JEDDAH – Kawasaki Frontale head coach Shigetoshi Hasebe remains resolute in his mission to challenge the Middle East’s rising football dominance, proudly flying the East Asian flag after his team secured a thrilling extra-time victory over Qatar’s Al-Sadd. This dramatic 3-2 win on Sunday earned them a historic place in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite.
With only one representative left from East Asia, Kawasaki Frontale now faces a high-stakes semi-final showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on Wednesday. This is uncharted territory for the Japanese club, making their deepest run yet in the prestigious continental competition.
“We knew it would be a very difficult match,” said Hasebe after the game. “But we had the belief and tactical discipline to push through. With three other East Asian teams eliminated, this was our last chance to rewrite the narrative—and we did.”
The coach emphasized that while Saudi teams boast world-class signings and significant resources, the Eastern clubs have their own strengths rooted in strategy, spirit, and cohesion. “It all depends on the day and the opponent. We’re not here just to participate—we’re here to compete. And now, we stand as the only remaining hope for East Asia.
A Match to Remember
Kawasaki wasted no time in making a statement. Just four minutes into the game, Brazilian striker Erison connected with a sharp cross from Akihiro Ienaga, expertly guiding a half-volley into the net past Al-Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham.
But Al-Sadd, Qatar’s top side, struck back almost immediately. Within five minutes, Paulo Otavio exchanged passes with Akram Afif—Asia’s reigning Player of the Year—and rifled a shot from a tight angle that slipped past Louis Yamaguchi at the near post.
Refusing to let the momentum slip, Kawasaki responded again before the 25-minute mark. Yuki Yamamoto lofted a precise ball over the defense to Marcinho, who beat the offside trap and calmly chipped over the advancing Barsham to reclaim the lead for the J-League contenders.
The scoreline stayed 2-1 until the 71st minute, when Al-Sadd’s Claudinho pounced on a dummy move from Hassan Al Haydos to fire in the equalizer and push the game into extra time.
Despite struggling to create clear chances in the second half, Kawasaki capitalized on a critical mistake in the 98th minute. A misjudged clearance by Al-Sadd substitute Guilherme allowed Frontale to regain control, and team captain Yasuto Wakizaka coolly slotted home the decisive goal that sent the Japanese side into the semi-finals.
A Battle Beyond the Field
The match wasn’t just a sporting contest—it symbolized the broader East vs. West narrative in Asian football. Saudi clubs, heavily invested with international stars and resources, have set a new benchmark. Yet Kawasaki Frontale is proving that tactical intelligence, team chemistry, and sheer willpower still have their place at the top of the game.
On Tuesday, two Saudi Pro League heavyweights—Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli—will clash for the other semi-final spot, having dispatched Buriram United of Thailand and South Korea’s Gwangju FC respectively. It highlights the intense grip Saudi teams now have on the tournament, making Kawasaki’s run even more remarkable.
As anticipation builds for their clash with Al-Nassr, Hasebe’s side carries the weight of a region on its shoulders. But if their performance against Al-Sadd is anything to go by, East Asia’s football spirit is far from extinguished.
