Overview
- Machida Zelvia reached the final on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Shabab Al Ahli after VAR ruled a 92nd‑minute equaliser invalid because play restarted from a throw‑in before a Machida substitution was completed.
- Al-Ahli advanced on Monday by beating Vissel Kobe 2-1, overturning a first‑half deficit through a long‑range strike from Galeno and a winner from England forward Ivan Toney.
- The disputed decision in Jeddah centered on referee Shaun Evans overturning a goal once replays showed the substitute had not yet fully entered for Machida at the restart, an unusual VAR use that left Shabab staff and players enraged.
- Post-match scenes turned chaotic as Shabab coach Paulo Sousa stormed off and players surrounded Evans, who left under police escort, while Machida’s winner came early through Yuki Soma pouncing on an under‑hit backpass.
- Saturday’s decider in Jeddah pits defending champions Al-Ahli, aiming for the first back‑to‑back Asian titles since 2005, against debutants Machida Zelvia, whose unlikely run and Japan coach Michael Skibbe’s comments on Gulf spending have sharpened debate over competitive balance.