Five-time Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings are set to represent the nation in the AFC Challenge League group stage in Kuwait, marking their sixth consecutive appearance in an AFC competition. The Kings will fly out on 21 October aboard a Bangladesh Biman flight, accompanied by players, coaching staff, and officials.
The club expressed gratitude to the national carrier for supporting their journey in what is being seen as another vital chapter for Bangladeshi club football.
Placed in Group B, Bashundhara Kings face a demanding challenge against some of Asia’s top sides. According to the official schedule, the Kings will open their campaign against Oman’s powerhouse Al Seeb on 25 October, followed by a clash with Lebanese giants Al Ansar FC on 28 October, both matches kicking off at 7:00 PM Bangladesh time. Their final group game will be against the hosts, Kuwait SC, one of the Gulf region’s most successful clubs, on 31 October at 10:00 PM Bangladesh time.
At a pre-departure press conference held at Kings Arena, head coach Mario Gómez expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation. “My players have worked extremely hard over the past few months. If they can perform to their potential, I believe something special can happen,” he said.
Team captain Topu Barman echoed his coach’s determination. “No matter how tough the opponents are, we’ll play every match to win,” he stated. The press event also featured team manager S.M. Wasimuzzaman, media manager Shihab Rahman, assistant coaches Mahbubur Rahman Roxy and Golam Jilani, goalkeeper coach Nuruzzaman Nayan, and the club’s local and foreign players.
Before departure, the Kings sought the nation’s prayers for success in Kuwait.
This season’s group stage marks a significant test for Bashundhara Kings, who failed to win a single match in last year’s edition in Bhutan. Under Argentine coach Gómez, the side is now focused on advancing beyond the group stage. Their qualification this time came through the playoff route, defeating Syrian club Al Karama 1–0 in Doha.
In contrast, Dhaka Abahani, the other Bangladeshi representative, fell short after a 0–2 loss to Kyrgyz side Muras United at home.
For Bashundhara Kings, who have become the country’s flag-bearers in Asian club football, this campaign in Kuwait offers both redemption and opportunity, a chance to prove that their domestic dominance can finally translate onto the continental stage.
