Stars abroad: Bitter sweet debut for Dunga as Timbe features for Kobe

Kenyan forward Ismael Dunga finally made his long-awaited debut for Sagan Tosu in the 0-1 defeat over Avispa Fukuoka as Ayub Timbe also suffered a loss in the Japanese J-League Cup on Wednesday.

Ismael Dunga

Dunga’s four-month wait to make his first appearance for Tosu was less memorable as he came on in the 66th minute for Yohei Toyoda in the defeat.

The lanky forward signed for Tosu back in January but had to wait till late March to travel to Japan from Kenya owing to the travel restrictions in the Asain country.

The 28-year-old was unveiled by Tosu last Thursday and held his first training session with the club in the same week after being released from the JVillage where he spent two weeks as a Covid-19 precautionary measure.

After a tight game, Avispa finally broke the deadlock with eight minutes left on the clock through Belgian midfielder Jordy Croux.

The defeat leaves Tosu without a win in the J-League Cup as they are rooted to the bottom of Group A that also comprises of Kashima Antlers and Consadole Sapporo.

Ayube Timbe

Kenyan international Ayub Timbe made his second appearance off the bench for Vissel Kobe in the 0-1 loss to Tokushima Vortis in the J-League Cup.

The former Reading FC winger was given the nod in the 65th minute replacing Asahi Masuyama as head coach Atsuhiro Miura made quadruple changes.

Kobe however failed to get the elusive equalizer after Atsushi Kawata opened the scoring in the 30th minute.

The defeat leaves Kobe second in Group B having won their opening match against Oita Trinita.