Urawa Reds Ladies are out for continental bragging rights Friday as they host South Korean side Hyundai Steel Red Angels in the AFC Women’s Club Championship final, with the victor claiming the illustrious title of being the continent’s best women’s soccer club.
Both were nearly denied the opportunity, however. Not because of their play on the field, but because of the Asian Football Confederation’s shock decision to cancel the fixture before backpedaling amid a backlash from those eager for the tournament to reach its conclusion.
In the end, Urawa’s Komaba Stadium will host what promises to be a vibrant contest between two powerhouses of Asian women’s soccer.