The Chinese Football Association (CFA) said Li, who played in China's only FIFA World Cup Finals appearance in 2002, is an "outstanding representative of Chinese football players" and was appointed after an open process.

Li is already familiar with the national side having been in temporary charge during the EAFF Championship in Korea Republic last month. The 42-year-old was the manager of Chinese Super League club Wuhan Zall before his appointment.

Lippi announced his intention to stand down from the role during the post-match press conference after Zhang Linpeng’s 76th minute own goal handed Syria a fourth win in a row to leave China PR’s hopes of advancing to the next round in jeopardy.

Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang put the ball in his own net after Wu Lei had earlier cancelled out Osama Omari’s header to leave Marcello Lippi’s side in second place in the group, level on seven points with the Philippines after four matches.

It was a result which led to Lippi announcing his resignation, which was subsequently accepted by the Chinese Football Association.

The two sides had met twice this year, with China claiming wins on both occasions, and they were looking to maintain that streak against the Philippines as they applied early pressure that saw Hao Junmin and Wu Lei threatening in the opening 10 minutes.

The win was China’s second in a row in Group A following a 5-0 win over Maldives in their opening game last month and ensures the Lippi-coached side go into Tuesday’s meeting with the Philippines in Bacolod with a perfect record as they continue their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Brazilian-born Elkeson became the first player without Chinese ancestry to ever play for the national team, and capped his debut with two late goals, as China PR made light work of the hosts to ease to a comprehensive win.

Wu Xi, Wu Lei and Yang Xu also scored for the East Asians, who lead the way in Group A on goal difference as one of four teams on three points.

Japan, who overtook Islamic Republic of Iran for top spot in last month's Rankings, maintained their position at 28th, with the Central Asians also unchanged at 33rd.

Korea Republic moved a rung up to 40th in third, while Australia maintained 42nd spot.