The draw for the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge League for the 2025/26 season took place in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), which determined the rivals of Tajik Regar–TadAZ.
The club from Tursunzade is in Group C, where it will face Muras United (Kyrgyzstan), Safa (Lebanon) and Al Arabi (Kuwait). According to the calendar, the group matches will be held on October 25, 28 and 31 in Kyrgyzstan. All group stage games will be played in a centralized format, which will create equal conditions for the teams and minimize flights.
The composition of the AFC Challenge League groups–2025/26
Group A (matches in Bhutan): Altyn Asyr (Turkmenistan), Abdysh Ata (Kyrgyzstan), Paro (Bhutan, hosts), Al–Shabab (Oman).
Group B (matches in Kuwait): Kuwait (Kuwait, hosts), Al–Sib (Oman), Al–Ansar (Lebanon), Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh).
Group C (matches in Kyrgyzstan): Regar–TadAZ (Tajikistan), Muras United (Kyrgyzstan, hosts), Safa (Lebanon), Al–Arabi (Kuwait).
Group D (matches in the Eastern Zone) and
Group E are formed for Southeast Asian clubs.
A total of 20 teams will participate in the tournament, divided into 5 geographical groups – the Western Zone (groups A, B, C) and the Eastern Zone (groups D, E).
In the group stage, the teams will play one match against each other. The winners of the groups will advance to the playoffs, as well as the second–place team with the best performance among all zones. This format makes the fight as intense as possible: every mistake can cost you access to the next stage.
Serious financial motivation
The AFC Challenge League is not only an opportunity for clubs from developing football countries to establish themselves at the continental level, but also a chance to earn prizes:
– participation in the group stage – $100,000;
– reaching the quarterfinals – $80,000;
– semi–final – $120,000;
– final – $500,000;
– the winner of the tournament is $1,000,000.
Such sums are a serious incentive for Tajik clubs. Even participation in the group stage guarantees Regar–TadAZ a stable financial bonus, which can be used to develop infrastructure and strengthen the squad.
Who's the favorite?
For Regar–TadAZ, participation in the Challenge League is a chance to return to the continental arena after a long break. The team plans to actively prepare for the matches in Kyrgyzstan, where they will face strong opponents.
The coaching staff will pay special attention to meetings with Safa and Al–Arabi, who are considered favorites of the group due to their experience of playing in international tournaments. However, Muras United, as the owner of the location, also poses a serious threat: the home field factor and the support of local fans can play a decisive role.
Regar–TadAZ's key task will be to fight for the first place in the group, which guarantees entry into the playoffs. However, even the second place can keep the chances of continuing the path if the results of other groups turn out to be favorable.
