Urawa Reds Ladies Set For AFC Women’s Champions League Semi-Final Against Wuhan Jiangda
As the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) 2024/25 semi-final approaches, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies are preparing to face Wuhan Jiangda in a highly anticipated match at the Kumagaya Sports Culture Park Athletics Stadium.
The official press conference held on March 22 featured manager Naoki Kusunose and player Hana Takahashi discussing their aspirations for the tournament, their strategic preparations, and the significance of competing for the Asian title.
Kusunose expressed a buoyant mood, stating, “It feels like it’s finally time for the AWCL. This week, the entire team has focused on our goal of winning an Asian title. Given that we are playing in Kumagaya, Saitama, I believe many fans and supporters will come out to cheer for us. We want to utilize the home advantage to move forward to the next stage.”
Takahashi echoed this enthusiasm, sharing her excitement about playing a match in Japan, saying, “I was really looking forward to this Asian battle since we’re playing at home. I believe our team is well-prepared for tomorrow’s match. I’m filled with anticipation to get on the pitch as we fight alongside the fans and supporters for the next round.”
During the press conference, questions regarding the opponents from Wuhan Jiangda were raised. Kusunose noted he had reviewed game footage but acknowledged that seeing the team live would be a completely different challenge. “I watched video footage, but there’s a big difference between watching on screen and playing in real life. As a club team with different national representatives, they are very powerful, and I am cautious.”
For Takahashi, being aware of the opponents’ strengths is just as crucial. She stated, “They have talented and experienced players, so we must approach the match with caution. We need to have really good preparations, as we won’t know what kind of battle it will turn into until we’re on the pitch.”
Kusunose added that the atmosphere during their training sessions has been relaxed yet focused, saying, “The day before a match, the players have been preparing, so I think they’re relaxed but also holding onto a sense of tension. We just need to trust ourselves and give our best effort.”
Both were questioned about the importance of scoring the first goal. Kusunose noted that previous matches, such as the AFC Women's Club Championship 2023 Invitational Tournament final, showcased the need for early scoring as a crucial factor. He explained, “Although we have gotten better at preventing goals recently, you never know what can happen in football. We want to avoid panicking if we concede, and just stick to our game plan.”
As the team gets ready, the focus will be on a strong performance from Takahashi. Kusunose quipped, “We’re counting on Takahashi to finish things for us,” emphasizing the players’ determination to approach the game as if they can dictate its outcome.
In the lead-up to the match, player Nanako Ikeda shared her thoughts on competing at the Asian level. She expressed her excitement for the opportunity and the added motivation of being representatives of Japan in this league. “It’s not just about the current members; it’s a result of the league champions last season. We are responsible for showcasing our best now,” Ikeda stated.
Ikeda elaborated on the differences between playing domestically and at an Asian level, particularly when facing teams from countries like the United States, where the physical distinctions can be significant. However, she stressed the need for heightened concentration as every moment counts against opponents like Wuhan Jiangda. “While I don’t think there’s a huge gap with Asian players, they have attributes like speed and power that can catch you off guard. It’s vital for us to maintain focus for the entire 90 minutes, as we might only get a single chance to score,” she emphasized.
The match venue, Kumagaya Sports Culture Park Athletics Stadium, is expected to see a huge turnout from supporters, and Ikeda aims to channel that energy onto the field. “We want to give our best out there, as we carry the hopes of our supporters who expect great things from us,” she stated.
Ikeda continued to express the weight of expectations, especially considering the significant legacy of Urawa Reds in the Asian football scene, stating, “Watching the men's team win the ACL three times, I’ve always understood the magnitude of winning an Asian title. For us, having the chance to claim a title means we need to achieve it.”
Kusunose emphasized the weight of history surrounding Urawa Reds and their pursuit of titles, asserting, “I feel that ‘Urawa Reds = ACL,’ and believe we can’t return to Urawa without winning this title. I trust that our players will rise to the occasion.”
The match is set for tomorrow, and fans can expect an exciting showdown as the Urawa Reds Ladies strive for victory and continue their quest for glory in the AWCL.
