Lionel Messi ‘angry’ over penalty miss with Argentina star wary over Australia threat in World Cup last 16

Lionel Messi was ‘angry’ after missing from the penalty spot against Mexico but hailed his Argentina teammates for their reaction which sealed their place in the World Cup last 16.

Argentina completed a stunning group stage turnaround on Wednesday night, progressing as group winners with a 2-0 win over Poland having lost their opening game in a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Messi scored a superb opener in the victory over Mexico on Saturday which sparked the revival and had the chance to score from 12 yards against Poland after VAR ruled he had been fouled by Wojciech Szczesny with an outstretched hand.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper produced a stunning save to deny Messi and ensure the game remained goalless heading into half-time.

Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez spared his blushes with second-half goals, with Messi paying tribute the manner in which his side responded.

‘I’m angry that I missed the penalty, but the team came out stronger after my mistake.

‘We knew that when the first goal went in, it was going to change the game,’ Messi said.

Argentina will meet Australia in the last 16 (Picture: Getty)

He continued: ‘We have to be calm and take it one game at a time. Now another World Cup begins and hopefully we can continue what we did today.

‘The previous game [against Mexico] gave us a lot of peace of mind and we went out onto the pitch [today] thinking we had to win.’

Argentina will now take on Australia on their last 16 match and will face either Netherlands or USA should their progress to the quarter-finals.

MORE: LIONEL MESSI

Why Lisandro Martinez has been left out of Argentina XI for crucial Poland clash

Rio Ferdinand seethes at 'disgraceful, outrageous' VAR decision as Argentina beat Poland

Argentina qualify for knock-out stages with Poland joining them in thrilling group finale

Australia reached the knock-out phase with a superb victory over Denmark earlier in the afternoon with Messi not underestimating the Socceroos.

The match with Australia is going to be very difficult,’ he said.

‘Anyone can beat anyone, it’s all very evenly matched. We have to prepare for the game as well as we always do.’

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Senegal reach the knock-out stage of World Cup after beating Ecuador

Kalidou Koulibaly's nerveless volley sent Senegal into the World Cup's knockout stages for only the second time in their history as they eliminated Ecuador at a rowdy Khalifa International Stadium.

All three goals came from players based in England as Ecuador's Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo cancelled out a penalty by Watford's Ismaila Sarr before Chelsea defender Koulibaly's side-footer won it.

Ecuador needed just a point to progress but paid the price for a passive display as Senegal were spurred on by an almost non-stop cacophony of drumming from their supporters in Al Rayyan.

Watford winger Sarr coolly stroked home from the spot, after being clumsily upended by Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie, to put the African champions deservedly ahead.

Ecuador levelled with their first real chance as Caicedo swept home Felix Torres' flick-on but Koulibaly's composed finish immediately regained the lead for Senegal, who knew only victory would be enough to go through barring an unlikely Qatar upset against the Netherlands.

They held out amid a nervy six minutes of stoppage time to finish as runners-up in Group A behind the Dutch, who clinched top spot by handing the tournament hosts a third defeat in three games with a comfortable 2-0 win in Al Khor.

Aliou Cisse's side are potential last-16 opponents for England given the Lions of Teranga will next face the winners of Group B - a berth Gareth Southgate's team could seal later on Tuesday.

(BBC)

Flames' Squad value ranks 9th in Southern Africa

 

The Squad Value for Malawi National Team has been ranked 9th in the Southern Africa according to Transfermarket.

Flames' €4.5 million squad value has beaten Botswana's €1.6 million, Mauritius' €500k, Lesotho's €375k, Seychelles €200k and Eswatin's €150k.

Zambia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, Comoros, and Namibia are ranked higher than Malawi in that order.

Flames currently have only five professional players with only Fransico Madinga and Charles Petro playing in Europe. Madingo plays for Dilla Goli in Georgia while Petro plays for Sherrif Transpol in Moldova.

Only Gabadinho Mhango is playing in the South Africa's elite league, Premier Soccer League while Khudah Muyaba is playing for Championship side, Polokwane City.

The total market value was obtained after adding the price tag of 25 players which include three goalkeepers, Ernest Kakhobwe, Charles Thom and William Thole. Charles Petro, Limbikan Mzava, Lawrence Chaziya, Mark Fodya, Stanley Sanudi, Gomezgani Chirwa among the defenders.

Chimwemwe Idana, Chikoti Chirwa, Micium Mhone, Gerald Phiri are among the midfielders included in the list while Stain Davie, Robbins Ngalande also included.

Civil Service United's shotstopper, Ernest Kakhowe is the most expensive goalkeeper for Flames with a market value of £75k, Charles Thom and Thole have £50k.

Former Amazulu's Centre-back, Limbikani Mzava is the most expensive defender for Flames with a market value of €500k with Charles Petro coming second with £300k market value.

John Banda, Peter Banda, Yamikani Chester are the most expensive midfielders with a a market value of £150k while Chimwemwe Idana comes second with a market value of £125k. Blue Eagles' Mhone has a market value of £100k.

Gabadinho Mhango is the most expensive player in the entire Flames' Squad. The Amazulu's striker has a maker value of £700k.

Three goalkeepers have a market value of €175k, defenders £1.18 Million, midfielders £1.00 million while Strikers have a market value of £1.8 Million.

'Magic' Messi ignites Argentina's World Cup

Argentina struggled massively to start well for the second game in a row, but second-half strikes from Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández kept their qualifying chances alive, giving the Albiceleste a comfortable 2-0 win. As for Mexico, they have their backs against the wall following another dismal performance.

The opening minutes were closely-fought, and neither side managed to establish supremacy, with both sides tweaking their tactical approaches compared to the opening game and adapting to unfamiliar setups. But it was Mexico’s 3-5-2 formation that appeared to make the greater impact, and Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to create clear scoring chances, with Lionel Messi conspicuous in his inability to make an impact in the final third, despite knowing his final shot at lifting the greatest trophy of all was hanging in the balance.

However, that did not translate to Mexico troubling Argentine custodian Emiliano Martinez, save for a few attempts from Alexis Vega. Despite their fans audibly clamouring for a goal, against a team Mexico had lost to in all three prior World Cup H2Hs, Gerardo Martino’s men looked happy to merely protect the backline and play out a scoreless draw. Indeed, the most noteworthy event of the first half ended up being Andres Guardado’s injury a few minutes before the break.

At first, Argentina did not change much in their approach for the second half, and they were visibly starting to get anxious. But Messi was there to save the day once more, as he took advantage of a touch outside the box and drilled a 25-metre effort past Guillermo Ochoa, finding the back of the net for his second goal in the competition and sending his blue and white worshippers into raptures at the 89,000-strong Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Determined not to play the fool in Messi’s sixth straight goalscoring international, Mexico responded with two quick substitutions, deploying Raúl Jiménez and Uriel Antuna. But El Tri’s attacking woes continued, and Argentina finished in the ascendancy as gaps in the Mexico lines appeared, ultimately doubling their lead through a spectacular curled effort from Enzo Fernández in the 87th minute. La Albiceleste then closed the match out with ease, earning a seismic win that puts them in second place over Saudi Arabia based on their superior goal difference

As for Mexico, they must beat the Green Eagles in their next outing, while also benefiting from an Argentina win over Poland, to even have a shot at reaching the knockout stages. Anything else will see El Tri fail to survive the group stage for the first time since Argentina won their maiden world title way back in 1978, while Gerardo Martino’s men also still risk becoming the first Mexico side ever to score no goals at the finals.

Messi delivers the magic once again

Messi cut a frustrated figure for the first 45 minutes here, pushed to the margins as this crucial game descended into a bitty affair spoiled by fouls, with little of quality on show.

It was when the game settled down, the stoppages reduced and a football match broke out that Messi was finally able to exert his influence, wandering far and wide on the vast expanse of Lusail Stadium before finally making the decisive contribution.

In an ear-splitting atmosphere, Messi turned up the volume even more with that breakthrough goal that finally broke Mexico down and reignited Argentina's World Cup.

Messi produced two perfect touches with that wand of a left foot, one to control and one to arrow a finish beyond Ochoa's outstretched right hand.

It was what all of Argentina hoped for and demanded from their great talisman and, as so often before for club and country, the 35-year-old produced when they needed him most.

This highly-touted side had faced real jeopardy. Argentina knew defeat would finish them here in Qatar. Messi knew defeat would end his dream of lifting the World Cup, the major honour missing from his glittering and extensive honours list.

He followed another superstar in Kylian Mbappe, whose two goals against Denmark put France into the last 16, and he showed here he is determined not to be outshone by the other members of his elite group.

Mexico, backed by their own massed ranks of fans, were in no mood to step aside and it took that big moment to unlock them, bowing to Messi as so many others have done before.

There is still work to do for Argentina when they face Group C leaders Poland, who boast a sporting icon of their own in striker Robert Lewandowski, but the celebrations at the final whistle gave the impression that a team hotly tipped to lift the World Cup at this same Lusail Stadium believe their show is now on the road thanks to their captain and resident genius.

Ronaldo slammed for 'pathetic dive' that helped him to break World Cup record

From tears to cheers! Cristiano Ronaldo shrugs off Manchester United exit as he scores Portugal's opening goal at the World Cup with a penalty - but fans insist he DIVED to earn it.

Cristiano Ronaldo recovered quickly from his exit from Manchester United as he scored Portugal's first goal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The veteran forward netted from the spot just after the hour mark to break the deadlock against Ghana in their first group game on Thursday evening.

Ronaldo, 37, was pictured fighting back tears during the Portuguese national anthem in his first game since having his contract terminated by the Red Devils. 

But the confidently dispatched penalty, followed by his trademark 'Siuuuu' celebration, was highly controversial.

Ronaldo burst into the box and dived to the ground under minimal contact from Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.

Referee Ismail Elfath - from America - awarded a spot-kick and VAR surprisingly did not overturn his decision.



Fans quickly rushed to social media to accuse the 37-year-old of an 'absolutely pathetic' dive and labelled him 'trash' for his actions in trying to fool the referee. 

One said: 'I just knew Ronaldo would dive. The game was becoming too tough for him to handle. It's inevitable!'

A second added: 'That Ronaldo dive was absolutely pathetic.'

Another fan posted: 'That was the softest penalty call I've ever seen. What a dive by Ronaldo he's trash.'

One tweeted: 'Embarrassing dive from Ronaldo. Never a penalty.'

A fifth said: 'That's a disgraceful dive from Ronaldo.' 

And BBC pundit Chris Sutton posted a GIF of a woman flopping to the floor theatrically.

Fernandes bags a brace of assists as Portugal beat Ghana in a thrilling game

The Portuguese magnifico bagged a brace of assists in a game that Portugal fled away from Ghana's scare in emerge as 3-2 winners in a thrilling game. 


Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at five Fifa World Cups as Portugal began their campaign with a thrilling victory over the Gold Coast.

Ronaldo was playing for the first time since his controversial television interview last week and his subsequent release by Manchester United following the comments.

And the 37-year-old scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, hammering in after being tripped in the box by Ghana's Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.

Captain Ronaldo had a couple of chances early on but a low shot was smothered by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and he also headed wide at the far post.

The forward had a goal disallowed for a push on Alexander Djiku while at the other end, Ghana did not have a single shot in the opening period.

The Africans improved in the second period as Mohammed Kudus drilled narrowly wide of the far post and got their reward when Andre Ayew equalised from close range.

But Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to seal the points - Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on.

Portugal broke on counter through Manchester United midfielder,  Bruno Fernandes who spotted Atletico Madrid's attacker, Joao Felix who just chipped the ball over Ghana's goalkeeper before teeing up the substitute, Leao.

Osman Bukhari headed in a late consolation for Ghana and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa put the ball down, seemingly unaware Inaki Williams was behind him, but after racing to intercept the ball, the Ghana forward slipped at the crucial moment and a scuffed shot was cleared off the line.

Victory means Portugal top Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.

Can't keep Ronaldo out of the headlines

The focus before this game was on just one man - Ronaldo.

The veteran forward came into the tournament with a cloud over his head following the explosive TalkTV interview where he said he felt "betrayed" by Manchester United.

Unhappy with what he had to say, the Premier League club initiated a process to terminate his contract, which was confirmed on Tuesday.

But the player will be in the headlines for all the right reasons this time, as he surpassed the great Pele, Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose to stand on his own by scoring at five different editions of the tournament.

Supporters were on their feet in anticipation every time Ronaldo got anywhere near the ball and they erupted when his strike from the penalty spot in the second half - which came after relatively easy missed opportunities in the opening period - hit the back of the net.

It was also a record-extending 118th international goal, which includes eight in the group stage of the World Cup, though he is the player with the most strikes without netting in the knockout stage.

Former West Ham and Swansea striker Ayew levelled from Mohammed Kudus' cutback to extend Ghana's run of scoring in their last six World Cup games.

Felix's sumptuous finish and Leao's nerveless effort looked to have sealed the points for Portugal with 10 minutes remaining.

Substitute Bukari headed in and celebrated with Ronaldo's 'Siu'. Otto Addo's side would have been delighted with a draw and almost got it, but for Williams' slip.

African teams are yet to score at the World Cup as Cameroon suffer a defeat to Switzerland

A wait for the first goal by the African teams at the World Cup that is being played in Qatar continues as Eto's Cameroon have suffered a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland. 

Hope for the first goal wad left in the Indomitable Lions after African Champions, Senegal, and Morocco failed to score in their opening games at the tournament. Senegal sufferer a 2-0 defeat to Netherlands while Morocco played a barren draw against Croatia. Tunisia also played a goalless draw against Denmark. 

Switzerland's Breel Embolo scored the only goal against Cameroon - the country of his birth - in a hard-fought World Cup Group G opener.

Embolo refused to celebrate when he finished off a slick Swiss attack shortly after half-time.


The Indomitable Lions were unfortunate to lose after an enterprising display at the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar.

Victory was vital for Switzerland, as both sides still have to face Brazil in the group.



Embolo moved to Switzerland from Cameroon with his family as a six-year-old and pledged his allegiance to the European nation after being granted citizenship in 2014.

At the age of just 18, he set up the Embolo Foundation to support refugee children in Switzerland and disadvantaged children in the country of his birth.

He said before the game it would be "a very special" occasion to play against Cameroon and when he scored, he respectfully raised his arms and closed his eyes.

His strike ensured victory for a side with high expectations - boss Murat Yakin has declared his squad "the best Switzerland side ever" and said he expects them to achieve their best return at a World Cup.

Yet they struggled in the first half in the face of a vibrant Cameroon start and ought to have gone behind, with Eric Choupo-Moting, Bryan Mbeumo and Martin Hongla all missing presentable opportunities.


The goal rocked Cameroon and the Swiss had chances to extend their lead, only for Andre Onana to save superbly from Ruben Vargas, while Embolo and substitute Haris Seferovic were denied by last-ditch defending.

The Indomitable Lions have now lost eight successive games at the World Cup finals but Rigobert Song's side impressed at times here.

Their next game against Serbia will be pivotal if they are to stand any chance of becoming the first Cameroon team to progress beyond the group stage since 1990.

For Switzerland, the win gives them breathing space before their match against group favourites Brazil on Monday.



Ghana will face Portugal tonight while Nigeria.

Liverpool's sporting director Julian Ward will step down at the end of the season

Liverpool's sporting director Julian Ward will STEP DOWN from his role at the end of the season due to personal reasons... just six months after taking over from Michael Edwards

It is a sudden and unexpected development, as the 41-year-old only took over from Michael Edwards at the end of the last campaign. It is understood the decision has been made for personal reasons and the club have reluctantly accepted his period of notice.

Liverpool maintain that is not a development that will impact on the plans they have for the next two transfer windows.

But this news is significant as it comes in the middle of a period of great uncertainty for Liverpool – in the last month, owners Fenway Sports Group have put the club up for sale and Mike Gordon, the President who oversees day-to-day business, is stepping back from his crucial role.

Ward, who has held a number of positions within Liverpool’s technical staff since he joined them in 2011 having previously worked at the Portugal FA, succeeded the influential Michael Edwards, having worked alongside him for the previous 12 months.

It had been a whirlwind start to his time in the role as Ward was instrumental in securing Liverpool’s potentially record-breaking signing of Darwin Nunez from Benfica and completing the contract extension for Mohamed Salah.

There have been a number of other new deals in recent months, too, with Diogo Jota, Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones all committing their futures to the club, while the signing of Fabio Carvalho from Fulham is one Liverpool believe will reap rich dividends.

Ward enjoys a close relationship with Jurgen Klopp – the pair play paddle tennis together – and Liverpool maintain that the manager’s decision to extend his own contract to June 2026 is the element that provides stability going forward.


FSG are confident that Billy Hogan, the club’s Chief Executive, can step up and assume the role that Gordon, a major ally of Klopp, has held but there will not be an appointment from within to take over from Ward – they will look for an external candidate

There is no indication at this stage as to who that will be but, at a juncture when Chelsea are also looking for a new Sporting Director, it is not a time when Liverpool will be able to be too passive in their search

Embolo refuses to celebrate after scoring against the country of his birth

Switzerland striker Breel Embolo REFUSES to celebrate after scoring against the country of his birth, Cameroon, in the World Cup - as fans praise the Monaco star for his mark of 'respect'

Switzerland's Breel Embolo refused to celebrate after giving them the lead against Cameroon at the World Cup - as it was the country he was born in.

The Monaco forward broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half of Switzerland's opening fixture on Thursday, but he chose against celebrating it and instead raised both hands while even appearing to apologise.

Embolo, 25, was born in the Cameroonian capital of Yaoundé, before receiving Swiss citizenship in 2014 after spending his youth career in the country.




After featuring for their Under-16 side, he committed his international allegiance to Switzerland in December of that year and has since earned 59 caps.
Fans were quick to praise Embolo over his mark of 'respect' to Cameroon, taking to Twitter to express their admiration for his muted celebration.

One wrote: 'Embolo was born in Cameroon? Much respect for that celebration'.

Another posted: 'Respect for #Embolo #FIFAWorldCup for not fully celebrating the goal. That shows some love'.

A third commented: 'Embolo scored for Switzerland and didn’t celebrate because he was born in Cameroon. Class'. 

While a fourth said: 'Well done Breel Embolo for not ‘celebrating’ that goal against Cameroon. That’s respect for where you were born. You will still get grief from the haters for it though.' 

Mark Fish brings Fast Footie to Lilongwe

By Fam Media Team 

Former Bafana Bafana international Mark Fish is expected to arrive in the country this afternoon to preside over a two-day Fast Footie Under 16 tournament this weekend.

The tournament ,which will attract 16 teams for both girls and boys, is being hosted by COSAFA in conjunction with FAM as one of the legacy events at the COSAFA Under 17 Boys and Girls Championships which will be staged in Lilongwe from December 1-11 as part of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games.

Fish said he was excited to come to Malawi and is looking forward to seeing good young talent.

“The aim is to change the game, make it quicker and faster and encourage the kids to shoot and make them aware how the game should be. It is about scoring goals and make sure the kids have fun. As Cosafa region we can improve our game and make sure that more teams qualify for AFCON and World Cup tournaments.

“The expectation in Malawi is to see good young talent. Looking forward to seeing what type of individuals Malawi can produce,” said Fish.

The Former Bolton Wanderers defender will work alongside former Flames midfielder Chancy Gondwe and said : “I am excited to work with Chancy Gondwe. The player that I respect .”

FAM Competitions Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said all is set for the two-day event which will take place at Bishop Mackenzie International High School on 26 and 27 November 2022.

“ We have eight boys teams and eight girl’ teams. The girls will play on Saturday while the boys will play on Sunday.

“Fast Footie is a new form of the game that will help budding footballers in the Under-16 age group develop their skills.  Matches are shorter about 20 minutes each half. It has some interesting rules like a goal scored from outside the 18 yard box counted as two goals. We are looking forward to an exciting weekend,” said Zakazaka.

The Boys teams have been drawn from the Lilongwe District Mmera Mpoyamba Under 16 League and Academies in Lilongwe. They include Play Football Malawi, Ascent Soccer Academy, Namasala Soccer Academy ,Villa FC , Mpira Mmudzi Mwathu, Ticktack FC, Grassroot Football Academy and Soccer Saints

The Girls section is made up of Youth teams of Central Region Women’s Football League sides and some Lilongwe academies and these are Ascent Soccer Academy, Mpira Mmudzi Mwathu, Chisomo Academy, Hungry Lions, MDF Lioness, Chilinde ,Kamuzu Institute and DD Sunshine.

The teams will play on knockout basis starting from quarterfinals with the four winners proceeding to the semifinals and then final while they will be a plate section for the four losing quarterfinalists

The quarterfinal fixtures are as follows:

Canada fans left furious by Sikazwe's officiation

How is he allowed to ref?': Canada fans FUME at Janny Sikazwe after his failure to give them TWO 'clear' penalties of World Cup clash with Belgium... 10 months after he sparked huge controversy at AFCON by trying to end game on 85 minutes

Canada fans have been left furious by officiating in the opening 45 minutes of their first World Cup game for 36 years.

Supporters have blasted referee Janny Sikazwe following his failure to give them two 'clear' penalties after Alphonso Davies missed a spot-kick in the ninth minute of the game vs. Belgium in Group F. Their opponents then took the lead before halftime.

The furor comes just 10 months on from Sikazwe blowing for full-time in Tunisia's AFCON clash with Mali after just 85 minutes

Canada were awarded a penalty early on for a handball by Yannick Carrasco which Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved but fans and pundits believe they should have had at least one more PK. 

Belgium's Eden Hazard passed the ball back towards defender Jan Vertonghen in his own area but it was loose and fell to Canada's Tajon Buchanan.

The winger was then brought down by the center back but the linesman put up his flag for offside. Referee Sikazwe then blew his whistle for offside.

As Hazard deliberately played the ball Buchanan should not have been judged to be offside.

Fox Sports pundit Stuart Holden said: 'Missed call by the referee and the VAR not to go back. Canada should have a second penalty.'

While his fellow pundit Alexi Lalas added: 'That was ridiculous. It's amazing they are losing this game.'

One Twitter account read: 'Canada robbed of another penalty by the referee. Linesman gave offside when Hazard passed the ball.'

One fan added: 'Canada's next penalty not given… why did I expect anything more? Another said: 'This ref is so bad man, how's he allowed to ref after the AFCON thing?'



Fox's referee expert, former Premier League official Mark Clattenburg, said the mistake was by the video assistant referee (VAR).

'Human error by the VAR and Canada should have had a second penalty,' he said at halftime

Later in the first half Richie Laryea fell in box under the pressure of Axel Witsel but neither Sikazwe or the VAR thought it was a foul

Another fan added on the incident involving Buchanan: 'This wasn't a call against Canada for a penalty. What the f*** are we doing here.'

One more said on social media: 'Canada got robbed of two clear penalties and now it's 1-0 to Belgium.'

Canada fell behind to a Michy Batshuayi strike in the 44' and that single goal proved to be the difference in the Group F clash Wednesday.


In January, fans labeled the Africa Cup of Nations tournament 'a shambles' and 'embarrassing' after Tunisia and Mali's clash descended into chaos.

Sikazwe blew the final whistle after just 85 minutes before restarting play, but then blew again with just 89 minutes and 43 seconds of the Group F clash gone.

Pep Guardiola signs contract extension to 2025

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2025.

Guardiola, 51, has won 11 trophies, including four Premier League titles, during six years at Etihad Stadium.

"From day one I felt something special being here. I cannot be in a better place," said Spaniard Guardiola.

"I am so pleased to be staying at Manchester City for another two years."

He added: "I can't say thank you enough to everyone at the club for trusting me. I am happy and comfortable, and I have everything I need to do my job as best as possible.

"I know the next chapter of this club will be amazing for the next decade. It happened over the last 10 years, and it will happen in the next 10 years because this club is so stable.

"I still have the feeling there is more we can achieve together and that is why I want to stay and continue fighting for trophies."



City, the current Premier League champions, are second in the table this season - five points behind Arsenal - and face RB Leipzig in the Champions League round of 16 in February.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said he was "delighted" to extend Guardiola's contract.

"He has already contributed so much to the success and fabric of this organisation, and it's exciting to think what might be possible given the energy, hunger and ambition that he clearly still has," said Al Mubarak.

"Under his very special leadership our first team has accomplished so much, whilst continuously playing, and constantly evolving, a City style of football that is admired the world over.

"Like every City fan, I am looking forward to what lies ahead."

Guardiola had successful spells as manager at Barcelona and Bayern Munich before he joined City in 2016.

He is Barca's most successful manager with 14 trophies in four years, including three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues. He then won three Bundesliga titles in a row at Bayern.

Guardiola added: "Khaldoon never pushed me

"He never told me 'Pep you have to do it'. He respects me a lot and it is an example of how we have been since day one.

"He gives his opinion, I give my opinion and after everyone works in the way he believes he should for the benefit of the club and the whole organisation, from the top until the bottom.

"Lately we decide 'OK we will do it' and after the decision with the family was right, so I said let's do it."

Ronaldo is right in saying Manchester United have made mistakes but the club’s worst error was to re-sign him

The saddest aspect of Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan was that so much of it was so accurate. He correctly identified that Manchester United has not evolved much since he left, that the club has been undermined by terrible decision-making. When historians of the future come to write of United’s post-Ferguson struggles, the transcript will provide a very useful precis. But in his diagnosis there is a blind spot: the worst decision United have made since 2013 was to re-sign him.


This, perhaps, is the tragedy of the great sportsman. Ronaldo may be a preening narcissist, and ego of such overwhelming gravity that he inevitably dominates any club for whom he plays, but he has also been one of the greatest footballers of all time and is all the more remarkable for having made himself so. The comparison with Lionel Messi is hackneyed but irresistible. Messi has often seemed almost diffident, as though a great talent acts through him and he a semi‑willing conduit. Ronaldo has, with tremendous single‑mindedness and strength of will, worked and worked to transform his ability into something extraordinary.


His dedication to self‑improvement made him great, but it is that same self‑absorption that makes him at times such a difficult teammate, that same self-belief that perhaps prevents him realising the extent to which his powers have waned.


And that, of course, is why he has been so outraged by what seem to him inexplicable snubs such as being left on the bench against Tottenham. It’s not that his form has dwindled. It couldn’t possibly be that it is best for the team if he is a substitute. It could only be that Erik ten Hag disrespects him. But alongside that bristling self-assertion, underlying it, perhaps even provoking it, there is something else: insecurity. In Josh Robinson and Jonathan Clegg’s book Messi vs Ronaldo, there is a fascinating detail about Ronaldo, at the height of his Real Madrid fame, meeting a physio who had worked with him when he was in his teens at Sporting and handing him a printout of all his awards, as though he felt a need to justify himself and what he had done with his talent. In that, perhaps, there is still a glimpse of the weedy kid from a difficult background in Madeira, an outsider who was mocked for his provincial accent when he arrived in Lisbon. There is a vulnerability to his genius.


In practical terms, it makes little difference what has created this ego. Even in his first spell at United when he won three league titles and a Champions League, his reluctance to fulfil his defensive responsibilities meant that, in European games, he would be deployed at centre‑forward with Wayne Rooney moved to the left because he could be trusted to track his full-back.


Ronaldo was a brilliantly skilful player, but his desperation to be centre-stage created issues. He scored the equaliser when United beat Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow with the sort of header that would become a trademark but then, having missed a penalty in the shootout, he stood crying by himself on the halfway line as his teammates celebrated Edwin van der Sar’s decisive save from Nicolas Anelka in front of the United fans.In that, perhaps, there was an echo of George Best, who was so disappointed by his ownperformance when United beat Benfica to win the European Cup in 1968 that he left the celebrations and got properly drunk for the first time. And, as with Best, United need to break their obsession with a brilliant number seven who is no longer what he was.


Ronaldo’s demons are different, but he was never a team man. That has always been the doubt, particularly as pressing became increasingly important. He won four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and had a happy knack of scoring not just lots of goals but also decisive goals. But there was a reason Madrid were prepared to let him go. And so began a pattern that has defined his last five seasons. In three seasons at Juventus, Ronaldo scored 81 league goals, but the team got worse, and never scored as many in a single season as they had the year before he arrived.


At United it was similar. There were those who celebrated the 18 league goals he scored last season as a remarkable effort in a failing team, the only bulwark between United and humiliation, but the fact is rather that he was the antidote to a problem he caused. In 2020-21, without Ronaldo, United had a clearly defined if basic system, sitting deep and attacking at pace on the break and finished second, scoring 73 goals and totalling 74 points; the following season, with Ronaldo, that fluency was lost and they finished sixth, scoring 57 goals and totalling 58 points.


Ten Hag is a hard-pressing coach. His appointment meant that either he was going to undermined by Ronaldo or he was going to get rid of him, and it ended up being the latter. Ten Hag has been steely enough to do things his way, to cut through the celebrity fug that always surrounds Ronaldo. And, frankly, with his repeated strops, Ronaldo has made his task easier. There are very few among regular match-goers who still think he should be in the side. This season, United have averaged 1.0 points per game in league matches he has started; 2.2 without him.


Ronaldo’s return was an extremely costly error, undermining not one but two coaches and apparently diminishing the confidence of a number of young players. In his solipsism, though, that seems not to concern him: there is Ronaldo and his quest for records and goals, and there is everybody else. Fans should remember how Ronaldo was the first time round, should celebrate what he was, but his return has been a failure. Chasing past glories, yielding to the siren call of nostalgia, is rarely a successful way to run a football club. United have accepted Ronaldo is done; it may be that he soon has to accept that too

Hosts Qatar off to losing start after Enner Valencia double for Ecuador

For Qatar, this was a letdown 12 years in the making. The host nation has spent that time building the infrastructure of a World Cup shrouded in controversy and replete with a bitter taste that, whatever the next four weeks bring, is unlikely ever to be washed away.

When they kicked off this tournament, however, the hope locally was for a bravura show from the meticulously constructed football project that has run concurrently with the creation of a manicured, deeply unsettling fantasy sporting land from sand. Instead they flopped, left for dust by a stronger and cannier Ecuador unit who dealt the hardest of truths about how life at this level really looks.

The manoeuvres honed by Félix Sánchez’s players across that time were barely evident and it was doubly ignominious that Qatar became the first home side to lose an opening game. No other outcome seemed likely after the moment, three minutes in, when Enner Valencia thought he had silenced the party. The goal was eventually disallowed by VAR for the most borderline of offsides but Qatar’s defence, and especially their goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb, were clearly ripe to be picked off



That impression was quickly justified when Valencia, fouled by Sheeb, converted a penalty. His outstanding header after the half-hour removed any remaining edge and long before the end swathes of this vast, textured tent-like structure north of Doha had virtually emptied. The envisaged extravaganza had not materialised and it would take a vast improvement against Senegal on Friday to give Qatar any chance of progress. Ultimately this was a non-contest, a dissatisfying spectacle and, with due credit to a competent Ecuador, a poor reflection on what should be football’s showpiece.

"Maybe the responsibility and nerves got the better of us,” Sánchez said of a pallid display that, given this was billed as the logical apex of a country’s footballing journey, must have felt hugely anticlimactic. “We had a terrible start and this determines the rest of the match. We’ll just have to forget about the pressure and be more competitive. We can do it.”

At least the award and dispatching of Valencia’s spot-kick ascribed less importance to the controversy around his disallowed opener. The overrule looked marginal at best and came after Sheeb had flapped under a free-kick, allowing a combination of Félix Torres and Michael Estrada to locate Valencia with the custodian stranded. There was widespread confusion when it was chalked off: Fifa’s semi-automated system probably decided Estrada’s foot was beyond Sheeb, with only one defender back, when Torres headed on.

Perhaps the stars were aligning for Qatar, who would have faced murmurings about injustice had the call decided things. Nobody could accuse their country of failing to produce an off-pitch show. Morgan Freeman had been reeled in to front the high-spec opening ceremony, intoning weighty thoughts about football’s ability to unite, but Ecuador were a class apart in those opening moments. Qatar could neither retain possession nor a sensible measure of concentration.

They were behind soon enough when a sluggish Sheeb came out to meet Valencia and clipped him on the shin. A penalty, a booking and no further scope for suggestions of favouritism; Valencia scored coolly and, at that point, Qatar looked vulnerable whenever Ecuador attacked.

There was visible frustration in the kick on Valencia for which Almoez Ali was cautioned. Valencia’s revenge was emphatic, finding space between two defenders and leaping thrillingly to plant Angelo Preciado’s cross past Sheeb after persistence from Moises Caicedo. The former West Ham and Everton player, now 33, has still got it.

“He was questioned at times but now we see how much he gives us,” the Ecuador manager, Gustavo Alfaro, said of the country’s all-time leading scorer. “If I have to choose, I always choose Enner Valencia.” Whether he can do that for their next game, against the Netherlands, depends on his recovery from multiple knocks.

Surely Qatar had more to offer. They are the Asian champions and, in what should have proved a useful exercise, did not disgrace themselves when guesting at the Copa América three years ago. It was obvious they had frozen on this surprisingly brisk evening; their football was lightweight against technically and physically superior opposition.

Nonetheless Ali, the star of that continental win, headed wide with the first half’s final action. He had been unmarked and perhaps a cleaner contact would have belatedly put Qatar at ease. It might have ignited the contest but, instead, it was virtually the final action of note.

Ecuador could cruise through the second period, occasionally squandering openings on the counter. Romario Ibarra allowed Sheeb slight redemption with a parried shot but little else raised the pulse as the crowd drifted away. “We hope in the next game people feel prouder,” Sánchez said. It was the heftiest blow to his adopted nation’s self-esteem.

(The Guardian)

Next season our sight is set on international level- Nyirenda

 

Nyasa Big Bullets Chief Executive Officer, Suzgo Nyirenda said the team have won everything at domestic level and starting from next season they have set their sight on the international stage.

For the past four years, Nyasa Big Bullets have shown their dominance in the domestic football, winning four league titles, 2 Cup games and 4 Charity Shield Cups but they have failed to replicate their brilliance into the Continental stages.

The people's team have been booted out of Caf Champions League in the preliminary stages four times consecutively. 

Chiukepo Msowoya missed the penalty that would take Nyasa Big Bullets to the next stage in 2018-19 seasoj when the team faced Kenyan giants, Gor Mahia.

Bullets lost 1-0 in Kenya before winning 1-0 at home but they were booted out on post-match penalties. 

They were also beaten 3-2 by Zimbabwean Platnum FC in 2020. They played a barren draw at Kamuzu Stadium before losing 3-2 away from home.

They won 1-0 in South Africa against Amazulu but they went on to lose 3-1 at home in the return league before losing 4-0 on aggregate to Simba SC. 

Nyirenda speaking to the Nations said they have done enough at domestic level and they need to set their sight on the international stage. 

"We know this is a big challenge. We have done all that is to be done and won everything worth winning on the local scene. But at international level we are still lagging behind. So, starting next season our sight is set on international level. We have a good plan to mitigate this. We will be announcing our plans at the beginning of the season," said Nyirenda. 

The CEO has hinted that the Club will look into signing international players to match with other Clubs in Africa. 

On Saturday afternoon, the Club announced the signing of attacking midfielder, Chawanangwa Gumbo from Ekwendeni Hammers and it is the second signing before the season ends after signing former Silver Strikers forward, Maxwell Gasten Phodo. 

In the post-match interviews yesterday, Kalisto Pasuwa after his boys won the TNM Super League said the team will look into strengthening their Central-defence.



“In the international matches that we are playing, remember we struggled a lot through the centre. We hope to try to lure experienced centre-backs so that maybe if we are playing second balls or even if we are playing international matches it won’t be a problem for us,"said Pasuwa

Nyirenda said they need to sign international players if they are to compete with big clubs in Africa. 

"We need to recruit international players. We cannot be playing against foreign clubs that have players from all over Africa and expect to win.

“But all this needs a lot of money. Without money, we cannot achieve this. That’s why it needs proper planning.”

Nyasa Big Bullets are expected to return to the international stage next year after winning the 2022 TNM Super League.

OPINION & ANALYSIS: How Willard developed Gome into a complete full-back

(By Wa Mpira , The Observer)  

It's not a secret that Gomezgani Chirwa is one of the 2022 TNM Super League player of the season contenders after having a stellar season with Nyasa Big Bullets helping the team to clinch its 16th League title. 

Signed from Civo Service United years back, his performance has been outstanding this season, especially, in the second round where he developed into more than a defender. Gome has developed into a complete full-back, facts, stats reveal.

The people's team released Chimango Kaira at the end of last season, leaving the position of Defensive midfield vacant, thereby forcing Pasuwa to develop Henry Kabitchi who is a Central midfielder into a defensive midfielder in the entire first round.

Something instilled is not born with, while the Palestine are thanking the veteran for jumping into the rescue, Kabitchi was brilliant on the ball but off the ball was the problem, thereby restricting the wing-backs from invading the opposition half.

In turn of events, Nyasa Big Bullets decided to sign their own natural defensive midfielder, Frank Lampard Willard from Mafco FC in the mid-season, this marked the developing of Gome into a complete full-back. 

Often considered cynical, aggressive, rash and undervalued, the defensive midfielder, Willard holds the key to the fortunes and success of a team. He has been acting as a shield to the defence and goalkeeper, harrying defenders and committing fouls. He has been providing a link between the defence and midfield and most attacks tend to stem from their feet.

𝑩𝒖𝒕, 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒘𝒂'𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆?

The defensive midfielder has been relieving the pressure of the back four. Many times people tend to associate the defensive midfielder as a player who puts in rash challenges and commits fouls but not with this lad, he commit fouls but only for the sake of the team- a person who breaks up the attacks and dispose of the attackers.

The most aspect that allowed Gome to develop into a good full-back was the positioning of Willard.

Kalisto Pasuwa is well-known by 4-3-3 formation, but since the coming of Willard, the formation has been on paper but practically, it has been 3-4-3 formation. 



(Nyasa Big Bullets on the ball)

Off the ball, Willard has been dropping off the defensive zone, positioning himself between the two Centre-backs, allowing them [X and Y defenders] to occupy the spaces of fullbacks. 

A deep lying midfielder, an attacking midfielder could drop deep into the gap left by Willard who is now one of the three Centre-backs, with Gome and Sambani wides.

Normally, the defensive midfielder of a team must have an exceptional positional sense, anticipation and work rate. When a DM lacks this, the defense gets caught often, especially on the counter. 

A defensive midfielder has a key attacking role to play as well- and Willard has been also Willard has been playing that. Most attacks of Nyasa Big Bullets often tend to originate from the him. The 20-year-old has the key role of distributing the ball further up the field. But he tends to go unnoticed or are extremely undervalued.

He breaks up the flow of the game with tackles, which, although not pleasing to the eye, are invaluable for the team. The defending midfielder has been putting in a hard-working performance, which sadly goes unnoticed.  

When he is on the ball either in between the two Centre-backs or in midfield, he could spot the wide players thereby opening the defensive side of the opposition. 

With the pace and hardworking of Gome, Willard's long balls has been mostly working on the right side as compared to the left side. As ball-winning midfielder, even if the pass is being cut by the opposition, Willard could rise to the occasion and win it back. 

Gome as a modern full-back, he had to make constant overlapping and underlapping forward runs ahead of the wide teammate ahead of them in midfield. After getting into attacking areas, it was Gome's job to provide crosses, cut-backs, through balls into wide areas – or to run on to through balls – and switches of play.

Dribbling and driving forward runs over larger distances are also important, while the ability to beat an opponent in one-on-one situations and create is also useful

Modern full-backs also have to provide their team’s width in attack, with wingers or wide forwards often taking up more narrow positions. Full-backs often take up positions to receive switches of play, with this positioning also useful in that it takes opponents away from their wide-midfield teammate, who will usually be more dangerous in possession, Gome leaves no one attributes of a good full-back. 

Gome has been extraordinary for Bullets but praise should also go to Willard for his intelligence on and off the ball.

PASUWA IDENTIFIES WHERE HE NEEDS TO STRENGTH BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS

Nyasa Big Bullets have so far signed two new players already- Maxwell Gasten Phodo and Chawanangwa Gumbo from Ekwendeni Hammers. 

However, the team's head coach has hinted that new faces may still come at the Club as he has identified where he needs to strengthen before the season starts. 

The people's team have won the 2022 tnm Super League with 73 points and they have managed to score 69 goals but for the first time, the team have conceded 21 goals.

Last season, they won the league with 62 points, scoring 51 goals and conceding 18 while in 2019 they won with 70 points, scoring 62 goals and conceding just 13 goals. 

The number of goals that they have conceded this season shows that there is need for the team to sign new Centre-backs as the Coach agrees.

The Zimbabwean has hinted that they need to sign experienced Centre-backs as they are trying to build a team capable of competing at continental level.

“In the international matches that we are playing, remember we struggled a lot through the centre. We hope to try to lure experienced centre-backs so that maybe if we are playing second balls or even if we are playing international matches it won’t be a problem for us,"said Pasuwa. 

Sports Analyst, Erik Chiputula concurs with the Coach saying the main weakness of the team is lack of experienced and tall Centre-backs. 

"They are scoring more goals, but their weakness is their Centre-back. The height and physicality of their Centre-backs are not there. That's the only area that they need to beef up," said Chiputula.

Currently, Nyasa Big Bullets have Nixon Nyasulu, Kesten Simbi, Hadji Wali, John Lanjesi and Isaac Badu as Centre-backs but only three [Nyasulu, Simbi and Wali] are reliable as Lanjesi and Badu are prone to injuries.

BLUE EAGLES, MAFCO SHARE SPOILS

The Area 30-based Cops, Blue Eagles and Salima based Soldiers, Mafco walked away from Nankhaka ground with a point each after a 1-all stalemate. 

Richard Mbulu put the Soldiers in front before Gaddie Chirwa levelled the scores a minute later.

In the post match interviews,  Stereo Gondwe said the season was bad  but finishing in top 8 is a great achievement. 

"The season was very tough as we started very slow. We tried to polish up the team and finishing in top 8 is a great achievement. On today's game, collecting a point against Blue Eagles at their won turf, its a great achievement also, they beat us in the first round and our intention was to collect three points but we are happy with a point," said Gondwe.

On his part, Eliya Kananji said it was a good game but was happy to finish on position two.

"We will sit down to rectify where necessary. Otherwise,  it has been a good season, considering the fact that the team was fighting for survival last season. Our wish was to win the league but finishing second is also a great achievement for a team that finished 13th last season.

"Today, maybe the players were afraid of Mafco, but it happens in football,  we have learnt, we wanted to finish with 65 points but we are also happy with 63 points," said Kananji. 

Blue Eagles started the game on front foot and Gaddie Chirwa twice invited Blessings Kameza to a make  saves within the first 5 minutes. His second attempt came after he connected Micium Mhone's free-kick before Mafco responded with Joseph Donsa firing wide.

Paul Ndhovu came into Mafco's rescue as blocked Trouble Banda's deadly ball after Eagles broke through the right flank and Khadu conceded a corner that Richard Rapson swung high in the box but well defended.

After the two teams scored one each, Dan Chimbalanga headed over the bar from close-range as he connected Auspicious Kadzongolo's corner-kick. On the other hand, Eagles launched an attack that saw them being awarded a free-kick but Mhone's effort went straight into the palms of Kameza. 

Blue Eagles have finished on number 2 with 63 points. They have won 18 games, drawing 9 and losing three while Mafco have finished with 50 points on number 6. They have won 14 games, drawing 8 and losing 8.

Pasuwa: Without Management we would not have been where we are today

Nyasa Big Bullets Head Coach, Kalisto Pasuwa has heaped praise on to the team's management for the support that it has been providing the team with.

The people's team are finishing the 2022 tnm Super League today, [Saturday, 19th November] with a game against Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar Football Club at Kamuzu Stadium. 

Bullets have already sealed the Championship and they have only lost one game in 29 games this season. They also lost to Simba SC back-to-back twice in the 2022-23 TotalEnergies Caf Champions League. 

They have won it for the fourth time in four years and it is 6 times in 8 years with only Kamuzu Barracks and Mighty Wanderers winning the Super League since 2014.

During the pre-match pressing ahead of the game against Dedza which happens to be their last in the Super League, Pasuwa said everything has been going smoothly with the support from the management. 

“It’s something that firstly I would like to thank the management," said Pasuwa. "Without our management, we would not have been where we are today. You know teams are struggling and our management has been trying their best for us to be playing in the champions league, for us to be attending all the matches, for us to be having our winning bonuses, which have been coming in time. As a coach, it is an accolade in the house and something very impressive on my CV and I hope this will make me go stronger in terms of coaching football.”

Apart from the management, the Zimbabwean tactician also recognised the impact of their fans this season saying that the fans have been the 12th player in how we were doing our job.

"They were very patient enough when we were starting off the season," started Pasuwa. "We had a new team that we were building and you could see at times when we were playing at the start of the season, trying to grab the results, where the matches at times were not entertaining, but the support from the supporters was marvellous and they could push us to an extent of following us on outside games where we managed to pull through thick and thin. Truly from my heart, I would like to thank them so much for the support they gave us, I think this season belongs to them in terms of the support they were putting on us.”

A win over Dedza Stadium today will see the people's team breaking the 71-point record that they set in 2019. Pasuwa said he was not looking for that record.

"Maybe I was not looking at that, I was only concentrating on the games we were playing and you are reminding me, thank you very much. Yes, it’s a record but again, like I said, I mostly prepare to get a result when I meet any team coming," he added.

After the Super League, Pasuwa and his arsenals will shift their attention to Airtel Top 8 Cup as they are travelling to Karonga next week for a return match against the Crocodiles.

RUMOURS: Silver set to seal the transfer of three players

Rumours state that the Central Bankers, Silver Strikers have sealed the transfer of three players. Chawanangwa Gumbo, Gift Chungu from Ekwendeni Hammers and China Chirwa from TN Stars are said to have signed contracts with the team.

According to the source,  Leo Mpulura was captured in Mzuzu when Hammers were playing against Kamuzu Barracks where he was seen making conversations with the players. 

"Leo was in Mzuzu where he went to hold talks with both players and the Club. The deals are said to have been sealed and the players maybe in Bankers Camp," said the source. 

China Chirwa was in Lilongwe this week where he is reportedly to have sealed the move with the Club.

"China was at the Club and the he has signef a deal with the Club. He will play for the team next season, " added the source.

Chawanangwa Gumbo and Gift Chunga have been the consistent performers for Ekwendeni Hammers  helping the team to escape the relegation battle after having a difficult start to the season. Gumbo scored 7 goals this season and is expected to replace Gasten Phodo who has joined Nyasa Big Bullets. 


China Chirwa whose team has been relegated has been one of the exciting players in the league since its promotion into the elite league in 2018. He had trails with Mighty Mukuru Wanderers last season but he failed to clinch a deal with the Lali Luban based team. 

Senegal striker Sadio Mane ruled out for World Cup with injury

Senegal and Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane will not take part in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, his country's federation announced on Thursday.

Mane, 30, picked up the injury in Bayern's 6-1 win over Werder Bremen on Nov. 8. He was substituted on 20 minutes with the team describing it the day after the match as an injury to the head of the fibula bone in his lower right leg.

Despite the injury, Mane was still included in the Senegal squad for the World Cup and was expected to miss at least their first game of the tournament against the Netherlands on Nov. 20.

However, the team revealed in a news conference on Thursday that further scans on the two-time African player of the year showed he would require surgery for the injury and would not be able to play in Qatar.

"The latest news has arrived just now, and since the injury to Sadio Mane which happened on Nov. 8, we made contact very quickly with Bayern Munich to have the information," Senegal team doctor Manuel Afonso told reporters. "The next day, the club communicated to us the images of the first MRI he undertook, which showed an injury to his right knee and for which we went to examine the player and take another look at the images right at the heart of the club.

"This is why I travelled on the 10th and 11th of November to get all of his data. It was decided to undergo another MRI today [Nov. 17] to understand the evolution and determine whether or not it was possible for Sadio Mane to keep his place at the World Cup.

"And, sadly, today's MRI has shown that the evolution is not as favourable as we'd have imagined, and so we've resolved -- sadly -- to declare that Mane is forfeit for this World Cup, and normally a surgical intervention will be scheduled very shortly."

Bayern confirmed later on Thursday that Mane's surgery was successful and he would soon return to Munich.

"Sadio Mane underwent successful surgery in Innsbruck by Prof Christian Fink and Dr Andy Williams from London on Thursday evening," their statement read.

"During the operation, a tendon was reattached to the head of his right fibula. The FC Bayern forward will therefore no longer be available to play for Senegal at the World Cup and will begin his rehab in Munich in the next few days."

Senegal will face hosts Qatar and then Ecuador in Group A after their opener against the Dutch