Al-Arabi player is tackled by an opponent.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 15: Al Arabi is set to kick off its campaign in the 2024-2025 AFC Challenge Cup group stage on October 26, facing Abdish Atta of Kyrgyzstan in its opening match of Group Two. The team will then play Maziya Sports from the Maldives on October 29 and wrap up the group stage with a match against Arkadag from Turkmenistan on November 1. Following a disappointing early exit in the last edition of the AFC Cup, where Al Arabi managed two wins, two draws, and two losses, the team is determined to compete strongly for the championship this season.

The group stage will feature a single-round-robin format hosted in a single country. The top team from each of the three groups in the West region will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the best second-place team. Similarly, the top two teams from each group in the East region will also qualify for the quarter-finals. The quarter-finals are scheduled to be played over two legs from March 5 to 13, 2025, with the semi-finals set for April 9 to 17, 2025. The final will take place on May 10, 2025. This inaugural edition of the third-tier club competition will see 18 clubs vying for the title, showcasing the talent from various aspiring leagues across the continent.

By Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff