US EditionFormer teacher Kuroda eyes Asian Champions League success with Machida ...
- On Saturday, Japan's Machida Zelvia faces Saudi Arabia's defending champions Al Ahli in the Asian Champions League Elite final in Jeddah, seeking their first major trophy.
- Led by former high-school coach Go Kuroda since 2023, Machida transformed from non-league football in 2013 to continental finalists by prioritizing solid defense and direct attacks.
- Al Ahli features England striker Ivan Toney and former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez before 60,000 fans, while Machida advanced via a 1-0 semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli marred by controversial refereeing.
- Machida pursued legal action in 2024 against over 1,000 daily abusive posts; journalist Kazuto Oshima noted the team now competes equally against top Saudi Arabia and UAE clubs despite prior style criticism.
- A victory would make Machida the seventh Japanese club to win the Asian championship, validating their humble origins. Oshima said, "for teams currently in non-league football, Machida have shown that if you keep working steadily, this kind of path exists.
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Beloit Daily NewsJapanese side Machida Zelvia faces Al-Ahli in Asian Champions League Elite final
A troubled AFC Champions League Elite playoff stage, beset by international conflict, low attendance and controversial refereeing decisions, concludes Saturday when Japan’s Machida Zelvia faces Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in the final. Machida, appearing in the regional soccer competition for the…
Associated Press News
Japanese side Machida Zelvia faces Ah-Ahli in Asian Champions League Elite final
A troubled AFC Champions League Elite playoff stage, beset by international conflict, low attendance and controversial refereeing decisions, concludes Saturday when Japan’s Machida Zelvia faces Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in the final.
Go Kuroda in 2022, after three decades as a coach of a high school team, switched to professional football and on Saturday (25/4) will claim the title of Asian champion with the unknown Machida Zelvia
Former teacher Kuroda eyes Asian Champions League success with Machida
JEDDAH, April 23 - After three decades as a high school teacher, Machida Zelvia coach Go Kuroda will try to crown a fairytale rise on Saturday when his side take on big-spending defending champions Al-Ahli in the final of the Asian Champions League Elite. Read more at straitstimes.com.
From Classroom to Championship: The Go Kuroda Soccer Story | Sports-Games
Go Kuroda, a former high school teacher, has led Machida Zelvia to the Asian Champions League Elite final. Initially hired in 2022, he transformed the Japan-based team into contenders, winning multiple titles. Kuroda's story underscores the seamless transition from high school to professional football management.
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