New Year’s English Premier League Fixtures / Matches

Below are the fixtures and times (Kenyan Time), for all the English Premier League Matches to be played on 1/1/2015

Stoke City Vs Manchester United – 3.45pm

QPR Vs Swansea City – 6.00pm

Southampton Vs Arsenal FC - 6.00pm

Liverpool Vs Leicester City - 6.00pm

AFC Leopard’s Sack Their Coach Again

Pieter De Jongh | Image Credit - Goal

After having endless troubled times at the den, AFC Leopards have finally fired their coach Pieter De Jongh.

The Dutch man, who took charge of AFC Leopards from James Nandwa, never made an meaningful impact on the team and his sudden sacking was reached at last Sunday in a low key event which was the club’s special general meeting. 

Is James Situma On His Way Out From The Leopard’s Den?

James Situma | Image Courtesy

In one of the reports appearing on Capital Sports, AFC Leopards Assistant Secretary General, Prof. Asava Khadima is reported to have confirmed that Tusker FC are chasing after James Situma’s signature, but have not yet agreed on any terms since AFC Leopards are yet to release the player whose contract terms ends next year.

He was quoted to have said that “Yes, Tusker has approached us, saying they are interested in signing him (Situma) but we are still weighing their request,”

Final Scores: It's Liverpool 4-0 Swansea

Adam Lallana Scored a brace | Image credit - Getty Images

Liverpool secured a comfortable 4-0 win over Swansea Football Club, in a late Englsih Premier League fixture played at Liverpool’s Anfield grounds. This win moved Liverpool to withing 5 points off the top four.

Liverpool’s goal scorers were: Alberto Moreno in the 33^rd minutes, Adam Lallana (who scored a brace in the 51^st and 61^st minutes, and an own goal from Swansea’s and former Liverpool’s player, Shelvey, in the 69^th minute.

Latest English Premier League Results

Below are all the results for the English Premier League games played on Sunday, 28^th December 2014.

Tottenham Hotspurs 0-0 Manchester United

Southampton 1-1 Chelsea)

Stoke City 2-0 West Brom

QPR 0-0 Crystal Palace

West Ham United 1-2 Arsenal

Today's English Premier League Fixtures: All Today's Games And Time

Below are today’s fixtures and times for all the English Premier League games.

(All the times indicated are Kenyan Time)

Tottenham Hotspurs Vs Manchester United (3.00pm)

Southampton Vs Chelsea (17.05pm)

Stoke City Vs West Brom (18.00pm)

QPR Vs Crystal Palace (18.00pm)

English Premier League: All The Latest Results - Boxing Day Match Results

Below are all the results of the English Premier League Boxing Day fixtures.

Chelsea 2-0 West Ham United

Manchester City 3-1 West Brom

Manchester United 3-1 Newcastle United

West Brom vs Manchester City - Manchester City Vs West Brom

West Brom United will today, at 10.00am (eastern standard time), host Manchester City, in an English Premier League match at West Brom's stadium;The Hawthorns.

Manchester City, who are the English Premier League defending Champions,  are currently occuppying the second spot on 204/2015 English Premier League title race, and are just three points away from League leaders Chelsea.

Arsenal Vs QPR

Injury rocked Arsenal FC is set to host Queens Park Rangers in an English Premier League slotted for 12.30 pm (Eastern Standard Time), at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Arsenal Currently occupy sixth slot in the English Premier League, and have missed services of their vital players in the recent past. 

Their dependable players like Mezut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere, have all been kept away from the pitch due to injuries and this has been very costly to the Arsene Wenger manged outfit.

Chelsea FC Vs West Ham United

Image Courtesy

Chelsea Football Club are set to host West Ham United in an early Boxing Day English Premier Leage kick off, at 7.45am (eastern Standard Time), which is 3.45pm (East African time).

Chelsea are the current English Premier League leaders with 42 points and will be looking forward to extend their lead by winning in their today's match against West Ham United.

Manchester United Vs Newcastle United

Today at 10.00am (Eastern Standard Time), which is 18.00pm (east African time), Manchester United will be playing hosts to Newcastle United, in an English premier League at United's Old Trafford grounds.

Manchester United who are looking forward to keeping their hopes on this year's English Premier League title, must win this fixture in order to stay alive to any dreams of wining this year's Premier League title.

Liverpool's Martin Skrtel's last minute header earns Liverpool 2-2 draw with Arsenal

Philippe Coutinho gave Liverpool the lead after a quiet opening, driving low into the corner from 20 yards, before Mathieu Debuchy’s far-post header handed Arsenal an unlikely leveller just a minute later in first-half stoppage time.

Arsenal took the lead on 64 minutes, Olivier Giroud picking up the ball after a one-two with Santi Cazorla to sweep home from six yards.

Divock Origi Fires Belgium Into The Second Leg Of This Year's World Cup In Brazil

Divock Origi And Team mate |Image Credit - Getty Images

Teenaged substitute Divock Origi scored a last gasp goal that gave Belgium a 1-0 victory over Russia on Sunday and secured them a place in the World Cup last 16.

The 19-year-old broke the deadlock with an 88th minute shot set up by Eden Hazard after a frustrating game in the heat of Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

Brazil 2014: Latest Updates On Top Goal Scorers

The race towards the golden boot has started to gain shape and this year's World Cup promises to break some of the records which have existed for a long time:

Below are the list of the latest top goal scores in this year's World Cup edition.

Latest 2014 FIFA World Cup Updates

It is now official the FIFA 2014 World Cup is now live in the beautiful Land of Samba, Brazil. So far, four matches have been played and below are the results:

Brazil 3 - 1 Croatia

Cameroon 0 - 1 Mexico

Spain 1 - 5 Netherlands

Australia 1 - 3 Chille

David Moyes: Manchester United Manager Sacked By The Club

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

David Moyes was sacked as Manchester United manager on Tuesday after the club’s owners, the Glazer family, decided to end the Scot’s disastrous tenure at Old Trafford.

Ryan Giggs, with Nicky Butt as his assistant, will take charge until the end of the season. Giggs has served as player-coach under Moyes while Butt has worked with the reserves.

The night City’s title challenge died? ManCity 2-2 Sunderland

Image Credit: Mancity FC

Rarely would a midweek match have been so gratefully received by Manuel Pellegrini after the soul-sapping afternoon on Merseyside on Sunday.

 

But the opportunity to climb back on the horse, change the conversation and make a statement was missed and only a late show saved the Blues from a seventh Barclays Premier League defeat of the season.

Crystal Palace Beat Everton 3-2 To Send Everton Out Of Top Four

Jason Puncheon strike | Image Courtesy

Everton's battle for a top-four finish suffered a body blow with this 3-2 reverse at the hands of Crystal Palace. The defeat leaves Roberto Martinez's men in fifth place, one point behind Arsenal with four games of the season left to play.It also brought to an end a remarkable winning run. but despite the disappointment and frustration, the way in which the side battled valiantly to the end - bold in their attacking play in pursuit of the goals they craved - deserves credit. It typified the approach the team has adopted all season. And is the way they will continue to play their football in the remaining games of the campaign.

Gareth Bale's Golden Goal: Real Madrid Vs Barcelona - Copa Del rey Finals

It is Gareth Bale who finally sealed it for Real Madrid. It was a goal worthy of celebration since it was born out of a counter attack.

 

Courtesy of Andrey Gusev

All Goals and Highlights: Barcelona Vs Real Madrid Copa Del Rey Finals

Watch all the goals and highlights of Copa Del Rey finals between Real Madrid FC and Barcelona. Catch all the goals

 

Courtesy of Andrey Gusev

Real Madrid Beat Barcelona 2 -1 To Be Crowned Kings Of Copa Del Rey

Di Maria Scores | Image Courtesy of Real Madrid

'Di María's goal as well as a cracking finish by Bale, after a wonderful bit of play, were enough to defeat Barcelona and earn Real Madrid their 19th Copa del Rey title'

The will and desire to delight the fans outweighed the fact that a number of important players were missing. That is what Real Madrid displayed in Mestalla, as the team was once again victorious, picking up the 19th Copa del Rey title in the club's history at the end of what will go down as a legendary encounter. The team from the Spanish capital got off to a flying start. Within 10 minutes they had taken the lead and had also created another two clear goal-scoring opportunities, the only real chances in the game up until that point.

LIVERPOOL: THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE IS YOURS TO GIVE AWAY

It’s indeed Steven Gerrad’s and Bredan Rodger’s time for celebration. Yes, an order for the most expensive and sweetest Champagne should have already been made, in wait for final English Premier Title decider; a game between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC.

AFC Leopards Set To Unveil A New Foreign Coach

AFC Leopards will next week unveil a new coach who will take over from the sacked James Nandwa. The team parted ways with Nandwa after a series of unsatisfactory results this season.

According to team secretary General George Aladwa, the EC has already identified and settled on a new coach but are yet to finalize on appointing one more member of the new technical bench.

AFC Leopards Sack Their Coach, And Harambee Stars Assistant Coach, James Nandwa

Kenyan Premier League side AFC leopards has sacked head coach James Nandwa and appointed former keeper Washington Muhanji Washington as a care taker coach for the coming weekend match against City Stars in Mumias.

James Nandwa | Image Courtesy

On Wednesday, AFC Leopards lost 1-0 to newcomers KRA in a mid week match played at Kasarani, their second defeat of the season that seemed to have nailed Nandwa's fate.

 According to AFC Leopards Timothy Lilumbi, the latest development came after an Executive meeting held on Thursday morning where it was agreed that all members of the technical bench be relieved of their duties apart from goalkeeper trainer Washington Muhanji.

Champions League Semi Finals Draw

Image Courtesy of supersport.com

Holders Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid joined Chelsea and Real Madrid in the Uefa Champions League semifinal draw, in Nyon from 12:15 on Friday.

Bayern and Madrid both reached the last four in 2012/13 while Chelsea were last involved the previous campaign. In contrast, Atlético have never played in the Uefa Champions League semifinals and last got to the European Cup's last four in 1973/74, when they ousted Celtic and went on to lose the only final replay in the competition's history -- against Bayern.

Gor Mahia 3 KCB 2

For the first time in three years Gor Mahia played without a shirt sponsor but it still did not deter them from picking maximum points against KCB following a 3-2 win at City Stadium on Wednesday.

Gor Mahia's former shirt sponsors Tuzo pulled out last month forcing the club to play in new kit which have not been branded with a sponsor's logo. Rama Salim opened the scores for Gor Mahia in the 27th minute from a goal mouth melee before David 'Calabar' Owino added the second early in the second half rising up to head home an Innocent Mutiso corner.

Chelsea 2 Paris Saint-Germain 0: Chelsea Qualifies To Next Round of Uefa CHampions League

BA's precious goal

There it was again. The manic touchline run. It was how we were introduced to Jose Mourinho, a decade ago, and how we will remember him after he is gone, too.

Cesar Azpilicueta shot, the ball caught a tiny hold-up deflection and fell to substitute Demba Ba. It wasn't, fair to say, the cleanest finish. Ba almost scooped it into the roof of the net, off his boot, off his shin, somehow looping over goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu. No-one cared.

UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid Vs AFC Barcelona

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are currently the two best teams in the world, according to Rojiblancos president Enrique Cerezo.

The pair have met four times already this season and there has been no separating them, with the Liga duo having drawn each and every single game, with their latest meeting, last week's Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash at Camp Nou having ended 1-1.

Champions League: Bayern v Manchester United

Bayern Munich will hope to put their recent struggles against English visitors behind them when they host Manchester United in the second leg of their Uefa Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday. 

United have never won in Bavaria but David Moyes's visitors can take heart from a two-match winning streak on German soil, and the fact that Bayern failed to beat two other Premier League sides in Munich this season. 

Expect an Intimidating Atmosphere - Arsenal's Sagna send a note to PSG Players A head Of Their Return UEFA Champions League Clash With Chelsea FC

Sagna: Image Courtesy

Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna has warned Paris Saint-Germain to expect an “intimidating” atmosphere when they meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.

Chelsea head into the second leg of their quarter-final Champions League tie following a 3-1 defeat in France, and will now require a victory with a margin of two clear goals to stand a chance of progressing.

PSG, who are without injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the fixture, are undefeated in all competitions since January 22 and have won all of their last 11 games.

"It's an intimidating stadium,” Sagna told Le Parisien. “It is a small pitch and the fans are very close to the pitch.

“There is a lot of intimidation and agitation. You really hear the chants and whistles. There are not many people, but they sound like they were doubled.”

Source: Goal.Com

Wayne Rooney Ready To Face Bayern Munich In Champions League Return Leg

Image Courtesy

Manchester United travel to Germany hopeful of upsetting the odds and reaching the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of holders Bayern Munich.

The clubs have enjoyed contrasting fortunes domestically this season, with Bayern having already retained their Bundesliga title while English champions United languish seventh in the Premier League table.

But while all-conquering Bayern were expected to sweep David Moyes' team aside in the first leg of their quarter-final at Old Trafford last Tuesday, a spirited display from the Red Devils secured a 1-1 draw to take to the Allianz Arena - and they head into this game with all the momentum.

Bayern are without several central options through injury and suspension and were beaten for the first time in 18 months on Saturday, while United are the best away side in the English top flight and thrashed Newcastle at the weekend.

Bayern's 1-0 setback at Augsburg ended their record 53-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga. Guardiola shrugged off the defeat, but described the second leg with United as a "life or death match".

By contrast, United were dominant in a 4-0 win at St James' Park on Saturday, though Juan Mata, who scored twice, is ineligible in Europe.

Striker Robin van Persie misses out again with a knee injury and Wayne Rooney is doubtful with a bruised toe, though Patrice Evra is back from a ban and should be fit despite going off against the Magpies.

Bastian Schweinsteiger scored Bayern's goal in the first leg but misses out here after picking up a late red card at Old Trafford. Die Roten are also without Javi Martinez through suspension, while Thiago Alcantara is sidelined with a knee problem and Xherdan Shaqiri (thigh) will also miss out.

But despite the weekend's results and Bayern's injuries, Guardiola's side should be regarded as heavy favourites to progress.

United have endured a tricky first campaign under Moyes, who replaced the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson last July, with the club now mathematically certain to relinquish their Premier League title as they sit 17 points adrift of leaders Liverpool with five games to play.

They also look likely to miss out on qualification for the Champions League for the first time since 1995-96, as they are seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

Moyes has been under severe pressure in recent weeks, especially following humbling defeats at Olympiakos and at home to Liverpool and Manchester City. Some supporters even organised and paid for an aeroplane to fly over Old Trafford urging the club's board to sack the Scot.

And Bayern, despite their loss at the weekend, have continued to flourish under Pep Guardiola's guidance, with the Bavarians wrapping up the German title with seven matches to spare, while they remain on course to retain both their Champions League and DFB-Pokal crowns.

Schweinsteiger's away goal also puts Bayern in the driving seat to reach the semi-finals, with United needing to win or record a high-scoring draw of 2-2 or higher on the night.

However, United left-back Evra believes his side can emulate Chelsea's 2011-12 season, when the London club finished sixth in the Premier League but won the Champions League.

"It was funny because the season reminded me of the Chelsea season when they won the Champions League when they were not playing well in the league," Evra told reporters.

"I am not saying we are going to do the same but sometimes you have to be positive, so why not?

"Of course it is unusual for us to say we can save our season in one game. Now we must make sure the fans will be proud for the second leg against Bayern."
Manchester United travel to Germany hopeful of upsetting the odds and reaching the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of holders Bayern Munich.

The clubs have enjoyed contrasting fortunes domestically this season, with Bayern having already retained their Bundesliga title while English champions United languish seventh in the Premier League table.

But while all-conquering Bayern were expected to sweep David Moyes' team aside in the first leg of their quarter-final at Old Trafford last Tuesday, a spirited display from the Red Devils secured a 1-1 draw to take to the Allianz Arena - and they head into this game with all the momentum.

Bayern are without several central options through injury and suspension and were beaten for the first time in 18 months on Saturday, while United are the best away side in the English top flight and thrashed Newcastle at the weekend.

Bayern's 1-0 setback at Augsburg ended their record 53-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga. Guardiola shrugged off the defeat, but described the second leg with United as a "life or death match".

By contrast, United were dominant in a 4-0 win at St James' Park on Saturday, though Juan Mata, who scored twice, is ineligible in Europe.

Striker Robin van Persie misses out again with a knee injury and Wayne Rooney is doubtful with a bruised toe, though Patrice Evra is back from a ban and should be fit despite going off against the Magpies.

Bastian Schweinsteiger scored Bayern's goal in the first leg but misses out here after picking up a late red card at Old Trafford. Die Roten are also without Javi Martinez through suspension, while Thiago Alcantara is sidelined with a knee problem and Xherdan Shaqiri (thigh) will also miss out.

But despite the weekend's results and Bayern's injuries, Guardiola's side should be regarded as heavy favourites to progress.

United have endured a tricky first campaign under Moyes, who replaced the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson last July, with the club now mathematically certain to relinquish their Premier League title as they sit 17 points adrift of leaders Liverpool with five games to play.

They also look likely to miss out on qualification for the Champions League for the first time since 1995-96, as they are seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

Moyes has been under severe pressure in recent weeks, especially following humbling defeats at Olympiakos and at home to Liverpool and Manchester City. Some supporters even organised and paid for an aeroplane to fly over Old Trafford urging the club's board to sack the Scot.

And Bayern, despite their loss at the weekend, have continued to flourish under Pep Guardiola's guidance, with the Bavarians wrapping up the German title with seven matches to spare, while they remain on course to retain both their Champions League and DFB-Pokal crowns.

Schweinsteiger's away goal also puts Bayern in the driving seat to reach the semi-finals, with United needing to win or record a high-scoring draw of 2-2 or higher on the night.

However, United left-back Evra believes his side can emulate Chelsea's 2011-12 season, when the London club finished sixth in the Premier League but won the Champions League.

"It was funny because the season reminded me of the Chelsea season when they won the Champions League when they were not playing well in the league," Evra told reporters.

"I am not saying we are going to do the same but sometimes you have to be positive, so why not?

"Of course it is unusual for us to say we can save our season in one game. Now we must make sure the fans will be proud for the second leg against Bayern."

Courtesy of Goal.Com

Manchester City Vs Barcelona: UEFA Champions League Live at 10.45pm (Kenyan Time).

Fernandinho is set to return to the Manchester City squad for the Champions League last-16 tie against Spanish champions Barcelona on Tuesday. 

The midfielder has missed City's last three matches with a muscle problem but took part in training on Monday. 

However, striker Sergio Aguero remains out with a hamstring injury. 

"He is not fit. We will see if he can be fit for Saturday [to play Stoke] but maybe that is difficult." said City boss Manuel Pellegrini. 

Aguero has been out since 29 January after picking up a hamstring injury in a 5-1 win over Tottenham. 

The Argentine, who has 26 goals in 25 City appearances so far this season, came off just before half-time against Spurs and was expected to be out for a month. 

 

The 25-year-old had only just returned from an eight-game absence with a calf injury before suffering his latest injury setback. 

Manchester City have never reached the last 16 of the Champions League before and will be facing Barcelona, who are top of the Spanish league, for the first time in a competitive match. 

The return of Fernandinho will help bolster Pellegrini's options in midfield. 

"He has a chance. He is in the squad list," said the Chilean. 

"We will see on Tuesday who can start but he has worked without any problem." 

City have scored 68 goals in 25 league games so far this season, the highest in the English top-flight, and Pellegrini wants his team to continue to show their attacking intent against Barcelona. 

"Of course when you play against Barca you always must consider important things," said Pellegrini. 

"But the most important thing is to continue being the same team you see every week in Premier League, to continue having the same style of play and the personality. 

"We are not just going to think about defending, but what we can do with the ball. That is the most important thing."  ................Source: BBC Sports

Manchester City are Now Better Than Manchester Unied

Manuel Pellegrini believes Manchester City have become the dominant force in the city this season, as his side prepare to take on Barcelona in the last-16 of the Champions League. 

Move to BBC.Com to read the whole story

Wayne Rooney Set To Sign A New Contract Deal With Manchester United

Wayne Rooney is this week expected to sign a new contract that would keep the England striker at Manchester United until the end of the 2018-2019 season, local media reported on Monday.

The 28-year-old could seal his Old Trafford future as early as Wednesday or Thursday, the Press Association said.

Wayne Rooney

Media speculation about Rooney's future at the English Premier League giants has swirled since Chelsea attempted to lure him away before the start of the current season.

But despite United's troubles under new manager David Moyes – which sees them in the unfamiliar position of seventh, 15 points off the pace set by Chelsea – Rooney is thought to be settled at Old Trafford.

Earlier this month, Rooney insisted he was "focusing on the football" amid a flurry of rumours about negotiations over his contract, which expires at the end of next season.

However, he conceded it is his ambition to beat Bobby Charlton's goal-scoring record for the club. Charlton amassed 249 goals for United and Rooney currently has 208.

"It is a great aim for myself to try and get Sir Bobby's record, both at club and international level," said Rooney, who trails Charlton's record of 49 England goals by 11.

"It is something which I would like to do. If I can do that, I would be really proud, because it has stood for a long time."

Rooney made his professional debut at the age of 16 at Everton under Moyes and has spoken out in defence of the embattled manager, who has struggled in his first season to emulate the success enjoyed by United legend Alex Ferguson.

"David Moyes is a fantastic manager," Rooney said last week.

"I worked with him at Everton and for a number of months at United. He's done everything he can, but it's the players that have to do better and hopefully we can do that."

Story Courtesy of Supersport.Com

AFC Lepards Maul Ethiopia's Defence

Courtesy of Goal.Com
 
AFC Leopards’ are through to the next round of Caf Confederations Cup after stopping Defence of Ethiopia 2-1 at National a Stadium in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

Lethal striker Allan Wanga, who was coming back from injury, scored both goals to ensure his side goes through on a 4-1 goal aggregate as they had won the first leg 2-0 in Nairobi one week ago.

Allan Wanga: Scored a brace

It was the home team, who scored first when Michael Dessta's free-kick in the 39th minute went in unchallenged. Dessta's well curved free-kick went neatly passed Leopards’ backline and into the top right corner as Wycliffe Kasaya in goal watched.

The goal was always coming as the home side kept up the pressure from the word go. Wycliffe Kasaya was forced to dive and keep out a Solomon Ferew low effort in the 12th minute resulting in the first corner of the match.

Leopards should easily have gotten a goal from the counter-attack initiated by Allan Wanga and he did well to play with Jacob Keli. The former KCB man however, opted to pass the ball to Augustine Etemesi though going for goal would have been easier.

Then Martin Imbalambala was forced to come out and stop Mulualem Tilahun, who was rushing for goal but in the ensuing melee earned himself a yellow card which locks him out of the next match.

An unmarked Jacob Keli wasted the first real chance to put Leopards’ ahead in the 15th minute after he was quickly dispossessed when he hesitated to pull the trigger but it was Peter Opiyo, who made the first effort at goal with a well timed shot.

The Leopards’ backline continued to soak the pressure and it was always a matter of time before they cracked. The short passes proved overwhelming and at the half hour mark Leopards’ were forced to defend two corners.

In the 39th minute, Dessta's free-kick separated the two sides.Veteran defender James Situma also ended the first half on a yellow card as he protested a free kick awarded to their opponents.
As the second half kicked off, Leopards’ were on the offensive from the word go resulting in Wanga's equalizer.

The lethal striker was picked out by Bernard Mang’oli and from it he beat the Defence goalkeeper with a powerful shot. The second came from an almost similar situation. With two minutes to go, Abdalla Juma raced down the left flank and found Wanga, who turned and slotted home with the easiest of efforts.

FA Cup Results: Arsenal Thump Liverpool 2 - 1; A Sweet and Bitter Revenge

Lucas Podolski: Image Courtesy

Courtesy of The Guardian.

Arsenal are not supposed to win like this. In fact, Arsenal are not supposed to win at all when the prospect of silverware flashes before their eyes. With plenty of big guns cast from the FA Cup, the winner here knew that the chances of glory would soar, particularly as a home tie awaited in the quarter-finals, albeit a tough one against Everton.

Liverpool will wonder how they lost. They were offensively dynamic, creating a host of chances, and though they were awarded one penalty for a foul on Luis Suárez, they could not believe that they were denied another one shortly afterwards.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, one of the Arsenal heroes, crashed into Suárez inside the area and it was a major surprise that the referee, Howard Webb, who had an extremely busy afternoon, ignored the Liverpool appeals. In the eyes of the club's supporters, it was further evidence that Webb has it in for them. Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, described it as a "blatant" penalty.

Arsenal got the job done. It was a performance that was characterised by grit and defiance, and it was epitomised by the stand-in goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who made a string of vital saves. At full-time, Fabianski ran from his goal to slide on his knees in front of one of the main stands.

Arsène Wenger had rotated his line-up before Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first-leg tie at home to Bayern Munich and it felt, especially after the 5-1 mauling at Liverpool in the Premier League the previous weekend, that Arsenal were somehow the underdogs.

But they punched their weight and they advanced on the back of two pieces of ruthless finishing, from the excellent Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski. Liverpool laid siege to the Arsenal goal for much of the second half and Rodgers was not exaggerating when he said that Liverpool might have scored five or six.

But, despite the menace of Suárez they suffered a jolt to the momentum that has built behind them in recent weeks. This one really hurt because Liverpool looked good, and Daniel Sturridge took it particularly hard having missed three decent chances. He was disconsolate at full-time. Arsenal could simply savour revenge for the Anfield humbling and a timely boost to morale.

Liverpool had threatened to reprise the blitz that they staged against Arsenal last weekend – when they led 4-0 after 20 minutes – and here Sturridge had two golden chances before the tie was five minutes old. They stemmed from lovely passes from Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho respectively but, on the first occasion, Sturridge's shot was blocked by Fabianski, and on the second he went around the goalkeeper only to shoot into the side netting.

It was Arsenal who forged ahead and the goal owed much to the physical presence of Yaya Sanogo, the full debutant, plus a misjudgment from Martin Skrtel, who leapt for and missed Mesut Özil's cross from the right. Sanogo got the ball down and shot; it struck Gerrard before breaking kindly to Oxlade-Chamberlain, who swept the ball past Brad Jones.

The pace and intensity of the tie was unrelenting and there was much to admire in the technique on show from the creative players. There was also old-fashioned niggle, with Arsenal, unusually, looking to leave a mark on their opponents.

Perhaps it was the return of Mathieu Flamini, the club's all talking, all snarling midfielder, or maybe it was Sanogo's presence. All that the France youth centre-forward missed was a pair of boxing gloves. The crowd loved it when he closed down Daniel Agger on 28 minutes to make a blocking challenge. A serious back problem has undermined his first season at Arsenal but he bristled with a determination to make up for lost time. When he was substituted late on, he departed to a great ovation.

Webb showed five yellow cards in the first half and he let a couple of other challenges go, including Podolski's lunge at Jon Flanagan. Podolski had been caught moments earlier by Gerrard, who was spared. The Liverpool captain, though, went into the book for a cynical foul on Oxlade-Chamberlain and he was fortunate to escape a second yellow for a late tackle on the same player in the 75th minute. Flamini, obviously, was booked, for fouling Gerrard, and Nacho Monreal's rake on Joe Allen looked painful.

Suárez showed yet again that it is impossible to keep him quiet. He simmered in the first half and he came to the boil in the second. He had just worked Fabianski when Arsenal sprang forward to extend their lead. After Carl Jenkinson had won the ball, Oxlade-Chamberlain swapped passes with Özil before cutting it back for Podolski and the German's shot beat Jones.

Suárez and Liverpool merely intensified their efforts and they came to dominate, although Özil did force Jones into one low save. Suárez and Sturridge had sightings before the tie swung again on the penalty. Podolski's hack at Suárez was needless and a clear penalty; Gerrard scored without fuss.

Arsenal were fortunate that Webb did not whistle for the second one. After Suárez's free-kick had been blocked, the Uruguayan sought to work another opening inside the area only for Oxlade-Chamberlain to barge into him. The visiting fans howled.

Moments earlier, Sturridge had gone through only for Fabianski to thrust out a hand to thwart him, and although Suárez kept going, Liverpool knew it would not be their day when Agger headed wide from a Gerrard free-kick.

Gor Mahia's Goal Keeper; Jerim Onyango Pushes K'ogalo To The Next Round Of Continental Championship

Courtesy of futaa.com

Kenyan representatives in the CAF Champions League, Gor Mahia bundled out a stubborn US Bitam with a 4-2 win in the post match shootouts after a 0-1 outcome in the regular time in the second round of the preliminary CAF Champions League tie played on Sunday 16 February 2014 at the Gaston Peyrille Stadium, Gabon.

Jerim Onyango: Image Courtesy

Tied 1-1 on aggregate, the game went straight to post match penalties where Gor emerged 3-1 winners to book a place in the first round. 

Gor Mahia scored through Godfrey Walusimbi, Rama Salim, former Kakamega Homeboyz youngster Haron Shakava and Innocent Mutiso with man of the match Jerim Onyango saving Bitam’s penalty, the third in the match.

From the opening whistle, Bitam launched attack after another in order to restore parity with their efforts paying off in the 12^th minute.

Yellow carded

Gor almost bagged an away goal but Jared Obwoge splashed an obvious chance in the 20^th minute after US Bitam keeper had spilt the oncoming shot.

The Kenyan champions then had skipper Jerim Onyango to thank after the reigning goal keeper of the year saved a US Bitam spot kick at the half hour mark.

The match had for the break with Gor Mahia’s three players of Dan Sserunkuma, David Owino and Musa Mohammed already yellow carded.

Resumption

On resumption, Jared Obwoge thought to have given his side an away goal only to see his header tipped over the bar by Bitam keeper after ever impressing Godfrey Walusimbi’s cross from the flank.

Four minutes later, Eric Ochieng’ was pulled out for Shaban Kenga with Innocent Mutiso coming on for Daniel Onyango.

Sent off

In the 73^rd minute, Team Manager Frank Ouna was sent off by centre referee, a few minutes later, David Calabar Owino received his matching orders for a second bookable offence in what was termed to be protesting to the centre referee.

The hosts were gifted another penalty in the 85^th minute but an outstanding Jerim saved Gor blushes by blocking the spot kick.

Post match shootouts

With four minutes of added time, ten-men Gor Mahia could not allow Bitam’s threat hence sending the game to post match shootouts.

Gor Mahia lineup: Jerim Onyango (GK), Musa Mohammed, Godfrey Walusimbi, Haron Shakava, David Owino, Anthony Teddy Akumu, Eric Ochieng’, Daniel Onyango, Geoffrey Kizito, Dan Sserunkuma, Jared Obwoge.

Gor Mahia Vs Gabonese side US Bitam Game at 4.00pm at Nyayo National Stadium

courtesy of the Nation

Francois Omam Biyik once famously left Diego Maradona in tears, and the former striker now fears Ugandan forward Dan Sserunkuma has the potential to seek revenge for the former Argentinian national.

The former Cameroon international, who scored the lone goal to enable the Indomitable

Lions defeat Argentina 1-0 in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup staged in Italy, arrived in the country on Wednesday evening, hoping to lead Gabon outfit US Bitam to victory against Gor Mahia.

The two teams lock horns in the first leg of the preliminary round of the African Champions League competition at the Nyayo Stadium starting 4pm Saturday.

“That stocky, dreadlocked striker is the pulse (of that team),” the bullish Bitam coach, who scored more than a century of goals during a 14-year professional stint that saw him turn out for Olympic Marseille, Rennes and Cannes in the French top flight said yesterday soon after arriving in Nairobi.

Meanwhile full match videos of US Bitam are available on youtube. Hopefully Gor Mahia have studied them and know what to expect.

Security in Place

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have put in place elaborate security measures ahead of this weekend’s continental fixtures.

Gor will be up against Gabonese side US Bitam in an African Champions League preliminary round tie tomorrow at 4pm at Nyayo National Stadium while AFC Leopards will entertain Ethiopia’s FC Defence at the same venue on Sunday.

In an interview with the Daily Nation Sport, Gor Mahia’s deputy secretary general Ronald Ngala said that more than 200 policemen on horseback from the regular and administrative wings have been mobilized for the match.

Tickets for the match will retail Sh1000 for the VIP stand while the terraces tickets will go for Sh300. The Gabonese, who are putting up at the tranquil Hill Park Hotel, held their first training session at City Stadium Thursday.

Gor Mahia's Oppenents Are In Nairobi For Maximum Points, Nothing Less

courtesy of goal.com

Coach Oman Biyik tells Goal that they are in Nairobi to get maximum points against the Kenyan league champions in Saturday’s Champions League fixture.

Oman Biyik

Former Cameroonian international Oman Biyik, who handles US Bitam, Gor Mahia’s opponents in Champions League on Saturday, has warned the Kenyan champions to score early goals or they will be in trouble.

Biyik predicted that Gor Mahia fans will turn against their own team if there will be no goals in the first 20 minutes of the match.

“I understand the mind set of most home fans. They normally expect an early goal and if it does not come, they get frustrated and turn against their own team. I ask Gor to get an early goal or forget about winning this match,” he told Goal hours after his side jetted into Nairobi.

“It will not be easy though because our opponents have a home advantage to protect. It will be a meeting of two good teams and we should expect an exciting match.”

Biyik’s squad is boasted by the presence of three players, who have just featured in the Africa Nations Championships (Chan) held in South Africa. They include defenders Fredy Kogbe, Reeckangue Roosvelte as well as forward Phylipe Ebonde.