Kagame sons feature as Rwanda Morocco draw

President Paul Kagame’s sons Ian Kigenza Kagame and Brian Cyizere Kagame featured in the Rwanda U-20 side that settled for a one all draw against their Moroccan counterparts in a commemoration game on Saturday at Amahoro Stadium.

Ian, who is also a profound basketball player, was fielded upfront as a forward in the Rwanda starting lineup along with Blaise Itangishaka in a diamond formation.

Prior to that, Ian read out an English message to commemorate the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi along with Rwanda captain Dominique Savio Nshuti and Moroccan captain Hamza Hannouri who read the same message in Kinyarwanda and French respectively.

Itangishaka opened the scoring in the first minute when he slotted past Moroccan goalkeeper Achraf Sidki to hand Jean Baptiste Kayiranga’s side an early lead.

The Rwandan outfit grew in confidence thereafter dominating possession with Nshuti making several runs into the box from the left flank as Itangishaka continued to trouble the Moroccan defense.

Ian made way for Park Udahemuka in the 27th minute much to applause from his mother and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, first daughter Ange Kagame as well as the fans in attendance.

Morocco grew into the game as Hicham Boussoufiane and Fadiz Othman constantly came close but for Rwandan goalkeeper Bonheur Hategekimana’s brilliance between the posts.

However, in the 43rd minute Boussoufiane equalized for Mark Wotte’s side to level matters just before the half time mark.

At the beginning of the second half, Wotte introduced Sioudi Aissa, Abdelhadi Boumzairig, Mohamed Elmorabit and Anas Jabroun while Jean Paul Ahoyikuye came on for Amani Niyonkuru.

Consequently, Kayiranga made more changes as Olivier Nsabimana replaced Udahemuka while Kagame’s youngest son Bryan Cyizere Kagame was introduced for Djabel Manishimwe in the 74th minute.

Abeddy Biramahire, Kimenyi Kakira and Sadjati Niyonkuru came on for Jacques Ntwari, Nshuti and Vedaste Niyibizi in that order while Anass Nouaderand Maati Tamayazou who replaced goalscorer Boussoufiane joined the fray as both sides settled for a draw.

This is the second edition of the Commemoration Cup with the inaugural one last year attracting the senior teams of Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and hosts Rwanda.

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MOB are 'Wildcats' Yanga

 14 June 2016

AS Tanzanian envoys began intensive drill in Turkey ahead of their away CAF Confederations Cup tie against Mouloudia Olympic Bejaia (MOB), the clash fever is already high in Algeria.

It was reported this week in Bejaia club’s website that MOB as popularly known in Algeria are desparately in a hunt for replacements to fill gaps left by key players facing suspension.

The team’ s website announced on Monday that the central defender Zidane Mebarakou and the Senegalese centre forward, Mouhamed Ndoye will miss the team’s first leg home match against Tanzanian envoys after being slapped two yellow cards in their last 16 matches.

The club worries the absence of the players, both very crucial for the club might hamper the team’s performance on Friday. In their attempt to reinforce their defence line, MOB who are making a debut to the continental level competition announced Lyes Benhaha, a new goalkeeper’s coach effective from this week. The team’s website said the coach is tasked to train the team’s current keepers namely Chamseddine Rahmani, Amara Daif and Yacine Sidi Salah.

Founded in 1954, Mouloudia Olympique de Béjaïa are regarded the tournament’s wildcats. They joined Algeria Professional league in 2015 and won their maiden CAF Confederations Cup ticket this year.

In Algerian Professional League winners and the runners up qualify for the CAF Champions League while the third finisher and the Algeria FA Cup winners qualify to play in CAF Confederations Cup.

Young Africans opponents won the CAF ticket after beating RC Arbaa 1-0 in Algerian Cup final, the club’s first national title. Meanwhile Tanzanian envoys set foot in Turkey on Sunday for a training camp ahead of their first Caf Confederation Cup group stage tie against MOB on June 19 in Algeria.

The recently crowned Vodacom League and Federation Cup champions have now turned their focus to the continental assignment in a bid to write history by making it to the final, a target they deem achievable.

However, drawn in Group A along with the reigning CAF Champions League winners TP Mazembe who were bundled out of the premier club competition by Wydad Casablanca and Medeama of Ghana, Yanga face a tough task ahead.

“We are aware of the challenge ahead. Against Bejaia, we shall be facing a top African side and we want to give ourselves a chance to register a positive result,” explained midfielder Haruna Niyonzima.

“As always we shall work together as a team and maintain focus. If we can get at least a point in Algeria if we fail to get three then that will motivate us to prepare for the game against TP Mazembe.”

Yanga head coach Hans van Pluijm is not taking anything for granted and will be hoping that his players maximize their stay in Turkey to get away from all the destructions in the Tanzanian capital by fully focusing on the daunting assignment.

The Dutch tactician has included the newly signed quartet of Andrew Vincent (Mtibwa), Juma Mahadhi (Coastal Union), Benno Kakolanya (Prisons) and Hassan Kessy (Simba) as part of the travelling squad as they look to get familiar to the proceedings at the yellow and green machine.

A good start in the group stage will be key to Yanga’s ambitions of making it to the final four and indeed after their game against Bejaia, Pluijm’s side will return to Turkey to continue their training camp in preparation for yet another stern test in TP Mazembe in Dar es Salaam on June 28.

These two matches will go a long way in determining the fate of East Africa’s only representatives in the continental competition at this stage. Yanga saw off Cercle de Joachim of Mauritius 3-1 on aggregate in the Caf Champions League preliminary round to set up a date with Rwandan champions APR.

Pluijm’s side won 3-2 on aggregate against the army side in the first round to set up a date with eight time Caf Champions League winners Al Ahly of Egypt in the second round.

Both sides settled for a 1-all draw in the first leg in Dar es Salaam before Yanga conceded a stoppage time goal in the 95th minute in Cairo to exit the competition 3-2 on aggregate dropping to the Caf Confederation Cup play-off round where they defeated Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca 2-1 on aggregate to qualify for the group stage.

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Andrea Pirlo: It hurt when Antonio Conte axed me - but I hope he does well at Euro 2016

Andrea Pirlo is standing right behind Antonio Conte in his bid to win Euro 2016 even though the next Chelsea manager controversially left him behind.

The former Italy midfielder had desperately wanted to play one more major tournament, having already won 116 caps.

But ruthless Conte left him out — and so the Azzurri go into their Group E opener against Belgium on Monday missing a player, who has been their talisman for 14 years.

“I wasn’t happy to be left out but I have to accept the choice of the coach,” said Pirlo, who helped his nation win the World Cup in 2006 and reach the final of Euro 2012.

“People expected me to quit after the World Cup in Brazil but I decided to try to continue to play in France. In the end, it was not possible and that’s very painful for me because now I think my future with the national team will be very difficult. But I won’t criticise. I have always been very respectful of the coaches and I will remain the same.”

The decision to leave out the former AC Milan and Juventus star shows Conte’s tough side — a potentially ominous sign for players such as John Terry at Stamford Bridge. 

But Pirlo, 37, is sure the Italy boss will not be thinking about west London while he is in France.

The New York City midfielder said: “Conte is a coach with a lot of experience and I don’t believe his move to Chelsea will have any effect on Italy during the Euros. He is too professional for that.

“Even though I am not there I hope and believe Italy can do well. We had a good qualification campaign and we have a big desire to achieve something on the big stage.”

Italy are in transition but Pirlo says there is promise in the squad, who will also face the Republic of Ireland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden.

“It’s a tough group and very complicated,” said Pirlo. “Belgium are possibly the team who have made the most progress in the last year. If they continue the quality they showed in qualifying then they will be candidates for the title.

“Ireland are dangerous, too, and I know how good Robbie Keane can be. The atmosphere at their games will be terrific, so it will not be easy.

“Then there is Sweden and Zlatan. But you have to remember Italy have good players, too. Our defensive line is very strong and we have an attack that can score against anyone.”

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Euro 2016 fixtures, groups, teams and venues: All the European Championship info you need in our interactive guide

Ahead of the kick off for Euro 2016 Sportsmail has put together your ultimate interactive guide to the biggest European Championship ever. 

Click on the different sections to find out about the 24 teams competing in France, when the fixtures are and all you need to know about the 10 different venues. 

As well as all of that, there is an interactive quiz for you to test your knowledge on everything to do with the European Championship.

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Find out all you need to know about the 10 venues being used for Euro 2016

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Full run down of the 24 teams competing at the European Championship

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Ronaldo named the world's highest-paid athlete

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and LeBron James were the three athletes to earn the most over the last 12 months.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the world's highest-paid athlete in the 2016 edition of American business magazine Forbes' list.

Ronaldo earned $88 million up to June 1 2016, which is made up of $56m in salary and $32m in endorsements to put him clear at the top.

It is the first time since 2000 that the number one position has not been filled by boxer Floyd Mayweather – now retired after finishing first last year - or golfer Tiger Woods, who has not won a major for eight years.

Ronaldo's total put him ahead of fellow footballer Lionel Messi, who picked up $81.4m over the past 12 months, while basketball star LeBron James was third with $77.2m – up from number six spot last year.

James earned more than the Barcelona and Real Madrid players in endorsements ($54m), although his $23.2m salary was dwarfed by the wages of Ronaldo and Messi ($53.4m).

Basketball had three players in the top 10 – more than any other sport - with Kevin Durant ($56.2m) fifth and Kobe Bryant ($50m) in 10th.

Tennis duo Roger Federer ($67.8m) and Novak Djokovic ($55.8m) were fourth and sixth in the list respectively.

Baseball did not have a representative in the top 10, but was the most prolific in the first 100 with 26 players featuring. The NFL was next on 21, topped by Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton ($53.1m) in seventh spot, with basketball (18) and football (12) also faring well.

Golfers Phil Mickelson ($52.9m) and Jordan Spieth ($52.8m) were eighth and ninth respectively.

Spieth was the biggest mover in the list, surging from number 85 last year after capitalising commercially on his two major wins.

Forbes' top 10 highest-paid athletes:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo - $88m
2. Lionel Messi - $81.4m
3. LeBron James - $77.2m
4. Roger Federer - $67.8m
5. Kevin Durant - $56.2m
6. Novak Djokovic - $55.8m
7. Cam Newton - $53.1m
8. Phil Mickelson - $52.9m
9. Jordan Spieth - $52.8m
10. Kobe Bryant - $50m

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Former Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi dies

Former Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has died at the age of 54.

Keshi, dubbed "Big Boss" by fans, died in Benin City in southern Nigeria from "cardiac arrest", according to a statement from his family.

His brother and manager, Emmanuel Ado, confirmed Keshi's death.

"It is true, my brother has passed on. He has gone to meet his wife," Ado said, referring to Kate, Keshi's wife of 35 years, who died last year after a three-year battle with cancer. The couple had four children.

After taking over as coach of Nigeria in 2011, Keshi led them to victory in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and then guided them into the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they lost to France.

He was only the second man to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and coach - after Egypt's Mahmoud El-Gohary - following his success 19 years earlier when he was a key defender for the Nigeria team.

Keshi was regarded as an iconic figure in a golden generation of Nigerian players that included Finidi George, Rashidi Yekini, Jay-Jay Okocha, Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi and Sunday Oliseh, and captained the team at the 1994 World Cup in the USA. He made a total of 64 appearances for Nigeria and scored nine goals.

Stephen Keshi made 64 appearances for Nigeria

During a 20-year playing career, he had spells in France and Belgium, most notably for Anderlecht, and also in the USA during the Sacramento Scorpions' brief existence in the mid-1990s.

Keshi also coached Togo when they qualified for the 2006 World Cup - one of three spells in charge of the side - as well as taking charge of Mali for a two-year stint.

He did not have his contract with Nigeria renewed after the 2014 World Cup, although he later returned to lead the team on a match-by-match basis before his tenure was finally ended in July last year.

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Jose Mourinho called to testify at Dr Eva Carneiro tribunal

Tuesday 7 Jun 2016 6:34 a.m.

Jose Mourinho (AAP)

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By Matt McGeehan and Nina Massey

Jose Mourinho suggested Eva Carneiro should work with Chelsea Ladies after she ran on to the pitch during a game with Swansea, the former first-team doctor claims.

The 42-year-old alleges the former Blues manager sexually discriminated against her and is bringing an employment tribunal against him and the club.

Dr Carneiro claims she experienced a number of issues, including a lack of action by Chelsea following sexually explicit chanting at various away games - in particular at Manchester United and West Ham - and a lack of female changing facilities.

Eva Carneiro (AAP)

She also argues that she was not provided with a club suit, and regularly had to endure sexually explicit comments from her colleagues.

As well as alleging that she was called a "filha da puta" - daughter of a whore - during the Swansea game on August 8 last year, Dr Carneiro says the abuse continued into the dressing rooms.

She alleges Mourinho told Chelsea medical director, Paco Biosca: "If they don't know how to do their jobs and they don't understand the game you get other ones. You have to understand the game."

In her written opening remarks, Mary O'Rourke QC, for Dr Carneiro, submits: "Not understanding the game is a common allegation put to women in the football world."

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Eva Carneiro 'rejected £1.2m Chelsea settlement'

• 2 hours ago
 
• From the sectionLondon

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Image captionEva Carneiro (left) is claiming constructive dismissal against the football club

Former Chelsea first team doctor Eva Carneiro rejected a £1.2m settlement from the club, documents submitted to her employment tribunal show.

Dr Carneiro is claiming constructive dismissal against the football club.

She is also bringing a separate legal action against Jose Mourinho, who left Chelsea in December, for alleged victimisation and discrimination.

Dr Carneiro's lawyer said the former Chelsea manager would face at least one day of questions at the hearing.

The case is anticipated to be heard over seven to 10 days at the London South Employment Tribunal in Croydon.

Dr Carneiro's barrister Mary O'Rourke QC told the hearing she is likely to take at least a day to cross-examine Mr Mourinho - now manager of Manchester United - who did not attend the first day of the case.

The tribunal was adjourned until 14:00 BST on Tuesday.

Legal papers submitted to the tribunal on behalf of Chelsea FC and Mr Mourinho showed Dr Carneiro had been "made an open offer of £1.2m to settle her claims".

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

The football club's legal team said it would show the club had taken these steps only because it believed that it was "in no-one's interests that this dispute should be determined through litigation".

"They are conscious that, whatever the facts of the matter, it is likely to be widely and incorrectly assumed that they could have avoided this coming tribunal," Chelsea's legal team added.

Dr Carneiro was criticised by the Portuguese and dropped from first-team duties after she went on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard during Chelsea's opening Premier League game of the 2015-16 season against Swansea.

It meant that Chelsea were temporarily reduced to playing with nine men, which Mr Mourinho claimed had contributed to the resulting draw.

Afterwards he called Dr Carneiro and first team physio Jon Fearn "impulsive and naive".

Dr Carneiro did not appear on the bench again for first-team duties and left the club soon after.

But Chelsea's legal team argued that documents at the time showed Dr Carneiro did not consider Mr Mourinho's actions to be discriminatory.

"The purpose of the discrimination claim was to lift the statutory cap, in order to justify the claimant's extravagant compensation claim," the legal team argued.

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Liverpool reportedly interested in £12m Arsenal player

As Liverpool Echo reports, via Football Insider, Liverpool could be chasing Arsenal’s left-back Kieran Gibbs, whose price is set somewhere around £12m.

According to the source, Arsenal could be willing to listen to offers for the young defender, so it is quite possible that he could be on his way out.

On the other hand, Liverpool’s weakest position is currently left-back, with only the less than impressive Alberto Moreno playing in that position. Young Joe Gomez can fill that place if needed, but the Reds are still going to need some natural left-back.

Gibbs is tied to the Gunners until 2018, but there are no indications that Arsenal is going to get in talks with him about his contract being extended.

With all this being said, and Gibbs starting only three games in the Premier League last season for the Gunners, it seems like his transfer to Liverpool has a really great chance of happening.

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Manchester united make two transfer approaches for lionel messi in last three weeks

Man United have reportedly made approaches to sign Lionel Messi (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have reportedly made two transfer approaches in the last three weeks to establish whether Lionel Messi would be open to a move.

The Barcelona superstar, regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all-time, has scored 453 goals in 531 appearances for Barcelona since making his debut for the Catalan giants in 2004.

Messi, 28, has grown frustrated by the circus surrounding his legal case, according to the Daily Mail, which has led the Red Devils to inquire over the Argentine’s availability.

The report suggests sources close to Messi refused to rule out a potential move to United on Friday.

It’s understood any move to Old Trafford, however, would not be possible until 2017/18, with Messi’s deal at the Nou Camp not expiring until 2018.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs one-year deal with Manchester United

05 June 2016

“Ibrahimovic has accepted the 1 year contract. No automatic options will trigger the 2nd. But Manchester United has option for 2nd year.”

Ibrahimovic had other offers from Chinese Super League clubs and options in Italy, but he will now move to United for a reunion with Mourinho, his former boss at Inter Milan.

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Klopp aiming to end Moreno nightmare by launching audacious £12m raid on Arsenal

It’s not often you’ll see the Liverpool and Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern locked in deep conversation, though those from Merseyside are quizzing the London lot no end this evening. 

That’s because, according to Football Insider, they are weighing up a sensational move for Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs this summer as they look to address their defensive issues.

The Reds have struggled to find a solid left-back for a number of years now, with frailty in that particular berth emerging as a sewing motif in Jurgen Klopp’s early tenure on Merseyside.

Though reports yesterday claimed there were major developments in a deal for Cologne ace Jonas Hector, it is now understood the club are also running the rule over Gibbs.

Alberto Moreno has truly failed to convince, while the less said about Aly Cissokho’s loan stint, the better. Much better.

The England international has lost his place in North London to Nacho Monreal, missing out on the Three Lions’ Euro 2016 squad.

According to the report, it is increasingly unlikely he will be at the Emirates Stadium next term as Arsene Wenger plots a major overhaul.

He is thought to be valued by the Gunners at about £12m, with the 26-year old previously being linked to Newcastle United prior to their relegation.

Has Gibbs lost his place in the England squad for good? 

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Jamie Vardy’s shirt number – it can only be one

Currently sporting that number for Leicester, it just so happens that the shirt has been vacant since Lukas Podolski was sold at the end of the 14/15 season. Handy, eh?

To be fair, in recent years, the Arsenal number 9 shirt has been worn by some seriously dodgy signings. Only Eduardo, really, brought pride to the shirt in the last 16 years and made us think about it in the way a 9 should be thought of.

Park Chu-Young, Julio Baptista, Jose Antonio-Reyes, Francis Jeffers and Davor Suker have all donned the sacred shirt this century.

Before them came Nicolas Anelka, Paul Merson, and Alan Smith in the history of Arsenal number 9s in the Premier League.

No matter what you think of Vardy, there’s no denying he is an out-and-out number 9.No other number would be right for him.

Hopefully he can outdo the last five in terms of goals scored in their first seasons.

To be fair, he only needs one to do better than Park.

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Suarez ruled out of Uruguay's Copa America opener

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has confirmed Luis Suarez will not take part in his team's Copa America Centenario opener against Mexico on Sunday. 

"Luis Suarez is ruled out," the 69-year-old confirmed in his pre-match news conference. "He is a footballer that always surprises us with his recovery, but he is not ready yet."

Suarez limped off in the second half of Barcelona's Copa del Rey final triumph against Sevilla two weeks ago. 

The 29-year-old suffered a right hamstring injury and was reduced to tears, leading to fears he would miss Uruguay's entire Copa America campaign.

Suarez arrived in the United States this week and has been training away from the main group as he looks to regain his fitness.

However, Tabarez confirmed on Saturday that Suarez would miss the Group C opener against Mexico, and he could not put a timeframe on his return. 

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Jamie Vardy’s wife responds to Arsenal transfer talk on Twitter

Jamie Vardy’s wife Rebekah has taken to social media to insist that she will not have any say on where the striker will be playing his football next season.

The England international has been heavily linked with a transfer to Arsenal over the weekend after reports in the British media claimed that the Gunners have activated the release clause in his Leicester contract, believed to be around £20m.

Vardy was one of the Premier League’s standout performers last season and scored 24 goals for the Foxes to help them win the title under Claudio Ranieri.

Arsenal are believed to be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements as Wenger looks to bolster his squad ahead of next season.

But Vardy’s wife used her personal Twitter account to respond to some of the fans who have been messaging her over the weekend.

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