News

AFC Challenge League™ Preliminary Stage match rescheduled

Mon, 07 Sep, 2026

AFC Challenge League™ Preliminary Stage match rescheduled

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirms that the AFC Challenge League 2026/27™ Preliminary Stage match between Kasuka FC (BRU) and Karketu Dili FC (TLS), originally scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, has been postponed.

The match has been rescheduled to Tuesday, September 15, 2026 and will kick off at 20:15 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

AFC Women's Champions League 2026/27 - Group Stage draw results & match schedule

Hopefuls discover #AWCL Group Stage challengers

Thu, 03 Sep, 2026

Hopefuls discover #AWCL Group Stage challengers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ is set for take-off following the conclusion of the Group Stage Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 12 clubs were divided into three groups of four, with DPR Korea's Naegohyang Women’s FC aiming to defend their title.

China PR legend Fan urges players to maximise opportunities

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

China PR legend Fan urges players to maximise opportunities

Kuala Lumpur: China PR legend Fan Zhiyi has urged players set to compete in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ to embrace the opportunity and give everything on the continental stage.

Affectionately known as “General Fan”, the former defender knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, having captained China PR to their only FIFA World Cup appearance in 2002, which was after he had become the first Chinese star to be named AFC Player of the Year in 2001.

AFC Champions League Two 2026/27 Group Stage Match Schedule

Tolic praises patient Persib; Esteva proud despite heartbreak

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Tolic praises patient Persib; Esteva proud despite heartbreak

Soreang: Head coach Igor Tolic felt Persib Bandung were deserving winners after their patience and defensive discipline earned the Indonesian side 1-0 victory over Manila Digger FC and a place in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ Group Stage.

Mariano Peralta struck in the 88th minute to settle a difficult contest on Monday, with Tolic pleased with the way his side limited Manila Digger’s opportunities while remaining composed in search of the breakthrough.

PS - Persib Bandung (IDN) 1-0 Manila Digger FC (PHI)

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

PS - Persib Bandung (IDN) 1-0 Manila Digger FC (PHI)

Soreang: Mariano Peralta’s late goal gave Persib Bandung a 1-0 win over Manila Digger FC on Monday to secure the Indonesia outfit the last ticket to the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™  Group Stage. 

The forward’s 88th-minute strike sees Persib joining Korea Republic’s FC Seoul, Australia’s Melbourne Victory FC and Vietnam’s The Cong - Viettel FC in Group E, which kicks off on September 16.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_two.html/photo/ps-persib-bandung-idn-v-manila-digger-fc-phi-1

#AWCL Group Stage thrillers to be determined

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

#AWCL Group Stage thrillers to be determined

Kuala Lumpur: The contenders for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ will discover their Group Stage fate on September 3 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A cast of 12 clubs has been finalised following the conclusion of the Preliminary Stage—which witnessed a record number of participants—on Sunday, ahead of the third edition of the Continent’s premier women’s club tournament.

Akhmedov urges Uzbekistan clubs to aim high

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Akhmedov urges Uzbekistan clubs to aim high

Kuala Lumpur: Odil Akhmedov has challenged Uzbekistan clubs to aim for the sky when they compete in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™.

Reaching the semi-finals is the best Uzbekistan clubs have managed on the highest stage of Asian club football, with four separate appearances achieved equally by Pakhtakor and FC Bunyodkor.

Uzbekistan football, however, is enjoying a purple patch -  as highlighted by various national team age-group successes and a first FIFA World Cup appearance - and Akhmedov wants to see his nation’s clubs emulating the achievements. 

Davronov wants Istiklol to pen new continental chapter

Sun, 30 Aug, 2026

Davronov wants Istiklol to pen new continental chapter

Kuala Lumpur: Nuriddin Davronov knows first-hand what continental success can mean for FC Istiklol and Tajikistan football.

The former midfielder was part of the Istiklol side that lifted the AFC President’s Cup in 2012, a breakthrough triumph he believes helped change perceptions of the club and accelerate the development of football in Tajikistan.

Al Houti expects Kuwait SC to shine

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Al Houti expects Kuwait SC to shine

Kuala Lumpur: Saad Al Houti stood tall during the golden era of Kuwait and the former national team captain believes the glory days can be regained, starting with Kuwait SC’s participation in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™.

Three-time AFC Cup™ winners, Kuwait SC qualified for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two after hoisting the AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ trophy in May and Al Houti is confident the only club he played for will hold their own against higher quality opposition.