PK-35 claimed a major trophy when they defeated Helsinki women two-nil to win the 2013 Finland Suomen Cup final on Sunday.
A goal in each half ensured that they won the shield.
27-year-old Nigerian-born custodian Rachael Ayegba was between the sticks for the winning team in a game she made four close range saves.
For all PK-35's trademark comfort in possession, it was their keeper Rachael who was busier in the first half. She used an outstretched leg to save Helsinki's attack.
They produced a performance full of attacking intent and verve to fully deserve the win.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Germany: Ex-Julius Berger defender in commanding display
A superbly directed 94th minute corner from Frank Loning was powerfully nodded home by Nicky Adler, who had begun his run from the edge of the penalty area, to seal a one-nil win for Seyi Olajengbesi's Sandhausen against VFL Bochum at the Hardtwaldstadion on Sunday.
A crowd of 7276 created a suitably passionate atmosphere and Sandhausen had the better of the early exchanges.
Olajengbesi and his fellow Sandhausen defenders remained on top of affairs as their alertness and great defensive abilities restricted the visitors.
Bochum were largely restricted to long-range first-half efforts, the closest of which was a Tasaka Tasaka effort swerving narrowly wide.
A crowd of 7276 created a suitably passionate atmosphere and Sandhausen had the better of the early exchanges.
Olajengbesi and his fellow Sandhausen defenders remained on top of affairs as their alertness and great defensive abilities restricted the visitors.
Bochum were largely restricted to long-range first-half efforts, the closest of which was a Tasaka Tasaka effort swerving narrowly wide.
Solomon Okoronkwo in substitute appearance
Solomon Okoronkwo made a 75th minute substitute appearance, replacing Guido Kocer, in Erzgebirge Aue's 3-1 win in a week 9 Bundesliga II match.
The 2003 U17 World Cup material, was hardworking as usual and tracked back when needed.
Aue have 12 points from 9 matches and occupies 12th position.
The 2003 U17 World Cup material, was hardworking as usual and tracked back when needed.
Aue have 12 points from 9 matches and occupies 12th position.
Nigerian female player in brace rush, goes down with Chiefs Ladies
Jennifer Duru's brace sublime brace was simply not enough to prevent Kaizer Chiefs Ladies from going down 3-2 to Turks Ladies on Friday.
The midfielder who just returned from an injury spell almost scored an hat-trick but was denied by the woodwork late in the game.
The Nigerian-born creator has scored three goals in two games for her team.
The midfielder who just returned from an injury spell almost scored an hat-trick but was denied by the woodwork late in the game.
The Nigerian-born creator has scored three goals in two games for her team.
Ramon Azeez put-up commendable show in Almeria's loss
2009 FIFA U17 World Cup product, Ramon Azeez gave a satisfactory show against LIGA BBVA giants Barcelona even though his team, Almeria ended losing 0-2 at home on Saturday.
He replaced Soriano Marco, and held his own against the midfield collection of Barcelona, which had the likes of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and a host of other superstars in action.
He replaced Soriano Marco, and held his own against the midfield collection of Barcelona, which had the likes of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and a host of other superstars in action.
It's three goals in three games for young Nigerian in Belgium
Third-bottom Cercle Brugge parading Michael Uchebo were thrashed five-nil by leaders Standard Liege.
Former 36 Lions starlet Imoh Ezekiel gave the visitors the lead in the 9th minute, his 3rd goal in three matches.
Standard Liege forward Imoh Ezekiel has contributed four goals for his club in the Belgium League, this season.
Former 36 Lions starlet Imoh Ezekiel gave the visitors the lead in the 9th minute, his 3rd goal in three matches.
Standard Liege forward Imoh Ezekiel has contributed four goals for his club in the Belgium League, this season.
Chibuike sparks Rosenborg revival, compounds Sarpsborg's woes
John Chibuike cancelled out Samuel Aaron Olanere's opener, which galvanised Rosenborg to a 2-1 win against Sarpsborg.
Olanere's 43rd minute penalty was cancelled out by Chibuike, before Andre Helland headed in the winner on the stroke of 74th minute, two minutes after Chibuike's goal.
Rosenborg's Chibuike was cautioned in the 57th minute.
Rosenborg went into the game with Stromsgodset breathing at their neck, but did well to carve-out a win. And striker Chibuike gave them a timely equaliser.
Olanere's 43rd minute penalty was cancelled out by Chibuike, before Andre Helland headed in the winner on the stroke of 74th minute, two minutes after Chibuike's goal.
Rosenborg's Chibuike was cautioned in the 57th minute.
Rosenborg went into the game with Stromsgodset breathing at their neck, but did well to carve-out a win. And striker Chibuike gave them a timely equaliser.
Norway: Daniel Chima pop-up Molde's equaliser
Haugesund without Ugonna Anyora couldn't gain full points as Daniel Chima's 59th minute goal rescued a point for Molde.
Joakim Nilsen's speculative 30-yard effort gave Haugesund the lead with 11 minutes into the match.
But dark-skinned Daniel Chima was on hand to nod in the equaliser one minute before the hour mark.
Emmanuel Ekpo, who represented Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics Football Event was yellow-carded in the 75th minute, in the colours of Molde.
The two Nigerians both lasted the match duration.
Joakim Nilsen's speculative 30-yard effort gave Haugesund the lead with 11 minutes into the match.
But dark-skinned Daniel Chima was on hand to nod in the equaliser one minute before the hour mark.
Emmanuel Ekpo, who represented Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics Football Event was yellow-carded in the 75th minute, in the colours of Molde.
The two Nigerians both lasted the match duration.
Norway: The assist master turns the tide
Solomon Owello provided two assists as IK Start overcame Tromso 3-2 at Alfheim Stadion on Sunday.
Start took the lead when Espen Hoff slotted in after an Ernest Ashante's shot had been parried.
The second half resumed with the former Niger Tornadoes showing guts and skills. His crisp pass set-up Bismark Acosta for Start's second goal, before he unselfishly teed up Matthias Vilhjalmsson to make the scoreline 3-0.
Two quick goals by the hosts, ensured that fans were at the edge of the seats in the last 10 minutes of the match.
IK Start ended up winning the match three goals to two, and Owello voted man-of-the-match.
Start took the lead when Espen Hoff slotted in after an Ernest Ashante's shot had been parried.
The second half resumed with the former Niger Tornadoes showing guts and skills. His crisp pass set-up Bismark Acosta for Start's second goal, before he unselfishly teed up Matthias Vilhjalmsson to make the scoreline 3-0.
Two quick goals by the hosts, ensured that fans were at the edge of the seats in the last 10 minutes of the match.
IK Start ended up winning the match three goals to two, and Owello voted man-of-the-match.
Norway: Daniel Chima pop-up Molde's equaliser
Haugesund without Ugonna Anyora couldn't gain full points as Daniel Chima's 59th minute goal rescued a point for Molde.
Joakim Nilsen's speculative 30-yard effort gave Haugesund the lead with 11 minutes into the match.
But dark-skinned Daniel Chima was on hand to nod in the equaliser one minute before the hour mark.
Emmanuel Ekpo, who represented Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics Football Event was yellow-carded in the 75th minute, in the colours of Molde.
The two Nigerians both lasted the match duration.
Joakim Nilsen's speculative 30-yard effort gave Haugesund the lead with 11 minutes into the match.
But dark-skinned Daniel Chima was on hand to nod in the equaliser one minute before the hour mark.
Emmanuel Ekpo, who represented Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics Football Event was yellow-carded in the 75th minute, in the colours of Molde.
The two Nigerians both lasted the match duration.
Turkey: Lawal and Ozokwo edge Agbetu, Sani and Olorundare
Raheem Lawal and Nduka Ozokwo's Mersin Idmanyurdu prevailed two-nil against Akeem Agbetu, Sani Gideon and Dele Olorundare's Tavsanli Linyitspor, in a Turkish Division One week 7 match played on Saturday at the Tefvik Sirri Gur Staddi.
The five Nigerians were all handed starter shirts by their respective coaches.
Mehmet Yildiz put Mersin ahead when he headed home 18 minutes to the end of the match. It was a great way to finish a move started by former Rangers winger Nduka Ozokwo.
Former Sunshine Stars striker, Dele Olorundare and Akeem Agbetu went close to equalising but they were denied by Mahmut Bezgin in Mersin's goal.
Mersin Idmanyurdu had to wait until late on to ensure a fourth win in six league games when Emrah Bezkut scored in injury time.
Mersin Idmanyurdu winger Nduka Ozokwo: "It was a good match and a good performance by us. Raheem played his part in a very good team performance.
"We've controlled the majority of the game and, even when the visitors had a little more possession just before we went 2-0 up, we've been fairly comfortable, the ex-Enugu Rangers star said.
The five Nigerians were all handed starter shirts by their respective coaches.
Mehmet Yildiz put Mersin ahead when he headed home 18 minutes to the end of the match. It was a great way to finish a move started by former Rangers winger Nduka Ozokwo.
Former Sunshine Stars striker, Dele Olorundare and Akeem Agbetu went close to equalising but they were denied by Mahmut Bezgin in Mersin's goal.
Mersin Idmanyurdu had to wait until late on to ensure a fourth win in six league games when Emrah Bezkut scored in injury time.
Mersin Idmanyurdu winger Nduka Ozokwo: "It was a good match and a good performance by us. Raheem played his part in a very good team performance.
"We've controlled the majority of the game and, even when the visitors had a little more possession just before we went 2-0 up, we've been fairly comfortable, the ex-Enugu Rangers star said.
Former Enugu Rangers star in fantastic defensive show
Former Enugu Rangers captain, James Okwuosa played a key role in Chippa United's two-all draw in a ABSA 2 league match against Jomo Cosmos on Friday.
The Super Eagles defender played from start to finish in the highly-explosive encounter.
Chippa United are third on the log, with one game in hand.
The Super Eagles defender played from start to finish in the highly-explosive encounter.
Chippa United are third on the log, with one game in hand.
Ofoedu, Izu and Oseni ignite Ataturk faithfuls
Kahramanmarasspor did enough to earn a goalless draw against Karsiyaka at Izmir Ataturk Stadyumu on Sunday.
The game featured the three top potent Nigerian weapons in the Turkish Division One League - Karsiyaka's Chikeluba Francis Ofoedu and Kahramanmarasspor duo Izu Azuka and Ganiyu Bolaji Oseni.
Ofoedu went closest for the hosts but his header was saved.
Oseni and Izuka also combined to set up one of their team-mates in the 59th minute, but to no avail. They both shot over for the away team.
Izu saw a header cannon back off the crossbar, with the flag already raised for offside.
A draw looked increasingly likely as the second half progressed with few notable chances.
Karsiyaka's Ofoedu, who looked sharp throughout the match had the brightest moment of the later stages, surging into the area from the right, but sent his lobbed effort just over.
Karsiyaka, now unbeaten in three, are 12th with 8 points from 6 games while Kahramanmarasspor are 19th with 2 points.
The game featured the three top potent Nigerian weapons in the Turkish Division One League - Karsiyaka's Chikeluba Francis Ofoedu and Kahramanmarasspor duo Izu Azuka and Ganiyu Bolaji Oseni.
Ofoedu went closest for the hosts but his header was saved.
Oseni and Izuka also combined to set up one of their team-mates in the 59th minute, but to no avail. They both shot over for the away team.
Izu saw a header cannon back off the crossbar, with the flag already raised for offside.
A draw looked increasingly likely as the second half progressed with few notable chances.
Karsiyaka's Ofoedu, who looked sharp throughout the match had the brightest moment of the later stages, surging into the area from the right, but sent his lobbed effort just over.
Karsiyaka, now unbeaten in three, are 12th with 8 points from 6 games while Kahramanmarasspor are 19th with 2 points.
Former Enugu Rangers star in fantastic defensive show
Former Enugu Rangers captain, James Okwuosa played a key role in Chippa United's two-all draw in a ABSA 2 league match against Jomo Cosmos on Friday.
The Super Eagles defender played from start to finish in the highly-explosive encounter.
Chippa United have played 3 matches and gained 7 points, third on the log, with one game in hand.
The Super Eagles defender played from start to finish in the highly-explosive encounter.
Chippa United have played 3 matches and gained 7 points, third on the log, with one game in hand.
Unknown Nigeria emerge victorious in Portugal
Former Vietnam-based striker, Abraham Adewale Adelaja emerged victorious in the war of Nigerians, as his Farense team defeated Chidi Osuchukwu's Braga B two-nil in a Liga Honra game on Saturday.
Adelaja scored the second goal for Farense in the 50th minute to make the tie safe. His sweet close range strike turned out to be his third for Farense in the Portuguese Liga De Honra.
Civil War: Onome Ebi, Helen Ukaonu, Perpertua Nkwocha, Rita Chikwelu and Ogonna Chukwudi set Sweden ablaze
The game was dubbed the "civil war", and it lived up to it billing as five Nigerians clashed, as Umea pipped Sunnana one-nil at the Norvalla IP Arena on Saturday.
Despite the excellent contribution of Onome Ebi, Helen Ukaonu and Perpetua Nkwocha, Sunnana couldn't contend with the deadly midfield combination Ogonna Chukwudi and 24-year-old Rita Chikwelu. The match ended one-nil in favour of the visitors.
Hibs on top of Maltese Premier League
Obinna Obiefule’s Hibernians ensured they will stay top of the Malta Premier League for another week with a 4-1 victory over Alfred Effiong’s Qormi on Saturday 28 September 2013 to record their sixth successive win.
Obiefule who is yet to get a premier league goal this season came on as a second half substitute to replace Edison Luis Dos Santos in the 61 minute while his compatriot on the opposite team Effiong was not listed for the encounter.
They moved six points clear on top the BOV Premier League table ahead of second-placed Valletta and Mosta with an emphatic win that handed Qormi their fifth defeat in six matches.
Substitute Obinna Obiefule was denied by the sticks when he hit the upright with a header off a cross by Marcelo Dias from the right in the 74th minute.
Obiefule who is yet to get a premier league goal this season came on as a second half substitute to replace Edison Luis Dos Santos in the 61 minute while his compatriot on the opposite team Effiong was not listed for the encounter.
They moved six points clear on top the BOV Premier League table ahead of second-placed Valletta and Mosta with an emphatic win that handed Qormi their fifth defeat in six matches.
Substitute Obinna Obiefule was denied by the sticks when he hit the upright with a header off a cross by Marcelo Dias from the right in the 74th minute.
Uneventful return for Super Eagles defender
Super Eagles left-back Elderson was on for 90 minutes, as Sporting Braga failed to hold on to a succumbed and eventually lost 2-1 to Sporting CP in a Potuguese Primera Liga match played at the Estadio AXA Braga on Sunday.
The defender, who was just re-instated to Braga's team overlapped from his position and had a decent show, despite the painful loss.
Braga have played 6 matches with 12 points in 3rd place, while Sporting moved to 2nd spot with 14 points from the same number of matches.
Sweden: KIF Orebro shares spoils with Pitea
In a Sweden Damallsvenskan League match that had Falcons strikers battling for supremacy, KIF Orebro and Pitea settled for a goal apiece in sunny afternoon at the Berhn Arena.
Attacking midfielder Sofie Person silenced the home fans in the 50th minute, after good work from the left-hand side of attack.
The away side felt hard-done dashed as Sanaa Talonen levelled for the hosts much to the delight of their fans.
Super Falcons defender Faith Ikidi excelled from the left-back, while former Rivers Angels winger Francesca Ordega also made her presence felt for the visiting team
11-goal heroine Sarah Michael impressed on the left-side of attack and was on for 90 minutes in the colours of the hosts.
Attacking midfielder Sofie Person silenced the home fans in the 50th minute, after good work from the left-hand side of attack.
The away side felt hard-done dashed as Sanaa Talonen levelled for the hosts much to the delight of their fans.
Super Falcons defender Faith Ikidi excelled from the left-back, while former Rivers Angels winger Francesca Ordega also made her presence felt for the visiting team
11-goal heroine Sarah Michael impressed on the left-side of attack and was on for 90 minutes in the colours of the hosts.
Nosakhare Igiebor's rebound ends Uche's unbeaten start
Despite Ikechukwu Uche's lively start in the colours of Villarreal's, Emmanuel Nosakhare Igiebor scored a 36th minute rebound to gift Real Betis a one win at home.
Skillful display from Ikechukwu Uche presented Mario with an opportunity from a tight angle, but Real Betis goalkeeper Sara was on hand to salvage his team in the 10th minute of play. The Super Eagles forward probed the hosts' defenders and was bright throughout his time on the pitch. He was later taken-off.
Skillful display from Ikechukwu Uche presented Mario with an opportunity from a tight angle, but Real Betis goalkeeper Sara was on hand to salvage his team in the 10th minute of play. The Super Eagles forward probed the hosts' defenders and was bright throughout his time on the pitch. He was later taken-off.
Enugu born attacker attacks the wall of Elaziğspor, notch his second league goal
Old war-horse John Chukwudi Utaka, the Okwunano native on Sunday night scored his second goal of the season for his Turkish side Sivasspor as they secured a 2-4 away win over Elaziğspor.
Utaka was on target in the 17th minute as he doubled his team’s lead after Manuel de Costa had put the visitors ahead with just four minutes on the clock.
The versatile striker was on for the whole match duration.
Sivasspor have moved to 8th place on the on the log in the Turkish top league cadre.
Utaka was on target in the 17th minute as he doubled his team’s lead after Manuel de Costa had put the visitors ahead with just four minutes on the clock.
The versatile striker was on for the whole match duration.
Sivasspor have moved to 8th place on the on the log in the Turkish top league cadre.
Nigeria midfielder hauled-off in Lazio's draw
Super Eagles defensive midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi was taken off after 46 minutes, as Sassuolo completed a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to hold Lazio in a Serie A game on Sunday.
The former My People FC starlet, who also represented Nigeria at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup was a shadow of himself, thus he was substituted.
The former My People FC starlet, who also represented Nigeria at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup was a shadow of himself, thus he was substituted.
Super Eagles striker turns vallian, salvaged by his compatriot
Brown Ideye turned vallian as he earned a second half matching order in Dynamo Kiev's league match against Vorskla. The entertaining match ended two-all.
Forgotten Eagles midfielder Haruna Lukman restored the pride of Nigeria as he scored a vital equaliser for the visitors inside stoppage time.
A last gasp strike by former Monaco midfielder Lukman saw the away side salvage a draw. The result left them 5th on the log.
Forgotten Eagles midfielder Haruna Lukman restored the pride of Nigeria as he scored a vital equaliser for the visitors inside stoppage time.
A last gasp strike by former Monaco midfielder Lukman saw the away side salvage a draw. The result left them 5th on the log.
Eagles striker fires blanks in the MLS, despite an all action display
Super Eagles attacker Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins aka Obagoal was on the pitch for 90 minutes, but not among the goals as Seattle Sounders played out a 1-1 draw against New York Red Bulls in a Major League Soccer game early on Monday.
The former Inter Milan deadly forward was all over the pitch with his usual pace and skills helping his team upfront.
The draw means that Sounders dropped into second place on the log behind Real Salt Lake, but both teams have 51 points, and Sounders have two games in hand.
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Odemwingie's boss delighted with first away win of the season
They left it late, but Cardiff City were rewarded for a dominant performance against Fulham with a late goal courtesy of Jordon Mutch.
After the match, Malky Mackay was delighted that his side managed to notch their first ever away win in the Premier League and first in the top flight since 1961; a fantastic performance at Craven Cottage earning City a 2-1 win and three valuable points.
Speaking to the press following the result, Malky said: “I was delighted with the way we played today, from the first minute to the last.
“We ended up with 24 attempts on goal and away from home, I think that’s a fantastic stat. We had chances to score a few goals in the first half and were disappointed to go in at half time with the scores level.
“I’m delighted that we created a lot of chances but it was disappointing we didn’t take some of them. We got our just rewards in the end though.
“In the second half we showed great belief and kept striving for the win. We brought on three substitutes to try and win the game and one of them scored the winner.”
21-year old Mutch bagged the deciding goal which delighted the manager who rates the youngster as a promising talent.
“Jordon scored with his weaker foot which shows how talented he is,” said Malky.
“I’m delighted for him personally. He was excellent against West Ham in midweek and really ran the game. He’s someone we’ve got a lot of faith in.”
A second win of the season overall puts Cardiff up to eleventh in the table,
“We’ve showed great technical ability so far,” said Malky, “The performances we’ve put in have meant we thoroughly deserve to be in the position we’re in.
“After six games, I have a team that firmly believe they’re good enough to be playing at this level. They are a great group of players and our new guys have done very well and made the desired impact.”
After the match, Malky Mackay was delighted that his side managed to notch their first ever away win in the Premier League and first in the top flight since 1961; a fantastic performance at Craven Cottage earning City a 2-1 win and three valuable points.
Speaking to the press following the result, Malky said: “I was delighted with the way we played today, from the first minute to the last.
“We ended up with 24 attempts on goal and away from home, I think that’s a fantastic stat. We had chances to score a few goals in the first half and were disappointed to go in at half time with the scores level.
“I’m delighted that we created a lot of chances but it was disappointing we didn’t take some of them. We got our just rewards in the end though.
“In the second half we showed great belief and kept striving for the win. We brought on three substitutes to try and win the game and one of them scored the winner.”
21-year old Mutch bagged the deciding goal which delighted the manager who rates the youngster as a promising talent.
“Jordon scored with his weaker foot which shows how talented he is,” said Malky.
“I’m delighted for him personally. He was excellent against West Ham in midweek and really ran the game. He’s someone we’ve got a lot of faith in.”
A second win of the season overall puts Cardiff up to eleventh in the table,
“We’ve showed great technical ability so far,” said Malky, “The performances we’ve put in have meant we thoroughly deserve to be in the position we’re in.
“After six games, I have a team that firmly believe they’re good enough to be playing at this level. They are a great group of players and our new guys have done very well and made the desired impact.”
Platinum Stars upset form books to win the MTN 8
Platinum Stars clinched their first ever MTN8 title when they defeated Orlando Pirates 3-1 on penalties at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.
Robert Ng’ambi fired Stars ahead early in the second half, but Thabo Matlaba equalised with less than ten minutes left on the clock to force the match into extra time and then penalties.
Dikwena applied the early pressure and came close to breaking the deadlock in the fourth minute through former Pirates player Siphelele Mthembu, but he saw his effort deflected wide of goal.
However, Pirates started to control the midfield and eventually had their first chance in the 21st minute with Kermit Erasmus stinging Siyabonga Mpontshane’s palms from outside the box.
Erasmus managed to turn into the box on the left three minutes later before attempting to play the ball across goal, only to see his effort deflected over.
The former SuperSport United forward was in the thick of things again in the 30th minute as he cut inside from the left, but he failed to keep his effort down.
Nine minutes later Tlou Segolela and Happy Jele combined on the right with the latter collecting the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but he failed to trouble the goalkeeper as he drilled his shot wide.
With half-time looming, it was the Buccaneers who continued to ask the questions with Oupa Manyisa forcing a low save from Mpontshane in the 42nd minute, while Rooi Mahamutsa glanced his header wide in added time.
The opening goal arrived two minutes after the break when Ng’ambi headed into an open net after Pirates were unable to clear Tintswalo Tshabalala’s freekick at the near post.
The Buccaneers immediately pushed forward for the equaliser but Jele headed Matlaba’s cross over the bar in the 50th minute, while Erasmus fired wide of the post four minutes later.
Erasmus thought he had leveled matters in the 65th minute when he placed his shot past Mpontshane from inside the box, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Stars came close to doubling their lead from a freekick in the 82nd minute but Senzo Meyiwa did well to get his body behind Mogakolodi Ngele’s well-struck effort.
Roger De Sa’s men eventually leveled matters two minutes later through a moment of individual brilliance as Matlaba beat Mpontshane with a powerful strike from long range.
Bacela could have put his side ahead just a minute later when he was allowed to get his shot away inside the box, only to send his effort wide of the post as the two sides were deadlocked at 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
Both sides had their opportunities in extra time, the first one falling for Joseph Malongoane in the 103rd minute, but the winger was unable to reach Matlaba’s low cross with the goal at his mercy.
Matlaba then tested Mpontshane with another long range effort in the 113th minute, while Ngele directed his shot over the crossbar two minutes later to send the tie onto penalties.
Orlando Pirates 1 (Matlaba 84’)
Platinum Stars 1 (Ng’ambi 48’)
Penalties:
Orlando Pirates
Successful: Jali
Unsuccessful: Mahamutsa, Mabena, Bacela
Stars
Successful: Mere, Botes, Ngele
Unsuccessful: Chinyama
Teams:
Orlando Pirates: Meyiwa, Mahamutsa, Jele, Phungwayo (Matlaba 41’), Sangweni, Masalesa, Manyisa, Klate (Mabena 82’), Segolela (Malongoane 72’), Erasmus, Bacela
Platinum Stars: Mpontshane, Mere, Gumede, Mhlongo, Ng'ambi, Malokase (Ngele 74’), Sarr, Tshabalala, Mthembu (Chinyama 99’), Msomi (Botes 86’), Ngwepe
Switzerland: Salah 1-1 Assifuah-Inkoom
Egypt wonderkid Mohamed Salah must have thought he had won the game for FC Basel against Swiss top-flight visitors FC Sion until Ghana U-20 star Emmanuel Assifuah-Inkoom netted late to ensure a 2:2 draw between both sides.
Sion took the lead in the third minute of the tie and held their advantage until the 57th minute when Swiss midfielder Valentin Stocker equalised for the hosts.
Mohamed Salah then grabbed his second goal of the season to give Basel the lead in the 65th minute, but Ebenezer Assifuah, who joined the fray in the 61st minute, leveled the tie three minutes from time.
Ghana and Egypt clash in the World Cup qualifying play-offs in October and November with the winner over two legs qualifying for the finals next year.
Salah is certain to be leading the Pharaohs' charge for a place in Brazil, but it is uncertain whether Assifuah will make Kwesi Appiah's team.
Assifuah was the top scorer at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in June and joined Sion in the summer transfer window. The goal is his first in a competitive senior team match in Europe.
Sion took the lead in the third minute of the tie and held their advantage until the 57th minute when Swiss midfielder Valentin Stocker equalised for the hosts.
Mohamed Salah then grabbed his second goal of the season to give Basel the lead in the 65th minute, but Ebenezer Assifuah, who joined the fray in the 61st minute, leveled the tie three minutes from time.
Ghana and Egypt clash in the World Cup qualifying play-offs in October and November with the winner over two legs qualifying for the finals next year.
Salah is certain to be leading the Pharaohs' charge for a place in Brazil, but it is uncertain whether Assifuah will make Kwesi Appiah's team.
Assifuah was the top scorer at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in June and joined Sion in the summer transfer window. The goal is his first in a competitive senior team match in Europe.
Germany: Prince Boateng, Joel Matip, Sami Allagui and Anis Ben-Hatira in scoring action
Ghana attacking midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng kept up his good form at new club Schalke after he scored his second league goal for the Germans in a 3-3 draw at Hoffenheim.
KPB's goal after three minutes gave Schalke the lead and Cameroon midfielder Joel Matip made it 2:0 ten minutes later wtih a header. However the hosts battled back to grab a share of the spoils.
Tunisia internationals Sami Allagui and Anis Ben-Hatira scored Hertha BSC's three goals as they spanked visitors Mainz 05 3-1.
Allagui, who has now netted five times in seven appearances this season, bagged a brace for the hosts, while Ben-Hatira scored one and set up another.
Mainz took the lead in the seventh minute after Cameroon striker Eric Choupo-Moting, who is in the Indomitable Lions squad to tackle Tunisia in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off next month, set up German team-mate Nicolai Muller for the early opener.
England: Africans chip in useful goals
Morocco midfielder Karim El Ahmadi scored his first goal of the season to inspire his club Aston Villa to a 3:2 comeback win over visiting Manchester City in the English Premier League on Saturday.
Cote d'Ivoire midfield colossus Yaya Toure, who posted yet another massive performance for his side, scored for the fourth straight game to give City the lead in first half stoppage time.
The big star struck a low ball home from a corner he won with a deflected shot, but the advantage didn't last long as Ahmadi smashed in the equaliser six minutes after the break.
City retook the lead through Bosnian Edin Dzeko on 56 minutes, but Villa hit back twice more to claim all three points.
Toure has now scored eight goals in his last ten games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel was replaced at half time for Chelsea as they drew 1-1 against Tottenham, Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony set up Swansea's consolation goal against Arsenal and Burundian-born Saido Berahino scored the winner in West Bromwich Albion's shocking 2-1 away win over Manchester United.
Jordaan voted Safa president
Danny Jordaan was on Saturday voted as new South African Football Association (Safa) president as their general congress at Helderkruin Estate in Johannesburg.
He replaces Kirsten Nematandani who did not enter the race as he failed to secure a nomination for the presidential race. The race was between Jordaan and Mandla 'Shoes' Mazibuko and was described as a tightly-contested affair.
Jordaan was nominated by 32 of the 52 Safa regions. The elections were nearly disrupted due to issues around representation from a number of regions. Two regions - Xhariep and Sisonke - took their matter to the Johannesburg South High Court on Friday but these were dismissed.
Safa Capricorn region also had an outstanding dispute which was heard on Saturday morning at the Johannesburg South High Court. This issues was dismissed and referred to Sascoc, who were able to address the matter before the elections.
He replaces Kirsten Nematandani who did not enter the race as he failed to secure a nomination for the presidential race. The race was between Jordaan and Mandla 'Shoes' Mazibuko and was described as a tightly-contested affair.
Jordaan was nominated by 32 of the 52 Safa regions. The elections were nearly disrupted due to issues around representation from a number of regions. Two regions - Xhariep and Sisonke - took their matter to the Johannesburg South High Court on Friday but these were dismissed.
Safa Capricorn region also had an outstanding dispute which was heard on Saturday morning at the Johannesburg South High Court. This issues was dismissed and referred to Sascoc, who were able to address the matter before the elections.
Daf named Sochaux interim coach
Former Senegal defender Omar Daf has been named interim coach of French Ligue 1 side Sochaux.
The 36-year old will lead a three-man coaching team that includes Eric Pegorer, goalkeepers’ coach and Bernard Gines, fitness trainer following the resignation of Frenchman Eric Hely last Wednesday.
Hely tendered his resignation after a 5-1 drubbing by Guingamp in mid-week that sent Sochaux to the depth of the league log. On the choice of Daf, President of Sochaux, Laurent Pernet said “it was a natural choice because he knows the club and has the qualifications for this specific task.
“He is very close to the players and has been with them in recent months. He has a great knowledge of the club and its values.” His first task will be the week eight clash against Valenciennes on Saturday at the Auguste-Bonal Stadium.
Daf spent 13-seasons with Sochaux in two spells (1997-2009 and 2012-2013) before hanging up his boots last May. The Senegalese becomes the latest African to have a stint with top European club after Ghanaian Otto Addo was named by German club, Hamburg in a similar capacity a fortnight ago.
A right-back during his playing days, Daf laced his boots for the Teranga Lions between 1998 and 2012, appearing in five Africa Cup of Nations (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2012), as well as the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea.
The 36-year old will lead a three-man coaching team that includes Eric Pegorer, goalkeepers’ coach and Bernard Gines, fitness trainer following the resignation of Frenchman Eric Hely last Wednesday.
Hely tendered his resignation after a 5-1 drubbing by Guingamp in mid-week that sent Sochaux to the depth of the league log. On the choice of Daf, President of Sochaux, Laurent Pernet said “it was a natural choice because he knows the club and has the qualifications for this specific task.
“He is very close to the players and has been with them in recent months. He has a great knowledge of the club and its values.” His first task will be the week eight clash against Valenciennes on Saturday at the Auguste-Bonal Stadium.
Daf spent 13-seasons with Sochaux in two spells (1997-2009 and 2012-2013) before hanging up his boots last May. The Senegalese becomes the latest African to have a stint with top European club after Ghanaian Otto Addo was named by German club, Hamburg in a similar capacity a fortnight ago.
A right-back during his playing days, Daf laced his boots for the Teranga Lions between 1998 and 2012, appearing in five Africa Cup of Nations (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2012), as well as the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea.
Moyes needs response after worst United start in 24 years
If David Moyes wondered how difficult it would be to replace Alex Ferguson at Manchester United then the scale of the task was brought home by a stinging Premier League defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The United manager, who stepped into the
shoes of the club's most successful servant in the close-season, put a brave face on their third loss in their opening six league games but must now rebuild morale on the back of their worst start in 24 years.
"You're always going to have bad results in football, it is how you deal with them," he told the BBC after the shock 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
"We will move on and look forward to the next
one. There are lots of games here and you get ready for the next one. I'm concerned after the game but only because we didn't play well. We can put it right."
While Moyes can rightly play down talk of a crisis, he will be aware that the boos heard around the stadium at the final whistle were a rare occurrence under his predecessor.
Moyes was hand picked by Ferguson to assume the reins and Saturday's defeat comes on the back of media reports in Spain that Jose Mourinho was devastated to be overlooked for the job.
While Chelsea manager Mourinho's CV is studded with success, Moyes's achievements are more modest, having helped Everton punch consistently above their weight in his 11 years at Goodison Park.
He was rightly praised for steering them to high Premier League finishes, but the Scot never managed to add any silverware to the trophy cabinet.
In contrast to United, where success is now commonplace, he was also never expected to play open expansive football.
His Everton team were hard to beat and physically imposing but not always easy on the eye.
An accusation levelled against his United side, who had already been beaten by rivals Liverpool and crushed by neighbours Manchester City before Saturday, is that they lack the rapier thrust of Ferguson's title winners.
They have looked vulnerable at the back, conceding eight times in their opening six league games and have struggled to turn periods of dominance into chances.
"We did not defend well at all but we did not attack well," Moyes added. "We had a lot of the ball in the first half but didn't make the most of it."
He also pointed out that with the attacking players at their disposal, United should have gone on to win on Saturday after Wayne Rooney cancelled out Morgan Amalfitano's opener.
"When we got back in I expected us to win it with the talent we have got," he added. "Our intensity was not good enough in the first half, we tried to pick it up in the second half but we got done by it as well (on the break)."
It was West Brom's first victory at Old Trafford since 1978.
In another nod to the past, United became only the second top-flight English champions - after Blackburn in 1995-96 - to begin the following season with three or more defeats in their opening six matches since Leeds United in the 1974-75 season.
West Brom manager Steve Clarke believes his side's approach to the game was behind the surprise result.
"We came to play, we came to be positive. We didn't want to just camp in. We came here not to sit and defend but to come out and go for it. It's great and fantastic for the players," he said.
"Today my one wish is the players are getting the credit and we are talking about how good we were and not how poor Manchester United were."
The United manager, who stepped into the
shoes of the club's most successful servant in the close-season, put a brave face on their third loss in their opening six league games but must now rebuild morale on the back of their worst start in 24 years.
"You're always going to have bad results in football, it is how you deal with them," he told the BBC after the shock 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
"We will move on and look forward to the next
one. There are lots of games here and you get ready for the next one. I'm concerned after the game but only because we didn't play well. We can put it right."
While Moyes can rightly play down talk of a crisis, he will be aware that the boos heard around the stadium at the final whistle were a rare occurrence under his predecessor.
Moyes was hand picked by Ferguson to assume the reins and Saturday's defeat comes on the back of media reports in Spain that Jose Mourinho was devastated to be overlooked for the job.
While Chelsea manager Mourinho's CV is studded with success, Moyes's achievements are more modest, having helped Everton punch consistently above their weight in his 11 years at Goodison Park.
He was rightly praised for steering them to high Premier League finishes, but the Scot never managed to add any silverware to the trophy cabinet.
In contrast to United, where success is now commonplace, he was also never expected to play open expansive football.
His Everton team were hard to beat and physically imposing but not always easy on the eye.
An accusation levelled against his United side, who had already been beaten by rivals Liverpool and crushed by neighbours Manchester City before Saturday, is that they lack the rapier thrust of Ferguson's title winners.
They have looked vulnerable at the back, conceding eight times in their opening six league games and have struggled to turn periods of dominance into chances.
"We did not defend well at all but we did not attack well," Moyes added. "We had a lot of the ball in the first half but didn't make the most of it."
He also pointed out that with the attacking players at their disposal, United should have gone on to win on Saturday after Wayne Rooney cancelled out Morgan Amalfitano's opener.
"When we got back in I expected us to win it with the talent we have got," he added. "Our intensity was not good enough in the first half, we tried to pick it up in the second half but we got done by it as well (on the break)."
It was West Brom's first victory at Old Trafford since 1978.
In another nod to the past, United became only the second top-flight English champions - after Blackburn in 1995-96 - to begin the following season with three or more defeats in their opening six matches since Leeds United in the 1974-75 season.
West Brom manager Steve Clarke believes his side's approach to the game was behind the surprise result.
"We came to play, we came to be positive. We didn't want to just camp in. We came here not to sit and defend but to come out and go for it. It's great and fantastic for the players," he said.
"Today my one wish is the players are getting the credit and we are talking about how good we were and not how poor Manchester United were."
Pandev registers a double in the Serie A
Napoli eased to a 2-0 win at Genoa to move provisionally top of the Serie A standings on Saturday, thanks to a double from Goran Pandev. The Macedonia striker nabbed his first in the 14th, latching onto a poor pass from Juraj Kucka, racing forward and firing into the bottom right corner.
Pandev doubled his tally 10 minutes later as Lorenzo Insigne lifted a superb ball into the area for Pandev to smash across goal into the bottom left corner, with his weaker right foot.
Napoli, which lost their perfect record in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at bottom club Sassuolo, moved a point ahead of Roma, which host Bologna on Sunday.
Coach Rafa Benitez rotated his squad, with key players Gonzalo Higuain, Marek Hamsik and captain Paolo Cannavaro starting on the bench. Genoa have now lost four of their opening six games, raising speculation their young coach Fabio Liverani could be the first Serie A manager to be fired this season.
They have only had one worst start to the season, 30 years ago. There were signs of improvement in the second half, however, and Genoa almost got one back in the 64th when Alberto Gilardino's header flashed just past the left post. It also had strong claims for a penalty turned down three minutes later when Cannavaro brought down Gilardino in the area, but the Genoa striker were harshly flagged offside much to the displeasure of the home fans.
Pandev doubled his tally 10 minutes later as Lorenzo Insigne lifted a superb ball into the area for Pandev to smash across goal into the bottom left corner, with his weaker right foot.
Napoli, which lost their perfect record in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at bottom club Sassuolo, moved a point ahead of Roma, which host Bologna on Sunday.
Coach Rafa Benitez rotated his squad, with key players Gonzalo Higuain, Marek Hamsik and captain Paolo Cannavaro starting on the bench. Genoa have now lost four of their opening six games, raising speculation their young coach Fabio Liverani could be the first Serie A manager to be fired this season.
They have only had one worst start to the season, 30 years ago. There were signs of improvement in the second half, however, and Genoa almost got one back in the 64th when Alberto Gilardino's header flashed just past the left post. It also had strong claims for a penalty turned down three minutes later when Cannavaro brought down Gilardino in the area, but the Genoa striker were harshly flagged offside much to the displeasure of the home fans.
Terry's header gives Chelsea 1-1 draw at Tottenham
Chelsea captain John Terry's header recovered a 1-1 draw at Tottenham before his side had Fernando Torres sent off in a heated London derby on Saturday.
Tottenham had been the more effective attacking unit initially, and took the lead in the 19th minute through Gylfi Sigurdsson.
But Chelsea seized the initiate in the second half, and Terry connected with Juan Mata's free kick to level.
Fernando Torres had been at the heart of Chelsea's second-half revival, but the striker was dismissed with 10 minutes to go after a second booking for clashing with Jan Vertonghen as he jumped.
Torres was aghast, remaining on the pitch in disbelief before eventually heading down the tunnel.
But Tottenham couldn't produce a winner with its man advantage, and remain two points ahead of Chelsea.
The match was as fiery as the build-up when the tensions between the rival managers spilled out in public.
Tottenham's Andre Villas-Boas, once a junior member of Jose Mourinho coaching staff at Chelsea and Inter Milan, was facing his former mentor for the first time from an opposing dugout.
Their pre-match greeting at White Hart Lane was more cordial than their verbal exchanges through the media in recent days.
It was left to the Tottenham fans to taunt Mourinho, as Villas-Boas initially imposed himself over his former team.
Christian Eriksen was the orchestrator for Sigurdsson's opener, two week after setting up the Iceland midfielder's double at Norwich.
Eriksen brought the ball down the left flank and crossed to Roberto Soldado, who teed up Sigurdsson to find the net.
A second Tottenham goal looked likely, with Paulinho coming close a couple of times.
Just before the break, Kyle Walker backheeled the ball to Andros Townsend, who cut in from the right and set up Paulinho but the Brazil midfielder could only find the sidenetting.
It was a miss Tottenham would pay for.
Chelsea were revitalized after the break, giving just the response Mourinho will have demanded.
Tottenham had been the more effective attacking unit initially, and took the lead in the 19th minute through Gylfi Sigurdsson.
But Chelsea seized the initiate in the second half, and Terry connected with Juan Mata's free kick to level.
Fernando Torres had been at the heart of Chelsea's second-half revival, but the striker was dismissed with 10 minutes to go after a second booking for clashing with Jan Vertonghen as he jumped.
Torres was aghast, remaining on the pitch in disbelief before eventually heading down the tunnel.
But Tottenham couldn't produce a winner with its man advantage, and remain two points ahead of Chelsea.
The match was as fiery as the build-up when the tensions between the rival managers spilled out in public.
Tottenham's Andre Villas-Boas, once a junior member of Jose Mourinho coaching staff at Chelsea and Inter Milan, was facing his former mentor for the first time from an opposing dugout.
Their pre-match greeting at White Hart Lane was more cordial than their verbal exchanges through the media in recent days.
It was left to the Tottenham fans to taunt Mourinho, as Villas-Boas initially imposed himself over his former team.
Christian Eriksen was the orchestrator for Sigurdsson's opener, two week after setting up the Iceland midfielder's double at Norwich.
Eriksen brought the ball down the left flank and crossed to Roberto Soldado, who teed up Sigurdsson to find the net.
A second Tottenham goal looked likely, with Paulinho coming close a couple of times.
Just before the break, Kyle Walker backheeled the ball to Andros Townsend, who cut in from the right and set up Paulinho but the Brazil midfielder could only find the sidenetting.
It was a miss Tottenham would pay for.
Chelsea were revitalized after the break, giving just the response Mourinho will have demanded.
West Brom stun Manchester United 2-1 to pile pressure on Moyes
Manchester United's early season problems intensified by losing 2-1 at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, leaving the champion in the bottom half of the English Premier League after six games.
Saido Berahino buried a 67th-minute winner for West Brom at Old Trafford to cap another sluggish display by United that has typified David Moyes' short tenure as Alex Ferguson's replacement.
Wayne Rooney scored from a free kick for the third straight league game in the 57th to cancel out Morgan Amalfitano's stylish solo goal for the visitors three minutes earlier, but United were run ragged at times as Moyes' decision to rest key players ahead of the Champions League next week backfired.
United have just seven points from a possible 18 and have already lost three league games, piling the pressure on Moyes.
Boos rang out at the final whistle, with Moyes facing up to United's worst six-game start in the league since 1989. West Brom, just outside the relegation zone coming into the match, hadn't previously won at Old Trafford in 35 years.
In the northwest of England for a charity function, former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield was a special guest at Old Trafford and entertained the crowd in a pre-match interview on the pitch. But United lacked any punch throughout to further highlight the team's attacking deficiencies so far this season.
United haven't scored in open play since the opening day of the campaign and looked lightweight going forward without the threat of Robin van Persie, who came on for the final half-hour to little effect after recovering from a groin injury.
West Brom played some brilliant football at times, their slick approach play often embarrassing a United defense without the rested Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Rafael da Silva. Danny Welbeck, Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia started on the bench with Wednesday's match at Shakhtar Donetsk in mind.
Rooney twice headed over when well-placed and Brazilian midfielder Anderson planted a header against the bar in the 33rd, but United's build-up play was too slow in the first half to worry a packed visitors' defense. It got even worse after the break.
Indeed, West Brom had the better early chances, with substitute Berahino heading a golden opportunity wide and Stephane Sessegnon blasting a volley over from close range before they eventually took the lead.
Minutes after Sessegnon sashayed his way through some flimsy attempted tackles to set up a chance for Berahino, Amalfitano embarked on a similar solo run - and this time there was an end product.
After breezing past Michael Carrick and nutmegging Rio Ferdinand, the on-loan Marseille midfielder had the clear thinking to wait for goalkeeper David de Gea to make the first move before chipping the ball in over the goalie.
The lead lasted barely three minutes as Rooney bent in a low free kick that evaded everyone, including a stooping Javier Hernandez, and crept into the far corner.
United fans were further encouraged by the immediate introduction of Van Persie but they were soon out of their seats in disgust as Amalfitano applied a deft lay-off to Berahino, who buried a low left-footed shot into the corner.
Fellaini had a goal disallowed for offside in the closing stages, one of the few decent chances United created in the whole match.
Saido Berahino buried a 67th-minute winner for West Brom at Old Trafford to cap another sluggish display by United that has typified David Moyes' short tenure as Alex Ferguson's replacement.
Wayne Rooney scored from a free kick for the third straight league game in the 57th to cancel out Morgan Amalfitano's stylish solo goal for the visitors three minutes earlier, but United were run ragged at times as Moyes' decision to rest key players ahead of the Champions League next week backfired.
United have just seven points from a possible 18 and have already lost three league games, piling the pressure on Moyes.
Boos rang out at the final whistle, with Moyes facing up to United's worst six-game start in the league since 1989. West Brom, just outside the relegation zone coming into the match, hadn't previously won at Old Trafford in 35 years.
In the northwest of England for a charity function, former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield was a special guest at Old Trafford and entertained the crowd in a pre-match interview on the pitch. But United lacked any punch throughout to further highlight the team's attacking deficiencies so far this season.
United haven't scored in open play since the opening day of the campaign and looked lightweight going forward without the threat of Robin van Persie, who came on for the final half-hour to little effect after recovering from a groin injury.
West Brom played some brilliant football at times, their slick approach play often embarrassing a United defense without the rested Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Rafael da Silva. Danny Welbeck, Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia started on the bench with Wednesday's match at Shakhtar Donetsk in mind.
Rooney twice headed over when well-placed and Brazilian midfielder Anderson planted a header against the bar in the 33rd, but United's build-up play was too slow in the first half to worry a packed visitors' defense. It got even worse after the break.
Indeed, West Brom had the better early chances, with substitute Berahino heading a golden opportunity wide and Stephane Sessegnon blasting a volley over from close range before they eventually took the lead.
Minutes after Sessegnon sashayed his way through some flimsy attempted tackles to set up a chance for Berahino, Amalfitano embarked on a similar solo run - and this time there was an end product.
After breezing past Michael Carrick and nutmegging Rio Ferdinand, the on-loan Marseille midfielder had the clear thinking to wait for goalkeeper David de Gea to make the first move before chipping the ball in over the goalie.
The lead lasted barely three minutes as Rooney bent in a low free kick that evaded everyone, including a stooping Javier Hernandez, and crept into the far corner.
United fans were further encouraged by the immediate introduction of Van Persie but they were soon out of their seats in disgust as Amalfitano applied a deft lay-off to Berahino, who buried a low left-footed shot into the corner.
Fellaini had a goal disallowed for offside in the closing stages, one of the few decent chances United created in the whole match.
Atletico earn first league win over Real Madrid since 1999
Atletico Madrid's record-setting 1-0 win over Real Madrid brought an emphatic end to their crosstown rival's 14-year unbeaten league run in their Spanish capital derby on Saturday.
On-form Diego Costa struck in the 11th minute and not even Gareth Bale in his home debut for Madrid could help it rally.
Atletico's big win came after Lionel Messi scored before being substituted due to injury to help Barcelona win 2-0 at Almeria.
Barcelona and Atletico set club records by staying perfect through seven rounds to start the season, opening up a five-point gap over Madrid.
Messi and Diego Costa have guided their teams to their milestones and lead the league with eight goals each.
"We are having a great year and we have to keep it going," said Atletico's Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion, who set up Diego Costa's goal.
"Diego Costa is in a spectacular moment. He has helped us a lot."
Bale, Madrid's 100-million-euro man, went on at the start of the second half, finally playing in front of his new home fans after straining his left thigh while warming up before last weekend's match.
Yet neither the Wales winger in 45 minutes nor Cristiano Ronaldo in 90 were able to target Atletico's goal.
"Atletico was more aggressive and ran more. It wasn't our day," said Ronaldo.
"We have to understand that we need to improve. I played poorly and many of my teammates did so as well. Our coach had nothing to do with it. It's our fault."
Atletico's last league win against Madrid had come in 1999, and since then it had gone 23 games without a victory.
But Atletico's victory over Madrid in the same Santiago Bernabeu Stadium last May to claim the Copa del Rey had apparently given it the boost in confidence it needed to break its horrendous streak.
While Atletico squeaked out that cup win in extra time, Diego Simeone's side simply outplayed Madrid on Saturday, creating many more shots and deploying a swarming defense that kept Madrid in check until the final minutes.
Simeone pumped both fists on the final whistle as he left the dugout, deservedly satisfied with his team's effort.
"We can play better or worse, but our commitment to working hard is non-negotiable," said Simeone.
"The team is above everything else. The economic power of Barcelona and Madrid is superior to ours. We give it our all in each game."
Diego Costa, who also scored in last season's cup final, took the game's sole goal when Filipe Luis stole the ball from Madrid's Angel Di Maria and Koke placed a throughball for his goalscorer to coolly fire it in.
As the Brazilian forward soaked up the dismay of Madrid's supporters, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti turned away and slapped his leg in frustration.
"We are not playing well. We have to solve this by having a better attitude, staying concentrated, and playing with more speed and pace," said Ancelotti.
"It's true that five points behind Barcelona and Atletico isn't a little amount. But that's not the problem."
Messi netted his goal in the 21st with a left-footed shot after combining with Pedro Rodriguez, but he asked to be replaced eight minutes later after hurting a muscle in his right leg.
Adriano sealed the result for Barcelona in the 56th from a pass by Cesc Fabregas while Messi watched from the bench.
Messi's injury leaves him in doubt for Tuesday's Champions League match at Celtic, when Atletico plays at Porto.
Madrid hosts Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Barcelona said the Argentina forward would undergo more tests on Sunday.
While Barcelona may be missing Messi for the trip to Glasgow, it should have Neymar well rested after the striker didn't play a minute at Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium.
Barcelona's first-year coach Gerardo Martino has guided Barcelona to its best start in 82 leagues. Five other managers, including Pep Guardiola (2009-10) and predecessor Tito Vilanova (2012-13), had reached six wins.
"I have only latched on to one of the records that these players have broken and continue to break," said Martino.
"They have been doing so for years both individually and as a team. The fact that I formed a part of this one is circumstantial."
On-form Diego Costa struck in the 11th minute and not even Gareth Bale in his home debut for Madrid could help it rally.
Atletico's big win came after Lionel Messi scored before being substituted due to injury to help Barcelona win 2-0 at Almeria.
Barcelona and Atletico set club records by staying perfect through seven rounds to start the season, opening up a five-point gap over Madrid.
Messi and Diego Costa have guided their teams to their milestones and lead the league with eight goals each.
"We are having a great year and we have to keep it going," said Atletico's Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion, who set up Diego Costa's goal.
"Diego Costa is in a spectacular moment. He has helped us a lot."
Bale, Madrid's 100-million-euro man, went on at the start of the second half, finally playing in front of his new home fans after straining his left thigh while warming up before last weekend's match.
Yet neither the Wales winger in 45 minutes nor Cristiano Ronaldo in 90 were able to target Atletico's goal.
"Atletico was more aggressive and ran more. It wasn't our day," said Ronaldo.
"We have to understand that we need to improve. I played poorly and many of my teammates did so as well. Our coach had nothing to do with it. It's our fault."
Atletico's last league win against Madrid had come in 1999, and since then it had gone 23 games without a victory.
But Atletico's victory over Madrid in the same Santiago Bernabeu Stadium last May to claim the Copa del Rey had apparently given it the boost in confidence it needed to break its horrendous streak.
While Atletico squeaked out that cup win in extra time, Diego Simeone's side simply outplayed Madrid on Saturday, creating many more shots and deploying a swarming defense that kept Madrid in check until the final minutes.
Simeone pumped both fists on the final whistle as he left the dugout, deservedly satisfied with his team's effort.
"We can play better or worse, but our commitment to working hard is non-negotiable," said Simeone.
"The team is above everything else. The economic power of Barcelona and Madrid is superior to ours. We give it our all in each game."
Diego Costa, who also scored in last season's cup final, took the game's sole goal when Filipe Luis stole the ball from Madrid's Angel Di Maria and Koke placed a throughball for his goalscorer to coolly fire it in.
As the Brazilian forward soaked up the dismay of Madrid's supporters, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti turned away and slapped his leg in frustration.
"We are not playing well. We have to solve this by having a better attitude, staying concentrated, and playing with more speed and pace," said Ancelotti.
"It's true that five points behind Barcelona and Atletico isn't a little amount. But that's not the problem."
Messi netted his goal in the 21st with a left-footed shot after combining with Pedro Rodriguez, but he asked to be replaced eight minutes later after hurting a muscle in his right leg.
Adriano sealed the result for Barcelona in the 56th from a pass by Cesc Fabregas while Messi watched from the bench.
Messi's injury leaves him in doubt for Tuesday's Champions League match at Celtic, when Atletico plays at Porto.
Madrid hosts Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Barcelona said the Argentina forward would undergo more tests on Sunday.
While Barcelona may be missing Messi for the trip to Glasgow, it should have Neymar well rested after the striker didn't play a minute at Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium.
Barcelona's first-year coach Gerardo Martino has guided Barcelona to its best start in 82 leagues. Five other managers, including Pep Guardiola (2009-10) and predecessor Tito Vilanova (2012-13), had reached six wins.
"I have only latched on to one of the records that these players have broken and continue to break," said Martino.
"They have been doing so for years both individually and as a team. The fact that I formed a part of this one is circumstantial."
Jonas secures victory for Valencia
Jonas scored his third winning goal for Valencia this week to secure a 1-0 victory at home over Rayo Vallecano.
Jonas netted the decisive goal in recent wins against Sevilla and Granada, and he stepped up once again to produce the 36th-minute winner after intercepting a poor pass by Rayo's Saul Niguez.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, was held to 1-1 at home by Sevilla before its Champions League game at Leverkusen on Wednesday.
Jonas netted the decisive goal in recent wins against Sevilla and Granada, and he stepped up once again to produce the 36th-minute winner after intercepting a poor pass by Rayo's Saul Niguez.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, was held to 1-1 at home by Sevilla before its Champions League game at Leverkusen on Wednesday.
Mohun Bagan hold Churchill Brothers to a goalless draw
Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan put up a spirited show to hold defending champions Churchill Brothers to a goalless draw in a second round encounter of the I-League at the Duler ground on Saturday.
This was Bagan's second draw in as many matches while Churchill opened their account by virtue of this result. Bagan have two points from two games while Churchill has one from two encounters.
The game started at a slow pace, with both the teams trying to build up patiently from the midfield. In the fourth minute, Churchill got the first free-kick of the game but Hugo Machado's attempt was comfortably cleared by Zakeer. The first opening of the game came Bagan's way but Eric Muranda headed wide off a free-kick taken by Denson Devadas.
Churchill also had their share of opportunities when Al Kaddour set it up for Machado, but his crack at goal was parried away for a corner by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Sandip Nandy.
A flurry of flag-kicks happened in the opening 20 minutes of the game, with both the teams making the opponent defence dwell under pressure, although none of them could capitalize their chances.
In the 24th minute, Katsumi Yusa tried to catch the Churchill goalkeeper out of position, but his curling effort towards the right post went wide. Not much of action was seen in the first half as both the teams lacked sharpness they needed in the opposition's defensive third.
Gabon international Henri Antchouet recovered from an injury and was paired upfront with Syrian striker Ahmad Al Kaddour for the home side.
Karim Bencherifa made a number of changes in the line-up, which included dropping last match's scorer CS Sabeeth.
Ram Malik was handed his I-League debut for the green and maroon brigade while Ravinder Singh was also left on the bench.
This was Bagan's second draw in as many matches while Churchill opened their account by virtue of this result. Bagan have two points from two games while Churchill has one from two encounters.
The game started at a slow pace, with both the teams trying to build up patiently from the midfield. In the fourth minute, Churchill got the first free-kick of the game but Hugo Machado's attempt was comfortably cleared by Zakeer. The first opening of the game came Bagan's way but Eric Muranda headed wide off a free-kick taken by Denson Devadas.
Churchill also had their share of opportunities when Al Kaddour set it up for Machado, but his crack at goal was parried away for a corner by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Sandip Nandy.
A flurry of flag-kicks happened in the opening 20 minutes of the game, with both the teams making the opponent defence dwell under pressure, although none of them could capitalize their chances.
In the 24th minute, Katsumi Yusa tried to catch the Churchill goalkeeper out of position, but his curling effort towards the right post went wide. Not much of action was seen in the first half as both the teams lacked sharpness they needed in the opposition's defensive third.
Gabon international Henri Antchouet recovered from an injury and was paired upfront with Syrian striker Ahmad Al Kaddour for the home side.
Karim Bencherifa made a number of changes in the line-up, which included dropping last match's scorer CS Sabeeth.
Ram Malik was handed his I-League debut for the green and maroon brigade while Ravinder Singh was also left on the bench.
Aston Villa upset Manchester City 3-2 in Premier League
Aston Villa brought Manchester City to earth with a 3-2 victory in the English Premier League on Saturday with Andreas Weimann scoring the winner in the 75th minute.
In their first league game since humbling rival Manchester United 4-1, City went ahead 2-1 with a close-range header from Edin Dzeko in the 56th before Villa hit back with two goals in two minutes.
The host equalised with a free kick from Leandro Bacuna in the 73rd and Weimann grabbed the victory with a right-footed shot from outside the area.
Yaya Toure opened the scoring for City in the 45th and Karim El Ahmadi equalised for Villa six minutes after the interval.
City provisionally drop to at least fifth in the league, with Villa moving to ninth.
In their first league game since humbling rival Manchester United 4-1, City went ahead 2-1 with a close-range header from Edin Dzeko in the 56th before Villa hit back with two goals in two minutes.
The host equalised with a free kick from Leandro Bacuna in the 73rd and Weimann grabbed the victory with a right-footed shot from outside the area.
Yaya Toure opened the scoring for City in the 45th and Karim El Ahmadi equalised for Villa six minutes after the interval.
City provisionally drop to at least fifth in the league, with Villa moving to ninth.
Two goals in two minutes helps the Saints
Southampton scored two goals in two minutes at the start of the second-half for a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
New signing Pablo Osvaldo opened the scoring in the 47th minute and England striker Rickie Lambert added the second just two minutes later from a free kick - his 200th career league goal.
Crystal Palace forward Marouane Chamakh had appealed for a penalty in the first half, but was booked for diving instead in one of the visitors' few good chances.
It was Southampton's first home league win since March and came a week after beating Liverpool 1-0 away, putting the team provisionally into fourth place in the standings with 11 points from six games.
Cardiff City celebrate win, pile more pressure on Martin Jol
Cardiff City celebrated their first away win in the Premier League with a last-gasp 2-1 defeat of Fulham to pile more pressure on manager Martin Jol.
Cries of "Jol out" were heard after substitute Jordon Mutch inflicted defeat on the Cottagers with a curling goal in the second minute of injury time.
Steven Caulker's opener for Cardiff in the 12th had been cancelled out in the 45th by Bryan Ruiz, who was sent on shortly before the break.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan has already removed the Michael Jackson statue from Craven Cottage with media speculation that Jol could be the next to be toppled.
Cries of "Jol out" were heard after substitute Jordon Mutch inflicted defeat on the Cottagers with a curling goal in the second minute of injury time.
Steven Caulker's opener for Cardiff in the 12th had been cancelled out in the 45th by Bryan Ruiz, who was sent on shortly before the break.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan has already removed the Michael Jackson statue from Craven Cottage with media speculation that Jol could be the next to be toppled.
Latifu and James fails to get past Brann
Aalesund failed to get past the stubborn defence line of Brann after a drab stalemate in a week 25 Eliteserien fixture.
The hosts started brightly and Leke James went close on a handful of occasions.
The visitors grew into the game and ended the first half on top but they also failed to score.
Aalesund came closest to a goal in the second period but James saw his header cleared off the line.
Akeem Latifu held his own marshalling the back-four of Aalesund.
Aalesund are now 4th on the log, while Brann are 6th, 4 points below Aalesund.
The hosts started brightly and Leke James went close on a handful of occasions.
The visitors grew into the game and ended the first half on top but they also failed to score.
Aalesund came closest to a goal in the second period but James saw his header cleared off the line.
Akeem Latifu held his own marshalling the back-four of Aalesund.
Aalesund are now 4th on the log, while Brann are 6th, 4 points below Aalesund.
Rabiu Ibrahim's coach unhappy at his team's defending
Kilmarnock boss Allan Johnston described losing 5-2 at home to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership as "unbelievable".
The hosts, who trailed 3-0 early on but hit back with two goals before the break, conceded another two late goals.
"For the level of performance we produced today, to lose five goals, it's unbelievable," said the manager.
"We were dominating the game at that stage (when Celtic opened the scoring) and were passing the ball well."
Sammy Clingan and Sean Clohessy gave the hosts hope of staging a thrilling comeback at Rugby Park before late goals from Georgios Samaras and Amido Balde sealed the points.
"We make a mistake and it costs us dearly again," said Johnston. "But we've got to react better after making that mistake.
"At 3-2 we're still in the game and then we switch off at a set-piece. Young Mark O'Hara came on for Manuel Pascali because he wasn't feeling well.
"He's lost his man and it's cost us. If we play like that week in, week out then we won't be far away. That's what we have to produce.
"I'm not happy with results and we need to start picking up points."
Kilmarnock 2-5 Celtic
Georgios Samaras fired a hat-trick as Celtic saw off a Kilmarnock revival in a pulsating seven-goal encounter.
Goals from Kris Commons and an early brace by Samaras looked to have put Celtic out of sight at a sun-kissed Rugby Park.
Kilmarnock sparked a revival through Sammy Clingan and Sean Clohessy before Samaras sealed his hat-trick.
And substitute Amido Balde smacked home a fifth as the hosts tired late on.
Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose, spotting jersey number 4, was probing from right-back. He was on for 90 minutes.
Former Sporting Lisbon and Gateway United playmaker Rabiu Ibrahim spent 77 minutes on the pitch, before being substituted by Kilmarnock gaffer Allan Johnston.
Super Eagles Pastor keeps a clean sheet again
Lille had Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to thank as they settled for a point in a goalless draw in Lyon.
The visitors were chasing a third straight Ligue 1 win to keep up with the leading group, but left Stade Municipal de Gerland disappointed after failing to break down the hosts despite having plenty of chances.
It had been a promising start from Rene Girard's side, and the course of the match could have been so different had Simon Kjaer's goalbound header not been cleared off the line by Lyon defender Bakary Kone, with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes beaten.
Lille pressed again after 16 minutes when Salomon Kalou was sent through by substitute David Rozehnal, but the former Chelsea forward saw his shot beaten away by Lopes.
The home side, who had lost at AC Ajaccio in week seven, finally threatened the Lille goal with a long-range free-kick from Clement Grenier, which Vincent Enyeama saved.
Lyon came close to breaking the deadlock with 20 minutes left when Bafetimbi Gomis sent his close-range header over, with Enyeama beaten.
The home side then almost snatched victory in the closing stages, when former Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque put Gomis clear, but Enyeama was alert and made a fine reflex save to see the points shared.
Comprehensive beating for Melkam's Qingdao
Shanghai SIPG taught Qingdao Jonoon the game of soccer with a 6-1 win on Friday.
Former Kwara United defender Gabriel Melkam was on the loosing train. He was on for the entire match duration.
Former Kwara United defender Gabriel Melkam was on the loosing train. He was on for the entire match duration.
Super Peter Utaka sends warning signals to defenders
A brace from Super Eagles striker Peter Utaka sealed Beijing Guoan's Chinese Super League two-nil win against Shanghai Shenhua.
Utaka nodded the hosts in front, steering in a left-wing cross in the 45th minute. He completed his brace in the 56th minute from close range.
The win still sees them occupying third-spot with 43 points from 26 matches.
Utaka nodded the hosts in front, steering in a left-wing cross in the 45th minute. He completed his brace in the 56th minute from close range.
The win still sees them occupying third-spot with 43 points from 26 matches.
Ikeme heroics push Wolves within the top
Second-half goals from Leigh Griffiths and Bakary Sako saw third-placed Wolves past Sheffield United at Molineux.
Griffiths bundled in his fifth goal of the season on 65 minutes after United goalkeeper George Long had saved his first effort from Sako's cross.
Sako then netted his own fifth strike of the campaign, blasting home a left-foot 30-yarder in the final minute.
The Blades' sixth straight defeat sends David Weir's men crashing to the bottom of the League One table.
But this latest loss was tough on the visitors, who dominated for long spells in the first half.
Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme made two good early saves to deny former Walsall favourites Florent Cuvelier and Febian Brandy, who went close twice more after being set up each time by Birmingham City old boy Marlon King.
Wolves' win lifts them to within three points of top spot, thanks to neighbours Walsall, victors at Molineux 11 days before, this time doing Kenny Jackett's side a favour by becoming the first team to hold leaders Leyton Orient this season.
Griffiths bundled in his fifth goal of the season on 65 minutes after United goalkeeper George Long had saved his first effort from Sako's cross.
Sako then netted his own fifth strike of the campaign, blasting home a left-foot 30-yarder in the final minute.
The Blades' sixth straight defeat sends David Weir's men crashing to the bottom of the League One table.
But this latest loss was tough on the visitors, who dominated for long spells in the first half.
Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme made two good early saves to deny former Walsall favourites Florent Cuvelier and Febian Brandy, who went close twice more after being set up each time by Birmingham City old boy Marlon King.
Wolves' win lifts them to within three points of top spot, thanks to neighbours Walsall, victors at Molineux 11 days before, this time doing Kenny Jackett's side a favour by becoming the first team to hold leaders Leyton Orient this season.
Odubajo features in Orients' one-all draw,
Moses Odubajo featured from start to finish when ten-man Walsall spoiled Leyton Orient's 100% winning record in League One with a hard-earned point.
The visitors lost skipper Andy Butler on 17 minutes when his studs caught Romain Vincelot - himself sent off in injury time - but Orient struggled to find a breakthrough.
O's striker David Mooney eased tensions when he converted a loose ball.
But it was cancelled out by unmarked Craig Westcarr's second-half header - the Saddlers' first shot on target.
Vincelot was given his marching orders in time added on for a second bookable offence, as Orient saw their lead at the top reduced to three points.
The visitors lost skipper Andy Butler on 17 minutes when his studs caught Romain Vincelot - himself sent off in injury time - but Orient struggled to find a breakthrough.
O's striker David Mooney eased tensions when he converted a loose ball.
But it was cancelled out by unmarked Craig Westcarr's second-half header - the Saddlers' first shot on target.
Vincelot was given his marching orders in time added on for a second bookable offence, as Orient saw their lead at the top reduced to three points.
Dream win for Anichebe's West Brom
Powerful performance by Super Eagles striker, Victor Anichebe and his team-mates fired West Brom into dreamland as they ended their near-35-year-wait for a win against Manchester United at Old Trafford in style.
Steve Clarke was forced to make two changes to the Albion side that beat Sunderland 3-0 last weekend, with Claudio Yacob and Victor Anichebe replacing injured duo James Morrison and Nicolas Anelka.
Stephane Sessegnon produced a moment of magic to squeeze between Alexander Buttner and Shinji Kagawa out on the right to break to the by-line. The Benin international forced the ball into the six-yard box, where Michael Carrick twice did well to deny Anichebe.
Anichebe crumpled to the floor seconds before the interval and limped down the tunnel on the half-time whistle, clutching his groin – but he re-emerged after the break.
The chances kept coming and in the 62nd minute, the impressive Anichebe again held the ball up well just inside the box before giving Sessegnon the chance to shoot just wide of the left-hand post.
ALBION (4-2-3-1): Myhill; B Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Yacob, Mulumbu; Amalfitano, Sessegnon (Rosenberg 90), Sinclair (Berahino 13); Anichebe (Lugano 88).
Steve Clarke was forced to make two changes to the Albion side that beat Sunderland 3-0 last weekend, with Claudio Yacob and Victor Anichebe replacing injured duo James Morrison and Nicolas Anelka.
Stephane Sessegnon produced a moment of magic to squeeze between Alexander Buttner and Shinji Kagawa out on the right to break to the by-line. The Benin international forced the ball into the six-yard box, where Michael Carrick twice did well to deny Anichebe.
Anichebe crumpled to the floor seconds before the interval and limped down the tunnel on the half-time whistle, clutching his groin – but he re-emerged after the break.
The chances kept coming and in the 62nd minute, the impressive Anichebe again held the ball up well just inside the box before giving Sessegnon the chance to shoot just wide of the left-hand post.
ALBION (4-2-3-1): Myhill; B Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Yacob, Mulumbu; Amalfitano, Sessegnon (Rosenberg 90), Sinclair (Berahino 13); Anichebe (Lugano 88).
Impressive Aluko continue to keep tongues wagging
Sone Aluko's Hull City won for the second successive weekend as they overcame West Ham United 1-0 at the KC Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A fresh air shot from Mohamed Diame led to a rapid counter-attack from the home side as Danny Graham chested Elmohamady’s ball into the path of Sone Aluko who in turn found Brady, but his effort from 18 yards was deflected over.
Former City loanee Mark Noble dragged a Diame cross wide from the edge of the box before Aluko’s free kick brought a good save out of Jaaskelainen at the other end.
Aluko had the ball in the back of the net shortly after the restart but the flag had already gone up for offside, the striker just a tad too eager to set off for Jake Livermore’s through ball.
In a rare break-out, Aluko spurned the chance to shoot with his right foot as he elected to cut back in onto his left, allowing the West Ham defence to close him out and at the other end, Vaz Te fired a free kick over the bar.
The Nigerian international made way for George Boyd in the 88th minute of play.
Hull City: Allan McGregor, Liam Rosenior, Curtis Davies, Abdoulaye Faye, Maynor Figueroa, Ahmed Elmohamady, Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore, Robbie Brady (David Meyler 80), Sone Aluko (George Boyd 88), Danny Graham (Yannick Sagbo 70).
A fresh air shot from Mohamed Diame led to a rapid counter-attack from the home side as Danny Graham chested Elmohamady’s ball into the path of Sone Aluko who in turn found Brady, but his effort from 18 yards was deflected over.
Former City loanee Mark Noble dragged a Diame cross wide from the edge of the box before Aluko’s free kick brought a good save out of Jaaskelainen at the other end.
Aluko had the ball in the back of the net shortly after the restart but the flag had already gone up for offside, the striker just a tad too eager to set off for Jake Livermore’s through ball.
In a rare break-out, Aluko spurned the chance to shoot with his right foot as he elected to cut back in onto his left, allowing the West Ham defence to close him out and at the other end, Vaz Te fired a free kick over the bar.
The Nigerian international made way for George Boyd in the 88th minute of play.
Hull City: Allan McGregor, Liam Rosenior, Curtis Davies, Abdoulaye Faye, Maynor Figueroa, Ahmed Elmohamady, Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore, Robbie Brady (David Meyler 80), Sone Aluko (George Boyd 88), Danny Graham (Yannick Sagbo 70).
Odemwingie breathes fresh air to Cardiff City
Cardiff City picked up their first away win in the Barclays Premier League through a stunning late Jordon Mutch strike.
Malky Mackay made one change from the side that narrowly lost out to Tottenham last week with Odemwingie starting following his goal against West Ham United in the Capital Cup.
City operated a 4-4-1-1 formation with Odemwingie operating on the wing.
The former Lokomotiv Moscow star was the provider as he threaded the assist for Steven Caulker's goal.
He was on for 81 minutes. He was replaced by Craig Bellamy.
Cardiff City Team: Marshall; Theophile-Catherine, Turner, Caulker (C), Taylor; Medel, Gunnarsson, Odemwingie (Bellamy), Whittingham, Kim (Mutch), Campbell (Maynard).
Malky Mackay made one change from the side that narrowly lost out to Tottenham last week with Odemwingie starting following his goal against West Ham United in the Capital Cup.
City operated a 4-4-1-1 formation with Odemwingie operating on the wing.
The former Lokomotiv Moscow star was the provider as he threaded the assist for Steven Caulker's goal.
He was on for 81 minutes. He was replaced by Craig Bellamy.
Cardiff City Team: Marshall; Theophile-Catherine, Turner, Caulker (C), Taylor; Medel, Gunnarsson, Odemwingie (Bellamy), Whittingham, Kim (Mutch), Campbell (Maynard).
Excellent one for Reading, Obika and Akpan in action
Two contrasting Danny Guthrie free kicks earned the Royals a comfortable 2-0 win over Birmingham City at Madejski Stadium this afternoon.
Nigeria and Reading duo Hope Akpan and Jonathan Obika were 79th minute substitutes respectively.
Reading: McCarthy, Gunter, Bridge, Morrison (c), Pearce, Guthrie, Baird, McCleary (Obita 79), Robson-Kanu (Kelly 85), Le Fondre (Akpan 79), Pogrebnyak.
Nigeria and Reading duo Hope Akpan and Jonathan Obika were 79th minute substitutes respectively.
Reading: McCarthy, Gunter, Bridge, Morrison (c), Pearce, Guthrie, Baird, McCleary (Obita 79), Robson-Kanu (Kelly 85), Le Fondre (Akpan 79), Pogrebnyak.
Danny Shittu's Millwall in third straight league win
Daniel Shittu's Millwall surge up the Championship table continued as they scored two second-half goals to beat Leeds and earn a third straight league win.
After a slow opening both sides had chances, Leeds's Alex Mowatt denied by keeper David Forde, before Martyn Waghorn hit the post for the hosts.
Millwall seized the initiative in the second half, Martyn Woolford slotting home from the edge of the area.
Scott Malone's low finish sealed the win after he linked with Liam Trotter.
Millwall failed to earn maximum points from any of their opening six league games this season as Steve Lomas endured a torrid start to his managerial reign at The Den.
Hardworking defender Danny Shittu tasted 90 minutes action for the hosts.
After a slow opening both sides had chances, Leeds's Alex Mowatt denied by keeper David Forde, before Martyn Waghorn hit the post for the hosts.
Millwall seized the initiative in the second half, Martyn Woolford slotting home from the edge of the area.
Scott Malone's low finish sealed the win after he linked with Liam Trotter.
Millwall failed to earn maximum points from any of their opening six league games this season as Steve Lomas endured a torrid start to his managerial reign at The Den.
Hardworking defender Danny Shittu tasted 90 minutes action for the hosts.
Ikenne George's Honveb seals deserved win
Ayub Daud scored twice as Honved sealed a deserved 2-1 win against Szonbathelyi Haladas.
The hosts created several chances in the first half but were denied by goalkeeper Daniel Rosza.
Daud broke the deadlock one minute before the break when he fired in a low penalty drive.
The striker again added his second from the penalty spot, before Andras Rado pulled one back to spark a late flurry from the visitors.
Nigeria-born George Ikenne was a pest to the away side. His work rate upfront was well applauded by fans that thronged stadium.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was on for the full 90 minutes.
The hosts created several chances in the first half but were denied by goalkeeper Daniel Rosza.
Daud broke the deadlock one minute before the break when he fired in a low penalty drive.
The striker again added his second from the penalty spot, before Andras Rado pulled one back to spark a late flurry from the visitors.
Nigeria-born George Ikenne was a pest to the away side. His work rate upfront was well applauded by fans that thronged stadium.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was on for the full 90 minutes.
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Desire Oparanozie registers her first strike in Germany
It was a complete massacre on the part of Wolfsburg Ladies as they won 9-1 against Burg Gretesch, in a Germany Women Cup match played at the Sportplaz Arena on Saturday.
Super Falcons bulky forward Desire Oparanozie whipped in a 60th minute strike to make the scoreline 8-0, thus announcing herself to the UEFA Champions League winners' fans.
The former Delta Queens and Rossyanka striker was a phobia to the hosts and gave a good account of herself.
Super Falcons bulky forward Desire Oparanozie whipped in a 60th minute strike to make the scoreline 8-0, thus announcing herself to the UEFA Champions League winners' fans.
The former Delta Queens and Rossyanka striker was a phobia to the hosts and gave a good account of herself.
Halftime; Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea
HT Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea
Gylfi Sigurdsson 19'
The tackles are suddenly flying in and referee Mike Dean is dealing with them by dishing out verbal warnings rather than yellow cards - we await our first booking, but my guess is that Dean will run out of patience with the next player who dives in.
"Chelsea's Juan Mata warms up to some applause - from Spurs fans. Some are even offering him White Hart Lane as a new home if he gets fed up with life on the bench."
Try, try and try again seems to be the Chelsea mantra today. That diagonal ball does come off the next time a Blues player tries it, and Oscar is on the end of it, lurking on the left. He tries to deliver a low cross but it is blocked - by Michael Dawson again (I think). Still, signs of life from Jose Mourinho's men - this is their best spell of the match.
"Gylfi Sigurdsson has had a great start to the season, but Andros Townsend has grown so much over the same time. Townsend getting in ahead of Nacer Chadli is a big thing here."
Better by Chelsea. Branislav Ivanovic raids down the right for the first time today and his low cross has to be hoofed clear by Michael Dawson at the near post.
The improvement does not last long, mind. John Obi Mikel tries to spray a diagonal ball forward from deep but gets it all wrong and slices it straight through to Hugo Lloris instead.
Tottenham have the lead and they have had by far the better of the first 30 minutes. Christian Eriksen is still seeing plenty of the ball - in contrast, Chelsea's main playmaker Oscar has been a peripheral figure.
Chelsea have been on the back-foot for a while now and they need to do better than this when they do come forward. Frank Lampard tries to fizz in a free-kick from near the half-way line but ends up hitting it straight at Hugo Lloris.
Gylfi Sigurdsson 19'
The tackles are suddenly flying in and referee Mike Dean is dealing with them by dishing out verbal warnings rather than yellow cards - we await our first booking, but my guess is that Dean will run out of patience with the next player who dives in.
"Chelsea's Juan Mata warms up to some applause - from Spurs fans. Some are even offering him White Hart Lane as a new home if he gets fed up with life on the bench."
Try, try and try again seems to be the Chelsea mantra today. That diagonal ball does come off the next time a Blues player tries it, and Oscar is on the end of it, lurking on the left. He tries to deliver a low cross but it is blocked - by Michael Dawson again (I think). Still, signs of life from Jose Mourinho's men - this is their best spell of the match.
"Gylfi Sigurdsson has had a great start to the season, but Andros Townsend has grown so much over the same time. Townsend getting in ahead of Nacer Chadli is a big thing here."
Better by Chelsea. Branislav Ivanovic raids down the right for the first time today and his low cross has to be hoofed clear by Michael Dawson at the near post.
The improvement does not last long, mind. John Obi Mikel tries to spray a diagonal ball forward from deep but gets it all wrong and slices it straight through to Hugo Lloris instead.
Tottenham have the lead and they have had by far the better of the first 30 minutes. Christian Eriksen is still seeing plenty of the ball - in contrast, Chelsea's main playmaker Oscar has been a peripheral figure.
Chelsea have been on the back-foot for a while now and they need to do better than this when they do come forward. Frank Lampard tries to fizz in a free-kick from near the half-way line but ends up hitting it straight at Hugo Lloris.
Super Falcons arrive home from Chiba
Nigeria’s Super Falcons arrived back home here on Saturday, after loosing two international friendlies against Japan on Sunday and Thursday.
21 players arrived alongside team coaches and officials.
Some of their die hard fans welcomed them back at the airport before they made ways to their respective clubs.
21 players arrived alongside team coaches and officials.
Some of their die hard fans welcomed them back at the airport before they made ways to their respective clubs.
Is Juan Mata a bench material?
Chelsea fans held up this sign directed at Jose Mourinho during the Champions League last week.
“For a time, the other players, those who were younger and new to the club, like Ramires, Luiz and Mata, could be intimidated by him. But that was then; it’s over, now they have the power.”
Not any more. An even more recent power shift is happening, and this time Mourinho is at the forefront. Luiz is in and out of the side while Mata has only started three games this season. He and Luiz were not even in the 18-man squad that beat Fulham in the Premier League last week.
Mata did play as the number ten, behind Fernando Torres, in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win over Swindon, and created the first goal with a shot that the goalkeeper parried into Torres’ path.
More significant to Mourinho was that Mata gave away a corner in the last minute with a last-ditch tackle when he was supporting left-back Ryan Bertrand. That was what the Portuguese wanted to see.
Chelsea under Mourinho does not play a 4-2-3-1 system. It plays 4-4-1-1 with Oscar behind the forward, and the two wide players as midfielders who have to attack and defend. Mourinho has said that Oscar is his first-choice number ten and fair enough: he’s played well this season and has added goals and strength to an encouraging debut campaign. That leaves five attacking players in the squad — as well as Mata, there’s Eden Hazard, Andre Schurrle, Kevin de Bruyne and Willian — competing for the two wide-midfield spots.
“I can play on either side of midfield or behind the striker,” Mata said last season. “I like having the ball at my feet, making the match more fluid; assists are my job, but I also like scoring goals as that’s the best thing in football.
Everyone wants to score, that’s what football is about and it’s the rarest thing on the pitch.”
That was before Mourinho came along, and with the winger’s marginalization has come the conspiracy theories: are Mata and Cesar Azpilicueta, another Spaniard with only one appearance this season, being sidelined because of their nationality, or their closeness to Spanish teammates with whom Mourinho clashed at Real Madrid? Surely not!
Mata’s situation has been compared to that of ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, who in October 2004 was criticized by Mourinho after scoring a winning goal against Liverpool: “Joe can be a regular but he has to improve when the team needs him to be part of a defensive organization.” Cole was dropped for the next game (although he went on to call Mourinho the best coach in the world).
There may be similarities, but does Mata really track back less than Hazard, whose (lack of) defensive work last season often left Ashley Cole isolated, and was the source of many goals conceded last season? If Mourinho wanted a wide player who tracks back, was Willian really the answer?
Reports in France suggested that Mata was keen on a deadline-day transfer to Paris Saint-Germain though coach Laurent Blanc recently told RMC Radio that he did not know that an offer had been made for the player.
“The only one we tried for, to my knowledge, was [Mesut] Ozil,” he said.
Already the speculation is growing that a January move — to upwardly mobile teams Atletico Madrid or Napoli – might be on the cards.
In the meantime, Mata has to bide his time and wait for an opportunity to prove himself again.
On Saturday, Chelsea travel to Spurs and a reunion with former coach Andre Villas-Boas — “a really good guy,” Mata said.
In the corresponding fixture just under a year ago, Mata scored twice and set up another as Chelsea won 4-2 at White Hart Lane. The fourth goal came when Mata chased down and tackled Kyle Walker on the touchline and squared it to Daniel Sturridge.
Mourinho would have been proud. Eleven months later, the landscape has changed for Mata in a way that no-one could have predicted.
“For a time, the other players, those who were younger and new to the club, like Ramires, Luiz and Mata, could be intimidated by him. But that was then; it’s over, now they have the power.”
Not any more. An even more recent power shift is happening, and this time Mourinho is at the forefront. Luiz is in and out of the side while Mata has only started three games this season. He and Luiz were not even in the 18-man squad that beat Fulham in the Premier League last week.
Mata did play as the number ten, behind Fernando Torres, in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win over Swindon, and created the first goal with a shot that the goalkeeper parried into Torres’ path.
More significant to Mourinho was that Mata gave away a corner in the last minute with a last-ditch tackle when he was supporting left-back Ryan Bertrand. That was what the Portuguese wanted to see.
Chelsea under Mourinho does not play a 4-2-3-1 system. It plays 4-4-1-1 with Oscar behind the forward, and the two wide players as midfielders who have to attack and defend. Mourinho has said that Oscar is his first-choice number ten and fair enough: he’s played well this season and has added goals and strength to an encouraging debut campaign. That leaves five attacking players in the squad — as well as Mata, there’s Eden Hazard, Andre Schurrle, Kevin de Bruyne and Willian — competing for the two wide-midfield spots.
“I can play on either side of midfield or behind the striker,” Mata said last season. “I like having the ball at my feet, making the match more fluid; assists are my job, but I also like scoring goals as that’s the best thing in football.
Everyone wants to score, that’s what football is about and it’s the rarest thing on the pitch.”
That was before Mourinho came along, and with the winger’s marginalization has come the conspiracy theories: are Mata and Cesar Azpilicueta, another Spaniard with only one appearance this season, being sidelined because of their nationality, or their closeness to Spanish teammates with whom Mourinho clashed at Real Madrid? Surely not!
Mata’s situation has been compared to that of ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, who in October 2004 was criticized by Mourinho after scoring a winning goal against Liverpool: “Joe can be a regular but he has to improve when the team needs him to be part of a defensive organization.” Cole was dropped for the next game (although he went on to call Mourinho the best coach in the world).
There may be similarities, but does Mata really track back less than Hazard, whose (lack of) defensive work last season often left Ashley Cole isolated, and was the source of many goals conceded last season? If Mourinho wanted a wide player who tracks back, was Willian really the answer?
Reports in France suggested that Mata was keen on a deadline-day transfer to Paris Saint-Germain though coach Laurent Blanc recently told RMC Radio that he did not know that an offer had been made for the player.
“The only one we tried for, to my knowledge, was [Mesut] Ozil,” he said.
Already the speculation is growing that a January move — to upwardly mobile teams Atletico Madrid or Napoli – might be on the cards.
In the meantime, Mata has to bide his time and wait for an opportunity to prove himself again.
On Saturday, Chelsea travel to Spurs and a reunion with former coach Andre Villas-Boas — “a really good guy,” Mata said.
In the corresponding fixture just under a year ago, Mata scored twice and set up another as Chelsea won 4-2 at White Hart Lane. The fourth goal came when Mata chased down and tackled Kyle Walker on the touchline and squared it to Daniel Sturridge.
Mourinho would have been proud. Eleven months later, the landscape has changed for Mata in a way that no-one could have predicted.
France: Africans In Action On Friday
Cote d'Ivoire forward Christian Kouakou continue to impress in the French Ligue 2 as he opened the scoring in Tours' 1-1 draw against league leaders Angers.
The 22-year-old has now scored 5 goals in 9 appearances, already beating his record of 4 in 24 games of the 2012/2013 season.
French-born Moroccan attacking midfielder Fayçal Fajr converted from the spot to score the only goal of the game in Caen's victory over Le Havre. Senegal centre back Zargo Touré was sent off for the foul that lead to the penalty.
Congo DR midfielder Christian Kinkela also scored a penalty in Châteauroux's 3-0 win against Niort.
Ivorian striker Koro Koné sealed the win for Dijon in their derby against Auxerre. It was his 3rd goal of the season, all scored in the last 3 games, and the 1st time he played the full game.
Clash of Black Stars.........Clottey gets the headlines in UAE
In what was ultimately a battle of Ghana strikers, Emmanuel Clottey gained the upper hand over national team skipper Asamoah Gyan in a top-flight game in the United Arab Emirates on Friday.
Clottey netted a hat-trick after joining the fray at the start of the second half to help hosts Al Dhafra to a 4:3 victory over visitors Al Ain, despite a late brace by Gyan.
Brazilian winger Michel Bastos gave Al Ain a ninth minute lead which held until the break. The introduction of the former Esperance and Berekum Chelsea hitman Emmanuel Clottey at the start of the second half however changed the game.
The 26-year old netted in the 54th and 62nd minutes to give Al Dhafra the lead and Senegalese team-mate Makhete Diop doubled the advantagee six minutes later.
Asamoah Gyan then scored twice in the 72nd and 75th minutes to level proceedings, but Clottey had the last laugh when he netted the winner six minutes from time.
It is the second straight brace for Gyan, who now has four goals from three matches, while Clottey's goals were his first of the season.
The development will make good news for Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah as he prepares for the first leg of his side's World Cup qualifying tie with Egypt next month.
In another game, Senegalese striker André Koupuleni Senghor netted his second of the season in Al Wasl's 4-1 away win over Al Shaab.
Clottey netted a hat-trick after joining the fray at the start of the second half to help hosts Al Dhafra to a 4:3 victory over visitors Al Ain, despite a late brace by Gyan.
Brazilian winger Michel Bastos gave Al Ain a ninth minute lead which held until the break. The introduction of the former Esperance and Berekum Chelsea hitman Emmanuel Clottey at the start of the second half however changed the game.
The 26-year old netted in the 54th and 62nd minutes to give Al Dhafra the lead and Senegalese team-mate Makhete Diop doubled the advantagee six minutes later.
Asamoah Gyan then scored twice in the 72nd and 75th minutes to level proceedings, but Clottey had the last laugh when he netted the winner six minutes from time.
It is the second straight brace for Gyan, who now has four goals from three matches, while Clottey's goals were his first of the season.
The development will make good news for Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah as he prepares for the first leg of his side's World Cup qualifying tie with Egypt next month.
In another game, Senegalese striker André Koupuleni Senghor netted his second of the season in Al Wasl's 4-1 away win over Al Shaab.
Ghana FA raves about TV deal for league
Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi expects the SuperSport TV deal to revolutionize the Ghana Premier League.
Nyantakyi is optimistic the trickle down effect of the league going global and high-quality production can be the turning point.
He wants clubs to take advantage of the marking opportunities to improve their stock to generate revenue.
The relationship between the Pay-TV channel and Ghana Football is for three years and it is reported to be worth US$ 2.1 million.
''It is going to give our league a wider international coverage and dimension, it will give it more viewership and attention which will expose it to more marketing opportunities abroad,'' said Nyantakyi.
''For the clubs this is the chance to showcase the talent we have here and the quality of football and the standard of play and advertise the clubs to potential partners that they can work with.
"This deal will enhance the value of the game in Ghana, the value of the players and market them to international clubs so the Super Sport deal with the FA is a breakthrough in broadcasting opportunities for the league and the clubs."
Nyantakyi is optimistic the trickle down effect of the league going global and high-quality production can be the turning point.
He wants clubs to take advantage of the marking opportunities to improve their stock to generate revenue.
The relationship between the Pay-TV channel and Ghana Football is for three years and it is reported to be worth US$ 2.1 million.
''It is going to give our league a wider international coverage and dimension, it will give it more viewership and attention which will expose it to more marketing opportunities abroad,'' said Nyantakyi.
''For the clubs this is the chance to showcase the talent we have here and the quality of football and the standard of play and advertise the clubs to potential partners that they can work with.
"This deal will enhance the value of the game in Ghana, the value of the players and market them to international clubs so the Super Sport deal with the FA is a breakthrough in broadcasting opportunities for the league and the clubs."
Fans detained for various crimes
The Turkish Interior Minister says police have raided homes and detained 72 soccer fans suspected of involvement in blackmail, threats and other crimes.
Muammer Guler says fans of Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas are suspected of blackmailing their clubs with threats of violence at games that would cause the teams to receive fines or other penalties.
Guler says the detained fans are suspected of 16 criminal acts that also include armed threats, raiding venues and attacking security officials.
The sweep comes days after Besiktas was ordered to play four games behind closed doors after fans ran onto the field during a weekend match against Galatasaray.
Soccer fans played a prominent role in anti-government demonstrations in June.
Muammer Guler says fans of Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas are suspected of blackmailing their clubs with threats of violence at games that would cause the teams to receive fines or other penalties.
Guler says the detained fans are suspected of 16 criminal acts that also include armed threats, raiding venues and attacking security officials.
The sweep comes days after Besiktas was ordered to play four games behind closed doors after fans ran onto the field during a weekend match against Galatasaray.
Soccer fans played a prominent role in anti-government demonstrations in June.
Malaga draw 2-2 at Valladolid in La Liga
Malaga newcomer Bartlomiej Pawlowski's brilliant goal earned his team a 2-2 draw at Valladolid on Friday, as Bernd Schuster's team remained unbeaten in four straight Spanish league games.
Four minutes after going on, the 20-year-old Pole used one touch to keep Ignacio Camacho's lobbed pass in the air before quickly turning and firing home an unstoppable left-footed shot for the 76th-minute equalizer.
Malaga started strong when Roque Santa Cruz opened the scoring in the 23rd as rain began to fall on Jose Zorilla Stadium. But Valladolid surged ahead on two almost identical goals from corner kicks by Patrick Ebert headed in by Javi Guerra in the 56th and Humberto Osorio in the 64th.
Those goals broke Malaga's three-game run of keeping clean sheets.
"We got the point cheap," Santa Cruz said.
"We should have had the game under control after going in front but we complicated it on set pieces. We have to go back over that. We can't let that happen. But we got the draw on a great individual action."
Pawlowski's strike swung the match back in the visitors' favor and in the 84th Malaga striker Mounir El Hamdaoui hit the crossbar with a shot that took a deflection of another player.
Pawlowski joined Malaga on loan from Widzew Lodz this offseason. Valladolid was left with one win through seven rounds.
Four minutes after going on, the 20-year-old Pole used one touch to keep Ignacio Camacho's lobbed pass in the air before quickly turning and firing home an unstoppable left-footed shot for the 76th-minute equalizer.
Malaga started strong when Roque Santa Cruz opened the scoring in the 23rd as rain began to fall on Jose Zorilla Stadium. But Valladolid surged ahead on two almost identical goals from corner kicks by Patrick Ebert headed in by Javi Guerra in the 56th and Humberto Osorio in the 64th.
Those goals broke Malaga's three-game run of keeping clean sheets.
"We got the point cheap," Santa Cruz said.
"We should have had the game under control after going in front but we complicated it on set pieces. We have to go back over that. We can't let that happen. But we got the draw on a great individual action."
Pawlowski's strike swung the match back in the visitors' favor and in the 84th Malaga striker Mounir El Hamdaoui hit the crossbar with a shot that took a deflection of another player.
Pawlowski joined Malaga on loan from Widzew Lodz this offseason. Valladolid was left with one win through seven rounds.
Ukraine to play Poland World Cup qualifier without fans
Ukraine have been ordered to play their next home 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Poland behind closed doors due to the racist behaviour of their fans, FIFA said on Friday.
Ukraine's supporters were involved in "several racist and discriminatory incidents" during the 9-0 win over San Marino in a qualifier in Lviv on September 6, added the world governing body.
The FARE (Football Against Racism Europe) observer at the match reported that local fans displayed neo-Nazi banners and made "monkey noises and gestures" as well as Nazi salutes.
Ukraine, who host Poland on October 11 before their last qualifier away to San Marino, are second in Group H on 15 points, level with Montenegro and one behind leaders England. Poland are fourth with 13 points.
Ukraine, whose supporters set off fireworks at the San Marino game, have also been banned from playing any qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia at the Lviv Arena.
In addition, FIFA's disciplinary committee fined the Ukraine Football Federation (FFU) 45,000 Swiss francs.
Peru, who are already out of the running for a place at the 2014 finals in Brazil, must play their next home World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on October 15 without any fans.
The sanctions, which also included fining the Peruvian FA (FPF) 20,000 Swiss francs, were imposed by FIFA after crowd disturbances during the 2-1 qualifying defeat by Uruguay in Lima on September 6.
FIFA said if such incidents occurred again it would have no option but to impose harsher sanctions against the Ukraine and Peru federations which could include "a match forfeit, a points deduction or disqualification from a competition".
Ukraine's supporters were involved in "several racist and discriminatory incidents" during the 9-0 win over San Marino in a qualifier in Lviv on September 6, added the world governing body.
The FARE (Football Against Racism Europe) observer at the match reported that local fans displayed neo-Nazi banners and made "monkey noises and gestures" as well as Nazi salutes.
Ukraine, who host Poland on October 11 before their last qualifier away to San Marino, are second in Group H on 15 points, level with Montenegro and one behind leaders England. Poland are fourth with 13 points.
Ukraine, whose supporters set off fireworks at the San Marino game, have also been banned from playing any qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia at the Lviv Arena.
In addition, FIFA's disciplinary committee fined the Ukraine Football Federation (FFU) 45,000 Swiss francs.
Peru, who are already out of the running for a place at the 2014 finals in Brazil, must play their next home World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on October 15 without any fans.
The sanctions, which also included fining the Peruvian FA (FPF) 20,000 Swiss francs, were imposed by FIFA after crowd disturbances during the 2-1 qualifying defeat by Uruguay in Lima on September 6.
FIFA said if such incidents occurred again it would have no option but to impose harsher sanctions against the Ukraine and Peru federations which could include "a match forfeit, a points deduction or disqualification from a competition".
Real spirit will be better for Madrid derby, says Ancelotti
Real Madrid will turn up with a better attitude for the local derby with Atletico Madrid on Saturday after needing a stoppage-time penalty to squeeze past promoted Elche 2-1 in midweek, said coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian was not happy with his team's performance on Wednesday and knows they need to make a drastic improvement against Atletico who have a maximum 18 points from their opening six La Liga games.
"Atletico are more aggressive than we are, they have more physical strength, but I think Real Madrid have more quality," Ancelotti told a news conference on Friday. "Tomorrow we are going to play with a different spirit," he added, referring to the game at Elche.
Ancelotti's remarks were echoed by Real goalkeeper Diego Lopez. "We cannot allow any slip-ups, even more so in our own stadium," said Lopez.
Third-placed Real, two points behind Atletico and Barcelona at the top of the table, look certain to hand world record signing Gareth Bale his home debut. The Wales winger, who cost 100 million euros when he left Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the month, was due to play at the Bernabeu for the first time against Getafe last weekend but tweaked a thigh muscle in the warm-up. Bale was then rested for the unconvincing La Liga victory over Elche.
Atletico have an undistinguished recent record against their derby rivals. The 2-1 victory in last season's King's Cup final was Atletico's first win over the nine-times European champions for 14 years.
"We will have to play at 110 percent," said visiting coach Diego Simeone. "They are better than us and have an excellent team."
The Italian was not happy with his team's performance on Wednesday and knows they need to make a drastic improvement against Atletico who have a maximum 18 points from their opening six La Liga games.
"Atletico are more aggressive than we are, they have more physical strength, but I think Real Madrid have more quality," Ancelotti told a news conference on Friday. "Tomorrow we are going to play with a different spirit," he added, referring to the game at Elche.
Ancelotti's remarks were echoed by Real goalkeeper Diego Lopez. "We cannot allow any slip-ups, even more so in our own stadium," said Lopez.
Third-placed Real, two points behind Atletico and Barcelona at the top of the table, look certain to hand world record signing Gareth Bale his home debut. The Wales winger, who cost 100 million euros when he left Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the month, was due to play at the Bernabeu for the first time against Getafe last weekend but tweaked a thigh muscle in the warm-up. Bale was then rested for the unconvincing La Liga victory over Elche.
Atletico have an undistinguished recent record against their derby rivals. The 2-1 victory in last season's King's Cup final was Atletico's first win over the nine-times European champions for 14 years.
"We will have to play at 110 percent," said visiting coach Diego Simeone. "They are better than us and have an excellent team."
Lionel Messi to lead Argentina in final World Cup qualifier
Famed Argentine footballer Lionel Messi will lead his national team in the final double-match of the South American Qualifying Tournament that will decide who goes to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, for which Argentina has already qualified.
Argentina's Football Association (AFA) announced the partial line-up on Friday for the two upcoming games with Peru and Uruguay to be played on October 11 and 15 in Buenos Aires and Montevideo, respectively, Xinhua reported.
So far, AFA has released only the names of participating players playing for foreign leagues, as well as forwards Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.
Team coach Alejandro Sabella has recruited the following 23 players:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero and Mariano Andujar.
Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta, Hugo Campagnaro, Federico Fernandez, Fabricio Coloccini, Ezequiel Garay, Cristian Ansaldi, Jose Basanta, and Marcos Rojo.
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega, Augusto Fernandez, Lucas Biglia, Ricardo Alvarez, Erik Lamela, Jose Sosa.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Rodrigo Palacio, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Agero, and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Argentina's Football Association (AFA) announced the partial line-up on Friday for the two upcoming games with Peru and Uruguay to be played on October 11 and 15 in Buenos Aires and Montevideo, respectively, Xinhua reported.
So far, AFA has released only the names of participating players playing for foreign leagues, as well as forwards Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.
Team coach Alejandro Sabella has recruited the following 23 players:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero and Mariano Andujar.
Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta, Hugo Campagnaro, Federico Fernandez, Fabricio Coloccini, Ezequiel Garay, Cristian Ansaldi, Jose Basanta, and Marcos Rojo.
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega, Augusto Fernandez, Lucas Biglia, Ricardo Alvarez, Erik Lamela, Jose Sosa.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Rodrigo Palacio, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Agero, and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Twenty corporates eyeing teams in IPL-style football league
Around 20 corporates have expressed interest in buying teams for the ambitious IPL-style football league whose organisers are conducting the franchises' and players' auctions between October 30 to November 5, according to sources.
The franchise-based tournament, to be jointly organised by AIFF and its commercial partners IMG-Reliance, will be officially launched on October 25. "You can say that 20 have expressed interest in owning teams," a source close to both IMG-Reliance and AIFF said here on Friday.
"The tournament will officially launch on October 25. And then the clubs' auction will be held first followed by the players' auction between Oct 30 to Nov 5," the source said.
Without going into details, the source added that the launch will have "a few surprises".
There will be a total of 22 players in each team including 10 foreign footballers alongside at least one marquee signing. Also, eight domestic and four local players from the under-23 category will be available at every team's disposal.
Some of the world's top footballers including David Beckham, Raul Gonzalez, Michael Owen and Thierry Henry are doing the rounds to be associated with the eight-team league, scheduled to start from January 18 next year.
Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, Goa, Delhi and Bangalore will be the eight cities where the franchises would be based, while Guwahati and Hyderabad have been kept in
the reserves.
"Negotiations are on and each city will have one franchise." The four teams that finish on top will go to the semi-final stage, just as it happens in IPL.
The franchise-based tournament, to be jointly organised by AIFF and its commercial partners IMG-Reliance, will be officially launched on October 25. "You can say that 20 have expressed interest in owning teams," a source close to both IMG-Reliance and AIFF said here on Friday.
"The tournament will officially launch on October 25. And then the clubs' auction will be held first followed by the players' auction between Oct 30 to Nov 5," the source said.
Without going into details, the source added that the launch will have "a few surprises".
There will be a total of 22 players in each team including 10 foreign footballers alongside at least one marquee signing. Also, eight domestic and four local players from the under-23 category will be available at every team's disposal.
Some of the world's top footballers including David Beckham, Raul Gonzalez, Michael Owen and Thierry Henry are doing the rounds to be associated with the eight-team league, scheduled to start from January 18 next year.
Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, Goa, Delhi and Bangalore will be the eight cities where the franchises would be based, while Guwahati and Hyderabad have been kept in
the reserves.
"Negotiations are on and each city will have one franchise." The four teams that finish on top will go to the semi-final stage, just as it happens in IPL.
Sochaux target Zambia coach Renard
Zambia coach Herve Renard has made the shortlist for the vacant job a struggling French Ligue 1 club Sochaux.
The Sochaux job fell vacant on Thursday following coach Eric Hely’s decision to resign after a spate of poor result at the French Ligue 1 club.
According to Lequipe, Renard is one of four contenders for the job.
Others are his compatriots Frédéric Antonetti and the experienced Guy Lacombe.
Both Antonetti and Lacombe are both out of jobs after parting ways with Rennes and UAE club Al Wasl FC respectively.
Uruguayan Pablo Correa, who is currently coach at French Ligue 1 side Evian, is also a candidate.
Renard meanwhile, is hurtling towards the end of this three year contract with Zambia that expires in June, 2014.
The Zambia coach’s future has been uncertain after Chipolopolo tumbled in the race to the 2014 World Cup and their failure to qualify for the 2014 CHAN finals in South Africa.
Renard, who won the 2012 Africa Cup with Zambia, also failed to defend the title this year in South Africa where his team tumbled in the preliminary group stage.
And should Renard get the Sochaux job, he will be reunited with one of his Zambian players.
Striker Emmanuel Mayuka is currently at Sochaux on a year-long loan from English side Southampton.
Sochaux are currently bottom of Ligue 1 with two points from their opening seven games played into the 2013/2014 season and are currently on a three-match losing streak.
Friday, 27 September 2013
Afonja Warriors accepts O&D's decision, ready to replay in Abuja;
The management of Kwara United Fc of Ilorin have accepted the verdicts of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Organizing and Disciplinary committee (O&D) even though the club has its reservation over the judgment.
A statement by Kwara United Media Officer, Olayinka Owolewa, said the club accepted the O&D judgment with respect to the NFF as the highest football decision making body in the country.
''As a law abiding club, we have accepted the NFF decision over our abandoned week 28 Globacom Premier League match with Warri Wolves and we will honour the match in Abuja on Sunday as directed by the O&D'' Owolewa said.
The Afonja Warriors Media Officer said the club frowned at the O&D decision that Warri Wolves will pay a fine of 3 million naira for failing to continue the match as directed by the match commissioner and not 3 points 3 goals to Kwara Utd as stipulated by article 4.2 (2) and 4.2 (5).
The club called on both the LMC and the NFF to closely monitor the activities of Warri Wolves as they remain the only club with allegations of match officials being beaten in their away matches.
The club expressed confidence on the Alhaji Aminu Maigari NFF led administration to take football administration in the country to an enviable height.
The statement also called for continued support for the Samson Unuanel tutored team among soccer loving Kwarans to make one of the traditional clubs in Nigeria among the best in the country.
A statement by Kwara United Media Officer, Olayinka Owolewa, said the club accepted the O&D judgment with respect to the NFF as the highest football decision making body in the country.
''As a law abiding club, we have accepted the NFF decision over our abandoned week 28 Globacom Premier League match with Warri Wolves and we will honour the match in Abuja on Sunday as directed by the O&D'' Owolewa said.
The Afonja Warriors Media Officer said the club frowned at the O&D decision that Warri Wolves will pay a fine of 3 million naira for failing to continue the match as directed by the match commissioner and not 3 points 3 goals to Kwara Utd as stipulated by article 4.2 (2) and 4.2 (5).
The club called on both the LMC and the NFF to closely monitor the activities of Warri Wolves as they remain the only club with allegations of match officials being beaten in their away matches.
The club expressed confidence on the Alhaji Aminu Maigari NFF led administration to take football administration in the country to an enviable height.
The statement also called for continued support for the Samson Unuanel tutored team among soccer loving Kwarans to make one of the traditional clubs in Nigeria among the best in the country.
Ghana FA raves about TV deal for league
Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi expects the SuperSport TV deal to revolutionize the Ghana Premier League.
Nyantakyi is optimistic the trickle down effect of the league going global and high-quality production can be the turning point.
He wants clubs to take advantage of the marking opportunities to improve their stock to generate revenue.
The relationship between the Pay-TV channel and Ghana Football is for three years and it is reported to be worth US$ 2.1 million.
''It is going to give our league a wider international coverage and dimension, it will give it more viewership and attention which will expose it to more marketing opportunities abroad,'' said Nyantakyi.
Nyantakyi is optimistic the trickle down effect of the league going global and high-quality production can be the turning point.
He wants clubs to take advantage of the marking opportunities to improve their stock to generate revenue.
The relationship between the Pay-TV channel and Ghana Football is for three years and it is reported to be worth US$ 2.1 million.
''It is going to give our league a wider international coverage and dimension, it will give it more viewership and attention which will expose it to more marketing opportunities abroad,'' said Nyantakyi.
Hayatou concludes visit to South Sudan
CAF President Issa Hayatou, accompanied by CAF 2nd Vice-president M. Almamy Kabele Camara as well as CAF Secretary General Hicham El Amrani, concluded a fruitful visit to Juba, South Sudan, from September 24th to 26th 2013. It was the very first time the CAF President visited the newest member of the African football family.
CAF had accepted the South Sudan Football Association as its 54th member during the CAF General Assembly that took place on February 10th 2012 in Libreville, Gabon, paving the way for FIFA’s acceptance of South Sudan in the world football family 3 months later in Budapest, Hungary.
This historical visit was aimed at evaluating the current state of South Sudanese football while identifying the key priorities needed to be tackled for the development of football in the world’s youngest country.
Shortly after its arrival, the CAF delegation was honored by the audience granted to them by His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, during which the CAF President highlighted the Confederation’s support to the South Sudan Football Association.
The CAF delegation was warmly welcomed as well by Her Excellency Nadia Arop Dud, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport as well as the President of the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), M, Chabur Goc Alei.
Throughout the CAF delegation visit, the CAF President took the opportunity to attend a friendly match at the Juba Stadium, meet with officials of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, as well as list and discuss the current difficulties facing South Sudanese football with the Executive board of SSFA.
Upon conclusion of these consultations, the CAF President reiterated CAF’s commitment to assist SSFA in upgrading the football field of Juba Stadium, sending numerous CAF instructors to SSFA for providing know how in the technical areas of coaching refereeing and administration, as well as other actions to be further defined.
In an eventful 3 days-visit, the CAF President also laid the foundation stone of the future SSFA headquarters, paid a courtesy call to the Governor of Central Equatorial, and finally paid his respect to Dr John Garang de Mabior, the founding father of the nation, deceased in 2005.
CAF had accepted the South Sudan Football Association as its 54th member during the CAF General Assembly that took place on February 10th 2012 in Libreville, Gabon, paving the way for FIFA’s acceptance of South Sudan in the world football family 3 months later in Budapest, Hungary.
This historical visit was aimed at evaluating the current state of South Sudanese football while identifying the key priorities needed to be tackled for the development of football in the world’s youngest country.
Shortly after its arrival, the CAF delegation was honored by the audience granted to them by His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, during which the CAF President highlighted the Confederation’s support to the South Sudan Football Association.
The CAF delegation was warmly welcomed as well by Her Excellency Nadia Arop Dud, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport as well as the President of the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), M, Chabur Goc Alei.
Throughout the CAF delegation visit, the CAF President took the opportunity to attend a friendly match at the Juba Stadium, meet with officials of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, as well as list and discuss the current difficulties facing South Sudanese football with the Executive board of SSFA.
Upon conclusion of these consultations, the CAF President reiterated CAF’s commitment to assist SSFA in upgrading the football field of Juba Stadium, sending numerous CAF instructors to SSFA for providing know how in the technical areas of coaching refereeing and administration, as well as other actions to be further defined.
In an eventful 3 days-visit, the CAF President also laid the foundation stone of the future SSFA headquarters, paid a courtesy call to the Governor of Central Equatorial, and finally paid his respect to Dr John Garang de Mabior, the founding father of the nation, deceased in 2005.
Aluko not giving up on World Cup
Hull City's Sone Aluko is aiming to establish himself in the Premier League and earn a Nigeria recall.
The former England youth international switched allegiances four years ago and made his Super Eagles debut in 2009.
His last game under coach Stephen Keshi was in June 2012 as a substitute in a 2-0 over Rwanda in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
"If things go my way this season I can still break into the team for Brazil definitely," he told BBC Sport.
"If I maintain my form then I will have a good case for selection."
Nigeria face Ethiopia over two legs in October and November in a play-off for a place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Injuries have prevented Aluko from being a regular for the Super Eagles and he has not featured in Nigeria's 2014 qualifiers so far.
"Disappointed would be a strong word to use maybe but I've never hidden the fact that I want to play for Super Eagles," he said.
"That remains the aim so missing out again is frustrating but makes me hungrier too.
"Earning a recall does cross my mind but it is not an everyday thought.
"During international breaks and other random times when team-mates and coaches ask me how come I've not been selected, then I think about it."
While Aluko believes a place in the Nigeria squad is achievable he does concedes that others are ahead of him in Keshi's thinking.
"To keep working hard and hope is all I can do, we are fortunate as Nigerians that we are blessed with top players especially in attacking positions so competition is high," he said.
"I'm now in arguably the best league in the world and in the Premier League good form for my club playing regularly so I can't do too much more than I am.
"Hopefully I can maintain this and focus on helping Hull City."
Aluko scored his first goal of the season last weekend as his spectacular volley saw Hull twice came from behind to beat Newcastle United 3-2 at St James' Park.
Coach Keshi has said Aluko could still play for Nigeria again, despite being overlooked for over two years.
"Sone Aluko, like many others, is still in my plans. I've seen him before, but we can't invite all the players to camp," Keshi explained.
Aluko, who has also represented Nigeria at the Under-20 World Cup and played for their Olympic team, says he is under no illusions about the task facing him in his quest for a recall.
"Being in his plans but not in the squad doesn't really help me," he said.
"We all want to go to Brazil and I haven't played in a single qualifier leading up to it so I think actions speak louder than words and right now it's clear I'm not in his plans so I wont sugar-coat it.
"But playing well in the Premier League and in God keeping me healthy is where my hope is."
Barca want Iniesta to end his career at the club
Barcelona want Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta to end his career at the Catalan club, coach Gerardo Martino said on the eve of Saturday's La Liga game at Almeria. Recent media reports have suggested the 29-year-old playmaker may be reluctant to renew his contract when it ends in 2015.
However, the club and the player have said this week that both parties want to agree a new deal. "Everything the president (Sandro Rosell) and Andres have expressed about him finishing his career at Barca is pretty clear,"
Martino told a news conference on Friday.
"If I were the president I would also like the emblematic players to finish their careers here."
Iniesta, winner of UEFA's Best Player in Europe award in 2011-12, left no one in any doubt about his plans for the future during a news conference on Thursday. "All I can say is my desire is to finish playing here. The club's intention is the same and everything is on course," he said.
"We're going to reach an agreement and there is no further complication. This is the best place for me."
Barcelona are top of the table with a maximum 18 points from six games, the same haul as Atletico Madrid but with a superior goal difference.
Fourth from bottom Almeria have yet to record a victory in La Liga this season and Barca have won the last four meetings between the sides by a combined goal tally of 19-1 including an 8-0 away victory in 2010.
However, the club and the player have said this week that both parties want to agree a new deal. "Everything the president (Sandro Rosell) and Andres have expressed about him finishing his career at Barca is pretty clear,"
Martino told a news conference on Friday.
"If I were the president I would also like the emblematic players to finish their careers here."
Iniesta, winner of UEFA's Best Player in Europe award in 2011-12, left no one in any doubt about his plans for the future during a news conference on Thursday. "All I can say is my desire is to finish playing here. The club's intention is the same and everything is on course," he said.
"We're going to reach an agreement and there is no further complication. This is the best place for me."
Barcelona are top of the table with a maximum 18 points from six games, the same haul as Atletico Madrid but with a superior goal difference.
Fourth from bottom Almeria have yet to record a victory in La Liga this season and Barca have won the last four meetings between the sides by a combined goal tally of 19-1 including an 8-0 away victory in 2010.
Barclays Premier League fixtures
Saturday
Tottenham v Chelsea 12.45pm
Aston Villa v Manchester City 3pm
Fulham v Cardiff 3pm
Hull v West Ham 3pm
Manchester United v West Brom 3pm
Southampton v Crystal Palace 3pm
Swansea v Arsenal 5.30pm
Sunday
Stoke v Norwich 1.30pm
Sunderland v Liverpool 4pm
Monday
Everton v Newcastle 8pm
Tottenham v Chelsea 12.45pm
Aston Villa v Manchester City 3pm
Fulham v Cardiff 3pm
Hull v West Ham 3pm
Manchester United v West Brom 3pm
Southampton v Crystal Palace 3pm
Swansea v Arsenal 5.30pm
Sunday
Stoke v Norwich 1.30pm
Sunderland v Liverpool 4pm
Monday
Everton v Newcastle 8pm
Mario Balotelli apologises and says he was provoked
AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli has apologised for a sending-off against Napoli which earned him a three-match ban but claimed he was provoked.
Balotelli was dismissed for arguing with the referee at the end of Sunday's 2-1 home defeat and suspended the following day.
"I apologise to my team mates, who train hard every day. I also apologise to the referee," he said.
"I reacted the wrong way to provocation. Mario has made a mistake," he added.
"He has been provoked and made a mistake in reacting. If Mario makes a bad mistake, Mario should be punished...But against Napoli it was the same old story, the fouls against me didn't count for anything, I was the only one who could do anything wrong," he said.
Balotelli was dismissed for arguing with the referee at the end of Sunday's 2-1 home defeat and suspended the following day.
"I apologise to my team mates, who train hard every day. I also apologise to the referee," he said.
"I reacted the wrong way to provocation. Mario has made a mistake," he added.
"He has been provoked and made a mistake in reacting. If Mario makes a bad mistake, Mario should be punished...But against Napoli it was the same old story, the fouls against me didn't count for anything, I was the only one who could do anything wrong," he said.
Villas-Boas: Mourinho blocked my progress
Extra spice was added to Tottenham's clash with Chelsea on Saturday after Andre Villas-Boas said he went into management when his coaching ambitions were thwarted by Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.
The two Portuguese managers will be in opposing dugouts for the first time when their teams meet in the Premier League, four years after Villas-Boas quit Mourinho's backroom staff at Inter to take a job back home with Academica.
The pair had been close, Villas-Boas working under Mourinho at Porto and Chelsea before the spell together in Serie A signalled the end of their working relationship.
The Tottenham manager had been an opposition scout for Mourinho but wanted a more hands-on coaching role, only to be rebuffed.
"My relationship with him professionally and personally was excellent, as you can imagine, because we worked so many years together," he told reporters at Tottenham's training facilities in Enfield on Thursday.
"Our break-up point was because I was full of ambition to give him something extra and I wanted further involvement to the job that I was doing at the time which was scouting and match preparation.
"I felt that I could give him much more so my initial idea was to keep working with him but he did not feel the need for someone near to him or in another position as an assistant and because of that we both decided it was time."
Villas-Boas denied there was any on-going feud between the coaches who have strikingly similar career paths with varying degrees of success.
They are on speaking terms, but are no longer close friends.
"We talked at the Premier League managers meeting when we were there in August, but since then no," Villas-Boas added. The Tottenham boss may feel he has a point to prove at White Hart Lane against the team who sacked him after only eight months in the job.
Tottenham's excellent start to the season has put them two points clear of their London rivals, having won eight of their nine competitive games this campaign and conceding a solitary goal.
Victory would provide them with a healthy cushion and might also offer food for thought to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich who was quick to pull the trigger on Villas-Boas's reign at Stamford Bridge having tasked him with rejuvenating the squad.
The Tottenham manager, who set out his stall to challenge for the title when he took the job last year, feels Saturday's match is unlikely to have a decisive impact on the final table and what he believes could be the tightest title race in years.
"It can change very quickly, at the moment we are on a good run. There aren't any teams on maximum points, so this year it will be very tight at the top," he added.
"We could have the tightest Premier League in years. What is happening to us now, puts us in a positive mood, but we just have to continue trying to get the most amount of points possible.
"It is very early stages, anything can change dramatically, this game will not have any significant impact," Villas-Boas said.
"Whatever comes out, I'm not sure it will have a great impact on the classification at the end of the season, but we want to do well and build on our confidence."
The two Portuguese managers will be in opposing dugouts for the first time when their teams meet in the Premier League, four years after Villas-Boas quit Mourinho's backroom staff at Inter to take a job back home with Academica.
The pair had been close, Villas-Boas working under Mourinho at Porto and Chelsea before the spell together in Serie A signalled the end of their working relationship.
The Tottenham manager had been an opposition scout for Mourinho but wanted a more hands-on coaching role, only to be rebuffed.
"My relationship with him professionally and personally was excellent, as you can imagine, because we worked so many years together," he told reporters at Tottenham's training facilities in Enfield on Thursday.
"Our break-up point was because I was full of ambition to give him something extra and I wanted further involvement to the job that I was doing at the time which was scouting and match preparation.
"I felt that I could give him much more so my initial idea was to keep working with him but he did not feel the need for someone near to him or in another position as an assistant and because of that we both decided it was time."
Villas-Boas denied there was any on-going feud between the coaches who have strikingly similar career paths with varying degrees of success.
They are on speaking terms, but are no longer close friends.
"We talked at the Premier League managers meeting when we were there in August, but since then no," Villas-Boas added. The Tottenham boss may feel he has a point to prove at White Hart Lane against the team who sacked him after only eight months in the job.
Tottenham's excellent start to the season has put them two points clear of their London rivals, having won eight of their nine competitive games this campaign and conceding a solitary goal.
Victory would provide them with a healthy cushion and might also offer food for thought to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich who was quick to pull the trigger on Villas-Boas's reign at Stamford Bridge having tasked him with rejuvenating the squad.
The Tottenham manager, who set out his stall to challenge for the title when he took the job last year, feels Saturday's match is unlikely to have a decisive impact on the final table and what he believes could be the tightest title race in years.
"It can change very quickly, at the moment we are on a good run. There aren't any teams on maximum points, so this year it will be very tight at the top," he added.
"We could have the tightest Premier League in years. What is happening to us now, puts us in a positive mood, but we just have to continue trying to get the most amount of points possible.
"It is very early stages, anything can change dramatically, this game will not have any significant impact," Villas-Boas said.
"Whatever comes out, I'm not sure it will have a great impact on the classification at the end of the season, but we want to do well and build on our confidence."
Inter Milan come from behind to beat Fiorentina 2-1
Inter Milan came from behind to beat Fiorentina 2-1 in an entertaining match in the Italian league on Thursday and stay in touch with leaders Roma.
Giuseppe Rossi continued his fine run of form since returning from two years of injuries, scoring from the penalty spot on the hour mark to take his tally to six goals in seven matches. Joaquin had been pulled back in the area by Juan Jesus. It was only the second goal Inter had conceded this season.
Esteban Cambiasso leveled in acrobatic fashion in the 72nd minute and Jonathan scored what was to prove the winner seven minutes from time to cap an all-round performance from the Inter fullback.
"We deserved to win, even though we suffered against a great team," Inter coach Walter Mazzarri said. "We should have done better with our counter attacks. If we had done so, we would have gone in at halftime in front.
"We have to still improve even if the lads are doing an extraordinary job."
Inter moved level with Juventus and Napoli, two points behind Roma. Fiorentina are three points further back after their first loss of the season.
"The only thing I didn't like was the result," Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella said. "It was a great performance with character and just as we thought we had it under control, we conceded two odd goals. I have to take the defeat as well as the performance but we played at a high level against a strong opponent."
Inter had been ordered to keep one end of San Siro - the Curva Nord - closed as punishment for fan racism during the draw against Juventus.
Fiorentina were missing three key players as new signing Mario Gomez was injured, along with David Pizarro and Juan Cuadrado. Captain Manuel Pasqual added to the Tuscan side's injury problems as he was forced off with a thigh injury 10 minutes from halftime and was replaced by Marcos Alonso.
Mazzarri started with the same team which had won the past three matches, including a 7-0 victory at Sassuolo on Sunday. And it almost took the lead inside the opening minute as Yuto Nagatomo forced a smart save out of Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto.
It was an open match and Inter almost created another goalscoring opportunity in the 11th minute when Hugo Campagnaro put in a tempting cross from the right. But Fiorentina did well to clear and almost took the lead on the counter when the ball came to Giuseppe Rossi who beat a defender and put in an angled drive which Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic parried with a deft, one-handed save.
The action was end-to-end and Inter again threatened moments later when it surged forward and outnumbered the Fiorentina defense five to two, but Saphir Taider fired into the sidenetting. Rossi has been in fantastic form this season and the U.S.-born forward was again at the heart of the action when he set up Joaquin for an effort which Handanovic did well to parry with his legs.
The Italy striker fired Fiorentina in front with a powerful penalty which gave Handanovic no chance as, despite the goalkeeper guessing the right way, he could not prevent it from going into the bottom right corner.
Inter leveled 12 minutes later as Fiorentina failed to deal with a corner. In the goalmouth scramble, the ball came to Cambiasso, who controlled it on his chest before scissor-kicking it in from close range.
Fiorentina had lost their last 12 trips to Inter Milan, with their last victory coming in May, 2000. And they were to again come away from San Siro empty-handed as Jonathan smashed in a screamer under the bar after beating Matias Fernandez to a chipped pass from Ricky Alvarez.
Massimo Ambrosini, who spent 18 years at Inter's bitter city rival AC Milan, almost leveled in stoppage time but Handanovic got down smartly to smother the shot.
Giuseppe Rossi continued his fine run of form since returning from two years of injuries, scoring from the penalty spot on the hour mark to take his tally to six goals in seven matches. Joaquin had been pulled back in the area by Juan Jesus. It was only the second goal Inter had conceded this season.
Esteban Cambiasso leveled in acrobatic fashion in the 72nd minute and Jonathan scored what was to prove the winner seven minutes from time to cap an all-round performance from the Inter fullback.
"We deserved to win, even though we suffered against a great team," Inter coach Walter Mazzarri said. "We should have done better with our counter attacks. If we had done so, we would have gone in at halftime in front.
"We have to still improve even if the lads are doing an extraordinary job."
Inter moved level with Juventus and Napoli, two points behind Roma. Fiorentina are three points further back after their first loss of the season.
"The only thing I didn't like was the result," Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella said. "It was a great performance with character and just as we thought we had it under control, we conceded two odd goals. I have to take the defeat as well as the performance but we played at a high level against a strong opponent."
Inter had been ordered to keep one end of San Siro - the Curva Nord - closed as punishment for fan racism during the draw against Juventus.
Fiorentina were missing three key players as new signing Mario Gomez was injured, along with David Pizarro and Juan Cuadrado. Captain Manuel Pasqual added to the Tuscan side's injury problems as he was forced off with a thigh injury 10 minutes from halftime and was replaced by Marcos Alonso.
Mazzarri started with the same team which had won the past three matches, including a 7-0 victory at Sassuolo on Sunday. And it almost took the lead inside the opening minute as Yuto Nagatomo forced a smart save out of Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto.
It was an open match and Inter almost created another goalscoring opportunity in the 11th minute when Hugo Campagnaro put in a tempting cross from the right. But Fiorentina did well to clear and almost took the lead on the counter when the ball came to Giuseppe Rossi who beat a defender and put in an angled drive which Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic parried with a deft, one-handed save.
The action was end-to-end and Inter again threatened moments later when it surged forward and outnumbered the Fiorentina defense five to two, but Saphir Taider fired into the sidenetting. Rossi has been in fantastic form this season and the U.S.-born forward was again at the heart of the action when he set up Joaquin for an effort which Handanovic did well to parry with his legs.
The Italy striker fired Fiorentina in front with a powerful penalty which gave Handanovic no chance as, despite the goalkeeper guessing the right way, he could not prevent it from going into the bottom right corner.
Inter leveled 12 minutes later as Fiorentina failed to deal with a corner. In the goalmouth scramble, the ball came to Cambiasso, who controlled it on his chest before scissor-kicking it in from close range.
Fiorentina had lost their last 12 trips to Inter Milan, with their last victory coming in May, 2000. And they were to again come away from San Siro empty-handed as Jonathan smashed in a screamer under the bar after beating Matias Fernandez to a chipped pass from Ricky Alvarez.
Massimo Ambrosini, who spent 18 years at Inter's bitter city rival AC Milan, almost leveled in stoppage time but Handanovic got down smartly to smother the shot.
Jamaica's Jermaine Hue handed a nine-month ban for doping
FIFA suspended Jamaica player Jermaine Hue for nine months on Thursday after he tested positive for a banned substance at a World Cup qualifying match.
Team doctor Carlton Fraser was banned from football for four years for administering the drug, dexamethasone, FIFA said Thursday.
"This suspension covers all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures," FIFA said.
Hue, a 35-year-old midfielder with Jamaican club Harbour View, tested positive after Jamaica's 2-0 loss against Honduras in Tegucigalpa on June 11.
Hue was an unused substitute in the match, though all squad members can be selected among the two players typically chosen at random to provide samples.
Four days earlier, he started in Jamaica's 2-1 loss against the United States in a qualifier in Kingston. A former player for Kansas City Wizards and Swedish club Mjallby, Hue was appearing in his fourth consecutive World Cup qualifying campaign.
Jamaica is last in a six-team CONCACAF qualifying group and has little chance of qualifying for next year's World Cup in Brazil.
FIFA said Hue's suspension expires on May 6, 2014, and Fraser's ban runs until Aug. 7, 2017. They can appeal. Hue is the second player suspended by FIFA for doping in the current World Cup qualifying program.
In March, FIFA banned Peru midfielder Joel Sanchez for two years. He tested positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine after a 1-1 draw at Bolivia in La Paz last October.
FIFA is currently prosecuting cases against players from Morocco and Zimbabwe after positive tests at World Cup matches.
Team doctor Carlton Fraser was banned from football for four years for administering the drug, dexamethasone, FIFA said Thursday.
"This suspension covers all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures," FIFA said.
Hue, a 35-year-old midfielder with Jamaican club Harbour View, tested positive after Jamaica's 2-0 loss against Honduras in Tegucigalpa on June 11.
Hue was an unused substitute in the match, though all squad members can be selected among the two players typically chosen at random to provide samples.
Four days earlier, he started in Jamaica's 2-1 loss against the United States in a qualifier in Kingston. A former player for Kansas City Wizards and Swedish club Mjallby, Hue was appearing in his fourth consecutive World Cup qualifying campaign.
Jamaica is last in a six-team CONCACAF qualifying group and has little chance of qualifying for next year's World Cup in Brazil.
FIFA said Hue's suspension expires on May 6, 2014, and Fraser's ban runs until Aug. 7, 2017. They can appeal. Hue is the second player suspended by FIFA for doping in the current World Cup qualifying program.
In March, FIFA banned Peru midfielder Joel Sanchez for two years. He tested positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine after a 1-1 draw at Bolivia in La Paz last October.
FIFA is currently prosecuting cases against players from Morocco and Zimbabwe after positive tests at World Cup matches.
Obinna hopes to return to England
Nigeria striker Victor Obinna Nsofor is keen on a English Premier League return - but will respect his contract with Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow.
The former West Ham United forward joined Lokomotiv in the summer of 2011 after a season on loan at Upton Park.
Interestingly, the club have made two futile attempts to take him back and he has not ruled out a possible return.
"It's true, several times and on two occasions they [West Ham] came for me," Obinna told BBC Sport.
"They were close to take me back to West Ham, but from day one Lokomotiv took me to Russia for a project and they are happy with me and they want me to stay.
"I am happy as well so I needed to do my job and respect my contract. Once they are not satisfied or say I can leave, that's when I can start thinking of leaving."
The 26-year-old scored eight goals in 23 appearances for the Hammers, including an FA Cup hat-trick against Nottingham Forest.
Obinna started his European career in Italy playing for Chievo Verona and giants Inter Milan before spells in Spain and England prompted a move to Russia.
But the Super Eagle would love to have another chance in English football.
"I miss England and I would love to play in the Premier League. It's the best league in the world, the most entertained, televised and watched league in the world.
"I enjoyed my time at West Ham, left with great memories and the fans and league has a special place in my heart.
"Some of the fans are still my friends on facebook and sometimes they say 'please, come back we need you here', but all I can say is that - maybe in the future.
"For now, I'm happy with Lokomotiv."
Obinna has already been capped 44 times by Nigeria, scoring 11 goals, and he appeared twice for his country at the 2010 World Cup.
The former West Ham United forward joined Lokomotiv in the summer of 2011 after a season on loan at Upton Park.
Interestingly, the club have made two futile attempts to take him back and he has not ruled out a possible return.
"It's true, several times and on two occasions they [West Ham] came for me," Obinna told BBC Sport.
"They were close to take me back to West Ham, but from day one Lokomotiv took me to Russia for a project and they are happy with me and they want me to stay.
"I am happy as well so I needed to do my job and respect my contract. Once they are not satisfied or say I can leave, that's when I can start thinking of leaving."
The 26-year-old scored eight goals in 23 appearances for the Hammers, including an FA Cup hat-trick against Nottingham Forest.
Obinna started his European career in Italy playing for Chievo Verona and giants Inter Milan before spells in Spain and England prompted a move to Russia.
But the Super Eagle would love to have another chance in English football.
"I miss England and I would love to play in the Premier League. It's the best league in the world, the most entertained, televised and watched league in the world.
"I enjoyed my time at West Ham, left with great memories and the fans and league has a special place in my heart.
"Some of the fans are still my friends on facebook and sometimes they say 'please, come back we need you here', but all I can say is that - maybe in the future.
"For now, I'm happy with Lokomotiv."
Obinna has already been capped 44 times by Nigeria, scoring 11 goals, and he appeared twice for his country at the 2010 World Cup.
Said, Bekele warn Super Eagles
Ethiopia's all time goal scorer Salhadin Said has laughed off sentiments from the Nigerian camp that it will be easy to beat the Walia Ibex and qualify for next year’s World Cup.
The striker who has been in red hot form for his country and scored on Tuesday in a 2-1 win for his Egyptian side Wadi Degla against Haras Alhadod in friendly says that all will be decided on the pitch and warned Nigeria against over confidence.
"We respect Nigeria as the African champions but I can vow when we play with them it will not be a walk in the park," Salhadin Said told supersport.com.
"We have to be respected as we are among the ten teams in Africa that qualified for the play offs despite being docked points.
"We don’t have the big name culture among the players but believe in team unity and any team that underrates us must do that to their own detriment."
"We have never been this close to the World Cup and I can assure them we will fight to the last minute and make our fans proud. Football is not a game you can predict but if they underrate us, they will go back home with regrets."
"I am happy with my current form and want to continue scoring for my beloved country and make our dream of qualifying for the World cup come true," he added.
Salhadin scored the equalizer for Ethiopia against CAR in Brazzaville and in 2012 he notched a brace for the Walias against Nigeria in Addis in a game that ended 2-2.
His teammate Shimeles Bekele is also upbeat ahead of the do or die clash against the Super Eagles.
Shimeles who turns out for Libyan side Al Ittihad warned Nigeria's Super Eagles not to expect an easy time in Addis Ababa adding that the visitors will be in for a surprise.
The mercurial midfielder also reiterated that the teamwork which has been evident will be secret weapon for the Walias as they dream of making it to Brazil.
"Sometimes it feels like a dream getting to the play offs because at one point we almost thought our dream was over when we were docked three points."
"I have read with a lot of excitement Nigerian players saying how they will beat us and make it to the World Cup. I want to tell them it will not be easy as they think as we did not qualify for the play offs by fluke but by sheer hard work."
"There is self belief among the Ethiopian players that nothing is impossible at this point and i believe it is the dream of every player to make it to the World cup which is the biggest football showpiece."
"I am personally in great form and cannot wait to give my team 100 percent and give Nigeria a run for their money. We have learnt alot since the last time we played in the 2013 Afcon."
The striker who has been in red hot form for his country and scored on Tuesday in a 2-1 win for his Egyptian side Wadi Degla against Haras Alhadod in friendly says that all will be decided on the pitch and warned Nigeria against over confidence.
"We respect Nigeria as the African champions but I can vow when we play with them it will not be a walk in the park," Salhadin Said told supersport.com.
"We have to be respected as we are among the ten teams in Africa that qualified for the play offs despite being docked points.
"We don’t have the big name culture among the players but believe in team unity and any team that underrates us must do that to their own detriment."
"We have never been this close to the World Cup and I can assure them we will fight to the last minute and make our fans proud. Football is not a game you can predict but if they underrate us, they will go back home with regrets."
"I am happy with my current form and want to continue scoring for my beloved country and make our dream of qualifying for the World cup come true," he added.
Salhadin scored the equalizer for Ethiopia against CAR in Brazzaville and in 2012 he notched a brace for the Walias against Nigeria in Addis in a game that ended 2-2.
His teammate Shimeles Bekele is also upbeat ahead of the do or die clash against the Super Eagles.
Shimeles who turns out for Libyan side Al Ittihad warned Nigeria's Super Eagles not to expect an easy time in Addis Ababa adding that the visitors will be in for a surprise.
The mercurial midfielder also reiterated that the teamwork which has been evident will be secret weapon for the Walias as they dream of making it to Brazil.
"Sometimes it feels like a dream getting to the play offs because at one point we almost thought our dream was over when we were docked three points."
"I have read with a lot of excitement Nigerian players saying how they will beat us and make it to the World Cup. I want to tell them it will not be easy as they think as we did not qualify for the play offs by fluke but by sheer hard work."
"There is self belief among the Ethiopian players that nothing is impossible at this point and i believe it is the dream of every player to make it to the World cup which is the biggest football showpiece."
"I am personally in great form and cannot wait to give my team 100 percent and give Nigeria a run for their money. We have learnt alot since the last time we played in the 2013 Afcon."
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