Paro FC Drawn Into Group of Titans – The Underdog Story Begins
The draw for the 2025–26 AFC Challenge League has placed Bhutan’s champions, Paro FC, in Group A—a battlefield filled with continental heavyweights.
The Mighty Foes Await
Altyn Asyr FC (Turkmenistan) – Seven-time domestic champions, hardened by years of experience in Asian competitions. Known for their disciplined structure and a squad built on consistency, they are regarded as one of the toughest sides in the region.
Al Shabab Club (Oman) – A historic Omani side, famed for their tactical brilliance and passionate fanbase. Al Shabab’s record at home and abroad has made them one of the most respected names in Gulf football.
FC Abdysh-Ata (Kyrgyzstan) – The reigning powerhouse of Central Asia, feared for their relentless attack and uncompromising style of play. Their rise in recent years has marked them as one of the most dangerous clubs in this competition.
To the wider football world, these are giants. To Paro FC, they are the mountains we must climb.
The Underdog Roars
Paro FC enters this group without the riches or long continental pedigree of our rivals. But we bring something far greater: belief and unity.
We carry the fire of captain Evans Asante, whose stoppage-time strike against Abu Muslim Farah FC secured Bhutan’s place on this stage. We carry the spirit of Nima Wangdi, Kinga Wangchuk, Tsheltrim Namgyel, and every Bhutanese player who fights with the heart of a nation. We carry the dream of the fans, who will transform the stands into a fortress and show Asia what Bhutanese football is made of.
Why This Group Matters
This is not just football. It is Bhutan standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Asia’s best. Every goal, every tackle, every chant will send a message: the underdog will not bow. The dragon is ready to roar against the storm.
Call to the Fans
Paro FC cannot do this alone. Your voices, your presence, and your support will be the strength behind every kick of the ball. Together, we can turn this campaign into a story that echoes across the continent.
The group stage begins this October. The challenge is mighty, but so is our spirit. The underdog story begins now.
#PrideOfParo #RiseOfTheDragon #AFCChallengeLeague
