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Bangladesh stays alive in Asia Cup with thrilling win over Afghanistan

Bangladesh stays alive in Asia Cup with thrilling win over Afghanistan
Bangladesh’s Nasum Ahmed, left, celebrates the dismissal of Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal, middle, during their Asia Cup Cricket match at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Sept. 16, 2025. (AP)
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Updated 16 September 2025

Bangladesh stays alive in Asia Cup with thrilling win over Afghanistan

Bangladesh stays alive in Asia Cup with thrilling win over Afghanistan
  • Afghanistan now needs to beat Group B leader Sri Lanka in its last group game as three teams are still in contention to get the final two spots for the next round
  • Bangladesh’s ploy to field Nasum in place of Mahedi Hasan worked out perfectly

ABU DHABI: Bangladesh notched a thrilling eight-run victory over Afghanistan in a must-win game and stayed alive for the Super 4 stage of Asia Cup on Tuesday.
Afghanistan now needs to beat Group B leader Sri Lanka in its last group game as three teams are still in contention to get the final two spots for the next round.
Bangladesh spinners Nasum Ahmed (2-11) and Rishad Hossain (2-18) stifled Afghanistan’s top-order batters before left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman (3-28) knocked out the tailenders in the death overs to bowl out the opposition for 146 off the final ball.
Earlier, Afghanistan slow bowlers also squeezed Bangladesh in the middle-overs with Noor Ahmad and captain Rashid Khan sharing four wickets for 49 runs and restricted them to 154-5.
Bangladesh brilliant with the ball
Bangladesh’s ploy to field Nasum in place of Mahedi Hasan worked out perfectly as the left-arm spinner trapped Sediqullah Atal leg before wicket off the very first ball with the new ball and went on to bowl a wicket maiden over.
Nasum’s three overs in the powerplay pinned down Afghanistan to 27-2 as he also accounted for the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran, who struggled for 12 deliveries and could score only 5.
Top-scorer Rahmanullah Gurbaz (35) held one end up, but Rishad’s two quick wickets saw Afghanistan slipping to 62-4 by the halfway stage as Gurbaz swept straight to backward square where Jaker Ali took a well-judged catch.
Afghanistan had lost half of its side for 77 runs in 13 overs when Mohammad Nabi (15) played Mustafizur back onto his stumps. With the run-rate climbing to over 11-an-over Azmatullah Omarzai took 20 run in one over of off-spinner Saif Hasan (0-39).
Azmatullah holed out to Saif after scoring a rapid 30 off 15 balls and Rashid briefly challenged Bangladesh with a quickfire 20 off 11 balls before Mustafizur had him caught at short third in the penultimate over.
With 22 needed off the final over, Noor smashed two straight sixes to Taskin Ahmed (2-34) but holed out at mid-off of the final ball.
Tanzid stars with half-century
Tanzid Hasan’s brisk 52 off 31 balls formed the cornerstone of Bangladesh innings.
Saif and Tanzid gave Bangladesh a strong start of 63 runs off 40 balls. Bangladesh was set for a strong finish when it reached 87-1 in 10 overs, but the middle overs of Noor and Ahmad pulled them back.
Saif fell soon after the powerplay when he missed a sweep against Rashid and was clean bowled while Tanzid holed out to Ibrahim at long-off in the 13th over as Afghanistan went on to concede only 30 runs in the death overs.


Manchester United posts sixth year of net loss, forecasts revenue dip

Manchester United posts sixth year of net loss, forecasts revenue dip
Updated 8 sec ago

Manchester United posts sixth year of net loss, forecasts revenue dip

Manchester United posts sixth year of net loss, forecasts revenue dip
  • The Premier League side posted a £33 million ($45 million) loss for the year ended June 30
Manchester United reported an annual net loss for the sixth consecutive year on Wednesday and forecast lower revenue for the fiscal year, highlighting the club’s ongoing financial struggles.
The Premier League side posted a £33 million ($45 million) loss for the year ended June 30, an improvement on the previous year’s £113.2 million deficit.
The narrower full-year loss reflects significant cost-cutting measures aimed at shoring up finances after several years of underperformance both on and off the field.
The club said it expects revenue of between £640 million and £660 million for its fiscal 2026, compared with £666.5 million reported for the year ended June 30.
The Premier League has in recent years tightened club spending regulations under its Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), designed to level the playing field and curb excessive spending by wealthy owners.
Manchester United has racked up losses of about £175 million since fiscal 2023.
The PSR caps losses at £105 million over a three-year period, though investments in infrastructure, academies, charity and women’s soccer are permitted as deductions.
“The club remains committed to, and in compliance with, both the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules and UEFA’s Financial Fair Play Regulations,” it said in a statement.

LIV Golf confirms 2026 Hong Kong return, HSBC is title sponsor

LIV Golf to return to Hong Kong in 2026 with HSBC as title sponsor. Supplied
LIV Golf to return to Hong Kong in 2026 with HSBC as title sponsor. Supplied
Updated 17 September 2025

LIV Golf confirms 2026 Hong Kong return, HSBC is title sponsor

LIV Golf to return to Hong Kong in 2026 with HSBC as title sponsor. Supplied
  • This is the first title-sponsored tournament in LIV Golf’s history

HONG KONG: LIV Golf will return to Hong Kong in 2026, with HSBC announced as the event’s title sponsor.

The newly named HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong will take place from March 6-8 next year at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling and will continue in 2027 as part of a multi-year agreement.

This is the first title-sponsored tournament in LIV Golf’s history, following HSBC’s earlier designation as the league’s first global banking partner. The partnership is positioned to enhance its stature and expand its impact across Asia.

“Hong Kong welcomed LIV Golf with extraordinary enthusiasm,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, adding the partnership “elevates this marquee event” and aligns with their “shared values of innovation, accessibility, and global impact.”

The 2026 tournament will see 54 of LIV’s top players competing in team and individual formats over three days. Ticket waitlists for hospitality and general admission are now open at LIVGolf.com.

Following successful editions in 2024 and 2025, the Hong Kong leg has become a standout fixture on the league’s calendar. In 2025, Sergio Garcia secured the individual title and led Fireballs GC to victory, following Abraham Ancer’s win the year prior — marking back-to-back triumphs for the team at Fanling.

“The first two editions of LIV Golf Hong Kong … were incredibly successful with record numbers of fans travelling to the city from the Greater Bay Area and far beyond,” said Andy Kwok, captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club. He said the club was proud to bring LIV Golf to the region.

Kwok confirmed the event’s return for both 2026 and 2027, calling it a long-term collaboration that reflected the club’s ambition to grow the game and elevate Hong Kong’s profile on the global sporting stage.

Barry O’Byrne, HSBC International Wealth and Premier Banking CEO, said the sponsorship “reflects our commitment to advancing Hong Kong’s global presence” and allowed the bank to offer exclusive experiences to clients while supporting the growth of the sport.

International stars set to return include Garcia, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Joaquin Niemann, Cam Smith, Phil Mickelson, and Kevin Na. The event will be broadcast live on AXN Sports.

In addition to the on-course action, fans can expect a vibrant festival atmosphere with live music, interactive experiences and community engagement. Advance ticket sales for HSBC customers will open soon.


Benfica to hire Mourinho as new manager, Portuguese TV station RTP reports

Benfica to hire Mourinho as new manager, Portuguese TV station RTP reports
Updated 17 September 2025

Benfica to hire Mourinho as new manager, Portuguese TV station RTP reports

Benfica to hire Mourinho as new manager, Portuguese TV station RTP reports
  • A move to Portuguese club Benfica would bring Jose Mourinho’s remarkable career full circle
  • He began his managerial career at the club before moving to FC Porto and guiding them to Champions League glory in 2004

LISBON: Portuguese club Benfica are set to name Jose Mourinho as their manager following the sacking of Bruno Lage in the aftermath of their 3-2 Champions League defeat by Qarabag, Portuguese TV station RTP reported on Wednesday.
Benfica said in a statement on Wednesday they had reached an agreement to part ways with Lage following their shock loss to the Azerbaijani side.
Former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager Mourinho left Turkish club Fenerbahce in August, two days after his side crashed out of the Champions League playoffs to Benfica.
Benfica did not immediately respond to an emailed request seeking confirmation of Mourinho’s appointment.
A move to Benfica would bring Mourinho’s remarkable career full circle, with the 62-year-old having begun his managerial career at the club before moving to rivals FC Porto and guiding them to Champions League glory in 2004.
From Porto he moved to Chelsea, famously describing himself as “the Special One” in a press conference to announce his arrival in the Premier League.
He won the Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006 in his first spell with Chelsea, before adding a third crown in the 2014-15 season during his second stint at the club.
He joined Inter in 2008 and won the Champions League in 2010 to complete an unprecedented treble with the Serie A side.
The Portuguese coach, who also won trophies at Real Madrid, AS Roma and Manchester United, will be tasked with returning Benfica to the summit of Portuguese football.
The Lisbon-based club have finished second in the last two seasons of the Primeira Liga behind city rivals Sporting CP.
They are sixth with 10 points from four matches and next travel to face AVS Futebol SAD in the league on Saturday.
If appointed, Mourinho would cross paths with two of his former clubs in the Champions League group stage, with Benfica set to face Chelsea on September 30 and Real Madrid in January.


Abu Dhabi set for second round of President’s Cup for Jiu-Jitsu

Abu Dhabi set for second round of President’s Cup for Jiu-Jitsu
Updated 17 September 2025

Abu Dhabi set for second round of President’s Cup for Jiu-Jitsu

Abu Dhabi set for second round of President’s Cup for Jiu-Jitsu
  • The competition for athletes in the 18+ category will take place at the Mubadala Arena

ABU DHABI: The second round of the President’s Cup for Jiu-Jitsu begins this Friday at Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, with representatives from the UAE’s top clubs and academies competing in the 18+ category.

Mohammed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the championship was a key event: “This tournament crowns the combined efforts of the federation and the clubs in preparing a generation of exceptional athletes capable of representing the UAE on the world stage.”

Al-Wahda Club leads the standings heading into the second round, with Baniyas and Al-Ain looking to reduce the gap.

Mahmoud El-Sayed, director of the Jiu-Jitsu Academy at Al-Wahda Club, said: “Our goal is to maintain our lead in the President’s Cup, and we are going into the competition with a winning mentality. We are certain that tactical discipline and fighting spirit will keep us at the top.”


Mbappe scores 2 as Real Madrid win on opening night of Champions League; Arsenal subs deliver

Mbappe scores 2 as Real Madrid win on opening night of Champions League; Arsenal subs deliver
Updated 17 September 2025

Mbappe scores 2 as Real Madrid win on opening night of Champions League; Arsenal subs deliver

Mbappe scores 2 as Real Madrid win on opening night of Champions League; Arsenal subs deliver
  • The victory meant that 15-time champion Madrid became the first team in competition history — since the rebranding in the early 1990s — to reach 200 wins
  • An early own goal from goalkeeper Luiz Junior gave Tottenham a 1-0 win over visiting Villarreal
  • Borussia Dortmund and Juventus drew 4-4 in Turin

LONDON: Kylian Mbappe converted two penalties and 10-man Real Madrid came back to beat visiting Marseille 2-1 on Tuesday on the opening night of the Champions League.

The victory meant that 15-time champion Madrid became the first team in competition history — since the rebranding in the early 1990s — to reach 200 wins.

And it gave former Madrid playing standout Xabi Alonso a victory in his Champions League debut as the club’s coach.

Timothy Weah put visiting Marseille ahead early on but Mbappe struck back from the penalty spot in the 29th and 81st.

The first penalty came after a foul on Rodrygo and the second for a handball by a defender.

Mbappe now has 50 goals in 64 matches with Madrid.

“We are happy that he keeps scoring goals and has been feeling more and more comfortable,” Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde said of the France star. “Our job is to make sure the ball gets to him and that he can have even more scoring opportunities than he is having now.”

Madrid captain Dani Carvajal was sent off in the 72nd for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

Weah — a US international and the son of former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah — was set up by Mason Greenwood, who stripped Madrid’s Arda Guler near midfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Champions League debut for Madrid lasted only five minutes. The England defender was replaced by Carvajal because of an apparent muscle injury.

Spanish police clashed with Marseille fans before the match but the situation was controlled quickly.

An early own goal from goalkeeper Luiz Junior gave Tottenham a 1-0 win over visiting Villarreal.

Borussia Dortmund and Juventus drew 4-4 in Turin. Juventus substitute Dusan Vlahovic scored one goal in stoppage time and then set up the equalizer for English defender Lloyd Kelly.

Qarabag came from two goals down to win 3-2 at Benfica.

In the second season of the new league-phase format, the top eight teams advance to the round of 16. The next 16 teams enter a two-leg playoff, with eight advancing.

Arsenal subs decisive

Viktor Gyokeres was off target in his Champions League debut for Arsenal.

The London club’s substitutes were decisive, though, in a 2-0 win for the Gunners at Athletic Bilbao.

Gabriel Martinelli scored less than a minute after he came on and Leandro Trossard — who had replaced Gyokeres — doubled the lead 15 minutes later.

Gyokeres — Arsenal’s prized signing who scored six Champions League goals for Sporting Lisbon last season — missed a golden chance shortly after the break. The Sweden international evaded his marker with ease and rose to meet a well-placed free kick from Declan Rice but his header went well wide of the target.

Martinelli and Trossard also provided the assists on each other’s goals.

Union’s memorable debut

Competition newcomer Union Saint-Gilloise made a memorable debut, as the Belgian club won 3-1 across the border at PSV Eindhoven.

The first goal of this season’s competition was a penalty kick converted by Canada international Promise David.

The penalty was awarded when United States international Ricardo Pepi harshly landed his boot into the leg of Union’s English center back Christian Burgess.

Goalkeeper Matej Kovar then went the wrong way on the spot kick in the ninth minute.

Another error by Pepi led to Union’s second before the break, a dribbling exhibition and expert finish by Anouar Ait El Hadj.

Union, which qualified by winning the Belgian league for the first time in 90 years, is one of four clubs making their competition debuts this season. The others are Bodø/Glimt (from Norway), Kairat (Kazakhstan) and Pafos (Cyprus).

Argentine defender Kevin Mac Allister, who is named for Macaulay Culkin’s character in “Home Alone,” made it 3-0 from close range in the 81st.

Ruben van Bommel — the son of former Netherlands standout Mark van Bommel — scored for PSV in the 90th.

PSV had gone unbeaten in its previous 11 group or league matches in UEFA competition.