Tsukasa Shiotani stole Diego Forlan's thunder with a second-half winner as Sanfrecce Hiroshima launched their bid for a third straight J. League title with a 1-0 victory away to Cerezo Osaka on Saturday.

Shiotani buried his shot in the 71st minute to give Hiroshima the victory after good work from Naoki Ishihara, while promoted Tokushima Vortis were given a harsh introduction to life in the top flight with a 5-0 defeat away to Sagan Tosu.

"This game is one out of 34 in the season but the opening game is important," said Hiroshima manager Hajime Moriyasu. "More than the performance it was about getting a result today, and I am glad we could get a win away in this kind of atmosphere."