INAC Kobe Leonessa edged Mynavi Sendai Ladies 4-3 in a seven-goal Women Empowerment League thriller on 18 October 2026, with the visitors holding off a late fightback in a match that swung repeatedly from end to end.

Mynavi Sendai Ladies brought intensity and a direct attacking approach to the contest, but INAC Kobe Leonessa’s quality in the final third proved decisive. The teams traded goals throughout, and the result was still in the balance until the closing stages.

Match overview

Kobe opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Rina Yamashita, whose low strike set the tone for a frantic first half. Sendai responded well and equalised in the 18th minute when Hinata Kato converted from close range after a sustained spell of pressure.

The home side then took the lead in the 33rd minute through Miyu Sasaki, finishing a quick counter-attack. Kobe restored parity just before half-time, with Yui Kitamura curling a fine effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The second half belonged largely to Kobe. Yamashita scored her second in the 58th minute, and Kana Miyamoto added a fourth in the 71st minute. Sendai kept pushing and pulled one back through Kato in the 88th minute, but Kobe managed the closing moments well enough to secure all three points.

Key moments

• 9th minute – 0-1: Yamashita opened the scoring with a composed finish.
• 18th minute – 1-1: Kato equalised after Sendai pressed high and forced an error.
• 45+2nd minute – 2-2: Kitamura’s curling strike sent the teams into half-time level.
• 58th and 71st minutes – 2-4: Kobe created breathing room with two well-taken second-half goals.
• 88th minute – 3-4: Kato’s second goal set up a tense finish, but Kobe held on.

Tactical story

Sendai’s pressing caused problems early on, but Kobe’s midfield rotations helped them play through the first line of pressure. Kobe also targeted the space behind Sendai’s full-backs, and that approach produced several clear chances in the second half.

Sendai’s decision to push more players forward late in the game created the opportunity for their third goal, but it also left them exposed to Kobe’s counter-attacks. In the end, Kobe’s efficiency in front of goal made the difference in a contest featuring seven goals.

Standout players

Yamashita’s brace and constant movement made her Kobe’s most dangerous attacker, while Kitamura controlled the tempo in midfield. For Sendai, Kato was rewarded for her persistence with two goals and remained a threat until the final whistle.

Season impact

The win strengthens INAC Kobe Leonessa’s position in the Women Empowerment League table and highlights their attacking depth. Mynavi Sendai Ladies will take encouragement from their fighting spirit, but the defeat leaves them with defensive issues to address in the next round.