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Aston Villa Could Actually Benefit From Selling Jack Grealish This Summer

The tactician has joined K'Ogalo, taking over from Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto at the helm

Gor Mahia new coach Mark Harrison has promised fans and supporters entertainment as he starts his new job at the club.

The former Southampton goalkeeper is in the country to fill the space left by Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto, who left the club in July after helping them win the FKF Shield Cup against AFC Leopards. Vaz Pinto's last league game was a 2-1 defeat to Tusker.  

Sammy Omollo, who has been in charge since he was Vaz Pinto's assistant, is also expected to assume the same position under Harrison. Omollo has been acting as an interim head coach and has overseen three games, where Gor Mahia have lost two and drawn in the other.

My vision is not different from the club

"Thank you to the family of Gor Mahia for bringing me to Kenya, it is something I am massively excited about," Harrison told Goal.

"I am fully aware of the importance of Gor Mahia in Kenya, being the biggest club here and in Africa. It is an honour for me to be here, I am privileged and I embrace it.

"My vision and targets are not different from the club, I want to win every game, I want to win every trophy that is put in front of us, if it is possible we will do that. I am a winner, and I expect my players to be winners which goes hand in hand with the football club.

"I want to win trophies with style, I want to create an entertaining brand; when supporters get on the field, we can entertain them with the way we play. I am certainly not a long ball merchant by any means, that is not my game. I want the players to go out there and express themselves without fear."

'I know African football inside out'

The Englishman exuded confidence in his ability to coach the team, stating he knows how to win trophies.

"I have been in Africa for 20 years, on and off, I know African football pretty much inside out... I had a brief stint in South Africa, and later on, had an opportunity to coach in three different countries," Harrison continued. 

"I am fully aware of the expectations, that does not faze me either; I have been in Botswana with the biggest club there [Township Rollers], we won the championship and qualified for Caf [Champions League] we were runners up in the Mascom Top8 competition, so I am fully aware of what it takes to win the championship and I will bring it to Gor Mahia next season."

Gor Mahia are out of the race to win the league this season but will represent Kenya in the Caf Confederation Cup after winning the Shield Cup.

(Originally posted by Seth Willis)
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Hearts of Oak attacker Afriyie and Asante Kotoko defender Ganiyu named in Ghana B squad

Coach Annor Walker has summoned players for a camping exercise in Prampram
(Originally posted by Prince Narkortu Teye)
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Benrahma rescues point for West Ham United with brace against Onuachu's Genk

The West African will be at The Brigadiers for the 2021/22 season with the option of an extension

Ex-Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel is among the players who were unveiled by Kuwait Sporting Club.

The 34-year-old midfielder opted to join the Kuwaiti side on July 1 from Championship side Stoke City. The Brigadiers disclosed the former Chelsea and Trabzonspor star penned a one-year contract that will keep him at the club for the 2021-22 season.

In the unveiling done by the club, the West African will continue wearing the number 12 jersey which he wore during his time with the Blues.

"I am happy to be here, in this great club hoping to win trophies together this season," Mikel told the media during his unveiling.

"For the management and the fans, thank you for your warm welcome, I am ready for the new challenge."

The move to Kuwait came as a shock to Stoke supporters considering he had just renewed his stay at the club after an impressive initial campaign.

The 34-year-old was one of the standout players in Michael O'Neill's team in the 2020-21 season with 39 league appearances under his belt as they finished 14th on the table.

Mikel returned to England last August after he terminated his contract with Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor over a disagreement regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

The Nigeria legend is not new to Asian football having previously spent two years in the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Teda.

Prior to his sojourn in China, the 2005 Caf Most Promising Talent had spent the majority of his career at Chelsea.

During his 11-year stay at Stamford Bridge, Mikel won several laurels including the Champions League, Europa League, the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.

He was also named the club's Young Player of the Year twice (2007 and 2008), and he went on to make 249 appearances in the Premier League with just a single goal to his name.

The 34-year-old replicated his leadership and marshalling roles for Nigeria on several occasions before his retirement in 2019.

He was part of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad and he also helped the country win bronze at the 2006, 2010 and 2019 editions.

(Originally posted by Seth Willis)
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Partey to see ankle specialist after injury rules him out of Arsenal's season opener against Brentford

The Gunners midfielder was forced off after just half an hour against Chelsea on Sunday and is now facing a 'few weeks' out

Thomas Partey is expected to miss the start of Arsenal’s season due to the ankle injury he sustained against Chelsea on Sunday.

The Ghana international was forced off after just half an hour during Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat against the Blues in the opening game of the Mind Series tournament.

Speaking after the match, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted the injury "didn’t look good" and a scan on Monday has revealed Partey is now set for a spell on the sidelines.

What's the latest?

The early results from Monday’s scan are mixed, with Partey now expected to be out for a few weeks, according to sources close to the player.

But whilst there is frustration that the midfielder will now miss at least the opening game of the new season at Brentford on August 13, there is also some relief that the initial signs suggest he will not be out for the long-term.

The early indications are that he will miss ‘a few weeks’ after injuring his ankle ligaments, but that there will be no need for surgery.

Partey will see another ankle specialist later this week when the exact extent of the injury and his absence should become clearer.

What games will he miss?

Partey will certainly miss Sunday’s game against Tottenham in the Mind Series, which will be Arsenal’s last pre-season outing of the summer.

He will then also sit out the opening game of the Premier League season at newly-promoted Brentford on Friday, August 13.

Arsenal then play Chelsea on August 22 and Manchester City on August 28 and Partey will be hopeful of being involved in at least one of those fixtures, providing he does not suffer any setbacks.

Who could replace him?

Arteta does have some options in central midfield, with Granit Xhaka now staying at the club after his proposed move to Roma fell through.

A midfield duo of Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny is the most likely option to start against Brentford, although new signing Albert Sambi Lokonga impressed off the bench against Chelsea on Sunday.

Joe Willock, who is wanted by Newcastle , could also come into the equation.

Further reading 

(Originally posted by Charles Watts)
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Ayew named in Al Sadd squad for pre-season in Barcelona

The 31-year-old is among the travelling contingent for pre-season training in Spain ahead of the new season
(Originally posted by Dennis Mabuka)
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No Issahaku: Anim Cudjoe headlines new Ghana U20 squad

The Steadfast teenager has not been listed but the Legon Cities winger is a conspicuous name on the new roster

African U20 champions Ghana have called up 35 players for camp ahead of their upcoming international assignments.

Coach Abdul Karim Zito’s squad features players who starred as the Black Satellites won the Africa U20 Cup of Nations tournament in Mauritania earlier this year.

Former Bayern Munich triallists Mathew Anim Cudjoe, a member of the victorious contingent, has been invited for the upcoming camp, as are Ofori MacCarthy of Eleven Wonders, Ivan Anokye Mensah of Zalina FC and James Ampofo of Semper FC.

Conspicuously, Steadfast FC prodigy Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who played at the tournament as a 16-year-old and still qualifies to feature at the next tournament in 2023, has not been called up.

The attacker has gained global prominence in recent times after being linked to Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, having seen a move to German side Bayer Leverkusen fall through.

He was also called up to Ghana’s senior team on their last two assemblies but is yet to make his debut.

The West Africans are set to defend their U20 Afcon crown at the next gathering in Egypt in 2023.

Full squad:

Kwabena Boateng (Accra Great Olympics FC), Emmanuel Ayei (Shalon FC), Kweku Boateng (Charity Stars FC), Anim Matthew Cudjoe (Legon Cities FC), Mensah Ivan Anokye, (Zalina FC), Ofori MacCarthy (Eleven Wonders FC), Samuel Koshie Agbeyingah (Heart of Lions FC), James Ampofo (Semper C), Frank Boateng (Prestige FC), Agyemang Duah Emmanuel (Ebony FC), Kobena Gogo Boahen (Swedru All Blacks FC), Samari Salifu Abass (Young Apostles FC), Emmanuel Osei Asibey (Benab FC), Eugene Amporfo Amankwah (Benab FC), Mose Salifu Bawa (Cheetah FC), Mohaison Mohmoud (Ebony Babies), Jonas Naafo (Nania FC), Raphic Maftawo (Rences FC), Shaibu Abdallah (In God We Trust FC), Daniel Owura Akuffo (Still Believe FC), John Bitigi (Real Lions FC), Zaidan Alhassan (New Edubiase FC), Emmanuel Mensah (Simpafi Soccer Academy), Kelvin Saaba (Dansoman Bea), Daniel Lokka Queye (Vision FC), Collins Boah (In God We Trust FC), Patrick Arthur (Renees FC), Atta Amoss (Offinso United FC), Sylvester Antwi (Feyenoord Youth FC), Anastasius Satuh (Kasina Nankana FC), Bukari Sommed (Bolga All Stars FC), Baffoe Isaac (Young Apostles FC), Sayibu Yakubu (BYJ), Gideon Majambe Armah (Oil City FC), Adu Boahen Hayford (Real Lions FC)

(Originally posted by Prince Narkortu Teye)
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FA Cup fourth round draw: West Ham to face Kidderminster, Chelsea take on Plymouth & more

The country's football governing body issued the following statement on Tuesday morning

Safa wishes to express its disapproval following the termination of Robert Marawa’s contract with the public broadcaster SABC as this will hinder football development and professional profiling of the sport.

Robert Marawa has over the years excelled as a major contributor to the analysis, insight and debate of football on the African continent and global stage.

His shows have regularly attracted wide-range expert views and opinions that evidently contributed to the growth of South African football.

It is unfortunate that as we celebrate the right to freedom of speech and diversity of opinions, the main broadcasters in the country SuperSport and SABC find that such differing and diverse opinions are not to be tolerated on their platforms.

Robert Marawa has a proven track record both nationally and continentally and has delivered major service to both local, Caf and Fifa platforms.

He has used his extensive influence to enrich football debates in our country and the African continent at large.

South Africa and its broadcast platforms must show greater tolerance to the diversity of opinions.

Safa, as the football governing body in the country, will approach SABC to discuss this key aspect to the future of football in this country.

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Godfred Yeboah: Former Asante Kotoko and Ghana left-back passes away

After a reported short illness, the former defender had passed away on Tuesday
(Originally posted by Prince Narkortu Teye)
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Arsenal Direct Has Brand New 2020-21 Gear Available - And You Need Some

PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns have announced an exciting partnership with Roc Nation Sports

"Mamelodi Sundowns FC, one of the most successful African football clubs of the modern era, has teamed up with one of the world’s leading entertainment and sports agencies, Roc Nation Sports," a statement read.

"A dynamic collaboration underpinned by values of humility, excellence, and respect. Led and inspired by a passion to make a difference, the partnership will see Sundowns and Roc Nation Sports being a vehicle to drive change through impactful initiatives and alignments, with the greater purpose of uplifting communities and lives. Masandawana, The Brazilians or Ka bo Yellow as they’re named, are an ambitious, inspiring, dynamic and entertaining family-rooted club that aspires to be the biggest African football club in the world.

"They are the 2021 domestic League Champions; holding 11 League titles, 18 Domestic Cup Titles and the continental recognition of winning the 2016 CAF Championship and the 2017 CAF Super Cup Championship."

MORE TO FOLLOW...

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)
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Chelsea issue N'Golo Kante hamstring injury update

The Portuguese defender is eager for more regular minutes at Old Trafford after an impressive campaign at San Siro

Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot has reflected on his "perfect" loan spell at AC Milan while revealing his aims for the 2021-22 season.

Dalot joined United from Porto for £19 million ($26m) in the summer of 2018, but struggled to establish himself in the starting XI during his first two seasons at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils decided to send the 22-year-old out on loan to San Siro to gain more experience last term, and he ended up helping Stefano Pioli's side return to the Champions League after an eight-year absence.

What's been said?

Dalot has now opened up on his time in Italy amid reports that Milan are eager to bring him back to the club for another year.

“It was perfect,” the Portugal international told United's official website. “The goal for last season was to get minutes again, get my legs going. Be fit. And I had it.

“I think I was one of the only players in the [AC Milan] squad that was available for all the games during the season and for me that was a very good point as well besides of course the minutes and games I played, which were a lot.

“Like I said, it was perfect. I met very good people in the club, very good people in the city and it was fantastic. The chance to play in another fantastic league brought me some very good stuff, not just for football but for my life as well."

Dalot still has two years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford and is eager to continue playing regular football in the upcoming campaign as he seeks to take his game to even greater heights.

“Keep developing,” he responded when pressed on his aspirations for the new season. “When I had a season like last season obviously the things start to get more demanding as well.

“I want to keep playing, I want to keep giving everything I have and improve. I know last season was fantastic but I can do even more.”

Dalot's dilemma

Milan are reportedly ready to submit another loan offer for Dalot, who recorded one goal and one assist in 21 Serie A outings for the club in 2020-21.

An option to buy could be included in any deal, with it not yet clear if the defender will figure in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans ahead of United's Premier League opener against Leeds on August 14.

Dalot could yet stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place, but he has only made 35 senior appearances for the Red Devils in the last three years, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is currently filling the right-back spot in Solskjaer's starting XI.

Further reading

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Saturday's El Clasico Could Be Antoine Griezmann's Last Shot at Redemption

The new signing was among the players the fans expected to play for Amakhosi in the cup but he was not involved

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter has blamed weight gain for the decision of not playing Keagan Dolly against Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup.

Dolly, a Caf Champions League winner with Mamelodi Sundowns, is among the new signings at Amakhosi, as they strive to rebuild a team for the new campaign.

Despite arriving in time for the Black Label Cup, Dolly, who has also featured for French side Montpellier in 2017, was overlooked as Chiefs went on to beat their rivals 4-3 on penalties to secure the trophy at Orlando Stadium.

What has been said?

Baxter has now explained the absence of Dolly from the game by stating as quoted by idiskitimes.co.za: “Well I will be honest, we’re taking Keagan and we’re taking Keagan in a situation where he hasn’t played in quite a while.

“He’s had a period of inactivity that means he’s put on some weight and that weight has got to go.

“In the meantime, while he is doing that, he’s going to learn how we play. Keagan will be a better way, but if the players are playing like that, they are putting their hand up to say well Keagan when you are fit you have to throw your hat in the ring for a place.

“So Keagan is going to take a while, but I like Keagan Dolly as a player and when he is fit, he will give us another dimension.”

In a recent interview, Dolly explained what his reunion with Khama Billiat at Chiefs will mean for the Premier Soccer League side.

"I am excited about being here and starting my career with Chiefs. I am looking forward to getting in touch with teammates and coaches and getting down to business," Dolly said.

"I speak with Khama a lot and it is an exciting time to play with him again, especially after we had good connections when we played at Sundowns.

"We will bring what we have learned throughout a couple of seasons that we played for different clubs. We can come back, work hard for the team and score more goals as we encourage each other.

"I feel right at home because I know a lot of players that are part of the team. That will make me settle and work together.”

Billiat was involved in the game against Pirates but was pulled out in the second half after picking an injury.

Further PSL reading

(Originally posted by Dennis Mabuka)
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En-Nesyri shines as Sevilla extend winning run against Eibar

The 50-year-old is hoping that Mabasa makes his return from injury soon, with Bucs set to face Swallows FC in the MTN8 clash on August 14

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer is desperate to find a solution to their crisis in the striking department.

The German tactician watched as his team created goalscoring opportunities which they failed to convert in their defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup on Sunday.

With strikers Tshegofatso Mabasa and Zakhele Lepasa nursing long-term injuries, Frank Mhango remains Pirates' only fit first-team centre-forward.

Zinnbauer refused to discuss the club's transfer plans, but he did indicate there is a need for new strikers at the Houghton-based giants.

“It’s a discussion we don’t speak about here. We cannot speak about a transfer here,” Zinnbauer told iDiski Times

“I can say, a coach always wants strikers. We saw what happened last season, we play with a false nine for a long time and the second striker was then Hotto, who is normally not a striker. 

“So now we have to pray we get Mabasa quick back, Lepasa quick back and one of the young strikers in the squad. We have Gabba now, so we have to focus on getting him to perform."

The mentor is hoping that Mabasa, who impressively netted five goals in two PSL starts last season, makes his return from injury soon.

“I hope over the next few days Mabasa comes back, but we cannot say that he’ll be ready for a game as he was out for a long time," he continued. 

“It was not the first injury what he had, last season he was a long time out, now he was also a long time out. He needs [a bit more] time for a comeback.

“Yes, every coach wants a striker, a top striker. If you have a top striker, you can score."

Zinnbauer introduced last season's DStv Diski Challenge Golden Boot winner, Boitumelo Radiopane in the second-half against Chiefs and he forced goalkeeper Brandon Petersen into a smart save.

"But it’s always a small line. Raidiopane comes in and makes it not so bad as an 18-year-old player," he added. 

“It’s the sort of focus that we have. We have young players behind the big squad, [behind the] experienced players.

“But we have to wait now in the next week or the next 10 days what happens in terms of Mabasa."

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
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Ghana Player Ratings: How Black Stars fared against South Africa

The federation boss reveals to Goal what they will do to have K’Ogalo and Ingwe pay their recent fines imposed on them

Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa has explained how Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will be compelled to pay the fines imposed on them after skipping the Mashemeji derby on Saturday.

The two Kenyan giants were fined a total of Ksh10million, AFC with the highest fine of Ksh 6million for being the home team, and Gor Mahia Ksh4 million, for being the away team.

Apart from the fines, the two teams were also deducted three points each and a decision that saw Gor Mahia drop to position eleven on the 18-team log with 37 points from 27 matches while AFC dropped to the sixth position with 41 points from 27 matches.

 

What has been said?

“We all know the two teams are struggling, that is a fact but we will move to recover the fine imposed on them from the grants which we give to them every month,” Mwendwa told Goal on Tuesday.

“It is not the first time we have done this, whenever we lend the two teams loans, we recover it from grants, so it is not a big issue, it will be recovered from grants and they have to pay the entire amount.

“We have always worked closely with these teams when it comes to money issues, we have even helped them financially, but sometimes you don’t understand why they decide to break laws.

“A few months ago, Gor Mahia were stuck and could not travel to Zambia for their Caf Confederation Cup fixture, and they came to us begging for help, we gave them Ksh3million and also gave them tracksuits for our national team because they did not have tracksuits to use for the trip.”

Mwendwa has further warned that should the teams miss their next two league assignments, he will relegate them.

“It is upon them to make sure they play their next matches, if they don’t, then we will follow the laws of the game, and it means we will have them playing in the lower division next season,” Mwendwa continued.

AFC Leopards are scheduled to face Nairobi City Stars on Tuesday while Gor Mahia will come up against Kakamega Homeboyz on Wednesday.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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Laporta gives Messi contract update and claims Barcelona are happy with Griezmann

The Camp Nou chief is still confident of re-signing the six-time Ballon d'Or winner in time for the start of the new season

Joan Laporta has offered an update on Lionel Messi's contract, while claiming Barcelona are happy with Antoine Griezmann amid ongoing transfer rumours.

Messi became a free agent when his contract at Camp Nou expired on June 30, but Goal has since reported the 32-year-old has reached an agreement with Barca over a new five-year deal.

An official announcement is expected imminently, and Laporta has now confirmed "everything is on the right track" for the Argentine to be re-registered with the club for the start of the 2021-22 season.

What has been said?

“We are in the process of getting Messi to stay. He wants to stay at Barca and we have to make sure that happens” Laporta told Barca's official media channel at the presentation of summer signing Emerson Royal on Monday.

“We all want Messi in La Liga because he is a world-class player, the best in the world, and he clearly helps to promote the league. I know Leo wants to stay and appreciate that highly. Everything is very much on the right track.”

What's the situation with Griezmann?

Goal understands Griezmann is one of several first-team stars currently up for sale as Barca continue to try and reduce their wage bill, and it has been reported Atletico Madrid are interested in bringing him back to Wanda Metropolitano in a potential exchange deal involving Saul Niguez.

However, Laporta has indicated that there France international will honour the terms of his contract with the Blaugrana, which is due to run until 2024.

"Everyone is happy with Griezmann. He’s a true professional. He has a contract with Barca and we have to respect that," said the Camp Nou chief.

Laporta on Moriba

Laporta was far less positive when asked to comment on Ilaix Moriba's contract standoff with the club, with the 18-year-old having been exiled from both the senior and B team pre-season squads for refusing to compromise on his salary expectations in renewal talks.

“If Ilaix doesn’t want to renew his contract, he has other options," he said of the teenage midfielder. "We don’t want players that have grown up here and don’t want to renew their contracts.

"We’re sorry, but the club comes before anything else and we can’t have this kind of thing happening. I want them to think again because we want to reach an agreement."

Further reading

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'I'm grateful for our friendship' - Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli wishes Sunil Chhetri on his 37th birthday

Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli wishes his 'friend' Sunil Chhetri on his 37th birthday...

India football team skipper Sunil Chhetri has turned 37 on Tuesday, August 3. And India's all-time topscorer has already got wishes pouring in, along with it a special one a star cricketer. Indian Cricket team captain Virat Kohli also sent his wishes for Sunil Chhetri as he turned 37.

Kohli wished Chhetri the best on his special occassion and suggested that he is thankful for the friendship he shares with the Indian football captain and how their common bonding factor is Delhi's street food.

Interestingly, Kohli owns two restaurants in Delhi - Nueva and one8Commune. 

What did Virat Kohli tweet about Sunil Chhetri?

"Happy Birthday skip. I hope you have a blessed day like every other day in your life & I always wish you the best. I'm grateful for our friendship that's been formed very organically and contrary to belief, we've majorly connected on Delhi street food memories."

When did Sunil Chhetri make his international debut for India?

Sunil Chhetri donned the Indian national team jersey for the very first time against Pakistan, 16 years ago on June 12, 2005, at the age of 20.

India travelled to Pakistan to play a three-match invitational series. In the very first match of the series, Chhetri was handed his international debut by then Indian coach Sukhwinder Singh. The talismanic forward scored on his international debut and it was his goal that helped the Blue Tigers hold the hosts to a 1-1 draw.

India had taken the lead in the series by winning the second match 1-0 but Pakistan came back strongly and beat India 3-0 in the third game and levelled the series.

What are some of the notable records which Sunil Chhetri holds?

Chhetri currently holds several records in Indian football but some of his most notable records are, highest goalscorer in international (74) in the most number of international appearances (117). He is also the fourth-highest active international goalscorer in the world after Cristiano Ronaldo (109), Lionel Messi (76) and UAE's Ali Mabkhout (76).

He has also scored the most number of hat-tricks in international football (3) and is the highest Indian goalscorer in I-League and the Indian Super League (ISL).

(Originally posted by Ritabrata Banerjee)
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'We don't have a Messi or a Ronaldo' - Guardiola hails Manchester City squad resolve despite lack of superstars

The Ghanaian midfielder was given his first marching orders ever, albeit, his team recorded an away victory against Michael Boris’ men

Abu Francis was sent off for the first time ever in his professional career as FC Nordsjaelland secured a 2-0 away win over Sonderjyske in Monday’s Danish Superliga outing.

Playing his third game in the 2021-22 campaign, the 20-year-old was shown the way out by referee Jens Maae.

A dangerous tackle on Duplexe Tchamba in the 93rd minute saw him red-carded – thus, seeing Flemming Pedersen’s team reduced to 10 men.

Francis was initially cautioned by Maae, however, VAR replays adjudged that the former Right to Dream player had launched a risky attack on the Cameroonian defender.

Unbeaten in their last two games in all competitions, Sonderjyske welcomed the Tigers to the Sydbank Park in Haderslev.

The fixture got off to a flying start with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, they were unable to find the net thanks to the brilliance of goalkeepers Lawrence Thomas and Peter Jensen.

Nevertheless, it was the visiting side who took the initiative on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Oliver Villadsen who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Lawrence.

Like a house on fire, the hosts approached the last 45 minutes full of determination, yet they were poor in the final third.

Even at the introduction of Julius Eskesen, Kristofer Kristinsson and Nigeria's Rilwan Hassan in the 67th minute, Michael Boris’ men lacked the cutting edge.

With five minutes left on the clock, super-sub Simon Adingra sealed the win with a fine finish. That was the Ivorian winger’s first goal of the current campaign.

Adingra’s compatriot Mohammed Diomande was named in the starting XI, but he was substituted for Danish midfielder Jacob Christensen in the 84th minute.

Also, Ghana's Lasso Coulibaly who started in the midfield was replaced by countryman Ibrahim Sadiq in the 76th minute.

Elsewhere, Ghana's Clinton Antwi and Denmark youth international of Nigerian descent Tochi Chukwuani were unused substitutes.

Following this away result, Nordsjaelland are now third in the Superliga log having accrued four points from three games, while Sonderjyske dropped to seventh with the same number of points – although with an inferior goal difference.

Francis will be absent when manager Pedersen’s Tigers welcome Odense BK to the Right to Dream Park in their next outing on August 9.

(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)
  187 Hits

Too Good, Too Bad: The Best & Worst of Africans Abroad

Santos Laguna's manager has left a 1-1 draw furious with the tactics his team encountered

Santos Laguna manager Jorge Almada has slammed Cruz Azul for time-wasting in a 1-1 draw on Sunday night, which he blamed in part on "permissive" referees.

His side went down a goal in the 64th minute, and he felt his opponents were cynical in their play from there.

However, Santos Laguna did manage to salvage a point through an 82nd-minute penalty kick conversion from Diego Valdes Contreras.

What has been said?

"One team tried to play and the other tried to obstruct, with the help of a permissive referee," Almada said via TUDN. "Sometimes I find it difficult to understand what is happening.

"The referee gives five minutes [of stoppage time] when they cut the game, threw the balls, there was a pause to drink water. I would be more satisfied if we left and lost it with all the time that was lost.

"The main [decision-maker] is the referees, if someone decides not to play they should punish them. I don't like my players to take time [like that].

"It is difficult for me to understand things that we all talk about [in meetings with Liga MX officials] and are not carried out."

Reynoso responds to compaints

Cruz Azul boss Juan Reynoso disagreed with Almada's perspective, arguing that the draw was a "fair result" and his players performed honorably.

Further reading

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Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City: Player ratings as Raheem Sterling header secures City win

Toluca midfielder Rubens Sambueza has admitted his side have taken an any-means-neccesary approach to defeat top clubs such as Tigres - even if that includes physical mischief to grind out a result.

The strategy paid off in a 3-1 win on Sunday - and it was actually Tigres, not Toluca, to go down to 10-men when Guido Pizarro was shown a second yellow for a clumsy stamp on the leg of an opponent. There were 26 fouls committed between the sides and a penalty awarded in the contest.

Sambueza and Co. are now top of Liga MX on goal differential through two matches, with a Friday night clash with Tijuana approaching.

What has been said?

"These games, with this type of rivals, you have to win them," Sambueza said via AS. "Sometimes playing fair, regular or badly, but they have to be won.

“I want to emphasize the attitude of this team, the dedication in a very strong match physically, and the sacrifice of the whole group in that aspect. It was a very intense game, difficult to carry out.

"A very important match was won, at home, with our people returning to the stadium, against a rival with very good players who will be fighting for the championship.

"We never got disordered, we never despaired, even when going behind. We continued with our plan and we were able to tie it with a great goal. Then, in the second half, we continued to probe patiently, moving the ball from left to right, and that's how the second arrived, and at the end, the third one that left us more calm, but the calm and perseverance of the team was fundamental."

Bigger picture

Toluca have capitalised on slow starts for typical Apertura contenders, as Chivas, Tigres, Cruz Azul and Pumas have all already suffered defeats.

They now get to face Tijuana, who have fallen in both of their matches to begin the campaign.

Further reading

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Referees will now consider the intention of defenders as well as the degree and consequence of contact when considering if a penalty should be awarded

The Premier League hopes to discourage players exaggerating contact for penalties and cut out controversial offside calls by changing rules ahead of the new season.

Referees and VAR officials are being told to consider how much contact has been made by a defender, the consequences of it and also the intention.

As a result, players will not need to go down in the box in order to be given a spot kick and referees will cease stopping the game for "trivial offences".

What has been said?

The aim of the new criteria is to encourage a more "free-flowing game", according to Mike Riley, who is the Premier League's head of refereeing. 

"Fundamentally, we want the approach to be one that best allows players to go out and express themselves, and allows the Premier League to flow,” Riley said.

"That means that the referee team - both referees and VAR - don’t intervene for trivial offences. It’s really going: ‘Let's create a free-flowing game, where the threshold for intervention both for referees and VAR is slightly higher than it was last season’."

He added: "The clear message through the survey was football is about contact. So, the principles we’ve established are referees should look for contact, and establish clear contact, then ask themselves the does question: ‘Does that contact have a consequence?’. And then ask themselves the question: ‘Has the player used that contact to actually try and win a penalty?’

"So it’s not sufficient just to say: ‘Yes, there’s contact’. I think, partly, we got into that frame of mind by the forensic analysis that went on to VAR. So, contact on its own is only part of what the referee should look for.

"Consider consequence, consider motivation of player as well. If you've got clear contact that has a consequence, then that's what you got to penalise. If you've any doubt in those elements you're less likely to be penalised.

"We made a mistake again last season where there was clear contact, a player stayed on his feet, went wide, lost possession. We should go back and give him a penalty. I think had we done so that would have reassured players, that's our approach.

"I think it moves the dial back towards where we probably were in a pre-VAR world."

What about the offside rule?

The new rules will also lead to fewer lengthy VAR reviews to determine offsides in the build up to a goal.

The use of VAR in cases where a player may be marginally offside has proved controversial, but the new approach hopes to make it easier for referees.

Officials will now use a thicker line than before and if the one used to show the attacker's position merges into the line indicating the defender, it will be deemed onside.

"We’ve now effectively reintroduced the benefit of doubt to the attacking player,” Riley added.

“So, where you have a really close offside situation, we carry on following the same process that we did last year with VAR. So you'll apply the one-pixel lines, you'll place the attacking line and the defending line.

"You'll then put on the thicker broadcast lines and, where they overlap, those situations will now be deemed as onside. So effectively what we give back to the game is 20 goals that were disallowed last season, by using quite forensic scrutiny. So it's the toenails, the noses…. They might have been offside last year, next season they’re on."

Further reading

Original author: Peter McVitie
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