AFC Champions League Elite - Fujio confident success awaits Machida

Jeddah: Shota Fujio has full confidence that FC Machida Zelvia have what it takes to go all the way in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ final on Saturday.

The tournament debutants are on a fairytale run but standing in their way are defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC but Fujio is unconcerned, saying the Japanese side’s clean sheets in the knockout stage against Gangwon FC, Al Ittihad Club and Shabab Al Ahli has given them belief.

“In the quarters and semis, we haven’t conceded a single goal,” said Fujio. “So that gives us a lot of confidence, if we can play how we normally can, I know we can succeed.

“In the final, if we do get to penalties, we will have had many practices and experiences from the league. We are very confident that we can win, no matter the conditions.”

The 24-year-old forward has already tasted continental glory once, winning the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ with Japan and he believes Machida can be the first team from his nation to win the biggest club prize in Asia since Urawa Red Diamonds in 2022.

Fujio played a major part in Machida winning the 2025 Emperor’s Cup, scoring twice in the 3-1 triumph over Vissel Kobe in the final - the only major trophy the club has ever won - and he is adamant they will add the continental title to their cabinet at star-studded Al Ahli Saudi’s expense.

“They (Al Ahli Saudi) are players that I watched growing up. Whilst I have a lot of respect for them, we are only looking to win because we want to create our own future.

“We are not here to participate, we are here to win. We know we have the chance and we want to return to Japan as champions of Asia.”

Fujio confident success awaits Machida

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