We have great belief, says Shoma Doi

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

We have great belief, says Shoma Doi

Kashima: Midfielder Shoma Doi believes Kashima Antlers' triumph over adversity has helped the team overcome tough situations on the field ahead of Saturday's 2018 AFC Champions League final first leg against Islamic Republic of Iran's Persepolis.

Coming back from two goals down in a semi-final is an impressive feat in itself, but doing so twice over two legs, as Japan's Kashima did against Korea Republic's Suwon Samsung Bluewings, requires an impressive degree of mental resilience and self-belief - a quality needed at the highest level of the Continental game.

And, indeed, it is this quality that Japan international Doi insists has helped a battle-hardened Kashima side reach their maiden AFC Champions League final.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/yuma_suzuki-kashima.html

2018 Final – Ones To Watch: Kashima Antlers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2018 Final – Ones To Watch: Kashima Antlers

Kuala Lumpur: On Saturday, Japan's Kashima Antlers will look to take a giant step towards becoming just the third team from the J.League to lift the AFC Champions League when they host IR Iran's Persepolis in the first leg of the final.

Ahead of the first of two meetings between the best clubs in the East and West of the continent, the-AFC.com kicks off our build-up to the final with a look at some of the key Kashima players, who could be the ones to watch at Kashima Soccer Stadium on November 3.

Serginho hails teammates' efforts

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Serginho hails teammates' efforts

Suwon: Serginho was again the hero for Kashima Antlers as the Japanese side progressed to a maiden AFC Champions League final on Wednesday, and the Brazilian credited a mid-game huddle as the key to his side’s stunning recovery in their semi-final second leg against Suwon Samsung Bluewings on Wednesday.

Kashima took a 1-0 lead on the night to leave them 4-2 ahead on aggregate, but after conceding three goals in nine second half minutes it looked as though they were heading for a dramatic exit from the competition.

The 23-year-old revealed that the players staged a get-together after falling behind though, stressing the need to keep their heads and not let Suwon’s growing momentum knock them off course.

“We were all saying that we needed to calm down and regain our composure,” he said of the exchange. “We knew if we could pull level (on aggregate) then we’d be back in with a chance, and I’m delighted we were able to do that.”

Analysis: Slick Serginho steers Antlers into final  

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Analysis: Slick Serginho steers Antlers into final  

Suwon: Kashima Antlers progressed to their first ever AFC Champions League final in sensational style on Wednesday, drawing an incredible semi-final second leg against Korea Republic’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings 3-3 to go through 6-5 on aggregate.

The match swung one way then the other and then back again, before Serginho struck late on to send the Japanese side into their maiden continental showpiece.

2018 Final – Ones To Watch: Persepolis

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2018 Final – Ones To Watch: Persepolis

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran giants Persepolis are set to make history on Saturday when they take to the field in the first leg of their first-ever AFC Champions League final against Japan's Kashima Antlers.

Ahead of the first of two meetings between the best clubs in the East and West of the continent, the-AFC.com kicks off our build-up to the final with a look at some of the key Persepolis players, who could be the ones to watch at Kashima Soccer Stadium on November 3.

Semi-finals, Second Leg: What They Said

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Semi-finals, Second Leg: What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: With the 2018 AFC Champions League semi-finals concluding this week across Asia, the-AFC.com looks back at the reactions of the key players involved in the exciting second leg ties. 

We know that if we lose in the final then this has no meaning, but I firmly believe that if we come together and give everything we have again then we can go all the way and become champions.

Kashima Antlers Brazilian star Serginho has eyes on the prize after their dramatic 6-5 aggregate victory over Suwon Samsung Bluewings following a 3-3 draw in Korea Republic.

ACL 2018 Allianz Goal of the Week: Siamak Nemati (Persepolis)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL 2018 Allianz Goal of the Week: Siamak Nemati (Persepolis)

Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com has announced that Persepolis' Siamak Nemati is the winner of this week’s Goal of the Week presented by Allianz for the 2018 AFC Champions League semi-finals, after garnering over 100,000 votes.