Hong Kong were bowled out twice under 150 runs within the first two days of the four-day Intercontinental Cup match

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGetty Images

Centuries from Javed Ahmadi and Asghar Stanikzai coupled with Rashid Khan’s seven-wicket match-haul consigned Hong Kong to an innings-defeat inside two days in the Intercontinental Cup match in Mong Kok. The hosts, having won the toss, couldn’t make more than 150 in either innings, handing table-leaders Afghanistan their fifth win in six games and a full 20 points.Hong Kong’s struggle with the bat was evinced in all batsmen barring Anshuman Rath, who scored a half-century in either innings. For Afghanistan, fast bowler Dawlat Zadran began the rout in the seventh over of the match, sniping out opener Matt Stiller for six. Thereafter, Rashid ran through the line-up, abetting Zadran’s figures of 3 for 15 off nine overs, with a third first-class five-for. That the highest partnership – in the game – for the home team was only worth 41 runs for the third wicket – between captain Babar Hayat (39) and Nizakat Khan (16) was further testimony to their inability to gather any momentum through either innings.Having skittled Hong Kong out for 142, Afghanistan stitched together three mammoth partnerships on the back of five of their six batsmen scoring fifty-plus. Afghanistan, who had finished on 270 for 2 at stumps on day one, plundered another 195 runs in 41 overs for the loss of three wickets, before declaring. Ahmadi, who collected more than half his runs in boundaries – 16 fours and two sixes – anchored the opening stand of 124 with Ihsanullah (63), before adding 78 for the second wicket with Rahmat Shah, who took 126 for his 57. Coming in at No.4, captain Stanikzai put on 161 for the third wicket with Rahmat, en route to his 129-ball 125. Stanikzai followed it up with a ram-raid of a partnership with Mohammad Nabi that fetched their side 98 runs at a scoring rate of 7.63.Debutant Kyle Christie, who had earlier ran Ahmadi out, became the fourth bowler in the Hong Kong attack to pick up a wicket in the match with Nabi’s dismissal in the 88th. By then, however, Afghanistan had put on 465 for 5, with Nabi finishing on 63 off 44 balls.With a first-innings lead of 323 to fall back on, Afghanistan’s charge with the ball was led again by the Rashid-Zadran combine who took out the top four before Zahir Khan steamrolled the lower order, picking four wickets for 16 runs. Rashid, Zadran and Nabi bagged two wickets apiece as Hong Kong failed to last 40 overs.

Arsenal are set to be forced back into the market, following the devastating news recently disseminated through the mainstream media…

Who could Arsenal sign to replace Jurrien Timber?

Having hobbled off in the Gunners’ opening-day victory over Nottingham Forest, fans had their worst fears realised on Monday as The Athletic released an article regarding Jurrien Timber’s fitness.

Within, it detailed how the Dutchman’s knee ailment was far more serious than first expected, with his absence expected to be lengthy.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

As such, Mikel Arteta will likely look to add to his summer spending in an effort to offset this hefty blow, with The Express suggesting some potential stand-ins.

One such name is Joao Cancelo, who despite having agreed personal terms with Barcelona, could have his head turned given should the north London outfit offer him a suitable package. After all, they do retain an interest in the Manchester City maverick, who is valued at just €40m (£34m).

What position does Joao Cancelo play?

Despite being a natural right-back by trade, the Portugal international rose to prominence a few years ago when he traded Juventus for the Etihad.

At the time, Pep Guardiola was struggling to nail down a true starter for his left-back spot, and to fill that vacancy he decided to try something new. Slotting the 29-year-old in an unorthodox role, the right-footed gem starred, inverting from defence into midfield and providing plenty contributing to attacks.

His standout campaign arguably came during the 2021/22 season, where he maintained a 7.33 average rating, buoyed by his seven assists, 85% pass accuracy, 1.1 key passes and 2.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

There was little he could do wrong, and everything he touched turned to gold as they strolled to Premier League title success.

His Spanish boss led the praise back in 2020: “He played exceptionally, with the ball and without the ball. He is a special talent. Defensively sometimes he needs to be consistent but when he is consistent, his focus is fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy and a football player.”

Former professional footballer Ahmed Elmohamady supported such a claim, outlining just how much the defender had evolved: “PEP has improved so many players over the years but Cancelo became a world-class player."

This kind of creativity, in the role that Arteta likely envisioned Timber fulfilling for the campaign, would have fans speedily forgetting the frustrating injury saga that is set to drag on.

Last term in the Eredivisie, the 22-year-old’s 7.03 average rating was underpinned by his four goal contributions, paired with a 92% pass accuracy and 1.4 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Considering he mainly operated as a centre-back, these were figures sure to improve in the more advanced role set out for him. Especially given, when compared to others in that role across Europe, he still sits in the top 1% for passes attempted, pass completion, progressive passes and progressive carries all per 90, via FBref.

If they are to be without the former Ajax star for the bulk of the season, it is certainly worth adding to their ever-growing list of big-money signings acquired this window.

After all, it would all be worth nothing if they allowed such a blow to derail what promises to potentially be the year where they finally overthrow the Citizens.

Tottenham Hotspur have scheduled talks tonight to re-sign defender Clement Lenglet, and Barcelona see it as a "magnificent opportunity" to finally sell.

Who are Spurs signing next?

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz have all officially put pen to paper on moves to Spurs this summer.

They follow on from permanent deals for right-back Pedro Porro and Sweden international Dejan Kulusevski, with Rosario Central striker Alejo Veliz being the latest confirmed arrival at N17.

Lilywhites head coach Ange Postecoglou, speaking to the press recently, also confirmed that there should be more activity to come – as Spurs hunt for another defender and look to offload fringe squad members.

“It's not done yet," said Postecoglou.

"We need bolstering in that central defensive area. We need defenders who can work in an aggressive formation, defend well & behind them. We'll be looking to bring in a couple in that area in the coming days."

On potential exits, the Spurs boss has said that certain players will be looking for new opportunities – drawing attention to Tottenham's "bloated" squad.

It's fair to say our squad is too big at the moment," explained Postecoglou.

"There are guys who will want to explore opportunities elsewhere. I'm not involved in that. I think we'll see some movement out in the coming weeks.”

Lenglet, who spent last campaign on loan at Spurs from Barca, has been repeatedly linked in the past week and some reports even suggest he is prioritising a second stint in north London.

The 28-year-old coming back to N17 is, potentially, a very realistic possibility as a report by Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness) share an update on the matter.

Both Tottenham and Barca chiefs, during tonight's friendly match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys in Catalonia, have scheduled a summit and fresh round of talks over Lenglet's transfer.

The La Liga champions, for their part, see this as a "magnificent opportunity" to finally finalise the defender's sale and rid themselves of his hefty wages.

There is a price named as well, as Sport claim the potential move could amount to a small €5 million (£4.3m), a fee which may rise to €15m (£12.9m) if add-ons are met.

After tonight's meeting, further developments are expected.

What's been said about Clement Lenglet?

Spurs pundit John Wenham, speaking to Football Insider last season, heaped praise on the former Sevilla star after a solid north London derby outing against Arsenal.

Wenham said Lenglet appeared in the mould of a "very reliable" player who could be called upon to do a solid job as part of Tottenham's defence.

“I just wanted to give credit because I think his performance went a little bit under the radar. I have been impressed with him so far," said Wenham on Lenglet.

“The fact he has instantly come in for Ben Davies and we don’t look any weaker, that is a huge credit to him really.

“He’s a new signing to the Premier League, I know he has a lot of experience from Barcelona and with France but he already seems very reliable, like we could drop him in for any fixture.“

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a vitória sobre o Goiás, na última quarta-feira, em Goiânia, o Corinthians se reapresentou na manhã desta quinta-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava, e deu início à preparação para a partida diante do Botafogo, que acontece no próximo sábado, às 19h, na Neo Química Arena, pela oitava rodada do Brasileirão-2020.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansSalários atrasados no Corinthians: entenda como Tiago Nunes e jogadores lidam com essa situaçãoCorinthians03/09/2020VídeoTiago Nunes diz não ver agressão de Jô e pede cautela no julgamentoVídeo02/09/2020CorinthiansTiago Nunes exalta retomada da autoestima no Timão após vitóriaCorinthians02/09/2020

Os atletas que atuaram por mais de 45 minutos no jogo em Goiânia realizaram apenas um trabalho de recuperação física. Os demais jogadores foram a campo e participaram de um treinamento técnico-tático em campo reduzido comandados pelo técnico Tiago Nunes. Vale lembrar que devido ao protocolo de retomada do futebol, a imprensa não pode acompanhar os treinos in loco.

Em relação ao jogo diante do São Paulo, no último domingo, o treinador corintiano promoveu quatro mudanças no time titular para enfrentar e vencer o Goiás por 2 a 1. Saíram: Sidcley, Éderson, Luan e Léo Natel. Entraram: Lucas Piton, Camacho, Araos e Gustavo Silva. Diante da maratona de jogos na competição, não estão descartadas mais mudanças para a próxima partida

Antes de enfrentar o Botafogo, o Alvinegro tem apenas mais um dia de preparação. Na tarde desta sexta-feira, o Timão realiza o último treino antes da partida, válida pelo campeonato nacional. O Corinthians ocupa a nona posição na tabela de classificação e soma oito pontos em seis duelos até aqui.

Leeds United have agreed personal terms to sign Glasgow Rangers defensive midfielder Glen Kamara, and a fresh report has provided an update on talks between the clubs.

Where is Glen Kamara originally from?

Kamara was born in Tampere, Finland, but has spent his entire career in the United Kingdom. He joined Arsenal's academy first, after which he graduated and moved north to Dundee FC and now Rangers in search of first-team football, and he's emerged this summer as a target for Daniel Farke in LS11.

After The Daily Mail Transfer Confidential's initial claim that the Whites were considering an offer for the 27-year-old, the pursuit temporarily quietened down, but Graham Smyth recently reported that he was back “on the radar” as a result of Tyler Adams completing his permanent switch to Bournemouth.

Since then, TEAMtalk have revealed that the 49ers, Middlesbrough and Coventry have all held talks regarding a swoop for the central talisman, though with technical director Gretar Steinsson the chief pushing the hardest to secure his services, the player appears to have made his decision on his favoured destination out of the three teams in the Championship.

Are Leeds signing Glen Kamara?

According to Football Insider, Leeds have “agreed terms” with Kamara after a "breakthrough" in discussions. The two clubs are set to continue “talks” over the designated fee, but it’s believed that his price tag has been set at £5.5m.

The Light Blues have “given the green light” for their veteran to move onto new pastures before the end of the window, therefore, he is “not expected to play for the club again”.

The Whites target, who wasn’t training with the first team at the start of the season, was also missing from his squad for their 2-2 Champions League play-off draw against PSV Eindhoven, so this is one that could develop quickly in the coming days.

How much is Glen Kamara worth?

Rangers only paid Dundee £50k for Kamara, and whilst he won’t come anywhere near this cheap considering that he still has another two years remaining on his contract, Leeds should definitely spend the £5.5m that his club north of the border want to receive for him.

The StormSportsX client, who’s sponsored by Nike, last season recorded an 89.4% pass success rate which was higher than any of the regular starters managed in the top-flight, via WhoScored, highlighting his calmness and composure on the ball which would be an upgrade on the current options available to Farke.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

Michael Beale’s 5 foot 11 star, who has the versatility to operate in six different positions over the grass, is also capable of contributing to efforts in the final third having posted 20 goal contributions (11 assists and nine goals) during his time at the club, so he’s an extremely well-rounded individual.

The Teddy Bears’ “monster”, as dubbed by his former manager Steven Gerrard, has even experienced plenty of success having previously won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, alongside being named Finland’s Football of the Year for 2022.

The Whites are set to complete the signing of Joel Piroe from Swansea City this weekend, as per Fabrizio Romano, and it appears as though Kamara could be the next exciting signing to follow the Dutchman through the doors at Elland Road.

يرى مايكل إينرامو، مهاجم الترجي التونسي السابق، أن فريقه سيحقق فوزًا كبيرًا على الأهلي في ذهاب نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويحل الأهلي ضيفًا على الترجي التونسي، اليوم السبت، بملعب “حمادي العقربي بـ رادس”، في مباراة الذهاب، على أن تقام مواجهة الإياب يوم السبت المُقبل في استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وقال إينرامو في تصريحات لقناة “أون تايم سبورت”: “ستكون مباراة قوية بين عملاقين من إفريقيا، الأهلي والترجي، أتوقع دعمًا كبيرًا من الجمهور التونسي لفريقه”.

طالع أيضًا | تشكيل الأهلي المتوقع أمام الترجي اليوم.. شوبير أساسيًا وأبو علي في الهجوم

وتابع: “أعتقد أن الترجي سيُسجل عددًا كبيرًا من الأهداف لخوض مباراة الإياب في القاهرة بسهولة، ولا يمكن التكهن بالنتيجة في مثل هذه المباريات، لكن أعتقد أن الترجي لديه فرصة كبيرة للفوز”.

وتطرق إينرامو إلى هدف “يد إينرامو” الشهير في مباراة الإياب من نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا عام 2010، وقال: “بالنسبة لي، هي مباراة لا تُنسى بذكرياتها الجميلة”.

واختتم: “أُلقب بـ مارادونا إفريقيا بسبب هذا الهدف، لكن أؤكد أن الهدف كان بالرأس وليس باليد، كانت مباراة صعبة، وكنا محظوظين في مباراة الإياب، وتبقى ذكرى طريفة”.

Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers has been able to snap up six new signings to bolster his playing squad during the summer transfer window so far…

Who have Celtic signed this summer?

Swedish centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke was the most recent addition to the team to improve their options at the back, whilst Maik Nawrocki has also been brought in to compete for a position in the defence.

Midfielders Hyun-jun Yang, Marco Tilio, Odin Thiago Holm, and Hyeok-kyo Kwon have also been signed to add quality and depth to the central and wide areas.

The window slams shut next week and the Hoops appear to have more business to do before the deadline passes as they were recently linked with an interest in Brondby star Mathias Kvistgaarden, who could cost them a fee within the region of £4m.

How good is Mathias Kvistgaarden?

If the 21-year-old whiz can translate his form in Denmark over to Scotland then he could be a fantastic player for Rodgers and a big upgrade on Hyeon-gyu Oh, who is the current understudy to Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Brondby dynamo has racked up seven goals and six assists in 14 matches since the start of the Superligaen Championship round at the backend of the 2022/23 campaign.

This season, the talented youngster has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.28 as he has contributed with one goal and four 'big chances' created in five appearances. This came after Kvistgaarden scored seven goals and created seven 'big chances' in 15 league starts last term.

Oh, on the other hand, has scored seven goals in 21 appearances for Celtic since his move to the club from Suwon Bluewings, where he had scored 14 goals in 53 matches, during the January window.

The South Korean forward averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.81 as he scored six goals and created one 'big chance' for his teammates in 16 Scottish Premiership outings during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, which shows that the 22-year-old attacker is not as creative as the £4m-rated ace.

This came after a return of 14 goals and two 'big chances' created in 38 K League 1 matches throughout 2022 for the Bluewings, which earned him an average Sofascore rating of 6.95.

Kvistgaarden, who talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed last month is in "crazy form", could come in as an upgrade on Oh if he is able to replicate his recent performances for Brondby in Scotland due to his average performance level, his goalscoring quality, and

His current average Sofascore rating of 7.28 would have placed him third within the Celtic squad last term, which illustrates how impressive his displays for the Danish side have been.

The 21-year-old striker also produced a phenomenal 31 goals and 11 assists in 45 U19 matches for Brondby and, therefore, has the potential to be a prolific scorer to go along with his creativity from a no.9 position.

Kyogo (27) is the only current Celtic player who scored more than ten Premiership goals last season and Kvistgaarden's statistics suggest that he has the ability to provide Rodgers with another reliable scoring option whilst also being an upgrade on Oh at the top end of the pitch.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta quinta-feira, às 19h15 (Horário de Brasília), o Ceará vai até Porto Alegre para medir forças com o Internacional em jogo válido pela 9ª rodada da Série A do Campeonato Brasileiro e o adversário do Vozão traz boas lembranças para o atacante Mateus Gonçalves. Em outras oportunidades que teve de enfrentar o time gaúcho, o jogador se acostumou a ir bem, marcando, inclusive, gols importantes.

RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalReal Madrid lança camisa 3 inspirada em cerâmicas. Confira fotos do uniformeFutebol Internacional09/09/2020Futebol InternacionalEx-presidente do Barça faz revelação sobre saída de NeymarFutebol Internacional09/09/2020Fora de CampoDe casa com o L!: Rogério Lourenço e Cauê Silva, do Belenenses, são os convidados desta quartaFora de Campo09/09/2020

Em três jogos contra o Colorado, foram duas bolas na rede. O primeiro de Mateus Gonçalves contra o Inter foi no Brasileirão 2018. Na ocasião, vestindo a camisa do Sport, o jogador marcou aos 42 minutos do segundo tempo e garantiu a vitória do seu time por 2 a 1. No ano passado, já pelo Ceará, o Raio voltou a brilhar contra os gaúchos e anotou um belo gol de fora da área no triunfo por 2 a 0.

Com os desfalques do Ceará para a partida, Mateus Gonçalves vive a expectativa de começar entre os titulares do técnico Guto Ferreira. ‘É um adversário que me traz boas lembranças e que já tive a oportunidade de marcar duas vezes. O Ceará está vindo em um bom momento e espero poder contribuir novamente para que possamos somar mais três pontos no campeonato’, ressaltou o atacante.

No Brasileirão 2020, Mateus Gonçalves já foi aproveitado em oito partidas do Ceará, somando 365 minutos em campo, com um gol marcado e uma assistência. Demostrando sua importância tática no time de Guto Ferreira, seja como titular ou reserva, o atacante fez ainda sete desarmes, dois cortes, três interceptações, quatro lançamentos certos, nove finalizações ao gol, 23 divididas ganhas e 85 passes certos.

Gols importantes na temporada

Na temporada, Mateus Gonçalves se destacou ainda com gols importantes e, curiosamente, contra o mesmo rival: o Bahia. O primeiro saiu no empate em 2 a 2 com na fase de grupos da Copa do Nordeste e foi primordial para que o time avançasse até a final. Na decisão, o atacante anotou o último gol da vitória por 3 a 1 que encaminhou a taça. Já no Brasileirão, o camisa sete marcou no triunfo por 2 a 0, o primeiro do Ceará na competição nacional.

The summer transfer window is due to slam shut at the start of next month and Aston Villa have made four additions to their playing squad to date.

Who have Aston Villa signed?

Unai Emery has bolstered his defence and midfield with the signings of Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans, Moussa Diaby, and – most recently – Nicolo Zaniolo on loan from Galatasaray.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Villans are also interested in signing Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto to add to their attacking options.

Fellow Premier League side Everton are also interested in the Italy international, who is currently not for sale but a loan move could be on the cards before the deadline.

He has handed in a transfer request at Elland Road and made himself unavailable for their matches. However, the Whites have maintained their position that the talented teenager will not be sold.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

The 19-year-old whiz is still learning his trade and developing but his performances for Leeds last term suggest that the potential is there for him to be an exciting player for Unai Emery.

Gnonto could be a dream partner for Diaby as either the starting number nine ahead of him or as a supporting striker or attacking midfielder to link-up with him in the build-up phase, due to his immense versatility across the frontline.

The Leeds forward, who was once described as "pure gold" by scout Jacek Kulig, racked up two goals and four assists in 14 Premier League starts last season.

He also ranked within the top 13% of his positional peers for progressive carries per 90 (4.39) and in the top 19% for assists per 90 (0.27) during the 2022/23 top-flight campaign.

These statistics show that the £20k-per-week wizard was well above average for players in his role for progressing his team up the pitch with the ball as well as being able to create good enough opportunities for his teammates to score.

The Villa head coach could also look to unearth the Italian dynamo's goalscoring potential as he did strike 13 goals in 22 games for Inter at U16 and U17 level combined before finding the back of the net 12 times in 74 matches for Zurich's first team.

If he can build on that and use his experience with Leeds to kick on and develop then Gnonto could be a lethal partner for Diaby in the final third, as the France international is a player who has proven himself to be a terrific player at the top end of the pitch.

The French magician, who has scored one goal in two Premier League games for Villa, racked up 22 goals and 20 assists across 65 Bundesliga outings during his final two seasons with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

These statistics show that the summer signing has the ability to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis from out wide and having another attacker who can drive forward to create chances for him could help the talented ace to thrive in England.

Therefore, Gnonto, who the aforementioned Kulig also hailed as a "nightmare" for defenders, could form an exciting relationship with Diaby in the final third if Emery and Monchi are able to snap him up this summer.

England have confirmed that Craig Overton is not fit to play in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne after sustaining a fractured rib.Overton, one of England’s relative success stories in another disappointing Ashes campaign, was first hit in the ribs while batting in Adelaide and took a further blow in the same area while diving for a caught and bowled chance in Perth. A subsequent scan showed the crack, though Overton continued to play his part in the rest of the match.With the England medical staff warning that Overton could potentially puncture a lung if he sustained another blow in the same area – and his whole-hearted efforts in the field render that far from unlikely – it has been decided not to risk him in the fourth Test. He must be considered a significant doubt for the Sydney Test, too.Tom Curran, the Surrey seamer, is the most likely beneficiary of Overton’s misfortune. While Curran is no quicker than the rest of the England seam attack, he has a good range of skills – he was the only England bowler to gain any lateral movement on a flat surface at Richardson Park – and the character to suggest he will thrive on such a big occasion. Notably, he produced a fine slower ball to dismiss Chris Gayle in an ODI in Southampton just as the West Indies batsman was threatening to run amok. Tom, aged 22 and the son of former Zimbabwe international Kevin, would be making his Test debut.He is not the only option, though. England could also pick Mark Wood, who is now with the squad and looks to be bowling at sharp pace in the nets. Doubts about his fitness linger, however, and the England management may be reluctant to risk him on a flat surface. The fact that they have been in the field for an average of 160 overs in the first innings of their most recent eight away Tests render them unlikely to take any risks.The other option is Mason Crane. While he would bowl the odd boundary ball – he is a 20-year-old legspinner, after all – he would offer some variety on what is expected to be another flat pitch (“a batting paradise,” was Chris Woakes’ assessment) and, at a ground with a vast playing surface, and as one of two spinners, could afford some protection.A look at the pitch on Saturday appeared to improve Crane’s chances. The England management were surprised how dry it appears and reasoned there may be assistance there for the spinners. They will take another look on Christmas Day before taking any firm decision.But Curran was the most impressive of the support bowlers in the nets. Generating decent pace and gaining enough movement to take an edge or two, he was the one drawing the admiring glances from those who will select the side.Stuart Broad and James Anderson also had a decent bowl. Anderson, as ever really, looked in good rhythm and struck Mark Stoneman with a bouncer at one stage while Broad should have done enough to prove his fitness.