FUKUROI, Shizuoka Pref. (Kyodo) Gamba Osaka's run at an unprecedented third consecutive Emperor's Cup title came to a crashing halt in the semifinals as Akira Nishino's side went down 3-0 away to Shimizu S-Pulse on Wednesday.
Frode Johnsen struck on either side of halftime at Shizuoka Ecopa Stadium for S-Pulse, who are trying to send manager Kenta Hasegawa out on a winning note.
Akihiro Hyodo also scored midway through the first half for Shimizu, which previously lifted the cup in 2001 and last reached the final five years ago.
Shinzo Koroki won it for Kashima on the last touch of the game on a penalty box scramble in the 121st minute as Antlers defeated 10-man FC Tokyo 2-1 after extra time to advance to the New Year's Day Emperor's Cup final at National Stadium.