#ChallengeLeague preliminary showdowns ready for kick-off

Thu, 07 Aug, 2025

#ChallengeLeague preliminary showdowns ready for kick-off

Kuala Lumpur: The quest to reach the AFC Challenge League™ (ACGL) 2025/26 Group Stage begins on August 12 (Tuesday) with the Preliminary Stage, which consists of nine single-leg ties.

Reaffirming the tournament’s aim to spotlight the Continent’s emerging teams and talents, the 18-strong cast—10 from the West and eight from the East—is an increase from last season, where four sides were involved at the same stage.

#ChallengeLeague: Facts & Figures

Mon, 12 May, 2025

#ChallengeLeague: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: FC Arkadag lifted the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 title after a 2-1 win against Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC on Saturday.

It was a thriller all the way as the tournament saw a sitting climax at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

The-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from a tournament which captured the imagination of fans across the continent.

Arkadag are deserving winners, says Allaberdiyev

Sun, 11 May, 2025

Arkadag are deserving winners, says Allaberdiyev

Phnom Penh: They may have seemed to be have been on the ropes but head coach Ahmet Allaberdiyev said FC Arkadag fully deserved to lift the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 trophy on Saturday.

The side from Turkmenistan had to work hard to defeat a spirited Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC, who had almost 52,000 fans willing them on in the final.

Arkadag, however, weathered the storm before taking the lead through Mekan Saparow. It was cancelled out by Saret Krya to force extra-time but Altymyrat Annadurdyyew came off the bench to score the winner in the 112th minute.

Munoz: Defeat can't hide how much Svay Rieng have progressed

Sun, 11 May, 2025

Munoz: Defeat can't hide how much Svay Rieng have progressed

Phnom Penh: Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC head coach Pep Munoz didn't let the disappointment of losing the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 final cloud his view of the bigger picture.

The Cambodian side had to settle for second place despite a valiant performance, losing 2-1 to Turkmenistan's FC Arkadag in the decider that needed 120 minutes on Saturday.

Arkadag's Tirkisow named MVP

Sat, 10 May, 2025

Arkadag's Tirkisow named MVP

Phnom Penh: Sanazar Tirkisow was named the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 Most Valuable Player after playing a sterling role in FC Arkadag lifting the title with a 2-1 win against Cambodia’s Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC on Saturday.

Tirkisow was an ever present in Arkadag's title run, which saw them becoming the third team from Turkmenistan to win a major Asian trophy.

Arkadag's Annadurdyyew bags Top Scorer honour

Sat, 10 May, 2025

Arkadag's Annadurdyyew bags Top Scorer honour

Phnom Penh: Altymyrat Annadurdyyew won the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 Top Scorer award after netting the winning goal in FC Arkadag's title triumph against Cambodia’s Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC on Saturday.

The centre-forward scored in the 112th minute of the final before almost 52,000 fans at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh as Arkadag became the third side from Turkmenistan to lift a major Asian trophy.

Arkadag edge Svay Rieng to lift title

Sun, 11 May, 2025

Arkadag edge Svay Rieng to lift title

Phnom Penh: FC Arkadag claimed the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 title on Saturday as Altymyrat Annadurdyyew struck eight minutes from the end of extra-time to earn the Turkmen outfit a 2-1 win over Cambodia’s Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC at a sold-out Morodok Techo National Stadium.

Annadurdyyew netted the winner after Mekan Saparow had seen his 59th minute opener for the side from Ashgabat cancelled out by Saret Krya’s header with eight minutes remaining to take the decider into extra-time in Phnom Penh.

Head coach Ahmet Allaberdiyev’s side prevailed to become the third club from Turkmenistan to win a continental title, with Arkadag following in the footsteps of Balkan and HTTU Asgabat, who won the AFC President’s Cup in 2013 and 2014 respectively.