Maziya Set for AFC Challenge League Clash Against Regar-TadAZ

Sports

Dhivehi Premier League champions Maziya Sports and Recreation are preparing for another important Asian challenge as they face Tajikistan Cup champions Regar-TadAZ in the preliminary stage of the AFC Challenge League.

The match was originally scheduled for Tuesday evening but was postponed to Wednesday after flight delays affected the visiting Regar-TadAZ side.

The 2026–27 AFC Challenge League marks the third season of Asia’s third-tier club competition under its current name. Regar-TadAZ arrive with a strong continental pedigree, having won the competition back-to-back in 2008 and 2009, when it was known as the AFC President’s Cup.

For Maziya, the match represents another opportunity to make an impact on the Asian stage. The Green Boys have won the DPL for the past three seasons, making this their third appearance in the AFC Challenge League.

Maziya have faced difficulties in previous campaigns. During the 2024–25 season, when the Maldivian domestic league was halted, they suffered defeats against Turkmenistan's FC Arkadag and Kuwait's Al Arabi SC.

Maziya also competed in last season's preliminary stage but were eliminated by Al Arabi, who defeated the Maldivian champions at the Galolhu National Stadium.

However, this campaign offers Maziya a different opportunity. The match against Regar-TadAZ will be their first AFC Challenge League appearance following a completed and active domestic season, giving the DPL champions valuable competitive preparation.

The SAFF region will also have representation in the competition through clubs from Bangladesh and Bhutan. Bangladesh had been allocated two slots, although DPL champions Bashundhara Kings and runners-up Dhaka Abahani are unable to participate due to an AFC ban. Two other Bangladeshi clubs will instead compete in the preliminary stage.

Bhutan Premier League champions Paro FC will also represent the SAFF region in the preliminary round alongside Maziya.

With continental experience on one side and the momentum of a successful domestic campaign on the other, Maziya will be hoping to turn their latest AFC Challenge League opportunity into a memorable one.