AFC President hails Kashima Antlers for historic achievement

Japan’s Kashima earned their place in the FIFA Club World Cup 2016 final after stunning South American champions Atletico Nacional 3-0 at the Suita City Football Stadium in Osaka, Japan, on Wednesday.

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa sent his congratulations saying: “Kashima Antlers’ outstanding performances at the FIFA Club World Cup, where they have defeated the champions of Oceania, Africa and South America, have certainly made Asia proud.

“Their achievement serves as a testament to our aspirations, under the banner of One Asia, One Goal, to ensure the success of Asian teams on the world’s biggest stages.”

Referring to the final against European Champions Real Madrid, the AFC President added: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I wish Kashima all the very best for their final match on Saturday and I hope their achievement will be just the first of many for Asian teams in this competition in the years to come. I am sure they will be full of confidence after their victory over Atletico Nacional.”

Kashima, who clinched a record eighth J.League title when they beat Urawa Reds in the final a fortnight ago, opened their campaign with an impressive 2-1 comeback win over New Zealand’s Auckland City before defeating Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa 2-0 in the second round of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016.

In an action-packed contest on Wednesday, Shoma Doi converted a penalty on 33 minutes, before Yasushi Endo and Yuma Suzuki bagged two late second-half goals to set up an eagerly-anticipated final against Real Madrid at the International Stadium Yokohama on Saturday, December 18 at 7.30pm (local time).

Earlier in the day, newly-crowned AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 to claim fifth place.

Photo: FIFA/Getty Images