Riyad Mahrez has declared that Al Ahli will leave no stone unturned in their quest to lift a maiden Asian Champions League title when they face Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in Saturday’s final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The Saudi club, undefeated in this season’s competition, will be making only their second appearance in the final since losing to South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai in 2012. Mahrez, a UEFA Champions League winner with Manchester City in 2023, emphasized the significance of the occasion and promised a passionate display.
“We’re going to fight for everything, every minute, every second of the game, to lift the trophy,” Mahrez said during the pre-match press conference. “This is a trophy in another continent, and it’s just as important. It’s exciting and we all want to win it—not only for ourselves but for the club, the fans, and everyone who works behind the scenes.”
The Algerian international, who also won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, is the tournament’s assist leader with eight. A goal in the final would put him level atop the scoring charts with 10 goals.
Al Ahli will be buoyed by a strong home crowd in Jeddah, with fans hopeful that the likes of Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney, and Edouard Mendy can guide the team to continental glory. Midfielder Franck Kessie is also expected to play a key role in the Saudi side’s campaign.
Frontale Ready to Defy the Odds
Their opponents, Kawasaki Frontale, made headlines by eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr 3–2 in a thrilling semi-final, securing their first-ever appearance in an Asian Champions League final. The J1 League champions are only the fifth Japanese club to reach this stage.
Frontale manager Shigetoshi Hasebe, who earlier said his team could “surprise” Al Ahli, urged his players to give their all. “If we play at 95 percent, it won’t be enough,” Hasebe said. “All the players must give 100 percent and show their character.”
Al Ahli’s head coach Matthias Jaissle acknowledged the quality of the Japanese side but remained confident in his team’s preparedness. “We respect the opponent very much—they’ve beaten top teams and deserve to be here,” Jaissle stated. “But maybe we can surprise them as well.”
Frontale captain Yasuto Wakizaka echoed the importance of the final for the club’s future. “If we win against a club like Al Ahli, it would be massive. It could be a step toward becoming a more global team,” he said.
Kick-off is set for Saturday night in Jeddah, with history on the line for both sides. Al Ahli are seeking redemption after their 2012 final loss, while Kawasaki Frontale aim to become Japan’s latest continental champions.
