AFC Champions League Elite
Their respective sides FC Machida Zelvia and Shabab Al Ahli are two matches away from tasting glory and neither player wants their fairytale run to end at the last four stage.
Mochizuki, 24, had a brilliant introduction to the competition when he scored debutants Machida’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Korea Republic’s FC Seoul on Matchday One of the League Stage.
The defender is keen to help the Japanese side extend their stay beyond the semi-finals and is counting on a solid team ethic that will prevent Shabab from using the set-piece prowess they displayed in the quarter-final win against Thailand’s Buriram United.
The defender is keen to help the Japanese side extend their stay beyond the semi-finals and is counting on a solid team ethic that will prevent Shabab from using the set-piece prowess they displayed in the quarter-final win against Thailand’s Buriram United.
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“Our aim is not just to participate, our aim is to win, that’s why we are here,” said Mochizuki. “We managed to proceed to the semi-finals and our opponents are a really high quality team but we know we can win if we can perform to our level.
“It’s not our aim to have a high scoring game. We would like to keep a clean sheet in the next game as well. We know the opponents are good from set-pieces so we will be concentrating on ensuring we don’t concede unnecessary corners or free-kicks.”
“It’s not our aim to have a high scoring game. We would like to keep a clean sheet in the next game as well. We know the opponents are good from set-pieces so we will be concentrating on ensuring we don’t concede unnecessary corners or free-kicks.”
#ACLElite - Preview: Semi-finals
Wins in the Round of 16 against Islamic Republic of Iran’s Tractor FC and edging Buriram in the quarter-finals have given Almeqbaali the confidence boost that Shabab are capable of going all the way.
The 22-year-old custodian has been a stellar performer in Shabab’s run to the semi-finals, having kept four clean sheets and is eyeing another in Tuesday’s clash.
The 22-year-old custodian has been a stellar performer in Shabab’s run to the semi-finals, having kept four clean sheets and is eyeing another in Tuesday’s clash.
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“We would not have been able to reach here without the determination of the players and the coach,” said Almeqbaali. “Psychological and mental preparations are very important. We have to adapt (with the scheduling). We have recovered well.
“We came to Jeddah with a clear goal and aim to go as far as we can. We have confidence in the coach and the coach in us. We are not going to stop here.”
“We came to Jeddah with a clear goal and aim to go as far as we can. We have confidence in the coach and the coach in us. We are not going to stop here.”
