Kenta Kano struck the winner as Yokohama F. Marinos stunned high-flying Oita Trinita 1-0 in the J. League first division on Saturday.
Kano's superb free kick on the hour mark sentenced Oita to its first league defeat in 14 matches and in the process provided Yokohama with a major boost in its bid to avoid relegation.
The result pulled Yokohama seven points clear of the drop zone while Oita slipped into second in the table on goal difference behind Nagoya Grampus, who play Asian club champions Urawa Reds in a top-of-the table clash at Mizuho Stadium on Sunday.