The AFC Cup is a continental competition played in Asia between the teams that do not receive direct qualifying places in the AFC Champions League. The tournament began in 2004 as a second-tier competition to the AFC Champions League.
The basic distinction between qualifying for the AFC Cup and the AFC Champions League is determined by the level of football played within the country. For example, countries with strong football leagues like Japan, South Korea and Qatar have had little to no participation in the AFC Cup history.
On the contrary, nations with lesser football strength compete in the AFC Cup.
During the first five years of the AFC Cup, the winners were decided through a two-legged final. The first edition saw two Syrian sides in Al-Wahda and Al-Jaish going head to head for the title, with the latter coming out victorious on away goals.
Over the years, only two teams, Al-Kuwait SC and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya have won the title on three occasions. In terms of performance by nations, clubs from Kuwait have won four titles, making them the most successful country in the competition’s history.
Teams from Iraq and Jordan have won the honour on three occasions, while clubs from Syria and Bahrain have done it twice.
How do Indian teams qualify for the AFC Cup?
There are only two qualifying places for an Indian team to play in the AFC Cup. First, the winner of the I-League gets a direct entry to the AFC Cup group stage. Second, the winner of the Indian Super League is given the opportunity to first play the AFC qualifying playoff rounds before entering the competition.
How have Indian teams fared in the AFC Cup?
Over the years, only two Indian teams have managed to go beyond the round of 16 of the AFC Cup. During the inaugural edition in 2004, East Bengal defied odds to reach the quarter-finals where they were defeated by eventual finalists Al-Jaish.
In 2016, Bengaluru FC created history by becoming the first Indian team to reach the final of the AFC Cup. Up against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya of Iraq, the team lost 1-0 in the final.
AFC Cup winners list
| Year | Winners | Score | Runners-up |
| 2004 | Al-Jaish | 3-3 on aggregate (won on away goals) | Al-Wahda |
| 2005 | Al-Faisaly | 4-2 on aggregate | Nejmeh |
| 2006 | Al-Faisaly | 5-4 on aggregate | Al-Muharraq |
| 2007 | Shabab Al-Ordon | 2-1 on aggregate | Al-Faisaly |
| 2008 | Al-Muharraq | 10-5 on aggregate | Safa |
| 2009 | Al-Kuwait | 2-1 | Al-Karamah |
| 2010 | Al-Ittihad | 1-1 4-2 (penalties) |
Al-Qadsia |
| 2011 | FC Nasaf | 2-1 | Al-Kuwait |
| 2012 | Al-Kuwait | 4-0 | Erbil |
| 2013 | Al-Kuwait | 2-0 | Al-Qadsia |
| 2014 | Al-Qadsia | 0-0 4-2 (penalties) |
Erbil |
| 2015 | Johor Darul Ta'zim | 1–0 | Istiklol |
| 2016 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | 1–0 | Bengaluru FC |
| 2017 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | 1–0 | Istiklol |
| 2018 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | 2-0 | Altyn Asyr |
| 2019 | Al-Ahed | 1–0 | April 25 |
| 2021 | Al-Muharraq | 3-0 | FC Nasaf |
Featured photo: AFP / Mohd Rasfan
