Kawasaki eliminate Al Nassr to reach AFC Champions League Elite final

Kawasaki Frontale upset Al Nassr 3-2 in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite semifinals at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, advancing to the tournament's final for the first time in club history.

Kawasaki will face Al Ahli who knocked out Al Hila 3-1 on Tuesday. The two clubs will compete for what would be their first continental trophy on Saturday.

Kawasaki scored first in the 10th minute when the opponents' headed clearance was volleyed into the goal by Tatsuya Ito. Sadio Mane tied the score for Al Nassr 18 minutes later, breaking into the box from the left wing and firing in a powerful shot toward the goal. It was deflected by a defender and Kawasaki's goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi before flying into the net.

The Japanese club gained the lead again in the 41st minute. Al Nassr's Bento saved the initial shot by Ito, but Yuto Ozeki knocked in the follow-up.

Kawasaki extended their advantage to 3-1 in the 76th minute after Erison beat the defense from the left wing and found Akihiro Ienaga in front of an open goal with a low cross. Lenaga converted it with an easy tap in.

Though Ayman Yahya netted a great shot from distance to pull one back for Al Nassr in the 87th minute, it came too late for the Saudi side. Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, failed to score. His header hit the bar in the first half and his free kick during stoppage time of second half was blocked by Yamaguchi.

Al Nassr are currently third in the Saudi Pro League, eight points behind leaders Al Ittihad with five games to go.