Amos beats Rudisha, Fredericks wins.

Botswana's Nijel Amos repeated his Commonwealth Games win over Olympic champion David Rudisha in the men's 800 metres at the Weltklasse meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday.
South Africa's Commonwealth champion Cornel Fredericks, meanwhile, pipped his rivals in the last few metres to win the men's 400 metres hurdles ahead of American Michael Tinsley and Puerto Rico's Javier Culson in 48.25 seconds.
"Next year, I would like to run under 48 seconds, this is my ultimate goal. And I would like to win an Olympic gold medal," said Fredericks. "I learn a lot with every race."
Amos surged down the home straight to win while Rudisha, who tried to attack from the back, did not have the legs to catch him and finished third after being caught by Djibouti's Ayanleh Souleiman.
"I ran my own race, I felt very good," said Amos, silver medallist behind Rudisha at the Olympic Games, after winning in 1:43.77.
"It is no surprise for me to win the race today... I do not think about who is in the race, whether it is Rudisha or somebody else."
Rudisha, the world record holder, said he was glad to be nearly fully fit after an injury-hit season.
"I am at 85 or 90 percent of my shape," said the Kenyan. "I am not at my best form.
"I wanted to see if I could run a tactical race from behind. I am happy now after my injury problems... Hopefully, I can come back strong next year, it was a good experiment for me, it was good to test myself."

NOT MOTIVATED
World champion Lashawn Merritt managed to summon enough enthusiasm to win the men's 400 metres, cruising home in 44.36 seconds, more than half a second ahead of fellow American Gil Roberts with Botswana's Isaac Makwala in third.
"I was not that motivated for this race because I had been home for more than a month... and I had not raced for five weeks," he said.
"But this is my job, I did it for the people waiting for me. So, I motivated myself to come out and give a great performance."
Olympic champion Christian Taylor snatched the men's triple jump with his final leap of 17.51 metres, overhauling European champion Benjamin Compaore of France who had led with his second jump of 17.45.
Jamaica's Kemar Bailey-Cole won the men's 100 metres ahead of American Michael Rogers and Britain's James Dasaolu, while Panama's Alonso Edward held off Jamaica's Nickel Ashmeade to win the men's 200.
American Reese Hoffa was too strong for European and world champion David Storl as he won the men's shot put with a throw of 21.88 metres.
UNHAPPY PERKOVIC
Croatia's Olympic, world and European discus champion Sandra Perkovic, who threw 71.08 metres to claim the European title at the same venue earlier this month, won the women's event with 68.36 metres, ahead of American Gia Lewis-Smallwood, the only woman to beat her this year.
But Perkovic was still not happy, saying:. "I am not satisfied with my winning result. I would like to have thrown over 70 metres, even 71 metres... I really came here to show more and it did not work."
There was a dramatic finish in the women's 1 500 metres when American pair Jennifer Simpson and Shannon Rowbury fell over the line after colliding in the last few metres.
Simpson just managed to hold on for the win after Rowbury made a dramatic late charge down the inside.
"That was a more dramatic finish than normal," said Simpson.
Jamaica's former 200 metres Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown snatched the women's 100 metres in a photo finish from Ivorian Murielle Ahoure as both finished in 11.04 seconds with Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare just behind.
Dafne Schippers, who won the 100 and 200 at this month's European championships, was fourth.
American Dawn Harper-Nelson, the fastest in the world in the 100 metres hurdles this year, won the women's event in 12.58 seconds, ahead of Australia's Olympic champion Sally Pearson and Britain's European title holder Tiffany Porter who was third.
RESULTS
MEN
100m
1. Kemar Bailey-Cole (Jamaica) 9.96
2. Mike Rodgers (US) 10.05
3. James Dasaolu (Britain) 10.06
200m
1. Alonso Edward (Panama) 19.95
2. Nickel Ashmeade (Jamaica) 20.01
3. Rasheed Dwyer (Jamaica) 20.21
400m
1. LaShawn Merritt (US) 44.36
2. Gil Roberts (US) 44.96
3. Isaac Makwala (Botswana) 45.03
6. Wayde Van Niekerk (South Africa) 45.46
800m
1. Nijel Amos (Botswana) 1:43.77
2. Ayanleh Souleiman (Djibouti) 1:43.93
3. David Lekuta Rudisha (Kenya) 1:43.96
5000m
1. Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku (Kenya) 13:07.01
2. Muktar Edris (Ethiopia) 13:07.32
3. Galen Rupp (US) 13:07.82
400m Hurdles
1. Cornel Fredericks (South Africa) 48.25
2. Michael Tinsley (US) 48.31
3. Javier Culson (Puerto Rico) 48.53
Triple Jump
1. Christian Taylor (US) 17.51
2. Benjamin Compaore (France) 17.45
3. Will Claye (US) 17.39
4. Godfrey Khotso Mokoena (South Africa) 16.82
Shot Put 1. Reese Hoffa (US) 21.88
2. David Storl (Germany) 21.47
3. Joe Kovacs (US) 21.43
4. O'Dayne Richards (Jamaica) 20.79
Javelin Throw
1. Thomas Roehler (Germany) 87.63
2. Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago) 85.77
3. Tero Pitkaemaeki (Finland) 85.12
WOMEN
100m
1. Veronica Campbell-Brown (Jamaica) 11.04
2. Murielle Ahoure (Cote D'Ivoire) 11.04
3. Blessing Okagbare (Nigeria) 11.06
1500m
1. Jennifer Simpson (US) 3:59.92
2. Shannon Rowbury (US) 3:59.93
3. Viola Jelagat Kibiwot (Kenya) 4:00.46
3000m Steeplechase
1. Habiba Ghribi (Tunisia) 9:15.23
2. Hiwot Ayalew (Ethiopia) 9:19.29
3. Sofia Assefa (Ethiopia) 9:19.79
100m Hurdles
1. Dawn Harper-Nelson (US) 12.58
2. Sally Pearson (Australia) 12.71
3. Tiffany Porter (Britain) 12.72
High Jump
1. Mariya Kuchina (Russia) 2.00
2. Ana Simic (Croatia) 1.98
3. Ruth Beitia (Spain) 1.93
Pole Vault
1. Fabiana Murer (Brazil) 4.72
2. Jennifer Suhr (US) 4.67
3. Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou (Greece) 4.67
3. Ekaterini Stefanidi (Greece) 4.67
Long Jump
1. Ivana Spanovic (Serbia) 6.80
2. Tianna Bartoletta (US) 6.76
3. Brittney Reese (US) 6.66
Discus Throw
1. Sandra Perkovic (Croatia) 68.36
2. Gia Lewis-Smallwood (US) 67.32
3. Dani Samuels (Australia) 64.86
Women's 4 x 100m Relay
1. Britain 42.21
2. Jamaica 42.33
3. US 42.48

Leicester City 1-1 Arsenal: Sanchez strikes again but Ulloa secures point for Foxes.

The summer signing notched his second goal, and first in the Premier League, but the newly promoted outfit held on to secure a valuable point against the Gunners.

Leonardo Ulloa's second Premier League goal of the season earned Leicester City a 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday.

Leicester's record signing headed home in the 22nd minute to immediately cancel out Alexis Sanchez's first league goal for Arsenal since joining from Barcelona.

Ulloa's intervention proved enough to earn a valuable point as the visitors failed to find a winner in an entertaining encounter at the King Power Stadium.

Arsenal headed into the game desperate to cap a good week, having qualified for the UEFA Champions League group phase for the 17th successive season on Wednesday.

Yet an inspired Ulloa proved a handful and, with Leicester also defending doggedly, Arsene Wenger's men had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Arsenal have now collected a win and two draws from the opening three league fixtures of 2014-15, with Leicester taking two points from the same number of games.

The home side began confidently, Ritchie De Laet sending in a teasing cross for Ulloa - whose attempt to control the ball flew straight to Wojciech Szczesny.

Arsenal found themselves briefly depleted when Laurent Koscielny was forced to go to the dressing room for stitches to a head wound following a nasty collision with Jeffrey Schlupp.

And Leicester almost made full use of their one-man advantage when Riyad Mahrez hit just wide following a fine one-two with Ulloa.

But, soon after Koscielny returned to the field, Arsenal took the lead through Sanchez after 20 minutes.

Santi Cazorla's wonderful lobbed pass freed Yaya Sanogo and, after the striker's woeful effort was blocked by Kasper Schmeichel, the Chilean was left with a simple finish.

Yet Leicester found an immediate riposte through Ulloa, who met Schlupp's stunning cross with a powerful header that gave Szczesny no chance.

Koscielny, still suffering from the effects of his earlier injury, was at fault for the goal and it came as no surprise when Calum Chambers replaced him.

Arsenal continued to dominate possession after half-time, but were fortunate not fall behind when Ulloa chipped into the side-netting after brilliantly turning Chambers.

The visitors fashioned a couple of chances of their own almost immediately after, Aaron Ramsey heading tamely at Schmeichel before Sanogo hit straight at the goalkeeper when clean through.

Leicester, though, were always on hand to fire warning shots of their own, David Nugent seeing a goal-bound effort blocked following good work from the outstanding Ulloa.

The game entered something of a lull thereafter as neat Arsenal football failed to bring chances.

That impasse ended when substitute Jamie Vardy came agonisingly close to grabbing a second Leicester goal, Szczesny producing a fine reactionary save.

Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring after 20 minutes only for Leonardo Ulloa to equalise less than two minutes later.

TFF extends the transfer window.

TFF general secretary Celestine Mwesigwa attributed their decision to extend the transfer window deadline to the failure by most teams to beat the earlier deadline.

Officials of Premier League clubs that failed to beat Wednesday night’s transfer window deadline, heaved a sigh of relief yesterday when the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) extended the exercise for two more days Goal has learned.
TFF general secretary Celestine Mwesigwa attributed their decision to extend the transfer window deadline to the failure by most teams to beat the earlier deadline, a statement that drew mixed reactions from club officials.
“Our decision to extend the deadline was necessitated by the fact that only two clubs submitted their players’ lists,” he said.
He named the clubs as Ruvu Shooting- a Coast Region Premier League side, and Mbeya’s First Division team Kimondo FC. This is the second time for the TFF to reschedule the deadline for Premier League and First Division clubs to submit to the federation names of players they have drafted in. Earlier, the federation had set August 17 as the transfer window deadline, but postponed it to August 27 for what it termed as ‘technical reasons.’
Mwesigwa named the teams that failed to beat the deadline as Azam FC, Yanga, Mbeya City, Simba SC, Kagera Sugar, Mtibwa Sugar, Police Morogoro, Stand United, Ndanda FC, Tanzania Prisons, JKT Ruvu, Mgambo JKT and Coastal Union.
“We decided to give them more time to finalise the process after learning that the Transfer Matching System (TMS) had some problems,” Mwesigwa said.

IRB to change its name.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) will undergo a second name change in 16 years when it becomes formally known as World Rugby in November as part of a rebranding programme, the sport's governing body said on Thursday.
The new brand, including a revised logo, will be launched at the IRB World Rugby Conference and Exhibition in London on November 17-18, with the new name taking effect from November 19.
The governing body was initially founded in 1886 as the International Rugby Football Board by the Ireland, Scotland and Wales rugby unions before England joined in 1890.
It changed its name to the IRB in 1998.
Growth in player numbers and expansion into new markets as well as the sport's reintroduction to the Olympic Games in 2016 had prompted the decision to rebrand itself, it said.
"We are committed to furthering that growth beyond our traditional family and fan base with a public that expects to be entertained, informed and interacted with," IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said in a statement. "This move is more than just a name change, it is a mission statement."
The branding for the sport's global showpiece, the rugby World Cup will remain in place until after next year's event in England.

Simba yaachana na Donald Musoti.

Musoti alijiunga na Simba ,akitokea Gor Mahia ya Kenya na aliweza kuisaidia timu hiyo kwenye baadhi ya mechi za msimu uliopita japo timu hiyo ilimaliza nafasi ya nne.

KLABU ya Simba imefikia uamuzi wa kuvunja mkataba wa miaka miwili na beki wake wa kimataifa raia wa Kenya Donald Musoti na nafasi yake ameichukua Emmanuel Okwi aliyesajiliwa akitokea Yanga.
Goal inafahamu kuwa Simba imekamilisha usajili wa miezi sita kwa beki Sharifu Hassani aliyekuwa akichezea timu iliyoshuka daraja ya Ashanti United,ikiwa ni muda mchache kabla ya dirisha la usajili kufungwa.
“Kamati yetu ya Utendaji pamoja na benchi la ufundi kwa pamoja tumekubaliana kuachana na Musoti ili tumpe nafasi mshambuliaji mpya tuliyemsajili kutoka Yanga Emmanuel Okwi, pia tumesajili beki mpya Sharifi Hassani ambaye sasa anakwenda kuziba nafasi aliyokuwa anacheza Musoti,”alisema Makamu wa Rais wa Simba Godfrey Kaburu.
Musoti alijiunga na Simba ,akitokea Gor Mahia ya Kenya na aliweza kuisaidia timu hiyo kwenye baadhi ya mechi za msimu uliopita japo timu hiyo ilimaliza nafasi ya nne.

Warm Perth welcome for Springboks.

The Springboks were greeted with pleasant conditions when they arrived in Perth on Sunday afternoon, after three days of training in a very cold Johannesburg.
The Boks had three hard training sessions at Fourways High School before their departure to Australia on Saturday evening. They arrived at their Perth hotel early on Sunday afternoon (Australian time).
The Springboks face Australia at Patersons Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 12:05 SA time). The honours are even between these sides in Western Australia – of the seven matches played here since 1998, each team has won three, while one ended in a draw.
The Boks’ overall record in Australia is 12 wins and one draw out of 34 matches, while the South African Vodacom Super Rugby franchises also found the going tough here in 2014, winning only one out of their 10 matches on Australian soil.
“It’s always tough to play away from home, but we also see it as a challenge,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
“It’s great to be here and all the players and management are excited to get down to business when we hit the training field on Monday.
“We trained very hard the last couple of days and a few more tough sessions are waiting for us this week. Although we got the results against Argentina, our standards are higher than how we performed on the field and we want to improve this weekend.
“It will require a lot of focus and hard work from everyone involved this week. Australia may have lost last weekend against New Zealand, but the week before that they drew in Sydney. We respect them as opposition and can’t afford any slip ups on Saturday.”

Ghana winger Abeyie eager to succeed at Boavista.

The well-traveled Ghanaian winger wants to succeed with the Panthers after sealing a one year deal with them.

Ghanaian winger Quincy Owusu-Abeyie is eager to hit the ground running after signing for Portuguese side Boavista this week.
The 28-year-old has been without a club for close to a year after parting ways with Greek side Panathenaikos through mutual agreement.
“I am delighted to be here and anxious to get started,” Owusu-Abeyie told his club's official website. “I hope that Boavista is able to have a positive season.”
Boavista are yet to disclose the terms of the contract but Goal Ghana understands that it is a one year deal subject to renewal if he impresses.
Owusu-Abeyie has played for Arsenal, Malaga, Spartak Moscow, Al Sadd and a host of other clubs.

Harambee Stars may take part in AFCON qualifiers.

Harambee Stars may still end up in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) admits they are broke.

Ahead of the qualification matches of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals, Kenyan football  officials are keenly watching  the going ons in Lesotho.
This is because the The Lesotho Football Association (Lefa) has still not secured funding for the national team to take part in the qualifiers which kick off on September 6.
The Lesotho Times said on Thursday that the team risk pulling out of the qualifiers which means that Kenya may be drafted as a replacement for the Southern Africa country who eliminated them in the pre-qualifiers.
According to Lefa Public Relations Officer, Thabo Maretlane, unless the association is paid the M3.6 million it is owed by the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation, Likuena would not be able to be part of the qualifiers.
“At this very moment, nothing has improved and we are not sure whether the team will honour its matches, which as you are aware, are the last stage of the qualifiers,” Maretlane told the publication.
“The players are yet to return to camp since they were sent home last week due to the funding issue.
“It’s a sad situation, but there is nothing we can do and have to wait for the ministry to give us the money.”
However, Maretlane said “everyone” is now worried because it is now less than two weeks before Likuena’s opening match against Burkina Faso, scheduled for Ouagadougou.
“This is a very difficult situation for us as the football governing-body, but we are confident the ministry will secure the money as per their  promise,” Maretlane said.
A top Football Kenya Federation (FKF) said they are ready to replace Lesotho. "We have a team ready," said the official.
Harambee Stars are currently in Egypt for an international build-up match that was to be played on Saturday night.

Croatia bounce back to battle past Argentina.

Group B favourites Croatia bounced back from a lacklustre Day One showing to beat Argentina 90-85 in Sunday action at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
A day after struggling to beat minnows Philippines, Croatia were excellent from behind the three-point line - making 13 triples - and shared the offensive load with Krunoslav Simon's 18 points leading five players in double figures. Bojan Bogdanovic and Oliver Lafayette both had 16 points as Croatia improved to 2-0 in the group.
Veteran Luis Scola led Argentina with 30 points and nine rebounds in an outstanding effort for the South American giants, who dropped to 1-1.
In Group C, the Dominican Republic controlled most of the game versus New Zealand, pulling away in the fourth quarter to win 76-63. The Dominicans were fuelled by an explosive performance from their leader Francisco Garcia, who finished with 29 points and six rebounds. Jack Michael Martinez added 12 points and six rebounds.
For New Zealand, Thomas Abercrombie led the way with 22 points. The Dominicans moved to 1-1 in the group and the Kiwis fell to 0-2.
Australia got back on track after Saturday's loss to Lithuania by beating South Korea 85-55 to get their first win in Group D. The Boomers' leading scorer was Joe Ingles, who finished with 17 points, followed by Cameron Bairstow and Aron Baynes, who both had 13 points. Kim Sun Hyung led Korea with 13 points.
Australia got their first win to jump to 1-1 while Korea stand at 0-2.
In the later games, United States were looking to stay undefeated against Turkey while the hosts Spain were playing Egypt.

Dieng puts in a show, Senegal fall in opener.

In Senegal’s first return to the FIBA Basketball World Cup since 2006, Gorgui Dieng put in a show even though Greece prevailed for a 87-64 Group B triumph in Sevilla, Spain.
The Minnesota Timberwolves centre finished with a game-high 21 points and 14 rebounds, but it was Greek player Kostas Kaimakoglou who led the way with a team-high 17 points.
Milwaukee Bucks sensation Greek-Nigerian Giannis Antetokounmpo came off the bench for a 11-point contribution.
Former Sacramento Kings centre Hamady Ndiaye added six points for the West Africans who are set to face tough competition in order to finish in the top four of their group, which includes Croatia, Argentina, the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
In Group A, North African side Egypt fell 85-64 to Serbia, while the Angolans were the only African nation to have won on the World Cup opening day following a 80-69 success over Korea.
The World Cup resumes on Sunday, whith the African champions Angola facing Lithuania in Group D in Gran Canarias, while the Egyptians square off against the host nation in Granada.
This year's FIBA Basketball World Cup takes place across six Spanish cities, and runs until 14 September.

Egypt coach pleads with Kenya FA to support Williamson.

Coach Shawky Gharib pleads with football chiefs in Kenya to support Bobby Williamson insisting the Scot tactician means good for Harambee Stars.

Egypt coach Shawky Gharib has pleaded with football chiefs in Kenya to accord Bobby Williamson time and support his ambitions to turn around fortunes of the sport in the country.

Speaking to Goal after watching his side struggle to beat Harambee Stars 1-0 in a friendly on Saturday night, Gharib said Williamson is the kind of coach who can help Kenya end her poor run of results in continental scene.

"Williamson is the kind of coach Kenya needs at this hour and time. He is a marvelous tactician who knows African football well having handled Uganda Cranes. He loves working in Africa and more importantly he his a top class coach.

"I have looked at his first assignment today (Saturday, while playing against us) and I am shocked that Kenya played good football. We were frustrated for the first 45 minutes and this was a very tacticial work of Williamson.

"I understand his philosophy well and if Kenya supports his initiative, I am very sure that in two years time, the country will be playing in African Cup of Nations or even World Cup.

"He came here with a young team without professionals and you could see for yourself that their display was amazing. I hope Kenyan federation keeps him around for a long time and give hims total support."

Kenya lost 1-0 to Egypt in a friendly match played at Aswan Stadium on Saturday night.

Men march on; more women upsets.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray stayed on course for a mouth-watering US Open quarterfinal showdown on Saturday as five-time women's champion Serena Williams stood alone as America's last singles title hope.
But as the heavyweights of the sport eased into the fourth round, the women's draw was blown open again when Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova became the fifth top 10 seed to exit in the first week.
Kvitova's misery was shared by American tennis after John Isner and Sam Querrey were both knocked out in the third round leaving the hosts still without a men's Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick triumphed in New York in 2003.
Djokovic, the 2011 champion, brushed aside Querrey for the eighth time in nine meetings, with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win taking the world No 1 into the fourth round at a major for the 22nd consecutive time.
"Sam is big server, very powerful. But he doesn't move that well so I wanted to keep him moving around the court, mix up the pace and get as many returns as possible back," said Djokovic after an 85-minute win which was never in doubt from the time he raced into a 5-0 lead in the first set.
Wimbledon champion and seven-time major winner Djokovic will next face Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber who ended US hopes with a 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4) win over Isner despite the American 13th seed firing 42 aces and 77 winners.
It was the third successive year that Kohlschreiber had defeated Isner in the third round.
"It's a disappointment for me personally, not the United States as a whole," said Isner.
Williams racked up her 75th victory at the US Open when she eased past her third successive American compatriot, Uzbekistan-born left-hander Varvara Lepchenko, 6-3, 6-3 and will tackle tough Estonian Kaia Kanepi for a quarterfinal berth.
"I had to make some adjustments because of the wind but I got some excellent advice from my coach," said 32-year-old Williams, playing in her 15th US Open and aiming to become just the second woman after Chris Evert in the 1970s to win three New York titles in succession.
"My opponent played at an unbelievable level but I tried to hang in there and do what I needed to do."
Murray, the 2012 champion, hit 47 winners in a 6-1, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 victory over Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov, the world 96, to book a seventh appearance in the fourth round and goes on to face French ninth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who beat Pablo Carreno-Busta of Spain, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
"I got off to a good start and then had a cushion when he got back into the match in the third set," said 27-year-old Murray.
Third seeded Stan Wawrinka, the Australian Open champion, reached the fourth round without hitting a ball when Slovenian opponent Blaz Kavcic withdrew with a right foot injury.
That took the number of retirements and walkovers at this year's US Open to 10 in the men's event and two in the women's.
Wawrinka next faces either 16th-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo or Australian Nick Kyrgios, who shocked Rafael Nadal in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
Women's third seeded Kvitova lost her third round tie 6-4, 6-4 to pint-sized Serbian, 21-year-old Aleksandra Krunic, who came through qualifying.
Kvitova joins second seed Simona Halep, fourth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, Angelique Kerber, the sixth seed, and eighth-seeded Ana Ivanovic in failing to make the fourth round.
The 24-year-old Kvitova dropped serve five times and committed 34 unforced errors against the 5ft 4in (1.63m) Krunic who divides her time between the pro tour and studying for a university economics degree.
"It was an honour to play on the same court as Petra, she's a great champion. I watched both her wins at Wimbledon," said Krunic, who next plays former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka, the runner-up to Williams in the last two years.
Kvitova said she was taken by surprise by her opponent's poise and power.
"I didn't really expect how she played so well. Suddenly she just pushed the ball very hard," said the Czech.
Also going through to the last-16 of the men's singles for a third successive year was Canadian fifth seed Milos Raonic who beat Victor Estrella Burgos, the 34-year-old tournament debutant from the Dominican Republic, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3).
He will face Japanese 10th seed Kei Nishikori who reached the fourth round for the first time since his 2008 debut with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Leonardo Mayer of Argentina.

Egypt 1-0 Kenya: Williamson reign starts in defeat.

Al Ahly striker Amr Gamal scored the all important goal in 56th minute after Kenya defenders switched off following a long ball that could not be cleared.

Bobby Williamson started his reign as Kenyan coach on a sour note after Harambee Stars went down 1-0 to Egypt in a friendly match played at Aswan Stadium on Saturday night.

Al Ahly striker Amr Gamal scored the all important goal in 56th minute after Kenya defenders switched off following a long ball that could not be cleared inside the danger zone.

Zamalek dangerman Momen Zakaria unleashed a long cross from dip his own half and Kenyan defenders failed to clear the ball allowing Gamal, who had hit the post a few minutes earlier, slice the ball past goalkeeper Wilson Obungu.

Williamson refused to put blame on defenders for the goal and took his time to hail fighting spirit by the team. "Honestly we did not deserve to lose this match. We played well and were dangerous in most occasions but that is football.

"We should stop pointing fingers at how we let in or conceded that goal and instead, be happy with some of the positives we have picked from this fixture," the Scot told Goal after the match.

Williamson, who replaced sacked Adel Amrouche and was handling Kenya for the first time, opted to hand Sony Sugar defender Charles Odette a starting role. Odette was paired to start alongside Noah Wafula and Jackson Saleh of AFC Leopards' whereas Aboud Omar of Tusker started as the left back.

Egypt, who had seasoned goalkeeper Esam El Hadry, were the better side in opening exchanges with Zamalek striker Khalid Kamar testing Obungu with long range shots.

Dennis Odhiambo, who was the captain of the day for Kenya, controlled the midfield well alongside Humphrey Mieno and the two combined in 12th minute to release Noah Wafula, but the striker's feeble shot could not trouble El Hadry.

The Pharaohs then forced their first corner in 28th minute but Obungu did well to stop a poweful shot from Sabry Raheal. Egypt continued to press for an opener and Obungu was once again called upon to deny Kamar (Khalid), who had sneaked past Kenyan defenders - Edwin Wafula and Jackson Saleh.

AFC Leopards' striker Wafula looked lively from franks tormenting Egyptian defenders and at one point laid a good pass to Mieno, who unleashed a shot that went wide. With the match heading to half-time, goalkeeper Obungu was once again forced to save Kenya after stopping another dangerous shot from Khalid Kamar.

On resumption, Williamson rung changes bringing out Obungu for Wycillife Kasaya and Goddfrey Kataka replacing Brian Osumba. Williamson had opted for a one man attack, with Tusker striker Jesse Were being tasked to get goals.

Were was marked out by Egyptian defenders and this prompted Williamson to withdraw Noah Wafula for Harrison Mwendwa so as the latter could assist Were from the middle. But the Egyptian remained dangerous with Kasaya making two saves in succesion.

First Kasaya dived full stretch to deny Hossam Ghaly from an header and then was spot on to keep the scores 1-0 after conceding a corner from a well worked move by the Egyptians.

Kenya: Wilson Obungu, Edwin Wafula, Charles Odette, Jackson Saleh, Aboud Omar, David Odhiambo, Humphrey Mieno, Noah Wafula, David Kingatua, Brian Osumba and Jesse Were. Subs: Kasaya, Omumbo, Sammy Meja, John Ndirangu, Kago Dunson, Harrison Mwendwa and Godfrey Kataka.

'Mercedes comes first in drivers' duel'.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton "can drive as they like" - as long as they don't put the Mercedes Formula One team's overall aims at risk, Niki Lauda says.
The former Formula One champion, who is the non-executive chairman of Mercedes, told Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper the two drivers had to subordinate their own interests to the team's.
Both drivers "are equally important to me because I understand them both, that they want to win races and become world champion, but they shouldn't endanger the overall project," Lauda said in an interview with the weekly.
Mercedes team leaders Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe had met with the drivers Friday at their English headquarters in Brackley, when Rosberg admitted he was to blame for crashing into Hamilton at last Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.
Lauda said Mercedes wanted to win the constructors' title and the first two places in the drivers' championship - where Rosberg currently leads Hamilton by 29 points.
When they both cannot be beaten by the third-placed driver, currently Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, "they can as far as I am concerned drive into each other as much as they want."
Mercedes have taken disciplinary action against Rosberg, thought to be a fine.
Rosberg tried to overtake Hamilton for the lead in the second lap at Spa-Francorchamps and did not pull back when Hamilton held his line into a right turn.
Rosberg's front wing sliced up Hamilton's rear tyre, and the Briton later had to retire while Rosberg needed a new front and finished second behind Ricciardo.
"Lewis and Nico understand and accept the team's No 1 rule: there must be no contact between the team's cars on track," a Mercedes statement said.
"It has been made clear that another such incident will not be tolerated. But Nico and Lewis are our drivers and we believe in them.
"They remain free to race for the 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship."

Marquez takes pole in British MotoGP.

Runaway world championship leader Marc Marquez secured his 10th pole position out of a possible 12 this season on Saturday as he recorded the fastest time in qualifying for the British MotoGP at Silverstone.
The 21-year-old Spaniard – who saw his bid for a record 11th successive win ended with fourth in the Czech race a fortnight ago – will start on the front of the grid on his Honda alongside Italian Andrea Dovizioso and Spain's two-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo.
Marquez, who along with his brother Alex who races in the Moto3 category was watched by their father Julia from the pitlane, said that he had been cautious after a crash in morning practice.
"It was only a small crash but I was still careful in qualifying," said Marquez, who was recording his 46th career pole.
"I'm happy with the bike and hoping for a good day tomorrow (Sunday) and fighting for victory," he told BT Sport.
Dovizioso, who sits in fifth position in the standings with 118 points, said that hard work by his Ducati team was starting to pay off.
"The team has worked really hard and I am so happy with the results. The race will be difficult but we are improving," said the Italian.
Lorenzo, who will be bidding for a third successive British GP win, said he and his Yamaha team had come good in adversity.
"This bike is very difficult to ride," he said.
"We have improved it a little bit and got a good time here in difficult conditions so I have to be very satisfied."
On the second row will be Aleix Esparagaro while Czech MotoGP winner and Marquez' teammate Dani Pedrosa is on the third row with Italian legend Valentino Rossi.
Marquez has 263 points after 11 races with Pedrosa, who has never won the world title in this category or the 500cc its predecessor, second on 186 and Rossi is third with 173.
RESULTS
1. Marc Marquez (Spain) Honda 2:00.829
2. Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Ducati 2:01.140
3. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 2:01.175
4. Aleix Espargaro (Spain) Yamaha 2:01.448
5. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda 2:01.464
6. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 2:01.550
7. Bradley Smith (Britain) Yamaha 2:01.593
8. Pol Espargaro (Spain) Yamaha 2:01.747
9. Stefan Bradl (Germany) Honda 2:01.973
10. Andrea Iannone (Italy) Ducati 2:02.064

Balotelli & Sterling prove there IS life after Suarez.

Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory at Tottenham on Sunday with the Italy international impressing on his debut, but the England man stole the show.

 The questions had been asked all week: can Liverpool compete for the title again this season and will the signing of Mario Balotelli prove an inspired decision or a self-destructive shot in the foot?

It is too early to answer definitively, but the signs are looking good for Brendan Rodgers and his players.

The Reds’ trip to White Hart Lane on Sunday was billed as the barometer of their capacity to compete this term following the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and last week’s defeat at Manchester City.

The answer was emphatic as Liverpool dismantled Spurs with a dominant 3-0 victory in north London.

Suarez’s departure has given others an opportunity to step up and while all eyes were on Balotelli before kick-off here, it was Raheem Sterling who stole the show once it got underway.

The England attacker, playing at the tip of a diamond formation, tormented Tottenham with the speed of his mind and his feet, effortlessly dazzling his way past defenders throughout the afternoon.

Sterling put the Reds ahead in the eighth minute from close range and set the tone for a display reminiscent of the attacking vibrancy of their stunning 5-0 victory at Tottenham last December.

Steven Gerrard put Liverpool two up from the penalty spot just after half-time before new signing Alberto Moreno smashed home the goal of the game following a driving run to put the result beyond doubt.

Throughout the afternoon, Tottenham looked totally unable to stop Liverpool’s lightening attacking moves and swift link-up play in the final third.

Balotelli may have played second fiddle to Sterling, but the controversial £16 million signing from AC Milan was at the heart of much of the Reds' good work during a complete performance against a feeble Spurs side.

The 24-year-old should have scored within a couple of minutes, but headed too close to Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris from seven yards. Later in the half, he picked up a loose clearance from Lloris but his lob went closer to the corner flag.

But the Italian was full of running and effort, immediately buying in to Liverpool’s philosophy of pressing high up the pitch. On the ball, he linked up well with Sterling and strike partner Daniel Sturridge.


Rodgers was certainly happy with his new recruit’s performance before his withdrawal after an hour.

“I thought the two boys up front with Raheem in behind worked really well,” Rodgers said. “He was very good. I think you all saw Mario’s workrate, pressing and effort out there today. He was disappointed not to score.

“He’s a good guy and a good man. If you take away the circus around him, control the background noise and get him to solely focus on football, you can see his quality.  

“It’s the first time ever he’s marked at a corner. I’m being serious - an international player. We were working on corners in training and he said ‘I’ve not marked at a corner before’. I said ‘you do now’. You need to treat him as an adult.”

It was a Liverpool performance reminiscent of their swashbuckling charge towards the title last season that ultimately ended in crushing disappointment.

There has been a train of thought that another challenge is beyond them, especially without Suarez and with the added complication of Champions League football.

With Balotelli’s star quality alongside the brilliance of Sterling and Sturridge, the Reds’ future looks bright regardless.

World junior champion Nyairera leads Kenyan runners in golden hunt.

Oregon World Junior Championships gold medalist Margaret Nyairera (left) leads Kenya’s hunt for medals as athletics programme starts at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam today. Nyairera, who claimed gold in 800m in Oregon early this month, will have a test of the tartan track at the Stadium when she competes in 800m heats scheduled to start at 11am.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2000132958/world-junior-champion-nyairera-leads-kenyan-runners-in-golden-hunt

Oregon World Junior Championships gold medalist Margaret Nyairera (left) leads Kenya’s hunt for medals as athletics programme starts at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam today. Nyairera, who claimed gold in 800m in Oregon early this month, will have a test of the tartan track at the Stadium when she competes in 800m heats scheduled to start at 11am.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2000132958/world-junior-champion-nyairera-leads-kenyan-runners-in-golden-hunt

Oregon World Junior Championships gold medalist Margaret Nyairera (left) leads Kenya’s hunt for medals as athletics programme starts at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam today. Nyairera, who claimed gold in 800m in Oregon early this month, will have a test of the tartan track at the Stadium when she competes in 800m heats scheduled to start at 11am.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2000132958/world-junior-champion-nyairera-leads-kenyan-runners-in-golden-hunt

Oregon World Junior Championships gold medalist Margaret Nyairera (left) leads Kenya’s hunt for medals as athletics programme starts at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam today. Nyairera, who claimed gold in 800m in Oregon early this month, will have a test of the tartan track at the Stadium when she competes in 800m heats scheduled to start at 11am.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2000132958/world-junior-champion-nyairera-leads-kenyan-runners-in-golden-hunt

Oregon World Junior Championships gold medalist Margaret Nyairera (left) leads Kenya’s hunt for medals as athletics programme starts at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam today. Nyairera, who claimed gold in 800m in Oregon early this month, will have a test of the tartan track at the Stadium when she competes in 800m heats scheduled to start at 11am.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2000132958/world-junior-champion-nyairera-leads-kenyan-runners-in-golden-hunt

Oregon World Junior Championships gold medalist Margaret Nyairera (left) leads Kenya’s hunt for medals as athletics programme starts at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam today. Nyairera, who claimed gold in 800m in Oregon early this month, will have a test of the tartan track at the Stadium when she competes in 800m heats scheduled to start at 11am.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2000132958/world-junior-champion-nyairera-leads-kenyan-runners-in-golden-hunt

Akumu to miss friendly as Gor Mahia duo recalled.

K’Ogalo players’ – David Owino and Timothy Otieno – have been drafted into Harambee Stars’ squad for friendly against Pharaohs on Saturday in Aswani.

Former Gor Mahia midfielder Anthony Akumu has been dropped from Harambee Stars squad that departs in batches for Cairo, Egypt, ahead of friendly against hosts Pharaohs on Saturday.
Akumu, who turns out for Al Khartoum in Sudan, has been left behind after failing to connect a flight to Nairobi in time for the trip.
Football Kenya Federation CEO Michael Esakwa confirmed to Goal that two players from Gor Mahia – David ‘Calabar’ Owino and Timothy Otieno – have been drafted into squad and will leave on Friday.
“Akumu will not be available despite our efforts to have him for the friendly. However, with another flight scheduled for Friday morning, we have been forced to have back K'Ogalo duo of Owino and Otieno.
“Gor Mahia players’ had initially been axed because of their league match against KCB but now that we have a flight scheduled for Friday, we have been forced to pick the two for the trip.”
Harambee Stars’ will depart in batches for the friendly, which will be the first assignment for coach Bobby Williamson, who took over a week ago after replacing sacked Adel Amrouche.
The first batch of players and a few officials left on Thursday at 5pm, the second batch is scheduled to depart at 10pm while another batch will leave for Cairo en route to Aswani at 4am on Friday.

Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda to put joint bid for Afcon 2017.

Football Kenyan Federation have confirmed that Uganda and Rwanda have agreed to jointly pursue interest in bidding to host 2017 Cup of Nations.

Football Kenyan Federation have confirmed that Uganda and Rwanda have agreed to jointly pursue interest in bidding to host 2017 African Cup of Nations.
This comes after the bids were re-opened following withdrawal of Libya as a host nation following unstable security situation in the country.
A statement obtained by Goal signed by Kenya FA President Sam Nyamweya revealed, “I am delighted that Uganda and Rwanda have received positively proposal by Football Kenya Federation to jointly pursue interest in bidding to host 2017 Orange Caf Africa Cup of Nations after bids were re-opened following withdrawal of Libya as host nation.
“Mr. Nzamwita Vincent Degaule, Honourable President of Federation of Rwanda Football Association (Ferwafa) and Mr. Moses Hassim Magogo, Honourable President of Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) have written to us backing our proposal saying they would love us to further explore opportunity of submitting to Caf our joint bid by September 30, 2014 deadline.
“As a federation, we feel honoured that our brothers from neighbouring countries have shared our view so that together, we may bring the continent of Africa to our region as East Africans. I hope my colleagues in Tanzania, Burundi and the rest will follow suit so that we begin the process of preparing the bid.
“I urge respective ministries of Sports, Tourism and Foreign Affairs in our nations under the auspices of the East African Community initiative, driven by the EAC Secretariat, to move with speed and work together with our federations to ensure that we have a strong bid that will be successful.
“I, once again, thank Governments of our region for their steadfastness in supporting football activities which I firmly believe will soon bring us to par or even better than the rest of the African continent. I am convinced that we shall secure the necessary government guarantees, with a firm commitment to having a successful tournament that will serve the rest of Africa the best of our hospitality.”

KCB 0-0 Gor Mahia: Bankers’ halt K’Ogalo’s title ambitions.

K'Ogalo failed to stretch their lead at Kenyan Premier League summit and will blame themselves for not winning despite creating numerous scoring chances.

Gor Mahia failed to extend their lead at the top of Kenya Premier League standings after being held to a barren draw by hard fighting KCB at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday.
The league champions however, remain top spot on 42 points but will blame themselves for not winning this one after wasting numerous scoring chances. Gor Mahia were on the offensive right from the word go and were unlucky not to have been ahead within the quarter hour mark.
In the 12th minute, Daniel Onyango tested KCB goalkeeper Zachariah Onyango with a long range effort but it did not bother the custodian. Then in 15th minute, Gor Mahia earned a free-kick outside KCB danger zone after Zachariah Onyango had handled outside his box.
Godfrey Kizito stepped up to take the free-kick and with the whole stadium expecting a goal he went for power instead of precision and the final shot went wide off the mark. Two minutes later, Kizito known for his powerful shots, was at it again this time forcing Zachariah Onyango to spill the shot for a fruitless corner.
Before that KCB's Raymond Murugi had been allowed to sneak in between two Gor Mahia defenders only to be denied by Jerim Onyango in goal. In the 20th minute, Gor Mahia backline which was having trouble marking, allowed Benjamin Chaka to make a turn and shoot at goal but the effort was not strong enough to count.
Timothy Otieno had the biggest miss just before half time break. After being placed through by Dan Sserunkuma, the youthful striker went for power with the ball flying beyond KCB goal.
In the second half, Gor Mahia continued with wasted chances. By the hour mark, Sserunkuma had been denied twice. However, the bankers were in charge of proceedings from then on but were too naive though Gor Mahia will have goalkeeper Jerim Onyango to thank for keeping a clean sheet.
KCB made first substitution bringing in Mohammed Kassim for Ronald Musanda while Gor Mahia brought on Patrick Oboya for Timothy Otieno without any impact on the results.

Wanyama to face Arsenal in Capital One Cup.

Southampton, the home of Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama, will play the Gunners away at Emirates in third round slated for September 23 and 24.

Southampton have been pitted against Arsenal in the third round of Capital One after advancing with a win over Millwall on Tuesday.
Southampton, the home of Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama, will play the Gunners at Emirates in the third round fixture slated for September 23 and 24.

Manchester City, who beat Sunderland 3-1 in League Cup final last year, are to host Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday at the Etihad. Eight-time winners Liverpool were given a similar draw as Middlesbrough make the trip to Anfield while Bolton face a journey to Stamford Bridge to face Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

Manchester United failed to make the cut after Louis van Gaal and Co were humiliated by MK Dons on Tuesday night, losing 4-0 to their League One counterparts. As a result, Karl Robinson's men will welcome fellow upsetters and League Two outfit Bradford to stadium:mk.

Four other ties see Premier League opposition pitted against each other.  Swansea City and Everton couldn't avoid matching, and will meet at the Liberty Stadium.

Crystal Palace's new manager Neil Warnock will look to orchestrate a win over Newcastle United, while Hull City face a trip to West Brom.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are to face Nottingham Forest at White Hart Lane.

Leyton Orient and Burton Albion, having both seen off Premier League opposition in Aston Villa and QPR respectively, earned their own home ties. Orient will meet fellow League One club Sheffield United, while Albion face tougher opposition in Brighton & Hove Albion.
Full third-round draw:  

Chelsea v BoltonArsenal v Southampton
West Brom v Hull
Crystal Palace v Newcastle
Leyton Orient v Sheffield United
Cardiff v Bournemouth
Sunderland v Stoke
Derby v Reading
Liverpool v Middlesbrough
MK Dons v Bradford
Manchester City v Sheffield Wednesday
Burton Albion v Brighton
Swansea v Everton
Shrewsbury v Norwich
Fulham v Doncaster
Tottenham v Nottingham Forest

'Gauteng race ideal for local athletes'.

Women's champion Mapaseka Makhanya has lauded the organisers of the annual Gauteng marathon for providing opportunities to local athletes, as she prepares to defend her title next week.
Makhanya won last year's race in a stunning debut performance, clocking 2:37:06 to scoop the R250 000 first prize, and she confirmed on Monday she looked forward to returning to the annual event.
"This race was the first (standard) marathon in South Africa to offer this amount of prize money, so it's a great event for us," Makhanya said.
"It's not even organised by a club. It's organised by an events company that is trying to put something into the sport, so I don't think we should be too critical.
"We need to try and help them grow and promote the race."
Last week, the Maxed Elite professional team confirmed men's champion Shadrack Kemboi of Kenya would not return for this year's race, after allegedly receiving poor treatment from the organisers following his 2013 victory.
Makhanya, however, believed if athletes wanted special attention they should compete in major races in Europe and the United States.
"I didn't expect VIP treatment. For me it's just another race," Makhanya said.
"I can go to a big race overseas, run under 2:20:00 and not even win, and I'd probably earn a lot less than R250 000.
"This race does not invite athletes to take part, and there are no appearance fees, so it's not fair to expect more than they are offering."
She said the Gauteng marathon was an ideal event to launch her international marathon career.
"This race gives me the opportunity to establish myself financially before I compete in major races overseas.
"I now have the chance to make money here, so when I do enter a major international marathon, even if I don't get an appearance fee, I can focus on running fast times without the added pressure of winning prize money."
The third edition of the Gauteng marathon, organised by Ultimate Sporting Concepts, will be held in Johannesburg on September 7.

Farah eases to 10 000m title.

Britain's Mo Farah put aside his recent fitness problems to claim his fourth European title by comfortably winning the 10 000 metres final on Wednesday.
The double Olympic champion was chased hard down the final straight by Turkish pair Ali Kaya and Polat Kemboi Arikan and compatriot Andy Vernon, but never looked in any real danger.
Vernon, hampered by backmarkers at the start of the final lap, pipped the two Kenyan-born Turks to take silver, Kaya was third and Arikan, the defending champion, finished out of the medals.
It was a welcome win for the 31-year-old Farah in what has been a frustrating season.
"It meant a lot to me," Farah told reporters after adding to his 5 000 and 10 000 metres European golds in Barcelona in 2010 and his 5 000 metres title in Helsinki two years ago.
"I was really ill a few weeks ago but training has gone well.
"Winning the European Championships again really does mean a lot to me. I didn't want to let people down after missing the Commonwealth Games, it hasn't been easy."

On a wet and chilly evening at the Letzigrund, Farah went to the front of the pack just over three laps from the end and never looked like relinquishing his lead.
Farah, who won the 5 000 and 10 000 metres titles at the London Olympics and the world championships in Moscow last year, was admitted to hospital in the United States at the start of July with abdominal pains.
He initially said he would compete at both distances in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but had to pull out.
He also made an inauspicious competitive debut over 26.2 miles when he finished eighth in the London marathon in April.
Britain also won gold in the men's 100 metres and women's 100 metres hurdles.
James Dasaolu held off Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre to win the 100 in 10.06 seconds and Tiffany Porter won the sprint hurdles in 12.76 seconds, three hundredths of a second ahead of Cindy Billaud of France.
Dafne Schippers of the Netherlands, world championship bronze medallist in the heptathlon last year, made a successful switch to the sprints as she won the women's 100 metres in 11.12 seconds ahead of Myriam Soumare of France and Ashleigh Nelson of Britain.
Schippers will also run in the 200 metres and women's 4x100 metres relay.

Leopards held by Muhoroni.

AFC Leopards’ lackluster season continued after they were held to a goalless draw by Muhoroni in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.
Ingwe dominated proceedings but stubborn rearguard performance by the visitors coupled by wastefulness of their strikers saw them fail to collect three points at home.
The pre match and post match was marred by incidents after Leopards’ scouts roughed up Muhoroni players before the match preventing then from entering the dressing room. After the final whistle, unhappy Ingwe fans pelted teh pitch with stones before engaging police in running battles inside and outside the stadium.
On the pitch, Leopards went close on several occasions especially in the first half with Noah Wafula hitting the upright before he had a goal disallowed for offside.
Jacob Keli also fluffed two clear opportunities most notably when he failed to hit the target when through on goal.
James Situma thought he had scored the opener in the second half but he was penalised for fouling the keeper in the process.
After the final whistle, man of the match Ezekiel Otuoma was delighted with the point. “We had a small scuffle with AFC Leopards officials and fans as they threw salt at us so we had to run back to our bus for safety. All in all we had a good game against a strong team and in the end we got one point and we are thankful.
“Our target as players is to finish in the top half. We want to play well in the remaining matches to make sure we reach our goals”, he said.

Williamson to pick successor for Gor Mahia.

.

The Scot reveals to Goal he wants to have a hand in picking his successor at the club he left on Sunday to take over Harambee Stars' coaching role.

Former Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson has said he wants to have a hand in picking his successor at the club.
Speaking after leading K’Ogalo to a 1-0 win over Sony Sugar on Sunday, Williamson insisted that his successor must be someone, who can take the club to the summit.
"I have talked to Gor Mahia chairman (Ambrose Rachier) and given him suggestions on who to take over.
"He must be someone, who is qualified and able to help this team retain the title,” Williamson told Goal.
Williamson said he hopes the team can play well and retain Kenyan Premier League title even as he dismissed suggestions that they did poorly in Rwanda.
"We have a young squad which has given their best on the pitch. They tried in Rwanda and I cannot call it a failure. We were the best team in our pool who were let down by matters beyond our control. I surely hope they can play well and retain KPL title.”
Williamson stepped down from Gor Mahia on Sunday to take over at Harambee Stars.

Oliech scores a brace as Ajaccio cruise in French Cup.

Kenya striker Dennis Oliech struck a double as AC Ajaccio hammered ESTAC Troyes 4-1 to cruise into next round of French Cup on Tuesday night.

Kenyan striker Dennis Oliech scored a brace as AC Ajaccio hammered ESTAC Troyes 4-1 to cruise into next round of French Cup on Tuesday night.
Mouaad Madri scored the first goal in 52nd minute for AC Ajaccio. The second goal came when Nicolas Fauvergue scored in 54th minute.
Dennis Oliech then took the show scoring two quick goals in 59th and 65th minute as Ajaccio run away comfortable winners. Troyes pulled a consolation through Karim Azamoun in 67th minute.
It was the third goal for Oliech this season. The former Harambee Stars captain was on target when Ajaccio beat Ajaccio GFCO 2-0 in a French Ligue 2 derby played at Ange Casanova a week ago.
Meanwhile, Kenyan captain Victor Wanyama featured for 46 minutes as Jack Cork and Graziano Pellè goals sealed progression of Southampton to Capital One Cup Third Round with a 2-0 victory over Millwall at The Den on Tuesday night.
Cork, who came on as a half-time substitute, nodded home a corner to reward Southampton for a flurry of efforts in a tie they dominated the majority of.
Pellè, a constant menace to the hosts’ defence throughout, nearly made one of his numerous attempts count when he clipped the post with a second-half header.
The striker’s tireless efforts eventually paid dividends as he side-footed a 93rd-minute shot into the near corner to cap off a pleasing night for Ronald Koeman’s men.

KPL now sets date for Sony Sugar, AFC Leopards’ replay.

Sony Sugar have confirmed through their official twitter account that they will confront giants AFC Leopards’ on September 10 at Awendo Green Stadium.

Sony Sugar have confirmed through their official twitter account that they will face AFC Leopards’ in replay of aborted Kenyan Premier League match on September 10 at Awendo Green Stadium.
The sugar millers’ decision comes days after Football Kenyan Federation revealed exclusively to Goal that KPL’s move to award AFC Leopards’ points from the fixture will not reversed.
Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee had ordered for the replay after Sony Sugar lodged a complaint. Sony wrote, “SonySugar vs AFC Leopards’ match will now be played in Awendo on September 10, 2014, at SonySugar Green Stadium from 3pm.”
KPL official Phoebe Amuyunzu refused to comment on the matter but research by Goal revealed that the match has been drafted into fixtures and will be played on September 10.
“I am not aware that KPL have ordered for a replay between Sony and AFC Leopards’. Please contact Frank (Okoth) for further details on the same,” said Amuyunzu.
Kenya FA have made it clear that Sony Sugar were at fault for failing to honour fixture as planned in Afraha Stadium and that KPL’s decision to award Ingwe three points and two goals was final and no replay will take place as ordered by IDCC.

SLOTTED IN | KPL have scheduled Sony v AFC Leopards for September 10 in Awendo
“We (FKF) wrote to Sony Sugar on two occasions asking they get an alternative venue but they did not respond. The first letter was sent almost eight days before match day and we followed it again with another because it was a high risk fixture that could not be held at the sugar millers' facility over security concerns,” said Kenya FA President Sam Nyamweya.
“Against Gor Mahia it was a similar case. We asked Sony to get an alternative pitch and they opted for Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. So why was it difficult for the club to get another venue for AFC Leopards’ match?”
Nyamweya continued, “As a federation we don’t advocate for boardroom decisions but in this case Sony Sugar made a big mistake and must be punished for the same. KPL’s decision to award AFC Leopards’ the match will stand and we will have no replay in Awendo.”
Nyamweya accused IDCC of reaching at a ruling without consulting federation, who are custodians of the sport in the country. “IDCC should have sought for our opinion as FKF before making known their decision to demand for a replay. We are part and parcel of the sport and it could have been ideal that they seek for our judgment but that was not the case.”
The Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee is the tribunal for resolving disputes in the game of football managed under auspices of Kenyan Premier League Limited.

Sunderland 1-1 Manchester United: Van Gaal's men stutter against resolute Black Cats.

Juan Mata's opener was cancelled out by Jack Rodwell as the Red Devils again failed to register their first victory of the campaign.

Manchester United's disappointing start to the new Premier League season continued as a lacklustre showing ended in a draw with Sunderland.

Despite starting slowly, Louis van Gaal's side took the lead as Antonio Valencia rolled in a perfect cross from the right, and Juan Mata was on hand to tap-in a yard from goal.

That goal seemed to settle the Red Devils, but they were soon pegged back as Jack Rodwell powerfully headed home his first goal for the Black Cats since his summer move from Manchester City.

VIEW FROM STADIUM OF LIGHT

By Matthew Sherry That most Sunderland fans left the ground disappointed is a damning indictment of just how far United have fallen. While admittedly depleted, Louis Van Gaal's men, at times, resembled a disjointed mess. Sorely lacking organisation in defence, they were vulnerable throughout and Sunderland may feel they should have created more chances. The ongoing central-midfield issues which have plagued United were more evident than ever, Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley looking hopelessly out of their depth. Yet in spite of all those issues, United took the lead through Juan Mata's good run. However, their inability to hold on to it for longer than 13 minutes shows that as well as lacking quality in key areas, the Red Devils are also sorely missing the killer instinct that was a hallmark of the glory years under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The visitors introduced Adnan Januzaj in the second half in search of a winning goal, but the visitors weren't able to force Vito Mannone into a meaningful save after the break.

All eyes were again on Van Gaal after United began their campaign with a 2-1 home defeat to Swansea City last week.

As if to add to the pressure, all three of the club's close-season signings – Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo – were unavailable on Sunday.

Yet few would have predicted the level of disjointedness on display as United struggled badly, particularly in defence.

It was the home side who enjoyed the brighter start as United began nervously in possession, with Lee Cattermole - buoyed by a wonder goal against West Brom last week - hitting a half-volley just wide.

There were certainly signs of the nerves Van Gaal alluded to last week in his charges' display, although a botched attempt to play out from the back fortuitously led to an opening as Tom Cleverley curled over early on.

But it was Sunderland causing all the problems, the impressive Will Buckley cutting inside to feed Connor Wickham - who could only hit straight at David De Gea with the goal gaping.

Perhaps awoken by that miss, United responded to take the lead as Valencia found space on the wing and sent a vicious low cross to the back post that Mata was able to tap into an empty net.

But the goal did not bring an improvement in the visitors' general play and Sunderland levelled in the 30th minute, Rodwell heading home Sebastian Larsson's corner at the front post.

United did begin to see more of the ball thereafter, although it was Sunderland who created the first half's final chance when Steven Fletcher's overhead kick went tamely wide.

Whatever Van Gaal said to his players at the interval did not have the desired effect as further poor defending let in Wickham, who saw his fizzing strike turned cleared off the line by Tyler Blackett.

Van Gaal's men then enjoyed a spell of pressure and were denied a penalty when Ashley Young went down under a challenge from former United defender Wes Brown.

The visitors continued to press forward in search of a winner but, despite some nervous Sunderland defending, were not able to find the Midas touch in front of goal.

Barcelona 3-0 Elche: Messi at the double for 10-man Blaugrana.

The Argentine scored twice, while youngster Munir El Haddadi was also on target as the Catalans made light of the first-half dismissal of Javier Mascherano.

Luis Enrique's reign as Barcelona coach began in style as Lionel Messi inspired the 10-man Catalans to a 3-0 hammering of Elche at Camp Nou.

The former Roma and Celta Vigo coach returned during the close-season to the club where he spent eight years as a player and watched on as Messi netted twice in a rousing display on Sunday.

Recent signings Claudio Bravo, Jeremy Mathieu and Ivan Rakitic lined up alongside youngsters Munir El Haddadi and Rafinha in a new-look starting XI as Barca look to atone for a poor campaign last time out.

But the opening goal could not have been more familiar as Messi produced a fine finish after turning brilliantly on the edge of the box.

A straight red card for Javier Mascherano at the end of the first half appeared to give Elche hope, but 18-year-old debutant Munir remedied the situation with a delightful strike right after the break.

Messi put the game beyond Elche just after the hour mark with an equally impressive finish and ensured that the new era at Barca started encouragingly.

Luis Enrique claimed in the build-up that no other side can match his charges for determination, but bar a brief pause for a pitch-invading cat, Elche kept the hosts at bay with some resolute defending in the early stages.

Elche's defensive blockade frustrated Barca - without the services of the suspended Luis Suarez - at the beginning, Andres Iniesta finally carving them open in the 22nd minute as Munir went close.

The youngster produced a fine first touch to spin away from David Lomban after receiving Iniesta's throughball, but his powerful effort came back off the left-hand post.

Iniesta was integral again 10 minutes later as he fired a 30-yard warning shot against the crossbar.

Elche's resolve eventually broke in the 42nd minute, though, as Messi darted away from a crowd of defenders before firing a precise finish into the bottom-right corner.

However, the away side received a significant boost almost immediately as Mascherano tripped Garry Rodrigues when through on goal, earning the Argentinian a red.

Rafinha's league debut for the club ended at half-time as Luis Enrique sacrificed the attacker in favour of Marc Bartra.

The defensive switch had no negative impact on Barca going forward, though, as Munir doubled the hosts' advantage less than a minute into the half.

The teenager latched on to Rakitic's deflected aerial pass and produced a deft flick with the outside of his left foot, beating Przemyslaw Tyton from 16 yards with remarkable confidence.

Elche's attacking threat had been virtually non-existent and the match was put completely beyond them with 27 minutes to go.

Messi jinked past a couple of challenges on the edge of the box and expertly placed a pin-point effort into the bottom-left corner.

The Argentina star looked hungry to complete his hat-trick in the final stages, but the game ultimately petered out and Barca settled for a routine triumph.

Diamond League snubs Gatlin.

Justin Gatlin hasn't felt this lean or this quick or even this hungry - he's cut way back on cheeseburgers and chocolate - in quite some time.
Using a shorter, more compact stride, the American sprinter has won all 11 of his 100-metre races this season, although none have been against a certain person named Usain Bolt.
Yet, no matter how many events Gatlin wins or how fast he flies down the track, there's one thing he can't outrun - his checkered past.
Although he's four years removed from serving his four-year doping suspension, some meets still refuse to include him.
Gatlin wasn't invited to the Diamond League race in Stockholm on Thursday. Same with Birmingham, England, three days later, or the competition in Zurich on August 28.
All these Diamond League races are considered the biggest in this, a middle year in the Olympic cycle that does not include outdoor world championships.
"I guess paying dues in their eyes is not ever running again in their races," said Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic 100-metre gold medalist who tested positive test for excessive testosterone in 2006, was reinstated from his ban on July 24, 2010, and captured bronze at the London Games two years later.
"I look at myself as the 'Batman' of track - a vigilante. You may not like me, but I'm needed."
Meet directors insist there's no grudge and that different races simply have different protocols.
The race in Zurich, for instance, is owned by a private club and its bylaws include a provision where there will be no invitations extended to any athletes banned for two years or more.
However, there's wiggle room. That particular meet invited Gatlin last season because he was leading the Diamond League in the 100 and that race was the final.
This season, since the 200 counts in the standings and the 100 is an invitational race, "we would certainly not invite him," meet director Patrick Magyar said in a phone interview.
It could've been quite the showdown, too, with Bolt expected to attend. Gatlin beat Bolt on June 6, 2013, at a Diamond League race in Rome, one of the few to hold off the Jamaican sensation, who's the world record holder in the 100 and 200.
"There's no personal animosity," Magyar said. "The decision of the general assembly stands as this: We don't want to give our money to athletes that have brought the sport disrepute."
A few years back, Rajne Soderberg, the President of Euromeetings, said the organisation representing Europe's top track events "will continue to recommend that members do not invite athletes who we believe cause disrepute to our meetings and our sport."
Soderberg didn't respond to numerous emails sent this summer by The Associated Press to see if that sentiment still held true.
There are those who contend that such a stance amounts to penalising an athlete twice, since they've already served their time.
The International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), the governing body for the sport, doesn't see it that way. Gatlin will have been invited to nine of the 14 Diamond League races by the end of the season.
"It is up to the meeting organisers to decide which athletes are welcome, and whether they will add value to the competition," Nick Davies, the Deputy General Secretary of the IAAF, wrote in an email.
"By the nature of an 'Invitational Meeting' - athletes must be invited to compete and there is no obligation on a meeting organiser to select any specific athlete if they prefer not to."
So while fellow American Michael Rodgers has a chance to increase his advantage in the 100-metre Diamond League standings in Stockholm - he leads Gatlin by a point - the 32-year-old Gatlin will compete at another race in Amsterdam on Friday to stay sharp.
"I will continue to voice my displeasure in meets punishing Justin (and other athletes who've served their bans) who under IAAF rules, should be allowed to compete fairly in the sport with everyone else," Gatlin's agent, Renaldo Nehemiah, wrote in an email.
"The IAAF has established the rules. And we're abiding by them. Unfortunately, those rules don't appear to be enough for some meets."
Gatlin dropped 14 pounds - by cutting out sweets - over the off-season and refined his mid-race mechanics. All for one purpose - to catch Bolt, who has kept his schedule lighter this season to heal up from nagging injuries.
"I'm just scratching the surface," said Gatlin, who's posted the world's fastest times in the 100 (9.8 seconds) and 200 (19.68) this season.
"To be able to run 9.8 (seconds) consistently, it's just saying, 'I'm ready to drop something faster.'"

Bolt sets new 100m indoors best time.

Jamaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt set a new best time of 9.98sec for the rarely run 100m indoors at Warsaw's national football stadium on Saturday.
The Olympic champion and world record holder (9.58s) eclipsed the previous best mark for the distance of 10.05 set by Namibian Frankie Fredericks in 1996.
The Warsaw stadium had its roof closed for the event.
Bolt, in action as preparation for Zurich's Diamond League meeting next week, said: "Above all I wanted to get through this season without any injury as I've suffered enough over the past few years.
"Over the next meetings starting with Zurich I'm hoping to run ever quicker."
Bolt received various gifts after his win over his compatriot Sheldon Mitchell and American Trell Kimmons, among them pictures of his 28th birthday celebrations in Warsaw on Thursday.
Bolt had only run his first 100m of the year in an exhibition race on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach on August 17 in a time of 10.6sec.

His last competitive individual appearance at the 100m came in Brussels last year while at last month's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow he was part of the victorious Jamaican 4x100m relay team.
Bolt will compete in his final Olympics in Rio in 2016 before calling time on his career in 2017 after the World Championships.

CAF slashes Amrouche ban to six matches.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reduced to just six matches a one year ban it had slapped on former Kenyan head coach Ade Amrouche.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) has reduced to six matches a one year ban it had slapped on former Kenyan coach Adel Amrouche.
Amrouche has also been fined Sh870, 000. The ban means that Amrouche has to miss six Caf matches before he can be allowed to be on the bench again.
Football Kenya Federation President Sam Nyamweya confirmed the move but insisted that it does not affect recent appointments made on Harambee Stars' technical bench.
“We have been made aware of reduction in the one year ban. However, six matches is still a lot of matches and we cannot stay for all this time without a coach. Our earlier appointments stand,” he told Goal.
Amrouche was suspended for one year three weeks ago after being found guilty of spitting on a match official during Kenya’s pre-African Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros in Moroni.
The coach however, denied the allegations and filed an appeal which was heard this Monday in Cairo where he appeared in person to defend himself.
After the ban, Kenya FA put in place a new technical bench headed by Bobby Williamson, who will be assisted by Musa Otieno with Simon Mulama as team manager.

Last-gasp Sharks edge out Cheetahs.

The Cell C Sharks needed a 76th-minute penalty to beat the Toyota Free State Cheetahs 19-16 (halftime 3-13) in their Absa Currie Cup match at Growthpoint Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.
Flyhalf Fred Zeilinga kicked the winning points after the hosts had found themselves trailing by 10 points at halftime in a stop-start game.
The Sharks had enjoyed a territorial and possession advantage during the first quarter but they failed to turn their early dominance into points.
Despite being under the cosh Free State fought their way back into the contest and they opened up a 6-0 lead courtesy of two penalties from flyhalf Willie du Plessis.
The visitors grabbed the first try of the match, with 14 minutes left in the half, thanks to a superb score from fullback Clayton Blommetjies.
Scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius broke on his own 22-metre line before carrying the ball up to the half-way line.
Pretorius off loaded to fullback Blommetjies, who chased down his own chip before outstripping the cover defence on his way to a converted try.

The Sharks finally opened their account thanks to a 31st-minute penalty from pivot Zeilinga, but despite winning a succession of penalties towards the end of the half they went to the break trailing by 10 points.
Zeilinga and Du Plessis exchanged early penalties at the start of the second half before the Sharks made five changes to their team in the 50th minute, including changing both their props.
The introduction of loosehead Thomas du Toit and tighthead Lourens Adriaanse saw the hosts start to assert some dominance in the scrums, despite the third quarter of the match being little more than a game of territorial ping-pong as both teams made liberal use of kicking out of hand.
Zeilinga kicked another penalty before wing Tonderai Chavhanga locked the match up at 16-16 after he sliced through the Cheetahs defence to run in from 50 metres out.
Zeilinga then kicked the winning points despite Cheetahs prop Kevin Stevens coming desperately close to scoring a try in the last minute but he fell just short of the Sharks tryline.
SCORERS
Cell C Sharks – Try: Tonderai Chavhanga; Conversion: Fred Zeilinga; Penalties: Fred Zeilinga (4).
Toyota Free State Cheetahs: Try: Clayton Blommetjies; Conversion: Willie du Plessis; Penalties: Du Plessis (3).

Birgen scores as Ulinzi Stars win Military Games opener.

It was a pleasant revenge against the Ugandans as Ulinzi has found it hard beating them in last two meetings the last one being a 2-2 draw in Nairobi.

Brian Birgen scored his first senior goal to hand Kenya’s Ulinzi Stars a vital 1-0 win over Uganda’s Simba in their opening match of East African Military Games at Aman Stadium in Zanzibar on Thursday.
It was a pleasant revenge against the Ugandans as Ulinzi Stars have found it hard beating them in last two meetings, the most recent being a thrilling 2-2 draw in Nairobi last year.
Ulinzi had an upper hand in opening quarter of the game, dictating play and having two good chances to open scores.
Kevin Amwayi had a curling free-kick from the right saved by the Ugandan keeper while Stephen Waruru’s effort at the edge of the box was blocked by a sliding Ugandan defender.
Uganda slowly came into the game and caused some trouble especially winning several free-kicks on the wings but Ulinzi defense managed to deal with them efficiently. On the opposite end, Birgen had a volley go wide after the Ugandan defense failed to clear away a long throw from Kevin Amwayi.
In the second period, it was evident that an early goal would do and after Stephen Waruru saw his chipped effort slide on top of the bar, he turned provider passing to Birgen, who went past two defenders before shooting with his weaker left foot past the Ugandan keeper.
The Ugandans pressed hard in closing 15 minutes with Ulinzi’s skipper Stephen Ochollah being hobbled off injured with a thigh injury. Substitute Patrick Gonahasa proved quite a handful for the Ulinzi back four, first beating them to force James Saruni into a decent save and secondly his shot going over from the same angle.
With Tanzania having won opening game 3-1 against Burundi, Ulinzi Stars will now face the latter and a win will most likely propel them to the top of the log.

Eng U18 edge SA Schools in nailbiter.

The England Under-18 team on Saturday handed the SA Schools side their first defeat in four years in the International Under-18 Series in Stellenbosch as they secured a 30-22 victory in a nailbiting encounter.
The big difference between the teams was England’s ability to convert their point-scoring chances into points, while mistakes at crucial times came at a high price for the hosts.
The defeat followed a 40-15 victory against Wales at Outeniqua Park in George and a 28-13 victory against France respectively.
England dominated territory and possession in the first 25 minutes and they used most of their try-scoring chances, which forced them onto the front foot early on.
England wing Roti Segan scored the first try in the first ten minutes after scrumhalf Will Homer spread the ball out wide, which allowed Segan to use his pace to outsprint two defenders for a 7-0 lead.
England lock Joe Batley scored their second try two minutes later after another fantastic pass out wide, which allowed them to take advantage of an overlap.
SA Schools fullback, Curwin Bosch, however, managed to reduce the gap to 14-3 with a penalty.
But England’s impressive attacking play saw them secure their third try of the half a few minutes later after outside centre Max Clarke gathered an effective pass and forced his way through two defenders to stretch their lead to 19-3.
Centre Harry Mallinder had a chance to extend their lead further in the 25th minute, but his penalty attempt went wide.
SA Schools wing Keanu Vers, however, scored a vital try for the hosts four minutes before halftime after an encouraging attacking display in which they retained possession and applied pressure on England. With momentum on their side they spread the ball to the left wing and Vers dived underneath an England defender to score their first try of the match and reduce the deficit to 19-8.
England continued their fine form two minutes into the second half by winning a lineout steal in SA’s red zone, which flank Sam Underhill capitalised on to sprint to the tryline for their fourth try of the match and a 24-8 lead.
Vers, however, hit back in the 43rd minute with his second try after the SA Schools team gathered a loose ball and passed the ball to Vers, who used his pace to touch down. This reduced the score to 24-15.
The try bolstered the home team’s confidence on attack and they again put together phases and worked their way into England’s 22. The visitors’ lock Kieran Treadwell received a yellow card for playing the ball on the ground, but the hosts were unable to take advantage of the extra player as unforced errors cost them on a few occasions.
England flyhalf Rory Jennings, meanwhile, added three points to his team’s score with a penalty in front of the posts in the 55th minute to build up a 27-15 lead.
The SA Schools team, however, fought their way back into the match in the last 10 minutes with centre JT Jackson scoring their third try following a fantastic run up the wing by Vers, who handed off after drawing two defenders. Bosch converted to reduce the gap to 27-22 with six minutes to go.
This, however, was short-lived as the visitors slotted over a penalty in the next run of play to take a 30-22 lead.
The hosts had an opportunity to reduce the gap to one point with a late try, but Ver’s pass failed to find the support player two minutes from time, which secured England the eight-point victory.
In the earlier matches the SARU Regional Academy XV registered a 48-29 victory against Italy and Wales pipped France 10-9 in a hard-fought encounter.
SCORERS:
SA Schools 22 (8) – Tries: Keanu Vers (2), JT Jackson. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2). Penalties: Curwin Bosch.
England 30 (19) – Tries: Roti Segan, Joe Batley, Max Clarke, Sam Underhill. Conversions: Rory Jennings (2). Penalties: Harry Mallinder (2).
© SA Rugby