#ChallengeLeague set for Group Stage thrillers

Fri, 16 Oct, 2026

#ChallengeLeague set for Group Stage thrillers

Kuala Lumpur: A brand-new season in the AFC Challenge League™ (ACGL) gets underway this weekend with the opening matchday of the 2026/27 campaign.

The 13th edition of Asia’s third-tier men’s club competition—known as the AFC President’s Cup for the first 10—features 19 contenders vying for Continental glory.

Preview: Group Stage

Fri, 16 Oct, 2026

Preview: Group Stage

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Challenge League 2026/27™ is set for another exciting chapter as clubs from across Asia prepare to battle for continental glory.

With the competition offering emerging clubs the opportunity to make their mark on the Asian stage, the group stage promises plenty of intriguing encounters, regional rivalries and memorable moments.

The-AFC.com takes a look at how the group stage could unfold.

PS: Kasuka FC (BRU) 2-1 Karketu Dili FC (TLS)

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

PS: Kasuka FC (BRU) 2-1 Karketu Dili FC (TLS)

Bandar Seri Begawan: Kasuka FC booked their place in the AFC Challenge League 2026/27™ group stage after defeating Karketu Dili FC 2-1 in their Preliminary Stage tie at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Tuesday.

Goals from Jordan Souza Coelho and Samuel Abbey gave the Brunei Darussalam side a two-goal cushion at the break before Timor-Leste’s Karketu pulled one back in the second half.

PS: Yangon United FC (MYA) 2-1 Ezra FC (LAO)

Fri, 11 Sep, 2026

PS: Yangon United FC (MYA) 2-1 Ezra FC (LAO)

Yangon: Myanmar’s Yangon United FC staved off a late Ezra FC fightback to pick up a 2-1 win in their AFC Challenge League 2026/27™ Preliminary Stage match on Tuesday.

The win sees Yangon joining Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda, One Taguig FC of the Philippines and Chinese Taipei’s Tainan City FC in Group C.

#ChallengeLeague: Road to glory paved

Thu, 20 Aug, 2026

#ChallengeLeague: Road to glory paved

Kuala Lumpur: The journey to discover the AFC Challenge League (ACGL) 2026/27™ champions began in earnest following the completion of the Group Stage Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The teams were divided in groups of four - three in the West Zone and two in the East.

#ChallengeLeague group battles to be revealed

Thu, 13 Aug, 2026

#ChallengeLeague group battles to be revealed

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC Challenge League (ACGL) 2026/27™ is set to discover their fate at the Group Stage Draw on August 20 (Thursday) at 3pm at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Seven clubs advanced from the Preliminary Stage to join the eight sides that were granted direct entry to the Group Stage and the two eliminated teams from the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ Preliminary Stage (West). An additional three clubs will be confirmed following the completion of the remaining Preliminary Stage matches in the East.