Fortis FC finished their AFC Challenge League 2026–27 campaign on a positive note after coming from behind to defeat Tajikistan’s FC Regar-TadAZ 3–1 in their final Group C match in Kuwait on Friday, October 23.
The Bangladeshi club overturned an early deficit to secure their first victory in the group stage. However, the result came too late to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive, as Fortis had already suffered defeats against Kuwait’s Qadsia SC and India’s FC Goa.
Fortis Respond After Early Setback
Regar-TadAZ took the lead in the 12th minute when Sherzod Makhamadiev finished a move created by Ndongo Foe. The Tajik side appeared to have gained early control, but the match changed significantly five minutes later.
Regar-TadAZ goalkeeper Severin Takam was sent off after bringing down Fortis forward Noriki Akada outside the penalty area. The dismissal left the Tajik team with 10 players for most of the contest and gave Fortis an opportunity to build pressure.
Fortis pushed forward in search of an equaliser but struggled to convert their chances before the interval. Pa Omar Babou and Akada were involved in attacking moves as the Bangladesh side attempted to take advantage of their numerical superiority.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 67th minute. After goalkeeper Shakhobiddin Makhmudzoda saved an effort from Shuki, the ball fell into Pa Omar’s path. He then set up Rafayel Tudu, who finished with a backheel to bring Fortis level.
Two More Goals Seal the Victory
Fortis completed the turnaround just four minutes later.
Ananta Tamang headed Mohammad Ibrahim’s cross into the path of Shian Kawasaki, who struck a powerful volley past Makhmudzoda to put the Bangladeshi side ahead.
The team continued to press for a more comfortable advantage, and their persistence paid off in the 88th minute. Pa Omar created another opportunity for Shuki Itofusa, who curled a side-footed finish into the net to make it 3–1.
The three goals gave Fortis a deserved victory after recovering from their early setback and making effective use of their numerical advantage.
A Positive Finish, but No Quarter-Final Place
Fortis entered the final match following defeats against Qadsia SC and FC Goa. They lost 3–0 to the Kuwaiti club in their opening fixture before suffering a narrow 2–1 defeat against FC Goa, despite Rafayel Tudu scoring a late equaliser in the second match.
The victory over Regar-TadAZ allowed Fortis to finish their continental campaign with three points from three Group C matches. Regar-TadAZ also ended with three points, with both sides eliminated from the competition.
For Fortis, the final result offered a measure of encouragement after a difficult start to the group stage. The comeback demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure, although their earlier defeats ultimately proved decisive.
The club will now turn its attention back to domestic football in Bangladesh, taking the experience of its continental campaign into the next phase of the season.
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