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Fergie confident of CL progress


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Updated Feb 20, 2011 6:06 AM ET
Sir Alex Ferguson is quietly confident Manchester United will claim a place in this season's Champions League quarter-finals.
United visit Marseille on Wednesday looking to secure a first-leg lead that they would be confident of defending in the return clash at Old Trafford three weeks later.
Although there were times when United appeared to struggle during the group phase, they ended up with 14 points from a possible 18, their solid defence conceding just once, in their final match against Valencia.

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan 0-1 Tottenham | Recap
Valencia 1-1 Schalke | Recap
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona | Recap
AS Roma 2-3 Shakhtar | Recap
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

Even with Rio Ferdinand troubled by a groin injury, Ferguson has no reason to believe that solidity has diminished given Chris Smalling's recent performances.
And having seen Marseille's narrow victory over Chelsea at the same stage, Ferguson feels his side have the edge.
"Their manager, Didier Deschamps, has put together a strong team - a very big, powerful side," Ferguson told Inside United.
"I watched them play at home against Chelsea in the group stage and they won 1-0. But Chelsea managed to create quite a few chances in the match so we hope we can do the same.
"I have been to watch games at Marseille quite a few times and the atmosphere supporters create at their ground is terrific.
"It won't be easy going over there but I think we have a good chance of qualifying."
Marseille have certainly undergone a few changes since the bribery scandal of the early 1990s, which resulted in them being stripped of the Champions League, which they won in 1993.
They encountered United twice 11 years ago, winning on home soil after a defeat at Old Trafford in a group from which both clubs emerged.
However, it was not until last season that the club, which remains France's most popular, were crowned champions again, under the careful stewardship of Deschamps.
The former Chelsea star is not the only familiar face to be facing the Red Devils this week.
Gabriel Heinze spent three seasons at Old Trafford and won popularity for his no-nonsense defending.
However, Ferguson made some less than complimentary observations about the Argentinian after an acrimonious departure to Real Madrid - United refused Heinze's original demand to join Liverpool - while Mathieu Valbuena is hoping to overcome a knee injury, having scored in France's victory over England at Wembley in November.
Still, the draw could have been much worse for United, as Ferguson was reflecting midway through the final group game with Valencia when his team trailed and appeared to be heading for a runners-up berth.
"You can see why it is so important to finish top of your group," said Ferguson.
"When we were down against Valencia, I knew I didn't want that because we could have faced the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
"You would obviously prefer not to face those top sides at this stage of the competition."
 
Unstoppable Azam reign supreme
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JKT Ruvu's Pius Kasambale (left) vies for the ball against Luckson Kakolaki of Azam FC during their Premier League match at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday. Azam won 2-0. (Photo by Fadhili Akida)

By DAILY NEWS Reporter, 20th February 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 88

AZAM FC underlined their quest for top honours after moving above giants Simba and Yanga to the top of the Vodacom Premier League table, with a 2-0 win over battling JKT Ruvu at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

A first half goal from midfielder Ibrahim Mwaipopo and an own goal by JKT Ruvu defender Stanley Nkomola in the second half moved Stewart Hall's team on level terms with Young Africans on 35 points.

But Azam occupy the driver's seat, such is their vastly superior goal difference. The city-tycoons have scored 32 goals and conceded 11 compared to Yanga's 22 goals for and 4 against.

With title rivals Yanga and Simba not playing their matches until next weekend, Azam knew they would move top for the first time this season- albeit having played three games more - with victory against the army wardens.

Azam came into the match as the most in-form team in the top flight league with four successive victories behind them and again showed they are a potent team ready to go toe to toe with the powerhouses of Tanzania football, Simba and Yanga.

The first half was closely fought and it looked as the two sides, which had battled to a barren draw in their first round match September 29, last year, would settle for the same score at half time.

But JKT found themselves behind with three minutes before the breather Mwaipopo capped Azam's splendid move with a venomous drive from the edged of the box that beat goalkeeper Shabaan Dihile into the bottom corner.

The second half saw Azam push for the second goal, with JKT Ruvu battling strongly in search for the equalizing goal but both defences stood tall until unlucky Nkomola deflected the ball into his net to seal another perfect win for the new leaders of the Vodacom Premier League.

This was JKT Ruvu's fifth defeat of the season that left them sixth on the table with 22 points from 17 outings. Elsewhere Toto African played host to bottom side AFC Arusha at the CCM Kirumba in Mwanza, seeking to consolidate their mid table position and build a fine buffer zone from relegation zone.

The rocky-city boys compounded AFC's misery, whipping them 2-1 thanks to Semmy Kessy and Hussein Swedi's goals. The results could not change the two teams' position on the standings.

Toto African remained seventh on 20 points from 17 games, while AFC are still bottom on the league table with 11 points from as many games. Kagera Sugar, who suffered a 1-0 defeat against Yanga last Thursday, were at home against struggling African Lyon at Kaitaba Stadium.

The Bukoba-based again could not make home advantage count after they were held to goalless draw by the visiting Lyon. Kagera Sugar missed a glorious opportunity to win the game when Davis Charles missed a penalty after 30th minute, blasting wide his shot.

The draw means that Kagera Sugar remained fifth on the table, whilst Lyon maintained their eighth position after reaching 18 points. Elsewhere, Polisi Dodoma defeated Majimaji 3-2
at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.

Polisi scored their goals through Juma Semsue, Kenneth Masumbuko, and John Kanakamfumu (penalty) while Majimaji notched theirs via Mossi Kulwa and Ulimboka Mwakingwe.
 
Dar es Salaam RBA league picks momentum

By PAUL JOHN, 20th February 2011 @ 11:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 42

EXPECTATIONS reign higher as the clock ticks towards the Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball Association (RBA) quarterfinals-- just a fortnight away.

Pazi can strengthen their hold at the top of the Western Conference pool when they host bottom placed UDSM Outsiders next weekend in the ongoing regional championship at the Indoor Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

But the game of the weekend must be ABC versus Chui, who tie on seven points on the other pool, the Eastern Conference.

Considered more competitive, the 14 team men's category mounting fortunes has seen Pazi and Chui climb up to dislodge heavy weights.

However, the return to action of the ever formidable Savio brings much anticipation as the battle for regional supremacy hots up.

Savio have already registered their influence in the league after outclassing bottom placed UDSM Outsiders 73 – 58 in a competitive tie staged over the weekend and are expected to strengthen their position when they face Oilers on Sunday.

On top of the table is the ABC in the Eastern Conference Pool with seven points after three victories out of a possible four where they have scored 398 times, conceding 211.

Chui who tie on seven points with the leaders beat third placed Hooplife by score difference where the former have accumulated 291 scores, with the latter scoring 245 but conceded the highest number of baskets with 486 against Chui's 272.

In the Western Conference pool, Pazi top the table after accumulating nine points in five games scoring 346 but conceding 312, with Savio coming a near second with six points after three matches, beating Tanzania Prisons and Vijana on point difference, both of whom have played four matches.

In the ladies category, Jeshi Stars won a walkover and cruised to the top of the league standings when Polisi Dar es Salaam failed to turn up for last weekend's preliminary encounter.

Jeshi are now two points clear after accumulating a total 10 points from five games, scoring 377 baskets and conceding 130 in the process.

JKT Stars come a near second with a game in hand after accumulating eight points in four unbeaten run where they have scored 387 times, conceding 197.

Tanzania Prisons are in third position with seven points after three victories where the have scored 323 but conceded the highest number of baskets 227.

Other teams fighting for a pace in quarter finals include DB Lioness, Cargo Stars, Vijana Queens, and CMTU who bring the rear with three points after five matches.

Other matches played last weekend included Oilers who beat UDSM 75 – 59 and the bottom of the table, while JKT won 77 – 54 against Chang'ombe United on Saturday, with Chang'ombe making amends to outpace Claws 73 – 64 on Sunday
 
World Karate body to train local karatekas




From MARC NKWAME in Arusha, 20th February 2011 @ 11:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 44

TANZANIAN males will soon need to be careful on how they go about asking for dinner from their wives.

The World Karate Federation which has just established its chapter in Arusha intends to train local women in self-defence skills; free of charge.

International Karate and Black-Belt Champion, the Italian Martial Arts Star, Prof Maurizio Martina has just jetted into the country to establish the East African Branch of the World Karate Federation in Tanzania and for starters he is setting up shop in Arusha.

The interim Executive Secretary for the WKF in Tanzania, Nassib Majamba said special consideration is being given to both women and children for the soon to start, martial arts classes here through which the vulnerable groups are to be offered skills for their self defence.

And the offer is open to all Tanzanian women as well as children. It seems the days of domestic violence driven by male chauvinism are soon to be over.

But also criminal targeting women or children may also want to change their careers.

"Women and children in developing countries are usually vulnerable and more susceptible to cases of mugging, abduction, rape and other forms of physical violence and the world karate body intends to turn their weaknesses into strength," said the local WKF secretary.

The World Karate Federation, according to its local officials plans to use the newly opened Arusha-based branch as its East African establishment to promote and boost martial arts skills to professionals, amateurs as well as all interested people in the region.

The president of the World Karate Federation (UPAM) Maurizio Martina who is a world champion Karate and full contact black belt showed up here in person to lay down ground for the East African Karate office.

Martina held talks with the head of the local chapter here including the Tanzanian President Winston Melakiti Laizer, Secretary Nassib Majamba as well as other officials who form the executive board of the Arusha-based World Karate Federation in Tanzania.

"I am not here to change anything as far as Karate or martial arts styles are concerned but rather take these techniques to new levels and empower East African people to be in position to protect themselves during violent situations, crime and tackling of enemies," he said.

The Tanzanian chapter also has one special focus: the vulnerable groups in this case women and children who are usually susceptible to violent attacks such as abduction, rape and mugging.

"We are going to provide free self-defence training for women and children in order to empower them with self protecting skills," he said.

The World U.P.A.M federation currently has membership of 35,000. More trainees will be recruited from Arusha and who are to act as trainers themselves in the establishment which also plans to use local artists in international film projects.

The WKF intends to open up martial arts classes at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium here.
 
Gignac ruled out of United tie


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Updated Feb 20, 2011 3:33 PM ET
Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has been ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Manchester United.

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan 0-1 Tottenham | Recap
Valencia 1-1 Schalke | Recap
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona | Recap
AS Roma 2-3 Shakhtar | Recap
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

The French champions have announced the 25-year-old is expected to be out for between 10 and 15 days after suffering an adductor strain in the 2-1 win over against St Etienne at the Stade Velodrome on Saturday night.
"There was some tissue tear for Gignac," sporting director Jose Anigo told OMtv.
"It's not very serious but, unless there is a miracle, there is little chance of seeing him against Manchester."
Loic Remy and Brandao also picked up knocks but are likely to have recovered in time for the midweek visit of Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Anigo added: "For Remy, it's a sprain. But, with the medical staff we have, I'm not worried.
"They have three days to sort him out. It's the same for Brandao. I think both will be available for Wednesday. I hope we will only be missing Gignac."
 
Valencia's Aduriz out four weeks with ankle sprain


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Updated Feb 20, 2011 10:49 AM ET
Valencia's Aritz Aduriz will be sidelined for four weeks with an ankle sprain.


Team doctors say the Basque striker sprained his left ankle during Saturday's game against Sporting Gijon.
Aduriz is Valencia's top scorer with nine league goals this season.
He will likely miss the second leg of Valencia's round of 16 Champions League tie against Schalke on March 9.
Valencia is currently third in the Spanish league.
 
Wenger determined to keep stars


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Updated Feb 20, 2011 5:25 AM ET
Arsene Wenger insists there is no way he would sell any of the midfielders who steered his team to their Champions League win over Barcelona.
The Arsenal manager believes players such as Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and captain Cesc Fabregas are on the verge of stunning the football world.


And while reports continue to link Barcelona and Real Madrid with Fabregas, in particular, Wenger said: "We need Fabregas. Believe me. He is a special player. He is exceptional and we want to keep them all."
Asked if 'silly money' - £80million has been suggested - would tempt him to sell his Spanish skipper, Wenger added: "We go for all the competitions because we have the players to cope. We have the quality and the numbers.
"We are in a position where we can say no for financial reasons. We don't need finances.
"People reproach me, saying 'Why do you not spend stupid money?'. Now they reproach me and say, 'Why do you not sell the player'. That makes me think we have not worked too bad."
However, Wenger, who takes a strong team to League One Leyton Orient on Sunday in the FA Cup fifth round insisting his side are in with a chance of winning all four trophies this season, admits that it is not easy keeping his entire squad content.
He said: "It is difficult to keep them happy. A player that does not play is never happy. You need the right balance.
"If you have too many players it is demotivating for the players never involved. If you have not enough it is demotivating because they feel too secure. Competition is part of our job."

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan 0-1 Tottenham | Recap
Valencia 1-1 Schalke | Recap
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona | Recap
AS Roma 2-3 Shakhtar | Recap
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

One of those thought to be unsettled is Russian Andrey Arshavin, who came off the bench to score the winning goal against Barcelona but walked straight down the tunnel at the end and did not join in the mood of celebrations at the Emirates.
Wenger said: "It has been a difficult period for him because I felt he did not play at his level.
"In the last two weeks he is coming back to a good level but I like Andrey as a man. He doesn't hide his feelings. He is a positive person. He is very self-critical.
"You highlight his attitude but I think he was happy, he scored the goal, went in, he doesn't even think about the rest.
"When you have dinner he is the first one that finishes, the first one in his room as well, even when he is playing."
The most pleasing aspect for Wenger against Barcelona was the maturity shown by players such as 19-year-old Wilshere who has brought a hint of steel as well as style to an Arsenal midfield which has learned to scrap.
Wenger, whose side are in the Carling Cup final later this month against Birmingham and lie second in the Premier League, compared Wilshere to Manchester United's Paul Scholes.
The Arsenal boss said: "He (Wilshere) can fight and play. It is more than aggression. I would say commitment. Aggression is something negative. He has a committed attitude. He needs to keep that.
"Jack is good in the defensive box and good in the offensive box. We are used to players being only strong on one side more than the other. He can have both.
"You can go into a fight with him. Sometimes it can be too much at the start but I like this side of his character. He is committed, he will fight for the cause and he will not hide."
Wenger rates Barcelona as the world's greatest football team but is confident his own side have time on their side.
He added: "The interesting comparison is that the average age of Barcelona was 27.4 and our average age was 23.2.
"That means there are four years difference between the two teams on the maturity side and four years at that level is absolutely huge. We are where we want to be and we hope we can deliver trophies this season.
"The attitude and the commitment of the team to deliver is sensational. I said that in September when everybody questioned us, absolutely everyone.
"It is important we keep this commitment and desire in every training session. The real pride will be when we look at each other at the end of the season and we have given absolutely everything to go as far as we can. I am confident this team will do it."
 
Jordan: Gattuso claims 'nonsense'


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Updated Feb 18, 2011 6:40 AM ET
Tottenham coach Joe Jordan insists he made no racial slur against AC Milan hot head Gennaro Gattuso and branded the claims "nonsense".

The midfielder headbutted Jordan after Tottenham's 1-0 Champions League victory on Tuesday, having earlier grabbed the Spurs coach by the throat.
The clash was picked up by television and UEFA immediately launched an investigation, promptly charging the former Italy international with gross unsporting conduct.
The player's agent and his club have insinuated that Jordan provoked Gattuso, and possibly with a racist comment.
But Jordan, who himself played for AC Milan during his own career, has strenously denied this.
"It's just a nonsense, it really is," Jordan told the Daily Mail.
"It's a figment of his imagination and, I have to say, not a great imagination, at that.
"If he wanted to try and explain his behaviour, you would have thought he might have come up with something better than that.
"It's pathetic. Completely and utterly untrue and quite pathetic. He will have to address his conduct overall, and account for himself to UEFA, but the allegation he has made is something else. I'm not having that, because Italy has played an important part in my life and will continue to.
"Milan are an exceptional club and I consider myself very fortunate to have played for them. I had plenty of high points in my career, but signing for them was the best thing I did. They gave me a chapter in my career I always hankered after, a spell playing abroad, and I could not have picked a better club.
"I love Italy and have always had an affinity with the people. Does that sound like someone who would come out with the sort of line Gattuso has got his agent to say? I just find it pathetic on his part, I really do."
 
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