In an eagerly anticipated matchup, the J-League YBC Levain Cup saw Kochi United SC clash with Gamba Osaka on March 20, 2025, at Haruno Comprehensive Athletic Park. This encounter not only marked a significant moment for Kochi United as they debuted in the tournament, but it also served as a chance for Gamba Osaka to seek revenge after a surprising loss to the same team in last year’s Emperor's Cup.
Kochi United SC, who recently joined the J3 league, faced a formidable opponent in Gamba Osaka, a club with rich history and two J1 league titles to their name. The stage was set for an exciting contest, especially after Kochi's victory last season—where they defeated Gamba Osaka 2-1 in the Emperor's Cup, earning themselves a remarkable “giant-killing” reputation in local football lore.
The match began with high intensity from both sides, yet it was Gamba Osaka that quickly dictated the pace. Only 13 minutes in, former Japanese international Yuya Yamashita capitalized on a defensive miscue, intercepting a pass near the center circle and launching a swift counter-attack. Yamashita's impressive dribble led him to the edge of the penalty area, where he unleashed a right-footed shot into the bottom corner, giving Gamba an early lead at 1-0.
As the first half progressed, the visitors continued to press, showcasing their experience and tactical prowess. In the 41st minute, Gamba further extended their lead with another goal. This time, after executing a series of well-timed passes in Kochi's penalty area, Taichi Tangiyama pounced on a loose ball following an initial save from Kochi’s goalkeeper, Raiki Kurokawa. Tangiyama's alertness allowed him to tap in the rebound, making it 2-0 just before the half-time whistle.
Despite their trailing score, Kochi United was determined to stage a comeback. The team's management made critical substitutions during the break, bringing on fresh legs to revitalize their attack. Their efforts bore fruit in the 77th minute when forward Kokoro Kobayashi found the net. Emerging from a well-crafted play, he received a pass inside Gamba's penalty area and, with a deft touch, fired the ball past goalkeeper Masaaki Higashiguchi, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
With renewed hope, Kochi intensified their efforts to equalize, creating several chances in the closing minutes. However, despite their best attempts, they struggled with finishing, lacking the precision needed to beat the Gamba defense a second time. The match concluded with Gamba Osaka maintaining their 2-1 lead, allowing them to advance to the next round of the YBC Levain Cup.
This home match drew an impressive crowd of 6,929 enthusiastic supporters, demonstrating the community's growing passion for football and the increasing significance of domestic cups. As fans filled the Haruno stadium, they witnessed a contest rich in drama and a testament to the unpredictable nature of knockout football.
Gamba Osaka's victory marked an important chapter in their aspirations for the tournament, particularly as they seek to reclaim their former glory. For Kochi United SC, despite the disappointment of falling short, there is an underlying sense of optimism as their journey in the J-League continues.
