Kawasaki Frontale’s long-standing dream was once again unfulfilled. The team lost 2-0 to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in the Asian Elite League final, delaying their continental championship aspirations.

Wakizaka, who played the full 90 minutes and led his team, tearfully promised redemption: “Reaching the semifinals—something never before achieved in this club’s history—and advancing to the final was a great achievement, but I wanted to complete this journey with a championship.”

This was Kawasaki’s closest brush with Asian glory in their 11th continental campaign, yet they fell short again. Last season, they finished eighth in the J-League, missing qualification for next year’s competition. Wakizaka emphasized: “To return to this stage, we must become champions in Japan again. We are united in our goal to win the domestic league and return to this stage.”

Kawasaki conceded the first goal in the 35th minute and the second just seven minutes later. They dominated possession in the second half and repeatedly attacked the opponent’s goal but failed to register a single shot on target. Despite having one less day of rest than their rivals and fighting with all their might, they were outmatched by a star-studded Al-Ahli side featuring players like Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez.