AFC Champions League: Japan’s Vissel Kobe off to a flying start with a 2-1 win over Kitchee SC
- Vissel join Kitchee on top of the three-team Group J on three points, with Thailand’s Chiangrai United yet to secure a point
- Hong Kong’s Lee Man came back from an early goal deficit to beat Athletic 220 of Mongolia 2-1 in the AFC Cup 2022 Playoff
Japanese side Vissel Kobe secured their first win of the AFC Champions League after beating Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC 2-1 at Buriram City Stadium in Thailand.
Vissel, sitting bottom of the J-League first division this season after going without a win in 10 games, opened the score at 14 minutes thanks to midfielder Yuta Goke.
The early goal did little to dampen the spirits of Hong Kong Premier League champions, who remained composed and threatened several times. But a clinical and disciplined Kobe did enough to keep their opponents at bay.
Kitchee had their first chance to score on the half-hour when Dejan Damjanovic slid in a delightful low cross from the right side of the penalty box where teammate Matt Orr was just inches away from connecting with the back post.
Vissel, however remained composed and went on to double their lead when Shion Inoue struck with five minutes remaining – all but sealing the win for the Japanese side.
Despite a late flurry from Kitchee that saw Alex Akande find the net in extra time, it was not enough. The win sees Vissel join Kitchee on top of the three-team Group J on three points, with Thailand’s Chiangrai United yet to pick up a point. Shanghai Port FC of China pulled out of the competition due to the coronavirus lockdown in their home city.