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Debutants Marcus Forss and Onni Valakari scored debut goals as Finland ended France's 12-match unbeaten run with a shock 2-0 friendly victory.

A much-changed Les Bleus side made a promising start, but 21-year-olds Forss and Valakari struck in the space of three first-half minutes to put Finland in command at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

France debutant Marcus Thuram struck the crossbar before Forss opened the scoring, but the world champions were toothless ahead of their Nations League encounters with Portugal and Sweden.

Finland, who also rung the changes, were solid after rocking Didier Deschamps' side with those two first-half goals from out of the blue and famously secured their first win over France, whose previous defeat came against Turkey in June 2019.

Thuram made a lively start on the left flank and almost opened the scoring when he rose high to head Lucas Digne's corner against the crossbar 15 minutes in, before volleying over unmarked from just eight yards out.

France were dominant but Finland took the lead against the run of play just before the half-hour mark, Forss driving into the penalty area to fire home with his left foot after Rasmus Karjalainen dispossessed Moussa Sissoko.

Things quickly went from bad to worse for Les Bleus, with Valakari cutting inside onto his left foot and picking his spot in the top-left corner with a stunning strike from around 20 yards out.

Finland were brimming with confidence and Steve Mandanda had to be alert to keep out Joni Kauko's effort with his feet early in the second half.

Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial and N'Golo Kante were introduced 12 minutes after the break, with Paul Pogba among the trio withdrawn, but France were running out of ideas.

Monaco full-back Ruben Aguilar made his debut off the bench and Griezmann firing wide in stoppage time when he ought to have scored summed up a frustrating night for France.

What does it mean? Fringe players fail to take their chance

Digne, Clement Lenglet and Steven Nzonzi were the only players who started the win over Croatia last month to be named in the line-up to take on Finland.

Deschamps would have been expecting those who came into the team to show the world champions' strength in depth, but it was a flat performance after a bright start.

Mixed start for Thuram

The performance of Thuram might be one positive for Deschamps to take from a rare defeat. Son of France legend Lilian Thuram, the 23-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach attacker showed glimpses of his quality in Paris.

He had six shots and should have found the back of the net, but only once hit target. Thuram took on much more responsibility than some of his more senior team-mates, though, and also made two key passes. However, a lack of composure was evident not just with his finishing, as just one of his five crosses found the intended target.

Pogba ineffective

Midfielder Pogba's struggles with Manchester United have been well documented and he had an evening to forget in the middle of the park.

While he failed to complete only six of his 51 passes, Pogba did not really look like unlocking the Finland defence and was often too deep to have a significant impact before he was withdrawn.

What's next?

France face Portugal in the Nations League on Saturday, while Finland come up against Bulgaria away from home on Sunday.

Diego Maradona has left hospital after more than a week following successful treatment on a blood clot on his brain, the legend's doctor confirmed on Wednesday. 

The 1986 World Cup winner was admitted to a La Plata clinic days after his 60th birthday due to his worrying physical condition, with medic Leopoldo Luque initially stating that he was suffering from anaemia, dehydration and that he was in low spirits. 

Tests carried out at the facility then revealed that Maradona had sustained a subdural haematoma, which required immediate surgery at a hospital in Olivos, to the north of Buenos Aires. 

While the operation was a success, the Gimnasia coach's recovery was complicated by what Luque told La Red were withdrawal symptoms from alcohol: "sweating, heart palpitations and euphoria." 

But on Wednesday doctors at the Olivos clinic cleared Diego to return home, where he will continue to be treated as an out-patient. 

"Diego's release is imminent. I don't have the day, but it won't be today, although it will be soon," Luque had told reporters on Tuesday, 24 hours before his patient was ultimately cleared to go home, at around 6pm local time in Argentina (9pm GMT/4pm ET). 

The doctor later posted a photo with Maradona in his hospital bed on Instagram, accompanied by the message: "I gave you my word, you trusted in me and we both pulled through. 

"This will continue, but today we are celebrating this big step together. I wish you peace with your family, Maradona. I'll love you forever." 

Dr. Alfredo Cahe, who has treated Maradona for decades, warned on Friday that combatting his drinking problem, which he believes has arisen as a substitute for Diego's past substance abuse, will be key in overcoming this latest health scare. 

"The whole family agrees, his daughters, his siblings, that Diego is uncontrollable like this and is going to get worse and worse," Cahe told TyC Sports. 

"Diego is in a similar state to when I took him to Cuba.

"Now we have to dry Diego out and then we will see. We are in the phase of complete drying out. Alcohol is a drug, he swapped one for another. 

"I remember in past years it wasn't just drugs that Diego consumed, alcohol also formed one of the cornerstones of Diego's addiction. But I don't want to talk about the past, but rather how we proceed now. 

"If Diego realises his condition and starts to recover, it will be a different story."

Donny van de Beek made it two goals in as many games for the Netherlands as he cancelled out Sergio Canales' maiden strike for Spain in Wednesday's 1-1 friendly draw.

The Netherlands were seeking their first win in four attempts under Frank de Boer but got off to a bad start at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Alvaro Morata marked his return to the Spain side with an assist for Canales' well-taken opener but Van de Beek added to his goal against Italy last month to level matters. 

Memphis Depay should have won the game for De Boer's men in a second half that saw Sergio Ramos come on to earn his 176th Spain cap and equal the European record held by Italian great Gianluigi Buffon.

The hosts were already without captain Virgil van Dijk and lost fellow centre-back Nathan Ake to an apparent hamstring injury inside the opening six minutes.

That stoppage did little to halt Spain's flow and they took the lead through Canales' calm finish past Marco Bizot after being played in by in-form striker Morata.

Luuk de Jong had a weak penalty appeal rejected and then tested debutant Unai Simon, while Bizot was equal to Morata's edge-of-the-box effort at the opposite end.

But Van de Beek drew the Netherlands level 105 seconds into the second half as he ghosted in to meet Owen Wijndal's left-sided cross and drilled the ball home.

Koke, another Spain player brought in from the cold to captain the side, volleyed over a glorious chance on the hour mark and Hector Bellerin's low drive was pushed to safety.

An even bigger chance fell the way of Depay, who had time to get the ball out of his feet in the Spain box but could not squeeze the shot past Simon.

Ramos was brought on in the final stages for his landmark cap but the game ultimately petered out.

Michy Batshuayi scored twice for Belgium as the number one FIFA-ranked team in the world laboured to a 2-1 win over Switzerland in a low-key international friendly.

Admir Mehmedi gave the Swiss the lead early on at the Den Dreef Stadion in Leuven with a crisp low finish past Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Batshuayi equalised for Belgium four minutes into the second half with an angled finish after an intelligent pass from Youri Tielemans.

The 27-year-old striker then took his tally to 21 goals for Belgium, scoring his second of the game with a shot on the turn from close range to seal victory with 20 minutes left.

Belgium struggled to find their rhythm in the first half as they failed to register a single effort on target during a dismal 45 minutes, and Switzerland capitalised.

A long punt forward was accidentally headed backwards by Sebastiaan Bornauw which allowed Mehmedi to break clear and the Wolfsburg forward elegantly struck a left-footed shot across goal into the corner of the net.

Mignolet's goal was under pressure again on the half hour and he used his body to good effect at the near post to keep out Mehmedi's close-range effort.

Belgium flickered into life on the stroke of half-time when Dennis Praet teased a cross into the penalty area but Switzerland goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo strongly beat the ball away.

The Red Devils showed greater intensity after the break and substitute Tielemans provided the telling pass for Batshuayi, who beat the offside trap and ruthlessly struck a low shot beyond Mvogo.

Batshuayi's effort was his first attempt on goal, and Belgium's first effort on target and the striker, on loan with Crystal Palace from Chelsea, scored again with their second on both fronts.

The forward superbly controlled a difficult cross from substitute Thomas Foket inside the area before he hooked the ball home.

Switzerland had their moments in the remainder of the game but could not find an equaliser as Roberto Martinez's side held on for an underwhelming victory.

What does it mean? Belgium labour against solid Swiss

The last time the two sides met two years ago, a Haris Seferovic hat-trick gave Switzerland a thrilling 5-2 comeback win which secured their place in the Nations League finals. This low-key friendly, though, never came close to hitting those heights. 

Belgium were without some of their stellar names and it showed with a scrappy display containing just seven attempts, with the two goals being their only efforts on target. Switzerland were far more threatening going forward, having 12 shots and completing more passes (632 to 594).

Clinical Batshuayi puts name in the frame

Batshuayi had just two sniffs at goal and showed his predatory instincts with two goals. For the majority of the game he was starved of service and managed just three touches inside the penalty area in the whole 90 minutes. 

He must come into Martinez's thinking for their next two Nations League games, but may have to settle for the bench with Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke among his stiff competition.

Hazard fails to fill sibling's boots

With Eden Hazard ruled out because of a positive coronavirus test, a portion of Belgium's attacking impetus was supposed be led by his brother Thorgan. The Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder saw plenty of the ball - taking 101 touches and making a team-high 79 passes at an accuracy of 84.8 per cent - but failed to trouble the Swiss defence, creating just one chance.

What's next?

Belgium face England in Brussels in Nations League Group A2 on Sunday while Switzerland are also in action in Group A4 when they host Spain in Basel the day before.

Vincenzo Grifo scored his first international goals as Italy stretched their unbeaten run to 20 games with a 4-0 friendly win over Estonia at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Wednesday. 

The Azzurri have now won 15 of their 20 matches since a 1-0 Nations League loss to Portugal in September 2018 and they never looked in danger of tasting defeat against a side 97 places beneath them in the world rankings. 

Led by Alberico Evani with Roberto Mancini self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, the hosts went ahead after 14 minutes courtesy of Grifo's maiden Italy goal and Federico Bernardeschi doubled their advantage.

Grifo then added a second from the penalty spot in the 75th minute before substitute Riccardo Orsolini added another from 12 yards to help Italy wrap up the most routine of wins. 

Freiburg forward Grifo marked his fourth appearance for Italy with a sumptuous opener, whipping a half-volley in off Marko Meerits' left-hand post from 25 yards after a lay-off by Kevin Lasagna.

An unmarked Lasagna missed a glorious chance soon after, the Udinese forward failing to make a clean connection with Bernardeschi's teasing cross from close range.

Italy's dominance was rewarded shortly before the half-hour mark, though, when Bernardeschi cut in from the right to bend a left-footed strike into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area – his first international goal since October 2019.

Emerson Palmieri lashed wide following an incisive move on the edge of the penalty area after the interval, while Grifo saw an effort deflected narrowly wide.

Grifo got his second when he thumped home from 12 yards after Roberto Gagliardini was tripped inside the penalty area by substitute Georgi Tunjov.

Orsolini then wrapped up the scoring in the 86th minute, sweeping home his second international goal from the spot after forcing Henri Jarvelaid into a rash challenge in the area.

What does it mean? Azzurri brush aside lightweight visitors

Estonia were hardly the most challenging of opponents, Karel Voolaid's side failing to register a single shot on target, but the absent Mancini will be pleased his side went about their business with the minimum of fuss. The hosts carved out 14 shots on goal and enjoyed a whopping 71 per cent possession in what was a dominant performance.

Bernardeschi delivers all-action display

The Juventus forward scored a superb goal to double his side's advantage before the interval and was a handful before his departure in the 71st minute. He made a game-high three key passes and put in seven crosses – four more than any of his team-mates.

Soriano fails to impress

Roberto Soriano was only one of four Italian outfield starters to play the full 90 minutes, but he did not make much of an impression. The Bologna midfielder failed to have a shot on target, made just 28 successful passes – the fewest of any Italy player to take part in the entire game – and lost possession 11 times.

What's next?

Both sides are in Nations League action on Sunday. Italy host Poland in a crunch Group A1 clash, while Estonia face a trip to North Macedonia.

Germany picked up only their second victory of 2020 as Gian-Luca Waldschmidt scored to help Joachim Low's men to a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.

Benfica forward Waldschmidt netted his second goal in five international appearances in Leipzig, where Low played a new-look team and was rewarded with a solid performance.

There were impressive debuts for wing-backs Ridle Baku and Philipp Max, while Florian Neuhaus dictated play from midfield in the absence of Joshua Kimmich as Robin Koch dealt ably with the visitors' attacking threat.

Low will hope these players can help to usher in a new era of success after a challenging period for his side, who are unbeaten in this calendar year but have too often stuttered to draws and have plenty of work to do in the Nations League.

Max was involved in the only goal after 13 minutes as he pounced when Neuhaus' powerful 20-yard drive was parried by Jiri Pavlenka, crossing for Waldschmidt to turn the ball past the recovering goalkeeper from close range.

Ilkay Gundogan should have doubled Germany's lead when a sweeping move ended in him firing disappointingly straight at Pavlenka, and Julian Brandt wasted a gift as he blazed wide after collecting a loose ball in the Czech Republic box.

Nadiem Amiri, on for the injured Jonas Hofmann, was smartly denied by Pavlenka twice in quick succession late in a first half laden with chances that ended with just one goal for the hosts.

Substitute Tomas Soucek headed narrowly wide as the Czech Republic improved after the interval, and Tomas Holes sent a powerful drive over the crossbar from 25 yards.

Neuhaus almost capped a fine performance with a memorable goal when he drove a fierce half-volley goalwards from the edge of the box, but his attempt hit the corner of post and bar and Low's men had to settle for a modest margin of victory, seeing out a slightly nervy finish.
 

What does it mean? Assured Mannschaft give Low options

Solid performances from debutants and inexperienced players alike gave Germany, who had conceded seven goals across their previous three games, a more assured look, and Low should not hesitate to use the likes of Max and Waldschmidt going forward.

Koch shows his class

The way Koch sprinted back to dispossess Michal Krmencik when the Czech Republic striker broke clear early on will have pleased Low, who saw the Leeds United defender help Germany win 60 per cent of their duels.

Krmencik misfires

After scoring against Slovakia in September and subsequently showing some good form for Club Brugge, Krmencik carried the visitors' main attacking threat, but he was replaced after mustering just one shot in the opening 45 minutes.

What's next?

Germany entertain Ukraine on Saturday in the Nations League, while the Czech Republic play Israel the following day in the same competition.

Pedro Neto and Paulinho scored on their Portugal debuts while Renato Sanches impressed and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a 7-0 rout of Andorra.

Handed his first international outing in Wednesday's friendly at Estadio da Luz, Neto put Portugal ahead early on, with Braga forward Paulinho soon getting in on the act.

Called on from the bench at half-time, Ronaldo – who missed some golden chances before scoring Portugal's sixth – set up Sanches for his first international goal since Euro 2016, with Paulinho then doubling his tally.

Emili Garcia netted an own goal as Andorra's defence crumbled under the quality at Portugal's disposal, with Joao Felix hammering in to round off the scoring late on.

It took just eight minutes for Neto to grab his debut goal, with the Wolves youngster slamming home on the half volley after Sergio Oliveira and Paulinho combined.

Sanches went close with a low long-range strike which was saved by Josep Gomes, who was beaten for a second time when he failed to keep out Paulinho's toe-poke.

Ronaldo should have done better after coming on as a half-time substitute, with the Juventus star heading over from close range, but he turned provider for Portugal's third goal after 56 minutes, teeing up Sanches to sweep in a strike that opened the floodgates.

Paulinho's brilliant header from Mario Rui's cross put Portugal four up just after the hour mark, before Ronaldo looped another attempt over.

Ronaldo thought he had created another goal when he bundled it through to William Carvalho, only for the offside flag to cut the celebrations short, though Portugal had a fifth when Garcia diverted Bernardo Silva's cross beyond Gomes.

After missing another gilt-edged chance, Ronaldo finally had his goal when he headed in from point-blank range, with fellow substitute Joao Felix wrapping things up in the 88th minute.

What does it mean? Rampant Portugal roll on

Since losing to Uruguay in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup, Portugal have suffered just one defeat – against Ukraine in Euro 2020 qualification. 

It is a run of one loss in 22 games for Fernando Santos' side, whose focus will now switch back to ensuring they will be in a position to defend their Nations League crown. 

Sanches ends his scoreless streak

Sanches was a breakout star as Portugal won Euro 2016, but the midfielder endured a fall from grace before reviving his career at Lille. 

At 23 he still has the potential to become a key figure for the national team, and turned in an impressive all-round display, completing 98 per cent of his passes in the opposition half.

That performance was capped off with a fine finish, his first for the senior team since he netted against Poland on June 30, 2016.

Ronaldo's all-action cameo 

Portugal registered a total of 25 attempts, with 14 of those on target. 

Seven shots came from the lively Ronaldo, who assisted Sanches' goal, headed over twice and prodded wide from three yards out prior to converting a cross from Rui – who had two assists on the night – with five minutes left. 

Santos will hardly have learned anything from the victory from a defensive standpoint, however, with Andorra failing to muster a single effort at goal.

What's next?

Portugal will face an altogether sterner task when they host France in the Nations League on Saturday, before they travel to Croatia three days later.

Liverpool star Sadio Mane opened the scoring for Senegal in their 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture on Wednesday.

Mane stepped up to fire Aliou Cisse's side ahead from the penalty spot two minutes before half-time while Opa Nguette sealed maximum points for the hosts in the 73rd minute.

Wednesday's strike at the Stade Lat Dior was Mane's 20th goal for the Teranga Lions on his 62nd appearance, which puts him a goal behind joint-second all-time top scorer El Hadji Diouf and Mamadou Diallo.

The victory extended Senegal's dominance in Group I as they maintain their spot at the top with nine points after three games while Guinea-Bissau are placed third with three points from three matches.

At the end, Senegal coach Cisse felicitated with his team for grabbing the needed result against all odds in Thies.

“I congratulate them. They played a serious game despite the bad conditions and the heat,” he said per Wiw Sport.

“It was complicated, but I commend the effort they put in. They were determined to earn the three points.”

In his reaction, Guinea-Bissau’s Baciro Cande faulted the penalty decision in the first-half, and he maintains his team was not inferior to the 2019 Afcon finalists ahead of Sunday's reverse fixture in Bissau.

“We conceded the first goal when it was not necessary,” Cande said. “There were a few minutes left before the end of the first half, unfortunately Senegal benefited from a non-existent penalty, for me there is no fault.

“We tried to get back to the score in the second half, we had two or three great chances but we missed them because there was a good goalkeeper in front. We were not inferior to Senegal.

“There is a match in Guinea, we will see what will happen there. We will come with all our assets to beat Senegal on Sunday.”

Liverpool were plunged even further into defensive crisis this week when Joe Gomez was confirmed the latest player to have suffered an injury.

The centre-back withdrew from the England squad ahead of their matches against Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland due to a knee problem he sustained in training.

Although the severity of the 23-year-old's injury is yet to be determined, the news poses serious problems for Jurgen Klopp, who has seen his back line decimated in recent weeks.

Gomez is the fourth member of the Liverpool defence to be ruled out in the last month. The Premier League champions' struggles began when Virgil van Dijk was ruled out for several months with knee ligament damage after a crunching challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in October. 

Brazil international Fabinho was called on to fill in at the back alongside Gomez in the following game against Midtjylland in the Champions League, but he went off injured in the first half with a hamstring problem.

While Klopp received a boost when Joel Matip returned to fitness and was able to play a role, they suffered another catastrophe on Sunday when Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off against Manchester City. It was later revealed that the right-back suffered a calf injury and could be out of action until mid-December.

With the problems piling up for the Anfield outfit, the options are thin for Klopp, who may have to call on inexperienced defenders Nathaniel Phillips, Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio to help fill the void.

Ideally, Liverpool would be able to bring in an emergency signing or loan while the transfer window is closed, but due to Premier League rules, English teams do not have the luxury that some of their foreign counterparts have.

Whereas Barcelona were able to deal with their lack of attacking options last year by bringing in Martin Braithwaite from fellow La Liga side Leganes outside of the transfer window, there is no clause allowing Premier League teams to buy any players from other English sides while the window is closed.

Meanwhile, the emergency loan system which may have given them a chance to bring in temporary replacements is no longer in use, as it was scrapped by FIFA four years ago.

Liverpool's only option would be to sign a free agent, but there are not a lot of quality options floating around at this stage. 

Ex-Real Madrid centre-back Ezequiel Garay, 34, is one candidate available having left Valencia in February this year after suffering a cruciate ligament injury. 

Jozo Simunovic, 26, is another defender without a club after he left Celtic when his contract expired at the end of last season. 

Klopp could bring Kevin Stewart back to the club, given the 27-year-old made 20 first team appearances for Liverpool before he left for Hull. 

Other options with Premier League experience are former Swansea star Ashley Williams, now 36 years old, and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, who made 46 first team appearances for Newcastle and was released by Lyon in the summer.

Lionel Messi has been declared fit for Argentina's 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru by Lionel Scaloni.

It had been reported that Messi was a doubt for Thursday's meeting with Paraguay at La Bombonera after reporting for duty with an ankle issue.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner started Barcelona's 5-2 victory over Real Betis on Saturday among the substitutes but came on at half-time and scored twice.

Barca assistant coach Alfred Schreuder said the decision was made because Messi was "not fresh", but Scaloni put any lingering concerns over his fitness to bed.

"Leo trained with us normally. He has been experiencing discomfort in his ankle but it does not prevent him from playing, so for us he is fit and available," Scaloni told a news conference on Wednesday.

"We'll see if anything changes tomorrow, but in principle he's ready to play.

"The truth is that we have had quite a few problems. We still do not have every player. [Lucas] Martinez Quarta just arrived and we will see if he can train with the group this afternoon, and the rest of those who trained differently for various reasons, we hope today to see how they are so we can define the team for tomorrow.

"Without a doubt, it was a very unusual selection – the most difficult we have had. It's typical of what we are experiencing with the number of games being played and the rush there is. We hope to have them all."

Angel Di Maria returned to the Argentina set-up for the first time since last year's Copa America and Scaloni explained the reason for the absence of the Paris Saint-Germain attacker for the opening round of qualifiers in October.

"We had Nicolas Gonzalez and [Giovani] Lo Celso, who got injured after being called up. I would have been in favour of calling up Di Maria, but with everything that was happening it did not seem fair and respectful when he would only have arrived for the second game," said Scaloni.

"This time, Nico Gonzalez had very few minutes, Lo Celso had not got a rhythm and we thought we were not going to make the mistake of not bringing him in again.

"My relationship with him is perfect. We are happy to have him and he is training very well."

Nouadhibou head coach Mauril Njoya has revealed his initial reaction upon drawing Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the Caf Champions League was that of fear.

The Mauritanian club is set to face the 1983 champions in the preliminary round of the continental competition for a place in the first round.

The draw for the qualifying phase of the championship was conducted in Egypt on Monday.

"I will be very glad to welcome Asante Kotoko to Mauritania. I love Ghana a lot even though I have not been there before," Njoya told Ashh FM.

"When I got the information that we are playing Asante Kotoko, my [feeling] was in two phases.

"First, I was afraid to meet Asante Kotoko and secondly, I was very happy coming to Ghana for the first time.

"I'm not saying I'm scared [and that] I can't beat Asante Kotoko but I respect them because they are one of the best teams in Africa and they perform very well every season.

"There is absolutely no pressure on us because we are a 20-year-old club with a lot of experience."

Nouadhibou are the Mauritania Ligue 1 cup holders, their eighth time winning the national league.

The Orange Club will host Kotoko for the first first leg tie on November 27-29, a week before travelling to Ghana for the reverse tie.

The aggregate winners will lock horns with the ultimate victors of the match between Al Hilal Club of Sudan and Ugandan outfit Vipers in December and January.

Kotoko, meanwhile, have set their sights on beating the Mauritanian outfit to the qualifying first round ticket.

Last season, the Porcupine Warriors featured in the Champions League where they were eliminated in the first round by Tunisian fold Etoile du Sahel.

They have not reached the group stage of the competition since 2006, two years after reaching the final of the Caf Confederation Cup.

The first of their two Champions League titles came in 1970 when they beat Congolese outfit TP Englebert to lift the cup.

Kotoko are the most successful club in the history of the Ghana Premier League, having won 23 titles.

South Africa head coach Molefi Ntseki says it is imperative for his side to record two victories against Sao Tome and Principe.

Bafana Bafana are set to face the Falcons and True Parrots Team in back-to-back 2022 Africa Cup Nations (Afcon) qualifiers and both matches will be played in South Africa.

Ntseki's side will host Sao Tome at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, before meeting again at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where Bafana will officially be the away side on Monday.

South Africa are coming into these two games placed second on their qualifying group (Group C) with three points and the 1996 African champions are keen to add to their points tally.

“The six points are very critical and everybody is aware of that,” Ntseki said on Daily Sun. 

“We are not the only ones who are under pressure. The media, the president of the country and the president of Safa, we are all looking forward to getting six points.

“We know if we don’t get the six points [against Sao Tome], we would have disappointed everybody in the country."

Ntseki is eager to silence his critics having endured a difficult start to his reign as Bafana coach, with the team having played five matches under his guidance - losing two, drawing one and winning two. 

Bafana failed to record a win in their last Fifa international break as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Namibia, before losing 2-1 to Zambia in friendly matches at home in October 2020. 

Ntseki explained that he has done his homework on the Falcons and True Parrots Team in Group C. 

“We have done our plan, we have done our preparations and we are going to execute our plan in training,” added Ntseki.

“We expect the players to respond to it to help them on Friday and on Monday to win both games.”

Sao Tome have lost their two matches in Group C which were against Ghana and Sudan and they are yet to score a single goal.

Two wins over the Falcons and True Parrots Team could see Bafana climb to the top of the group standings if the results between Ghana and Sudan go their way. 

Lionel Messi's father and agent Jorge has categorically denied that the Barcelona star is considering a move to Paris Saint-Germain next summer. 

The Argentine's future has been the hottest of topics around Camp Nou ever since he expressed his desire to leave in a now-infamous burofax sent to Barca in August. 

Player and club were ultimately reconciled, with Messi telling Goal in an exclusive interview that the only way he could have left in the summer of 2020 was if a team had met his prohibitive €700 million release clause. 

What will happen once the 2020-21 season, however, remains anybody's guess. 

Manchester City, coached by Leo's former Barca mentor Pep Guardiola, have consistently been named as the most likely destination for a transfer, while ESPN suggested that PSG were also an option. 

According to the channel, contact had already been made between the French champions and Messi Sr. in order to broker a deal, with negotiations possible as early as January. 

But the agent gave that report short shrift, borrowing one of United States president Donald Trump's most infamous phrases in order to dismiss the story. 

"Stop inventing! Fake news," Jorge fired on Instagram, posting his message over a screenshot of the offending transfer rumour. 

Messi is currently in his native Argentina preparing for Thursday's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier at home to Paraguay, as the Albiceleste seek to continue their 100 per cent record in the competition so far. 

At the weekend the Barca captain found himself in the unusual position of sitting on the bench at kick-off after being left out of the starting line-up by coach Ronald Koeman, although his presence proved decisive nonetheless as he came on at half-time to contribute two goals and an assist to his side's 5-2 defeat of Betis. 

"Messi has shown me to be a person who wants to win things and continue to be the best, even though he has had his problems with the club," Koeman told Sport of his star.

"Barcelona have been, are and will be a better team with Messi than without. When I arrived, they told me that Messi was unhappy.

"We spoke at his house and he explained his reasons to me. I was honest. I told him that the only thing is the system, his position on the field, his importance in the team.

"But the problems that he had had with the club I couldn't change. From the first day I have said the same thing. He is the best and is committed to the club.

"He has had his issues, his problems this summer, but since he returned to training he has been very good.

"He has had bad luck in some games and he has not been able to offer the usual performance, but I am sure that at the end of the season he will have scored the usual goals."

Padsoccer esports tournament Lagos qualifiers has been slated to hold on Sunday, November 15 at the Game Evo Lounge, Akoka.

The interactive football body, the biggest in Nigeria has been running the annual tournament for many years, with the first edition taking place in 2013.

The competition sponsored by Rocket App by Chiji14xchange will see eight gamers from the Lagos regional event selected to compete for honours at the Padsoccer national finals billed to hold from December 13 and 14, 2020 in Asaba, Delta state.

In a no holds barred chat with Goal, Padsoccer boss Paul Chinedu Ohachu explains what’s up about the esports.

“Padsoccer esports tournament is an e-Fifa competition where gamers come and compete for honours as well as sharpen their gaming skills,” Ohachu told Goal.

“We are having the Lagos qualifiers because we have a lot of gamers based in the Centre of Excellence and we don’t want a situation where they would flood the main event in Asaba.

“This competition is put together by Naija Game Evolution and TechPlus and eight gamers would be picked to represent Lagos in the grand finale.

“Rocket app by Chiji14xchange is the major sponsor and it is good to know that the company has put up a lot of funds to ensure this year’s edition come out very positive and we are looking forward to having everyone in the gaming arena in Akoka.”

The growth of esports is nothing but remarkable in Nigeria, nevertheless, Ohachu believes in years to come, the country would stand tall among gaming nations in the world.

“The motive of this competition is to help the gamers rate their performance while we are doing all it takes towards sustaining a gaming culture in Nigeria,” he continued.

“Esports was established in Nigeria last year with Padscocer a member and we are looking at the development of the sport in the country.

“As it stands, we have succeeded in building up a gamers’ community and with contests like we are having on Sunday, other hidden gamers will see the need to support our course.

“I have so much hope that esports will get into action very quickly because when it comes to sports, Nigeria are very keen and passionate.”

Unlike the 2019 edition where the winner walked home with half a million naira, the champion this term will be a proud owner of PlayStation 5, a home video game console which is expected to be released to the rest of the world on November 19, 2020.

Debutants Marcus Forss and Onni Valakari scored debut goals as Finland ended France's 12-match unbeaten run with a shock 2-0 friendly victory.

A much-changed Les Bleus side made a promising start, but 21-year-olds Forss and Valakari struck in the space of three first-half minutes to put Finland in command at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

France debutant Marcus Thuram struck the crossbar before Forss opened the scoring, but the world champions were toothless ahead of their Nations League encounters with Portugal and Sweden.

Finland, who also rung the changes, were solid after rocking Didier Deschamps' side with those two first-half goals from out of the blue and famously secured their first win over France, whose previous defeat came against Turkey in June 2019.

Thuram made a lively start on the left flank and almost opened the scoring when he rose high to head Lucas Digne's corner against the crossbar 15 minutes in, before volleying over unmarked from just eight yards out.

France were dominant but Finland took the lead against the run of play just before the half-hour mark, Forss driving into the penalty area to fire home with his left foot after Rasmus Karjalainen dispossessed Moussa Sissoko.

Things quickly went from bad to worse for Les Bleus, with Valakari cutting inside onto his left foot and picking his spot in the top-left corner with a stunning strike from around 20 yards out.

Finland were brimming with confidence and Steve Mandanda had to be alert to keep out Joni Kauko's effort with his feet early in the second half.

Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial and N'Golo Kante were introduced 12 minutes after the break, with Paul Pogba among the trio withdrawn, but France were running out of ideas.

Monaco full-back Ruben Aguilar made his debut off the bench and Griezmann firing wide in stoppage time when he ought to have scored summed up a frustrating night for France.

What does it mean? Fringe players fail to take their chance

Digne, Clement Lenglet and Steven Nzonzi were the only players who started the win over Croatia last month to be named in the line-up to take on Finland.

Deschamps would have been expecting those who came into the team to show the world champions' strength in depth, but it was a flat performance after a bright start.

Mixed start for Thuram

The performance of Thuram might be one positive for Deschamps to take from a rare defeat. Son of France legend Lilian Thuram, the 23-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach attacker showed glimpses of his quality in Paris.

He had six shots and should have found the back of the net, but only once hit target. Thuram took on much more responsibility than some of his more senior team-mates, though, and also made two key passes. However, a lack of composure was evident not just with his finishing, as just one of his five crosses found the intended target.

Pogba ineffective

Midfielder Pogba's struggles with Manchester United have been well documented and he had an evening to forget in the middle of the park.

While he failed to complete only six of his 51 passes, Pogba did not really look like unlocking the Finland defence and was often too deep to have a significant impact before he was withdrawn.

What's next?

France face Portugal in the Nations League on Saturday, while Finland come up against Bulgaria away from home on Sunday.

Molde striker Leke James has expressed his desire to play for the Super Eagles and he is aiming for an invitation in the future.

James has been outstanding in the Norwegian Eliteserien and he helped Molde win the top-flight title last season with a contribution of 17 goals in 28 matches.

He has kicked off from where he stopped in the last campaign with nine goals already to his name in the 2020 season.

James' scoring form has not gone unnoticed with Nigerian scouts monitoring his performances, however, the 28-year-old wants a chance to help Gernot Rohr's team upfront.

"I will be truly honoured and happy if I get the call to represent my country," James told Goal.

"It would be a great feeling, out of how many millions of people in Nigeria then they choose you. I believe every player will love to play for his country.

"It is about the opportunity, I believe I have something to add to the team if I am given the opportunity. I hope I get one because I know they are watching me so I'm just working hard.

"Back then, I used to love John Utaka. He's one of my favourite players while growing up."

James is a follower of the Super Eagles as he awaits his maiden invitation.

Ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Sierra Leone on Friday, he left a word of advice for Gernot Rohr’s men.

"I think they're trying to build something. Everybody should be on top of their game, I mean every department and they should try to give everything," he added.

"The technical crew must have understudied the Sierra Leone team and the tactical aspect is up to them to decide the game plan. The games should go well because we have quality players."

Nigeria sit on top of Group L with six points after two matches.

Vincenzo Grifo scored his first international goals as Italy stretched their unbeaten run to 20 games with a 4-0 friendly win over Estonia at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Wednesday. 

The Azzurri have now won 15 of their 20 matches since a 1-0 Nations League loss to Portugal in September 2018 and they never looked in danger of tasting defeat against a side 97 places beneath them in the world rankings. 

Led by Alberico Evani with Roberto Mancini self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, the hosts went ahead after 14 minutes courtesy of Grifo's maiden Italy goal and Federico Bernardeschi doubled their advantage.

Grifo then added a second from the penalty spot in the 75th minute before substitute Riccardo Orsolini added another from 12 yards to help Italy wrap up the most routine of wins. 

Freiburg forward Grifo marked his fourth appearance for Italy with a sumptuous opener, whipping a half-volley in off Marko Meerits' left-hand post from 25 yards after a lay-off by Kevin Lasagna.

An unmarked Lasagna missed a glorious chance soon after, the Udinese forward failing to make a clean connection with Bernardeschi's teasing cross from close range.

Italy's dominance was rewarded shortly before the half-hour mark, though, when Bernardeschi cut in from the right to bend a left-footed strike into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area – his first international goal since October 2019.

Emerson Palmieri lashed wide following an incisive move on the edge of the penalty area after the interval, while Grifo saw an effort deflected narrowly wide.

Grifo got his second when he thumped home from 12 yards after Roberto Gagliardini was tripped inside the penalty area by substitute Georgi Tunjov.

Orsolini then wrapped up the scoring in the 86th minute, sweeping home his second international goal from the spot after forcing Henri Jarvelaid into a rash challenge in the area.

What does it mean? Azzurri brush aside lightweight visitors

Estonia were hardly the most challenging of opponents, Karel Voolaid's side failing to register a single shot on target, but the absent Mancini will be pleased his side went about their business with the minimum of fuss. The hosts carved out 14 shots on goal and enjoyed a whopping 71 per cent possession in what was a dominant performance.

Bernardeschi delivers all-action display

The Juventus forward scored a superb goal to double his side's advantage before the interval and was a handful before his departure in the 71st minute. He made a game-high three key passes and put in seven crosses – four more than any of his team-mates.

Soriano fails to impress

Roberto Soriano was only one of four Italian outfield starters to play the full 90 minutes, but he did not make much of an impression. The Bologna midfielder failed to have a shot on target, made just 28 successful passes – the fewest of any Italy player to take part in the entire game – and lost possession 11 times.

What's next?

Both sides are in Nations League action on Sunday. Italy host Poland in a crunch Group A1 clash, while Estonia face a trip to North Macedonia.

Zambia Ministry of Sports has lifted the initial ban that had seen supporters kept out of stadiums as a measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The Minister for Sports Emmanuel Mulenga confirmed the protocols to allow spectators back at the stadiums have been approved after the Super League has started and two matches have already been played.

“Clubs have been advised to strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols,” the Football Association of Zambia (Faz) confirmed in a statement.

“The Ministry of Sports has allowed us to admit fans for league matches. We urge our members to adhere to strict Covid-19 guidelines as provided in the protocols.”

Zambia requested to have fans attend the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Botswana. This was declined by the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

“Following communication from Caf, Faz wishes to inform members of the football family and stakeholders that the Cameroon 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group H qualifier between Zambia and Botswana will be played behind closed doors,” the federation said.

“Faz had engaged Caf after receiving clearance from the Ministry of Health to trigger the process of bringing fans into the stadium for the crunch Africa Cup of Nations qualifier but the request has been denied.”

Faz General-Secretary Adrian Kashala said Caf's failure to allow fans for the Botswana match has been informed by the initial measures taken by the African football governing body in regard to the coronavirus.

“We advise that fans abide by this directive to stay away from the stadium to avoid sanctions from Caf,” Kashala said.

“We are happy that ZNBC will step in to show the game live which will give fans an opportunity to watch Chipolopolo.”

Although head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will miss Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu for the crucial qualifier, the arrival of Augustine Mulenga and Justin Shonga might serve the purpose for him instead.

Simba SC’s Clatous Chama has been recalled to take Mwepu’s place and he is expected to partner Mwape Musonda in midfield.

Chipolopolo will host Botswana’s Zebras on November 12 at the National Heroes Stadium at 18:00hrs as they look for a first win in the group.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabang Monare insists his main focus is on improving his game and winning silverware with the club rather than winning individual honours.

The 31-year-old player is one of the top central midfielders in the country and he attracted interest from the big PSL clubs after leaving the now-defunct Bidvest Wits.

Monare was on the radar of SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs, but he was snapped up by Pirates a month ago. 

The box-to-box midfielder, who was nominated for PSL Midfielder of the Season after helping Wits win the 2016/17 PSL title, revealed what he aims to achieve at Bucs. 

"Honestly, I have never been someone who is into individual accolades," Monare told Pirates TV on Wednesday. 

"I focus more on what the team can do. Then everything that happens will fall into place once you focus on the collective effort.

"So, right now my ambition as an individual is to put in whatever I can into the team so that the team can win some silverware."

The former Jomo Cosmos player explained that he has brought hard work and a winning mentality to the Houghton-based giants. 

"Well, I bring a lot of hard work and that drive. I look at myself as that kind of a player, who has the drive. I really love to win." he explained. 

"It is very frustrating when I don't win. So, that gives me that drive as an individual. I am always looking to leave everything on the pitch for the team from training to match day."

Monare has started three successive matches since he made his debut for Pirates in the 3-0 victory over Chiefs in the 2020 MTN8 semi-final second-leg match on October 31.

The Embalenhle-born player indicated that he is still adjusting to Bucs' style of play under coach Josef Zinnbauer. 

"The kind of football that Pirates plays is a beautiful game that requires a lot of hard work when one is on the pitch. I feel like I am getting there," he added. 

"So, it is just a matter of time. I just have to fully understand how the team operates in areas of the field and what to do in certain areas of the pitch because I come from a different environment. 

"I find it that as soon as I gel with the team it will be good and nice."

Monare and his Pirates teammates will take on SuperSport in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match at Orlando Stadium on November 21. 

Christian Pulisic has returned to Chelsea in order to continue his recovery from injury, United States coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed on Wednesday. 

Pulisic, 22, has been out of action since the end of October after suffering a hamstring problem prior to the Blues' Premier League clash against Burnley. 

He was nevertheless called up by the USMNT for their November friendlies against Wales and Panama, although the star remained some way off full fitness. 

But after failing to recover in time, he will now leave the squad and head back to west London. 

"Christian is a big part of our group," Berhalter explained to reporters on Wednesday ahead of tomorrow's Wales clash in Cardiff as the coach revealed Pulisic's withdrawal. 

"He has been working through an injury, but he really says a lot that he wanted to come into camp, be around the guys and continue to be a leader with this team." 

The United States have not played an international game since February, with World Cup qualifiers in the CONCACAF region postponed several times due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The first round of matches will not take place until March 2021, with the USMNT's participation beginning in June as they enter directly into the third round with fellow top seeds Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica and Jamaica as well as two further contestants yet to be determined. 

Pulisic's involvement in this double header of friendlies had been doubtful from the beginning, with Chelsea boss Frank Lampard stating as recently as Friday that the former Dortmund wonderkid continued to feel discomfort in the affected muscle. 

“[Pulisic] not fit to play, still suffering with his hamstring," Lampard told reporters.

“He trained at a low level in midweek and wasn't comfortable. We have to keep looking for the right solution.”

The Pennsylvania native made his USMNT debut in March 2016 aged just 17, and has since gone on to represent his nation on 34 occasions, scoring 14 goals.