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N’Diaye: We didn’t come to Cairo only to defend

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Coach Lamine Ndiaye during the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 2nd Leg Final USM Alger Training at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 15 May 2026 ©Mostafa Emira/BackpagePix

by
Staff Reporter

Saturday May 16, 2026. 11:04

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USM Alger head coach Lamine N’Diaye insists they have no intention of just turtling against Zamalek in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final on Saturday.

USMA ran out narrow 1-0 victors in the first leg at the Stade du 5 Juillet last weekend after the White Knights were denied a late winner by a controversial VAR review which saw the hosts awarded a penalty instead.

Ahmed Khaldi scored from the spot in the 98th minute to give N’Diaye’s side a slender advantage to take to the Cairo International Stadium, which is expected to packed for the decider.

N’Diaye anticipates the Egyptian giants will pose a completely different challenge in front of a partisan home crowd, but he has no plans to defend his team’s one-goal lead in the tie.

“The first leg was extremely difficult and this second match will be even harder,” the Senegalese tactician said in his pre-match press conference.

“We are facing a very strong team that is competing for the Egyptian league title against Al Ahly and Pyramids, the last two African Champions League winners. That alone tells you the level of this Zamalek side.

“Zamalek are not a team that depends only on individual quality. They work very well collectively and that makes them dangerous.

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“My philosophy never changes. I always want my teams to play to win and score goals. Of course, we must remain balanced between defence and attack, but we did not come here only to defend.”

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WSL: Jana Fernandez signs new London City Lionesses contract

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A smiling Jana Fernandez holds a London City shirt

London City Lionesses defender Jana Fernandez has signed a new contract, keeping her at the club until 2029.

The 24-year-old has become a key player for Eder Maestre’s side since joining from Barcelona a year ago.

She played in every Women’s Super League match for London City last season as they finished sixth in their debut campaign in the top flight.

Her performances at right-back earned her the fans’ votes for club player of the season.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract here at London City,” said Fernandez.

“When I arrived in England one year ago I joined this club with dreams for the future.

“Potential, excitement and progress are three words I associate with the club and I’m pleased to commit my future. I feel at home and settled here.

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“We are building something special together, as players, staff and fans, and I can’t wait to play my part.”

Before her move to England, Fernandez spent her career at Barcelona, graduating from their academy and becoming a five-time league champion.

She also won the Champions League and Copa de la Reina three times.

Fernandez was part of the Spain team that finished runners-up to England at Euro 2025.

She has been joined at London City by former Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas – the two-time Ballon d’Or winner – and Mapi Leon.

Under US billionaire owner Michele Kang, London City hope to break into the WSL’s traditional top three and qualify for the Champions League.

Having attracted big names in the summer, it was crucial London City retained their other talent, and they have been able to do that with Fernandez and England winger Freya Godfrey committing their futures in recent months.

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Hibs: David Gray ‘will continue until told otherwise’ – but has Hibs boss lost the fans?

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David Gray took charge permanently in 2024 after three caretaker spells

Kieron: Kilmarnock could have won by three or four and it wouldn’t of flattered them. Hibs were so poor tonight. David Gray’s position is hanging by a thread.

Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.

Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.

Chris: Question the tactics. Thought for long time long ball is desperate and lacks ambition. Pressure indeed on David Gray.

Lee: If we end the game two points off bottom spot then it’s surely time up for the Hibs manager. It’s not a run and recovery from a bad position needed, it’s deliver and results from the get go the support demands for a club of our size.

Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as David Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.

Paul: Long balls to no-one as usual from Hibs and as usual our keeper is a weak link. Gray has to go even if we win as this is awful football. Bring in Neil Lennon or Steve Clarke asap before our season drifts to nothing as usual.

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Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.

Brian: Worst backline in Scotland, midfielders trot about like headless chickens, feel sorry for strikers. Gray clueless. No plan. No tactics. Blah, blah, blah after game as usual but won’t resign. Board have to act.

SMcDhfc: David Gray has lost the team, it was obvious tonight. As an attacking force, we were shocking, lots of huffing and puffing but not one real effort on target. The players should be embarrassed after that display, but they will get the result they are after, Gray sacked.

Craig: I like Gray but believe it’s time he goes. He has one formation. It’s just not good enough. But, if he goes, Malky MacKay [director of football] should go too. His signings have been terrible.

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Thomas Tuchel: England boss regrets not eating Azteca turf after World Cup win in Mexico

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Thomas Tuchel, wearing a dark polo shirt, clenches two fists and grins in celebration

England’s victory was only the third time Mexico had tasted defeat at the stadium in 90 competitive matches.

Tuchel described it as one of the highlights of the campaign and hailed the “huge bond” within the camp, especially the reaction to Jordan Henderson’s tournament-ending injury after falling over an advertising hoarding while celebrating the Azteca success.

“This game had so much of what you could wish for,” added the German. “If you needed any proof of what it meant to these players and how they were with each other, it was the moment Jordan fell over and broke his arm.

“Within a second, the players were there. Every single player was there stopping the celebrations, building a shield, protecting Jordan, not going anywhere, in full empathy. It was so special.”

England are next in action against World Cup winners Spain on 26 September in their 2026-27 Uefa Nations League opener, with the 2028 European Championships also on Tuchel’s radar.

Confident of ending England’s wait for a first senior men’s trophy since 1966, he believed their World Cup run not only cemented his relationship with the squad – “it feels like they are my players now” – but also represented “something to build on”.

Tuchel added: “I’m very excited. I think we got another step closer and I think we’re there.”

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