FC Ryukyu Okinawa claimed an impressive 3-1 away win over Nara Club at Rohto Field Nara on 24 October 2026, strengthening their push for the J3 League promotion playoffs. Riku Tanaka scored twice, while Tomoya Uehara added the opener in a performance built on ruthless counter-attacking and set-piece control.

Match overview

FC Ryukyu Okinawa started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute when Tomoya Uehara finished a quick counter-attack. Nara Club responded well and equalised in the 39th minute through Yuto Kato, whose header from a corner beat the Ryukyu goalkeeper. At half-time, the match looked finely balanced.

The second half, however, belonged to FC Ryukyu Okinawa. Riku Tanaka restored the visitors’ lead in the 63rd minute with a low drive from the edge of the box, and he sealed the victory in the 85th minute after another fast break. Nara Club pushed forward late in search of a way back into the game, but Ryukyu’s defensive shape held and the visitors saw out the win comfortably.

Key moments

• 17' — Ryukyu take the lead: Tomoya Uehara finished calmly after a rapid counter-attack down the right.
• 39' — Nara equalise: Yuto Kato met a corner with a powerful header to make it 1-1.
• 63' — Tanaka restores the lead: Riku Tanaka found space on the edge of the area and drove a low shot into the bottom corner.
• 85' — Tanaka seals it: Another quick transition ended with Tanaka finishing from close range to make it 3-1.
• 90+2' — Nara denied: A late header was cleared off the line as Ryukyu held on for the three points.

Tactical story

FC Ryukyu Okinawa set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and looked to attack quickly after winning possession. Their midfield duo screened the back four well, allowing the front four to break at speed. Nara Club used a 3-4-3 shape and enjoyed spells of possession, but they were vulnerable to Ryukyu’s diagonal passes and runs in behind.

Nara’s equaliser came from a set piece, which had been their most promising route to goal. After the break, however, Ryukyu adjusted their pressing and forced Nara into mistakes in midfield. The visitors’ clinical finishing in transition made the difference, and their ability to score at key moments underlined why they remain a dangerous side in the J3 League promotion race.

Standout players

Riku Tanaka was the star of the show with two well-taken goals, showing composure in front of goal and intelligence in his movement. Tomoya Uehara set the tone with the opener and worked tirelessly on the right. For Nara Club, Yuto Kato was their most positive performer, scoring the equaliser and winning several aerial duels. Ryukyu’s goalkeeper also made a crucial late clearance to preserve the two-goal cushion.

J3 League impact

The win boosts FC Ryukyu Okinawa’s position in the J3 League standings and keeps them in contention for promotion through the playoffs. Their away form has become a major asset, and the manner of this victory will give them confidence for the final stretch of the season. Nara Club, meanwhile, remain in a battle to move clear of the lower reaches of the table. They showed spirit in the first half, but defensive lapses after the break proved costly.