South Korea striker Ahn Jung Hwan struck a dramatic late winner as nine-man Shimizu S-Pulse shocked leader Urawa Reds 1-0 in J. League action on Saturday afternoon.
Despite the defeat, Nabisco Cup winner Urawa remained at the top of the second-stage standings, for 24 hours at least, after the Yokohama F. Marinos were beaten 2-1 at home by Kashima Antlers.
Urawa has 22 points with two games of the stage remaining and lead JEF United Ichihara, which won 1-0 at home to struggling Cerezo Osaka, on goal difference. Kashima kept its title hopes alive by moving into third on 21 points.