KYOTO (Kyodo) Former Japan international striker Atsushi Yanagisawa hit the target as Group A leader Kyoto Sanga took another step toward reaching the knockout stage with a 1-0 home win over Nagoya Grampus at the J. League Nabisco Cup on Sunday.

Kyoto improved to 11 points from five games, three points clear of Vegalta Sendai, with one match to play in the first round. The top two teams from each of the two groups advance to the quarterfinals in September.

Yanagisawa gave Kyoto a 38th-minute lead with a left-footed shot on a pass from Diego at Nishikyogoku Stadium.

In Group B, substitute Kazuki Hara's header three minutes from time gave Shimizu S-Pulse a 1-0 win at Urawa Reds.

Shimizu drew within two points of leaders Jubilo Iwata, who have 10 points from four matches.