Chinese state media, Hong Kong politicians and fans swiftly condemned Argentine player Lionel Messi's participation in a Japan match on Wednesday after staying on the bench just days earlier in a highly anticipated match in Hong Kong.

Captain Afeida Khandokar, forwards Mosammat Sagorika, Munki Akhter, Puja Das, and others looked calm and relaxed as they had a light practice session on the eve of the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship final against India today.

Nigeria reached the Africa Cup of Nations final after goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties in the shootout to guide his side to a 4-2 victory over South Africa following a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

Jordan coach Hussein Ammouta hopes their surprise run to the Asian Cup final will spark broader development in the country's football and propel Jordanian players into the Premier League.

Hosts and defending champions Qatar edged Iran 3-2 in a thrilling Asian Cup semi-final on Wednesday at Al Thumama Stadium where striker Almoez Ali scored the winner to set up a title clash with Jordan.

It came days after his absence on the pitch in a recent Hong Kong friendly had angered fans there.

The announcement came after he did not play in a Sunday friendly in Hong Kong, prompting the ire of tens of thousands of fans who booed the World Cup-winning Argentinian and the team's co-owner David Beckham.

Egypt named Hossam Hassan as their new coach on Tuesday, with the team's all-time leading scorer finally landing his dream job following the sacking of Portuguese Rui Vitoria.

Pochettino's side head to Aston Villa for an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday reeling after successive heavy defeats.

Son Heung-min apologised and said he was "devastated" after South Korea crashed out of the Asian Cup with a stunning 2-0 semi-final defeat to underdogs Jordan on Tuesday.

La Liga reported racist insults aimed at Vinicius Junior ahead of a league match last week at Getafe's stadium to Spanish prosecutors on Tuesday.

Playing in the semi-finals for the first time and ranked 64 places lower, Jordan were full value for their victory over Jurgen Klinsmann's shell-shocked side.

Hosts Bangladesh stayed perfect in the ongoing SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship as a second-string side cruised to a 4-0 win over Bhutan in their final league stage match at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium on Tuesday.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said several of his ageing stars are facing "the last dance" as they prepare to meet hosts and holders Qatar in Wednesday's Asian Cup semi-final.

"I don't know if I can (play) or not but I feel a lot better and really want to do it," Messi told reporters

Paulo Dybala scored twice as Roma eased to a 4-0 thumping of Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday to notch a third straight Serie A win under Daniele De Rossi.

Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden is enjoying his best season at Manchester City after the England international's hat-trick beat Brentford 3-1 on Monday to leave the Premier League's top three separated by just two points.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will be sidelined for eight weeks with a knee injury sustained in Sunday's 3-0 home win over West Ham United, the club said on Monday.

Organisers of a Hong Kong football match which drew boos after star man Lionel Messi failed to play said Monday they deeply regretted the no-show, and would withdraw a bid for a HK$16 million ($2 million) government grant.

Bangladesh captain Sabina came on as substitute in the 86th minute