Kamatamare Sanuki claimed an important 3-1 victory over Zweigen Kanazawa in the J3 League on 21 October 2026, using a strong second-half display to pull away at Pikara Stadium. The home side’s pressing and set-piece quality proved decisive in a match that remained competitive until the final quarter.

Match overview

Sanuki started brightly and were rewarded with an early goal, but Kanazawa responded well and equalized before half-time. The visitors enjoyed more possession after the break, yet Sanuki’s ability to win second balls and counter at speed gradually turned the game in their favor. Two goals in the final 25 minutes secured a result that could matter significantly in the promotion race.

Kanazawa will point to their spells of control and a handful of half-chances, but they were undone by defensive lapses and an inability to handle Sanuki’s direct running in transition. Sanuki, meanwhile, showed the kind of ruthlessness that has made them difficult to beat at home.

Key moments

• 11th minute: Sanuki took the lead when Ryota Ishii latched onto a loose ball and fired into the bottom corner.
• 43rd minute: Kanazawa equalized through Kazuki Nishiya, who finished neatly after a well-worked move down the left.
• 66th minute: Shun Ota restored Sanuki’s advantage with a composed finish following a quick counter-attack.
• 81st minute: Yuto Maeda sealed the win with a header from a corner, capping a strong period of pressure.

Tactical story

Sanuki’s approach was built on intensity. They pressed Kanazawa’s midfielders quickly, forced turnovers in promising areas and looked to attack the space behind the visiting defense. Their set-piece delivery was also a constant threat, and the third goal came from exactly that source.

Kanazawa tried to control the tempo through midfield and found some joy when they switched play quickly. However, their defensive shape became stretched as they pushed forward in search of an equalizer, and Sanuki punished them with two well-executed goals after the break.

Standout performers

Ota was at the heart of Sanuki’s best attacking moments, combining energy with intelligent movement. Maeda’s header was the decisive blow, while goalkeeper Kohei Matsumoto made two important saves in the second half to protect the lead. For Kanazawa, Nishiya’s equalizer was a highlight, but the visitors lacked the same cutting edge in the final 20 minutes.

Table impact

The three points strengthen Sanuki’s position in the J3 League standings and add momentum to their push for promotion. Kanazawa, meanwhile, are left to reflect on a missed opportunity to climb the table. With the season entering a crucial phase, Sanuki’s ability to turn periods of pressure into goals could prove invaluable.