J. League champions Kashima Antlers edged Kawasaki Frontale 1-0 on Saturday to set up a New Year's Day date with relegated Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the final of the Emperor's Cup.

News photoSanfrecce Hiroshima forward Hisato Sato reacts after scoring a goal in the first half of the Emperor's Cup semifinal match against Gamba Osaka on Saturday at Shizuoka's Ecopa Stadium. Sanfrecce won 3-1 to set up the final with Kashima Antlers on Jan. 1 at National Stadium. KYODO PHOTO

Masashi Motoyama hit the decider with a second-half blockbuster to put Kashima within touching distance of a league and cup double, while Hiroshima advanced thanks to a surprise 3-1 win over last year's beaten finalists Gamba Osaka.