Benfica, the “four-time champion” in the Macau Elite League, competed in the AFC Cup for the third time. In both group matches, Benfica surprised their Macao's supporters. Finally, they won at home 3:2 in the first match against Taiwan Fu Jen University Hang Yuen Football Club and secured an unprecedented victory in the AFC Cup. In the second match, they competed as the visiting team against the Hwaebul Sports Team from North Korea. Benfica won again with a score of 3:2 and won two consecutive matches in total.

Benfica was stopped at the qualifier phase in the AFC Cup in the past two years. This is the first time that Benfica has entered the group matches directly and competed in the AFC Cup officially. Benfica, in Group I, competed against Fu Jen University Hang Yuen Football Club on 7 March. Although Benfica trailed by two goals in the first half, they remained persevered. After changing sides, Nikima shot a goal initially, then Fernández shot twice with a header and a kick. Finally, the team turned defeat into victory. A week later, Benfica, sustained morale and performance, challenged the Hwaebul Sports Team from Pyeongyang, North Korea. Benfica defeated the home team. Fernández repeated his success and Tadic also contributed. Together, they finally defeated the team by the narrow margin of 3:2.

The Team Manager, Duarte Alves, who was very satisfied with the team's performance, stated, “As we showed our persistence during the match, this night, our team provides the perfect setting for Macao football to open a new chapter. This victory enhances our confidence and ambition. In the following matches, I hope that we can obtain an extraordinary result”.