, he went on to establish himself as one of the bright prospects and was rewarded by then national coach Stephen Constantine by calling him up for an international friendly against Nepal. The 28-year-old played the entire 90 minutes as India were held to a goalless draw. 

He has also played for teams like Bengaluru FC, DSK Shivajians and Sporting Goa on loan from Kerala Blasters at a time when the I-League and ISL were held in seprate windows.

Original author: Soham Mukherjee
  464 Hits

Borussia Dortmund Drop Out of Race for Manchester City Target Ferran Torres

As a new Premier League season beckons, Goal takes a look at the top 5 signings who came from other leagues...
Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee
  177 Hits

The story of France's Golden Goal win over Portugal at Euro 2000

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
  156 Hits

Rodri reveals excitement at Erling Haaland signing

The Nigeria youth international has returned to the Championship to secure regular playing time with the Royals

Reading have announced the signing of Tom Dele-Bashiru on a season-long loan from Watford.

The 21-year-old will be looking to revive his career in the Championship this season after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last October that ruled him out of action for the rest of the 2020-21 campaign.

Dele-Bashiru played just two matches last season before he picked up the injury against Reading at Vicarage Road.

He joined Watford on a six-year deal in July 2019 following the expiry of his first professional contract at Manchester City.

Reading’s chief executive Dayong Pang believes the Nigeria youth star will play a crucial role in their team as they aim for Premier League promotion this term.

“I am delighted to welcome Tom to our club,” Pang told the club’s website. “I am confident we will play a big part in helping him quickly regain full match fitness following injury - and I am also confident that he will play a big part in helping us challenge for points throughout what is sure to be another gruelling Championship season.”

Meanwhile, the Royals coach Veljko Paunovic is full of praise for the 21-year-old’s qualities and how he will bolster their midfield options.

“Tom is a very creative, clever, talented young player who adds much-needed strength to our midfield,” Paunovic said.

“Importantly as a loanee, he is a player who fits our identity – someone who gives his best, stays positive, overcomes adversity and will never give up. I am really looking forward to working with him and helping him integrate into the squad we are trying to build at Reading.”

Reading started their 2021-22 Championship season with a 3-2 defeat to Stoke City last Saturday, followed by a 3-0 loss to Swansea City in the League Cup on Tuesday.

However, Dele-Bashiru will hope to make his debut when the Royals host Preston North End at the Madejski Stadium for Saturday's league fixture.

The England-born star opted to play for Nigeria U20 in 2019 and he was a member of the Flying Eagles that participated at the 2019 Fifa U20 World Cup in Poland where he scored a goal in three matches.

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)
  197 Hits

DC United acquire defender Ruan from Orlando City

Chelsea have now confirmed that the Belgian will be back in the Premier League...
  208 Hits

The Christmas truce: Is the legendary no man's land football match fact or fiction?

Video: Big Match Focus - Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City | Goal.com

Premier League

00:22 BST 13/08/2021

Pep Guardiola Manchester City Champions League final 2020-21

Can Spurs continue to haunt Pep Guardiola on the opening weekend of the 2021-22 Premier League season?

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Sources: Man City lead race to sign Bellingham

The Lithuanian champions will now try their luck in Conference League after unsuccessful qualification bids in the Champions League and Europa League

Ogenyi Onazi's Zalgiris have been eliminated from the Uefa Europa League qualifiers after a 1-0 loss to Slovenian club Mura on Thursday.

The Super Eagles midfielder played from start to finish alongside Ghana's Francis Kyeremeh and Senegal's ElHadji Diaw as Ziga Kous' 12th-minute goal separated both teams at the LFF Stadium.

The Lithuanian champions bowed out with a 1-0 aggregate defeat after they held Mura to a goalless draw on the road a week ago.

Thursday’s elimination compounded Zalgiris’ woes in the qualification for European tournament after they were previously eliminated from the Uefa Champions League second qualifying round by Hungary’s Ferencvaros.

They still have another shot to play in Europe this season when they face Norway’s Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League play-offs.

Zalgiris, who sit second in the Lithuanian top-flight standings, will hope to turn around their poor run of results on the continent next Wednesday - after their league outing against Nevezis on Sunday.

Elsewhere in Scotland, Senegal's Mbaye Diagne and Algeria playmaker Sofiane Feghouli powered Galatasaray to Europa League play-offs after a 4-2 win over St. Johnstone.

A week ago, the Lions held the Premiership outfit to a 1-1 draw in Istanbul which made Thursday's encounter a make or break outing.

Diagne opened the scoring for the visitors in Perth in the 29th minute following an assist from Kerem Akturkoglu and later in the second half, the Turkish midfielder assisted Feghouli to stretch their lead in the 70th minute.

Other African stars on parade for Fatih Terim's side include DR Congo's Christian Luyindama, Egypt's Mostafa Mohamed while Nigeria's Jesse Sekidika watched on as an unused substitute.

Following Thursday's triumph, Galatasaray have booked a date with Randers in the play-offs - the final qualifying round that guarantees a spot in the Europa League group stage.

They will visit the Danish club on Wednesday for the first-leg fixture after they open their 2021-22 Super Lig campaign against newly-promoted Giresunspor on Monday.

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)
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Can Kante save Chelsea's spiraling season?

Video: Top 10: New Africans to watch in the Premier League this season | Goal.com

Premier League

23:48 BST 12/08/2021

Watford sign Nigeria striker Peter Etebo.

Who are the new African arrivals in the top flight, and are they set to take the Prem by storm?

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DStv ambassadors Iheanacho, Ndidi star as Leicester City win First Community Shield in 50 Years

The Super Eagles stars put up impressive displays to help the Foxes silence the Citizens in the English football curtain-raiser

Super Eagles duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi featured as Leicester City defeated Manchester City to win the club’s first Community Shield in 50 Years.

The DStv ambassadors starred as the FA Cup winners earned a shocking win over defending champions, Manchester City.

Iheanacho, who came on as a second-half substitute, earned and scored a late minute penalty that ensured a 1-0 victory for Leicester over Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium. Fellow countryman, Ndidi, played the entire 90 minutes for the Foxes and was rock solid as always.

The game also featured another Nigerian - Manchester City youngster, Samuel Edozie. Pep Guardiola handed the 18-year-old his Manchester City debut against Leicester City in the Community Shield.

The winger had scored in all three pre-season friendlies for the Citizens and was presented with a golden opportunity in the first half but could not hit the target.

In June, MultiChoice Nigeria unveiled Ndidi and Iheanacho as ambassadors to lead the campaign for the DStv Compact - a value for money package and home of the Premier League.

They also featured in a new DStv television commercial to mark the start of the new football season.

Don’t miss the 2021/2022 football season on DStv and enjoy #UnbeatableFootball campaign on DStv compact. Take advantage of the ongoing Biggie Goals promo offer and get a DStv HD decoder, dish kit and one-month Compact package subscription for N9,900 or GOtv decoder, GOtenna with a one-month Max package subscription from N6,900. Offer valid for a limited time only.

Original author: Shina Oludare
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