{"id":31378,"date":"2026-04-24T03:03:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T03:03:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/24\/japans-machida-zelvia-to-face-ahly-in-asia-champions-league-elite-final\/"},"modified":"2026-04-24T03:03:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T03:03:31","slug":"japans-machida-zelvia-to-face-ahly-in-asia-champions-league-elite-final","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/24\/japans-machida-zelvia-to-face-ahly-in-asia-champions-league-elite-final\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan’s Machida Zelvia to face Ahly in Asia Champions League Elite final"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

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The AFC Champions League elite play-off stage, plagued by international disputes, low crowds and controversial refereeing decisions, concludes on Saturday with Japan’s Machida Zelbia taking on Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahly in the final.<\/p>\n

Machida appearing in rural areas soccer<\/span> First contest, Shabab Al Ahli with an edge<\/span> The United Arab Emirates won 1-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, which also hosted the final.<\/p>\n

Play was ruled to have restarted with a throw-in before Machida’s substitution had been completed, and video replays canceled out a stoppage-time equalizer by Shabab winger Guilherme, sparing the Japanese club a late heartbreak.<\/p>\n

Shabaab were furious and at the final whistle, referee Shaun Evans was taken away by police in the face of fierce protests from the players.<\/p>\n

Shabaab coach Paulo Sousa said: “There was a goal but it was canceled. It was a very technical mistake by the referee.” \u201cUnfortunately, this has reduced the football world to rubble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Only 395 fans attended the match, compared to the 44,717 who watched their local clubs play. Al Ahly defeats Japan’s Vissel Kobe<\/span> 2-1 in the other semifinal.<\/p>\n

postponement of war <\/h2>\n

A tournament was also held Chaos caused by America and Iran<\/span> war. Western Zone Round of 16 matches (the competition is divided geographically during the group stage) were postponed from March to April and reduced from two games to one.<\/p>\n

There were also questions about whether the East Asian team would travel to Saudi Arabia for the final tournament, but Machida, who had never won a J. League title, was 90 minutes away from winning his first major.<\/p>\n

Coach Go Kuroda said, “This is the first time Machida Zelvia is competing in Asia, but the players are performing very well.” “It’s going to be a great atmosphere, so we have to stay calm. We want to maintain a high level and not get too distracted by our opponents.”<\/p>\n

Al Ahly will have both crowd and star power on their side in front of an expected 60,000 fans. england striker Ivan Tony<\/span> He leads the Saudi Pro League in scoring with 27 and scored the winning goal against Vissel Kobe.<\/p>\n

The defending champions also feature former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and Brazilian Galeno.<\/p>\n

Al Ahly coach Mathias Jaisul said: “I’m really proud to have reached the final again. It’s special to win back-to-back titles and it’s a great honor and privilege.” “We want to do it again. Winning back-to-back titles is now a big goal and it’s already great to be here.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


\n
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