Gamba Osaka win Emperor’s Cup!
By: 21 | January 1st, 2009
In a thrilling Emperor’s Cup finale, Gamba Osaka defeated Kashiwa Reysol 1-0 with Ryūji Bando scoring the matches lone goal deep into extra time. The match was deadlocked with yet a score when the veteran came off the bench to score with only four minutes remaining of extra time as he drove the rebound of his own shot into the net. In leading up to the winning strike Blue Samurai Yasuhito Endo dealt young midfield Shu Kurata from the left before providing Ryūji Bando a chance for glory. While his initial shot was blocked he reacted quickly to send the ball home.
The goal concludes a challenging season for the veteran, which was marred with injuries. Graciously after the match, the goal-scorer said:
“My coach [Akiro Nishino] told me ‘you could be the hero today’ when he put me on, so I was thinking nothing but scoring a goal.
“I’m so glad I responded to the expectation from our manager and would like to become a better player who can score consistently.”
The victory provides Gamba the opportunity to defend their AFC Champions League crown along with other J-League representatives Kashima Antlers, Kawasaki Frontale and Nagoya Grampus.
Category: J League News
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