East Asia’s continental dominance coming to an end, says Hawsawi

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia’s continental dominance coming to an end, says Hawsawi

Riyadh: Al Hilal captain Osama Hawsawi has said he believes East Asia’s stranglehold in the AFC Champions League is set to end ahead of Saturday’s first leg of the final against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.

Since the inaugural 2002-03 tournament, clubs from the East have been crowned Asian champions 10 times while those from the West have claimed four continental titles, with the last of the latter coming in 2011 when Qatar’s Al Sadd defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of Korea Republic.

Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia defender Hawsawi feels the continental showpiece is a fitting stage to see the tables turned.

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