Bashundhara Kings Gear Up for AFC Challenge League 2025-26

As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming international season, Bashundhara Kings, the reigning giants of Bangladeshi football, are set to make their mark in the AFC Challenge League 2025-26. Based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and backed by the influential Bashundhara Group, the Kings are preparing to step onto the continental stage with ambition and determination. Their participation in the prestigious AFC Challenge League, Asia’s third-tier club competition, marks a significant milestone in their journey to elevate Bangladeshi football on the global map.

#### Journey to the Group Stage

The Bashundhara Kings earned their spot in the AFC Challenge League 2025-26 through a hard-fought victory in the preliminary stage. On August 12, 2025, the team secured a 1-0 win against Syria’s Al-Karamah SC in Doha, Qatar, with Emmanuel Sunday’s decisive strike ensuring their progression. This victory, following the conclusion of the preliminary stage earlier that month, qualified them for the group stage draw, which took place on August 28, 2025, at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The draw finalized the 20-team lineup, with Bashundhara Kings slotted into Group B of the West region.

#### Group B Opponents

In the group stage, scheduled from October 25 to November 1, 2025, Bashundhara Kings will face a challenging yet exciting lineup of opponents. Group B includes:

- **Al Seeb Club (Oman)**: A competitive side with a strong domestic presence.

- **Al Ansar FC (Lebanon)**: Known for their rich history, boasting 15 league titles and 16 cup wins.

- **Kuwait SC (Kuwait)**: A formidable team with an impressive record of 20 league titles and 16 Kuwait Cups.

These matches will be played in a single round-robin format at a centralized venue, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The Kings’ campaign begins on October 25, 2025, against Al Seeb Club, followed by fixtures against Al Ansar FC on October 28, 2025, and Kuwait SC on October 31, 2025. This lineup presents a balanced mix of experience and challenge, offering Bashundhara Kings a platform to showcase their skills against some of the region’s finest clubs.

#### Preparation and Expectations

With the group stage draw now complete, Bashundhara Kings are intensifying their preparations. Head coach Mahabub Hossain has expressed optimism about improving on the team’s performance from the previous season, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and player fitness. The squad, featuring a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, is expected to leverage their domestic success—having won the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) multiple times—to compete effectively in this international arena.

The team’s recent 2-0 pre-season victories against Abahani Limited Dhaka and Bangladesh Police FC on August 6 and 23, 2025, respectively, signal a positive momentum heading into the competition. Additionally, the club’s investment in foreign talent, such as Emmanuel Sunday, who proved instrumental in the preliminary stage, underscores their commitment to building a competitive roster.

#### Significance for Bangladeshi Football

The AFC Challenge League 2025-26 represents a golden opportunity for Bashundhara Kings to elevate the profile of Bangladeshi football. As one of the few clubs from the country to compete at this level, their participation is a source of national pride and a chance to gain valuable experience against top Asian teams. The club’s mission to empower youth and promote sports development aligns with this international exposure, inspiring a new generation of footballers in Bangladesh.

#### Looking Ahead

As of 07:52 PM +06 on August 28, 2025, the excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. The group stage matches, set to commence in late October, will test the Kings’ resilience and tactical acumen. With the support of their passionate fanbase and the resources of the Bashundhara Group, the team is poised to make a strong impression. Whether they advance to the knockout stage or not, their participation in the AFC Challenge League 2025-26 is a bold step forward, promising thrilling football and a brighter future for the sport in Bangladesh.