Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah State Football Association (SAFA) has announced that Likas Stadium will once again host the Group A Qualifying Round of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026 from Aug 17 to 23.
This year’s qualifying tournament will feature East Bengal FC of India, Sabah FA of Malaysia, Rovers FC of Guam and Rajshahi Stars FC of Bangladesh.
SAFA Secretary-General Shamsuddin Mohd Shah said on Wednesday that hosting the tournament for the second time, after first doing so in 2024, reaffirms Sabah’s capability to stage international football events.
“Being selected to host the tournament again is both an honour and a vote of confidence in SAFA and all parties involved in organising a successful international competition.
“We will provide our full cooperation to ensure that every aspect of the tournament, including the competition venue, logistics, security, and the needs of participating teams and match officials, receives our utmost attention,” he said.
Shamsuddin said the tournament would not only provide valuable international exposure for Sabah FA but also offer local football fans the opportunity to watch top-level Asian women’s football.
He also called on supporters to turn up in full force and rally behind Sabah FA throughout the competition.
Earlier, a preparatory meeting chaired by SAFA President Datuk Awang Kadin Tang was held to discuss arrangements for the tournament. The meeting was also attended by three officials from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).