Desportspastor Blog

Kyle Walker marked his 100th Premier League appearance for Manchester City with a goal against his former club as Pep Guardiola's side beat Sheffield United. The right-back, who came through the ranks at the Blades, struck midway through the first half with a superb long-range strike. It was a deserved goal for a Manchester City side who dominated the first half, and they could have added another but for an excellent save by Aaron Ramsdale from Ferran Torres' header. Ramsdale did well again in the second half when he dived at full stretch to keep out a Riyad Mahrez free-kick. But from then on the visitors struggled to find a second goal that would kill the game off and United should have capitalised when substitute John Lundstram fired just over from Sander Berge's cross. That was as close as the Blades came as City took their third league win of the season to move into the top half of the table. Sheffield United remain winless and in the relegation zone with ju

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said he is "really excited" by Hakim Ziyech after the new arrival grabbed a goal and an assist in a comfortable victory over winless Burnley at Turf Moor. Making his first league start for the Blues, Ziyech wrong-footed Burnley keeper Nick Pope, expertly dispatching Tammy Abraham's lay-off in the 26th minute to net his first Premier League goal. Defender Kurt Zouma doubled the advantage just after the hour mark, rising highest to head home a Mason Mount corner. And Morocco international Ziyech then turned provider seven minutes later, sliding through Timo Werner who side-footed an effort beyond the onrushing Pope. "I'm really impressed and really excited. I could see his personality and work-rate off the ball," Lampard said. "That bit of quality gives us something different." Chelsea rise to fourth while Burnley remain 18th in the table, with Ashley Barnes missing one of the Clarets' few chances when th

Eden Hazard scored his first goal for more than a year as Real Madrid moved to the top of La Liga with an emphatic win over Huesca. The Belgian opened the scoring with a superb left-foot shot into the left corner from outside the penalty area. France forward Karim Benzema scored twice for the hosts, with Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde getting their other goal. David Ferreiro scored the visitors' only goal. Real, who had lost their previous two home fixtures, made a slow start and were fortunate not to fall behind against a Huesca side without a league win this season. However, Hazard's goal sparked Zinedine Zidane's side into life and Benzema's neat left-foot finish then doubled their lead. The pair then combined to lay on the third for Valverde, with Benzema rounding off the scoring with a header after Ferreiro's tap-in. Real are now two points clear of Real Sociedad and Cadiz at the top of the table, with Sociedad scheduled to face Celta Vigo on

Barcelona failed to win for the fourth successive La Liga game after being held by 10-man Alaves. The hosts, who started the day 15th in the table, took a surprise lead when Brazilian keeper Neto was dispossessed by Luis Rioja. Ansu Fati was denied a goal on his 18th birthday by Fernando Pacheco's excellent save, while Griezmann had a goal ruled out. Pacheco frustrated Barca with further saves to keep out Lionel Messi, Miralem Pjanic and Sergino Dest. Barcelona trail leaders Real Madrid by eight points in La Liga after dropping 10 points in six games. "We are very angry because we really wanted the three points and we have to improve a lot," said Griezmann. "We are missing a lot of chances, me more than anyone, but it's still early in the season and I know we're going to get better."

Substitute Diogo Jota scored for the third straight game as Liverpool came from behind to beat in-form West Ham and go top of the Premier League table. In an intriguing encounter, the Hammers took an early lead through Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals' smart finish, which clipped the post on its way in after a poor headed clearance by Joe Gomez. That was the 15th goal Liverpool have conceded in seven games this season - as many as Chelsea let in all season on their way to the title in 2004-05. Jurgen Klopp's side were level shortly before half-time, Arthur Masuaku's foul on Mohamed Salah allowing the Egypt forward to equalise from the penalty spot with Liverpool's first attempt on target. But the Reds, who gave a league debut to central defender Nathaniel Phillips in the absence of injured trio Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Fabinho, found it tough going. Jota a £41m September, netted in the 85th minute after a smart pass by fellow substitute Xherdan Shaqiri - mo

During his absence he missed two Serie A games, plus the Italian champions' first two European matches. Ronaldo last featured against France in the Nations League on 11 October. Prior to his positive test, Ronaldo had scored three goals in Juventus' first two league games. The Champions League group-stage draw had set up the possibility of Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi - with 11 Ballon d'Or awards between them - being reunited on the same pitch for the first time in two years. Their next opportunity to do so will be in the reverse fixture on Tuesday, 8 December at the Nou Camp. Andrea Pirlo's Juventus face Spezia in Serie A on Sunday (14:00 GMT)

Ex-Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke (left) had been on trial, along with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been cleared of corruption after a trial in Switzerland. Al-Khelaifi, who is also chairman of the BeIN media group, had been accused of giving gifts to former Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke, in order to secure broadcast rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. Valcke was found guilty of forging documents relating to TV rights. He was given a 120-day suspended sentence. The Frenchman was also ordered to pay Fifa about 1.65m euros (£1.48m) in restitution. Valcke was cleared of accepting bribes and criminal mismanagement after a trial at the Swiss Federal Criminal Court. Prosecutors had called for a three-year prison sentence. Al-Khelaifi had been charged with inciting Valcke to commit aggravated criminal mismanagement in connection with his role with BeIN Sports. The Qatari businessman, who sits on the Uefa execu

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has had a "successful" operation on his knee ligament injury, the club say. The 29-year-old has not played since damaging anterior cruciate ligament  (ACL) in a challenge with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 2-2 Premier League draw on 17 October. Liverpool said "no timeframe has been placed" on Van Dijk's return. "This time [after an operation] is always unpleasant. He is good as good as can be," said manager Jurgen Klopp. "The surgery was successful, which is really good, the best news we could get." Returning to action after ACL surgery can take several months.

The Confederation of African Football President Ahmad Ahmad has tested positive for coronavirus on Friday. Ahmad showed mild flu symptoms following his return to Cairo on Wednesday, after his recent trip to Morocco where he watched the Caf Confederation Cup final between Pyramids and RSB Berkane on Sunday. Ahmad has immediately started his 14-day quarantine at his hotel in the Egyptian capital, to contain the spread of the virus. “After his arrival in Cairo on Wednesday October 28, Mr. Ahmad Ahmad, President of CAF, presented mild flu symptoms, and submitted to the Covid19 protocol,” Caf Statement read. “Today, the test results are positive. The President immediately self-isolate for at least the next 14 days at his hotel. “All those who have come into contact with Mr. Ahmad over the past seven days - especially during his trip to Morocco for the Confederation Cup - have been informed and requested to take the necessary measures.”

Manchester United's Brazil left-back Alex Telles has tested positive for coronavirus. Telles, who joined United from Porto on a four-year contract earlier this month, did not feature in the 5-0 win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday. The Old Trafford club tweeted: "We wish him a speedy recovery and a swift return to the group." The 27-year-old defender will now self-isolate for a period of 10 days. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made Telles one of his new-season signings for a fee of 15m euros (£13.6m), plus 2m euros in add-ons.  

The French Football Federation (FFF) has also halted all amateur football. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a second national lockdown until at least the end of November. The top three tiers of men's football - Ligue 1, Ligue 2 and the National - and the women's top flight can continue, as can international football matches. Sports minister Roxana Maracineanu has said elite sport can continue behind closed doors. "The FFF decided to suspend all leagues, districts and national championships competitions National 3, National 2, Women's D2, the French Cup for men and women, and national youth championships (male and female) until Tuesday, 1 December," All matches that cannot be played during this period will be postponed to later dates, depending on the evolution of the health situation." From Friday, people in France will only be allowed to leave home for essential work or medical reasons. Covid daily deaths in France are at the

Tottenham slipped to a first away defeat since July after a mistake by Ben Davies helped Royal Antwerp leapfrog their Europa League opponents to go top of Group J. Davies, making his 200th Spurs appearance, was easily dispossessed by Dieumerci Mbokani, whose pass allowed Lior Refaelov to smash past Hugo Lloris. Flat and uninspired, Spurs struggled to carve out chances and Jose Mourinho made four changes at the start of the second half in an attempt to inject some urgency into his side. But it could have been worse for Tottenham, Mbokani somehow blazing over from three yards out before Harry Kane was sent on in an attempt to rescue the game. Simen Juklerod also missed a fine chance for the hosts after being sent clean through as Spurs failed to score for the first time since the opening weekend of the season. Mourinho's side are three points behind Royal Antwerp in Group J after two games, level on points with Austrian side LASK, who beat Ludogorets 4-3.

Arsenal's squad players impressed boss Mikel Arteta as they eventually broke Dundalk's resistance to win their Europa League group game at Emirates Stadium. Eddie Nketiah pounced from close range to give the Gunners the lead and Joe Willock blasted a shot into the roof of the net 125 seconds later. Nicolas Pepe's brilliant effort from the edge of the box seconds after the restart killed the game off. They cruised after that but could not add a fourth against the Irish side. "We gave a chance to a lot of players who haven't played many minutes this season and it is something really positive because they showed they are well-prepared, they are at it, and they are ready when we need them," Arteta said. "They are always in the frame to play. It is not if we lose or win, it is what they bring to the team." Arsenal - who had never faced a side from the Republic of Ireland before - have now won both their opening Europa League games, whil

Jose Mourinho said "my future choices are going to be very easy" after Tottenham's surprise 1-0 Europa League Group J defeat by Royal Antwerp. Mourinho made four changes at half-time after appearing to lose patience with some of his fringe players in Belgium. Dele Alli, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani lo Celso and Carlos Vinicius were all replaced at the break, although the changes did not salvage a point. "I would like to have made 11 changes at half-time," said Mourinho. England midfielder Alli, 24, has started three matches this season and been replaced at half-time in two of them. This was the first time he had been in the starting XI for more than a month. "I don't want to analyse individuals. I don't like to do that," added Mourinho following his side's first defeat since the opening weekend of the season. "We have a big squad with lots of good players. "It's my responsibility to give them opportunities to play and catc

Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has called up Captain Ahmed Musa, defender William Ekong, midfield enforcer Oghenekaro Etebo and 21 others for next month’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying quick-fire double against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone. Defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forwards Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Chidera Ejuke are also called. Nigeria’s leading marksman in the series, Victor Osimhen returns after missing out of this month’s friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia, just as midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and South Africa –based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi. Switzerland –based goalkeeper Sebastian Osigwe will hope to earn his first cap for Nigeria, while defenders Kevin Akpoguma and Zaidu Sanusi, who impressed in the friendlies in Austria, have been handed opportunities to add to their caps. There are seven players on standby, including defender Abdullahi Shehu, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, midfielders Ramon Azeez

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad Ahmad has confirmed his candidacy for re-election. The Malagasy football administrator submitted his candidacy to serve a second term in office when elections take place in March 2021. It has been reported that Ahmad has received endorsement from 46 African Federations, who are backing him. “I accepted to be a candidate while listening to the presidents of the federation, around 46 of whom asked me after receiving my assessment of my initial mandate,” Ahmad told BBC Sport Africa. “As I have previously announced, I said I would pursue a second mandate if the need was there. “This is an outcome of working together, of management which involves everybody, which has been happening since 2017.” Ahmad was elected CAF president three years ago and he ended Cameroonian football administrator Issa Hayatou’s 29-year reign as the organisation’s leader. The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick recently confirm

The Pride Of Lagos will welcome Delta Queens to the Agege Township Stadium in the 2020/2021 NWFL season opener on December 9, 2020. The draw ceremony  was held at the Conference room of the new NWFL Secretariat in Abuja. While reacting to the draws, DreamStar FC Ladies Captain, Judith Nwaogu expressed optimism about the team's chances against Delta Queens. "I'm excited that football will return again after the covid-19 enforced break, I can't wait for the NWFL to start, we are battle ready to face Delta Queens" Nwaogu also opined that football will not remain the same with the absence of fans in the stadium. "It will be strange without our teeming supporters, We will miss our fans, but we want to assure them of our commitment and topmost performances when the league starts in December". Nwaogu played a vital role during the 2018/2019 NWFL season leading the Galacticas to NWFL safety and also showed her impeccable leadership qualities.

Hakim Ziyech scored his first Chelsea goal as Frank Lampard's side picked up three points in an emphatic Champions League win in Russia. Ziyech, 27, swept in on his first start for the club to add to goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic as Chelsea returned to goalscoring ways in style. Back-to-back goalless draws had signalled that Lampard had made strides in sorting out his side's defence, and while they will face tougher opposition than Russian new boys Krasnodar, the manager will be delighted that his attacking riches also kicked into gear after midfielder Jorginho had missed an early penalty. Four points from two games is a solid start to their Champions League campaign and despite their run of draws Chelsea have now lost just once in 10 games this term.

Everton forward Moise Kean scored twice as Paris St-Germain recovered from losing Neymar to injury to beat Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League. PSG were not at their best but went ahead in the second half when Kean, on loan from the Toffees, headed in. Neymar had gone off midway through the first half after appearing to pull a muscle. Kean then got his second with a fine finish on the turn inside the box. The result was a little harsh on the hard-working hosts, who had the better chances before Kean first struck. Shortly before PSG's goal, Edin Visca had forced a good save out of goalkeeper Keylor Navas after capitalising on a defensive error. Navas made another good save to prevent the hosts from equalising, batting away Deniz Turuc's stinging half-volley on the run.  

Ronaldo made a typically blistering start to the season with three goals in Juventus' first two games but he has not been involved since 27 September after testing positive for coronavirus. The Italians are certainly feeling his absence having now managed to win just once in the four games without him. They lacked a real cutting edge against Barcelona, failing to register a single shot on target in the entirety of this game. The hosts may feel aggrieved that Morata had every one of his strikes ruled out, but ultimately Barcelona were deserved winners for a dominant display. Stats Barcelona have only suffered one defeat in their last 18 Uefa Champions League group stage games on the road, going unbeaten in each of the last 11. Juventus' loss to Barcelona was just their second home defeat in their last 25 Champions League group stage games, the other a 2-1 loss to Manchester United in November 2018. Juventus failed to record a shot on target in a Champions League home gam

Barcelona provided "the best response" to the "turmoil" off the pitch by convincingly beating Juventus in the Champions League, says midfielder Sergi Roberto. It has been a whirlwind few days for the Spanish giants as they lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in El Clasico on Saturday before the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu announced his resignation on Tuesday. However, they made it two wins from two in this season's Champions League group stage with goals from Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi seeing off a poor Juventus side, who had Merih Demiral sent off late on for picking up a second yellow card. "The best response we could give to the turmoil at the club is a display like this," said Roberto. "Everybody has been talking a lot but the team simply want to win games." Dembele opened the scoring when his deflected shot looped over Wojciech Szczesny in the Juventus goal. Messi then wrapped up the win in stoppage time when he coolly

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score a clinical hat-trick as Manchester United continued their recent momentum by taking apart RB Leipzig in the Champions League. England international Rashford came on just after the hour mark and netted three goals in 16 minutes, first running clear to calmly slot in, then smashing in a terrific second, before drilling home a third in stoppage time. Teenage forward Mason Greenwood scored his first goal in the competition, latching onto Paul Pogba's defence-splitting pass before drilling a precise, low finish into the far corner. Greenwood produced another thumping effort straight at Peter Gulasci, while the visiting goalkeeper also kept out Anthony Martial's poked effort. But when Martial was tripped in the box with three minutes to go, he converted the penalty to score his first goal of the season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side backed up their excellent win at Paris St-Germain in their opening game by collecting another impress

The 2020 Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu Preseason Committee on Wednesday received the support of the both the Abia State Secretary of the Government Barrister Chris Ezem and the Chief of Staff to the Governor Barrister ACB Agbazuere. Receiving the committee members in his office, the Secretary of the Government expressed optimism on the ability of the Committee to deliver a good tournament that the Governor will be proud of. He commended  the initiators of the tournament, saying that that will surely bring out the best in all the teams that would participate in the tournament. Earlier the Leader of the delegation, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Chief Emeka Ikwuagwu said the tournament was conceived as a way of ensuring that teams prepare adequately for the new season, moreover after the over nine months post covid-19 break. Receiving the Committee in his office, the Chief of Staff to the Governor Barrister ACB Agbazuere (PHD, Law) promised the full support of Abia state governm