Ben Cotton has joined the exodus of young players from Derbyshire as the county continues to slash the numbers in its first-team squad in an effort to lift expectations

David Hopps02-Feb-2018Ben Cotton has joined the exodus of young players from Derbyshire as the county continues to slash the numbers in its first-team squad in an effort to lift expectations.Kim Barnett, Derbyshire’s cricket advisor, has overseen the departure of seven players in the close-season, including four young seam bowlers who were once presented as being central to Derbyshire’s future but failed to make a major impact.Greg Cork, son of the former England bowler Dominic, Tom Milnes and Tom Taylor, who has been snapped up by Leicestershire, have all moved on.Only the loss of Shiv Thakor, one of the most talented players on their books, was beyond Derbyshire’s control as they released him with immediate effect in November, less than a week after he was found guilty of two accounts of sexual exposure.Derbyshire are down to 14 first-team players, with back-up from a small academy intake, and are actively pursuing an overseas pace bowler to supplement their numbers. They failed to win a Championship match in 2016 but after Barnett returned to the club won three last season and almost qualified for the quarter-finals of the T20 Blast.Barnett is unapologetic about raising the expectations for young players, believing that a large staff with limited opportunities, and equally limited expectations, is a problem.”I think the size of the staff has been an issue,” he said. “If you have 23 players and can’t give a number of them opportunities, that’s a problem. If you have others who have had opportunities and not made it, then that is also an issue.”We’re now down to more manageable numbers, not only to give people opportunities, but also for the finances moving forward.”Cotton, who was in the final year of his contract, signed his first professional deal with Derbyshire in 2014, featuring in 20 first-class fixtures for the club and taking 37 wickets. He also appeared in 29 one-day matches and 18 T20 games, taking 32 and 20 wickets respectively.Derbyshire’s academy has yet to prove itself a reliable provider of county cricketers of repute. Last season Alex Hughes became only the second graduate to win a county cap since the academy was formed in 2003.Barnett added: “The ECB have long been looking at the success of English academies, but in many respects we were ahead of that by bringing 14, 15 and 16-year-olds into our Academy with a view to developing them into first-team players.”By 20 or 21, you need to then be genuinely pushing for a first-team place and then going on to become a capped player. Alex Hughes is the current example of the type of success you want, trained up, in the first-team and then he earned his cap. We need to do more of that.”

The India seamer, who became available when he went unsold in the IPL auction, should be available for five County Championship fixtures and eight Royal London One-Day Cup matches

George Dobell15-Feb-2018

BCCI

Ishant Sharma is to join Sussex for the first two months of the 2018 county season as an overseas player.The India seamer, who became available when he went unsold in the IPL auction, is expected to join the club on April 4. That means he should be available for five County Championship fixtures and eight Royal London One-Day Cup matches. He will provide a significant boost for a squad that will be without Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan for much of that period due to their IPL commitments.”Securing Ishant’s services has been very important for us,” Sussex’s director of cricket Keith Greenfield said. “Once Jofra and Chris were picked up in the IPL draft, it became crucial to sign an experienced international-quality seam bowler who could provide valuable support and know-how to the rest of the seamers.”Ishant has the attributes to be very successful in early season English conditions and a great role model. He fits the bill perfectly and we look forward to welcoming him to Sussex Cricket.”The signing may not please everyone, however. England coach Trevor Bayliss has previously expressed frustration at the way in which the counties allow overseas players to prepare ahead of Test series in England and, with India playing a five-Test series in England in the second half of the year, Ishant will have an ideal opportunity to adapt to the conditions and the Dukes ball.He is far from inexperienced in such conditions anyway. As well as having toured with India’s Test squad in 2011 and 2014 – when he was named Man of the Match for his Test-best 7 for 74 in the second innings as India won at Lord’s – he played in the 2009 World T20 and 2013 Champions Trophy teams, with his spell in the 2013 final (he dismissed the well-set Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara from successive deliveries) proving crucial.The signing continues the recent relaxation of rules as regards India players featuring in foreign domestic competitions. Appreciating that increased experience of such conditions could help India improve their overseas record, the BCCI also allowed R Ashwin to play for Worcestershire towards the end of the 2017 season – where he played a significant part in their County Championship promotion – while Virat Kohli has already expressed a desire to follow suit should a suitable gap in his schedule be found. Cheteshwar Pujara, who has become a regular face on the county scene after spells with Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, has already confirmed he will return to Yorkshire for the early part of the 2018 campaign.Whether there is scope for further members of the India Test squad to feature in county cricket this year remains uncertain. Their schedule – which includes a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Bengaluru in mid-June – is hectic and, while the Test series in England does not start until August 1, the limited-overs section of the tour beings in early July.While Chadd Sayers, the Australian swing bowler, had claimed last week he was hoping to sign for Sussex for the same period, it appears the club had accepted that gaining a work permit for him (he has not played any international cricket) could have become a significant challenge.”We’re delighted to secure the services of an experienced and very skilful international seamer,” Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie said. “We believe Ishant will fit right into the Sussex dressing room and we are all really looking forward to welcoming him to Hove.””It’s a great honour to represent Sussex CCC, the oldest first-class county, and I am looking forward with excitement to my maiden stint in county cricket,” Ishant was quoted as saying in a club press release.”I would like to extend a special thanks to Sussex for taking note of my ongoing performances and deeming me suitable for this opportunity. I hope to add value during my time as part of the Sussex family this season.”

Sri Lanka knew Bangladesh would find it hard to chase down 222 runs on the Mirpur pitch, according to their captain Dinesh Chandimal. He described the pitch as a “tough” one, saying his batsmen understood the importance of sticking around till the 50th over quite early and batted accordingly. That confidence helped them blow Bangladesh away in a 79-run win in the tri-series final, a superb comeback after losing so poorly in the first two matches of the tournament.Chandimal said the competitive total went hand-in-hand with Sri Lanka’s growing confidence. “It was a tough wicket,” Chandimal said. “I prayed before the toss, I need to win the toss. It was a dry wicket. Credit goes to Upul [Tharanga] and [Niroshan] Dickwella, they put on a 70-run [71] partnership. That was a turning point. We knew after 20 overs that if we can get 220-230, that’s a winning total for us.”We all knew, as I said, they are really good, especially playing here. But we had a feeling that we have a good total, and that’s a winning total. As I said we have game plans and we always try to play competitive cricket. And the guys played some outstanding cricket all around – with bat, ball and in the fielding also.”It was a sweet turnaround in Mirpur for Chandimal too, who was standing in in place of the injured Angelo Mathews. Around four years ago, he sat out the World T20 final despite being the captain, eventually seeing Lasith Malinga lift the trophy.It was a happy occasion certainly, and walking around the Shere Bangla National Stadium, trophy in hand, must have pleased Chandimal. He however took little credit.”We are over the moon,” he said. “This is all about working hard, especially after you lose the first two games. It is difficult to get back in this kind of tournament. The guys put their heart and soul in the practices and then when they go to the middle they put their heart and soul. They had the plans and they executed well, and credit goes to everyone who played the series.”Sri Lanka’s tactics to bowl short to the Bangladesh batsmen paid dividends as Tamim Iqbal and Sabbir Rahman fell prey to that length once again. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said his team knew their opposition would use this length but couldn’t quite stave it off.”We have known in the last 8-10 days that they were bowling short,” Mashrafe said. “We have also spoken about it. But we cannot develop skills over seven days. One has to be mentally prepared. We talked about handling that length. We had the homework but we couldn’t deliver it.”Mashrafe also lamented the lack of support for Mahmudullah, whose 76 took Bangladesh to 142. “He needed support at the other end,” Mashrafe said. “He was the last man out. He had to play shots. If he got support from the middle order, he could have taken the chase deeper. In the Champions Trophy [win against New Zealand from a similar situation], he rotated the strike with Shakib [Al Hasan]. But playing shots and picking singles, all of it can’t be one batsman’s work.”

Inter Milan teenager Kevin Zefi has been seen as a potential summer signing by Newcastle United in the summer transfer window and a big update has now emerged.

How old is Kevin Zefi?

The Irishman is just 18 years old currently and moved to Inter from Shamrock Rovers two years ago, such was his ability as a young and emerging footballer.

While Zefi is yet to make a senior first-team appearances for the Serie A giants, he has shone in the youth teams, scoring six goals and registering seven assists for the Under-17 side, as well as an incredible 16 strikes in just 13 games for the Under-18 outfit.

The young winger signed his first professional deal last years and is contracted at Inter until the summer of 2024, but it could be that he moves on before the current transfer window closes at the end of this month.

Newcastle have emerged as strong potential suitors for Zefi and a fresh update further suggests that he could be plying his trade at St James' Park in the very near future.

Will Newcastle sign Kevin Zefi?

Eddie Howe revealed Lewis Hall would be the last first-team signing, but according to NUFC Blog, Newcastle are now expected to sign Zefi for the academy:

"Newcastle United look set to follow the signings of AC Milan youngster Cathal Heffernan and Chelsea’s Lewis Hall with the arrival of fellow 18-year-old Kevin Zefi.

"The Dublin-born talent has impressed in Inter Milan’s academy and has 12 months left on his contract following a move from Shamrock Rovers two years ago.

"Zefi is being advised by former Toon defender Stephen Carr and is set to join our U21s after a breakthrough in talks. He also plays at international level alongside Toon duo Alex Murphy and Reece Byrne; two players Dan Ashworth has brought to the club’s academy over the past 12 months."

This is a very exciting update for Newcastle, as they continue to show that they are not only planning for the present, instead making sure they sign young players with big futures in the game.

In Zefi, they have someone who is considered something of a wonderkid, with former coach Shane Robinson explaining what makes him so special:

“Kevin is that type of player that catches the eye easily – he backs himself 100% in possession of the ball. He has lovely balance and uses his body very well to protect the ball.

"He has worked very hard on his overall game over the last number of years and deserves credit for that, he has gone up through the levels impressively from U15 to U19 with First Division appearances last season also."

While Zefi clearly wouldn't be arriving as an important member of the senior setup to begin with, given his lack of experience, he is someone who could continue to start at youth team level, gradually blossoming into a top-level footballer who can cut it on the biggest stage.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

It is always hard to gauge how a youngster will develop, with injuries and work ethic always potentially getting in the way, but the former Shamrock ace has all the tools to make it and could be a future hero on Tyneside.

Everton manager Sean Dyche is still on the lookout for more reinforcements before the transfer window shuts, particularly to bolster his attacking options.

The goal-shy Toffees failed to score in their opening Premier League tie of the 2023/24 season, going down to Fulham 1-0, despite registering 19 shots in total.

With this in mind, could they be a step closer to securing a long-term target in the coming days? This could indeed be the case, especially with the player submitting a transfer request at his current club.

Will Everton make more signings?

The Goodison Park side have been tracking Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto throughout the summer, and there has been a recent update on his future by journalist David Ornstein.

He said: “Wilfried Gnonto submits written transfer request in attempt to secure Leeds United exit. Multiple Everton bids for 19yo rejected; most recent £25m including bonuses + sell-on. EFC ready to table improved offer. LUFC insist not for sale.”

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

Dyche clearly doesn’t want the youngster to slip from his grasp, and with the player now handing in a transfer request, Leeds may have no option but to accept Everton’s next bid in order to secure a solid fee for him.

The £16k-per-week gem only joined Leeds last summer from FC Zurich, and if Everton get their way, he could be on the move yet again.

What could Wilfried Gnonto offer Everton?

The 19-year-old certainly burst onto the scene at Leeds last season, becoming one of their few bright sparks in a campaign that ended in relegation.

He ranked fifth for goals and assists (six) across the Leeds squad, while also finishing in the top five for big chances created, key passes and successful dribbles per game, showcasing his attacking talents on the left wing.

The teenage “pocket rocket” – as dubbed by pundit Tam McManus last season – registered four assists during 24 Premier League ties, while creating three big chances and averaging one key pass per game, suggesting he could form a solid duo with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The striker has endured an injury-hit previous two years, missing a total of 46 games in the process. However, when he is fit and firing, the Englishman is arguably their biggest attacking threat.

Despite just seven goals in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns combined, Calvert-Lewin scored 16 goals across just 33 league matches in 2020/21, demonstrating just how important he was to the team.

Having a player like Gnonto on the left wing could give the striker plenty of incentive to get back to his best. The Italy international will only get better as time goes on, and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates and take on defenders will be vital for Everton.

The Toffees scored just 34 Premier League goals last term – fewer than the three relegated teams and the second-lowest total in the division.

Dyche will be hoping to secure a move for Gnonto in the next week or so in order to boost his faltering attack, and combined with a fit Calvert-Lewin, the duo could cause plenty of chaos for opposition defenders during the 2023/24 season.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Inter Miami were held scoreless for a second-straight preseason game as the Herons fell 1-0 to FC Dallas.

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Inter Miami goes scoreless againSuarez makes second appearance back alongside MessiFerreira scores winner for DallasGetty/GOALTELL ME MORE

All eyes were obviously on Inter Miami's superstars, but it was FC Dallas' homegrown striker that immediately set the tone in front of a hometown crowd. Just three minutes into the match, Ferreira netted the game's opening goal with the USMNT striker providing a composed finish, kickstarting his preseason with a cheeky strike against Messi and co.

Ferreira's finish turned out to be the game's lone goal, with Inter Miami largely controlling the play from that point forward. Tata Martinos's side had a bulk of the possession but didn't quite create the chances needed to score. One of their best looks came off the foot of Messi in the first half, but FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes was able to dive to make the save. The Argentine also nearly put in an Olimpico, but Paes denied him once again.

Miami had a few chances in the second half, with both Luis Suarez and Leo Campana going close, only to see the offside flag raised anyway. The ex-Barcelona trio of Messi, Suarez and Sergio Busquets lasted 64 minutes before being subbed off, having gone 45 minutes in the 0-0 draw with El Salvador last Friday.

AdvertisementTHE MVP

He's fallen down the pecking order a little bit with the USMNT, but Ferreira seems intent on starting this season with a bang after scoring in the win. The FC Dallas striker scored 13 league goals last season, down from 18 the year prior, but anyone who watches MLS would say the 23-year-old forward is among the best attackers in the league. Can he take a leap forward this season, though? If he does, it would be huge for FC Dallas, on the field and perhaps off of it should European clubs come sniffing.

GettyTHE BIG LOSER

We aren't worried just yet, but the Inter Miami attack is struggling big time through two games. Suarez hasn't quite looked himself through these first two matches and has struggled to really get going and generate chances in the final-third. It'll surely come, particularly with Messi feeding him, but, at least so far, it's been made pretty clear that even the Barca bunch have some rust to shake off heading toward the regular season. Another question to be raised is if Martino's 5-3-2 is the most beneficial system for their roster at the moment, especially considering the chemistry that Robert Taylor and Messi had last campaign.

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GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?

Inter Miami's globe-trotting preseason will now head to Saudi Arabia, as they gear up for matches against Al-Hilal and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. After those two matches on January 29 and February 1, Miami will head to Asia to face the Hong Kong XI on February 4 and Vissel Kobe on February 7 before wrapping up the preseason with a visit from Messi's childhood club, Newell's Old Boys, on February 15.

Kylian Mbappe, the prodigious French football sensation, embarked on his remarkable journey to stardom at a remarkably young age.

Born in Bondy, France, on December 20, 1998, he quickly captured the attention of football enthusiasts with his exceptional talents.

Mbappe's rise to prominence began with AS Monaco's youth academy, where his lightening speed, technical prowess and innate footballing intelligence caught the eye of scouts. In December 2015, he became the youngest first-team player for Monaco, making his debut at just 16-years-old. His breakthrough season came in 2016-2017, during which he spearheaded Monaco's charge to the Ligue 1 title and reached the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.

His rapid acceleration and clinical finishing led to his inclusion in the French national team, and he played an instrumental role in France's 2018 World Cup triumph, becoming only the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final.

Mbappe's early career statistics and records are nothing short of impressive. He set a slew of records, becoming the youngest player to score for Monaco and the youngest French player to score in the Champions League. His prolific goal-scoring ability, coupled with his versatility to play across the frontline, made him a sought-after asset.

With a slew of accolades, including multiple Ligue 1 titles, domestic cups and individual awards, Mbappe's early career accomplishments have solidified his status as one of football's most promising talents.

Kylian Mbappe at Monaco

Kylian Mbappe's formative years in football were marked by his exceptional stint at AS Monaco. Arriving at the club's youth academy, he swiftly showcased a footballing maturity beyond his years and rapidly climbed through the ranks to the first-team.

Making his professional debut in December 2015 at the tender age of 16, Mbappé's breakthrough season came during 2016-2017. He became a linchpin in Monaco's dynamic attacking unit, contributing significantly to their Ligue 1 triumph in the same season. His partnership with Radamel Falcao and his ability to combine electrifying speed with clinical finishing earned him rave reviews across the continent.

But the 2016-2017 campaign saw Mbappe not only guide Monaco to the domestic league title but also propel them to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Statistically, Mbappe's time at Monaco showcased his incredible promise. He amassed 26 goals across all competitions in the 2016-2017 season, demonstrating his potency in front of goal. His lethal combination of pace and precision led to him being recognized as one of Europe's most exciting young talents.

Mbappe's records and milestones during his Monaco days are truly extraordinary. He became the youngest player to score for the club, and his performances earned him the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award. Additionally, he became the youngest French player to score in the Champions League, marking his growing influence on the international stage.

His success with Monaco culminated in a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, where he continued to flourish and solidify his status as a global footballing superstar.

Mbappe's time at Monaco remains a pivotal chapter in his career, showcasing the early signs of his unbelievable talent and foreshadowing the meteoric rise that was to come.

Mbappe's Honours at Monaco

Ligue 1 (1)

2016/2017

Kylian Mbappe at PSG

Joining the club in 2017, initially on loan before making it permanent a year later, he quickly cemented his status as one of the world's most prodigious talents, propelling PSG to both domestic and international success.

Mbappe's €180m arrival at PSG was a record-breaking transfer, underscoring the immense potential the club saw in him. He was part of a formidable attacking trio alongside Neymar and Edinson Cavani, forming a trio that came to be known as "MCN."

During his time at PSG, Mbappe's statistics and records have been nothing short of extraordinary. He has consistently registered impressive goal-scoring figures in Ligue 1, contributing significantly to the club's multiple domestic title wins. His searing pace, technical flair and ability to score from various positions on the field made him a nightmare for defenders.

Mbappe's records include becoming the youngest player in PSG's history to score a hat-trick in Ligue 1 and being the youngest player to reach 50 league goals for the club. His exploits also extended to the Champions League, where he showcased his prowess on the grandest stage. He became the youngest player to score 25 goals in the Champions League, surpassing the previous record set by none other than Lionel Messi.

Milestones have abounded throughout Mbappe's PSG career. He has secured numerous individual accolades, including multiple Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards, further cementing his position as one of the league's dominant forces. His role in PSG's 2019-2020 run to the Champions League final also highlighted his capability to perform at the highest echelons of the sport.

Mbappe's tenure at PSG has not only been marked by his on-field exploits but also by his growing stature as a global football icon. He is renowned for his philanthropic endeavours and his charismatic personality off the pitch.

To date, the France international's PSG record stands at 212 goals in 260 first-team appearances, but over the last 12 months there has been a level of controversy surrounding his future in France.

In June 2023, Mbappe announced his intentions not to renew his contract in the French capital, which runs until June 2024. It was widely reported that he was eyeing up a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2023. Mbappe refuted those claims, saying publically that he was happy at PSG in response, but the club's president Nasser Al-Khelaifi's stance was that he would not play for PSG again if he refused to sign a new deal.

The stand-off led to Mbappe being excluded from PSG's pre-season tour to Japan, but it was announced in August 2023 that he would be reintegrated back into Luis Enrique's first team plans following productive discussions being the player and the French giants.

Mbappe's Honours at PSG

Ligue 1 (5)

2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

Coupe de France (3)

2017/2018, 2019/2020, 2020/2021

Coupe de Ligue (2)

2017/2018, 2019/2020

Trophee des Champions (2)

2019, 2020

Kylian Mbappe with France

Kylian Mbappe's international career with the French national team has mirrored his remarkable success at the club level. Bursting onto the scene as a prodigious talent, he quickly became a vital component of the national setup.

His journey with Les Bleus reached a pinnacle during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Playing a pivotal role, he showcased his electrifying pace, exceptional dribbling and clinical finishing. Mbappe's standout performance in the tournament earned him the prestigious FIFA World Cup Young Player Award. His crowning moment came in the final when he scored to become only the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup final, after the legendary Pelé.

His statistics and records for France are equally impressive. He has consistently been one of the team's top goalscorers, contributing vital goals in crucial matches. Mbappe's versatility and ability to thrive in different attacking roles have made him an indispensable asset for the national team.

In March 2023, France manager Didier Deschamps named Mbappe the new captain of France following the international retirement of long-standing captain Hugo Lloris.

To-date, Mbappe's record for France stands at 70 caps and 40 goals, with his most recent goal coming in a 1-0 victory over Greece in a UEFA European Championships qualifier, in June 2023.

Mbappe's Honours with France

FIFA World Cup (1)

2018

UEFA Nations League

2020/2021

Kylian Mbappe's Personal Accolades & Records

Kylian Mbappe's burgeoning career has been punctuated by an array of personal records and prestigious awards.

His rapid ascent began with AS Monaco, where he became the youngest player to debut for the club in December 2015. Then, his breakthrough season in 2016-2017 yielded the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award and his position as the youngest French player to score in the Champions League.

However, it was on the global stage that Mbappe truly made history. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he became the second teenager ever to score in a World Cup final, helping France secure their second world title. His electrifying performances earned him the FIFA World Cup Young Player Award.

At PSG, Mbappe has maintained his record-breaking momentum. He became the youngest player to reach 50 Ligue 1 goals for the club and the youngest to score a hat-trick in the league.

Accolades such as multiple Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards and his remarkable feats in domestic and international competitions underscore Mbappe's status as a generational talent and an individual who continues to rewrite the record books while amassing a trove of footballing honours.

It surely is only a matter of time before he collects his first Ballon d'Or.

Mbappe's Personal Honours

Ligue 1 Player of the Year (4)

2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year (3)

2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019

Ligue 1 Team of the Year (6)

2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (4)

2016/2017, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022

FIFA FIFPRO World XI (3)

2018, 2019, 2022

Golden Boy (1)

2017

FIFA World Cup Golden Boot (1)

2022

FIFA World Cup Silver Ball (1)

2022

FIFA World Cup Young Player Award (1)

2018

Kopa Trophy (1)

2018

French Player of the Year (3)

2018, 2019, 2022

UEFA Team of the Year (1)

2018

Ligue 1 Top Scorer (5)

2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

Ligue 1 Top Assist Provider (1)

2021/2022

UEFA Nations League Finals Golden Boot (1)

2021

The victory was set up by a trio of half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Ali Khil, and Darwish Rasooli, to set up an imposing total of 284 for 7

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jan-2018Ikram Ali Khil gets off his feet to play a shot during his innings of 55•Getty Images

Reigning Under-19 Asia Cup champions Afghanistan reprised their regional success on a global stage at the World Cup in New Zealand, defeating Sri Lanka by 32 runs on DLS Method in Whangerei. Having already beaten Pakistan in Group D, Afghanistan clinched a place in the quarter-finals for the second time in their history, having done it in 2014 in the UAE before losing to eventual champions South Africa.The success for Afghanistan is also a 180-degree turn from the 2016 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, when they were similarly placed in a group with Pakistan and Sri Lanka but were defeated by both sides.

SL’s Kalana Perera out injured

Sri Lanka Cricket has named Thilan Wallekamkanamge as a replacement for left-arm spinner Kalana Perera, who has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury. Perera had hurt his ankle during a training session on January 16 in Whangarei.

Wednesday’s victory was set up by a trio of half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran (86 off 112 balls), Ikram Ali Khil (55 off 89 balls), and Darwish Rasooli (63 off 44 balls) to set up an imposing total of 284 for 7. The chase was in the balance when rain arrived after 24 overs with Sri Lanka 108 for 3. A revised target of 127 off the final 14 overs was set when play resumed, and the required run rate jumped from 6.80 to nearly ten an over.Afghanistan’s bowlers seized on this to successfully apply pressure. Captain Naveen-ul-Haq snared two wickets in the first four overs after play resumed, including the well-set Jehan Daniel for Sri Lanka’s eventual top score of 48. Naveen finished with 4 for 35 in eight overs and also effected a run-out.Afghanistan play Ireland in their final Group D match. Sri Lanka play Pakistan with the winner joining Afghanistan in the quarter-finals. A tie or a washout would also put Pakistan into the knockouts due to the net run rate tiebreaker.

Manchester United have endured a rough start to the season.

In the first game, the Red Devils luckily scraped a 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who were denied a late penalty when Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic.

In the latest Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur, Erik ten Hag’s men wilted and were overpowered by a more relentless, energetic, and dominant side.

In both matches, a common theme has been United’s disjointed and lacklustre midfield. Casemiro has suffered as a lone pivot and Mason Mount has struggled to adapt to being an advanced eight. There has been an absence of protection and the team is getting overrun, creating the need for a different type of profile in the centre of the park…

What’s the latest Manchester United transfer news?

According to the Guardian, United’s search for midfield reinforcements has prompted an approach for Everton titan Amadou Onana.

It is understood that Ten Hag is keen to address his side’s lack of physicality and has turned his attention to bringing in a commanding central midfielder.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

However, Everton don’t want to lose Onana and insist they are under no financial pressure to make a sale.

The Toffees value the 21-year-old for at least £50m and there is awareness that could be tricky to keep him if United’s interest develops.

Ten Hag wants to add depth and quality to the midfield, feeling that Onana is a worthy candidate.

Would Amadou Onana be a good signing for Manchester United?

After spending one season playing for Hamburg in 2020/21, the club’s director of sport Jonas Boldt said:

“Technically, Amadou has almost perfect prerequisites. He is fast, technically skilled, tall, and strong in tackling.”

This description matches the profile that ten Hag is craving and Onana could be a balancing force between the defensive Casemiro and the free-roaming Bruno Fernandes.

Last season in the Premier League, the 6 foot 4 mountain registered 84% pass accuracy, averaged 2.2 tackles per game, made no errors leading to a shot or a goal, and won 57% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

Described as “superb” by reporter Richard Buxton, Onana occupies a far more opposing and domineering presence than Mount, whilst also displaying a commendable level of technical ability.

United are also said to be interested in Fiorentina powerhouse Sofyan Amrabat, but similarly to Onana, no deal can progress until the club makes more sales.

The 27-year-old was labelled “the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco” and someone who is “essential for the balance” by former England boss Fabio Capello – something that is a key point of interest for ten Hag.

Last term in Serie A, the North African managed 90% pass accuracy, completed 75% of his dribbles, and averaged 1.3 tackles per game.

Both players possess intoxicating athleticism, are technically astute, and are able to protect the backline. However, with Liverpool reportedly tracking Amrabat, it may be easier to pursue a deal for Onana, who is brimming with potential.

Given the current state of affairs at Everton, who look destined for another perilous relegation fight, if United initiate a more formal approach for the youngster, it would be tricky for him to decline.

The hosts pulled off one of the great tournament victories after some early setbacks, but others weren't so lucky

In a tournament overflowing with underdogs stories, it's fitting that Ivory Coast's name has ended up on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations trophy. On the surface, it may not seem that uplifting that the hosts and 2015 winners came out on top, but that assessment does not take into account just how shambolic their group-stage campaign was, with the Elephants becoming the first team to lose two games and still win a major international tournament – excluding any league formats.

Ivory Coast's unlikely victory only scratches the surfaces of the myriad of captivating storylines the tournament cooked up, too. We had footballing backwaters cutting the giants of the continent down to size, some huge names of African football failing to turn up and even some new stars seemingly emerging on the biggest stage.

GOAL reviews a staggeringly good tournament by breaking down all the winners and losers from the 2023 AFCON…

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  LOSER: Jean-Louis Gasset

  "There are sometimes nightmare matches, matches where everything seems to be against you. A catastrophic scenario," Ivory Coach boss Jean-Louis Gasset mused following his side's awful 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea.

  The tournament was a huge chance for the 70-year-old. Managerial stints at the likes of Montpelier, Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne had previously ended trophyless, and, in the twilight of his career, he was surprisingly gifted the opportunity to lead a football-obsessed nation at a home AFCON.

  However, even with a vociferous crowd backing them, Gasset's charges were well off it from the outset. Prior to that 4-0 humiliation, they squeezed past Guinea-Bissau in their opener and were beaten by Nigeria, leaving them on the brink of elimination.

  But the Ivorian Football Federation were in no mood to wait around to see if they would be gifted a spot in the knockout stages as one of the best losers. Instead, Gasset was sacked on the spot – which proved to be an inspired decision.

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  WINNER: Ivory Coast

  With their uninspiring leader out of the picture, the Elephants staged a quite remarkable recovery under interim boss Emerse Fae. After sneaking through to the knockout stages as one of the best third-place teams, not many expected them to get past Senegal in the last 16 – but some penalty heroics assured them of a quarter-final tie with Mali.

  That game was even more dramatic. After Odilon Kossounou was sent off on the stroke of half-time, it seemed like the hosts would be heading out; with Mali eventually breaking the deadlock as expected 19 minutes from the end. But, not for the last time in the tournament, Fae's troops refused to accept their fate, with Simon Adingra scoring a last-gasp equaliser to send the game to extra-time.

  Even with 10 men, the Elephants refused to be beaten, and after anxiously holding on in the final throes of the additional period, Seko Fofana's shot from the edge of the box was diverted in by Oumar Diakite, booking Ivory Coast's place in the last four just 10 days after Gasset's departure.

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  WINNER: Sebastien Haller

  In said semi-final, the hosts were pitted against DR Congo. It was a drab affair for the first hour or so, particularly when compared with Ivory Coast's exploits in previous rounds, and they were in need of a hero to turn the tide in their favour. And, after a quiet tournament leading up to the semi-final, Sebastien Haller eventually emerged as that inspirational figure.

  Just after the hour mark, 100-plus-caps veteran Max Gradel stretched to swing in a cross from the byline. It wasn't very good, looping high, wide and not very handsome into what looked like a harmless area. Haller had other ideas, though. Spotting the flight of the cross early, he quickly shimmied a few paces back and just about made contact. His volley sent the ball travelling on a quite bizarre trajectory, as it smashed into the ground before rising high – too high for DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi in fact, who could only watch as it slowly drifted past his outstretched hand.

  After booking his side's place in the final, Haller made sure to rise to the occasion once again, and his winner at the the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe was just as inventive. With the scores level at 1-1 and 10 minutes left on the clock, the electric Adingra burst into some space on the left touchline and fizzed a wicked, low cross to the front post.

  A few seconds later, the ball was in the back of the net. In real time, it was hard to see how Haller had managed it, with Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong stuck to him like glue. Fortunately the replay provided some clarity. That showed Haller displaying his lethal striker's instinct, with the Borussia Dortmund man sending Adingra's cross into the far corner by simply sticking his toe out.

  It was a fittingly unorthodox goal for unorthodox winners and was exactly what Haller deserved after battling back from his testicular cancer diagnosis in 2022.

  Reflecting on the triumphs, and likely with his star striker's inspiring comeback on his mind, Fae said at full-time: "It is more than a fairy tale. I am struggling to take it all in. When I think about all we have been through, we are miracle survivors. We never gave up and we managed to come back from so many tough blows."

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  LOSER: Nigeria

  While Nigeria will be pleased to have made a significant improvement on their last-16 exit in 2021, they will also head home from the Ivory Coast feeling pretty deflated. Despite going ahead, they were far from at their best in the final, and manager Jose Peseiro might reflect that his side became too passive as they looked to cling onto their early lead.

  There is a wider debate to be had around whether the defensively-minded coach is the best man to lead the Super Eagles forward in the long term. No African team possesses as much strength in depth in the forward positions than Nigeria, but they only scored more than once in one of their seven games at the tournament.

  While that does suggest that the team were holding something back going forward, you could argue that some structure and conservatism is exactly what the Super Eagles need to be successful at tournaments. Regardless of what side the federation falls on this particular argument, it's hard to shake the feeling that the final represented a big opportunity missed for this stacked Nigeria squad.