AFC Women's Champions League
Kusunose’s Tokyo Verdy hold the advantage, having beaten their opponents in the group stage this season but Ri believes his side have improved tremendously since that meeting last November.
An added incentive the sides is victory will mean representing Asia in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027.
An added incentive the sides is victory will mean representing Asia in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027.
Yet to concede a goal in competition, the 62-year-old Kusunose, while anticipating a tougher tie than their previous encounter, is looking to lift the coveted trophy by displaying the DNA of Tokyo Verdy.
“We believe that we are here to be champions of Asia,” said Kusunoe. “We are here to do our best to win and tomorrow we are prepared to take that challenge."
“We believe that we are here to be champions of Asia,” said Kusunoe. “We are here to do our best to win and tomorrow we are prepared to take that challenge."
#AWCL - Preview: Final
“There have been changes in the squad and I believe we are even more powerful and are a highly skilled team. We know it won’t be as easy as it was in the group stage but if we can show our game, we can be confident of winning this match.
“Winning the final this year will be very important for Beleza, but more than that, it’s incredibly important for Japan football as well as the WE League.”
“Winning the final this year will be very important for Beleza, but more than that, it’s incredibly important for Japan football as well as the WE League.”
#AWCL - The Trophy
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Ri said that irrespective of what happens at Suwon Sports Complex, his team will be better for it because of the experience.
“The preparations are done, it has been a long journey to reach the final,” said Ri. “The aim of both our teams is to be the winner.
“The match can go either way but in the long run, we will have teachings and experience gained from this match, which will be helpful to the team. Just as the same as the semi-final, we will try to show our best game.”
“The preparations are done, it has been a long journey to reach the final,” said Ri. “The aim of both our teams is to be the winner.
“The match can go either way but in the long run, we will have teachings and experience gained from this match, which will be helpful to the team. Just as the same as the semi-final, we will try to show our best game.”
Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN) v Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK)
Venue: Suwon Sports Complex (Suwon)
Kick-off: Saturday, 14:00 (UTC+9)
Venue: Suwon Sports Complex (Suwon)
Kick-off: Saturday, 14:00 (UTC+9)
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