Kashima Storm Their Way Into The Asia Champions Trophy 2015

5 Ogos, 2015



KASHIMA (5 August 2015) – Kashima Antlers opened their account in style in their first adventure in Asia Champions Trophy after a 5-0 win over Phnom Penh Crown FC of Cambodia.

The Antlers came into the tournament after a fruitful outing in the Frenz International Cup 2015 in January. Although they never experience this tournament before, but Head Coach Koji Kumagai eager to prove a point in the opening match of the ACT 2015.

Playing in front of their home fans at the 40,000 seater Kashima Soccer Stadium, the reds control the match right from the kick-off making the visitor work hard for the ball. Midfielder Takanobu Nishimoto scored Kashima first ever goal in the competition on 11th minutes after some confusion in the penalty box.

Almost immediately in 13th minutes Yuki Kakita slotted in the second goal. The two quick fired goals have put pressure on the Cambodian as they struggle to contained the running and quick passing play from Kashima.

Home team continue to dictate the match, organizing attacks and their effort prove fruitful when in the 23rd minutes, Hayato Ishizu effort finds the back of the net. The match continues on and Phnom Penh FC Head Coah Bouy Dary decided to make changes to his defensive line up. Senteang Chhuot was brought in to replaced Noeut Suon in 32nd minutes. First half ends with 3-0 scoreline.

No changes were made at the start of the second half and the Japanese keeps their momentum from the first half dominating possession of the ball. The fourth goal in the 59th minutes was through the substitute striker Yuki Shikama that came in just a minute into the match to replace third goal scorer Hayato Ishizu.

Juriya Yoshioka finishes off any hope of come back for Phnom Penh Crown FC in the 65th minutes when he scored the fifth goal after a good combination of passes in the middle of the pitch.

After the lost Crown Head Coach, Bouy Dary feels that the boys were not focused and took their time a little bit too much to get used to the condition at the Stadium. “The players came out cold, and bit of fear maybe, which is disappointed as we discussed this before the game. Bouy was speaking to the media after the match.



We lost the game in the opening 20 minutes. Three errors resulted in three goals, clinical play from Kashima. After the first half water break we worked harder out of possession and were more confident with the ball. We created some chances especially Uma and Sovann, at this level you’ve got to take those chances.

Next match for Phnom Penh Crown is at home in RSN Stadium where they will play Frenz United B and Bouy is hoping to turn the page as quickly as possible. “Overall I don’t think the players showed their real quality and potential, we will regroup and focus on next week home game against Frenz. I hope our home fans turn out to support us and make lots of noise” he added. This match will be on Friday, 14th August 2015.

The Antlers Head Coach Koji Kumagai is pleased with the win but still cautiously planned for the challenge ahead being the first time they will travel to play other Asian clubs in a competition. “First game of the tournament is always difficult but we’re happy to start the campaign with a victory. It was our first meeting with Phnom Penh Crown F.C so I told the players to be to alert and analyse the opponents’ football on the pitch. Compared to domestic competitions in Japan, the game was more physical and, perhaps, mentally more challenging.



“I also think we can further improve on our performance. We’re grateful to be involved in a prestigious international tournament and to be given the chance to play against different teams from Asia. I’m looking forward to the games away from home as it’d be a great learning experience for our youngsters to play in different time-zone, climate and environment.”

Kashima’s Under 18 Captain Kenta Chiba feels that the team need to improve more if they were to go further in the competition. “We knew the opening game of the competition was going to be very tough but we were prepared for this match. It was brilliant to win the game 5-0 but we’re not satisfied with our performance.

We must improve on the accuracy of our passing and we also need to be physically stronger. Second game of the tournament is coming up fast so we need to forget about this victory and focus on the preparations for the next fixture.”

Kashima Antlers will travel to Ho Chi Minh next week to play ACT 2014 runners up PVF FA at Thong Nhat Stadium. The match will be on Wednesday, 12 August 2015.

Sumber - Frenz United www.act.frenzunited.com.my