Kashiwa bank on Olunga's magic to qualify for Champions League

Michael Olunga’s Kashiwa Reysol will hope to keep alive their chances of qualifying for next year's Asian Champions League when they face Nagoya Grampus in a Japan J1 League match at Sankyo Frontier Kashiwa Stadium on Saturday.

Currently in eighth spot on 47 points, Kashiwa badly need a win to boost their chances of featuring in the lucrative Champions League next season. 

A loss or draw will almost certainly quash Kashiwa’s hope. Nelson Baptista’s men have played two matches less than Nagoya’s 31 who are nine points ahead of them. 

Kashiwa will at the same time hope teams above them, especially second-placed Gamba Osaka and third-ranked Nagoya Grampus, falter. These two currently occupy the last two qualification spots.

Kashiwa stayed in the race for a place in Champions League with a 2-0 victory against bottom-placed Vegalta Sendai on December 1, inspired by a goal from Kenyan international Olunga who also provided an assist for Brazilian Cristiano.

Victory over Vegalta gave Kashiwa the belief that playing in the Champions League next season is within reach.

“By accumulating more victories in the remaining matches, we are in a position to fully aim for Champions League. The match against Nagoya presents a direct confrontation. We will firmly eye to hit the 50-point mark (against Nagoya),” Brazilian coach Nelsinho was quoted on J1 League website.

The 26-year-old forward is on top of the scoring chart with 26 goals from 27 matches in the league this season. He is nine goals ahead of Brazilian Everaldo of Kashima Antlers in the Golden Boot race.

Olunga, who scored 27 goals in the second-tier won by Kashiwa last season, stabbed home the only goal that sunk Nagoya in the first leg when play resumed in July after months of stoppage due to coronavirus pandemic.

Olunga, who will be seeking to score in his fourth consecutive match, emphasized the importance of seeing off Nagoya. “This match will also be important for Nagoya. I think it will be tough and difficult. I want to win by understanding and implementing the tactics that the director has devised,” said Olunga. 

The 26-year-old will be banked on highly as his side seeks to do a double on Nagoya who will be out for revenge.

Kashiwa heads into this fixture with back-to-back victories against Kashima Antlers and Vegalta, while Nagoya was held to a barren draw by Oita Trinita after flooring FC Tokyo and Shonan Bellmare.