In the AFC Challenge League draw, Bashundhara Kings’ other opponent in Group B is Lebanese club Al-Ansar.
Bashundhara Kings have received a relatively smooth path in the West Region group stage of the AFC Challenge League. In the draw, the Bangladeshi club was placed in Group B alongside clubs from Oman, Kuwait, and Lebanon.
The draw took place on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the group stage, Kings will face Oman’s Al-Shabab, Kuwait’s Al-Kuwait, and Lebanon’s Al-Ansar. The group stage will run from October 25 to November 1.
Al-Shabab has never won the Omani league, finishing as runners-up twice. In contrast, Al-Kuwait has a far more decorated record, having been domestic league champions 20 times and winning the Kuwait Cup 16 times.
Al-Ansar, meanwhile, has won the Lebanese domestic league 15 times and holds 16 Lebanese Cup titles.
At home, Bashundhara Kings have claimed five league titles. However, their performance in the 2024-25 season was not remarkable, finishing third in the league table.
Last August, in the qualifiers for the main stage in Doha, Qatar, Kings defeated Al-Karamah 1-0 thanks to a goal from Emmanuel Sander. Following Abahani’s loss to Muras United in the same phase, Bashundhara Kings remain Bangladesh’s sole representative in the Challenge League.
