BVB's delight in race for last 16 spot

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp admitted he was relieved to be "back in the race" for a Champions League last 16 berth after their 3-1 win over Napoli.

Dortmund's 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal three weeks ago had left last season's finalists third in Group F and heading for a group stage exit.

But a Marco Reus penalty and second-half strike by Jakub Blaszczykowski put Dortmund 2-0 up with an hour gone before Lorenzo Insigne pulled one back for Napoli with 20 minutes left.

Substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came on to grab Dortmund's third, 12 minutes from time, to calm nerves and put Borussia level on nine points with Napoli in the group behind leaders Arsenal.

"Now we're back in the race," said Klopp, whose side broke a three-match losing streak including Saturday's 3-0 drubbing at home to Bayern Munich.

"We couldn't have done more to set things up for the last game.

"We knew that this would be a spectacular match, but I didn't expect to see so many chances and so much excitement on the pitch.

"We wasted a lot of opportunities, but (Napoli goalkeeper) Pepe Reina also made some great saves.

"We worked hard and recorded a highly deserved win, but Napoli were a very tough opponent and it wasn't easy for us.

With the Gunners three points clear, who will qualify from Group F will now be decided by the final round of pool matches when Dortmund travel to Marseille and Napoli host Arsenal in a fortnight.

Dortmund right-back Kevin Grosskreutz admitted the permutations of what Borussia need to progess to the knock-out stages had bothered him during the game.

"After Napoli scored their goal, I asked (Dortmund captain) Sebastian Kehl if the result was still good enough for us," said Grosskreutz.

"Our coach (Klopp) had explained everything the day before, but I didn't fully understand it at the time.

"After we scored to make it 3-1, I knew that was enough.

"We wanted to give our fans and ourselves something to celebrate. We deserved to win."

The victory at Dortmund's Westfalenstadion avenged Borussia's 2-1 defeat at Napoli in September, but their coach Rafael Benitez admitted his side had struggled to cope with the hosts' pressing game.

"Our mentality is to try to win every game against any opponents and I think we played the right way," said the Napoli boss.

"However we were facing one of the best counter-attacking teams in Europe and it was not easy after going down so early in the game.

Tata blames intensity after Ajax shock

Barcelona coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino admitted his side may have taken their eye off the ball having already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League as they lost for the first time this season 2-1 away to Ajax on Tuesday.

The Catalans were blown away by the hosts in the first-half as goals from Thulani Serero and Danny Hoessen gave them a 2-0 lead.

Barcelona were handed a lifeline at the beginning of the second period as Joel Veltman was sent-off for bringing down Neymar inside the area and Xavi halved the deficit from the resulting penalty.

However, even against 10 men, Barca failed to find an equaliser as they slipped to their first defeat in 21 games since Martino took charge in the summer.

"It is always possible to lose and we need to analyse more how the team played in the first 45 minutes than the defeat. That is when Ajax made the difference and won the game," Martino told Canal Plus.

"We lacked intensity, it is clear that they were quicker, more precise, superior in the one against ones, they were better in all aspects.

"When a team plays well like Ajax did and you lack this intensity, the opponent is always going to win."

Barca still top Group H and need just a point against already eliminated Celtic in the final game at the Camp Nou to ensure the finish as group winners.

But Martino was frustrated not to have secured top spot having played for over 40 minutes against a man less.

"Probably there is a situation where we thought we were qualified and subconsciously relaxed a little.

"We managed to qualify within four games and we would have liked to have secured first place today. With what I saw in the second-half I thought we were going to do it, but you can't let 45 minutes go by as we did."

Barca were without four first-team regulars, including World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, due to injury.

However, defender Gerard Pique insisted there was no excuse for their shambolic display before the break.

"It was the worst first-half that we have played. It was horrible and there is no excuse," Barca defender Gerard Pique told TV3.

"In the second, with a player more, we couldn't create danger. We need to improve and reflect a lot. Barcelona cannot show this image of itself."

And Xavi echoed his teammates sentiment that the loss of Messi and goalkeeper Victor Valdes cannot be used as an excuse with both set to be sidelined for the rest of the year.

"They are important players and we miss them, but that wasn't the main reason why we lost.

"We didn't play well enough to win. They pressed us very high and beat us to most of the contested balls. It is very difficult to win like that and even more so away from home in the Champions League.

Mou admits mistakes in Blues defeat

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho accepted that he got his team selection badly wrong after his side were beaten 1-0 by Basle at the St Jakob-Park on Tuesday.

Mohamed Salah's solitary strike with three minutes remaining gave the Swiss champions their second win over the London club in this season's Champions League, although Chelsea still clinched their place in the last 16 thanks to Schalke's goalless draw with Steaua Bucharest in Romania.

That meant it was job done for Chelsea, who came to Switzerland with the aim of ensuring qualification with a game to spare in Group E, but Mourinho was unable to muster a smile after watching a substandard performance.

"We don't go through because we got a result, we go through because Schalke did not get a result, and for me it's not the same," said the Portuguese.

"In the end, we qualified, which is our first objective, and now we have the last match at home to get the result to finish first," he added, with Chelsea knowing that a win at home against Steaua on December 11 will guarantee them top spot and secure, in theory, an easier draw in the next round.

Mourinho was quick to praise Murat Yakin's Basle side for their display - which followed a 2-1 victory in London in September - but he acknowledged that his decision to make just one change to the team after Saturday's 3-0 win at West Ham was wrong.

"I want to praise Basle. They won because we were sleeping in the last minute. But they won also because they were the best team and deserved to win," said the former Real Madrid boss, who dropped Eden Hazard for Willian.

"I think from the first minute I was getting signs that my team was tired. My team paid the price today of the international week, where I was afraid of the reaction in the game against West Ham.

"Maybe because that game was so important for us, the whole team focused a lot, and everybody made a good individual and collective performance.

"Tonight we made a big mistake in the first second of the game, immediately. After that, we made mistakes defensively, we made mistakes with the ball, we lost easy passes, we lost every second ball, late decisions, people thinking late, and we finished with a ridiculous goal.

"It is not the kind of game where we are upset with the players, because I think I understood, and I maybe should have made more changes."

Chelsea begin a run of nine games in December with a home clash against Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday, and new faces will come into the side for that game.

One man who looks certain to miss that encounter is Samuel Eto'o, who was stretchered off just before halftime following a clash with Basle midfielder Serey Die, with fit-again Fernando Torres taking his place.

"Samuel has a muscular injury. I don't know the dimension - we will have to wait to do scans - but it is a muscular injury," Mourinho said.

"This situation maybe helps me to make decisions when you have consecutive matches. I got signs that some players struggled to play two matches in three days so that will push me, for sure, to make different decisions. That is obvious."

Basle's recent record against English sides at the St Jakob-Park is impressive, with this latest win against Chelsea following victories over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in Europe in the last two years.

Tuesday's success also means they are now in a position to qualify for the last 16 for the second time in three seasons, with a draw against Schalke in Germany next month all they now require.

"Everyone knew it would be historic for us if we could beat Chelsea twice, and I think we wouldn't have deserved just a draw," said Yakin.

"It will be a nice final match against Schalke. That is what we worked for and we will try to qualify for the knockout stages."

Even if Basle lose in Gelsenkirchen, they are guaranteed the consolation of dropping into the Europa League in the New Year.

Wenger tells Arsenal to finish job

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger urged his players to "finish the job" after they moved to within sight of the Champions League knockout phase with a 2-0 win over Marseille.

Jack Wilshere scored both goals at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to leave Wenger's side with 12 points from five games in Group F, but they are not yet assured of a berth in the last 16.

They need to avoid defeat at Napoli in their final group game to be sure of going through, although the qualifying permutations mean that they could still progress even if they lose at Stadio San Paolo on December 11.

"It's unbelievable (not to have qualified with 12 points), but it's the reality and we have to finish the job," Wenger said.

"It is not an easy situation. It's a tricky situation because you could think, 'OK, (the objective is) just not to lose big (to Napoli),' but I think that would be a mistake from ourselves.

"It is to put in our head to go there, play in a positive way and try to win the game, because everything else would be a dangerous gamble.

Wilshere opened the scoring after only 27 seconds – the fastest goal in the Champions League this season – and completed his brace in the 65th minute when he converted a low cross from Mesut Ozil.

The England midfielder had previously scored only twice this season, and he said he was keen to add more goals to his repertoire.

Asked what his goals target for the campaign was, Wilshere told ITV: "At the start of the season I said 10 goals. I've never scored four in a season (before), so we'll see. I'm feeling good at the moment."

Wenger praised the coolness of Wilshere's opening goal, which saw him cut inside a defender before curling a shot home, and suggested he should take inspiration from teammate Aaron Ramsey, who has already found the net 11 times for the Premier League leaders this term.

"I like his first goal, because before he rushed a little bit," Wenger said.

"He's starting to think, 'What Ramsey can do, I can do as well.' He's calm in front of goal; especially the first goal shows that."

Wenger was, however, critical of Ozil, who saw a 37th-minute penalty saved by Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda following a truncated run-up.

"Everybody can miss a penalty, but I think his run on to the ball was a bit short. But it's the way he takes them," the Frenchman said.

He also expressed annoyance with midfielder Mathieu Flamini for cutting the sleeves on his shirt.

It is an Arsenal tradition that players take to the field wearing shirts with sleeves of the same length, and with Flamini's teammates having all-sported long-sleeve shirts, Wenger pledged to speak to the French midfielder about the matter.

"I don't like that and he will not do that again," he said. "I was surprised and we don't want that."

With Marseille having already been eliminated, coach Elie Baup used the opportunity to give some of his younger players a taste of the Champions League.

Midfielders Mario Lemina, 20, and 21-year-old Giannelli Imbula both started the game and Baup said he hoped that they would learn from the experience.

"What I take from it is that for our squad, tonight (Tuesday) there were lots of young players who dipped their toes in this competition for the first or second time," he said.

"We have to analyse all of that and show them how to progress from matches like tonight.

"There were lots of young players of 19 or 20 who have great talent, but who need to understand the demands of the high level in the Champions League.

AFC, Oceania look to combine WCup slots

The Asian and Oceania football confederations have opened discussions about combining World Cup slots to improve their qualification chances at future tournaments, AFC President Sheikh Salman said.

Both regions suffered heavy defeats in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2014 World Cup last week with Oceania champions New Zealand thrashed 9-3 over two legs by Mexico, while the AFC's Jordan were beaten 5-0 on aggregate by Uruguay.

Asia currently has four automatic qualifying berths for the World Cup, with the fifth-placed team going into an intercontinental playoff, while Oceania has no automatic spot and the champions must also go through a playoff.

Australia made the move to the AFC in 2006, which increased Asia's World Cup places to four and a half, and AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa was open to incorporating the half slot from the OFC in some way.

"We had the Australians in but I think we should look at how we can combine our slots together," the Bahraini told reporters on the sidelines of the AFC Awards in Malaysia when asked if he wanted New Zealand to join the AFC.

"This is something that we are discussing with Oceania and hopefully there will be something on how those legs are to be played. Because geographically we are much closer."

New Zealand were Oceania's last representatives at a World Cup when they qualified by beating Sheikh Salman's Bahrain in a two legged playoff for the 2010 finals in South Africa.

That 1-0 aggregate success made New Zealand just the fourth OFC side to play at a World Cup after their first appearance in 1982 and Australia in 1974 and 2006.

Any possible move would require approval from Fifa, who conducted a draw to see which confederations would face off for the final places in Brazil 2014 with the AFC drawing CONMEBOL and OFC against CONCACAF.

'FOR THE FUTURE'

The world governing body's president Sepp Blatter, who sat alongside Sheikh Salman and OFC president David Chung at the awards, suggested earlier this month he wanted the playoff system scrapped which appears to support the AFC-OFC move.

The 77-year-old Swiss has also said recently he wanted more World Cup places for Asia and Africa.

Sheikh Salman, who also hinted at revamping the World Cup qualifying format in Asia, said they had plenty of time to discuss any possible slot shifts with the 11 nation OFC.

"This is a decision that should be taken by Fifa as well about the half slot, but we will wait, we have time, but this is something that we should look at for the future," he said.

"So far this is just in the beginning stages. I think we need to look at the two continents as a whole, not just by inviting ... because what is going to be left from Oceania."

Earlier this month, Jordanian Football Association president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein had voiced his reservations about playing a South American side even before his team's 5-0 first leg home defeat by Uruguay.

"It's a bit unfortunate," he had said. "The natural issue, for example, would be for the Asian fifth place to play the half slot from Oceania and CONCACAF to play CONMEBOL but it is opposite.

"It is tiring, and within less than a week and you are crossing huge time zones so I don't know, I think we have to rethink that issue.

Cameroon clarifies naturalisation issue

Following complaints from Tunisia concerning the eligibility of Joel Matip and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, Cameroon football federation secretary general Tombi Roko Sidiki has hit back, saying Tunisian officials are ignorant of Cameroonian nationality laws.

“Tunisia are making a mistake. They did not examine our nationality laws before lodging compliant to Fifa,” Sidiki said.

“Cameroonians by birth can never lose their nationality. The two players in question are Cameroonians by birth because they were born each to a Cameroonian parent. The laws of our land say all persons born of a Cameroonian parent are automatically Cameroonians.

“The two players are Cameroonians because their fathers are Cameroonians. Have you ever seen a German called Choupo Moting or Matip Job,” he said.

Tunisia lost the World Cup playoff return leg to Cameroon 4-1 but officials from the north African country are contesting the naturalisation method used to include Matip and Choupo-Moting in the squad.

Fifa asked Cameroon FA to provide the administrative documents of the two players within 48 hours, and will announce a verdict on November 28.

Frederic Kanoute to hang up boots

Former Mali international Frederic Kanoute has indicated he will not renew his contract at Chinese club Beijing Guoan which expires early next year and will likely hang up his boots thereafter.

The 36-year-old striker joined Guoan in June 2012 after seven seasons at Spanish side Sevilla where he scored 136 goals.

He won two UEFA Cups with the Sevillistas in 2006 and 2007, and was named African Footballer of the Year also in 2007.

Born in France to a French mother and a Malian father, Kanoute represented France in the junior category before switching allegiance in favour of the Malian Eagles in 2004, with whom he participated in three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring a total of 36 goals with the team before retiring in 2010.

Calls for new Appiah contract intensify

After getting Ghana to the World Cup, Kwesi Appiah must be rewarded with a new deal. And the argument is gaining grounds.

The latest to speak is former Ghana Football Association spokesperson, Randy Abbey. He has urged the FA's executive committee to act quickly.

Speaking on state-owned GTV’s Stage Africashow, Abbey argued that such a move will nip the pessimism that surrounds Kwesi Appiah’s ability to lead the Black Stars in the bud.

"He was tasked to qualify us to the World Cup and for me he has done it. In the past other coaches have used Ghana as a stepping stone to greater things after the World Cup and so we have to learn from that and tie Kwesi Appiah to a new contract.

"It helps his confidence and that of his players. I don’t think whatever happens at the World Cup should determine if he deserves another contract."

Kwesi Appiah was initially given a two year deal - expiring next year - at the beginning of his tenure.

Ganaru absent at Nasarawa Utd

Nasarawa United new helmsman, Mohammed Baba Ganaru was conspicuously absent in Lafia on Monday to endorse his contract paper as early scheduled.

Ganaru, who has been hotly claimed by the Glo Premier League champions, Kano Pillars and their Lafia-based counterparts, Nasarawa United, was expected in Lafia to pen a contract and by so doing end the speculation over where he hopes to pitch tent for the 2013/14 season.

However, his new employer, Nasarawa United chairman, Barrister Isaac Danladi who showed no worry over the coach's absence on Monday to endorse his contract paper as expected said the side are in constant touch with the coach as there is no cause for alarm.

"I spoke with him (Ganaru) this morning (Tuesday) and he reassured me that he'll be arriving unfailingly within the week to endorse his contract paper.

"I know there is pressure on him right now but as a gentleman he is insistent on honouring our agreement with him.

"I can tell you authoritatively right now that he is an employee of Nasarawa United.

"Ganaru complained of having some domestic problems back home in Maiduguri, I think it's just proper to allow him time to sort out himself that's what we've done.

"If he's running away how long will he do it? I can tell you he'll come around within the week, I'm positive it won't exceed this week," Danladi said to supersport.com.

Ganaru, who guided Kano Pillars to the 2012/13 Glo Premier League triumph, is expected to step into the vacated seat of coach Kadiri Ikhana.

Ndubuoke drums up support for Keshi

Heartland chairman, Fan Ndubuoke has strongly backed Super Eagles manager, Stephen Keshi to head to the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil with his charges.

Shortly after Nigeria booked passage to the quadrennial global football showpiece at the expense of Ethiopia discussions have shifted to whether or not the former Togo coach should head to the World Cup with his wards or play second fiddle to a superior in Brazil leading to Keshi quoted as saying he is not scared of being sacked.

Ndubuoke said the former Nigerian defender should be given the whole support he needs to guide the side to their fifth campaign at the global football event but that Keshi should avail himself to quality advice.

"Nobody should consider sacking Keshi or imposing somebody on him no matter what but he should come down from his Olympian height to seek quality advice from coaches, seasoned administrators as well as media personnel on how to go about his assignment in Brazil.

"Keshi will do himself a lot of good to reduce his bossy posture and I-know-it-all attitude as well as avoid the utterances like I don't care if I'm sacked.

"No one knows it all, he should listen, take advice and open doors for useful criticisms and suggestions.

"I recall the critical role the media played in Nigeria's qualification for her debut at USA '94 Fifa World Cup similar role could still be available to him if he asked for it.

"It was inexperience that caused the USA '94 side's progression in the hands of the Azzurri of Italy. That squad remains the finest till date.

"Keshi's biggest challenge is that he doesn't watch the domestic league, he hardly goes round to watch matches.

"For the assignment in Brazil to be successful he must move around and pick quality players that will add value to his squad and soften the expected rough edges in Brazil.

"I don't support sack or imposition of anybody on him that will be counter-productive to any gain we hope to achieve at the World Cup, he should be supported to finish what he has started," Ndubuoke said to supersport.com.

Nigeria's best performance at the World Cup remains their debut at the 1994 edition in the USA under the guidance of Dutchman, Clemens Westerhof.

I never doubted my youngsters - Muhsin

Following his side's 2-1 Premiership victory over SuperSport United on Tuesday, Ajax Cape Town coach Muhsin Ertugral says he never doubted his young side.

"The team performed really well and they played great football and that's what I'm very thankful about," Ertugral said after the game at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

"I have coached on three continents. I have seen some really high standard international teams. I know what has been going on in our training sessions and these youngsters are very impressive.

"We just need time. I knew that it would come."

Tuesday's win was Ajax's first on the road this season and lifted them into the top eight on the table. Goal-scorer Eleazar Rodgers celebrated his first ever goal for the "Urban Warriors".

Rodgers scored before halftime, to notch up his first of the season, before Aidan Jenniker scored five minutes from the end, to wrap-up the three points.

"Eleazar has understood how we want to operate without the ball," Ertugral said of Rodgers' form.

"As a striker he needs to use the challenges, the pockets and the windows that we always have. He doesn't use those enough but he is getting into it every day. He scored today, an important one. Hopefully now he can get more confidence."

The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor conceded that Ajax's consistency was a concern, particularly after losing their previous match to Moroka Swallows in Cape Town.

"Looking at all of our games, there were maybe one or two games that we should have lost… but the rest I don't think so," he said.

"I don't know what's going on with us. We never should have lost to Swallows."

Meanwhile, Matsatsantsa (SuperSport United) coach Cavin Johnson hinted that a lack of determination from his troops was the reason for their lacklustre performance.

"Ajax came with a good plan and we weren't able to get around them," he said.

"When you're not able to play with 11 committed players, then you have a problem.

"And when you're not able to play with 11 players that use the correct technique, then you have a problem again. I have a big problem with my team and I have to fix it up and that's what I'm employed for."

The defeat saw SuperSport lose out on a chance to move to the top of the league standings, and instead they slipped down to third, tied on 18 points with Swallows but trail due to an inferior goal difference

Gyan endorses Yaya for AFoTY

Ghana national team captain Asamoah Gyan says Yaya Toure will get his vote for this year’s CAF African Player of the Year award.

Although the Al Ain player has been nominated for the accolade as well, the Black Star admits to the Ivorian's superior form in the year under review.

"Although I am no longer in England and I don’t play in that country, I do watch most of their games, and even the UEFA Champions League, and Manchester City are doing well all because of Yaya."

Speaking to football411 Gyan went on give context for his endorsement of the former Barcelona man: "(Toure) has been fantastic for both club and country and for me he deserves this year’s award more than anyone of the names (on the list)."

"They (City) lost their coach (Roberto Mancini) and a new one has taken over (Manuel Pellegrini), but he (Toure) is still doing well. He has also been able to help his nation, Ivory Coast, qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. He scored some fantastic goals so, for me, he deserves it more than any other player to win the best player on the African continent."
"I deserve to be there"
He has had a great year, so it is curious that Gyan is endorsing Yaya Toure ahead of himself. Does he, perhaps feel, his place in the nominations is not deserved?
"I scored almost 40 goals for my club, I qualified my team (Ghana) to the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations just this year. The people that selected me know that I have done well and that was why they named me in the final list."
The facts back up his claims. The year 2013 has seen the national team captain score nine goals in 11 games for his country. And then there's the 31 goals in 22 games for Al Ain in the same period to help his club win the UAE premiership.
Gyan won the Arabian Golden Shoe for being top scorer in all of Arabia.
"It’s not easy for a player to score almost 40 goals for one club a season, so for me I will continue to do what I know best, and that’s play and score more goals for my club and country and if it’s my time I will win the award."

The Caf Awards will be in Lagos, Nigeria on January 9, 2013.

Guma will be fit for Chan – Micho

Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic is confident his dependable and versatile player Denis Guma will shake off his knee injury in time for the Africa Nations Championship (Chan).

The Sports Club Victoria University (SCVU) defender-cum midfielder has carried the injury, which has ruled him out of Cecafa that gets underway in Nairobi on Wednesday, for some months now.

But Micho is counting on his experience and quality, the same quality that saw Guma alongside Hassan Wasswa command the Cranes to Chan, when the tournament to be held in South Africa in January next year kicks off.

“Ugandan doctors proposed an operation on his knee but some a doctor, who is on Novak Djokovic’s (World Number 2 tennis star) medical team, looked at his scan and advised that he can do without it,” said Micho.

“He (Guma) is expected to start light training in December and then he will be competing for his position for Chan in January.”

The Cranes are group alongside Morocco, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe, and will want to perform better than 2011 in Sudan when they lost all group matches.

Meanwhile, Uganda begin their 2013 Cecafa title defence against rivals Rwanda on Friday in Machakos. Other Group C teams Sudan and Eritrea will also face off.

Chiefs face PLK City stern test

After exiting another cup competition in the semifinal stages, Kaizer Chiefs will now turn their attention back to the Absa Premiership when they take on Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening, kick-off at 19h30.

Chiefs come into the match having lost in the semifinals of the Telkom Knockout at the hands of Platinum Stars; it was their second successive semifinal loss of the season after they were eliminated by Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 at the same stage.

Although they have had a disappointing cup run, they beat Bidvest Wits 2-1 at home in their previous league outing.

The Soweto giants are unbeaten at home so far this season, with three wins and two draws from five matches. Amakhosi are placed sixth on the Absa Premiership log with 15 points from nine matches.

Chiefs centre-back Tefu Mashamaite says that they are now focusing on the league after exiting the Telkom Knockout.

“We have to move on from our weekend defeat against Stars and focus on the league now,” said Mashamaite.

“Since we are out of the cup competition we now have a single minded approach which is the league and nothing else until about next year March.

“There is about four or five league games from now until the mid-season break and we want to collect as many points as we can.”

This will be the first competitive league meeting between Chiefs and City.

The Polokwane side recorded their biggest win in the top flight this past weekend, defeating the University of Pretoria 3-0.

The Limpopo team has yet to win away from home, claiming just one point from a possible 15 on the road.

Boebie Solomons’ charges are placed 10th on the Absa Premiership log with 11 points from as many matches.

Solomons hopes that his side can take advantage of Chiefs’ vulnerable state after their weekend defeat at the hands of Dikwena.

“It is a big game for us against Chiefs,” said the former Santos head coach.

“We will be looking to build on from our weekend result against Tuks. It was a fantastic result for us. We will keep our feet firmly grounded because we know that we still have a lot of work to do.

“Chiefs are always a tough team to play regardless of what shape or form they are in.

“They have quality players from the back to the forward line who play for the national team.

“So our players will have to match them on the day and hopefully we come out on top. We have the capability to win the match.”

The two teams met earlier this season with Chiefs winning 3-0 in the last 16 of the Telkom Knockout.

Solomons not getting carried away

Boebie Solomons says he is not getting carried away by the dream start to his job at Polokwane City as he prepares to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Absa Premiership tonight.

Sunday’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over University of Pretoria means Solomons has suffered just a single defeat in his five games in charge of the side to date, a run that includes another victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, the only team to defeat the league leaders in the PSL so far this season.

It has lifted City to within a point of the top eight, but Solomons says the club is still only thinking about survival this season.

“The mandate is survival in the PSL and how we achieve that is another matter, if we make it into the top eight then so be it,” Solomons says. “But we are not raising our hopes too soon, we are taking things step-by-step and still working on a lot of aspects of our play.

“What has been much better in the last few games is how we retain possession of the ball, that was a big area of concern.”

Having also gained a point away at BidVest Wits in Solomons’ first game in charge, his side is growing a reputation as one that relishes meeting the so-called ‘bigger’ clubs.

“We respect Kaizer Chiefs, but do not fear them,” Solomons says. “I think you find it just about everywhere that when you play the big clubs the players raise their level of performance. We have some confidence now and that will be another factor.

“But having said that, they are a quality team, they have internationals in almost every position. We are working on a few things though and if the players continue to put into practice what we are teaching them in training then we have a good chance.”

City have already been beaten by Chiefs this season, they were outclassed in a 3-0 loss in the first round of the Telkom Knockout in October, the match that preceded the arrival at the club of Solomons from his position as assistant coach at Bloemfontein Celtic.

Masilela could face PLK City

Tsepo Masilela returned to training this week at champions Kaizer Chiefs but his participation in tonight’s Premier Soccer League encounter against Polokwane City at Soccer City is not sure.

Masilela has battled with a groin injury and had to miss the South Africa friendly against Spain last week plus Saturday’s defeat for Chiefs at the hands of Platinum Stars in the Telkom Knockout semifinal.

“We had expected that he would be out a bit longer,” revealed coach Stuart Baxter, “but he was jogging already at the weekend.”

The 28-year-old Masilela would have been disappointed to have missed out on both matches, the Spain game in particular because he spent a season playing at Getafe in La Liga.

He was hurt in training before the international weekend.

The left back has a long history of injury concerns but played moist of the matches this year.

His place on Saturday was taken by Keegan Richie, making only his second start of the season for Chiefs.

Masilela could face PLK City

Tsepo Masilela returned to training this week at champions Kaizer Chiefs but his participation in tonight’s Premier Soccer League encounter against Polokwane City at Soccer City is not sure.

Masilela has battled with a groin injury and had to miss the South Africa friendly against Spain last week plus Saturday’s defeat for Chiefs at the hands of Platinum Stars in the Telkom Knockout semifinal.

“We had expected that he would be out a bit longer,” revealed coach Stuart Baxter, “but he was jogging already at the weekend.”

The 28-year-old Masilela would have been disappointed to have missed out on both matches, the Spain game in particular because he spent a season playing at Getafe in La Liga.

He was hurt in training before the international weekend.

The left back has a long history of injury concerns but played moist of the matches this year.

His place on Saturday was taken by Keegan Richie, making only his second start of the season for Chiefs.

Asamoah wants goals for WCup

Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has not scored much for Ghana - lately or at any other time - but he says he is saving the goals for Brazil.

The winger wants his strikes to help Ghana at the 2014 World Cup, having netted only once throughout the Black Stars World Cup qualification campaign.

"Personally I’ve had a good qualifying campaign and been involved and around the team in all the matches," the 24-year-old says, according to Ghanasoccernet.

And then he goes on: "I would have loved to score a few goals but the objective was to get to Brazil and we secured it as a team. I would like to think I have saved my goals for the World Cup."

Described variously - and contentiously - as Ghana's only truly world class player available at the moment, Asamoah has been Mr. Reliable when it comes to national team call ups.

Asamoah wants goals for WCup

Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has not scored much for Ghana - lately or at any other time - but he says he is saving the goals for Brazil.

The winger wants his strikes to help Ghana at the 2014 World Cup, having netted only once throughout the Black Stars World Cup qualification campaign.

"Personally I’ve had a good qualifying campaign and been involved and around the team in all the matches," the 24-year-old says, according to Ghanasoccernet.

And then he goes on: "I would have loved to score a few goals but the objective was to get to Brazil and we secured it as a team. I would like to think I have saved my goals for the World Cup."

Described variously - and contentiously - as Ghana's only truly world class player available at the moment, Asamoah has been Mr. Reliable when it comes to national team call ups.

Lippi backed for vacant China job

Guangzhou Evergrande striker Muriqui said World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi would be a "great" coach for China's national team when he moves on from the reigning Asian club champions.

The prolific Brazilian, speaking after being named as Asia's top foreign player of the year at an awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, said he had no doubt Lippi could boost stuttering China.

China are currently searching for a permanent coach after they dismissed ex-Spain and Real Madrid manager Jose Antonio Camacho following a disappointing run of results.

"I think he (Lippi) is a wonderful coach. He helped our team a lot and he helped Chinese football also," said Muriqui, who top-scored with 13 goals during Guangzhou's victorious AFC Champions League campaign.

"Of course if one day he wants to be the coach of the Chinese team, it will be a very great thing and he will help Chinese football even more. I hope one day he will be the Chinese coach."

Lippi's presence at recent China games has fuelled speculation he may be lured away from Guangzhou to lead the national team at the 2015 Asian Cup, presuming they qualify.

Silver-haired Lippi, who led his native Italy to the 2006 World Cup and also won the European Champions League with Juventus, has another year left on his contract with Guangzhou.

China have reached only one World Cup, in 2002, and they have been quiet on the regional stage since losing out to Japan in the 2004 Asian Cup final in Beijing.

Guangzhou's Champions League victory was the first Asian title for a Chinese team in 23 years, but the team is facing upheaval next season with the departure of inspirational midfielder Dario Conca.

Muriqui said he hoped Guangzhou would soon find a replacement for the creative Argentinian, who became one of the world's best-paid players when he made the move to China in 2011.

"Conca is a very good player. We're very sorry that he's leaving and it will make a difference to our team," he said late on Tuesday.

"But I think our team will buy another new player and he can do some important work for our team and we can still do a good job."

Muriqui added that he was confident of poaching another "three or four" goals at next month's Club World Cup, where Guangzhou will represent Asia.

"I'm sure I can, because I already scored more than 10 goals in the Champions League," he said, when asked if he would keep his scoring touch in Morocco.

"Of course – I can score three or four goals in the Club World Cup."

Guangzhou were prominent in the Asian Football Confederation awards, winning best club and also player of the year through their captain Zheng Zhi.

Benin goalkeeper relishing FC Taraba challenge

Republic of Benin goalkeeper, Olaniyi Fabiyi, is delighted to have a chance to play for newly-promoted, FC Taraba.

Supersport.com learnt that another newly-promoted side, Abia Warriors, also wanted the Benin international.

“I’m looking forward to a pleasant time at FC Taraba when I arrive on Thursday. It’s a fresh challenge and I’m ready to achieve success with the club.

“My international experience will be useful to the club and I’m confident Taraba will challenge the old order,” Fabiyi said to supersport.com.

Fabiyi believes it is a chance for him to return to duty with the Squirrels.

The experienced Fabiyi has played top flight football with Gateway FC, Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba and Bayelsa United.

However, he went down with Bayelsa United and helped the club back to the top flight only to lose his position.

Amrouche names final Cecafa squad

Harambee Stars head coach Adel Amrouche has named his final 20-man squad for this year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup scheduled to kick-off on Wednesday.

Wilson Obungu (Bandari), Jesse Were (Tusker) and Kingston FC Kihara Waiganjo are among the players dropped from the squad that has been training at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani for the past one week.

Obungu has been ruled out of the regional show pieced due to a finger injury.

Apart from the trio, the newly crowned Kenyan Premier League midfielder of the year Brian Osumba (KCB), Sammy Meja (Thika United) and Abdallah Juma (AFC Leopards) have all been axed.

Azam’s defender Jockins Atudo and South Africa’s Salt River Blackpool ASD midfielder David Gateri are the only foreign-based players included in the squad.

AFC Leopards’ speedy winger Noah Wafula has been the surprise inclusion in the team and will be hoping to make his maiden national team debut against Ethiopia in a Pool A opener today.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Duncun Ochieng’ (Sofapaka), Jerim Onyango (Gor Mahia), Wycliffe Kasaya (Sony Sugars)

Defenders: Musa Mohammed, David Owino (Gor Mahia), Mulinge Ndetto (Ulinzi Stars), Jockins Atudo (Azam FC), Aboud Omar (Tusker FC), James Situma (Sofapaka)

Midfielders: Peter Opiyo (AFC Leopards), David Gateri (Salt River Blackpool ASD), Anthony Akumu (Gor Mahia), David King’atua, Francis Kahata, Clifton Miheso (Thika United)

Strikers: Allan Wanga, Noah Wafula (AFC Leopards), Jacob Keli (KCB), Paul Kiongera, Edwin Lavasta (Gor Mahia)

Marseille announce Ayew surgery success

Andre Ayew has undergone a successful operation on a torn meniscus in his knee, according to French giants Marseille.

Ayew got crocked while playing for Ghana in the World Cup playoffs against Egypt a week ago in Cairo after a hard tackle from his opposition.

The surgery was on Monday, done by the renowned Dr Jean-Pierre Franceschi.

"Andre Ayew has been operated on successfully. Andre will leave hospital tomorrow and his unavailability is estimated at about two months," a statement on the club’s official website read.

The player had been returning a good number of goals - four goals in nine games - in a season where he started slowly.

The Ghanaian is expected back in January, in time for his club's run in the Ligue One.

Boateng's bosses blast Ghana

Kevin-Prince Boateng was not part of Schalke's team that drew 0-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, and his bosses are blaming Ghana.

Having represented his country for the first time since his return from his temporary international retirement, the Prince scored in Ghana's 2-1 loss against Egypt in World Cup qualifying playoffs.

That goal also contributed to Ghana's booking of a third straight ticket to a World Cup.

"He spent two weeks with Ghana. I do not know what they did there, we are not satisfied," Schalke coach Jens Keller said before the game with Steaua.

Schalke's sporting director Horst Heldt added: "The trip to play for Ghana has done him more harm than good. I wished he cancelled that trip."

The German-born 26 year old had, however, played in Schalke 3-3 draw at the weekend.

Liberia see positives in Wafu

Liberia lost 2-0 to Senegal in the GoTv Wafu Cup on Tuesday meaning their competition had come to an end. Thomas Kojo chose to see the positives, however.

The vanquished coach of Liberia, was grateful for the opportunity the tournament gave him to see the strengths of his side despite their bottom placed finish in Group B.

"Even though we lost today, I am asking our people not to be disappointed because our team is a work in progress. We did not have the right amount of preparation for the tournament but we just wanted to represent our country.

"We thank WAFU for the opportunity and for the technical team, it gave us a chance to see the players we would want to select for the new national team."

Liberia came in to replace Gabon just before the start of the competition and that was the reason behind their poor performance in their coach's estimation.

Ghana will play Senegal in the final on Thursday with Burkina Faso and Togo facing off in the third and fourth place playoff.

Both matches will be played at the Baba Yara Stadium min Kumasi.

Senegal book GOtv Wafu final dat

Senegal will meet Ghana in the final of the ongoing GOTv WAFU Cup Zone B after beating Liberia in the final Group B game played at the Baba Yara Stadium on Tuesday.

The Senegalese took the lead through Dominique Mendy in the second minute of the game after his initial parried shot bounced off him past the Liberian goalkeeper and was tucked in from close range.

The Teranga Lions went further ahead in the second when striker Talla N'Diaye scored a penalty in the 52nd minute.

The result gave Senegal top place in the group with 9 points from three games while Liberia finished bottom of the pool with a single point.

Roger Gomis and Richard Sagna, both of Senegal, were awarded with the GO Tv Man Of The Match and the Fair Play awards respectively.

In the other group game played at the Len Clay Stadium, Togo beat Niger 3-1 to finish second on 6 points while Niger also claimed only a point from the tournament.

Togo will play against Burkina Faso in the third place playoff on Thursday before the final between Ghana and Senegal at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Senegal bullish about Ghana meeting

Senegal coach Joseph Francois Koto has expressed gladness at his team's progression to the final of the GOTV WAFU Cup being played in Kumasi.

The Teranga Lions went past Liberia 2-0 thanks to goals from Dominique Mendy and Talla N'Diaye and Koto said in an interview after the game that his team had worked hard to get to the latter stages of the tournament despite a little skepticism of their abilities before arriving in Ghana.

"I am very happy because we won the three group games against (Togo, Niger and Liberia) and that was important to us. Now, we are in the final and everything is possible then. If I had been told that we would make the final, I would have doubted but it is now a reality."

Looking ahead to the final, Koto indicated that it would be a good spectacle for the fans.

"It will be a good game because these two sides, Ghana and Senegal, are great sides and that is why the fans should come to the stadium to witness the match. We will do our best in that game; we will put out the best possible team that can help us win."

Koto also revealed that striker Talla N'Diaye would be assessed after picking up an injury in the game against Liberia and was hopeful that N'Diaye would recover to face Ghana.