Day: April 21, 2024

Trevoh Chalobah disappointed after Chelsea's FA Cup defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trevoh Chalobah disappointed after Chelsea’s FA Cup defeat

Trevoh Chalobah has expressed disappointment after Chelsea’s defeat in the FA Cup semi-final to Manchester City. However, he believes the team must quickly regroup ahead of the Premier League’s “seven finals.”

Despite creating clear chances throughout the 90 minutes, Chelsea was narrowly beaten by Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley. City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega twice denied Nicolas Jackson, and Chelsea also had a penalty appeal for handball turned down. 

Chalobah produced a strong display at Wembley, but he feels that the finer details in the attacking third cost the Blues the match. “We worked on the manager’s game plan for the last few days, and we stuck to it. However, we lacked the final details, which was finding the back of the net,” the 24-year-old explained.

Although the defeat ended Chelsea’s chances of claiming silverware this season, Chalobah believes that the team must learn from these types of experiences.

“We’ve been here twice this season, and a new group of boys have now had a feel for what being at Wembley is like. Hopefully, we have that again next season, and we have to up our levels to get into the final.”

Brazilian Sasse scores Esperance's winner against Mamelodi Sundowns
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brazilian Sasse scores Esperance’s winner against Sundowns

Esperance of Tunisia claimed a 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final match on Saturday. 

In the 41st minute, Yan Sasse, 26, from Brazil scored the only goal of the game. He converted a rebound after Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams parried his first attempt. Sasse’s compatriot, Rodrigo Rodrigues, played a significant role in the goal by providing an excellent through ball to Sasse.

The goal came soon after Sundowns had a goal ruled offside, Rodrigues had hit the woodwork, and teammate Houssem Tka had another shot cleared off the goalline. 

Sasse could have scored again in the second half, but a last-ditch tackle by Grant Kekana prevented him from doing so. 

Visiting Sundowns failed to equalize despite Mothobi Mvala’s shot, which was saved by Esperance’s goalkeeper. 

Esperance, bidding for their fifth Champions League title, held on to a narrow lead until the return leg.

Elsewhere, title-holders Al Ahly moved closer to their seventh final appearance in eight seasons by holding TP Mazembe to a goalless draw.

Ahly and Mazembe drew 0-0 in their match. Despite injuries to key players, Ahly achieved a satisfactory result. 

Mazembe drew their home quarter-final match but won the return match 2-1. Ahly will host Mazembe in Cairo, and Sundowns will face Esperance on Friday.