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Nemanja Matic admits that the time has come for Manchester United to "finally win something", with the Red Devils set to see their barren run on the trophy front reach a five-year mark in 2021-22.

They can prevent that from happening by landing long-awaited silverware in the upcoming campaign, with a Europa League success back in 2017 representing the last entry on a glittering roll of honour.

Several near misses have been taken in since Jose Mourinho delivered continental success in his debut campaign, along with Community Shield and League Cup triumphs, with United falling at semi-final and final hurdles at home and abroad in recent campaigns.

What has been said?

Matic is determined to help the Red Devils get back on track, with the experienced Serbian midfielder telling Inside United: "I think we made a step forward [last season].

"As you know, we didn’t win the Europa League at the end, but I think we made a step forward and the team is improving.

"This season we have to challenge for every trophy and finally to win something, because we need that one trophy. After that we hope it will be easier, the team needs to feel that [winning] energy and I’m happy how everything has been going. 

"The most important thing is everyone can see that we are improving and that we play better and better, and especially now we have such a good squad. In every position we have two or three top-class players.

"Everyone needs to be positive and the target for us this season needs to be a trophy."

Which trophy is the top target for Man Utd?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side finished as runners-up in the Premier League and Europa League last season, while also making the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and last eight of the FA Cup.

Any success would be savoured this time around but, with Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane added to star-studded ranks at Old Trafford, Matic admits that a top-flight crown remains the ultimate target.

A two-time Premier League title winner from his days at Chelsea added: "Yes, the Premier League for me is always the most important trophy, in my opinion.

"Of course, the Champions League is always great to compete in and play against the best teams in Europe, but for me personally the Premier League is something I want to win with United. If that happens one day, I will be very, very happy."

The Red Devils are due to open their 2021-22 campaign on Saturday when playing host to old adversaries Leeds.

Further reading

Chennaiyin FC have signed Polish midfielder Ariel Borysiuk for the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Besides the experience of playing for FC Kaiserslautern in the Bundesliga for one of the three seasons with the German side, Borysiuk mostly plied his professional senior club career in the Polish top division.

Where all did Ariel Borysiuk play?

He was last at Polish outfit Jagiellonia Bialystok where he clocked over 1,300 minutes over two seasons. On the international stage, Borysiuk turned up for various Poland junior teams, featuring in the UEFA U-19 and U-21 Championship finals. He made his senior national team debut in 2010 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers.

Among majority of his club career that the defensive midfielder spent in the Ekstraklasa - Poland's top division league - he had multiple spells with Legia Warsaw and Lechia Gdańsk.

Among his previous foreign exploits, Brysiuk made 12 appearances in the Bundesliga with 1. FC Kaiserslautern in the 2011-12 season and was later loaned from the 1. FC Kaiserslautern II side to Russian Premier League outfit Volga, besides a spell at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship 2016-17 from where he returned to Poland with Lechia Gdańsk and Wisła Płock before a season with Moldovan National Division side Sheriff Tiraspol.

Who are the other foreign signings at Chennaiyin FC?

Chennaiyin FC have roped in Serbian defender Slavko Damjanovic and Kyrgyz forward Mirlan Murzaev.

Murzaev scored four goals in the last two matches with his national team's 2022 World Cup qualification games in June, including a hat-trick against Myamar. He was part of the Kyrgyz squad that finished second in the third round of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers wherein India topped Group A and where Murzaev had scored against India.

Like Brysiuk, Damjanovic also has experience of playing in the Europa League with Montenegrin side Buducnost. Brysiuk represented Legia Warsaw at the Europa League in three seasons between 2008 and 2011, as also with Sheriff in the European competition in the 2019-20 season.

Other than that, Brazilian midfielder Rafael Crivellaro is the only foreigner to continue with two-time ISL champions from last season. He suffered an ankle injury in the game against ATK Mohun Bagan that kept him out of action for nearly half the term. Crivellaro raked seven goals and eight assists in the 2019-20 season when Chennaiyin finished as runners-up. 

What was said of the Ariel Borysiuk signing?

Commenting on the signing, Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani said, "We are delighted to bring in someone as experienced and well-travelled as Ariel [Borysiuk]. This is a real positive signing for us and our vision this season."

"There’s not much to say about Ariel [Borysiuk]. He has operated at such a high level for all his career. It’s a great signing," Chennaiyin head coach Bozidar Bandovic added.

Speaking after putting pen to paper to join the two-time ISL champions, Bandovic stated, "I am very excited about joining the club. It's a new experience for me to play outside of Europe and I'm looking forward to it.  I promise that I will do my best so that we can have wonderful moments together."

Global sports company Puma has today unveiled the new Mamelodi Sundowns Home & Away players kits in the club’s colours of yellow, green and blue, with each shirt featuring a unique traditional hand-printed treatment inspired by African art and fashion.

“Sundowns are known as Bafana Ba style, as they always lead the way in pushing both the football and style culture,” said Brett Bellinger, marketing director Puma South Africa.

“We believe the striking new kit will ensure Masandawana remain the envy of many fans and provide a strong statement about Mamelodi Sundowns FC African roots, aspirations and achievements across both South Africa and the continent. The playing kit features the latest Puma tech as seen on the recently launched Manchester City and AC Milan kits and is made from 100% recycled polyester to ensure Puma’s continued focus on sustainability follows into football kit development.”

The new Mamelodi Sundowns players jersey has advanced Puma dryCell thermoregulation technology to keep players dry and comfortable.

The Mamelodi Sundowns crest appears on the left chest with the Puma logo on the right as well as on the sleeves. There is a contrasted bonded cuff on both sleeves with Sundowns wording on the backneck.

The v-neck jersey utilizes bonded finishing and stretch tape for extra comfort. The raglan sleeve construction has a mesh shoulder panel for additional breathability, with a jacquard body map on the back of the jersey for additional ventilation.

“We are excited to reveal the newest kit for the 2021/2022 season. This unique football jersey pays homage to the natural greatness that is found across the African continent,” said Mamelodi Sundowns spokesperson Alex Shakoane.

"Looking at the individual elements on the design, they depict the rivers, deserts and mountain ranges found all the way from the North right through to the South.

"Our supporters can expect to wear a trendy jersey that stands out amongst the crowd and is a proud statement of African excellence.

"The launch of this unique shirt marks the 5th year anniversary of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Caf Champions League victory; it represents the club's ambitions to become the best Football Club on the continent and share our African artistry with the world."

Puma and Mamelodi Sundowns first joined forces in July 2016, with Puma having licensing rights to develop technical kits, replica and fanwear.

The club continues to dominate South African football with 11 Premier Soccer League titles to their name as well as the prestigious Caf Champions League.

The Home and Away replica jerseys are proudly made in South Africa and will be available from September 1 at Puma.com, Puma stores, Totalsports, The Cross Trainer, Studio 88, Sportsmans Warehouse and selected retailers for R999 each.

The Home replica jerseys are also available for women (R899) and children (R799).

New Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has explained why he joined the Soweto giants amid interest from AmaZulu FC and Orlando Pirates.

The 26-year-old was a free agent for almost 10 months after he parted ways with the now-defunct Bidvest Wits in September 2020.

Petersen confirmed that Pirates and AmaZulu expressed their interest in his services, but once Chiefs registered their intent he was keen to join the Glamour Boys.

“As a footballer in South Africa, you want to play for one of the big teams," Petersen told the club's official website. 

"So, when I received a call from my agent to say that Kaizer Chiefs is interested, it was a great feeling. It was amazing, it was good to know that I would be part of a brand like Kaizer Chiefs."

The Ajax Cape Town academy product is pleased to have joined a club that has been home to legendary goalkeepers such as Brian Baloyi, William Shongwe, Botende Eshele, Itumeleng Khune and Gary Bailey.

"Coming here as a goalkeeper you know there’s a rich history of goalkeepers. Just being part of that is a huge honour for me," he continued. 

"My family and everyone is excited for me, as they always are no matter where I go. For me, it is a huge privilege to be part of this team and I am looking forward to the seasons ahead,” 

Petersen is competing with Khune, Daniel Akpeyi and Bruce Bvuma in the club's goalkeeping department and he feels that strong competition for the keeper spot can only be good for his career.

“Because there is always me pushing someone else and someone pushing me, it will help. In the first training session, the guys made me feel at home and for me it has been a blast,” he added. 

The Cape Town-born player stated that he has been impressed by unity and strength in depth amongst the goalkeepers at the Naturena-based giants.

“Having that camaraderie between the goalkeepers and seeing the way they work together and push one another. For me it was an eye-opener," he explained. 

"It is encouraging me to work hard. We saw in the Caf Champions League, with the changes that Chiefs had with the goalkeepers, they put one in and he performs. That is something that makes me smile."

Petersen will be hoping to make his official debut for Chiefs when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarter-final match on Sunday.

Chelsea starlet Armando Broja has joined Southampton on a season-long loan.

Broja graduated to the Chelsea senior squad last year after 11 years in the club's academy, but was sent out on loan to Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem for the duration of the 2020-21 campaign.

The 19-year-old impressed during his short spell in the Eredivisie, and was rewarded with a new five-year deal upon his return to Stamford Bridge in July, but won't be a part of Thomas Tuchel's squad when the Blues kick off their new season this weekend.

What's been said?

Broja will continue his development on loan at Southampton, who have snapped up another promising youngster from Chelsea after signing Tino Livramento on a permanent deal earlier this summer.

The Albanian told the Saints' official website of his excitement after being officially unveiled at St Mary's: “I feel very happy. I was really excited to join Southampton. It’s obviously a very good Premier League club.
 
“They’ve got a good history and they play in the best league in the world, so it’s amazing for a young player to experience it, be in and around a Premier League team, and learn and develop from the older players, the staff and everyone here. It’s a very good opportunity.”

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhüttl added on Borja's arrival: “Armando is a very talented player who we were impressed by last season.

“He is young, but he comes now with a full season of experience in senior football with a good team, and he brings a lot of qualities that can help us.

“He is a strong, quick player with a good instinct and this makes him a good fit for the way we like to play.

“I know how highly regarded he is by Chelsea, and I think this will be a good place for him to continue his own development as well.”

More to follow.
 

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been explaining how Romelu Lukaku fits the "profile" at Stamford Bridge and why the striker's seemingly imminent arrival will help to bring the best out of Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner.

Goal can confirm that the Premier League heavyweights have a £98 million ($136m) agreement in place that will see the Belgium international return to English football after two productive seasons with Inter.

The former Everton and Manchester United star, who failed to make an impact during a previous spell in west London between 2011 and 2014, has been identified as the number nine to get Chelsea firing as a collective attacking unit.

What has been said?

Speaking to Sky Sports about why Lukaku has been targeted, and the assistance he can offer to Germany and USMNT stars already at Chelsea, Tuchel said: "He was the kind of profile that loves to play with his back towards the opponent's goal, who likes to hold the ball and create space for Kai Havertz, for Timo Werner, for Christian Pulisic, who love to play around him. 

"This is the kind of profile that we don't have in our squad right now and are looking for. 

"If it is possible to sign him, we will try to sign him. If it is not possible to sign a player, we will find other solutions. 

"It is still not the moment to talk about names because we have nobody signed yet and we will show all the respect to all other clubs by not starting to talk about their players."

Why do Chelsea want Lukaku?

The 28-year-old took in 15 goalless appearances for Chelsea during his first spell with the club, with regular game time and a career spark needing to be found elsewhere.

He is now one of the most complete strikers in world football, with 100 Premier League goals recorded before heading to Italy.

A further 64 efforts have been added to his impressive tally while with the reigning Serie A champions, with his stock continuing to rise as a result.

Chelsea are now ready to buy into Lukaku's obvious qualities, with the 2021 Champions League winners crying out for a prolific presence to lead the line.

Werner and Tammy Abraham topped their scoring charts last season, but managed just 12 goals apiece across all competitions, with Olivier Giroud - who is now at AC Milan - the only other man to reach double figures.

Further reading

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Joseph Makhanya has picked players that show Kaizer Chiefs could have a bright and promising future in the Premier Soccer League.

Kgaogelo Sekgota, Sabelo Radebe, Khama Billiat, and Keagan Dolly are the stars picked by the former Pirates man, and he based his judgment on how they performed in the Carling Black Label Cup at the start of the month.

"I think the future looks bright," Makhanya told Soccer Laduma.

"The way Chiefs played it, makes you scared if you saw the likes of Kgaogelo Sekgota and Sabelo Radebe, while they still have the likes of Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly. It is going to be a different side and an exciting one."

Amakhosi struggled in the previous season and ended up finishing eighth, with Gavin Hunt losing his job for the poor performance, but Makhanya predicts a promising 2021/22 season for them.

"There's still have Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Njabulo Blom. I think the upcoming season will be very good for them, they are promising," he added.

"It was a game I thought Orlando Pirates will have the edge because of experience, but you look at Chiefs' youngsters, they stood their ground.

"They were very competitive against a tried and tested Buccaneers."

Makhanya's assessment came a few days after former Chiefs winger Junior Khanye praised the new signings but raised concern about whether Stuart Baxter can bring the the best out of them.

"Kaizer Chiefs have done a remarkable job in the transfer market by signing Dolly, Alexander and Njabulo Ngcobo," Khanye stated.

"These are really good players who can play football and perhaps help the club in their search for trophies.

"My concern is their coach, [Stuart] Baxter. Is he going to emphasise transition football, or will he allow the players to express themselves? Is he flexible enough to adapt his playing style to allow players to play? Only time will tell.

"For the past five seasons, I have been saying that Kaizer Chiefs need quality players and in this transfer window they have shown intent and strengthened with the right kind of quality."

Romelu Lukaku "will want to unload" when he plays at Old Trafford again, according to Rio Ferdinand, who has backed the incoming Chelsea striker to prove Manchester United fans wrong.

Lukaku left the Premier League after an underwhelming two-year spell at United in 2019, with Italian giants Inter snapping him for £74 million ($102m).

The Belgium international rebuilt his reputation quickly at San Siro and fired the Nerazzurri to their first Serie A crown in 11 years last term, prompting Chelsea to arrange a big-money deal to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.

What's been said?

The Blues have reached an agreement to re-sign Lukaku, who took in a frustrating first stint at Stamford Bridge between 2011 and 2014, for a club-record fee of £98 million ($136m), and Ferdinand says he will be motivated to silence those who doubted him while he was on the Red Devils' books.

"I’ve spoken to him recently and he’s hungry man. He hasn’t confirmed to me that he’s signing for Chelsea but he just said this season, he’s hungry", The United legend told his FIVE YouTube channel.

"I just think this guy, a lot of greatness comes through having fuel and what I mean by that is having doubters and wanting to prove them wrong.

"He’s got a whole stadium full at Manchester United who doubted him, all the fan base at Old Trafford doubted him. A lot of people weren’t too dissatisfied when he left.

"He will be sitting there and looking in the diary to see when that Old Trafford game is and he will want to unload.

"Romelu Lukaku guarantees you 20 goals, minimum. He guarantees you that. He’s scored goals wherever he’s been, he’s an elite goalscorer, it’s as simple as that."

Lukaku's record at United

The Red Devils spent £75m ($104m) to bring Lukaku to Old Trafford in 2017, and he endeared himself to supporters quickly by scoring 26 goals across all competitions in his debut season.

However, the forward only managed to score on 15 occasions in 2018-19, falling behind the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in the squad pecking order in the process.

Lukaku was heavily criticised for his performances, and head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ultimately deemed him surplus to requirements following the emergence of teenage starlet Mason Greenwood. 

Ferdinand on Chelsea's title chances

Ferdinand went on to express his belief that Chelsea can launch a realistic challenge for the Premier League title with Lukaku leading the line.

The former United defender also feels Timo Werner will still have a key role to play for the Blues, as he added: "If he gets the chances that Timo Werner got last year, he bangs 30-35 goals, it’s as simple as that. I think Werner will still be vital for them with how he runs off the ball and creates space.

"Chelsea have heavy artillery upfront now, a real mix of talent, all different type of players, a real good blend. Lukaku going there makes them an absolute threat to win the title. They could win it."

Further reading

Lionel Messi's seemingly imminent arrival at Paris Saint-Germain has captured the imagination of a global audience, with Gianluigi Donnarumma among those feeling "excited" about an Argentine icon joining the ranks at Parc des Princes.

An Italy international goalkeeper has already completed a move of his own this summer, with the Euro 2020 winner joining Georginio Wijnaldum and Sergio Ramos in making a switch to France as a free agent.

Achraf Hakimi has also been snapped up from Inter, but the biggest deal may still be in the pipeline as six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi prepares to sign a two-year contract with PSG following the revelation that no new deal will be agreed at Barcelona.

What has been said?

On the potential arrival of an all-time great in the French capital, Donnarumma has told Sky Sport Italia: "We’ll find out soon if it’s official or not, but that would seem to be the case, and I am very happy that Leo is coming here. 

"He’s the best in the world, so I can’t help but be excited and happy. It’s an honour to play with him."

How has Donnrumma settled at PSG?

If Messi is to join PSG, then he will be taking in a change of scenery for the first time in his senior club career.

The same is true for Donnarumma, with the 22-year-old severing ties with AC Milan after eight years at San Siro that delivered a debut at 16 and 251 appearances in total.

He opted against committing to fresh terms with the Rossoneri, allowing him to take on a new challenge, and claims to already be feeling settled in a star-studded PSG squad.

One of the finest shot-stoppers in world football added on his early experiences with Mauricio Pochettino's side: "I’m getting along very well in Paris.

"I got to know the team, it’s a great group that gave me a wonderful welcome. It’s all going really well."

PSG, who have suffered a Trophee des Champions defeat to Lille and come from behind to edge out Troyes in their Ligue 1 season opener, will be back in action on Saturday when playing host to Strasbourg.

Further reading

Erstwhile Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrick Ekstein and former Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga are currently on trial at AmaZulu FC.

This has been confirmed by AmaZulu head coach Benni McCarthy with Usuthu busy revamping their squad ahead of the 2021/22 season. 

Ekstein and Shonga are free agents having recently parted ways Azerbaijan side Sabail FK and Cape Town City, respectively. 

“We’ll have a look at them. Obviously, we’ve got a week to make it to the start of the season, so we’re not in a hurry to add," McCarthy said on Sowetan.

"But when there’s quality players like that and they’re available, it costs us nothing to have a look at them and see if they fit in our squad or not.

"We’ve got a week or more to make a decision on them."

Ekstein has been plying his trade in Azerbaijan in the last two seasons and he also got to play with former Ghana, Chelsea, and Real Madrid star Michael Essien at Sabail.

The former Chiefs fan-favourite was released by Amakhosi at the end of the 2018/19 campaign and he was then snapped up by Sabail. 

While Shonga had a short spell with Cape Town City having joined the Citizens from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (now known Marumo Gallants) midway through last season. 

The Zambia international, who parted ways with Pirates in July 2020, played 12 matches in the PSL without scoring a single goal for City and he was then released by the Western Cape side.  

Meanwhile, AmaZulu have confirmed the departure of several players including former Chiefs star Siphiwe Tshabalala. 

“The club confirmed the departure of Siyabonga Mbatha, Sphelele Magubane, Talent Chawapihwa, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and Samuel Darpoh,” a club statement read.

Tshabalala joined Usuthu in October 2020 and he saw game time hard to come by at the KwaZulu-Natal giants as he made just two appearances in the league.

It remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old winger will continue playing professional football or announce his retirement. 

Pitso Mosimane's Al Ahly have gone mute over the possibility of signing Simba SC's winger Luis Miquissone since they were linked with South Africa international Percy Tau.

According to a source at Simba, the Egyptian giants have not responded since they reached an agreement of USD900,000 to acquire the Mozambican on a four-year contract.

"We are still waiting for their formal position," the source told Goal. "We had seamless talks with them to the point of agreeing on the prize of our winger but it has been days since we heard from them.

"Maybe they have decided to focus on the South African [Percy Tau] and thus forgetting we had talked over Miquissone. The player is affected because he wanted the deal to be finalised as soon as possible but now we are in the dark of what Al Ahly wants.

"Let us assume the focus is on him [Tau] and after that, they will get back to us and tell us what is the way forward."

The source cast doubt on whether the African champions really needed Miquissone or it was their strategy to weaken the Msimbazi giants' stance.

"Sometimes you do not make a move by a rival as genuine but it could be a strategy to bring your house down," he added.

"Miquissone has been our star since he arrived and Al Ahly knows that.

"They know it because when they played against us, it was him that caused them problems. Do you remember the goal at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium?

"Business-wise I would want Miquissone to join them but deep in me I know it would be a loss for Simba because he is a star that will prove hard to replace once he leaves."

Reports of Tau moving from Brighton and Hove Albion to Al Ahly has dominated the media space in recent times and Mosimane liked the former Mamelodi Sundowns star to Lionel Messi.

"Percy is a strong man, he is like Messi. He has so much to show you every week. So let’s give him a chance to show,” said Mosimane said.

“So yes I would like to sign Percy if Brighton agrees to sell Percy and we can pay him. Firstly we must pay Percy. If we can pay him, he must come and show that he is the king of the jungle. So let him come. 

With six games remaining, Al Ahy and Zamalek are engaged in a tight Premier League race as they each have 64 points but Mosimane's side is on top courtesy of a head-to-head advantage.

Didier Drogba has stepped down from his post as vice-president of the Ivory Coast Footballers Association (AFI), announcing his decision in a scathing letter released to social media that claimed the organisation has shown a "flagrant lack of coherence".

The former Chelsea star has been at odds with the AFI ever since they refused to back him in his bid to become the president of his country's FA last year. The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) sided with Drogba in that dispute and has placed the AFI under indefinite suspension.

Drogba has also called out a culture of inaction at AFI that from his perspective has let down their constituents.

What has been said?

"To all Ivorian football players ... I hereby announce that a few weeks ago, I took the decision to resign from my position as vice-president of the AFI and at the same time from its Steering Committee," Drogba wrote in the letter.

"We are all aware of the financial difficulties you are facing in the face of the inaction of the majority of the leaders of the AFI, which is supposed to represent you and defend your rights and interests.

"The AFI is at a standstill. It no longer meets your needs or expectations. The bad decisions that have followed one another have led to the deterioration of the very fundamentals of the organisation."

The former striker specified that members of AFI had failed to properly consult players on key decisions and generally demonstrated disrespect towards those they represent.

"I join in your incomprehension in the face of this flagrant lack of coherence," he added. "The AFI belongs to you (the players). Be firmly convinced, it will be returned to you!"

Drogba blocked from the Ivorian Football Association presidency

The AFI is one of the five bodies that can sponsor a candidate in the Ivory Coast FA election, but last summer the group backed incumbent vice-president of the FA, Idriss Diallo, for the presidential seat over a member of their own ranks.

Because of that move, Drogba could not officially enter the race.

In response to being suspended by FIFPro for not choosing Drogba, the AFI wrote: "[We] would like to recall that we are completely independent and take our positions at the national level, in taking into account the best interests of Ivorian footballers.

"From its creation to this day, AFI has always worked in full transparency in the interest of its members. This is why it wishes to reassure all of its members of its commitment to the defense of their interests and respect for their choices and orientations for Ivorian football."

Further reading

Josh Onomah stated Fulham should have taken more than a 1-1 draw from the English Championship clash against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Despite scoring first and dominating ball possession, Marco Silva’s Cottagers shared points with the Boro who converted their only shot on target.

In the opening stages, former England youth international of Nigerian descent Onomah teed up Ivan Carvalho but Grant Hall’s deflection took the venom out of the youngster’s shot and goalkeeper Joe Lumley was able to make a smart save.

A minute before the half-hour mark, debutant Harry Wilson put the hosts ahead after drilling Onomah’s pass past Lumley.

Even at that, the visitors ensured points were shared equally after Marc Bola profited from Isaiah Jones’ assist to beat goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

The 24-year-old was left disappointed with the outcome at the Craven Cottage stating that his team should have emerged victorious.

“That one hurt,” Onomah told Fulham website. “Conceding that late on after dominating for so many spells in the game.

“We played some electric football and created so many chances, so to concede late on really hurt.

“But hopefully down the line we’ll see this as a point gained rather than two points dropped.

“We’ve just got to see this game as a learning curve, analyse it during this week and see how we created chances, and the next step is putting the ball in the back of the net.”

He also reserved some special words for teammate Wilson who scored Fulham’s first goal.

“He’s come in and been sharp from day one,” he continued.

 “We know he’s got a wonderful left foot and he showed that with his goal.

“We’ve got a bit of chemistry down the right side, me and him, a good football understanding.

“I look forward to playing with him a lot this season and hopefully he’ll carry on getting us goals.”

Fulham would be gunning for their first win of the 2021-22 campaign when they tackle Huddersfield Town on Saturday at John Smith's Stadium.

The Terriers got off to a decent start after playing a 1-1 draw with Wayne Rooney's Derby County.

U.S. men's national team star Christian Pulisic says that the entire group is "very confident" heading into World Cup qualifying after seeing two different teams complete a trophy double this summer.

Pulisic scored the game-winning goal in the team's thrilling Nations League final against Mexico, while a vastly different U.S. group went on to win the Gold Cup this summer by once again taking down Mexico at the finish line.

Those two wins have given the U.S. its swagger back as it heads into the most important games of all: World Cup qualifiers.

'There's a different kind of fight'

The U.S. is set to begin World Cup qualifiers next month with a trio of games against El Salvador, Canada and Honduras in what will be the first World Cup qualifying run for many of the team's stars.

It won't be the first taste for Pulisic, though, who says he's seen some changes in the young U.S. team over the last few months.

"I’d say we have a lot of confidence just from recent games and different tournaments we’ve played in," Pulisic told Complex. "And just how much this team has grown. I think we should definitely be confident in going in, but we know that we have to go in there and get a job done. But I mean I think the way we feel right now, we’re very confident."

In the aftermath of the 2018 World Cup qualifying failure, many lamented the perceived lack of fight in the USMNT as it missed out on a trip to Russia.

For years, that fight had been the USMNT's hallmark, with the group often taking down more talented teams with a combination of gritty tactics and pure willpower.

And Pulisic says that idea is now combining renewed mental fortitude with the increased talent of the team's European-based youngsters to create a group that can do something special.

"I think there’s just a different kind of fight in the team that you’re seeing," he said. "I mean the last two competitions that we’ve seen, even watching this Gold Cup, the team just has… Yeah, there’s always that feeling that we’re going to come out with that result. We’re going to fight till the end. We’re going to just find that result in the end. And I think that’s the difference and there’s just so much passion and growth that’s been in the team.

"I mean I think growing up watching the U.S. what was so special back in World Cups back when I was very young, I think there was just always that feeling, like I said before, that somehow they would come away with a result. They had that fight to them. They had that American spirit. That little something, that fight in them. So I think that’s something that, yeah, hopefully that we’re starting to see. And I think we are seeing as of late."

'I went nuts at four in the morning!'

Pulisic also revealed his reaction to the Gold Cup triumph, saying he watched the entire game despite the time difference.

The USMNT was able to top Mexico on a 117th-minute finish from Miles Robinson in a game that went deep into the night in Las Vegas, but that didn't stop Pulisic from staying up to watch his teammates' victory.

"Honestly, it was just incredible," he said. "I mean how far this team has come. We’ve had different squads in for the Nations League, for the Gold Cup, and no one has backed down from the challenge. And I’m seeing just a fight in this group that it makes me so proud and just very excited for what’s to come.

"I went absolutely nuts at four in the morning. I was jumping out of my bed. I was so excited. I mean it, yeah, I mean you could just feel it coming and then it happened. And it was just amazing to watch."

Further reading

Esperance have confirmed the signing of Anayo Iwuala from Nigeria Professional Football League side Enyimba.

After representing the Aba Elephants for two years, the speedy winger will continue his career with the Ligue Professionnelle 1 outfit.

Having been handed a three-year contract by the Blood and Gold, the Super Eagles star will remain at the Stade Olympique de Rades until 2024.

Under the supervision of Radhi Jaidi, Iwuala would be hoping to help the reigning Tunisia elite division champions to a remarkable outing during next season’s Caf Champions League.

With this move, he follows the footsteps of Michael Eneramo who represented the four-time Caf Champions League winners from 2014 to 2010.

Reacting to this development, former Sunshine Stars attacker Dele Olorundare believes the move is a good one for the youngster as that would help him get better.

“This is a good move for the youngster, and I believe this will improve his development in the beautiful game,” the former Super Eagles star told Goal.

“He will be sorely missed by Enyimba because of his remarkable contributions; however I feel he Anayo has taken a bold decision that will call the attention of several great teams across the world to see his talents.

“For him to have been signed by one of the powerhouses in African football, Esperance, that is a testament that his invitations to Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles was not a fluke.

“Apart from the prospect of training with world-class facilities, I am happy that he would be coached by a legend in the game, I’m referring to Radhi Jaidi.

“We can wish him the very best in this new adventure while hoping that it opens opportunities for him to play in top European leagues.”

The Lagos born star began his professional career in 2018 at Kada City before heading to Delta Force – where he was signed by the Aba giants.

Thanks to his impressive performance in the Nigeria Professional Football League, he was handed a senior team call-up by Gernot Rohr.

He made his debut for the three-time African champions in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic on March 27, 2021.

Former Egypt and Libya coach Mohsen Saleh has slammed Lionel Messi for his ‘crocodile tears’ at his final Barcelona press conference on Sunday.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner was in floods of tears while addressing the media where he confirmed that a move to Paris Saint-Germain is a possibility.

The Argentina international became a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Blaugrana in June. However, the Camp Nou giants were unable to tie him down to a new deal due to "financial and structural obstacles".

With that, Messi’s trophy-laden spell with the 26-time Spanish topflight giants came to an end and he is expected to announce his next destination in the coming days.

But Mohsen stated that the 34-year-old could have continued by forfeiting part of his wages to help the Spanish elite division side who are in a financial mess.

“Crocodile tears are when a hypocrite cries despite not feeling any kind of sadness. He in fact feels the opposite way,” the 72-year-old wrote on Twitter.

“Messi, why are you crying when you could have stayed by sacrificing a part of your salary due to the club’s current financial state?

“You’re greedy, and you’re not the only one, you claim you left because of the rules while others claim they left for ambition.”

Messi is Barcelona’s all-time top-scorer with 672 goals from 778 appearances across all competitions.

He also picked up 34 titles with Barca, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League diadems.

Meanwhile, former Real Madrid midfielder Mutiu Adepoju claimed that the player’s departure would be no catastrophe for La Liga.

“Just like every other big player that has left La Liga, Messi’s departure would really be felt. However, that will never be the end of the league,” he told Goal.

“As you know, several great players have come and gone, yet La Liga remains and the quality was never affected.

“When [Cristiano] Ronaldo left, everybody missed him but the Spanish top flight continued because there are several big stars in the league.

“There are so many young players coming up and I believe that another great player would be thrown into the limelight soon.”