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SATURDAY 10 APRIL 2021 CahillCahil joins as Chief Sports Officer I’m excited and honoured to join Aspire, one of the world’s lleadingead sports academies. I’ve been visiting Aspire since my playingplay days with Everton and the Socceroos and have been cconstantlyons impressed by its world-class innovation and ccompetitiveness.om Tim Cahill Former Australian football star Sport | 15 INDIAN : MATCH 1 RCB 160/8 (De Villiers 48, Bumrah 2/26) beat MI 159/9 (Lynn 49, Harshal Patel 5/27) by 2 wickets

Champions Al Sadd wrap up dominant QSL campaign with rout of SC

FAWAD HUSSAIN Al Sadd's players celebrate after defeating Qatar SC yesterday to complete an THE PENINSULA unbeaten season in the QNB Stars League.

Champions Al Sadd concluded their QNB Stars League (QSL) campaign with a 3-0 victory over Qatar SC, wrapping up one of the most dominant perform- ances ever in history of Qatar’s premier league event. ‘The Wolves’ lifted the Falcon Shield after securing the title in the 18th round and their target from there on was to finish the league without con- ceding a defeat. The Her- nandez-coached side achieved the task in style at their home turf under lights, handing Qatar SC (32 points) their eighth defeat. After Khaled Mahmoudi’s own goal in the third minute, ’s spot kick in the 39th minute and fabulous hit in the 76th minute sealed victory for Al Sadd. Al Sadd finished with 60 points from 19 wins and three finished QSL as top scorer with goal by Mahmoudi, who was season strongly thrashing Al Al Duhail's Dudu draws, scoring a whopping 77 21 goals. trying to block a cross by Ahli 4-0 at their own backyard, (right) in action goals from 22 matches, while “It was another outstanding Hassan. in other Round 22 tie yesterday. conceding only 14 goals. Al Sadd performance from Al Sadd to Al Sadd made several dan- yesterday. striker end the QSL with a victory,” gerous attacks but Qatar SC Al Duhail stars Dudu (35th Xavi said after the win. goalkeeper Jassim Adel made and 89th minutes) and Michael “I am very happy that we some good saves, warding off Olunga (54th and 83rd minutes) managed to finish the QSL dangerous attempts by Ali led ‘The Red Knights' to victory without losing. I want to thank Asadalla and Abdurisag. by scoring a brace each. the management, all players, ‘The Wolves’, however, Al Duhail finished their coaches, supports staff and par- doubled the lead when a campaign with 47 points with ticularly our fans. It was a col- racing was fouled 15 wins and two draws. lective effort,” Xavi added. by Qatar SC captain Mohamed In yesterday’s last match, ROUND 22 “We are now looking Salim inside the box, with substitute Said Mohamed YESTERDAY'S RESULTS forward to a good performance referee instantly handing a Brahmi Al Khor scored a penalty Al Sadd 3-0 Qatar SC in the AFC Champions League, penalty. in 76th minute as Al Khor Al Duhail 4-0 Al Ahli which will be a tough Tabata struck a goal com- earned a 1-1 draw against Al Al Rayyan vs Al Khor challenge.” fortably with a hit in centre by Rayyan at Al Sadd Stadium. TODAY'S FIXTURES With Xavi starting without deceiving goalkeeper Adel. Franck Kom handed Al 6:15pm: Al Arabi vs Al Sailiya at captain Hassan Al Haydos and Al Sadd returned in the Rayyan lead in the 44th minute Qatar SC Stadium Bounedjah, second half to score their third by scoring from a header. 8:30pm: Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa and Tabata led their strong start goal with Abdurisag – set up by Al Rayyan finished third at Qatar SC Stadium against Qatar SC. Asadalla – putting the ball in. with 35 points from 10 wins and 8:30pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Wakrah The duo combined for the Meanwhile, runners-up Al five draws, while Al Khor ended at Al Sadd Stadium attack that resulted in an own Duhail also finished the QSL their campaign with 17 points. Rai secures Italian Al Gharafa target top-four finish media rights for CHINTHANA WASALA conference held yesterday. “Some teams are THE PENINSULA Jokanovic’s men have playing to be in the top won nine matches and suf- four. Umm Salal have Qatar 2022 All eyes will be on Al Gharafa when fered as many defeats while ensured survival and this FIFA – ZURICH they take on Umm Salal today as they managed to share means that we must give Slavisa Jokanovic-coached team will points on three occasions. everything we have in Following the tender process for the give it one last shot at securing a place “This match will order to prove ourselves Italian media rights to the FIFA World among the top four teams in the QNB determine our position in the and achieve a good result. Cup 2022, FIFA has awarded the Stars League (QSL). ranking table and Umm That will benefit the team,” exclusive rights to the competition to The match kicks off at 8:30pm at Salal, who achieved their he said. Rai, the Italian national public service Qatar SC Stadium. goal of staying in the league “Umm Salal are broadcaster. Al Gharafa who have 30 points with their result in the pre- waiting for a strong match Rai has been awarded multi-platform against their name, are currently vious match. They are an with Al Gharafa and I am rights across television, digital and radio. Al Gharafa coach Umm Salal coach placed sixth in the QSL standings. A organised and strong team. waiting for the reaction of In addition to making all 64 matches Slavisa Jokanovic Aziz Ben Askar win today will take them past Al Ahli They are a team who do not the players in order to available live in the territory, Rai will who are occupying the fourth spot score many goals and in achieve a satisfactory also offer extensive support with 33 points (and a goal difference return do not concede many goals Second Division runners-up in order result, with which to conclude the programming, including highlights and of +3), but with a poor goal difference either. to retain their place in the top flight. season positively, having witnessed magazine programming. (-10), following a 3-0 defeat in the “The match will not be easy They have recorded five victories, difficult moments during the league At least 28 matches of the tour- hands of champions Al Sadd because they seek to end the season six draws and 10 defeats. They scored campaign. nament, including the opening match, yesterday. in the best position and with a win. 12 goals and conceded 26 to have a “We are a professional team, we final and both semi-finals, will be shown The Cheetahs did not enjoy a great We have to focus on winning to end goal difference of -14. always play to win. And as I said to the on the broadcaster’s flagship channel, run in their recent matches, as they the league in a positive way,” A positive result in today’s match players, if we want to win we have to Rai 1, meeting FIFA’s objectives of pro- suffered consecutive losses in the Jokanovic, who is eager to secure back will increase hopes of Ben Asker’s men have the will. The spirit and mentality viding large exposure for its hands of Al Wakrah (0-2), Al Sadd to back spots in the QSL top four, said. to end the season in ninth position, of the players are the most important competitions. (0-2) and Al Ahli (1-3) in their last three Umm Salal are placed 10th with subject to the outcome of the match things for me and we must not forget The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will QSL before going down 0-1 to Uzbek 21 points, but their position in the between Al Kharaitiyat and Al Wakrah. this season. Hard and we will give our be the 22nd edition of the competition, side FC AGMK in the AFC Champions standings clearly does not show their “It is an important chance to best in this game,” the Moroccan tac- and it will be particularly unique as the League play-offs at home on strength. improve our position in the ranking tician said. first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East Wednesday. Umm Salal are on a high after table after we guaranteed our stay in Umm Salal and Al Gharafa had and the first to take place in November/ “We must be physically ready to recording back-to-back wins (3-2 the QSL for the next season. Our prep- played out a 1-1 draw in their previous December. face Umm Salal in our last league over Al Rayyan in Week 20 and 1-0 arations were normal and we must meeting earlier in the season. With ultra-modern venues, optimal match, especially since it comes after against Al Sailiya in Week 21). not forget the difficult moments that In other matches today, Al Arabi playing conditions and a compact event our AFC Champions League match Their Round 21 win over Al Sailiya we went through this season. For this face Al Sailiya at the Qatar SC Stadium footprint, Qatar nation will provide a against Uzbekistan club FC AGMK, also ensured that Umm Salal, coached reason, we must respect ourselves and (6:15pm) before Al Kharaitiyat take on unique platform to celebrate the game which went into extra time,” coach by Moroccan Aziz Ben Askar, will not respect everyone,” Ben Askar said Al Wakrah at Al Sadd Stadium (8:30) and its ability to connect and inspire Jokanovic told media during a press have to play relegation play-off with yesterday. as the QSL season comes to an end. people around the world. Sport SATURDAY 10 APRIL 2021 15 Australian football icon Cahill joins Zidane hopes Messi’s 45th Aspire Academy as Chief Sports Officer ‘Clásico’ is THE PENINSULA – been completing his UEFA Coaching Licenses, to our organization,” saidd Ivan Bravo, AspirAspiree as well as studying sports business and man- Academy Director General,al, in welcomingwelcoming thethe Doha's Aspire Academy yesterday announced agement at both Harvard and Josoor Uni- Socceroos’ ex-captain. not his last the official joining of Australian football icon, versity. He has also undertaken commentary Cahill commented onn his appointment, AP – BARCELONA Timothy (Tim) Cahill, as a new staff in the work with BBC and covering the “I’m excited and honouredured to join position of Chief Sports Officer. English Premier League. Additionally, Cahill Aspire, one of the world’sd’s leadingleading LionelL Messi is set to play his 45th The retired Australian international, and has participated in some of Aspire Academy sports academies. I’ve beenbeen vis-vis- - and possibly final - “Clásico” all-time leading goal scorer for the Australia coaching programs over the past two years. iting Aspire since my playingying dadaysys match against Real . national team, having scored 50 goals in 108 “We are delighted to have such an accom- with Everton and the Soccerooscceroos The star status of the Bar- matches between 2004 and 2018, had an out- plished footballer on our team of experts. We and have been constantlystantly celonac forward, whose contract standing global professional career - from are very much looking forward to Mr. Cahill’s impressed by its world-class-class expirese this summer, has been Australia (Sydney United- Melbourne City) contribution to Aspire Academy’s next phase innovation and competi-eti- builtbu on numerous titles and to the English Premier League (Millwall FC of growth as we forge ahead with sport devel- tiveness. I am lookingng scoringsco records, as well as his and Everton FC), from America’s MLS (NY opment in the country and internationally. forward to contributing to exploitsexp in one of soccer’s top Red Bulls) to China’s Super League (Shanghai We are confident that his impressive 21-year the success and growth off rivalries.rival Shenhua and Hangzhou Greentown) and playing career in England, The United States, Aspire as well as devel- ButB not even Real coach Zinedine India (Jamshedpur FC). Cahill was the first China PR, India and Australia’s National oping my skills in sports ZidaneZida wants today to be Messi’s last Australian to score at a FIFA World Cup. Team, as well as his passion and thirst to management as I chancechan to torment Madrid. Prior to joining Aspire Academy in his broaden his experiences in sports man- embark on this excitingg “I“ don’t want this to be the last Tim Cahill new role as a Chief Sports Officer, Cahill has agement, will undoubtably bring added value new chapter in my career.”r.” ‘Clásico’‘Clás for Messi,” Zidane said yes- terday. “Hopefully he stays at Bar- celona. He’s good there and it’s also Pakistan good for the Spanish league. We know how good a player he is.” Messi, who turns 34 in June, was women’s captain frustrated in his attempt to leave Barcelona last summer. He said in appeals to PM December that he will decide his future when his season is over and Khan for help he can walk away for free if he wants. Since then, Joan Laporta has after FIFA ban returned to power as the club’s pres- ident with the goal of convincing REUTERS – ISLAMABAD Messi to sign another contract, but the player remains silent. Hajra Khan, captain of the Pakistan Messi has scored in a “Clásico” a women’s football team, has called record 26 times starting when he on Prime Minister Imran Khan and netted his first hat trick for Barcelona Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes scores their second President Arif Alvi to support the at age 19 in a 3-3 draw with Real in goal from the penalty spot during Thursday's Europa League players in a time of crisis after FIFA 2007. suspended the sport’s national feder- quarter-final first leg match against Granada. For a decade, the six-time Ballon ation due to third-party interference. d’Or winner fed on his personal FIFA on Wednesday said its rivalry with , with decision to suspend the Pakistan both stars exchanging goals and Football Federation (PFF) was stellar performances to lead their prompted by “hostile takeover” Arsenal rue late equaliser as sides. But since Ronaldo left for which constituted a serious violation Juventus in 2018, Messi has failed to of its statutes. score in six consecutive matches In a post on Instagram, Hajra against Madrid. said it was embarrassing for a United win in Europa League Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman country that is led by Imran, the hopes that Messi can end that former Pakistan World Cup-winning AP – BERLIN The visitors missed chances of their were booked earlier, as was Granada drought and deliver a victory that cricket captain, to be banned by “the own before Pépé finally broke the defender , who will would lift his team into first place global body of the world’s most fol- Arsenal conceded in injury time to draw deadlock with a chip over the outrushing also miss next week’s game. before current leader Atlético Madrid lowed sport”. 1-1 with Slavia Prague in the first leg of Ondřej Kolář in the Slavia goal. Yan Brice was booked after con- visits on Sunday. After this “There is still hope and we do their Europa League quarter-final on Holeš headed in Prague’s equalizer ceding the penalty on Fernandes, who’d weekend, there will be eight rounds expect a response from you two,” Thursday, while Manchester United won in the fourth minute of injury time. had a quiet game. Rui Silva almost saved left in the season. she said in a video addressed to Alvi 2-0 in Granada. United emerged with commanding the spot kick but Fernandes’s effort “I hope that Messi can prove and Imran on social media. Bruno Fernandes’ last-minute advantage despite a tough game in squirmed through. decisive because we need him to “We do expect the country to penalty put United in a commanding . Ajax, like Arsenal, was to rue a play at his best and for Barça to also back us when we need them the position to reach the semi-finals after Rashford scored with a cool finish missed opportunity. show its best version,” Koeman said. most right now. It is a request, it Marcus Rashford had given the visitors past Granada goalkeeper Rui Silva in Davy Klaassen capitalized on hes- Messi leads the league with 23 might not be humble anymore, but the lead in Spain. the 31st. The buildup was simple. itant defending to score the home team’s goals this season. After a shaky start it is a request. (And) it is a need. It all Arsenal paid the price for a lack of United goalkeeper David de Gea passed opener in the 39th. The Dutch midfielder under Koeman, Barcelona has found relies on you.” concentration after failing to defend to defender Victor Lindelöf, who sent cut out Amadou Diawara’s weak back its stride and is undefeated in 19 A group of football officials led by Nicolas Pépé’s 86th-minute opener. a long ball over the home side’s defense pass and exchanged passes with Dušan straight rounds, including a run of Ashfaq Hussain Shah, which was Goalkeeper Bernd Leno made a fine for Rashford to latch onto with a bril- Tadić before scoring as Roma defenders nine consecutive wins on the road elected by the Supreme Court in 2018 save to deny Lukáš Provod in injury time, liant first touch before he fired past Roger Ibañez and Gianluca Mancini in the league. to run the PFF but was not recognised but couldn’t stop Tomáš Holeš from Silva. It was the England striker’s 20th backed off. While defenders Gerard Pique by FIFA, took over the headquarters grabbing Prague’s equalizer from the goal of the season in all Tadić should have made it 2-0 early and Sergi Roberto recovered from last month and seized control from resultant corner. competitions. in the second half, but Roma goalkeeper injuries in time to make Barcelona’s the FIFA Normalisation Committee Roma also came from behind to win Granada responded before the break Pau López saved his penalty. squad list, Messi will face a Madrid (NC), local media reported. FIFA said 2-1 at Ajax, and Villarreal won 1-0 at with striking the post, Lorenzo Pellegrini then equalized defense that is missing its two the suspension will only be lifted once Dinamo Zagreb thanks to Gerard going close and then with a free kick that young goalkeeper starting centerbacks. it has received confirmation from the Moreno’s penalty before the break. testing De Gea after a corner. Kjell Scherpen fumbled over the line in is out with a leg NC that the PFF premises, accounts, Arsenal had worked hard for Pépé’s The home side maintained its pressure the 57th, and Ibañez atoned for his lack- injury, while Raphael Varane is iso- administration and communication opener. Brazilian winger Willian struck after the interval, when again Kenedy luster defensive display with the winner lating after he tested positive for the channels are again under its full the post with a free kick early in the forced De Gea into action. in the 87th. Ibañez took Klaassen’s coronavirus. In their place, Zidane control. second half, and Alexandre Lacazette Harry Maguire became the third attempted clearance from a corner on could play Nacho Fernández and Hajra wants the country’s leaders should have scored later when he only United player to be ruled out of the his chest before firing a volley in under Éder Militão, who filled in well on to take swift action as the political had the goalkeeper to beat. The French second leg through suspension when he the crossbar. Tuesday in a 3-1 win over Liverpool turmoil at the PFF could spell the end striker opted to lift the ball only to see it was booked for a foul on Soldado in the The second legs are to be played next in a Champions League first-leg of many careers. crash back off the crossbar. 72nd. Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay Thursday. quarter-final. South Africa captain Bangalore stun champions Ambitious mayor Bavuma to miss wants to host Pakistan T20 series Mumbai as IPL begins IPL in London

REUTERS – CAPE TOWN AP – LONDON REEUUUTTERS – CHENNENENNNAI An already depleted South Africa squad has ThThe 144thth edid tionn of the InI diann Prremiieer Leae gue (IPL) The mayor of London wants to bring Indian been dealt a further blow after newly- bbegag n wwiitthh an upset affteter ViV rraat Kohlli’i s Royal Chhal- Premier League cricket matches to the British appointed captain Temba Bavuma was ruled lleengers BaB ngalalorore stunned dedefef nnding chc ampiions capital. out of their four-match home Twenty20 MMumbai Indians by ttwwo wickc ets atat Cheh nnai’ss M.A. Mayor Sadiq Khan told The Associated Press International series against Pakistan with a ChChiiddambaram Stadium yestere dayy. he is working with London-based cricket team hamstring strain. Harsr hal PPateel clc aimed 5-27 in the coontest beb twweeeen ththe Surrey about the feasibility of getting IPL fran- Bavuma was injured while batting in the tournan ment’s peerennniiala underachieverr Baanngagalorer andnd itst chises to play in London, saying the city has ben- One-Day International series decider that mom st successful teamm Muummbai whho managed a moodedests 15599-99 efitted from having NFL, NBA, NHL and Major was won by the tourists in Pretoria on affter being put iinto batt. Paatel thhen sealled thhe neervr y coonntest League Baseball teams come across the Atlantic Wednesday. ffor BBangngallore bbyy takking a siingglel offf thhe last bball followingg for games in recent years. The opening T20 match is in Johan- AB de VVilliers’ (48) dissmimisssall in thhe final oover. “I want us to be the undisputed sports capital nesburg on Saturday. Eaarlier, Chris Lynnn’s quickfire 49 and Suurryakummar Yaddav’s of the world,” said Khan, who is seeking re- South Africa are already without five of brreeezy 31 hah d set upp a perfeectc sttage for Muumbaai to launnch a election next month for a second term as mayor. their leading players, including batsmen latee assault. Paatel claaimed thhree wicketts in four bab lls and The NFL (since 2007) and NBA (since 2013) Quinton de Kock and David Miller, and fast eventually reggistet red the first five-wicckeet haul agaainstt have played games annually in London, while bowler Kagiso Rabada, who have been Mumbai to rer sttrir ctt thee championss to a beeloow-par tot tall.. the NHL staged two games in the city in 2007. In released to play in the Indian Premier Bangalorre skippeer Virat KoK hli came out to open, a rolee 2019, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Harsha Patel League. the India caaptain wants to repriise in the T20 World Cup Sox played two games in London - the first MLB appeals for a The loss of Bavuma will further weaken later this year,, andn made a fluent 33.3 games ever to take place in Europe. Khan played Pic: IPL their top six, especially as the experienced wicket. GlG ennn Maxwwell contributed 39 but it waw s de Villllierrss’ a role in those negotiations. Reeza Hendricks has withdrawn from the whhirlwind knock thatt put Bangaalore on the veergr e of viictot ryy. Khan, an avid cricket fan, now wants to see squad after the birth of his first child, while “TThheeree’s a reasoon why Muumbai have won ththis trophy India’s top players come over. Khan said he was the in-form Rassie van der Dussen is doubtful fiveve timmeses, there’e s a lol t of aura arouund theemm,” dede Villllierrs in the process of trying to persuade the England for the first match of the series, at least, with said of the opponents. and Wales Cricket Board to come on board, ahead a grade one left quadriceps strain. The COOVID-D 19 pandemiic hah d forceded theh preeviv ous eddittioon of taking the plans to the IPL and the Board of Heinrich Klaasen will captain the side in off thhe leagug e to be stagagedd in the United Araab EmEmiirates where Control for Cricket in India. the absence of Bavuma, while opening MMuumbai Indianns wonn thheeir seccond succccese siivve titlee. “If the idea of having 90,000 fans at Wembley batsman Aiden Markram, all-rounders Andile BBRRIEF SCORES: to watch Anthony Joshua versus Wladimir Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder, and seamer Rooyal Chhaalll enenggers Banangag loree: 1606 /8/ (ABB de Villliiers 488, Klitschko (in a world heavyweight boxing fight Daryn Dupavillon have been added to the Bumrah 2/26) beat Mumbai Indians: 159/9 (Chris Lynn 49, in 2017) was quite scary, we pulled it off. I’m sure squad from the one that took part in the ODI Harshal Patele 5/27)) byb 2 wickek ts we can pull cricket off as well. That’s why we’ve series. got to be ambitious.”