Nigeria vs Senegal: In numbers

The stage is set for the final game of the U20 2015 Africa Youth Championship in Dakar, Senegal as the hosts take on Nigeria in what promises to be an entertaining clash.

Nigeria came tops in Group A of the competition, beating Senegal 3-1 in the first group game and then navigated it’s way past Congo before drawing 2-2 with Ivory Coast to set up a semi-final clash with Ghana.

Two goals in each half, a fantastic header by Obinna Nwobodo off a corner kick and a Musa Muhammed penalty ensured passage to the final of the biennial tournament.

Senegal’s passage wasn’t as smooth as Nigeria’s. After losing to Nigeria, Senegal played out a 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast before needing an injury time winner in the 4-3 win over Congo to book a place in the semi-finals.

The Young Teranga Lions beat the odds by defeating favourites Mali 2-1 in a fierce semi-final to set up a date with Nigeria.

Supersport.com serves up the 2015 Africa Youth Championship in numbers as we countdown to Sunday’s final at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor

1.

The number of times Senegal will play in an AYC final.

2.

Number of times Nigeria will meet Senegal in the tournament

2.

The number of goals Nigeria midfielder Ifeanyi Matthew has scored in the tournament

3.

Number of games Nigeria has won

3.

Number of goals Sidi Sarr, Taiwo Awoniyi and Ibrahima Wadji have scored.

3.

Number of times Nigeria will contest a final in the new U20 format

4.

Number of penalty kicks earned by Nigeria in the tournament. An average of a penalty every other game

Players hugging after game one Nigeria 3 Senegal 1 © DStv

4.

Number of goals scored by Nigeria skipper Musa Muhammed-all penalty kicks.

6.

Number of times Nigeria has won the title

9.

Number of times Nigeria will contest a final since 1983

14.

Number of matches played so far in the tournament

20.

Number of goals shared between Nigeria and Senegal on their way to the final

45.

Total number of goals scored so far in the tournament

Amokachi drops quartet

The 28 man list released by Daniel Amokachi to play in the March international friendlies with Uganda and South Africa, has thrown up a lot of debate, and for some, a pointer to what direction the Super Eagles will take in the next few years.

Failure to qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea indubitably meant something had to give, and give it did, as some regular members of the team were left out in the latest call up.

Celtic’s Efe Ambrose, Emmanuel Emenikewho hasn’t exactly sparkled for Fenerbahce this season and Monaco’s Elderson Echiejilewere dropped from the Uganda and South Africa friendlies.

Third choice goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim , whom had come under a barrage of criticism by fans also made way as Amokachi looks to freshen up his squad after recent failures.

Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon from AA Gent in Belgium and Akeem Latifu were handed their maiden call ups while Leon Balogun, with a solitary cap to his name, has been included.

Ighalo, who has illuminated the English Championship with his goals this season is back in the set and so is midfielder John Ogu of Hapoel Be’er Sheva of Israel who has since rediscovered his form after his well documented problems at Academica de Coimbra

Vincent Enyeama, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omerou, Ahmed Musa, Sone Aluko, Ogenyi Onazi, Azubuike Egwuekwe were the usual suspects named into the squad as Amokachi continued is interim affair with the Super Eagles.

Like a hammer to an anvil, Vincent Enyeama is shoe in to be the man between the sticks as he gears up to hit a century of caps for the Super Eagles. The Lille goalkeeper has been a reliable servant to the cause and he surely deserves every plaudit he gets.

It gets interesting when the next two in line are Kano Pillars long serving goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai and green horn Chidiebere Eze from Gabros in the Glo Premier League.

Amokachi has left out regular second choice Austin Ejide from the squad, a move which might be a pointer or just a coach looking to establish who he will go with as back up to the first and second choices.

It is interesting to note here that Daniel Amokachi was in the stands at Nnewi to watch Gabros play Warri Wolves in a Glo Premier League fixture and Eze definitely left an impression on to warrant a first ever call up

Afelokhai was among the group who went on a mini tour of the Middle East in January and probably must have impressed to get a call up ahead of Daniel Akpeyi, who under Keshi, was the reserve goalkeeper in the home based Eagles side.

Eze must have shown a lot of potential to get a call up, but yet again, it’s all chop and change at this stage and he must grab his chance with both hands when he gets it.

The defence throws up a lot of rumination especially at the left side of defence where regular left backs Juwon Oshaniwa and Elderson Echiejile are both missing from the list.

Sharks of Port-Harcourt defender, Chima Akas is he only recognisable left back in the defence and it’s left to see how Amokachi deploys his defensive line up. Only time will tell if Oshaniwa and Echiejile are done with or it’s a case of Amokachi trying out new things.

There is no Efe Ambrose this time out which gives an opportunity for Leon Balogun and Akeem Latifu to stake a claim to the right back berth.

That position has been a problematic one for the Eagles since the departure of Chidi Odiah from the international stage. Yusuf Mohammed and lately Efe Ambrose have been deployed down that route but none has been able to convince as yet.

Of the seven defenders called up, there are four central defenders, two right backs and a single left back in what surely looks like an experiment by the handlers.

What is sure however is the coaches want to chop and change the defensive line up of the Super Eagles with the introduction of Nelson Ogbonnaya, Chima Akas, Leon Balogun and Akeem Latifu who only have seven caps to boot between them

The battle for slots in the middle will be fierce as John Ogu makes a return to the team to challenge for a slot and so will Steven Ukoh who debuted in the game against Ivory Coast last January.

Sone Aluko and Hope Akpan are also in the mix as Ogenyi Onazi and Babatunde Michael, who were both at Brazil 2014 are among the midfielders listed while Joseph Nathaniel of Sharks and Enyimba’s Kingsley Sokari are the home based midfielders called up.

The attack has a lot of goals written all over it as Odion Ighalo, Brown Ideye Anthony Ujah and Moses Simon all made the cut. While Ujah and Ideye are making a come back to the team, Ighalo and Moses are newbies in the Super Eagles. Between them, the four strikers have scored 38 goals going into the tail end of the season, considering Simon only joined Gent in the winter transfer window from Slovakian side AS Trecin.

Aaron Samuel of Guangzhou R&F brings his power and pace into the squad and will hope to continue on his impressive run with the national team since his debut against Sudan last year. Mfon Udoh, last season’s top scorer in Glo Premier League is rewarded for his 23 goals as Ubong Moses Ekpai of Kano Pillars and Stanley Dimgba of Warri Wolves are also in the mix.

Amokachi’s list looks balanced on all fronts except in defence where only one left back is in the team, considering there will be two games in four days, the former Club Brugge player may have some ace up his sleeve to conjure some sort of formation to justify this anomaly.

The two friendlies will surely give us pointers to which direction the Super Eagles are taking as we try to banish the ghosts of Uyo when South Africa put paid to our Afcon 2015 qualification hopes.

Fortunately, the game against the Cranes of Uganda will mark Nigeria’s return to the stadium since that unfortunate night. Surely Amokachi’s jinns should be working overtime.

Moses doubtful for Palace test

Nigeria international winger Victor Moses is a doubt for Saturday’s Barclays English Premier League game between Stoke City and Crystal Palace at the Britannia Stadium.

The 24-year-old has been in banging form for the Potters this season but picked up a leg injury in Stoke’s 0-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns last Saturday.

He was substituted in the 58th minute of the contest with Marko Arnautovic taking his place.

Mark Hughes, the Stoke City manager, has now declared that he is unsure if the winger will be fit enough to face Palace on Saturday.

“Victor (Moses is) the main (injury) doubt we’ve got. He’s still struggling (and) hasn’t trained a great deal this week.

“We will give him enough time. We will see him in the morning, test him and see where he is.

“At the moment, he’s the main doubt,” Hughes said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Moses has scored three goals in 18 league appearances for the club this season.

SAFA join millions in mourning Steve Mokone

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has joined millions around the globe in paying tribute to Steve “Kalamazoo” Mokone, who passed away on Friday morning (20 March 2015).

Mokone (82) was based in the United States at the time of his death and has been battling poor health of late. He passed away four days shy of his 83rd birthday.

“We have lost a true legend here, a man who will always be remembered for putting South Africa on the world map with his football skills. During the dark days of apartheid in this country, Kalamazoo gave us hope. He went overseas and became the first black player from this country to play in the professional ranks when he joined Coventry City,” said SAFA President Danny Jordaan in mourning the man he said was a global, continental and South African legend through and through.

“Today we and most players enjoy the fruits of his toil, because had he failed there he would have perhaps denied current South African footballers a chance to be recognised overseas. He was a great South African Ambassador on the football front and we would like to thank him for his contribution in shaping the game in our country.

“On behalf of SAFA and the football-loving people of our country, I would like to convery our deepest condolences to the Mokone family, friends and relatives, that may they find strength in prayer during these difficult times.”

Mokone was born in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, but his family ended up settling in Pretoria.

He was on the books of the now-defunct Durban Bush Bucks.

In 2003 the then State President, Thabo Mbeki conferred him with the newly-conceived Order of Ikamanga - South Africa's highest honour for achievement in the creative and performing arts and sport.

Having joined Coventry in England back in 1955, he moved to Dutch side Heracle and then Torino in Italy.

Bebbe Branco, an Italian football writer, described him at the time as one of a kind.

"If Pele of Brazil is the Rolls-Royce of soccer players, Stanley Matthews of England the Mercedes Benz and Alfredo di Stefano of Argentina the Cadillac of soccer players, then Kala of South Africa, lithe and lean, is surely the Maserati," said Branco.

Kalamazoo was once on the books of Barcelona but went on loan to French side Marseilles as Spanish giants had their quota of foreign players. While playing for Torino, South Africa football journalist Horatio Motjuwadi once wrote glowingly about him.

"Like everywhere Mokone played, the people of this northern Italian city swore by his soccer boots. That was where, in 1961, he was dubbed the Maserati of soccer players. He made another spell-binding first appearance for Torino, scoring all five goals in a 5-2 victory against Verona. Months later, on tour in Russia, he became the first foreigner to score a hat-trick in a game against the biggest team in the land, Kiev."

Mokone rounded off his career with a stint in Australia and Canada in 1964.

He enrolled at Rutgers University in the USA, emerging seven years later with a doctorate in psychology.

Mokone's life, and especially his time in Holland, led to an Amsterdam street being named after him - the first black professional in Holland that has a street named after him in that country. He followed that up with and provided the inspiration for the book and subsequent film De Zwarte Meteoor (The Black Meteor).

Kalamazoo Mokone fact file:

Full Name: Stephen Madi Mokone
DOB: 23 March 1932 (age 82)
Place of birth: Doornfontein, RSA
Position: Striker

Career:

Pretoria Home Stars
1955 – 58 Coventry City
1958 – 59 Hercales Almelo
1959 – Cardiff City
1959 – 60 FC Barcelona (never played)
1960 – Marseille (loan)
1960 – 61 Torino
1961 – 62 Valencia FC
1964 – Sunshine George
1948 – 64 SA National Team (SA Black XI)

Ramsey a believer in QPR survival

QPR may have lost their last four games and be four points adrift of safety in the Premier League but their manager Chris Ramsey is convinced they will retain their place in the elite league.

Ramsey – who was given the job till the end of the season when he replaced Harry Redknapp in early February – hopes that the process of saving their place in the Premier League will begin at home to an Everton side who have had a poor season themselves and come in to the game on the back of a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League – going out 6-4 on aggregate – last Thursday.

QPR, though, have not won since beating fellow strugglers Sunderland 2-0 on February 10 and have the worst defence in the league having conceded 52 goals.

"I still think we can get the points that we need," said Ramsey.

"If we stop believing that we can stay up now, then the whole season has been a washout. We must maintain the grit and determination we have shown in our past few games," added the 52-year-old.

QPR's home form has been considerably better than their away trips – they have taken just three of their 22 points on their travels – so for Ramsey their four remaining games at Loftus Road could be pivotal.

"We are aware that we are running out of time and out of games," said Ramsey, whose high in a decent if unspectacular playing career was playing for surprise finalists Brighton in the 1983 FA Cup final against Manchester United which went to a replay but he missed the 4-0 defeat in the second game due to injury.

"We have to go out on Sunday and give our best."

Ramsey, who face an Everton side that has lost its last three Premier League games way from home, is hoping his players can put behind them their disappointing first-half performance at Crystal Palace and build on a positive second half.

"Apart from the Crystal Palace game, the performances have been good," said Ramsey, whose side have not scored more than one goal since beating Sunderland.

"We have been unlucky in certain games.

"We just have to make sure that we don't give away silly goals like we have done and that we stay together."

Amoo sees tough tie against Zambia

Nigeria’s Under-23 Olympic team assistant coach, Fatai Amoo, has said his side are bracing up for the toughest challenge in the All Africa Games (AAG) qualifying race from the Zambian opposite.

The nation’s campaigners will confront the Southern African foes in the AAG final round first fixture clash on Sunday at the Abuja National Stadium.

Amoo said his side have worked on the deficiencies noted in the last game against Gabon in Abuja with the sole aim of achieving a resounding victory against the visitors.

“The clash against Zambia is most likely to be the toughest qualifying match so far when you consider the almost flawless youth development programmes of Southern African states.

“Zambia have shown lot of seriousness in their preparations for this crucial encounter, a clear indication that they want to be in Congo Brazzaville same as ourselves so the encounter is certain to be crunchy and difficult.

“Of course, we’re quite aware that this fixture is the first leg as the second and decisive leg will be played in Lusaka so we know we must win and win convincingly to make the job over there in Lusaka a bit easier.

“The last qualifying match against Gabon though we won 2-0 our performance wasn’t convincing and perfect so we’ve to tighten the loose end to ensure flawless performance against Zambia.

“We want to be in Congo Brazzaville and this clash will serve as an acid test to our preparedness to qualify for the quadrennial multiple sports event.

“We’ll work very hard to meet the expectations of Nigerians as well as the teeming supporters,” said the former Super Eagles assistant coach to supersport.com.

The winners of the two-legged encounter will automatically qualify for the football event of the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

Khumalo ready for fight at Colchester

Bongani Khumalo has made helping English third-tier side Colchester United stay up his number one priority for the remainder of the season.

The former Bafana Bafana skipper joined the ‘U’s’ on loan from Premiership Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month and has already helped them to a vital 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Yeovil Town.

He says he sees the club’s current perilous position second bottom in the division as a challenge as he seeks to prove form and fitness with his Spurs contract set to come to an end this season.

“I’m always ready for a fight and a challenge. This is an opportunity that’s presented itself and I’m willing to take it with both hands,” Khumalo told reporters.

“I want to play as many games as I can for Colchester and then we’ll look at the future. But the first priority is Colchester - we have targets here which we’ll be working hard towards. I believe everything else will fall into place after that.”

Khumalo was praised for his work on his debut against Yeovil, his first competitive game of football in over a year following a crippling knee injury.

“I’m very pleased to get the points and a clean sheet on my debut. I think we showed good desire and a good fighting spirit, which is what we’ll need for the last nine games.

“This club should stay in this division and the first thing I noticed when I came in was the good upbeat vibe and energy, which is important. There are still a good number of games and it’s still in our hands.”

De Sa relieved to advance

Ajax Cape Town coach Roger de Sa was relieved to see his side scrape into the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic at Athlone Stadium on Friday night.

Ajax led early through Tashreeq Morris and held on for the win with a stout defensive effort.

“It was always going to be tough and I thought in the second half we didn’t play the way we should have but the first was pretty good,” De Sa said.

“We defended well, and the youngsters were fantastic against a very difficult team. It was always going to be close. It was a very good start. I thought the first 30 minutes we were very good.”

De Sa says his players at times threatened to be architects of their own downfall.

“After scoring we lost our shape, got a little bit sloppy in our passing and lost that fluidity that we’re supposed to play with. Overall I was very happy with the way the guys carried themselves, a tough, typical cup game, and just happy to be in the next round.”

Ajax are through to the Nedbank Cup Last 8 for the first time since reaching the semifinals in 2009. The previous five seasons have all seen them exit in the first round.

The Predictor tips FC Taraba to stay top

I still think it is still early days in the season in the Nigeria Professional Football League [NPFL] for any title talk just yet. So far, upstarts FC Taraba have enjoyed a 100 per cent start to the season, winning their two opening matches.

But there is still the like of Kano Pillars, Enyimba and Heartland who I believe will contend for the title this time round. For this weekend, the NPFL has a number of interesting match-ups in Aba, Bauchi, Port Harcourt and the southeast derby in Nnewi.

Two games are off the board this weekend. Kano Pillars are on the continent to face Moghreb Tetouan in an away tie while Dolphins are finding their way back their base in batches after Caf threw out their protest of being walked over at Club Africain in the Confederation Cup.

The top flight in Nigeria has already produced 34 goals, and I am expecting that the 40-goal mark will be surpassed this week without a doubt. I also expect FC Taraba to stay top of the pile and keep their 100 per cent start to the campaign.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Wikki Tourists v Kwara United [Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium]

Kwara United have started the season in sparkling form, but whether they will maintain that rhythm is what I doubt as I have seen them do this before and end up struggling at the bottom half of the board. But I cannot forget that seven-goal thriller of 2009 of this same fixture that saw the Harmony Warriors pull off a 4-3 win.

Of course I expect that the Tourists will be wary of that 2009 result and will do enough to avoid a repeat. Kwara United do have some attacking personnel like Segun Alebiosu, Evans Iyoro and the Gata brothers, Adeshina and Ismaila. But their accuracy at goal remains an issue for me considering how they frittered away scoring chances against El-Kanemi last weekend. If Victor Yakubu starts then Kwara United's defence will have their hands full and I expect him to star in Wikki's win.

My prediction: 2-0

Sharks v Akwa United [Liberation Stadium]

It was surprising to me last season as I watched Akwa United complete the double over Sharks including that 2-1 win in the Garden City when goals from Godspower Aniefiok and Ezekiel Bassey ensured that the Uyo club raced into a two-goal lead before Fortune Omoniwari halved the deficit.

Unfortunately I will advise Akwa United faithful to keep their hopes modest this time as they have lost most of their attacking players to the moneybags in the league. Sharks might be underachievers but I am backing them to shake off their stuttering start to the campaign and claim a win. They have got men who can finish off any team in Frederick Obomate and Bode Daniel.

My prediction: 3-0

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Enyimba v Bayelsa United [Enyimba Sports Stadium]

The Peoples Elephant may have started with two draws out of two, I still will refuse to write them off. The depth in their squad says it all, but they need to start scoring goals now if they ever want to become the first Nigerian club to win that seventh record league title at the end of this season.

Bayelsa United do not have an expansive playing personnel that can go shoulder to shoulder with Enyimba. Last season when they even had Peter Ebimobowei [now with Al Ahly] and their head coach, Solomon Ogbeide, attempted a gung-ho style, they were trampled upon by the Peoples Elephant 4-0 in this same fixture. Chimezie Amanfor, Mfon Udoh, Nzube Anaezemba and Emeka Nwanna all starred on that day. I doubt if Bayelsa United will cope with the pace of Enyimba's front men.

My prediction: 2-0

FC Taraba v Lobi Stars [Jolly Nyame Stadium]

I am sure early season leaders, FC Taraba, will relish the chance of winning three in three. So far they are the surprise team of the season after pulling off that 1-0 win at Akwa United on match day having edged Rangers 3-2 on the opening day.

Lobi have taken two points from their first two games of the season. Their head coach, Justin Tenger is already calling for patience with the team but they will be up for a good test from FC Taraba. Last season, they lost this same clash two-nil with Abdulmalik Mohammed netting both goals, and the striker has formed quite an impressive understanding with Bobby Abel and Usman Mohammed, which has produced four goals in two games. I wil not bet against FC Taraba.

My prediction: 2-1

Gabros FC v Enugu Rangers [Beverly Hills Hotel Stadium]

Rangers despite bringing in Kelechi Emeteole as head coach are yet to impress me. I had expected them to come off the game at FC Taraba with a result but they fell short, and last weekend just edged Sharks 2-1. I expect Gabros to squeeze them in this contest - the first top flight clash between the two sides in 10 years.

I have looked up the records between these two clubs and Rangers have been dominant in the premier league era, winning four out of their six previous meetings and losing just once. Though I am not impressed with the kind of start put by the Flying Antelopes, I still reckon they can pull off a result at Gabros in this southeast derby.

My prediction: 1-1

Giwa FC v Sunshine Stars [Rwang Pam Stadium]

Englishman Paul Ashworth has started well with Sunshine Stars after taking four points out of six in such a difficult league. But his men will have to do better than their 0-1 loss at Giwa FC last season.

The Jos Elephant, as Giwa FC, are called have not put in that swashbuckling style of football that saw them finish in the top six last season. I do have my fears for Giwa FC this term because their players look like they are not up for the fight. This, I think, presents Sunshine Stars the chance to leave Jos with a result.

My prediction: 0-0

El-Kanemi Warriors v Abia Warriors [Sani Abacha Stadium]

The two teams clash in Kano in only their third NPFL meeting. Last season, El-Kanemi eased past Abia Warriors 2-0 but I am expecting a different outcome this time - a tight contest at that. Abia Warriors may have lost their captain, Chima Uluocha and influential striker, Peter Onyekachi, I believe they can march El-Kanemi, who I am confident will just edge this match by the odd goal.

My prediction: 1-0

Heartland v Nasarawa United [Dan Anyiam Stadium]

Heartland still have the demons of failing to win their opening home league games hanging over their heads. The last time they won their first home game of the season was in January 2012 when they defeated ABS FC 2-1. Since then they have lost 1-2 to Nembe City [in 2013] and draw 1-1 with Dolphins [in 2014].

I still remember Nasarawa United were among the four teams that took parts away from the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Heartland's first four home matches. But Heartland have hit the ground running this time with a 2-1 win at 3SC. I am not expecting them to stumble now but they should end that opening home game hoodoo this Sunday.

My prediction: 2-1

•The Predictor had a slight improvement in his forecast by notching up four correct results including two perfect scores from nine matches from match day two.

‘No more confrontation’

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho no longer feels the need to implement a "confrontational leadership" style with his players because their season is going largely to plan.

The 52-year-old Portuguese returned to Stamford Bridge for his second spell in charge last season but got off to a disappointing start by his own high standards and failed to win any silverware in 2013-14.

This season, however, Chelsea have already won the League Cup and boast a six-point advantage over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand.

"This season I don't need confrontational leadership, last season I felt I needed it a few times," Mourinho told reporters.

"Basically, it's when you are ready to provoke your players to try to create some conflicts with the intention to bring out the best of them.

"In this moment I don't think I need that with this group because things are going in the direction I want."

It has not been all smooth sailing for Mourinho this season, however, as Chelsea were knocked out of the FA Cup by League One (third tier) Bradford City and were eliminated in the last-16 of the Champions League by Paris St Germain.

"Obviously you can say 'but you lost in the Champions League', or 'you lost against Bradford'," Mourinho said.

"But globally, generally, the way they work, the way they behave, the way they live together, their motivations, their responsibilities, their frustrations, the way they react to the negative moments, the way they react to the positive moments, the absence of complacency, all this is going well.

"So I just need to be present. I don't need to be a big leader, or even try to find strategies as a leader."

Belgian forward Eden Hazard felt the wrath of Mourinho's "confrontational leadership" style last season after neglecting his defensive duties during Chelsea's Champions League semifinal exit to Atletico Madrid.

Hazard, however, has been Chelsea's standout player this season but Mourinho said he is unsure if the 24-year-old's development is down to the criticism he received.

"I don't know if it was that or it was his maturity coming, his level of ambition," he said. "I just think that was a natural evolution.

"He wants to be the best, to improve his game, score more goals. I still call him a kid but he's a man. He's a great player."

Man City cruise past West Brom

Manchester City kept alive their faint title hopes thanks to a much-needed 3-0 victory over 10-man West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.

Gareth McAuley was sent off in a case of mistaken identity for West Brom after 90 seconds at the Etihad Stadium when referee Neil Swarbrick failed to spot that Craig Dawson had been the culprit in hauling down Wilfried Bony when he was through on goal.

Bony then put City ahead after 27 minutes before Fernando added a second just before the break and David Silva scored after halftime to hand City boss Manuel Pellegrini victory in his 100th game in charge.

City have 61 points from 30 matches, three behind leaders Chelsea who have a game in hand over their title rivals and play Hull City on Sunday.

Pellegrini's side, who were dumped out of the Champions League by Barcelona in midweek, now have a five-point advantage over fourth-placed Manchester United who travel to Liverpool on Sunday.

West Brom remain 13th with 33 points from 30 games.

Third-placed Arsenal travel to Newcastle United later on Saturday, Tottenham Hotspur, hoping to close the gap on the top four, host bottom side Leicester City and new Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat takes his struggling side to West Ham United.

Leagues threaten legal action over Qatar World Cup

Europe's top leagues could launch legal action against Fifa for the sporting and economic damage caused by moving the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, according to the French league president Frederic Thiriez.

At a meeting in Barcelona on Saturday, the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) adopted a resolution slamming the decision to move the competition from its traditional date in June and July to November and December to combat the searing heat in the middle-east.

"The EPFL is ready to support any legal actions that the individual leagues may take in this respect in the near future," said Thiriez.

"The EPFL is very disappointed with the decision of the Fifa ExCo who decided to move the World Cup to November and December in 2022.

"This is seriously damaging to the European leagues both from a sporting and a financial point of view.

"This decision raises serious questions about the motivations of many involved in the decision-making process and further demonstrated the lack of good governance within the national football governing bodies."

Fifa announced on Friday that it will triple the amount paid to clubs who release their players for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to $209 million.

However, Thiriez insisted that the EPFL has to look out for the interests of all clubs with the vast majority of the compensation promised going to the top clubs in a few leagues.

"The EPFL has the responsiblity to protect the interests of all clubs, including those that do not release players for the national associations competitions. Today the interests of those clubs are not protected."

Kane relishes being a marked man

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is not worried about being a marked man after winning his first call up to the England senior squad on the back of his fine form this season.

The 21-year-old has scored 26 goals in all competitions this season and on Thursday was included in England's 24-man squad for the March 27 Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley and the friendly against Italy later this month.

Kane says Premier League defences are now making extra efforts to stifle him, but the Spurs hit man does not believe it will affect his performances.

"I'm confident. If other teams want to put two or three (defenders) around me, fair enough," Kane told the Daily Mail.

"People say I will lose the element of surprise, but what makes great players is they perform season-in, season-out. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring 40 goals every year.

"I notice it already, defenders are tighter, they're grabbing hold of me as soon as I move."

Kane will compete alongside established strikers Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck for a place in Roy Hodgson's England starting line-up.

Despite his inexperience at senior level, Kane believes he can transfer his domestic form onto the international stage.

"I'm taking nothing for granted. My attitude now will be the same as it has been at every level when I've played for England: work hard, train hard and try to impress the manager," he said.

"I'm going there with the aim of working my way into the team. I don't expect to turn up and play because I've scored a few goals this season.

"We've got some great players, up front especially, but I'm ready to fight for my place. I don't want to just be a squad man."

Clasico not a title decider - Enrique

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has insisted that his side's crucial top of the table clash with Real Madrid on Sunday will not be the sole determining factor in the La Liga title race.

The Catalans lead Madrid by a point and are favourites to extend that advantage on home soil after a run of 17 wins in 18 games in all competitions.

However, with Barca still set to face the likes of Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Sevilla in the final 10 games of the season, Enrique believes there will be more twists and turns to come after this weekend.

"Independent of the result I don't think it will be decisive," Enrique said on Saturday

"There are still 10 games to go and there are too many difficult games for both teams, so it is not decisive but important."

By contrast, Madrid come into the game having lost five of their 16 games in 2015 to relinquish pole position in the title race.

However, Enrique believes the array of talent on show for both sides means there can be no clear favourite on the night.

"Generally, we have to think that in this type of game there aren't favourites.

"There is a lot at stake and the two teams have players that are out of this world.

"Playing at home is important, though, because it can help in terms of motivation and intensity."

Barcelona could also be boosted by the presence of Sergio Busquets, who has made a quicker recovery than expected from a sprained ankle.

The Spanish international trained with his teammates on Saturday, but Enrique refused to confirm whether he will start having been sidelined since suffering the injury against Villarreal on March 4.

"Busquets could be an option," added Enrique.

"He isn't 100 percent which is normal. He has trained the past three days. He isn't in perfect condition, but he is available which is important for us."

Favre's Gladbach to test 'near perfect' Bayern

Borussia Moenchengladbach's Lucien Favre plans to attack the weaknesses in the 'near perfect' defence of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich for Sunday's clash at the Bavarians' seemingly impregnable Allianz Arena fortress.

Bayern have won 11 of their 12 league games at home this season with just one draw, but Favre says third-placed 'Gladbach can unpick the lock on Bayern's defence, which has leaked just four goals at home this season in the Bundesliga.

"I prepare for every game for us to be able to win it, regardless of whom we're playing," said Gladbach coach Favre.

"Every team has their little weak spots. Perfection is impossible in football – even if Bayern sometimes get close to it.

"There are details in each game which not everyone sees.

"We aren't afraid, it is possible to pick up points in Munich.

"We have always done well there, but we have to play fast and think fast."

Gladbach have lost and drawn their last two matches at the Allianz Arena since earning a shock 1-0 win there in August 2011.

They may be third in Germany's top flight but Gladbach are already a massive 20 points adrift of Guardiola's Bavarian giants, who are on course for a third straight league title.

"We have always tried to play them at their own game, but we need to hold our own in terms of possession," added Favre.

Gladbach are on course to claim one of Germany's three automatic Champions League places next season and defender Alvaro Dominguez says they can join Wolfsburg in becoming the only domestic sides to beat Bayern this season.

"We can beat anyone, including Bayern," said the 25-year-old Spaniard.

"We mustn't allow ourselves to have any fear, if we try to play them at their own game, we'll have lost already."

As Germany's sole representative in the Champions League's quarterfinals, where they face FC Porto home and away next month, Bayern are focused on building on their 11-point lead going into the weekend.

"I have only Borussia Moenchengladbach in my head: first against third, it will be an exciting duel," said Bayern's director of sport Matthias Sammer after Friday's Champions League draw in Nyon.

Bayern are set to welcome back Dutch winger Arjen Robben, who has scored 17 goals in 20 games this season, after missing their last game with a trapped nerve.

But France winger Franck Ribery is struggling to be fit in time after struggling with an ankle injury.

"I am doing all I can, but it looks as though I won't be able to play," the Frenchman told German daily Bild.

Amazayoni dispatch Ezenkosi in Mbombela

Mpumalanga Black Aces defeated Jomo Cosmos 1-0 in a Nedbank Cup Last 16 encounter at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday afternoon.

An early goal in the sixth minute by Aubrey Ngoma gave Jacob Sakala’s men the advantage after Ngoma finished from a tight angle down the left flank to beat goalkeeper Buti Khoza.

Ezenkosi tried to move forward hoping to find an equaliser but Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane stood between Cosmos and the goals, making a number of saves.

Although the likes of S’boniso Gumede and Roger Da Costa were not so convincing at the back in the early stages of the match, Brice Aka and Matsitsele Sono Jr could not capitalise on the opportunity.

AmaZayoni were the better side towards the dying minutes of the match as Collins Mbesuma proved to be a headache for the Cosmos defence.

In the 43rd minute, Bhongolethu Jayiya’s move nearly punished Jomo Sono’s men when he made a good run into the penalty area, but his effort went wide of the goal.

With only two minutes to go to the tunnel, a pinpoint cross from the left foot of Mbesuma found Ndlovu unmarked, but he missed to the left of the empty net.

Aces went to the interval leading by 1-0.

The second stanza began with the hosts looking to add to their lead when substitute Miguel Timm, in the 55th minute, found himself unmarked in the box, but his shot went off target.

Aka again became a menace for the Aces defence as he managed to maneuver his way into the box beating Kobola and Da Costa, but his shot was too strong and went over the posts.

The inclusion of an experienced winger in Abia Nale meant business for the hosts as they nearly caught Cosmos napping with a quick transition, but Nale’s effort went wide in the 64th minute.

With 10 minutes to go, Sono hoped his experienced player and substitute, Bhamuza Sono, would inspire his teammates and open up Aces' defence but the likes of Da Costa and Gumede were solid and kept Ezenkosi at bay.

In injury time, Dennis Masina unleashed a powerful shot from the d-line but it took a deflection towards Nale who finished, but he was adjudged to be in an offside position.

Mpumalanga Black Aces: (1) 1 (Ngoma 6’)

Jomo Cosmos: (0?) 0

Black Aces: Mabokgwane, Kobola, Gumede, Da Costa, Nonyane, Jayiya (Nale 61’), Mtsweni (Timm 53’), Ngobeni, Ngoma, Mbesuma (Masina 82’), Ndlovu

Jomo Cosmos: Khoza, Mashele, Lingwati, Nsadiyumva, Zulu, Mokoena, Khumalo, Sono Jr. (Makobela 73’), Mashumba (B. Sono 59’), Maluleke (Madonsela 87’), Aka