Obuh warns against complacency

Flying Eagles coach John Obuh has warned his players to shun complacency ahead of this weekend's second leg clash against Mauritius this weekend in the final round of the Libya 2011 Orange African Youth Championship.

The Flying Eagles posited a 2-0 win over the Islanders in the first leg and are in pole position to book their place at the final tournament backed their home invincibility.

Despite the advantage, Obuh who guided Nigeria’s U-17 team, Golden Eaglets, to second place at the FIFA U-17 tournament on home soil last year has described the outcome of the clash as crucial, that he is leaving no stone unturned in their bid to qualify.

 “This weekend’s game is very important,” the trainer disclosed to the local media.

For the Sharks FC trainer, the result in the first leg is no guarantee of a place at the final tournament, warning that Mauritius are capable of springing a surprise.

“We won the first leg in away game, and there is every tendency that they could also beat us here before our home crowd. The game is not won until the final whistle.”

The Flying Eagles, bronze medalists at the last championship in Rwanda in 2009 have emerged winners in the biennial tournament five times – 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989 and 2005.

Libya will host the final tournament from March 18 to April 1, 2011.

Mazembe reach final

Holders TP Mazembe reached the final of the Orange CAF Champions League after managing a barren draw with JS Kabylie of Algeria in Tizi Ouzou on Saturday.

By the result, Mazembe qualified 3-1 on aggregate after beating the Algerian giants by a similar margin in the first leg held in Tizi Ouzou a fortnight ago.

The Mazembe defence remained resolute by thwarting the attacks to JSK to cruise to a convincing victory.

JS Kabylie ended the game with 10-men after Naili Bilal was given the marching off orders on the hour mark but his absence was little to tilt the game in favour of the Congolese.

Mazembe will face the winner of the Esperance-Ahly semi final clash at the Rades Stadium at the grand finale next month.

Huge stakes for Esperance and Al Ahly

There is much expectation both in Cairo and Tunis a few hours to the North African duel between Esperance Sportive and Al Ahly, whose target will be a ticket to the finals of the Orange Champions League.  Ahly won the first leg in Cairo 2-1.

Esperance, which hopes to present a complete team including their striker Wajdi Bouazzi who missed the first game due to groin injury, had scheduled its last three training sessions out of public view. Ahly have also closed the door to the public, a move which shows both teams intention not to reveal their game plan before the much awaited encounter.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Faouzi Benzarti, coach of the red and gold insisted on the need for concentration at all times but without dismissing the overwhelming pressure on the team.

"There are so many parameters that we cannot control in this kind of do or die encounters. But we are confident," said the coach who had led the same Esperance in 1994 to win its only trophy in the former African Clubs Champions Cup.

On his part, President of Esperance promised to reserve a warm welcome to their guest, Ahly. "I myself will be at the airport on Thursday to welcome the Egyptian delegation. Whether we win or lose, I will throw a dinner. We must exonerate ourselves from the harm caused to Cairo by some of our supporters. Moreover, Al Ahly fans will gain free access to the Rades stadium on Sunday, "promised Mr. Meddeb.

These actions demonstrate the commitment by both sides to place the match under the sign of friendship in order to bury the sad memory of the violence of the first round on October 3, in the tribunes reserved for 5000 Tunisian fans.

Al Ahly arrived in Tunis on Thursday at noon amidst worries about the health of some of its players. If the scorer of the last 2010 ACN, Mohamed Nagy Gedo is fielded, it may not the same for Moawadh Sayed, Hossam Ghali (suffering from ankle and knee injury) , Mohammed Shawki, Osama Hosni and Francis Doe of Liberia, who was very spirited in their slim victory at the Cairo Stadium.

The boys of Hossam Al Badri won two local  friendlies with a double from  Gedo, who showed that he is ready for the task ahead. 

Latest results: Orange Confederation Cup 2010

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	16/10/10		Ittihad	2-0	Djoliba
	16/10/10		AS FAN	0-0	Hilal

Esperance beat Ahly to reach final

Nigerian-import Michael Eneramo was the hero as Tunisian giants Esperance reached the last two of the Orange CAF Champions League on Sunday in Rades.

The burly striker scored the only goal of the match in the first minute as Esperance inched past their guests on the away goal rule after both ties ended 2-2.

The keenly contested game was a true a manifestation of the rivalry between Tunisian and Egyptian clubs, and eventually, Esperance came out tops.

It was the first time since 2000 that Esperance had reached the final of the continental showpiece football event.

The Tunisian giants were winners in 1994 and will face holders TP Mazembe in the final.

Stade d’Abidjan survive relegation scare

Former Ivorian champions Stade d’Abidjan had to wait till the final day of the season to survive the relegation scare that has haunted them throughout the 2010 season.

Stade d’Abidjan, one of the oldest clubs in Cote d’Ivoire were on the verge of relegation, only for a 3-1 win over ASC Ouragahio in their week 26 encounter on Sunday in Abidjan, reaffirmed their status in the elite division.

The victory by the five-time Ivorian league champions ensured that Sabe Sports and Hire FC were relegated after placing 13^th and 14 ^th in the 14-club league standings. Sabe lost 0-2 to Stella Club whilst Hire FC lost 1-2 to SOA.

Stade d’Abidjan, winners of the defunct Africa Cup of Champions Clubs in 1966 finished 12^th on 32 points, with Sabe and Hire in that order on 29 points and 19 points respectively.

The biggest surprise of the 2010 Ivorian Ligue 1 was JCAT, who finished second and will play in next year’s Orange CAF Champions League alongside champions, ASEC Mimosas.

Africa Sports and Sewe San Pedro, who placed third and fourth respectively, will also play in the Orange CAF Confederation Cup.

Bafana continue to climb up rankings

Bafana Bafana have continued the climb on the Fifa world rankings.

On the latest rankings released on Wednesday, the Senior Men’s National team has jumped six places to 52 (previously they were on 58). Bafana Bafana’s rise comes at the back of an unbeaten run of four matches – three victories and a draw. South Africa started with a 2-1 win over France in the 2010 Fifa World Cup in June this year.

This was followed by a one nil victory over Ghana in a friendly international match in August. South Africa defeated Niger two-nil to kick start the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, before the goalless draw against Sierra Leone in Freetown two weeks ago in another Afcon qualifier.

Coach Pitso Mosimane was in charge of the last three matches.

“We are delighted with the latest turn of events, this shows that we are doing something right. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels though, the rise of Bafana Bafana on the Fifa rankings is encouragement enough for us to continue working hard. But we must not lose sight of our vision, to be one of the best on the continent.

"And for us to achieve that, which is part of our Vision 2014, we have to do well in the qualifiers and also perform remarkably in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2014 Fifa World Cup tournaments. We are greatly encouraged by this achievement and will continue working hard to ensure that we improve,” said Mosimane.

Spain is still number one in the world. Making up the top five are the Netherlands, Brazil, Germany and Argentina.

Bafana Bafana has dropped one place down on the continental rankings – and they are out of the top ten. They are eleventh, after being overtaken by Guinea who leaped 34 places to occupy 10th position.

Egypt is still top of the list followed by Ghana, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon and Tunisia in ninth place.

The next Fifa rankings will be released 17 November – on the day when South Africa hosts the USA in Cape Town.

Top rankings:

1. Spain (1); 2. Netherlands (2); 3. Brazil (4); 4. Germany (3); 5. Argentina (5); 6. England (6); 7. Uruguay (7); 8. Portugal (8); 9. Croatia (11); 10. Russia (25); 11. Egypt (9); 12. Greece (12); 13. Norway (14); 14. Chile (10); 15. Slovenia (19); 16. Italy (13); 17. Ghana (20); 18. France (27); 19. Ivory Coast (23); 20. Slovakia (16); 52 South Africa (58).

Pirates end Sundowns’ record

Orlando Pirates brought the Mamelodi Sundowns juggernaut to a halt on Saturday afternoon, claiming a 2-1 win at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in an engrossing and dramatic Absa Premiership game.

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The hero for the Buccaneers was striker Thulasziwe Mbuyane, who netted twice in the last ten minutes of the first half to secure a lead that proved to be decisive. The Brazilians pulled one back late on from Mabhuti Khenyeza, but it was too little, too late.

The result brings Sundowns’ 100 per cent winning record at the start of the season to an end and sees Pirates bring themselves right back into contention in the upper echelons of the league table.

The first 35 minutes were a disappointment, with neither side able to provide any kind of penetration, and the respective goalkeepers -- Calvin Marlin for Sundowns and Moeneeb Josephs for Pirates -- were virtual spectators.

The Buccaneers did enjoy the majority of possession and were able to put pressure on the Brazilian’s defence whenever Daine Klate and Ruben Cloete combined down the left, but too often their final ball was easy to defend.

The match finally came to life in the 35th minute when -- almost out of nowhere -- Pirates took the lead. Thulasizwe Mbuyane took advantage of some rare space in the Brazilians’ half and fired a beautiful long-range shot past Marlin’s right hand.

The goal was exactly what the game needed and sparked Sundowns into life somewhat. Franklin Cale got the home side’s first shot on target in the 40th minute, testing Josephs low to his left with a dipping free kick.

However, Pirates caught ‘Downs napping at the back in injury time at the end of the first half and doubled their lead. Ezenwa Otorogu played a well-weighted pass to put Andile Jali in behind the backline, the youngster pulled a fine ball back to the far post and Mbuyane was on hand to double his -- and Pirates’ -- goal tally.

Sundowns made a double change at the start of the half, throwing on Mabhuti Khenyeza and Lebohang Mokoena. The former almost scored with his touch, hooking a volley onto the crossbar after a corner kick for the home team.

On 55 minutes Mbuyane spurned a glorious chance for a goal that would have brought him his hat-trick and effectively ended the game as a contest, failing to beat Marlin from point-blank range after a great low cross from Klate.

It seemed as if Sundowns’ were destined to be frustrated for the entire 90 minutes but with juts a minute of regulation time left on the clock Khenyeza fired home a volley to make it 2-1 and set-up a nail-biting ending.

There was almost nine minutes of added time -- most of it added due to the many injuries suffered by Pirates players in what was a bruising encounter -- but the visitors managed to hold out and claim a famous 2-1 win.

Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 1 (Khenyeza 89’)
Orlando Pirates: (2) 2 (Mbuyane 35’ 45+1’)

Teams:

Sundowns: (4-2-3-1) Marlin; Mwanjali, Booth, Mungomeni, Mdledle; Pattison (Mushekwi 77’), Nyandoro; Pelembe, Moriri (Khenyeza 46’), Cale (Mokoena 46’); Mphela

Pirates: (4-4-2) Josephs; Jele, Lekgwathi, Mahamutsa, Cloete; Mabalane, Ngobeni, Jali (Manyisa 59’), Klate; Mbuyane (Johannes 89’), Otorogu (Mashego 71’)

Keeper Akpan set to join Heartland

Follow the mass exodus of players from relegated Bayelsa United during the week, number one goalkeeper of the side, Bassey Akpan, is expected to officially join the Naze Millionaires on Monday.

SuperSport.com was informed late Friday night that the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper will arrive in Owerri on Sunday and will join up with his new teammates on Monday in training to start preparation for the new season.

The arrival of Akpan could further push goalkeeper Austin Brown down the pecking order of first-choices in spite of his immense talent.

Brown has caught the ire of Heartland head coach, Samson Siasia, after he was alleged to have feigned injury in order to stay away from an important game in this year’s CAF Champions League.

But 26-year-old Akpan faces competition from another former youth international custodian, Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Already, defender Chibuzor Okonkwo, another Bayelsa United teammate of Akpan, has been signed on by Heartland from Bayelsa United for the coming season.

Ahly attack Esperance for CL final berth

Six-time champions Al Ahly have promised not to try and defend their slender 2-1 win over Esperance as they aim to reach their fifth CAF Champions League final in six years.

Tunisian champions Esperance need only a goal at home Sunday against Al Ahly to qualify for the final of this year’s CAF Champions League after they lost the first game in Cairo a fortnight ago.

However, Ahly embattled coach Hossam Al-Badri has expressed confidence his team could also win at the November 7 Stadium in Rades, near Tunis, on Sunday.

“I'm not so satisfied with the result. We could have avoided the goal we conceded," said Al-Badri.

“However we will not defend in Tunisia. We always prefer to attack, and we can win away from home.”

Three years ago, the Egyptian champions lost by the odd goal to ‘The Blood and Gold’ in Tunis in a Champions League group fixture.

Six-time champions Ahly dominated the first leg, but would rue several wasted chances by Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Fadl and the lively Liberian Francis Doe particularly in the second half.

Ahly’s narrow home win was marred by trouble involving travelling fans of Esperance with unconfirmed reports suggesting one death after the irate supporters ripped out stadium seats and battled stewards and police in a moment of madness.

Fourteen fans were arrested and later sentenced to 15 days in jail by a tribunal in Cairo before an amnesty by Egypt President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak set them free.

The Red Devils are now sweating on the fitness of Egypt international midfielder Hossam Ghaly, who has served out his four-match ban after the incident against JS Kabylie of Algeria in a group game.

The 28-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur ace suffered a knee injury while in international action against Niger last weekend.

Esperance will be banking on the elegance of skipper Oussema Darragi in midfield and the power and goals of Nigeria international striker Michael Eneramo.

The 24-year-old Eneramo is leading scorer in this year’s competition with seven goals and has resumed training with his team after initial doubts about his availability following a knock he suffered while featuring for Nigeria in a Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea.

His duel with Egypt international stopper Wael Gomaa could well define the outcome of this clash.

Darragi scored his team’s precious goal away at Ahly and then went on to inspire Tunisia to a very crucial away win in Togo in a Nations Cup qualifier this past weekend.

Xtra Time Soccer: Unusual Goal Celebrations

Xtra Time Soccer: Unusual Goal Celebrations: "I ran across these videos today as I was randomly surfing YouTube in my break between classes. Enjoy!"

Issa Hayatou © Backpagepix CAF boss Hayatou collapses in Cairo

African Football Confederation president Issa Hayatou was recovering in hospital on Friday after collapsing at the Fifa-CAF World Cup conference in Cairo.

Hayatou, 64, fainted during a closed session late Thursday and was taken to hospital in the Egyptian capital for tests. He was kept in overnight for observation.

"The condition of Hayatou is stable," CAF media director Suleiman Habuba told The Associated Press on Friday. "He has suffered from stress in the past but now he is in good health."

Habuba said Hayatou's collapse was because of stress and fatigue after the "big effort" he had made in the last few days to prepare for the World Cup conference, where world football officials were meeting to analyze the 2010 World Cup - the first in Africa.

Habuba said Hayatou could still attend the conference's closing ceremony later Friday, but it was not certain. Hayatou, of Cameroon, has been CAF president for 23 years.

He is a Fifa vice president and member of the World Cup organising committee.

New NPL season kicks off at Kaduna

he 2010/2011 campaign of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) will get underway at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna when northern rivals, Kaduna United go up against last season’s runners-up, Kano Pillars on October 23.

The Premier League board picked this game as the star game of Day One of the championship for the new with the other nine matches coming up on October 24.

It is, however, not the first that Kaduna United and Kano Pillars will be pitched to face each other in the opening week of the Premier League.

In the 2008/2009 season, Kaduna United played to host to Pillars on September 14 in a Week One game and won by 2 – 1.

Though Kaduna United head coach, Maurice Cooreman, was not the man in charge two seasons ago when they earned that win over their arch-rivals, he believes that his side can re-enact such feat.

“We are ready for that game. We have played a number of friendly games and I know my players for the new season. So we can beat them again like we did that season,” he told SuperSport.com.

Few kilometres away from Kaduna is the base of Kano Pillars and their coach, Salisu Yusuf, is building for the new season without the duo of Solomon Okpako and last season’s top scorer in the league, Ahmed Musa.

He said the loss of both players will not hinder the performance of his side when the new season starts. “For the fact that Ahmed Musa has left us doesn’t mean we will not do well. Or because we lost Solomon that we don’t have other players here. I can assure our fans that we are prepared to compete and win something this season,” he said.

Pillars have snapped up Mannir Ubale and Gabriel Reuben from Bayelsa United and Enyimba respectively while Kaduna United have remained discreet in divulging their new signings.

Attempts by Kaduna United to lure over Kano Pillars’ veteran, Ahmed ‘Yaro Yaro’ Garba, broke down. On Sunday, October 24, Bukola Babes will start life in the top-flight for the first time by playing host to Zamfara United while Crown Football Club, another debutants, will be away to Niger Tornadoes.

Titleholders, Enyimba, will aim to start well against Ocean Boys in Aba and Enuguu Rangers play host to Lobi Stars while Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Sunshine Stars are billed to battle for points at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. It will be interesting to see how coach Ndubuisi Nduka’s Plateau United will fare against his immediate past team, Dolphin Football Club in the opening. Kadiri Ikhana will lead Kwara United to Warri Wolves and aim for a first win of the season.

In Port Harcourt, perennial underachievers, Sharks Football Club, will host Premier League returnees, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Football Club while Heartland Football Club make a tortuous trip up north to face Gombe United to round off Week One of the new season.

Wolves retain 24 for new season

Nigeria Premier League side, Warri Wolves have retained 24 players for the 2010/11 season.

Topping the list of retained players are goalkeepers, Chigozie Agbim and ex junior international, Ambrose Vanzekin. The management of the team has also appointed a new head coach, Paul Aigbogun to replace Lawrence Akpokona who was sacked last season.

Aigbogun will be assisted by Franklin Howard and two other assistant coaches.

General manager, media, of the club, Timi Ebikagboro told SuperSport.com that the mood in the club’s camp is very positive.

“The excitement is at fever pitch as we prepare for our first match of the season,” he said.

“We have been in camp for the past two months perfecting our strategies for the new campaign. We spent a month in Asaba and have since returned to our base in Warri,” he said.

“We lost some important players like Fengor Ogude last season but the management is about to finalize deals to bring in capable replacements to the club.

The squad last season was quite big (Wolves had 40 players on their payroll last term) but we will prune down that number to about 25 this season.”

Ebikagboro also highlighted the qualities on new coach, Aigbogun.

“He is not the most popular coach in the land but it would be silly for anyone to write him off as he is quite effective. He is based in the United Kingdom and has a Uefa coaching license.

We believe he will do good things for us this season,” he said.

Warri Woves open their 2010/11 season account against Kwara United of Illorin on October 23 at the Austin Jay Jay Okocha Stadium, Warri.

Rita arrives for Super Falcons camp

Super Falcons offensive midfielder, Rita Chikwelu has arrived the Abuja camp of the team ahead of the Africa Women’s Championships in South Africa. She stormed the camp on Thursday evening.

Chikwelu, 22, plays for the Finnish Naisten Liiga club FC United Pietarsaari. She has a fearsome International record which has seen her smash in 15 goals in 30 matches.

Chikwelu participated in the Fifa Under-20 World Cup from 2004-2008 and made her senior national team debut in 2007 at the FIFA women's World Cup. She was a member of the Nigerian Olympic team which participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics in China.

The other foreign based players are expected to hit camp on Monday, October 18, 2010. They include Pepetua Nkwocha (Sunnanå SK, Sweden), Faith Ikidi, Onome Ebi, Sarah Michael (the trio is based in Sweden)Falcons coach, Uche Eucharia is pleased with the development.

“I am satisfied,” she told SuperSport.com.

“The players in camp have shown a totally professional attitude and are giving their best in training. With the final batch of foreign based players coming in on Monday, we will have two solid weeks to hone our tactics before the start of the competition.” she said. Twenty four players are currently in the Abuja camp of the Falcons.

Amongst the 24 are, They include amongst others, Precious Dede, Tochukwu Oluehi, Gife Otuwe, Lauretta Saddoe, Stella Mbachu, Evelyn Nwabuokwu, Edith Eduviere, Akudo Sabi, Ugochi Oparanozie, Felicia Eze, Olumma Jerome, Ebere Orji, and Ogonna Chukwudi.

Crisis engulfs Kenya U20 team

Kenya Under 20 National youth soccer coach Vince Ombiji is a worried man after several Kenya Premier League(KPL) clubs failed to release their players to join the team.

Gor Mahia and Sony Sugar have been accused as the major culprits by sabotaging the National Junior team which face a crucial away tie against Lesotho before the end of the month .

Gor Mahia players in the team include Anthony Okumu, and Duncan Owiti while Goalkeeper Caleb Adola of Kenya Commercial Bank(KCB) and Paul Were of Tusker are also missing in the training camp.

Other players yet to report for training include four players from Sony Sugar that include Victor Majid,Joshua Abdul,George Amayo, and Cyrus Shitote respectively.

Ombiji said he was facing an uphill task since he is not receiving any support from KPL clubs that should be the first to show commitment to the national calling.

The Under 20 soccer team played a friendly match last evening at the Nyayo National Stadium against Ministry of Youth team(Moyas) where they won 4-0 .The goals were scored by James Orundu,David Kingatua, Abdi Malik Mohamed and Mohamed Asman respectively.

Nevertheless, Ombiji has beefed up the team by introducing AFC Leopards duo of James Orundu, and Paul Odhimbo.Other new call-ups include James Shikaka of Coast United, and Issa Ahmed(Posta Rangers) .Also in the team is Thika United duo of Francis Kahata , Joseph Kuria and a one John Mbugua who remains un-attached.

A Masai player Majid Lemaiyan of Nairobi National Academy has also been drafted in the team.Ombiji described him as a promising player adding that he has a place in the team since he has all the good attributes that include discipline,time- conscious ,timing and running pace.

19 players are currently in camp.The team lost 1-0 to Lesotho last month during the first leg tie staged at the Nyayo National Stadium.They must beat Lesotho by two clean goals which coach Ombiji believes its possible. “We always play thrive well when we play away because there is less pressure.When we play at home, my players tend to become nervous owing to pressure from home fans.We have done well while outside and I believe we shall carry forward that good element in Lesotho”Observed Ombiji.

The World Under 20 National soccer Championship will be held in A ugust 2012 in Venezuela while the Africa Under 20 finals will be held in Libya mid July next year.Ghana are the defending Champions.

Kenya got a bye to the second round after Eritrea pulled out citing financial constraints. They went on to eliminate Sudan before setting a date with Lesotho who had knocked out South Africa.

Technical bench members in the team included Coach Vince Ombiji,Assistants Rishadi Shedu,Ibrahim Kigonge,Team Manager Bonface Kariuki,Team Physician Dr.Joseph Ndaba.

on Thursday. - Join our fantastic new Prediction Game for the Barclay's Premier League Gyasi had been playing for Northampton's Under-11s since joining the club's centre of excellence three years ago and the striker showed enough potential at his tender age to persuade Premier League champions Chelsea to pay a fee that could rise significantly due to several clauses in the deal. Northampton's centre of excellence chief Trevor Gould believes the opportunity to join Chelsea's youth academy will help Gyasi deliver on his potential. He said: "Not only is this is a superb opportunity for Michael but it reinforces the quality of player we are bringing both into the club and through our centre of excellence. "Michael has progressed well and has improved with our coaching, and while we obviously want to produce and keep our best players, when a Premier League club like Chelsea come knocking then as long as the deal is right for the club, we will never stand in a boy's way."

Gor Mahia FC will participate in a Zain tournament at Nyayo National Stadium from 18th and 19th of December.

Other clubs to grace the occasion include Express FC of Ugandan Super league, Mtibwa Sugar of Tanzania and AFC Leopards of Kenya.

Gor will later travel to Abidjan on January 18th 2011 for the re-scheduled TIFA 2010 International tournament which was moved forward from September this year due to National elections in Cote D'Ivoire.

The winner of the Zain sponsored tournament stands to pocket a whooping $12 190 which is equivalent to approximately KShs.975 200 while the second and third winners will pocket $9,75 .

The fourth winner will also receive $6 090 which is equivalent to Shs.487 200 respectively.

In addition, the top scorer and best player of the tournament shall pocket each $500 while the highest scoring team will get $1 000.

Gor Mahia deputy secretary Ronald Ngala disclosed that his team will feature in the tournament since it will expose his players to high-profile football.

Gor Mahia face a tricky assignment this weekend when they will travel away to face Karuturi Sports in a Kenya Premier League(KPL) tie.

Ngala averred that save for defender Julius Owino, all the players were in good shape with no major injuries to worry about.

Owino was injured over the weekend during the crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie pitting Harambee Stars against Uganda Cranes over the weekend.

Gor will also play without the services of their mercurial midfielder Peter Opiyo who is also nursing an injury. The player returned recently after undergoing trials with a top club in south Africa where details of his new move still remained scanty.

Chelsea sign 11-year-old wonderkid

chelsea signed 11-year-old wonderkid Michael Gyasi from League Two club Northampton Town for an undisclosed fee on Thursday.

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Gyasi had been playing for Northampton's Under-11s since joining the club's centre of excellence three years ago and the striker showed enough potential at his tender age to persuade Premier League champions Chelsea to pay a fee that could rise significantly due to several clauses in the deal.

Northampton's centre of excellence chief Trevor Gould believes the opportunity to join Chelsea's youth academy will help Gyasi deliver on his potential.

He said: "Not only is this is a superb opportunity for Michael but it reinforces the quality of player we are bringing both into the club and through our centre of excellence.

"Michael has progressed well and has improved with our coaching, and while we obviously want to produce and keep our best players, when a Premier League club like Chelsea come knocking then as long as the deal is right for the club, we will never stand in a boy's way."

Mazembe on course for Orange Champions League final

Holders TP Mazembe kept alive their hopes of retaining the Champions league trophy after defeating Algeria's JS Kabylie 3-1 in the first leg of the semi final on Sunday.

 

Six-time champions Al Ahly of Egypt will take a narrow 2-1 lead into the second leg of their clash with Esperance of Tunisia in Tunis.

 

The home side took a two-goal lead with goals from Mohamed Fadl and Ahmed Fathi at the Cairo Stadium.

 

But Esperance captain Oussama Darragi took advantage of a mistake from Ahly goalkeeper Sherif Ekrami to reduce the arrears.

 

Meanwhile, Two goals from striker Alain Kaluyituka Dioko helped the DR Congo side to seal the victory in Lubumbashi.

 

Dioko put the home side in the lead after ten minutes when he diverted a pass from Patou Kabangu to beat the Algerian keeper.

 

Mazembe dominated the game before break but JS Kabylie improved their play after the break and deservedly drew level in the 70th minute through striker Nabil Yalaoui.

 

The coach of the home side Lamine Ndiaye reacted to the quick passing strategy adopted by Kabylie and made some changes.

 

The decision paid off as substitute Kasongo Ngandu restored the home side's lead in the 83rd minute before Dioko's header late in the game sealed the victory.

 

Mazembe are playing in the competition without their influential playmaker Mputu Mabi because of a one-year suspension slapped on him by Fifa.

 

On the evidence of their performance this after, Mazembe fans must confident that even without Mputu they can get the desired result in the return leg in two weeks' time to reach the final.

 

The second leg of the semi-final will take place in two weeks' time.

Al Ahly triumph in first leg semi final battle over Esperance

Egypt’s Al Ahly had to fire on all cylinders to overcome Esperance of Tunisia in the first leg of semi final clash in the Orange Caf Champions League on Sunday. The home side won 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium.

Mohamed Fadl gave the home side a 38th minute lead before he was replaced in the second half by Mohamed Talaat.

In the 63rd minute Ahmed Fathy netted Al-Ahly’s second goal with a hard shot after receiving the neat pass from star player Mohamed Aboutrika.

As the Egyptians tried to press for more goals, Osama Eldaragy pulled one back for the Tunisian champions in the 73rd minute. Esperance coach Fawzy El-Binzarty tried to ring changes in substitutions but to no avail as they failed to get an equalizer.

Hossam Al-Badry, the Al-Ahly tactician said he was satisfied with the win.  “It was a hard match and we tried to score more goals but my players failed to finish especially Mohamed Barakat and Mohamed Fadl who had clear chances,” explained Al-Badry.

He said his team conceded the goal because of a naïve defensive mistake which they will try to fix ahead of the return leg in Tunisia in two weeks time.

His counterpart Fawzy El-Binzarty, the Esperance coach said he was also happy with the result especially because his team had managed to score one goal. “The first goal put us under a lot of pressure especially when playing in the Cairo International Stadium under a lot of pressure from the fans as well. But I am happy we managed to score a goal to make the result much better for us,’ reasoned Binzarty who added that they will do their best to win the next match.

The second leg in Tunis will be played on October 16.

ncidents at the Al Ahly vs. EST Orange Champions League 2010

Following the reports from match officials who reported incidents in the stands and some acts of violence during the game Al Ahly (Egypt) vs. EST (Tunisia) in Cairo, the Confederation of African Football has received information provided by the officials and submitted the case to CAF Disciplinary Board.

The case, after receiving all the relevant information and supporting documents for taking appropriate sanctions, will be heard at the next meeting of the CAF Disciplinary Board .

Fair play is an essential part of football; CAF reiterates its call to all National Associations, as well as clubs, players and supporters to join forces on and off the field of play to promote the spirit of fair play in all CAF competitions.

Benjani Mwaruwari retires from international football

The day after the draw conceded by Zimbabwe against Cape Verde, Benjani Mwaruwari, announced his retirement from international football. He intends to devote himself exclusively to his club, Blackburn Rovers.
"After the match, he said, I thanked Coach Norman MAPEZE for having confidence in me, for giving me the armband and I told him I was sorry for not being able to lead the team to victory. I still have some years of playing which I want to dedicate to my club. I gave the maximum to the national team. I may not have scored all the goals that the fans would have liked me to score, but I've never cheated with the national team jersey.
Born August 13, 1978 in Bulawayo, Mwaruwari played alternately at Lulu Rovers at the University of Zimbabwe and then with Air Zimbabwe Jets before being transferred in 1999 to Jomo Cosmos in South Africa. Two years later he was loaned to Grashopper Zurich, Switzerland, before signing with AJ Auxerrein France, where he played for nearly four years. In January 2006, he left France for England where he will wear the colours of Portsmouth, Manchester City and Sunderland. Since the beginning of the season, he played for Blackburn Rovers, his fourth English team.

Our defeat puts us in great difficulty" (Thierry Froger, coach of Togo)

Cafonline.com: Thierry Froger, what lessons did you learn from this encounter?

Thierry Froger: "The result of the match is the type which is difficult to take. I think we did what was necessary to take the lead in the first half. In front of us we had a very efficient team that scored due to our first defensive error. Earlier, we had the opportunity to strike at 16.50 meters. We equalized and it boosted our morale. In the second half, we had more difficulties and even though we had an opportunity to score a second time, the opponent showed great qualities. Efficiency is one of the qualities of the team. Overall, I think we have progressed compared to the match against Botswana, but we were not quite effective both defensively and offensively. "

Cafonline.com: You talk about lack of effectiveness, what then justifies the fact that you did not focus on the attack instead of playing defensively?
Thierry Froger: "After every game, everyone can build his team. But I think the game revealed some interesting things to us. We created opportunities ... We can always rebuild the team, and then replay the match. The truth is that it must be done before ... "

Cafonline.com: You lost and it puts you in a very critical situation, what did you learn finally ...
Thierry Froger: "It's a defeat that puts us in great difficulty, arithmetically and also in the mind of the players. I think they made the effort to equalize. We regrouped well, only that our efforts were not rewarded. We must be brave, do not give up and get back to work both in the club and also in the next camping. "

Cafonline.com: Is there still a chance of qualification for Togo?
Thierry Froger: "As of today, we no longer have our destiny in our hands, and beyond our results, we must rely on others and especially to go get points away before the match against Chad. And there is an obvious need to win. But we must also win in Malawi and Tunisia. Nothing is impossible. "

Cafonline.com: Don’t you think it’s a lot difficult to qualify?

Thierry Froger: "Nothing is easy because even when we are committed, we do not always get the reward of our efforts. It is seen on the ground, and then you also have opponents who possess qualities. Nothing is easy today for Togo which is in difficulties. We must hang on, but not give up. "

Cafonline.com: What really motivates you now?

Thierry Froger: "When you lose, you're never happy, especially when you see your players tired and worn out. That's life. One does not always win. It's part of the quality of a man and a coach. "

Cafonline.com: No victory so far with Togo. Do you feel threatened in your job?

Thierry Froger: "They have not asked me to resign. You're the first to pose the question. Remember that there is still so much work to do in Togo and one need to be tenacious and never give up. "

Cafonline.com: When you falter a bit, do you feel that you have given everything?

Thierry Froger, "I said and I repeat: it was a very important game and we had to win and I think it was well prepared. We have not been rewarded. I think I have given everything, and the players too have also given their all. We did the right thing; and created scoring opportunities. We faltered at the defense and that's it. Remember that besides here there are difficulties in organizing football at the championship. It is obvious that teams that have expatriates focus on their local league and the players. This is not the case in Togo. Also, the whole organization needs to be improved and the best players be brought in order to get the best possible team. "

 

 

 

CONFEDERATION AFRICAINE DE FOOTBALL GENERAL SECRETARIAT

caf ch14th Edition of Orange CAF Champions League
14ème Edition de l’Orange CAF Champions League
« CL 2010»
Fixtures of Semi-Finals (First Legs) Calendrier des demi-Finales (Matches Aller)
No. Match Date Officials Name/Nom Nationality/é
Ref. Lamptey Joseph O.
127 E.S.T. El Ahly Sun / Dim A. I Haruna Ayuba Ghana
(Tunisia) (Egypt) 17 A. II Badiu Ibrahim A.
H: Local/e H. H: GMT October/re R.R. Lathbridge Reginald
2010
+1 19H15 18H15
Venue/ Lieu: Stade 7 Novembre de Radès
Ref. Damon Jerome K.
128 J.S.K. TP Mazembe Sat / Sam A. I Molefe T. Enock South Africa
(Algeria) (RD Congo) 16 A. II Rezeers Andrew
H: Local/e H. H: GMT October/re R.R. Volgraaff Daniel
2010
+1 20H15 19h15
Venue/ Lieu: Stade du 1e Novembre – Tizi Ouzouampions league semi's and the refs

We need more friendlies-Kinnah

Malawi coach Kinnah Phiri says the Flames need friendly matches if they are to keep shape during the five months break before welcoming Togo on the weekend of March 27 in the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations group K qualifying campaign.

 Phiri commented on his charges to Cafonline after they hammered Chad 6-2 at the Kamuzu Stadium, the hosts’ first win of the campaign following earlier three draws.

 “We now go into a five-month break before our next match against Togo and we need to play some friendly games so that we should not lose steam,” Kinnah told the press in post-match interview.

 Two-goal scorer Esau Kanyenda also said there was need for Malawi to play more friendlies before facing the Hawks of Togo in Blantyre.

 “Today, we struggled as we had three new players Jimmy Zakazaka, Peter Wadabwa and Limbikani Mzava who usually do not play in the starting line, so we took time to coordinate,” said the Russia based player.

 “We need to keep the momentum and play some more friendly games so that we can improve on our team ethic. The victory was well deserved for us and we hope we can build on this.”

 During the match, a Chiukepo Msowoya and Esau Kanyenda double and other goals from Jimmy Zakazaka and Robert Ng'ambi ensured that the Flames collected their first maximum points to stretch their tally to six points from four games.

 Run away group leaders, Botswana have also lined up three friendlies including against Egypt and Equatorial Guinea who they met over the weekend.

The Zebras, who have 10 points, have already played strength testing matches against teams such as Namibia and Mozambique of late.

 In contrast, Malawi has this year hardly played warm up matches.

Kenya foreign based players arrive

It was a full house on Tuesday at the Harambee Stars training camp following the arrival of three foreign based players comprising Inter Milan midfielder MacDonald Mariga, Victor Mugabe (Beerschot FC – Belgium) , Johanna Omollo (FC Fola Esch-Luxemborg) and France based Dennis Oliech.

And the newly appointed French-based forward Oliech immediately shot back at the Ugandans who have lately resorted to mind games ahead of the epic showdown.

“I'm feeling fine and ready to represent the country on Saturday. I have performed well for my club in the last six games and I hope to carry that form for Saturday's tie. Ugandans can say anything but I believe, all will be said and done after 90 minutes” noted a jovial Oliech.

Oliech described his new role as a captain as a great challenge adding that with his vast experience, he was equal to the task.

“I know I can handle the great responsibility that come with my new role. We have a good team with six strikers. I cannot promise I will score since we have equally good local players who can score,” he said Oliech.

Mariga who arrived in the wee hours of the morning was given time off owing to jet lag and will be able to link up with the team this morning.

Addressing the media after conducting the morning training session,coach Jacob 'Ghost” Mulee said the team was in perfect condition save for Mugabe who checked in with a small knock. He said his condition was being taken care off by the team doctor and they were now focusing on Saturday's tie against Uganda Cranes.

Mulee stressed that he was not scared by their opponents taunts, noting that his team will be judged after Saturday's clash. “All the players look nice and sharp. They look ready and with the arrival of foreign based players, that gives us a lot of motivation” said Mulee.

He brushed aside the idea of naming the starting eleven for Saturday's crucial match in advance adding that it was too early to commit himself since he was yet to see and monitor the foreign based players. He ruled out the issue of playing high-profile friendly matches against Cote D'ivoire and Mozambique who are already in the country.

Mulee who was flanked by team Manager Edward Odour and his two assistants Zedekia “Zico”Otieno and Salim Ali urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and cheer the local boys come Saturday.

Fielding questions from the media, Oliech dismissed Uganda Cranes adding that Kenya might be having few foreign based players compared to Uganda's huge legion of 15 who play for smaller clubs.

Both Mugabe and new found Johanna Omollo promised to give their best shot on Saturday if they are included in the starting line-up.

Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Wilson Obungu (Sofapaka), Martin Musalia (Mathare United), Wycliff Kasanya (Red Berets).

Defenders: Haevenar Maloba (Mathare United), Julius Owino (Gor Mahia), George Owino (Sofapaka), Christopher Wekesa (Gor Mahia), Geoffrey Kokoyo (Ulinzi Stars), Edgar Ochieng (Sofapaka), David Otieno (Sony Sugar)

Midfielders: Kevin Omondi (Gor Mahia), Crispin Olando (Tusker FC), Osborne Monday (Sofapaka), Chester Okoyo (Ulinzi Stars), Stephen Ocholla (Ulinzi Stars), James Situma (Sofapaka), MacDonald Mariga (Inter Milan – Italy), Patrick Osiako (Mjalby – Sweden), Johanna Omollo (FC Fola Esch – Luxemborg), James Orundu (AFC Leopards)

Strikers: Dennis Oliech (AJ Auxerre – France), Victor Mugabe (Beerschot – Belgium), Allan Wanga (Sofapaka), John Baraza (Sofapaka) and George 'Blackberry' Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)

Officials: Jacob Ghost Mulee (Coach), Edward Odour (Team Manager), John Ndaba (Team Physio), Wyclif Makanga (Team Doctor), Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno and Salim Ali (Assistant coaches), Sunil Shah (Goalkeeper Trainer)

Uganda foreign based players comprise of;

Joseph Owino (Simba, Tz), Denis Onyango (Black Aces, SA),Geoffrey Sserunkuma (Wits, SA) Andy Mwesigwa (unconfirmed), D. Ssepuuya (Q.Fury, Australia ), David Obua ( Hearts , Scotland ), Ibrahim Sekagya ( Salzburg , Austria ),Nestroy Kizito ( Partizan , Serbia ),Tony Mawejje (IBV, Iceland ), and Geoffrey Massa (Egypt) among others.

LATEST STANDINGS

Nations Cup Qualifiers
Oct 9
Kenya v Uganda
Angola v G. Bissau

P W D L F A Pts
Uganda 1 1 0 0 3 0 3
G Bissau 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Kenya 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 

Angola 1 0 0 1 0 3 0

Harambee Stars drop two players

Tusker FC Wonder-kid and Kenya's Under 20 striker Paul Were has been recalled in the Kenya National soccer team Harambee Stars who are shaping up for the crucial tie against Uganda Cranes.

On a sad note, Thika United attacking midfielder Keffa Aswani has been dropped out of the team after developing an arm string injury.

Other players who have been dropped include Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) leading scorer Ezekiel Odera and Ulinzi Stars match-maker Chester Okoyo. The two will pave way for the foreign based players who are expected to arrive next week.

During a weekly press conference held at Kasarani sports complex, Coach Jacob 'Ghost” Mulee said the team morale was high with players responding well with training. He said apart from Aswani who has an arm-string injury, the other players were in good shape.

However, team manager Edward Odour told our writer later in the evening that Odera and Okoyo have been dropped but failed to avail information as to why the duo have been axed.

Mulee who took over from Twahir Muhiddin few weeks ago face an uphill task as he face a team that has been defeating Kenya both home and away. ”It's time to deliver.“We have to go to the African Nations Cup finals and beat Uganda on October 9.As long as we believe in ourselves and play as a team,we are capable of beating Uganda” Mulee said.

Most of the players interviewed said they had faith with Mulee since he is an experienced coach and capable of taking the team places. “He has our respect and can bring us together” Observed a key player who spoke on conditions of anonymity.

Mulee, who is making his fourth appearance as Harambee Stars coach, including taking the Stars to the 2004 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia, is the 16th Harambee Stars coach in a decade.

But as Harambee shapes up for the crucial tie, well-placed sources indicates Uganda players based in Kenya led by Sofapaka player Mussa Mudde, coach Sam Ssimbwa who was Uganda Cranes deputy coach last year and Tusker and Uganda born Nathan Mutenza are being deployed as spies by Uganda Cranes scouts.

Cranes foreign based players include Queens Fury striker Eugene Ssepuuya , Joseph Owino (Simba, Tz, Denis Onyango (Black Aces, SA),Geoffrey Sserunkuma (Wits, SA), Andy Mwesigwa (unconfirmed), D. Ssepuuya (Q.Fury, Australia ), David Obua ( Hearts , Scotland ), and I. Sekagya ( Salzburg , Austria ).

Others are Nestroy Kizito ( Partizan , Serbia ), Tony Mawejje (IBV, Iceland ), and Geoffrey Massa (Egypt).