Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Kawasaki Frontale don make history as dem knock out Al Nassr for Asian Cup semifinals with 3-2 victory on May 2, 2025. Dis win don put dem for the finals for the first time for the club’s history.
Kawasaki coach Shigetoshi Hasebe gloat after dem send Ronaldo-led Al Nassr packing, e talk say dem no need plenty money to compete. E stress say, “The budget is a very important factor, but the players are not playing with their wallets or their credit cards. The players play football on the pitch.”
Hasebe sabi say Kawasaki wage bill no reach Al Nassr level, yet dem still manage perform well. “Football is played on the pitch,” e conclude, as dem ready face Al-Ahli, the next opponents wey get $200 million value and star players like Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney, and Roberto Firmino.
Even as dem prepare for final wey go happen for Jeddah, Hasebe remain calm, saying dem no go dey totally alone for dis match. About 300 loyal fans don travel 16 hours from Japan, with more expected to join. Hasebe believe say, “I don’t think all the Saudi people are supporting Al-Ahli,” as e hint say rival fans from Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr fit join dem.
Kawasaki dey enter dis final with high morale and no injury worries. “We dey hope to make history for Saudi Arabia,” Hasebe talk, as e put faith in im players.
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