Saitama, Japan (AFP) - Kashima Antlers stunned perennial chokers Urawa Reds 2-1 away Saturday to win their eighth Japanese title on away goals after an absorbing two-legged championship final. ”Whatever the points totals were over the season, we were desperate to be J-League champions,” said Antlers coach Masatada Ishii, who side finished 15 points behind Urawa over the season’s two stages. The Antlers, who also booked a spot in this month’s FIFA Club World Cup, celebrated in front of the delirious away fans as Urawa’s forlorn players slumped to the turf in disbelief. ”We won fair and square under the rules,” said Antlers captain Mitsuo Ogasawara. ”All the players came together, we believed in each other and got the job done when it counted.”

Source: The Star December 03, 2016 13:38 UTC