KYOTO -- Gamba substitute forward Kota Yoshihara headed in the winning goal in the 89th minute, helping Osaka rally past Kyoto Purple Sanga 2-1 on Sunday at Nishikyogoku Stadium.
"Winning our season's opening match is something special," Gamba manager Akira Nishino said. "Kyoto is the Emperor's Cup winner and has drawn a lot of attention in the Kansai area. I think beating them will help us get going in the season."
Kyoto went ahead in the 17th minute, when Daisuke Nakaharai latched onto a header from Teruaki Kurobe to fire home from the right side of the box.