Tag Futebol

Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the Test leg of India’s tour of South Africa with an injury to his left hamstring. The Gujarat opener Priyank Panchal has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Rohit suffered the injury during a net session before the India squad entered quarantine in Mumbai, from where they are scheduled to travel to South Africa this week.For Rohit, this is the second major tour affected by injury in the last 12 months. He only featured in the third and fourth Tests of India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia, missing the first two Tests due to a hamstring injury picked up during IPL 2020.Related

• Ganguly on Kohli's captaincy comments: 'Leave it to BCCI'

• Kohli: Was told I wouldn't be ODI captain hour-and-a-half before SA Test squad was announced

• Rohit replaces Kohli as ODI captain, takes over from Rahane as Test vice-captain

• Rohit Sharma's ascent to ODI captaincy predictable and sensible

• Quinton de Kock set to miss part of India Test series on paternity leave

Rohit’s absence will be a blow to India’s preparations given he has been their highest Test run-getter in 2021, and one of only two batters – Rishabh Pant being the other – with a 40-plus average from 10 or more innings. Since moving to the top of the order during the home series against South Africa in 2019, Rohit has scored 1462 runs in 16 Tests at an average of 58.48, with five centuries including, most recently, a Player-of-the-Match-winning 127 in India’s win at The Oval in September.KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal are the other openers in India’s Test squad apart from the uncapped Panchal.Rohit had also been named vice-captain of the Test squad, apart from taking over as full-time captain in the white-ball formats.It remains to be seen if India will hand the vice-captaincy back to the out-of-form Ajinkya Rahane, or name a new deputy to Virat Kohli. It is learned that the selectors are deliberating over Rohit’s availability for the three ODIs that follow the Test series. A decision is likely to be taken this week.Priyank Panchal captained India A in two of their three recent four-day games in South Africa•Cricket South Africa

This isn’t Panchal’s maiden call-up to the Test squad. Earlier this year he was part of an extended India squad that took on England in four Tests at home. Panchal, who is 31 and leads Gujarat in domestic cricket, was among the reserve openers for that series alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran.While Panchal is a relative unknown to the wider public, he has been one of the regulars for India A over the last few years. A veteran of 100 first-class matches, Panchal was most-recently part of India A’s shadow tour of South Africa, where he captained the team in two of the three four-day games in Bloemfontein. He made scores of 96, 24 and 0 in his three innings on tour.Panchal’s stocks rose significantly since his breakout Ranji Trophy season in 2016-17, where he topped the run charts with 1310 runs in 17 innings at an average of 87.33. His first-class highest, an unbeaten 314, came against Punjab that season. Those runs were part of a historic run for Gujarat, who clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title. Following Parthiv Patel’s retirement last year, Panchal took over the Gujarat captaincy.

Liverpool stars paid a visit to a young Wrexham fan battling a rare form of cancer and jokingly tried to get him to switch his footballing allegiance.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Liverpool visit children's hospitalCheck in on young Wrexham fanTry to get him to switch teamsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

During Liverpool's annual visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for their festive meet and greet, a number of players met Archie White, who has a rare form of cancer called myeloid sarcoma. The 12-year-old is an avid Wrexham fan and has the club's flags and shirts around his bed. When Reds star Curtis Jones checked in on the youngster, he cheekily tried to get him to support Liverpool instead. Archie also admitted he was blown away getting a visit from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT ARCHIE AND THE LIVERPOOL PLAYERS SAID

The clip begins with Archie introducing himself, that he lives in Wrexham and supports the club. The exchange follows below…

Jones begins by saying, "Hello, hello. We're going to have a tough job here, I can see. We've got a big job on our hands of trying to make you a fan of us, haven't we?"

Archie told the camera crew: "I was nervous but it was very, very good. I enjoyed it. [Virgil] Van Dijk [was the best player to meet]."

When Van Dijk visited his bedside, he said: "I've got someone here to talk to you Max," while holding up his phone for a video call.

Getty Images/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

This is not the first time Archie, who has a cancer that affects less than one in a million children, has enjoyed a special visit this year. Wrexham forward Ollie Palmer popped in last month and co-owner Rob McElhenney had a video call with him as well. So, for all of the Liverpool squad's efforts, it may be a hard task convincing him to switch teams.

Aston Villa have now tabled an offer to sign a forward who models his game on Sergio Aguero, it has been reported, with Unai Emery's side already handed an answer.

Villa reconsidering attacking additions

After Ollie Watkins' exceptional Premier League season at Villa Park, the priority was to find a suitable backup for the England international this summer. But that depended on outgoings. For much of the summer it looked promising, with Jhon Duran drawing interest from first Chelsea and then West Ham United in recent weeks.

However, the pair have looked elsewhere after it proved difficult to meet Aston Villa's £40m valuation of the Colombian striker, with West Ham signing Niclas Fullkrug and Chelsea in advanced talks to sign Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion.

It has left Villa with Duran still at the club ahead of their Premier League opener against West Ham at the London Stadium. Recalled striker Cameron Archer is also in situ and there is little room to sign an expensive new striker to compete with Watkins or provide high quality cover in instances where the Englishman is injured or unfit.

Perfect for UCL: Aston Villa want £325k-p/w "phenomenon" who's like Benteke

He is set to leave his club this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 8, 2024

As a result, they could now have to pivot their transfer plans to sign a younger, less experienced striker for a lower fee and attempt to turn them into the next superstar, much like they did with the likes of Ezri Konsa in defence. And reports in Turkey suggest they may have found their man.

Villa table offer for teenage striker

That comes with Villa one of two clubs who have reportedly tabled an opening offer to sign highly-rated Turkey striker Semih Kilicsoy this summer. The 18-year-old can play across the frontline, with Besiktas using him as a left-winger and a striker across the 2023/24 campaign.

That was his breakthrough season in Turkey, with Kilicsoy making 23 appearances in the Super Lig and grabbing 12 goals in the process, a run of form that saw him handed his debut for the Turkish national team ahead of EURO 2024 and named as part of Vincenzo Montella's squad for the competition, though he played just a single minute.

Semih Kilicsoy's 23/24 season (all competitions)

Appearances

35

Starts

24

Goals

12

Assists

3

Minutes per goal/assist

139

Speaking earlier in the season, Besiktas football academy director Mehmet Eksi likened him to Gerd Muller, but revealed Kilicsoy himself prefers another comparison.

"As youth coaches, we compare Semih to Gerd Müller. Some compared him to Agüero. He also sees Agüero as his idol", he explained.

Now, Turkish outlet Sabah reveal that Fulham and Aston Villa have both tabled bids for his services this summer, with Emery's reported offer around 18m euros (£15.4m). However, they add that both have been knocked back, with Kilicsoy still having four years left to run on his £8,000 a week deal in Turkey and Besiktas in no rush to part ways with him.

It is unclear whether either side will return for the teenager in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, but should they opt not to and the striker enjoys another strong season, they could well see themselves muscled out by other suitors in 12 months time.

England Lions XI make 226 for 4 against potential Test attack featuring Stokes, Anderson and Broad

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Dec-2021

Ben Stokes was back in action•AFP

Ben Stokes was England’s most-successful bowler as the Brisbane rains finally relented, allowing the tourists their most significant warm-up action since arriving in Australia.Stokes claimed 2 for 31 from 10 overs in his first red-ball outing since appearing for Durham in July, as an England Lions XI batted through the scheduled third day at Ian Healy Oval. Three batters retired their innings not out in order to give others an opportunity, with Liam Norwell and captain Joe Root the other England XI bowlers to take wickets.Both sides featured 13 players, with Alex Lees captaining the Lions. Lees and Zak Crawley batted through the first session against a potential Test attack of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach and Stokes, with Saqib Mahmood also involved for England.Lees was first to retire, before Stokes struck to remove Crawley, the top-scorer for the Lions XI with 45. Dan Lawrence did not last long, removed by Norwell for 1, but Ollie Pope spent some time in the middle before falling to Root’s offspin.James Bracey and Tom Abell kept the bowlers at bay before retiring not out, and Stokes claimed his second wicket when dismissing Chris Woakes late on.Following four straight days of washed-out practice across two fixtures in Brisbane, England managed to get through 78 overs, with Anderson bowling eight, Broad 11 and Robinson 12, while Leach also went wicketless from his 18 overs.

Liverpool are yet to conclude any business since Arne Slot took over as manager but fear not, we are still a while yet from the Premier League recommending in August.

Tears were shed when Jurgen Klopp departed Anfield in May, but this is a great chance for a reset in Merseyside.

Manchester City and Arsenal have been the dominant sides in the top-flight over the last two years but it's time that Slot put the Reds back in the conversation.

They fell away towards the end of last term but with some more firepower and more defensive solidity, they should be right back up there.

So, who could they sign? Well, they've already turned down Newcastle star Anthony Gordon, although there is a belief according to reports that they could go back in for him.

Another player happens to be his England colleague Marc Guehi.

The latest on Marc Guehi's future

Next summer could see three vital players leave Anfield behind. All of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are out of contract. Of the three, you sense that Salah could be the first to jump ship.

However, if the latter takes his leave, they will need reinforcements. They may even need them before he departs.

One option could be Crystal Palace's Guehi. Slapped with an asking price of £65m, he has been the subject of interest from Liverpool in recent weeks, although considering his performances at Euro 2024, his signature could now be harder to obtain.

There also appears to be interest from Tottenham so if Richard Hughes and Co do make a move, it won't be straightforward to get over the line.

What Heskey has said about Marc Guehi

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of 888sport, Emile Heskey chatted to us about Liverpool's recruitment for this summer.

Asked about Guehi's displays, he was left incredibly impressed with the centre-back's level of performance in Germany this summer.

Although suspended for the quarter-final clash with Switzerland, he has been a rock at the heart of England's backline, taking Harry Maguire's left-centre back role and making it his own.

"He has looked so composed and assured," Heskey began. "I’ve been very impressed with him and he’s been one of England’s best players of the tournament so far. He has been solid in every game and formed an excellent partnership with John Stones at centre-back."

Marc Guehi at Euro 2024
Games played	4
Clean sheets	2
Touches *	91.8
Pass accuracy	93%
Interceptions *	0.5
Tackles *	0.5
Ball recoveries *	5
Duels won *	4
Yellow cards	2
Stats via Sofascore (* = per game)

The defender has only been a bit part of England squads in recent international breaks but he has now become a mainstay, something that has left the former Liverpool striker gushing.

Heskey continued: "Not playing a competitive game for England before at a major tournament, you have to say Guehi has been mightily impressive with the calmness he has shown throughout each game so far in the competition."

So, would he be a good signing for Slot? Heskey – who played for the Three Lions on 62 occasions – concluded: "He would be superb alongside Van Dijk. There is no better centre-back to learn from than him and it would take his game to the next level.

"Guehi has been so comfortable bringing the ball out from defence, he has good pace as well, so this would work well at Liverpool should it happen."

The Palace star did struggle with injury last term but featured on 25 occasions in the league, also captaining the club at times.

Emile Heskey backs Liverpool to sign "exciting" £70m PL star

Emile Heskey was speaking to Football FanCast this week.

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 7, 2024

Singh said he had to listen to his body after a bout of Covid-19 left him feeling weak

Shashank Kishore10-Jul-2021Former India fast bowler Pankaj Singh, 36, has retired from all forms of cricket, thereby ending his professional career that spanned nearly 17 years. Singh said he had to listen to his body after a bout of Covid-19 left him feeling weak.”I was down with Covid, and once I recovered, the post-Covid symptoms left me drained,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “Also, when I looked at where I stand, I felt I wouldn’t have added anything by pushing on for one more year. During the previous domestic season itself I realised it’s hard to come out after months of not playing. Training and conditioning to play a full season seemed tough, so I thought I should listen to my body and retire.”First called in to the Indian Test squad on their tour of Australia in 2007-08, Singh had to wait for over six years to eventually earn his Test cap. In all, he featured in two Tests, both on the England tour of 2014, and a solitary ODI in Zimbabwe in 2010. But it is Singh’s domestic numbers that define him.Related

Stuart Binny retires from all cricket

Interview: 'Abhi nahin toh kabhi nahin'

Had given my 100% on Test debut – Pankaj

Kimber: Pankaj Singh, Test wicket-taker

'Yuvraj rated me the best bowler in domestic cricket'

In 2019, Singh became the first seamer to take 400 Ranji Trophy wickets. Overall, he finishes with 472 first-class wickets in 117 matches, apart from picking 118 List A wickets and 43 T20 wickets.The domestic stalwart ends his career with new entrants Puducherry, but it’s his body of work with Rajasthan that stands out. Having been a senior fast bowler and captain during a turbulent time, with the association being managed by an ad-hoc body for much of the last decade due to administrative upheavals, Singh was part of two back-to-back Ranji Trophy winning squads in 2010-11 and 2011-12.”Getting my Test cap from Sourav Ganguly in England was special,” Singh said. “I am fortunate to have played under a legend like MS Dhoni. Playing Test cricket is my most cherished memory as a professional cricketer. It came after a lot of struggles, so that has to be the most special memory.”Singh picks out his spell against Mumbai during the 2010-11 Ranji Trophy quarterfinal as one of his most memorable ones. “The Rajasthan teams of old would lose against Mumbai even before taking the field, but in that game, we proved to everyone we were no less,” he said. “They elected to bat in a pressure game, and I removed three top order batters: Sahil Kukreja, Omkar Gurav and Rohit Sharma.””I still remember, everyone was talking of Mumbai as the favourites. They had a strong XI: Ajit Agarkar, Wasim Jaffer, Ajinkya Rahane and Ramesh Powar. So, I took the challenge upon me that we had to win somehow. That game gave us the belief to go on to win our maiden season.”Singh is a Level-2 certified BCCI coach, having recently taken part in a course conducted by the NCA. With a full-fledged domestic calendar announced, Singh hopes to transition into guiding youngsters, both in Rajasthan and elsewhere.”I’m looking at getting into coaching now that I have retired,” he said. “Until I did the NCA course, the thought was ‘I’ve played a lot of cricket; the experience will help me transition into a coach.’ But after attending the course, I gained a deeper insight into managing a team, understanding players, man-management skills and how there is so much more to coaching than just teaching them how to bowl or bat. It interested me a great deal. Having now qualified, I’m looking forward to being in touch with the game as a coach.”

As Aston Villa look to get their summer business underway, the Villans have reportedly made enquiries over welcoming a fresh face to Unai Emery's backline ahead of next season.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans' transfer window has been dominated by outgoings thus far, with Douglas Luiz's reportedly pending departure to Juventus the most frustrating exit for Emery and his squad. As the Brazilian midfielder departs, however, the Midlands club will at least get Juventus youngsters Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea in return in quite the swap deal, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Serie A seems to be where Aston Villa have set their sights when it comes to further incomings too, with links to the likes of Michael Kayode emerging in recent days alongside Juventus left-back Luca Pellegrini.

According to La Repubblica via La Lazio Siamono, Aston Villa have submitted enquiries over a potential deal to sign Pellegrini this summer alongside West Ham, AC Milan and Real Betis. As things stand, however, the full-back is reportedly destined to stay at last season's loan club Lazio, as Juventus potentially bid farewell to the Italian on a permanent basis.

Aston Villa hit the jackpot on young star whose value has soared 3,000%

Unai Emery looks set to sell a teenager for a staggering profit…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 25, 2024

That loan spell was not enough to win over Italy manager Luciano Spalletti, however, who snubbed Pellegrini for a place in his Euro 2024 squad. A move to the Premier League may well change that, but only time will tell whether Villa push on with a move to beat the likes of Milan and Lazio to the 25-year-old's signature in the coming months.

Pellegrini can succeed Digne

Now 30 years old, it won't be long before Aston Villa may need to start thinking about replacing Lucas Digne in Emery's side, which is where Pellegrini could come in. The Italian has plenty of experience to his name, including importantly in the Champions League, in which Villa will be looking to cause plenty of shocks in the coming campaign.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)	Luca Pellegrini	Luca Digne
Minutes	786	2,410
Progressive Carries per 90	2.07	1.57
Progressive Passes per 90	5.29	2.87
Tackles Won per 90	1.49	0.71

Whilst Pellegrini saw his minutes limited last season, he thrived and outperformed Digne when handed an opportunity to do so at Lazio. A summer switch could crucially increase that game time too and, in turn, finally test the left-back's ability to perform consistently across a season.

Another season on the bench at Lazio or elsewhere would certainly do Pellegrini no good, as a player once compared to Real Madrid legend Marcelo by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig.

Earning a reported £19k-a-week, the arrival of Pellegrini wouldn't disrupt Villa's wage bill either, with all signs pointing towards a player who could still reach his potential.

The 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season kicks off in less than a month and Celtic are still yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers' side have already played two pre-season friendlies, drawing 1-1 with Ayr and beating Queen's Park 6-4, but are yet to dip into the market to bolster the squad.

The Hoops are in need of a new number one and have been linked with moves for both Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka and Croatia star Dominik Livakovic.

Joe Hart retired at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, after three years at Parkhead, and Rodgers must now find his first-choice goalkeeper for next season.

The Scottish Premiership champions are also reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal, whilst they are plotting a second bid to sign Adam Idah from Norwich City.

Celtic could also make additions to their midfield ranks as they have been linked with an interest in a central midfielder from the English Championship this week…

Celtic's interest in Championship maestro

According to HITC, Rodgers is keen on a swoop to sign Australia international Riley McGree from Middlesbrough ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The report claims that the Hoops failed to sign the £9.4k-per-week midfield maestro during Ange Postecoglou's time in Glasgow but the Championship star has remained on their radar.

They are now looking at the 25-year-old whiz as a possible target to join the club this time around, as they look to bolster their midfield options before the end of the window.

It states that his current contract has one year left to run and this means that it could be the last chance for Boro to cash in on him before a free transfer exit next year.

They would either need to pin him down to a contract extension or sell him before the end of the window to ensure that they do not lose him for nothing.

This suggests that the door could be open for Celtic to make a move for the left-footed gem in the coming weeks. However, the report does not reveal how much Middlesbrough would demand for McGree or how much the Hoops would be prepared to pay for him.

If the Scottish giants could secure a deal to sign the midfield wizard, though, then Rodgers could find his next version of Tom Rogic in the middle of the park in Glasgow.

Tom Rogic's midfield spark for Celtic

McGree would not be the first left-footed midfielder from Australia to turn up at Parkhead in an attempt to make his mark on the pitch in the Premiership.

Rogic enjoyed a fantastic spell with the Hoops during his time in Scotland a midfield maestro who had the quality to chip in as a scorer and a creator of goals.

The talented ace joined the club from Central Coast at the start of 2013 and eventually moved on in the summer of 2022, 18 months short of a decade in Glasgow.

In that time, the Australia international racked up 46 goals and 49 assists in 272 appearances in all competitions for the Bhoys, including 31 goals and 35 assists in 165 outings in the Premiership.

These statistics show that the central midfielder had the quality to move forward into attacking positions to contribute as both a scorer and a creator for the Hoops.

Appearances

32

Starts

20

Goals

6

Assists

6

Big chances created

10

Key passes per game

1.5

As you can see in the table above, Rogic enjoyed a strong final season at Paradise before his exit in the summer of 2022, with 12 direct goal contributions in just 20 league starts.

The Celtic whiz also provided a threat in transition with his ability on the ball as he completed 1.6 dribbles per game with a success rate of 57%, which shows that the experienced ace could glide past opposition players to make things happen in the final third.

Rodgers, who worked with Rogic throughout his first spell at Parkhead between 2016 and 2019, could now find his new version of left-footed ace by securing a deal to sign McGree before the end of the summer transfer window.

Why Celtic should sign Riley McGree

The Premiership champions should press ahead with a swoop to land the Australia international because he could add another attacking threat to the side.

McGree, who was hailed as "terrific" by manager Michael Carrick, was restricted to just 14 starts and 22 appearances in the Championship through injury last term, which limited his impact on the pitch.

The 25-year-old star only produced four goals and one assist from midfield in that time but did rank within the top 9% of midfielders in the division for progressive passes per 90 (5.72) and the top 35% for progressive carries per 90 (3.22).

This shows that McGree can provide quality in possession without being the player to carry out the final action, as a scorer or a creator, by being the one to progress the play through a pass or carry to get his teammates into dangerous positions at the top end of the pitch.

When he was able to get on the pitch on a regular basis in the 2022/23 campaign, though, the Rogic-esque ace showcased his ability in the final third.

Appearances

43

Goals

6

Assists

3

Big chances created

8

Key passes per game

1.1

Pass accuracy

83%

As you can see in the table above, McGree played in 43 of Middlesbrough's 46 Championship games and caught the eye with 14 goals and 'big chances' created combined.

He created more than one chance per game on average and proved himself to be a midfielder who can push forward to be a difference-maker in matches.

Celtic set to pull off "miracle" as £4m+ sale of forward expected

The Hoops are reportedly set to cash in on the rarely-seen attacker this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 9, 2024

This is why the Boro star could come in as Rogic 2.0 – alongside their shared nationality and favoured foot – for Celtic as a midfield maestro who can link up play between the midfield and the attack, with his progressive passing and carrying, whilst also being a threat as a scorer and a creator.

Mikel Arteta admitted he will be "really proud" to manage England in the future following Thomas Tuchel's controversial appointment.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Arteta open to becoming Three Lions boss
• Insisted that he feels "inspired" by the country
• Will take a "lot of pride" if he manages England

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Football Association’s (FA) decision to hire the German coach as England's next manager has prompted mixed reactions. While many fans and pundits are excited about Tuchel's tactical expertise, others believe the position should have been offered to an English coach with former internationals Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher being particularly vocal with their criticism.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the controversy surrounding Tuchel’s appointment, Arteta has taken a different stance. The Arsenal boss has welcomed the decision, arguing that the FA should focus on selecting the best candidate for the job, regardless of nationality and also emphasised that Tuchel’s appointment should not be seen as a reflection of poor coaching standards in England.

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Arteta explained: "I understand the opinions and the feelings. That’s the responsibility for the FA to say the first filter is only English managers or the filters are any manager from any country and we select the best for the moment that we’re in right now. I understand that it can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager. History tells you how important this could be as well."

• ARTETA TO BECOME FUTURE ENGLAND MANAGER?

  Arteta’s connection to English football runs deep. As a player, he once considered switching allegiances from Spain to England during Fabio Capello’s tenure as England coach but the move was ultimately blocked by FIFA regulations. However, he remains open to taking a place in the English dugout in the future.

  He told reporters: "I think I would take a lot of pride as well at how many people would do anything to be the England manager. That’s related to how we’re treated in this country as foreigners, the passion, the respect, the history and the way that things are done in this country. I can say personally that when you are not from here. I think there are very few countries that could say that."

  When asked whether he would only stick to managing Spain, he dismissed the notion and further clarified: "No – I’ll tell you right now, the feeling I have being here for 22 years. I have that feeling towards it because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and how you get treated daily. I think that’s something you should be really proud of."

أكد المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ستيلينبوش، ستيف باركر، على صعوبة مواجهة الزمالك في دور الثمانية من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

وأسفرت القرعة التي أجريت الخميس عن مواجهة بين الزمالك متصدر المجموعة الرابعة ووصيف المجموعة الثانية ستيلينبوش يومي 3 أبريل و10 من نفس الشهر.

اقرأ أيضًا | أصعب اختبار.. ستيلينبوش يعلق عبر بطولات على مواجهة الزمالك في الكونفدرالية

وتواصل بطولات مع مدرب ستيلينبوش للحديث عن القرعة ومواجهة الزمالك، وقال: “اللعب أمام فريق كبير مثل الزمالك أمر صعب لأنه عملاق في قارة إفريقيا”.

وتابع: “لقد سبق وفازوا بالبطولة في الموسم الماضي ويدافعون عن لقبهم بالفعل، لذلك ستكون مواجهتهم مليئة بالإثارة ونتطلع إليها”.

وأضاف: “الزمالك فريق يمتلك تاريخًا كبيرًا للغاية في قارة إفريقيا وفاز من قبل ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، لذلك يمثل تحديًا كبيرًا لنا”.

واختتم: “كنا نعلم أننا سنواجه فريقًا قويًا، نحن أضعف الفرق المتأهلة في الوقت الحالي، لكننا فخورون بأنفسنا وبكوننا فريقًا مليئًا بالالتزام ونريد أن نترك بصمتنا في القارة وهذا ما يمنحنا الفرصة لتحقيق المفاجأة”.