Altyn asyr FC made a strong bid for a place in the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League™ 2025/26 by earning their second consecutive victory in Asia’s third-tier club tournament.

After their 1–0 victory over Kyrgyz FC Abdysh-Ata in the first round, Yazguly Hojageldiyev’s team defeated Bhutanese Paro FC 3–1 and, with six points, topped Group A. The battle for playoff spots is taking place in the Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, where four teams – including Oman’s Al Shabab Club – are competing.

Altyn Asyr’s Rahman Myratberdiyev opened the score in the 9th minute. Just six minutes later, Paro equalized through Riku Ichimura. However, Myratberdiyev scored a brace in the 37th minute, giving the Turkmen team the lead again. Resul Rovshenmyradov sealed the match's victory with a stunning long-range strike in the 73rd minute, making the final score 3-1.

In the other Group A match, Al-Shabab Club of Oman came from behind to beat Kyrgyz FC Abdysh-Ata 2–1 after trailing 0–1. Following that victory, the Omani team also reached six points but trails Altyn Asyr on goal difference.

It should be noted that 20 clubs are competing for the AFC Challenge League 2025/26 trophy. They are divided geographically into two zones — West and East. Matches in the five groups are played in a centralized format, with each team facing its group opponents once.

At the end of the group stage, eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals: three group winners and the best runner-up from the West Zone, and two best teams from each group in the East Zone.

Playoff matches will be played on a home-and-away basis. Quarterfinal matches are scheduled for March 2026, semifinals for April 2026, and the final is set for May 9, 2026.