Al-Ahli Aleppo advances to AFC Challenge League quarterfinals

Syrian football clubs Al-Ahli Aleppo and Homs Al-Fida have both secured places in the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League. Al-Ahli Aleppo advanced after a 2-1 victory against Bhutanese side Paro, securing their spot as the best second-placed team with six points.

In the upcoming quarterfinal stage, Al-Ahli Aleppo is scheduled to face Homs Al-Fida in a two-legged tie, with the first leg on March 3 and the return leg on March 7. The other quarterfinal matchup features Kuwaiti club Al-Qadsia against Lebanon's Al-Ansar.

Homs Al-Fida entered the knockout stage after winning all matches in Group A, including victories over Al-Arabi (Kuwait), Al-Najmeh (Lebanon), and Istiklol (Tajikistan). Syrian Football Association General Secretary Mohammad Fadi Al-Rabat indicated that efforts are underway to seek an exception to allow these matches to be played within Syria, despite current restrictions on using local stadiums.