Ventforet Kofu 2-2 FC Gifu | J2/J3 100 Year Vision League | Saturday, 16 May 2026

A tense derby‑style clash at the Yamanashi Chuo Bank Stadium saw Ventforet Kofu and FC Gifu share the spoils in a 2-2 draw. The result leaves both teams in the upper half of the J2/J3 100 Year Vision League table, a competition that brings together clubs from the second and third tiers of Japanese football in a unique cross‑division format.

Match Narrative

FC Gifu started brightly and stunned the home crowd by taking the lead inside the opening five minutes. A swift counter‑attack saw winger Yūki Kanda cross for striker Shōhei Shimizu, who cleverly flicked the ball past Kofu goalkeeper Kohei Kawata. Ventforet responded well and equalised in the 22nd minute through a spectacular long‑range strike from midfielder Kazuki Tanaka, who curled the ball into the top corner from 25 yards.

Gifu regained the lead just before the interval through a penalty converted by captain Shuto Kawai after a handball in the area. The first half was a high‑tempo affair with both sides pressing aggressively, making for an entertaining spectacle.

Second‑Half Fight

Ventforet Kofu dominated possession after the break, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their pressure finally paid off in the 73rd minute when substitute forward Kosuke Ōta latched onto a cross from the right and headed home from close range. The home side pushed for a winner, but Gifu’s defence held firm, and the match ended all square.

League Context

The J2/J3 100 Year Vision League is a developmental competition designed to strengthen ties between J.League divisions and improve the competitiveness of clubs outside J1. For Ventforet Kofu, currently battling for promotion back to J1, dropping points at home was a setback. FC Gifu, meanwhile, will view the draw as a positive result on the road against a strong opponent.

Standings and Key Stats

The draw leaves Ventforet Kofu in 5th place with 16 points, while FC Gifu sit 8th with 14 points. Kofu have now drawn three of their last four matches, highlighting their need to convert dominance into victories. FC Gifu remain unbeaten in four games, a run that has lifted them into mid‑table.