FC Imabari has made history by securing their first win of the J2 League, achieving a resounding 4-1 victory against Sagan Tosu on March 1, 2025. The match held significant weight for Imabari, marking their club's inaugural triumph since joining Japan’s second-tier football league.
The match took place away at the Sagan Tosu stadium, where the home team, aiming to bounce back after two consecutive losses, faced intense pressure from Imabari right from the outset. The visitors showcased their determination and skill, with the first breakthrough happening at the 22-minute mark. FC Imabari forward Wesley Tanque opened the scoring, converting from close range after receiving a well-timed cross from Marcus Vinicius, which was deftly redirected by Takato Kondo.
This goal, noted as the club's first ever scored in J2, set the tone for what would be a remarkable first half for Imabari. It wasn't long before they doubled their lead; at the 35-minute point, Tanque was fouled just outside the penalty area, leading to a free kick. Vinicius confidently stepped up to take it, sending the ball past the wall and nestling it precisely in the left corner of the net, anchoring a 2-0 scoreline.
With momentum on their side, Imabari pushed for more. Just before the end of the first half, Kondo once again provided quality service, this time to Tanque, who finished expertly with another goal, marking it 3-0 as they headed to the break.
While Imabari was registered with three goals under their belt, the second half brought about unexpected challenges. Just ten minutes after the restart, disaster struck for the visitors when Tanque suffered an injury, necessitating his substitution on a stretcher. Despite this setback, Imabari held onto their lead, though Sagan Tosu found their footing, scoring their first goal of the match at the 77-minute mark through forward Vikintas Šlekys. A long throw-in from defender Yoshiyuki Sakai led to the goal, providing the home side with hopes of mounting a comeback.
Nevertheless, FC Imabari was not done yet. Just one minute from the end of regulation, midfielder Kentaro Yubaba added to the scoreline, blasting a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area, hitting the crossbar before bouncing down and confirming another goal for Imabari. The match concluded with the scoreboard reading 4-1, solidifying their place as the first-time winners of the J2 season.
This resounding victory not only marked FC Imabari's first win but also set the stage for what could be a promising season. With fans left buzzing over Tanque’s stellar performance prior to his injury and the team’s overall effort, there is palpable excitement about what lies ahead for the club. Tanque's contribution, including his two goals before the injury, will likely be pivotal as the team progresses through the league.
Speaking on the significance of the victory, club officials emphasized how important this win was not just for the points on the board but also for morale as they adapt to their new league environment. Their performance demonstrated resilience and camaraderie, promising fans even more thrilling matches as the season continues.
With this victory, FC Imabari aims to build on their success and strive for more memorable moments throughout the 2025 J2 League, reinforcing their ambition to make their mark among Japan's football elite.