Japanese team with school coach to cap remarkable AFC Champions League journey
- Posted on April 24, 2026
- By South China Morning Post
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- 1 min read
In brief
In an extraordinary upset story, Machida Zelvia, a Tokyo-based club making its debut in Japan's top division in 2024, has defied expectations to reach the AFC Champions League final. Under the guidance of their school coach, the underdog team has embarked on a historic continental journey, now standing just one victory away from clinching the prestigious Asian club championship title.
Japanese team with school coach to cap remarkable AFC Champions League journey
Tokyo club Machida Zelvia, who had never played in Japan’s top flight until 2024, are one win away from becoming Asian club champions.
