Defending champions Kashima Antlers suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Ventforet Kofu on Wednesday in the opening round of group-stage matches in the Nabisco Cup.
Kashima came into the game on the back of three wins and a defeat in the new J. League season, but first-half goals from Kofu's Australian midfielder Billy Celeski and Brazilian forward Nilson proved too much, with the Antlers' only reply coming through half-time substitute Shuto Yamamoto despite their relative dominance.
"The manager told us we'll go on the counter as we have quality players," Nilson said. "It was a big win today, the fact that we kept them out toward the end deserves credit."