The Cameroon defender requested his omission from the team’s opening league match against Sassuolo on Sunday. Torino president Urbano Cairo is furious about Nicolas N’Koulou’s situation at the club and has demanded the defender apologise to his teammates.

N’Koulou, who has been heavily linked with a move to league rivals Roma this summer, missed the Bull’s 2-1 win over Sassuolo on Sunday. The 29-year-old was reported to have requested his omission from Walter Mazarri’s team as he hopes to clear his future before the September 2 transfer deadline.

Even though Roma’s interest in N’Koulou continues to grow, Cairo said the Cameroon international – who has two years left on his contract – will not leave Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino this summer.

The former Monaco and Marseille centre-back moved to Italy in 2017 from Lyon and has established himself in the heart of Torino’s defence but his recent performances have been questioned.

“N’Koulou? He has a performance like the one against Wolverhampton, which wasn’t exceptional – you saw him on the third goal, and then he tells the manager he’s not mentally prepared after being called up,” Cairo told Tuttomercatoweb, per Roma Press.

“He should’ve told us a day sooner so we could play someone else.

“I said at the beginning of the transfer window that I will keep everyone, so he will also remain. Maybe he has other ideas, but he has a contract for another two years.

“N’Koulou must apologise to the club and to his teammates. Will he stay? For me, yes, I want to keep everyone.

“And as I said, he has a contract for another two years. I even met with his agent at Forte dei Marmi: we were talking all afternoon and even talked about adding a buyout clause.

“Is this a low blow from Petrachi? No, I don’t know this, but Roma aren’t even able to contact our players: there is a written agreement, if they do, they have to pay a penalty of €900,000.”

Source: Goal.com

It is an all-English final for the clash in Turkish capital Istanbul to decide who takes home the European Super Cup. In other words, which of the two sides will be crowned the best European club side.

The UEFA Super Cup is a tie between winners of the Champions League and Europa League, in this case; Liverpool and Chelsea respectively.

Liverpool defeated Tottenham by two unanswered goals in the Champions League final whiles Chelsea beat Arsenal by 4 goals to one. The then Chelsea manager Mauricio Sarri quit at the end of his first season in London following which Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was appointed.

It is a historic match given that for the first time a female referee Stephanie Frappart from France will handle a major UEFA competition final.

Liverpool go into the game with a big boost having won their first 2019/2020 Premier League game 4 – 1 against Norwich City. They, however approach this game without their first choice goalie, Allison Becker, who was injured in the game.

Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, will be hoping for a win to assuage the heavy Premier League loss to Manchester United. The Blues lost 4 – 0 at Old Trafford.

The game comes up at 7 pm GMT. It will feature three African players all on the side of Liverpool. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Joel Matip of Cameroon.

Speaking of the female referee feat, Chelsea manager said: “In terms of how much respect the (women’s) game is getting, how many people are watching it, the interest in the game…

“I think we were very slow everywhere on this and now we are trying to make strides and there’s a long way to go but in terms of tomorrow I think it’s a huge moment and it should be very well addressed and we’re all very pleased and I’m pleased that it’s a historical moment that is one more step in the right direction I’d say.”

Source: Africa News

Arsenal got to a winning start in the English Premier league thanks to a goal by Gabonese international Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. He was also voted Man of The Match.

The forward’s 58th minute strike was the difference between visiting Arsenal and their hosts Newcastle United. The game was Aubameyang’s 50th league appearance.

It effectively means, the league’s reigning top scorer has started the season and his defense of the golden boot on a good note.

In the 2018/2019 season, he emerged joint top scorer with 22 goals along with two other African compatriots: Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah – both with Liverpool.

Arsenal✔@Arsenal

ICE. COLD. #YoPierre

Another African involved for Arsenal on the day with new Ivorian signing Nicolas Pepe. Pepe whose transfer from Lille to Arsenal made him Africa’s most expensive signing was officially Arsenal’s 200th player in the league.

Arsenal placed fifth last season and lost the Europa League final to Chelsea. This season, Unai Emery’s side will still play in the Europa League with sights on Champions League football – i.e. a top four finish.

Source: Africa News

Harry Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender on Monday when Manchester United signed him for a reported fee of £80 million ($97 million).

“Manchester United is delighted to confirm the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City,” the club said in a statement on its website.

“Harry signs on a six-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year.”

The England international, 26, was strongly linked with both Manchester clubs over the summer but Leicester held out for their valuation and the fee surpasses the £75 million Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil Van Dijk in January 2018.

“I am delighted to have signed for this great club,” Maguire told United’s official website. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leicester and would like to thank everyone at the club, and the fans, for their fantastic support over the past two seasons.

“However, when Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity.

“From my conversations with the manager, I am excited about the vision and plans he has for the team. It’s clear to see that Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) is building a team to win trophies. I am now looking forward to meeting my new teammates and getting the season started.”

Source: AFP

Chelsea have won the Europa League after trouncing fellow Premier League side Arsenal 4-1 at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

After a goalless first half, the Blues found the breakthrough with a diving header by their French forward Olivier Giroud in the 49th minute.

Pedro then slotted into the right corner on the hour mark to double Chelsea’s lead.
 
Five minutes later, Eden Hazard put Maurizio Sarri’s men out of sight from the penalty spot after Giroud was brought down in the area.

Alex Iwobi gave the Gunners a glimmer of hope in the 69th minute with a sublime volley from outside the box.
 
But Hazard promptly crushed any aspirations of an Arsenal comeback after sweeping the ball home from close range to give Chelsea their 3rd European title in seven years.

MANCHESTER UNITED have failed in a bid for Ajax keeper Andre Onana, it has been claimed.

United are said to have seen an offer of £35million knocked back by the Dutch giants for the Cameroon international.

The Daily Record claims the Old Trafford club made their move amid ongoing concerns over the future of David De Gea at the club.

And it remains to be seen if they will return with an improved bid as the major overhaul at United starts to begin kicking into gear.

Onana, 25,  has been an impressive performer for club and country over the past few years, leading to him catching the eye of Red Devils scouts.

But the fact the club have gone as far as making an offer suggests there is huge doubt over the long-term prospects for De Gea.

The Spanish international is about to enter the final year of his existing deal with the club who are desperate for him to commit his future there.

STALLED

But talks over a new £350,000-a-week deal have stalled in recent months, at the same time De Gea lost his form and made a series of high-profile mistakes.

There were even calls for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to drop the 28-year-old as his errors played a part in the exit from the Champions League and then the fall down to sixth in the Premier League.

United only qualifying for the Europa League next season, and Solskjaer admitting the club need a miracle to be challenging for the title next year, will also have been noted by De Gea who wants to be playing at the top level now he is in the peak years of his career.

Paris Saint-Germain have been monitoring his progress closely and United know they face a decision over whether to sell him this summer while they can still command a fee of risk losing him on a free transfer in 12 months.

Onana is regarded as a top class keeper who has been watched by a number of sides across Europe, and crucially he is still relatively young and has plenty of his best years ahead of him.

That means he fits the mould of the type of player Solskjaer and the United board want to sign as they try to build a new-look side of young players with promise.

Source: The Sun UK

The African stars were on parade at Feyenoord Stadium as the Sons of Gods lifted their ninth Cup title on Sunday

Morocco duo Hakim Ziyech, Noussair Mazraoui and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana helped Ajax win the Dutch Cup with a 4-0 win over Willem II.

Ziyech provided an assist for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to double Ajax’s lead a minute after Daley Blind opened the scoring in the 38th minute.

After the restart, Huntelaar bagged his brace in the 67th minute before Mazraoui assisted Rasmus Kristensen for the fourth goal in the 76th minute.

Ziyech was later replaced by David Neres in the 58th minute as Onana kept a clean sheet for the Amsterdam outfit.

The trio will hope to maintain their fine form when Ajax host Tottenham Hotspur for the return fixture of their Uefa Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

Ziyech and Mazraoui are expected to play a part in Morocco’s campaign at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Atlas Lions have dates set against Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Namibia in Group D while Onana’s Cameroon have been drawn against Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Benin in Group F.

Source: Goal.com

Lionel Messi left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach their second Champions League final in as many years as his brace helped Barcelona win a pulsating Champions League semi-final first leg 3-0 on Wednesday.

Barca have one foot in next month’s final ahead of Tuesday’s second leg at Anfield after former Reds striker Luis Suarez gave Barca the lead during a breathless opening 45 minutes before Messi struck twice late on, the second a stunning free-kick and his 600th Barca goal.

Jurgen Klopp could only smile after Messi’s curling shot nestled in the top corner but this result was harsh on his side.

They matched Barcelona in the first half, dominated them early in the second and could still have left with an away goal after Messi’s deadly double, only for Mohamed Salah to hit the post.

But Messi and Suarez did what they have done all season, their tallies now at 47 and 27 goals respectively in all competitions.

It had been a breathtaking contest befitting two of Europe’s most exhilarating teams. The first half was electric, a reel of chances, breaks and blocks, while the second was tense, a tactical battle where Barca dared Liverpool to over-exert.

The comeback will be even tougher for them given Barcelona, with La Liga wrapped up, will surely rest a host of players against Celta Vigo this weekend while Liverpool, a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, will have to be at full throttle again away at Newcastle on Saturday.

Scintillating

Messi was already fresh, after playing just over half the La Liga minutes he could have done in April, and he looked sharp early on, weaving through the centre while for Liverpool, the sensational Sadio Mane raced down the left.

The attacks were scintillating but the defending was good too. Andy Robertson scrambled across to block Messi’s finish from six yards and moments later it was Sergi Roberto on the slide, preventing Mane from racing clear.

Messi wanted a penalty when the ball jumped up on Joel Matip and Naby Keita went off injured in the 25th minute, replaced by Jordan Henderson.

A minute later came the goal. Arturo Vidal sprayed the ball left to Philippe Coutinho, who cushioned back for Jordi Alba. Alba shaped to cross but instead curved a perfectly weighted pass to the near post, where Suarez nipped in.

Liverpool came again. Mane scampered in behind then flicked the ball round Sergio Busquets. He should have scored too, Henderson’s cross finding him free from eight yards but the shot flew over.

Barca took control just as Suarez began to lose it, irked by James Milner barging Messi into the sideboards after the Argentinian had danced past Robertson.

But Liverpool were re-energised at the start of the second half. Marc-Andre ter Stegen pushed away shots from Milner and Mohamed Salah, then held a Milner drive.

Then Messi took the wind out of Liverpool’s sails, striking twice in seven minutes. His own run started the first, setting Sergi free to square to Suarez. Off balance, Suarez could only volley against the crossbar but the ball came back for Messi, who chested and finished into an open net.

Two was hard on Liverpool but Messi was not done. The free-kick was central, 30 yards out, and he whipped it over the wall and into the top corner.

Barca were delirious but Liverpool almost grabbed an away goal when a clearance on the line fell kindly for Salah, who hammered against the post and left Liverpool with little hope of making the Madrid final.

(AFP)

The impressive performance by the Cameroonian against the English team impressed football fans on social media on Tuesday night

Andre Onana amazed the continent in the form of a clean slate, as Ajax stunned Tottenham 1-0 in England.

Donny van de Beek’s early strike earned the Dutch side a first-leg advantage ahead of the return leg in Amsterdam.

The 23-year-old put in a good shift as he made crucial saves to deny Mauricio Pochettino’s men any chance to bounce back.

It was the type of performance that left football fans on Twitter salivating for more.

AFC Ajax✔@AFCAjax · 9h

90+3. Intense first chapter! #UCL #totaja

Keith R.@keith_rich

What a perfect name for a goalkeeper. Andre Onana. Everytime a player tries to score a goal. Onana, not this time. Good try tho.411:11 PM – Apr 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee Keith R.’s other TweetsView image on Twitter

Mesfouf & Koshary@MesfoufKoshary

André Onana with a clean sheet on the road in the Champions League semi-finals, the 23-year old was very reassuring in net all game long, excellent showing by the Samuel Eto’o Academy product 210:42 PM – Apr 30, 2019See Mesfouf & Koshary’s other TweetsTwitter Ads info and privacy

Denzil@KingOfTooting

Andre Onana was superb tonight and I wish more keepers would dominate their box like that. Takes so much pressure off the defence. As for the time wasting, if it was your keeper what would you think?10:25 PM – Apr 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee Denzil’s other Tweets

Dan @TheDanAlden

Fairly certain Andre Onana is now my favourite keeper ever. How livid he made the Tottenham fans with some outrageous time wasting. Hero10:00 PM – Apr 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee Dan ‘s other Tweets

ADAMU MUFTAWU@muftymufty15

My money on Andre Onana for Cameroon number 1 to 2019 AFCON.59:48 PM – Apr 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee ADAMU MUFTAWU’s other Tweets

Nico “Oyabin”@NicoSulky

Andre Onana is the keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga thinks he is. #AFC #CFC210:00 PM – Apr 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee Nico “Oyabin”‘s other Tweets

Muhammad sir_Larm@sirlarm

Andre Onana of Ajax is better than David De gea9:27 PM – Apr 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee Muhammad sir_Larm’s other Tweets

Conor@ConorM67_

Andre Onana is now my new fave keeper for no other reason than just how much he gets Jermaine Jenas raging.199:49 PM – Apr 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee Conor’s other Tweets

Dela Michael@Delraiser

Thomas N’kono, Joseph-Antoine Bell, Jacques Songo’o, Carlos Kameni. Boy!!! Cameroon has produced some very fine goalkeepers in the past. André Onana has got some tough acts to follow but he’s on track.29:03 PM – Apr 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee Dela Michael’s other Tweets

Petyr Okurut@okurutsimp94

Andre Onana the last African goal keeper still standing tall in Europe’s top leagues taking over from the great Kameni #totaja #ajax58:44 PM – Apr 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee Petyr Okurut’s other Tweets

Rocksteady@ShardGooner

Andre Onana 8:42 PM – Apr 30, 2019

Source: Goal.com