Amical : Le PSG et Manchester United se quittent dos à dos

Le Paris Saint-Germain a bouclé sa préparation estivale par un match nul face à Manchester United (1-1), ce samedi à Göteborg. Après une défaite préoccupante contre Majorque quelques jours plus tôt, les champions d’Europe ont cette fois affiché davantage de maîtrise, même s’ils n’ont pas réussi à décrocher leur première victoire de l’été.

Les Parisiens ont pourtant parfaitement lancé leur rencontre. Dès la 2e minute, Ibrahim Mbaye a profité d’une belle combinaison offensive pour ouvrir le score et mettre rapidement son équipe sur les bons rails. Le PSG s’est ensuite montré entreprenant, avec plusieurs situations intéressantes dans le camp anglais.

Manchester United a cependant progressivement rééquilibré les débats. Plus présents dans les duels et capables de mettre davantage de pression sur la défense parisienne, les Red Devils ont fini par égaliser à la 32e minute. Bryan Mbeumo a été à la conclusion d’une action initiée après une perte de balle parisienne, ramenant les deux équipes à égalité avant la pause. beltedkingfisher.blog

Au retour des vestiaires, le rythme a quelque peu diminué. Luis Enrique a profité de cette période pour modifier son onze et offrir du temps de jeu à plusieurs cadres. Marquinhos, Vitinha, João Neves et Nuno Mendes ont notamment fait leur apparition, permettant au PSG de retrouver davantage de contrôle au milieu de terrain.

Les dernières minutes ont été plus ouvertes. Manchester United s’est procuré plusieurs opportunités, mais les Parisiens ont également eu quelques situations pour reprendre l’avantage. Aucun but supplémentaire n’a finalement été inscrit.

Le PSG termine donc sa préparation avec un bilan encore imparfait, mais avec des enseignements plus encourageants après la prestation décevante réalisée à Majorque. Les hommes de Luis Enrique vont désormais se tourner vers leur prochain rendez-vous, mercredi, face à Aston Villa.

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Le Toulouse FC a connu un coup d’arrêt dans sa préparation estivale. Opposés à Elche ce samedi matin, les Violets ont subi une défaite nette (3-0) lors de leur troisième rencontre amicale de l’été.

Après un début de préparation plutôt positif, le TFC n’a cette fois pas réussi à trouver la solution face à la formation espagnole. Elche a pris les commandes dès la 14e minute grâce à Valera, profitant de l’occasion pour installer son rythme dans la rencontre.

Toulouse a tenté de réagir, mais les hommes de Carles Martínez Novell n’ont pas réussi à réduire leur retard. La formation espagnole a finalement assuré son succès dans les dernières minutes avec deux nouvelles réalisations signées Diangana (83e) puis Nino (90e+1).

Cette défaite intervient après un match nul contre Rodez (1-1) et une victoire face à la Real Sociedad (2-1). Le TFC aura l’occasion de se relancer samedi prochain lors d’un nouveau test de préparation contre Hambourg.

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Vodacom Bulls XV coach Phiwe Nomlomo bemoaned his side’s indiscipline after Saturday’s 33-31 defeat to the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld.

The Bulls received three yellow cards and a red in a chaotic encounter, with flank Abongile Nonkontwana’s first-half yellow for a shoulder tackle upgraded to red.

Hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele and replacement loose forward Cephas van Biljon were also sent to the sin bin for cynical breakdown infringements, at one stage leaving the Bulls with just 12 men on the field.

RECAP: Pumas survive Bulls comeback

Nomlomo made no attempt to play down the problem afterwards.

“Discipline is a massive issue and we must deal with it,” he said. “Personally, I must deal with it.”

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Bulls showed great fight to recover from 19-0 down after 21 minutes.

Nomlomo took encouragement from the character shown by his young side.

“Big time, big time,” he said.

“That’s one thing we said all week. We just wanted to take a massive step. We’ve taken that step and we’re just going to keep building.”

ALSO: Griquas leapfrog Lions to top log

While the Bulls appeared to be outmuscled by the Pumas around the rucks, mauls and set-piece, Nomlomo insisted their physicality was not a concern.

“We know they play a lot towards the set-piece, which is the same with a team like the Cheetahs,” he added.

“Because they’ve been going at it for a bit longer, they’re a lot more connected and have more cohesion.

“It’s a lot easier for them to play the way they play.”

The Bulls remain rooted to the bottom of the Currie Cup log after four losses, with the Cheetahs next up at Loftus next Sunday.

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

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Orlando Pirates edged Durban City 2-1 after extra time in the opening MTN8 quarter-final on Saturday afternoon.

Despite securing their place in the semi-finals, the Buccaneers will not be entirely satisfied with their performance.

Pirates struggled to break down a stubborn Durban City defence, even after being handed a numerical advantage. After Poggenpoel was shown a red card for a foul on Tshepang Moremi, it appeared that the Buccaneers would cruise to victory.

However, City responded shortly after half-time and continued to fight as though they still had 11 players on the pitch.

Pirates MTN8 struggles a concern this season

Pirates created several chances, but once again struggled to convert them. This was a problem for the club throughout last season, and their inability to address it was evident against Durban City.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou introduced the likes of Oswin Appollis, Yanela Mbuthuma and Patrick Maswanganyi. Still, the substitutions failed to make the desired impact as Pirates were eventually dragged into extra time.

The winning goal finally arrived in the final minute of extra time when new signing Ghampani Lungu found the back of the net to send Pirates into the semi-finals.

Here are the major lessons from Orlando Pirates’ victory in the MTN8.

Pirates still struggle from set pieces

Pirates usually win more than 10 set-piece opportunities in a match, but they often fail to turn those chances into genuine goal-scoring opportunities.

Against Durban City, the Buccaneers won more than 20 corners, yet very few of them caused any real problems for the opposition goalkeeper.

Ironically, their decisive goal came from a corner, with Lungu finding space after City failed to mark him properly.

The lack of quality delivery and finishing from set pieces remains a concern. It is an area Pirates will need to improve, particularly with the CAF Champions League ahead.

Pirates looked ordinary in the MTN8 quarter-finals

Kabelo Kgositsile shows promise

Among the new players introduced, Kabelo Kgositsile was one of the most impressive.

The youngster looked lively and threatened the Durban City defence on several occasions. His pace and movement caused problems and gave Pirates another attacking outlet.

Some of the other new arrivals, however, failed to make the same impact. They appeared a level below established players such as Thalente Mbatha and Tshepang Moremi.

Lungu, in particular, struggled for much of the match, but his late winner showed the quality he possesses. Scoring such an important goal could also provide him with a much-needed confidence boost.

Thabiso Sesane’s departure could hurt Pirates

With Nkosinathi Sibisi injured, Ouaddou was forced to make changes in central defence and brought in Mpho Chabatsane.

His partnership with Lebone Seema raised questions, particularly after City managed to score soon after the defensive changes.

Pirates may have been better served keeping Thabiso Sesane, who could have been allowed to impress during the second half of last season.

Had Sesane remained at the club throughout pre-season, he would also have had more time to develop an understanding with Seema.

Given his quality and experience, Sesane could have provided Pirates with another option in defence, especially in a match where they had a numerical advantage for such a long period.

Oswin Appollis’ form remains a concern

Coming into the match, Appollis was seen as Pirates top player and maybe one of the contenders for Last Man Stadning in the MTN8.

Appollis has struggled for form since the FIFA World Cup and once again failed to make a significant impact against Durban City.

The winger was largely ineffective during the match, but considering the lack of impact from some of the substitutes, Pirates may have benefited from keeping him on the pitch.

His lack of creativity and goals has become a concern, particularly when Pirates are dominating possession but struggling to find a way through compact defences.

The Buccaneers will need more from one of their key attacking players as the season progresses.

More struggles upfront for Pirates

Radipane is not the solution

Boitumelo Radipane came on for Yanela Mbuthuma and saw plenty of the ball, but once again failed to provide the cutting edge Pirates needed.

Looking comfortable in possession is not enough for a striker. The primary responsibility is to create clear opportunities and, most importantly, score goals.

Radipane had a late opportunity to seal the victory when he was presented with a chance to make it 3-1, but his effort went straight at the goalkeeper.

Pirates supporters have already expressed frustration with both Radipane and Mbuthuma over their inability to convert chances in the MTN8 quarter-final.

With the CAF Champions League also on the horizon, Pirates may need to consider investing in a proven top-class striker if they want to compete on multiple fronts.

What’s your take on the match?