Asian Challenge League football draw places Kuwaiti Al-Arabi and Al-Qadsiah in Groups 2 and 3

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 20 (KUNA) -- The draw for the AFC Challenge League, held today in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, placed Kuwaiti clubs Al-Arabi and Al-Qadsiya in Groups 2 and 3, respectively. According to the draw results, Group 2 includes Al-Arabi alongside Tajikistan’s Istiklol (which will host its matches), Lebanon’s Al-Najma, and Syria’s Al-Hurriya Homs. Group 3, hosted by Al-Qadsiya, comprises India’s Goa, Bangladesh’s Fortis, and Tajikistan’s Regar-TadAZ. The tournament’s five groups are divided into three for the West Asia region and two for the East, with group-stage matches to be played in a centralized format from October 17 to 24 next year. The Western teams will compete for three direct spots in the quarterfinals, with one berth awarded to each group winner, while the best runner-up among the three West Asia groups will claim the fourth spot. (End) S.A.D./M.S.A.