Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tokyo: FC Tokyo qualified for the 2012 AFC Champions League after coming back from a goal down to beat Kyoto Sanga 4-2 to win the Emperor's Cup on Sunday.
The final of the prestigious tournament, opened to Japan's professional and amateur leagues, featured two clubs from the J.League second division for the first time.
FC Tokyo won the 2011 second division title to return to the top flight next season, while Kyoto finished in seventh place to miss promotion.
FC Tokyo's first ever Emperor's Cup triumph sees them join Kashiwa Reysol, Nagoya Grampus and Gamba Osaka in Asia's premier club competition.
"I was moved by my own team as they did their job pretty well," Tokyo coach Kiyoshi Okuma said. "We came from the second division and played against teams in the top league. We needed patience and courage."
"It was tough because our supporters expected us to do well, but it ended in a good result. I'd like to thank my players," he added.
Only two minutes after Kyoto skipper Hiroki Nakayama opened the scoring in the 13th minute, Naohiro Ishikawa sent a cross after exchanging short passes from the left corner, allowing Yasuyuki Konno to head home an equaliser.
In the 36th minute, Ishikawa sent another short pass from a free kick and Masato Morishige netted a sizzling long-range shot.
Brazilian striker Lucas added two more, while Yuya Kubo managed to pull one back for Kyoto.
"I thought it would be difficult when we lost a goal, but I scored myself and we started to play our game. This team is well organised. I think we played a lively football," said Morishige.
FC Tokyo will slot into Group F of the 2012 AFC Champions League and will begin their continental campaign against Brisbane Roar in Australia on March 6.