#ACLElite - Semi-finals: Facts & Figures

Thu, 01 May, 2025

#ACLElite - Semi-finals: Facts & Figures

Jeddah: The semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 more than lived up to expectations with both last four ties proving to be spectacular affairs.

As Al Ahli Saudi FC and Kawasaki Frontale prepare for Saturday's title decider at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the-AFC.com takes a look at some facts and figures that caught the eye.

Youngster Ozeki lives up to expectations

Thu, 01 May, 2025

Youngster Ozeki lives up to expectations

Jeddah: Yuto Ozeki had a night to remember at the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 after he helped Kawasaki Frontale defeat Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club 3-2 to take their place in Saturday’s final against Al Ahli Saudi FC.

Ozeki was one of Japan’s stars at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 and has now taken his game to the next level with his performances in Asia’s elite club competition.

The 20-year-old and fellow midfielders Yuki Yamamoto and Kento Tachibanada were tasked with keeping Marcelo Brozovic in check and they limited the Croatian to just 64 successful passes in the game, the fourth lowest the Al Nassr man has managed this campaign.

Hasebe hails Frontale’s fortitude

Thu, 01 May, 2025

Hasebe hails Frontale’s fortitude

Jeddah: Shigetoshi Hasebe praised Kawasaki Frontale’s fortitude after the Japanese side clinched a 3-2 victory against Al Nassr Club to reach the final of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Wednesday.

Goals from Tatsuya Ito, Yuto Ozeki and Akihiro Ienaga sealed the win for the Japanese side, who held off a late Al Nassr fightback to make the final at the sixth time of trying, having not advanced past the quarter-finals previously. 

Mistakes cost us, says Al Nassr’s Pioli

Thu, 01 May, 2025

Mistakes cost us, says Al Nassr’s Pioli

Jeddah: Stefano Pioli admitted his side paid a heavy price for their mistakes after Al Nassr Club crashed out of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Wednesday.

Al Nassr went into their semi-final as the favourites but instead suffered a 3-2 defeat to Kawasaki Frontale, with the Japanese side advancing to the final for the first time in six attempts. 

Defeat for Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr meant elimination at the last four stage for the third time since 2020.

Frontale’s Ito eyeing perfect homecoming

Thu, 01 May, 2025

Frontale’s Ito eyeing perfect homecoming

Jeddah: Scoring a breathtaking volley and playing a key role in the second goal earned Tatsuya Ito the player of the match award in Kawasaki Frontale’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Al Nassr Club in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Wednesday.

The win took Frontale into their first final and for Ito, who returned to the J.League this season for the first time in his senior career, the match carried extra meaning.

Toney calls for calm as Al Ahli eye maiden title

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

Toney calls for calm as Al Ahli eye maiden title

Jeddah: Ivan Toney has promised Al Ahli Saudi FC will do all they can to lift the trophy after they cruised into the final of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 with a 3-1 win against Al Hilal SFC on Tuesday.

In a thoroughly dominant semi-final performance, Roberto Firmino and Toney struck in the first half, with Feras Al Brikan adding their third in second half stoppage tile after Salem Al Dawsari had pulled one back for Al Hilal. 

The impressive win took Al Ahli into their third continental final, having had to settle for runners-up finishes in 1985/86 and 2012, with the English forward assuring that that the Jeddah-based club will do their to finally lay their hands on the trophy on Saturday. 

‘Perfect’ Al Ahli delight Jaissle

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

‘Perfect’ Al Ahli delight Jaissle

Jeddah: Matthias Jaissle paid tribute to his Al Ahli Saudi FC side after they stuck to the game plan to defeat Al Hilal SFC 3-1 to book their place in the final of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Tuesday.

The head coach also applauded the fans, saying they played a huge role in the impressive semi-final result at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Jesus accepts Al Hilal were second best

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

Jesus accepts Al Hilal were second best

Jeddah: Jorge Jesus was a picture of dejection after his Al Hilal SFC side were knocked out of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 by Al Ahli Saudi FC on Tuesday.

The 3-1 semi-final defeat was a bitter pill for the head coach to swallow who, however, admitted his team were second best at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium with Al Hilal suffering a last four stage exit for the second successive season.

Contenders poised to shine at #WACFutsal2025

Tue, 20 May, 2025

Contenders poised to shine at #WACFutsal2025

Hohhot: The quest for glory in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 kicks off on Tuesday, May 6 as the highly anticipated competition returns for a third edition.

Seven years after the previous tournament in 2018, 12 contenders will assemble in Hohhot to vie for the crown. The eventual top three teams will claim the three available berths at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, to be hosted by the Philippines – who have automatically qualified – in November.