JEDDAH — Kawasaki Frontale shattered the West Asian stronghold at the AFC Champions League Elite 2025 Finals, edging Qatar’s Al Sadd 3-2 after extra time to claim the only semifinal spot for an East Asian side.
The Japanese club struck early in Jeddah, with Erison finishing a swift move in the 4th minute. Al Sadd responded quickly through Paulo Otavio, before Frontale reclaimed the lead when Marcinho expertly chipped Meeshal Barsham.
Despite Frontale’s chances to extend the margin, Al Sadd’s pressure told after the break, and Claudinho’s 71st-minute strike forced extra time. Yet it was Yasuto Wakizaka who delivered the decisive blow, firing home in the 98th minute after Yusuke Segawa’s interception and Shin Yamada’s clever assist.
Having fallen short at the quarterfinal stage in recent years, Frontale showed composure and resilience to finally break through. They now prepare to face Saudi powerhouse Al Nassr on Wednesday, with their East Asian pride on the line amid heavy West Asian dominance this season.
Semi-finals Al Hilal SFC (KSA) v Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Jeddah) Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:30 (UTC+3)
Al Nassr Club (KSA) v Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Jeddah) Kick-off: Wednesday, 19:30 (UTC+3)
Photo courtesy: The Asian Football Confederation.
Eleven groups drawn as 44 teams begin the road to Saudi Arabia 2026. Qualifiers kick off this September across Asia.