First start for Dunga in Japan as Timbe watches Kobe draw

Kenyan forward Ismael Dunga was handed his first start for Sagan Tosu in the 2-2 draw against Kashima Antlers in the Japanese Levain Cup on Wednesday.

This was the first time Dunga was starting for his side after over four months since being trusted with a starting berth for Vllaznia Shkodër in the 3-0 win over Kastrioti Krujë in Albania.

Chikeluba Ofoedu opened the scoring for Tosu in the 14th minute while Daiki Sugioka pulled one back for Antlers in the 29th minute.

There was late drama in the opening half as Ryunosuke Sagara was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net to put Antlers in the lead in the first minute of first-half stoppage time.

The second half saw little goalmouth action with Yosuke Yuzawa scoring in the 73rd minute to draw Tosu level.

Dunga was rested with 10 minutes left on the clock as Ryo Wada was introduced with Tosu chasing the winner in the clash.

This was the first point for Tosu in the Levain Cup as they remain rooted to the bottom of Group A that also includes Consadole Sapporo and Avispa Fukuoka.

Ayub Timbe

Kenyan international Ayub Timbe was an unused sub for Vissel Kobe in the barren draw against Oita Trinita in the Japanese Levain Cup.

Kobe were forced to play the final 28 minutes of the game a man down after Asahi Masuyama was sent off for a second bookable offence. 

Timbe’s side sit second in Group B following the barren draw but are tied on points with Tokushima Vortis and Oita Trinita.