Cerezo Osaka Sakai and Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in the Women Empowerment League on 18 October 2026, with the visitors scoring deep into stoppage time to rescue a point.

Cerezo Osaka Sakai looked in control for long spells after building a two-goal lead, but Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara refused to fade and produced a late comeback that changed the mood of the match entirely.

Match overview

The home side opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Aya Nishimura, who finished neatly after a patient build-up. Cerezo doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Riko Tanaka struck from the edge of the box, giving the home supporters reason to believe the points were secure.

Nojima Stella responded with greater urgency after the second goal. They pulled one back in the 76th minute through Mai Kondo, whose header gave the visitors renewed hope. With the game moving into stoppage time, Yuka Shimizu found space in the box and converted a dramatic equaliser in the 90+3rd minute.

Key moments

• 21st minute – 1-0: Nishimura opened the scoring with a composed finish.
• 54th minute – 2-0: Tanaka’s strike put Cerezo in a strong position.
• 76th minute – 2-1: Kondo’s header brought Nojima back into the contest.
• 90+3rd minute – 2-2: Shimizu scored a late equaliser to stun the home side.

Tactical story

Cerezo Osaka Sakai controlled possession for much of the first hour, using width to stretch Nojima’s defence and create space in central areas. Their two-goal lead was built on patient circulation and sharp movement off the ball.

Nojima’s response was to push their midfield higher and deliver more crosses into the box. That change increased the pressure on Cerezo’s back line, and the late equaliser came from exactly that kind of delivery. Cerezo will feel they should have managed the closing stages better, while Nojima will take confidence from their persistence.

Standout players

Nishimura was lively throughout for Cerezo and capped her performance with the opening goal. Tanaka’s strike was a moment of quality, while Shimizu’s late composure in front of goal earned Nojima a valuable point.

Season impact

The draw leaves both sides with mixed emotions in the Women Empowerment League standings. Cerezo Osaka Sakai will see it as two points dropped after leading 2-0, while Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara can point to their fighting spirit as a positive takeaway from a difficult away fixture.