Kings crash out of AFC Challenge League

Bashundhara Kings have been eliminated from the AFC Challenge League following their second consecutive defeat, a 3–0 loss to Lebanon's Al Ansar FC in Group B on Tuesday.

Both sides had lost their opening fixtures, but Al Ansar returned to winning ways with goals from Aboubakar Akuki, Hichem Khalfallah and Hebous, while the Kings' campaign came to an end with two defeats from two matches.

The Kings started brightly and could have gone ahead in the second minute when Brazilian forward Dorielton Gomez's low shot was saved by goalkeeper Nazih Assad. Moments later, Raphael Augusto's effort from distance sailed over the bar. Al Ansar gradually took control and opened the scoring in the 43rd minute as Akuki headed home from Mohammad's set-piece.

Although Kings goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon saved a second-half penalty, another spot-kick in the 73rd minute was converted by Khalfallah to make it 2–0. Hebous sealed the victory in stoppage time with a composed finish past Srabon.

The Bangladeshi side will face hosts Kuwait SC in their final group match, while Al Ansar take on Oman's Al Seeb.