HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) Striker Hisato Sato struck a superb winner as promoted Sanfrecce Hiroshima edged Urawa Reds 1-0 in the first round of the Nabisco Cup on Wednesday.
Sato allowed a deep pass from Toshihiro Aoyama to bounce once before smashing past Norihiro Yamagishi on 27 minutes to give Hiroshima its first win over the Reds in a decade in the Group A clash at Big Arch.
Sato's twin brother, Kyoto Sanga midfielder Yuto, also hit the target but was on the losing side as Montedio Yamagata continued its bright start to the season with a 3-1 win in Group B thanks to goals from Masaru Akiba, Tomotaka Kitamura and Kim Byung Suk.
Yuki Otsu wrapped up the scoring two minutes in the second half as Kashiwa Reysol beat visiting FC Tokyo by the same scoreline. Vissel Kobe and two-time Nabsico champions JEF United Chiba played out a 1-1 draw in the only other Group B game.
Back in Group A, Naoki Ishihara struck late on to give Omiya Ardija a 2-1 winat home to Albirex Niigata. Jubilo Iwata against Yokohama F. Marinos finished goalless.