Japan defender Akira Kaji struck a super second-half equalizer as defending champions Gamba Osaka came from behind to draw 1-1 with Urawa Reds on the opening day of the J. League season on Saturday.
Akira Kaji of Gamba Osaka scores a second-half equalizer against the Urawa Reds during a J. League season-opener in Osaka.
Beaten by Urawa 3-1 in last week's Xerox Super Cup, Gamba fell behind to an early goal from Washington but Kaji gave his side a deserved share of the spoils by opening his Gamba account in the 68th minute at Expo Stadium.
"I thought we had more of the ball after going behind and it was a bit frustrating at times today," said Kaji. "But I knew if we continued pushing a goal would come."