In an exhilarating match at the NACK5 Stadium in Saitama City on March 26, 2025, Iwaki FC faced off against Omiya Ardija in the first round of the YBC Levain Cup. The game ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Omiya ultimately triumphing 7-6 in a penalty shootout.
The match kicked off with Iwaki FC taking an early lead. In the 16th minute, midfielder Ishiwatari Nelson seized the opportunity to score, driving the ball into the net following a well-placed pass from Kibuaki Shota, who had connected with Kato Daisei and Hisanaga Enju. This early goal set the tone for a fiercely competitive match.
However, the dynamics shifted dramatically in the 32nd minute when Omiya's defender Murakami Shoto received a red card after a contentious challenge against Kato Daisei. This left Omiya down to ten men, forcing them to regroup and adapt their strategy.
Despite being a man down, Omiya managed to equalize just before halftime. In the 40th minute, Oriola Sunday expertly headed in a cross from Kapureeoni, leveling the score at 1-1 and providing a much-needed boost to the team's morale.
The second half saw Iwaki regain the lead in the 58th minute, thanks to another goal from Ishiwatari Nelson, who capitalized on a defensive lapse from Omiya. This brought the score to 2-1 in favor of Iwaki. However, Omiya was undeterred and continued to press forward.
In a dramatic turn of events, Omiya equalized again in the dying moments of the match. In the 89th minute, Uwae Jinaki scored with a powerful header from a cross delivered by Anzai Masayuki, making it 2-2 and forcing the game into extra time.
As the extra time unfolded, Omiya took the lead for the first time in the match. In the 99th minute, Wada Takuya scored after a well-placed cross from Fabian Gonzalez, pushing the score to 3-2 in favor of Omiya.
Yet again, Iwaki showed resilience, equalizing in the 102nd minute when Kato Naoki volleyed a loose ball into the net after a long throw-in from Igarashi Seiki. The match ended with a score of 3-3, leading to a tense penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout was a nail-biter, with both teams displaying remarkable skill under pressure. Iwaki's Kibuaki was denied by Omiya's goalkeeper Kato Yuki, while Omiya's Toyama Takamitsu also saw his shot saved by Iwaki's keeper Hayasaka Yuki. After five rounds, neither team had managed to secure victory, pushing the shootout into sudden death.
In the eighth round, Iwaki's Kato Daisei's shot was blocked by Kato, leading to Omiya's Anzai Masayuki stepping up to take the decisive penalty. He scored, sealing the victory for Omiya and sending their fans into a frenzy.
The match was attended by 4,850 spectators, who witnessed a thrilling display of football under clear skies with a temperature of 17.4 degrees Celsius and 20% humidity. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides cheering passionately for their teams.
Looking ahead, Omiya Ardija will face FC Tokyo in the second round of the Levain Cup on April 16, 2025. This match promises to be another exciting encounter as Omiya aims to build on their hard-fought victory against Iwaki.
In personal narratives surrounding the match, special attention was given to the relationship between players Fujii Kazushi of Omiya and Kato Yuma of Iwaki. The two have been childhood friends and rivals, having promised to face each other as professionals. Their encounter added a layer of emotional depth to the match, showcasing the personal stakes involved beyond the team competition.
Fujii, who is known for his admiration of the popular K-pop group TWICE, particularly their member Mina, is often seen performing celebratory dances inspired by the group after scoring goals. This personal touch has endeared him to fans, who appreciate the joy he brings to the game.
Overall, the match between Omiya and Iwaki was not just a battle for advancement in the Levain Cup; it was a testament to the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and the personal stories that intertwine within the world of sports. As both teams look to their futures, the memories of this match will undoubtedly linger in the minds of players and fans alike.
