Afc Challenge Cup

The AFC Challenge Cup: A Gateway to Continental Glory

Introduction

The AFC Challenge League is a highly anticipated tournament that provides a pathway for aspiring football clubs across Asia to compete on a continental stage. The 2024/25 edition marks the eleventh installment of the competition, and 18 teams will vie for glory and a chance to elevate their footballing status.

History and Format

The AFC Challenge Cup was inaugurated in 2006 as a biennial tournament for emerging football nations in Asia. The competition aimed to foster development and provide opportunities for teams to showcase their talent. In 2014, the format was revised, and the tournament evolved into the AFC Challenge League, operating as a league-style competition.

The current format consists of three groups of six teams, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The final two teams compete for the AFC Challenge League title, while the third-place teams face off in a consolation match.

Participating Teams

The 18 participating teams represent a diverse range of Asian footballing nations, including:

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Brunei
Chinese Taipei
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Laos
Macau
Malaysia
Mongolia
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Palestine
Philippines
Sri Lanka
Yemen

Road to Glory

The competition begins with the group stage, where teams battle for supremacy within their respective groups. The top two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals, while the bottom two teams are eliminated. The semi-finals and final are single-elimination matches, with the winners advancing to the next round.

The champion of the 2024/25 AFC Challenge League will be crowned the continental champion and will earn a spot in the 2026 AFC Asian Cup, the pinnacle of Asian football.

Past Winners

Since its inception in 2006, the AFC Challenge Cup has crowned several deserving champions, including:

Tajikistan (2006)
India (2008)
North Korea (2010)
Turkmenistan (2012)
Palestine (2014)
Kyrgyzstan (2018)