SRC Hiroshima 3-2 FC Baleine Shimonoseki — SRC Hiroshima edged FC Baleine Shimonoseki 3-2 in the Japanese Regional League on September 20, 2026, winning a five-goal classic with a late strike after surrendering a two-goal lead.

SRC Hiroshima began the match with confidence and took the game to their visitors. Their pressing was sharp, their passing was quick, and FC Baleine Shimonoseki struggled to escape their own half in the opening 30 minutes. The early pressure produced a deserved opener, and SRC doubled their advantage before half-time with another well-constructed attack.

Match overview

The first goal came in the 12th minute when Kaito Tanaka received the ball on the edge of the box, shifted it onto his right foot and curled a shot into the far corner. SRC made it 2-0 in the 33rd minute through Riku Sato, who finished calmly after a sweeping move down the left. At that stage, the home side looked in complete control.

FC Baleine Shimonoseki responded after the break. Daiki Mori pulled one back in the 58th minute with a header from a corner, and the visitors suddenly found belief. Sho Yamamoto equalised in the 74th minute, finishing a fast counter-attack that caught SRC short at the back. The match appeared to be heading for a draw, but SRC had other ideas.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Kaito Tanaka opened the scoring with a curling effort.
• 33rd minute: Riku Sato made it 2-0 after a flowing team move.
• 58th minute: Daiki Mori headed FC Baleine Shimonoseki back into the game.
• 74th minute: Sho Yamamoto equalised on the counter-attack.
• 89th minute: Yuto Nakamura scored the winner for SRC Hiroshima with a low drive.

Tactical story

SRC Hiroshima controlled the first half by pressing high and winning the ball in advanced areas. Their midfield dominated the second balls, and the front three rotated well to create space. However, after taking a 2-0 lead, they dropped deeper and invited pressure, which allowed FC Baleine Shimonoseki to climb back into the contest.

Baleine’s switch to a more direct approach after half-time changed the momentum. Their set-piece delivery improved, and their counter-attacks became more purposeful. Still, SRC showed character to recover from the equaliser and find a late winner through Nakamura, whose shot from the edge of the area beat the goalkeeper at the near post.

Standout players

Yuto Nakamura was the match-winner for SRC Hiroshima, but Kaito Tanaka and Riku Sato also produced strong performances in attack. For FC Baleine Shimonoseki, Daiki Mori and Sho Yamamoto were the key figures in their comeback, and both took their goals with composure. The Baleine goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the score level until the closing minutes.

Japanese Regional League impact

The 3-2 win gives SRC Hiroshima a valuable three points in the Japanese Regional League and strengthens their position in the standings. FC Baleine Shimonoseki will be frustrated to leave empty-handed after a brave second-half comeback, but their performance showed they can compete with the league’s stronger sides. The result is another example of how competitive and unpredictable the regional league can be.