Arsenal put UCL post in doubt, draw with Everton

Arsenal's four-match winning run ended with a goalless draw against Everton, a result that did neither side much good in their Champions League quest.

The Toffees, who were fortunate not to have Darron Gibson sent off, started brightly and went close through Steven Pienaar and the lively Ross Barkley.

Olivier Giroud was wasteful for Arsenal, now two points clear of fifth-placed Spurs having played a game more.

Giroud was denied by Seamus Coleman's clearance as Everton secured a point.

The Toffees thoroughly deserved a draw in what was a fiercely contested encounter, and are now unbeaten in six league games.

But David Moyes' side, now within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea but having played two games more, were unable to find the goal that would have really improved their prospects of playing in next season's Champions League.

Nor is Arsenal's own top-four place by any means guaranteed and they will need to start more quickly when Manchester United visit on 28 April than in their last two matches at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners conspicuously failed to carry on where they had left off in their previous match, when Arsene Wenger's men scored three goals in the final five minutes to secure a 3-1 victory over Norwich.

Former Toffees midfielder Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere struggled to get a grip in midfield as the visitors' Pienaar skied a glorious chance from Coleman's excellent seventh-minute pass.

Everton's winless run at Arsenal

Despite a gutsy performance, Everton have now gone 18 league and cup games without winning at Arsenal
 

Everton boss Moyes opted to start 19-year-old Barkley in place of injured England midfielder Leon Osman for this crucial game and the teenager typified his team's battling first-half display, playing with a maturity beyond his years.

In a bruising encounter, Wilshere was left clutching a sore ankle after falling awkwardly following a fair challenge with Barkley.

Everton midfielder Gibson was then fortunate to escape a red card when he was penalised for a cynical foul on Theo Walcott shortly after he had been booked for bringing down the England international.

Arsenal, chasing a seventh win in eight top-flight games, struggled to hurt their opponents, and were restricted to just a couple of chances in the first half, full-back Kieran Gibbs failing to take advantage of Marouane Fellaini's 24th-minute botched clearance, and Giroud missing from close range after a fine pass by Ramsey.

Wenger's side improved after the interval but still could not find the breakthrough, although Santi Cazorla forced a fine save from Tim Howard with a powerful attempt after Gibbs had nodded the ball into his path.

In an end-to-end game, the tireless Barkley went close with a curling right-foot attempt before Coleman stopped Giroud from sliding the Gunners into a late lead following a surging run by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Cardiff promoted to top flight; Joined SWANSEA CITY from Wales to EPL

Cardiff City secured promotion to the Premier League with a goalless draw at home to Charlton Athletic.

A point was enough for Cardiff to end a 51-year absence from the top flight and it was earned with few alarms.

The visitors came closest as Jonnie Jackson's first-half free-kick hit the woodwork, while Ricardo Fuller was denied by a superb David Marshall save.

Full-time sparked a pitch invasion, as Cardiff join Swansea as the second Welsh team in the Premier League.

High-flying Bluebirds

Cardiff will become the 46th different team to play in the Premier League since its formation in 1992.
 

In achieving promotion, the Bluebirds finally buried the ghosts of three successive play-off failures and they can now prepare for the financial rewards and publicity that come with a place in the top flight. 

The result came 53 years to the day since a home victory over Aston Villa secured Cardiff promotion from the second tier.

The scene of that triumph - Ninian Park - is a short distance away from where the current side engraved their names in history.

Moving to the new Cardiff City Stadium was central to the Bluebirds' dream of joining the Premier League elite, and the arena created a fittingly exultant atmosphere to mark its fulfilment.

Three years ago, a few weeks after losing to Blackpool in the 2010 Championship play-off final, Cardiff avoided a winding-up order over an unpaid tax bill on their fifth visit in seven months to the High Court.

The debt was settled by the Malaysian consortium, led by millionaire Vincent Tan, who has subsequently injected over £60m to allow manager Malky Mackay build a team capable of winning promotion.

And there is no doubt that this is a team moulded by Mackay. Of the XI that started against Charlton, only two players - goalkeeper Marshall and right-back Kevin McNaughton - remain from the team that featured against Blackpool at Wembley.

Charlton arrived in Cardiff as the form team of the Championship, and went closest to opening the scoring in a dominant first half for the hosts.

The difference 51 years make

When Cardiff were relegated from the old First Division in 1962, Ipswich Town had just been crowned champions. Also dropping to the second tier were Chelsea, with Liverpool and Leyton Orient promoted in the opposite direction. 

Jackson ignored the chance to cross from a free-kick on the right flank and instead went for goal with a vicious curler. The post, though, denied the Charlton captain.

After half an hour of probing, Cardiff wasted a great chance to take a huge step towards the Premier League.

A swift counter-attack set the impressive Kim Bo-Kyung free down the right, but a heavy touch allowed Chris Solly to intercept an attempted cross.

Charlton goalkeeper Ben Hamer was finally tested just after the hour mark to keep out Leon Barnett's long-range effort that deflected on its way.

But Ricardo Fuller's effort moments later, tipped away at full stretch by Marshall, reminded Cardiff the job was not yet done.

The stadium erupted as Craig Noone stooped to head home a Jordan Mutch cross, but an offside flag thwarted the celebrations.

After showing few signs of nerves, understandable anxiety crept into Cardiff's play in the closing 10 minutes but they held firm to hear a final whistle that signalled their entrance to the Premier League.

PSG chiefs talk Ronaldo, Rooney, Ribery & Cavani

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has played down reports that the club could sign Wayne Rooney in the summer. Reports today suggested the Manchester United striker was on another ambitious shopping list being prepared by the big-spending Parisiens, who appear destined to win their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years this season. However, Ancelotti has responded by saying he could not imagine the England international being for sale.

"Wayne Rooney is one of the best strikers in the world," the former Chelsea manager told L'Equipe. "I think he is impossible to buy. He is an idol for Manchester United."

Ancelotti's comments come after the club's director of football Leonardo told Gazzetta dello Sport that no offer had been made for Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and he was unaware of any plans to sign either Rooney or Napoli's Edinson Cavani.

"On Ronaldo, there has never been an offer," Leonardo said. "I've never heard anything about Rooney or Cavani either.

"I do not rule out big signings, but only if there is a suitable opportunity. We do want a larger squad with adequate cover in all areas in order to avoid the sort of problems we had in January in midfield, with all the injuries and suspensions."

PSG have pulled nine points clear in Ligue 1 to put themselves in line for their third domestic title, and also put together an impressive UEFA Champions League run, exiting the competition after being knocked out by Barcelona on the away-goals rule in the quarter-finals.

The idea of seeing the great French players here is something I like. I'm not necessarily talking about Benzema, but maybe Nasri, Ribery or Cabaye.

Carlo Ancelotti 

 

That success has come on the back of major investment from the club's Qatari owners, and further spending is expected this summer ahead of another assault on Europe's premier club competition. Most of PSG's big-money signings last summer came from Italy, highlighted by the deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva from AC Milan, as well the acquisition of Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli and Thiago Motta from Inter Milan, among others.

However, Leonardo - the former AC Milan and Inter coach - said he could cast a wider net this year. "The market is opening up," he said. "We may look in Spain or England."

Even if no deal for Ronaldo emerges, one obvious target at Real Madrid would be France striker Karim Benzema, and Leonardo admitted he was keen to bring some French stars into the PSG squad.

"The idea of seeing the great French players here is something I like," he said. "I'm not necessarily talking about Benzema, but maybe [Samir] Nasri, [Franck] Ribery or [Yohan] Cabaye. But I do not know if it is feasible and I have not had contact with any of them."

Ancelotti in the dark on Capoue, considers Vidal overpriced
Other players to have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain are Arturo Vidal of Juventus and Toulouse's Etienne Capoue, with the latter claiming he had already been in contact with the capital club. Ancelotti said he admired the player but was unaware of any move to acquire his services.

"Etienne Capoue may be in contact with the club's leadership," he said. "He is a good player with many qualities. We talked about him in January. But I have not yet talked about the summer transfer window with the board. We will wait until the end of the season."

Regarding Vidal, Ancelotti appeared to pour cold water on the speculation. "€40m is the sort of sum you only spend on a striker," he said. "It is too much for a player like Vidal, even if he has many qualities."

Title in sight as United visit West Ham

Having returned to winning ways at the weekend, Manchester United can close to within four points of the Premier League title with victory at West Ham United on Wednesday.

United's morale took a blow after last week's defeat at home to Manchester City, but Sunday's 2-0 success at Stoke City saw Alex Ferguson's side re-establish a 15-point lead over their derby rivals.

It left them seven points from an unprecedented 20th English league crown and they could even capture the title as early as Sunday if City slip up against Wigan Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur this week.

However, before that can happen, United must prevail at Upton Park, and the boisterous east London stadium has not always been a happy hunting ground for the men from Old Trafford.

United had title bids derailed there in both 1992 and 1995; the latter occasion a game in which home goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko produced save after save to deny United the goal they needed to pip Blackburn Rovers to the Premier League trophy on the season's final day.

More recently, United were given a searching examination in an FA Cup third round game in January, when the visitors needed an injury time goal from Robin van Persie to take the tie to a replay.

All in all, United have won on just three of their last seven visits to West Ham in all competitions, including a chastening 4-0 thrashing in a League Cup tie in November 2010.

At least Van Persie has recovered his scoring touch, having gone 10 games without a goal before finding the net from the penalty spot in the second half at Stoke.

Ferguson praised United for their "battling performance" at the Britannia Stadium and captain Nemanja Vidic believes a similarly committed display will be required on Wednesday.

"Now it's West Ham and we have to play well again," the Serbian told United's in-house television station, MUTV.

"They play in a similar style to Stoke - we're going to have long balls and set-pieces to deal with."

The game at Stoke saw Wayne Rooney deployed in a midfield role, but although his performance was praised by Ferguson, the England striker has hinted that he would prefer to return to a more advanced position at West Ham.

"I've played there (in midfield) a few times this season," he said.

"You have to think. As a centre-forward, you want to be as close to goal as possible to try and score.

"In midfield you have to hold yourself back at times and try and help the team keep the ball and move up the pitch."

Hammers aim to edge closer to safety
West Ham appear to have secured their top-flight status for next season, with Saturday's 1-1 draw at Southampton having taken them to within two points of the 40-point mark typically considered as a guarantee of survival.

Manager Sam Allardyce had previously refused to answer questions about his future at the club, but with the finishing line now in sight, he has revealed he is already making plans for next season.

"I wouldn't be here if we weren't playing in the Premier League next season," he said.

"(But) we are going to be safe and playing in the Premier League next season so my planning will be done as quickly as possible and we'll get on to the contract, which I'm sure I'm going to sign."

Allardyce has several injury concerns in defence, with centre-back James Tomkins having joined Winston Reid and George McCartney in the treatment room after limping off at Southampton.

Ryan Giggs and Tom Cleverley will hope to return to the United starting XI after being rested at Stoke, while Ferguson must also decide whether or not to restore Rooney to his attacking line.

Van Persie ends drought in Stoke win

Robin van Persie ended his goal drought as Manchester United restored their 15-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table and deepened Stoke's relegation worries. Van Persie had gone ten domestic matches without scoring but won and then converted a penalty in the 66th minute to make the points safe.

Michael Carrick had opened the scoring inside four minutes and United now need only seven points from their remaining six games to ensure they cannot be caught by Manchester City. Stoke dropped to 16th before kick-off after Sunderland's win over Newcastle and, having taken only one point from their last seven games, are looking below them with ever increasing concern.

Captain Nemanja Vidic was back from a calf injury in one of four United changes from Monday's derby defeat while Stoke boss Tony Pulis had Glenn Whelan fit but Matthew Etherington and Marc Wilson were out so Charlie Adam and Andy Wilkinson started. Last season Stoke picked up their first Premier League point against United and went unbeaten against the big six at the Britannia Stadium.

Their home fortress has been anything but in recent weeks, though, with West Ham and Aston Villa both taking away maximum points, and what the Potters really could not afford was a bad start. But they made exactly that, conceding a fourth-minute corner that they failed to clear, allowing Carrick to prod beyond the despairing dive of Asmir Begovic.

With Wayne Rooney dictating play from a deep-lying midfield role, United were completely in control. Rooney was given space and time to take aim from 25 yards with a shot pushed away by Begovic as Stoke struggled even to touch the ball.

Discontent among the Stoke fans has been growing but they were fully behind their team and had cause for optimism in the 19th minute when Adam won a free-kick wide on the right and Whelan's cross was headed just wide by Robert Huth. The difference in confidence was all too clear, though, with United zipping the ball around while Stoke touches were heavy and passes misplaced.

Begovic was forced into another save just past the half-hour mark, scooping a Van Persie shot from a narrow angle behind. Stoke at least finished the half well as Wilkinson - sporting a bandage on his head after being caught by a high Javier Hernandez boot - barrelled down the right and into the area before seeing his shot blocked by Vidic.

Stoke with wind behind them
Stoke had the strong wind behind them in the second half but it was United who began the brighter and Van Persie had the chance to end his drought when he was played in by Hernandez but shot into the side-netting.

At the other end, Jon Walters had a decent opening when Ryan Shotton headed a deep cross into the centre but the striker could not keep his shot down. An encouraging sign for Stoke was the increasing influence of Adam, and the midfielder tested David de Gea for the first time in the 59th minute with a well-struck shot from long range.

But the Potters' hopes were dealt a crushing blow when they gave away a penalty. A flowing move that began with Phil Jones holding off Walters in United's right-back spot progressed through Antonio Valencia and Rooney, who picked out Van Persie in the area.

The Dutchman cut inside Wilkinson, who tripped him, and Van Persie stepped up to tuck his spot-kick smartly into the bottom corner before running to the touchline to celebrate with Sir Alex Ferguson.Stoke's hopes of taking anything from the game were all but over but they kept pressing and Ryan Shotton forced a decent save from De Gea, who then reacted very well to push Adam's clever free-kick behind when it was heading for the bottom corner.

Pulis threw on Cameron Jerome, former United man Michael Owen and Peter Crouch but there was little threat and Stoke remain only three points clear of 18th-placed Wigan, who have two games in hand.

Azam FC na Simba zatoka sare

Timu za Azam FC na Simba zimeshindwa kutambiana baada ya kumaliza mchezo wa ligi kuu ya Vodacom (VPL) kwa sare ya 2-2 kwenye mchezo uliochezwa Uwanja wa Taifa jijini Dar es Salaam leo jioni.

 

Matokeo ya mchezo huo yameipatia kila timu pointi moja moja, Azam FC ikifikisha pointi 47 huku Simba wao wakifikisha pointi 38 kwenye msimamo wa ligi kuu unaoongozwa na Yanga yenye pointi 52.

 

Mchezo huo uliovuta hisia za mashabiki wengi kwa kuwa matokeo ya leo yalikuwa yanabadilisha muonekano mzima wa ligi kuu kwa Azam FC wangeshinda wangejiweka pazuri kusaka ubingwa na nafasi ya pili na kama wangefungwa wangepoteza matumaini ya ubingwa.

 

Katika mchezo huo Azam FC walibadilisha mfumo wa uchezaji na kuanza na mabeki watano hali ambayo sio ya kawaida, iliwafanya wachezaji wachanganyane na kuruhusu mashambulizi mengi.

 

Simba walikuwa wa kwanza kupata magoli yote mawili, goli la kwanza lilipatikana dakika ya 11 ya mchezo huo kupitia kwa mshambuliaji Ramadhan Singano aliyecheza vizuri krosi ya Mrisho Ngasa  na kuunga goli hilo matokeo yakawa 1-0.

 

Singano aliipatia Simba bao la pili katika dakika ya 18 akimalizia tena mpira uliopigwa na Ngasa aliyemtoka beki wa Azam FC Luckson Kakolaki, Simba ikaongoza 2-0.

 

Azam FC walifanya mabadiliko ya kwanza na ya ufundi dakika ya 21 ya mchezo huo alitoka Kakolaki nafasi yake ikachukuliwa na Khamis Mcha aliyebadili mchezo huo kwa kiasi kikubwa.

 

Mabadiliko hayo yaliiamsha Azam FC na kufanya mashambulizi mengi, dakika ya 29 Kipre Tchetche akaipatia Azam FC bao la kwanza kwa mkwaju wa penati iliyoamriwa na mwamuzi Oden Mbaga baada ya beki Miraji Mdigo kumtendea madhambi Mcha kwenye eneo la hatari, matokeo yakabadilika na kuwa Azam FC 1-2 Simba.

 

Hilo ni bao la 16 kwa mshambuliaji Kipre Tchetche ambaye amezidi kuwaacha wafungaji wengine kwenye ligi kuu na kujihakikishia nafasi ya kutwaa kiatu cha dhahabu.

 

Dakika ya 33 mwamuzi wa kati Mbaga alimtoa kwa kadi nyekundu kocha wa Azam FC, Stewart Hall kwa kukiuka sheria za kukaa benchi, tangu mda huo timu ikawa chini ya makocha wasaidizi Kali Ongala na Ibrahim Shikanda.

 

Kipindi cha kwanza kilimalizika Simba wakiongoza 2-1 dhidi ya Azam FC, baada ya mapumziko kila timu ilirejea uwanjani ikiwa na kasi zaidi ya ile ya kipindi cha kwanza.

 

Azam FC walibadili aina ya uchezaji na kucheza katika kiwango kizuri tofauti na kipindi cha kwanza, hali iliyowafanya kutengeneza nafasi nyingi zaidi.

 

Dakika ya 71 Humphrey Mieno akaipatia Azam FC bao la kusawazisha akiunganisha mpira wa adhabu uliopigwa na Mcha kufuatia mchezaji wa Simba Mussa Mude kumwangusha Kipre nje ya eneo na la hatari na kubadilisha matokeo kuwa 2-2.

 

Azam FC walifanya mabadiliko dk 80 alitoka John Bocco nafasi yake ikachukuliwa na Abdi Kassim 'Babi' na dakika ya 85 aliingia Jabir Aziz kuchukua nafasi ya Humprey Mieno mabadiliko hayo yaliongeza kasi kwa Azam FC.

 

Simba nao waliwatoa William Lucian, Haruna Chanongo na Mrisho Ngassa nafasi zao zikachukuliwa na Mwinyi Kazimoto, Edward Christopher na Felix Sunzu mabadiliko hayo hayakuweza kubadilisha matokeo na mpira ukamalizika Azam FC 2-2 Simba SC.

 

Baada ya kumalizika kwa mchezo huo kocha wa Azam FC, Stewart Hall aliiambia www.azamfc.co.tz kuwa anabeba lawama zote za kupata sare hiyo kwa kuwa alibadilisha kikosi ambacho kilishindwa kufanya kazi vizuri.

 

“Nabeba jukumu la kutoka sare, nilibadilisha mfumo ambao mazoezini ulifanya vizuri lakini hapa umefanya vibaya, nilibadilsha timu tukafanikiwa kupata sare, sasa tuna uhakika wa nafasi ya pili tunasubiri nafasi ya kwanza” alisema kocha Stewart Hall.

 

Azam FC itaingia kwenye maandalizi kwa ajili ya mchezo wa Kombe la Shirikisho  Afrika dhidi ya FAR Rabat ya Morocco utakaochezwa kati ya tarehe 19,20 na 21 April mwaka huu.

 

Azam FC Mwadini Ally, Himid Mao Mkami, Waziri Salum, Jockins Atudo, Luckson Kakolaki/Khamis Mcha Viali 21', David Mwantika, Michael Bolou, Salum Abubakar 'Sure Boy', Humphrey Mieno/ Jabir Aziz 85', Tchetche Kipre na John Bocco (cpt) /Abdi Kassim 'Babi' 80'.

 

Simba SC Abel Dhaira, Nassor Masoud, Miraji Mdigo, Mussa Mude, Shomari Kapombe, Abdalah Seseme, William Lucian/Mwinyi Kazimoto, Haruna Chanongo, Mrisho Ngassa/Felix Sunzu, Amri Kiemba na Ramadhan Singano.

City hold off Chelsea, continue FA Cup run

Manchester City withstood a valiant fightback from Chelsea to win a gripping FA Cup semi-final 2-1 at Wembley Stadium this afternoon and knock the holders out of the competition.

Goals in each half from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero put City in control, but Chelsea replied through Demba Ba, only for Roberto Mancini's men to resist the holders' desperate search for an equaliser. Fifteen points behind Manchester United in the Premier League, City seem destined to relinquish their league crown, but they will be strong favourites to defeat Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final on 11 May and reclaim the trophy they won in 2011.

For Chelsea, there will be no fifth FA Cup in seven seasons, and although there is the consolation of a UEFA Europa League semi-final with Basel, interim manager Rafael Benitez will hope his tired squad still have enough energy for the battle to win a UEFA Champions League place.

City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon was rewarded with a starting place for his performances earlier in the tournament, while Demba Ba returned to the Chelsea line-up after an ankle injury. City started with intent and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech had to produce a smart early save to deny Aguero when he prodded the ball goalwards after Gareth Barry's shot was helped on by Yaya Toure.

The Czech goalkeeper also repelled a near-post effort from Carlos Tevez, before Chelsea began to assert themselves. Vincent Kompany came to City's rescue in the 23rd minute, heading the ball off the line after Eden Hazard's volley into the turf looped over Pantilimon, who had come for a cross and missed.

The Chelsea revival proved short-lived, however, and ten minutes before half-time, City went ahead. Toure slipped a pass inside to Aguero, who in turn found Nasri, and when the Frenchman's attempted return pass bounced back to him off Cesar Azpilicueta, he lashed the ball past Cech from close range.

James Milner then saw a goalbound shot hit Aguero and Kompany spurned a fine chance in first-half injury time, side-footing wide from ten yards after Cech could only parry Milner's cross. It was an opportunity that City were to rue for only two minutes of the second half, as Aguero doubled his side's advantage in the 47th minute.

After City worked a free-kick wide to the right, Barry swept an inswinging cross to the back post and Aguero directed a fine header back across goal and into the net via the right-hand upright. Benitez gave his side a pair of fresh legs in the shape of Fernando Torres, still sporting a black mask to protect his broken nose.

Ba might have been at risk of being withdrawn, but instead it was John Mikel Obi who made way, and the Senegal striker vindicated Benitez's re-shuffle by reducing the arrears in the 66th minute. David Luiz's long ball was allowed to bounce behind the City defence and Ba adjusted brilliantly to hook a half-volley past Pantilimon.

The Romania goalkeeper then produced two important saves in quick succession, first swiping the ball off Juan Mata's toes and then thwarting Ba from close range after Hazard was allowed to manhandle Gael Clichy to the ground. Luiz went fractionally close with a free-kick, while Torres felt he should have had a late penalty after going down under pressure from Kompany, but City survived.

Matatizo Ya Kiufundi Yakwamisha Super Week ‘LIVE’

Mechi tano kati ya sita za Super Week za Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom zilizokuwa zioneshwe moja kwa moja (live) na Kituo cha televisheni cha SuperSport cha Afrika Kusini sasa hazitaoneshwa kutokana na matatizo ya kiufundi.

Kwa mujibu wa Mtayarishaji Mtendaji (Executive Producer) wa SuperSport Kanda ya Afrika, Max Tshunungwa ambaye yuko nchini, wameshindwa kuonesha mechi hizo kutokana na matatizo ya kiufundi katika magari yao ya kurushia matangazo (OB van) yanayohudumia Afrika Mashariki- Kenya, Tanzania na Uganda.

Mechi hizo ni kati ya Azam na African Lyon, Yanga na Oljoro JKT, Azam na Simba, Coastal Union na JKT Ruvu na Mgambo Shooting na Yanga itakayochezwa Aprili 17 mwaka huu jijini Tanga.

Tatizo hilo pia limeathiri mechi za Ligi Kuu ya Kenya (KPL) ambazo hazitaonekana wikiendi hii. SuperSport ndiyo yenye haki za matangazo ya televisheni kwa ligi hiyo ya Kenya.

Tshunungwa amekutana na Sekretarieti ya TFF na Kamati ya Ligi kuelezea tatizo hilo. SuperSport kwa kushirikiana na Kamati ya Ligi na TFF watapanga mechi nyingine za Super Week kabla ya ligi kumalizika msimu huu.

Pia TFF, Kamati ya Ligi na SuperSport watakuwa na mkutano mfupi wa waandishi wa habari wakati wa mapumziko kwenye mechi ya leo kati ya Yanga na Oljoro JKT kwenye Uwanja wa Taifa.

Boniface Wambura

Ofisa Habari

Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Tanzania (TFF)

Wigan beat Millwall to reach first FA Cup final

Wigan Athletic overcame second-tier Millwall 2-0 at a rain-soaked Wembley Stadium this evening to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in the club's 81-year history.

Scottish attacking midfielder Shaun Maloney claimed the opening goal with a composed volley mid-way through the first half. Initially cowed by Wigan's authoritative passing game, Millwall rallied in the second period, but Callum McManaman capped a fine individual performance with his side's second goal 12 minutes from time.

Wigan now await the winners of Sunday's other semi-final between Manchester City and holders Chelsea, as they look forward to a second major domestic final after a one-sided loss to Manchester United in the 2006 League Cup. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez unexpectedly handed goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi a first start since 2 March, but it was his opposite number, David Forde, who was the focus of activity in the first half.

Wigan's first sight of goal arrived in the second minute, but Mark Beevers slid in well to block after space opened up in front of Spanish midfielder Jordi Gomez. James Henry dragged a shot wide for Millwall and Danny Shittu thundered an ambitious free-kick well over the bar, but Wigan were soon back on the attack. Forde raced out to save at the feet of Arouna Kone, before springing to his right to repel McManaman's crisp drive with a two-handed parry.

There was a sense of inevitability about the breakthrough, which arrived in the 25th minute. Kone was the architect, brilliantly chesting down a high ball and spinning away from a clutch of defenders before crossing for the unmarked Maloney to steer an assured volley beneath Forde.

Forde had to collect an acrobatic volley from Paul Scharner and although Millwall briefly threatened to come back into the game, the half ended with Wigan on the front foot once again. McManaman lofted a shot over the bar from the edge of the box after another probing incursion from Kone, while Gomez tested Forde with a first-time shot from 18 yards. Wigan were playing with the same poise that had seen them stun Everton 3-0 in the quarter-finals and despite Millwall packing their midfield, Maloney, McManaman and Kone were finding plenty of space.

McManaman was at it again early in the second half, worming his way to the byline on the left and then leaving two defenders on the turf as he cut inside, only to curl his shot over the bar. Belatedly, Millwall came to life, and after Henry swept a free-kick just over the bar, Scharner had to produce a crucial block to thwart Andy Keogh. Moments later, Wigan were given a huge fright when Beevers' downward header hit Scharner and fortuitously bounced over the crossbar.

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett sought to capitalise on the momentum by introducing striker Rob Hulse. Keogh thought he should have had a penalty when his cross struck Scharner's arm, but referee Michael Oliver, who had a good view of the incident, was unmoved.

McManaman continued to provide a threat whenever he picked up the ball wide on the Wigan left, however, and in the 74th minute he teed up Gomez for a shot into the side-netting. Four minutes later McManaman put the result beyond doubt, darting onto Gomez's through pass before rounding Forde and sliding the ball home. Forde denied Kone a third Wigan goal, but by then the damage had already been done.

YANGA UTAIPENDA TU, YAICHAPA OLJORO 3-0

"sita, saba, nane,tisa, kumi , kumi na sita, kumi na nane, ishirini na tano, ishirini na sita"

Hivyo ndivyo washabiki, wapenzi na wanachama wa klabu ya Young Africans Sports Club leo walivyokua wakihesabu pasi murua (sambusa) wakati mchezo ukiendelea huku wakicheza na kufurahi kwa makofi, ambapo timu ya Yanga ilikua inaongoza kwa mabao 3-0, katika mchezo uliomalizika kwa Yanga kuibuka na ushindi wa mabao 3-0 dhid ya timu ya JKT Oljoro mchezo uliofanyika katika Uwanja wa Taifa jijini Dar es salaam.

 

Young Africans imeendelea kujiweka katika nafasi nzuri ya msimamo wa Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom baada kufikisha point 52 na mabao 40 ya kufunga, pointi 6 mbele ya timu inayoshika nafasi ya pili Azam Fc yenye pointi 46 huku timu zote zikiwa na michezo sawa 22.

Kikosi cha mholanzi Ernest Brandts kiliuanza mchezo kwa kasi na katika dakika ya 5 ya mchzo kupitia kwa mlinzi wa kati Nadir Haroub 'Cannavaro' aliipatia bao la kwanza kwa kichwa baada ya kumalizia mpira wa kona iliyokuw aimepigwa na kiungo Haruna Niyonzima.

 

Watoto wa jangwani walionyesha kuwa wamedhamiria kupata ushindi mnono leo kwani waliweza kucheza soka safi na la kuvutia huku Hamis Kiiza na Didier Kavumbagu wakikosa mabao ya wazi ndani ya dakika 15 za kwanza.

 

Kiungo chipukizi mwenye kasi Saimon Msuva aliipatia Young Africans bao pili dakika ya 19 ya mchezo kufuatia kuwazidi ujanja walinzi wa timu ya JKT Olljoro na Msuva kumchambua kwa umaridadi mlinda mlango wa JKT Oljoro na kuhesabu bao la pili kwa timu ya Yanga.

 

Yanga iliendelea kulishambulia lango la JKT Oljoro muda wote wa mchezo na mashuti ya washambuliaji wa Yanga yalimfanya mlinda mlnago huyo kutibiwa mara kwa mara kwa kukoa michomo ya washambuliaji wa Yanga.

 

Dakka ya 43, mshambuliaji wa kimataifa kutoka nchini Uganda Hamis Kiiza aliipatia Yanga bao la tatu kufuatia mpira aliopenyezewa na kiungo Frank Domayo na Kiiza kuwatoka walinzi wa JKT Oljoro na kuiandikia Yanga bao la tatu.

 

Mpaka dakika 45 za kipindi cha kwanza, Young Africans 3 - 0 JKT Oljoro.

 

Kipindi cha pili kilianza kwa Yanga kufanya mabadiliko ambapo waliingia Nizar Khalfani na Said Bahanuzi kuchukua nafasi za Didier Kavumbagu aliyeumia na Simon Msuva mabadiliko yaliongeza ufundi zaidi na kuutalawa mchezo kwa kipidndi chote.

 

Said Bahanuzi alifanyiwa madhambi wakati akiwa ndani ya eneo la hatari akijandaa kumchambua mlinda mlango wa JKT Oljoro lakini mwamuzi wa mchezo na mwamuzi wa pembeni wake hawakujali na kuendelea na mchezo.

 

Zikiwa zimebakia dakika tano kabla yakumalizika kwa mchezo, kiungo mshambuliaji Nizar Khalfani alikosa bao la wazi kufuatia shuti lake kuokolewa na mlinda mlango wake ambapo mpira huo ulipigwa kona ambayo haikuzaa matunda.

 

Mpaka dakika 90 za mchezo zinamalizika, Young Africans 3 - 0 JKT Oljoro.

Kocha mkuu wa Yanga Ernest Brandts amesema anashukuru timu yake  kupata kwa ushindi katika mchezo wa leo, kipindi cha kwanza timu yangu ilicheza kwa nguvu na kupata mabao ya mapema hali iliyoplekea kipindi cha pili kucheza soka la burudani.

 

Timu imekua na mabadiliko makubwa sana kiuchezaji na leo timu imecheza soka safi la burudani lililoambatana na ushindi, hii ni zawadi kwa washabiki, wapenzi wa soka na wanachama wa klabu ya Yanga kuwa njia ya kutwaa ubingwa kwa sasa ni nyeupe.

 

Yanga inajiandaa na mchezo dhidi ya timu ya Mgambo Shooting siku ya jumatano mjini Tanga ambapo timu itasafiri siku ya jumatatu tayari kwa ajili ya mchezo huo ambao ni muhimu kwa Yanga ili kuendelea kujiweka vizuri katika nafasi ya kutwaa Ubingwa kabla ya kumalizika kwa msimu. 

Young Africans: 1.Ally Mustapha 'Barthez', 2.Juma Abdul/Shadrack Nsajigwa, 3.David Luhende, 4.Nadir Haroub'Cannavaro', 5.Kelvin Yondani , 6.Athuman Idd 'Chuji', 7.Saimon Msuva/Nizar Khalfani, 8.Frank Domayo, 9.Didier Kavumbagu/Said Bahanuzi,10.Hamis Kiiza, 11.Haruna Niyonzima

www.youngafricans.co.tz

Arsenal blitz Norwich, Toffees sink QPR

Mikel Arteta, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolksi scored in the last five minutes as Arsenal came from a goal down to beat Norwich 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta's penalty after 85 minutes cancelled out Michael Turner's header and Giroud then turned in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross to put the Gunners ahead.

Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski then twice denied Norwich an equaliser before Podolski wrapped up the victory with a fierce strike from the edge of the box. Arsenal's comeback win lifted them above Chelsea and Tottenham, who did not play today, into third place while Everton strengthened their bid for European football with victory.

David Moyes' side cruised to a 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers to move to within three points of UEFA Champions League qualification. Darron Gibson put Everton ahead with a deflected strike five minutes before the interval and Victor Anichebe wrapped up the points, sending QPR a step closer to relegation.

QPR had chances through Junior Hoilett and Loic Remy but they were punished for a lack of quality and endeavour.

Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy was the hero as the bottom club ended an eight-game losing streak with a goalless draw at home to Liverpool. Time and again McCarthy came to the Royals' rescue by producing a succession of world-class saves to deny Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.

Coutinho also had a goal disallowed for offside and Suarez saw a chip cleared off the line by Chris Gunter.

Fulham peg back Villa
Aston Villa missed the chance to pull clear of the relegation zone when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham, with Fabien Delph's own goal cancelling out Charles N'Zogbia's curling strike. Delph also wasted a golden chance to atone for his mistake in the 73rd minute but he blasted high and wide from the back post after a cross from Andreas Weimann.

Villa could have moved five points clear of the relegation zone but their cushion is just three points and their position remains precarious. Villa's goal difference of minus-24 is inferior to both Sunderland and Wigan, who are immediately below them.

Southampton were also held at home after taking the lead, drawing 1-1 with West Ham striker Andy Carroll cancelling out the Saints' opener from Gaston Ramirez.

Moradi, Nyoni, Aggrey na Dida waingia kambini Chamazi

Wachezaji wote wanne waliosimamishwa kupisha uchunguzi wa tuhuma za rushwa dhidi yao wameripoti kambini tayari kuikabili Simba SC siku ya jumapili

Pichani chini Aggrey Morris na Erasto Nyoni wakifuatilia mchezo kati ya Azam FC na African Lyon, Picha kwa hisani ya Blogu ya Binzubeiry

Kurejea kwa wachezaji hao kunamaliza mgogoro uliokuwepo na kudumu kwa takribani miezi mitano kufuatia shutuma za rushwa ambazo zilipelekwa takukuru kuchunguzwa ili kujua ukweli na uongozi wa Azam FC unaishukuru takukuru kwa kazi nzuri ambapo imegundulika kuwa wachezaji hao hawakuhusika na hivyo kusafishwa na chombo hicho chenye mamlaka ya kuchunguza tuhuma za rushwa.

Wachezaji hao wote wanatarajiwa kuwemo kwenye mchezo wa Jumapili dhidi ya Simba SC ikiwa mwalimu ataona inafaa na wapo katika hali nzuri kuweza kucheza.

Mchezo huo wa jumapili ni muhimu sana kwa Azam FC kwani ikishinda itaizidi Simba SC pointi 14 huku simba ikisaliwa na michezo minne na hivyo kumaanisha kuwa Kagera Sugar atabaki kuwa mpinzani pekee wa Azam FC katika kuwania nafasi ya pili.

Bayern face Barça, Dortmund get Real

Newly-crowned German champions Bayern Munich will face fellow four-time European champions Barcelona in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Bayern, who lost last season's final on their own ground to Chelsea, will bid to make their second consecutive final at Wembley on May 25, with the first leg of the semi-final to be played in Munich on April 23.

The draw means there will not be a repeat of three seasons ago when Primera Division rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid met in the semi-finals, with Borussia Dortmund drawing Jose Mourinho's side.

Madrid, who are semi-finalists for a record 24th time and in the final four for the third successive season, will play the second leg of their semi-final against Dortmund at home.

They avoided a final-four clash with Barcelona, who are making a record sixth successive semi-final appearance, but instead will face the only team still unbeaten in the competition this season.

Dortmund scored twice in injury time in their quarter-final second leg tie against Malaga to progress to the last four for the first time in 15 years.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is relishing a test against a side he holds in such high regard.

"Barcelona are the benchmark for me in Europe. They have won the Champions League more than any other team in the recent years," Rummenigge told UEFA.com. "They are the best team in Europe at the moment, with fantastic attacking potential.

"We played them in 2009 and received a real thumping. I remember that game well and I don't really like to think about it, because it was quite painful to watch. However, it's a wonderful opportunity to show that we have improved a lot since then."

We have a lot of respect for Borussia Dortmund. We played them twice (in the group stage) but didn't manage to beat them

Emilio Butragueno, Real Madrid ambassador 

 

Rummenigge also denied that playing the opening match at home is a disadvantage.

"I think we will see two very good games, played at the highest possible level," he said. "Furthermore, I think playing at home first is a slight advantage, contrary to the popular belief that it's a disadvantage. We saw that against Juventus, where people said that it might be a disadvantage. 

"But we produced a great performance at home and that set the stage for the return leg and our progression into the semi-finals. I'm really excited that we will get to play the best team in Europe. I 

Real manager Mourinho, who has guided the Spanish side to their third successive semi-final, has matched Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's record of seven appearances in the last four of the European Cup. The Portuguese has also reached this stage with Porto, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

Former Real striker and club ambassador Emilio Butragueno insisted Dortmund will not be taken lightly even though they have been absent from the final stages of the tournament for a decade and a half.

"It's a pleasure and honour for us to be here," Butragueno said. "We have a lot of respect for Borussia Dortmund. We played them twice (in the group stage) but didn't manage to beat them. This time we hope it will different as we want to be in the final, that's what we are all dreaming of."

Arshavin set for Arsenal exit

Russia international Andrey Arshavin is set to leave Arsenal in the summer, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who signed from Zenit St Petersburg in January 2009 for what was then understood to be a club record £15million, has seen his chances limited in the final season of his current deal.

Arshavin spent some time on loan at his former club last year and Wenger revealed there were no plans to offer the Russian a new deal to stay on.

"I don't think he will stay here, because he doesn't play enough," said Wenger. "He is at the end of his contract at the end of the season, then he will decide what he will do."

Wenger, though, praised the efforts of Arshavin, whose last appearance was as a substitute in the Premier League defeat at Chelsea on 20 January.

"Arshavin has shown 100 per cent commitment at absolutely every session, he has been an example for everybody," the Arsenal manager said.

"He has been questioned many times about his commitment, but if you saw him every day you would respect him for what he does on a daily basis. He has been absolutely fantastic."

Arshavin scored all four of Arsenal's goals in their 4-4 draw at Liverpool in April 2009, and also netted a late winner in the memorable UEFA Champions League victory over Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium in February 2011.

Chelsea breathe sigh of relief; progress into last four

Fernando Torres hailed a result "good enough to go through" after finding the net in a 3-2 loss at FC Rubin Kazan that allowed Chelsea FC to reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals as 5-4 winners on aggregate. Team-mate Paulo Ferreira felt Chelsea "should have played a bit better", while Rubin's Alan Kasaev pointed out that "the outcome of the game could have been different" had Roman Eremenko buried an early chance.

“ We are out of the UEFA Europa League, but we go out with our heads held high"

Roman Eremenko

 

Fernando Torres, Chelsea forward
It was a great pass by Frank Lampard [for my goal]; the keeper came out too soon and it was a good chance to score. We knew at 1-0 they would have to come forward, so the game was in our hands. In the end, the result is not what we wanted, but it is good enough to go through.

Paulo Ferreira, Chelsea defender
We were playing against a good opponent and they did really well, especially in the second half. We did our best and I think over the course of the two legs we deserved to go through.

In the second half, they had nothing to lose and they knew after conceding the second goal that they had to do something. I think we defended too deep and that's why they were able to create more chances and score more goals. Perhaps we should have played a bit better, but in the end I am happy to win and be in the semis.

David Luiz, Chelsea defender
Everyone knew that if we wanted to qualify we needed to score tonight, and we got off to a great start with Fernando scoring a great goal. I am happy we are now in the next round. The guys knew before the game that it would be difficult and after [Rubin] scored the penalty they had a chance. If [José Rondón] had managed to score with that header [on 81 minutes] then it would have been a different game, but it was OK. We won this game and now we want to win the semi-final.

Alan Kasaev, Rubin midfielder
In the first half, we didn't feel under any pressure like we did in the first match, but we created a number of chances. If Roman Eremenko had managed to take his opportunity, then the outcome may have been different. Even after Fernando Torres scored, we tried to attack, but Chelsea are a difficult team to play against. I thought Victor Moses's second goal was crucial as it left us with a mountain to climb. However, José Rondón had a great chance and, if he had taken it, then we would have been right back in the game.

Roman Eremenko, Rubin midfielder
I thought we had two good chances in the first half – for myself and Gökdeniz Karadeniz – but in matches against sides like Chelsea, you can't miss opportunities like these. After the half-time break, we started to take our chances and Iván Marcano's goal gave us a boost.

Fernando Torres is an excellent forward and takes his opportunities well. We are out of the UEFA Europa League, but we go out with our heads held high. We fought to the end and were playing for the whole country. Our supporters were excellent, and a number of our fans made the trip from Kazan to watch us.