Roasso Kumamoto vs FC Gifu final score: 2-1 — Roasso Kumamoto claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC Gifu in their Japanese J3 League clash at Egao Kenko Stadium on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The home side used a bright first-half start and a decisive late finish to take all three points from a competitive noon kick-off.

Match overview

Roasso Kumamoto set the tone early in front of an energetic home crowd, pressing FC Gifu high and forcing the visitors into a series of hurried clearances. The home side’s aggressive approach paid off in the 18th minute when winger Daiki Nakamura cut inside from the left and curled a low shot beyond the Gifu goalkeeper.

FC Gifu responded well after the break. The visitors began to find space behind Kumamoto’s advanced full-backs and equalised in the 52nd minute through a well-worked move finished by striker Hayato Mori, whose header from a right-wing cross gave the Roasso goalkeeper no chance. The game looked set for a tense final half-hour, but Kumamoto’s bench made the difference.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Daiki Nakamura opens the scoring for Roasso Kumamoto with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area.
• 52nd minute: FC Gifu level through Hayato Mori’s header, rewarding a stronger start to the second half from the visitors.
• 67th minute: Gifu goalkeeper Ryo Kanzaki makes a sharp double save to deny Kumamoto from close range.
• 78th minute: Substitute Riku Shindo restores Kumamoto’s lead, arriving late in the box to convert a low cross from the right.
• 89th minute: Gifu push numbers forward, but Kumamoto defender Sho Takeda clears a dangerous ball across the six-yard box.

Tactical story

Roasso Kumamoto lined up in a fluid 4-2-3-1, with Nakamura and the wide attackers encouraged to drift inside and overload Gifu’s central defenders. The home side’s high press was especially effective in the first 30 minutes, when Gifu struggled to play through midfield and often went long.

FC Gifu adjusted after half-time, switching to a more direct 4-4-2 shape and targeting the channels. That change brought the equaliser and gave the visitors a foothold in the match. However, Kumamoto’s coach responded by introducing fresh legs in midfield and on the wing, and the substitution paid off when Shindo scored the winner. Gifu’s late pressure produced a few nervous moments, but Kumamoto managed the final minutes with maturity.

Standout performers

Daiki Nakamura was at the heart of Kumamoto’s best attacking moments, scoring the opener and constantly testing Gifu’s right-back. Riku Shindo made an immediate impact from the bench, and his late goal proved to be the difference. In defence, Sho Takeda produced a crucial late clearance and won several important aerial duels.

For FC Gifu, Hayato Mori took his goal well and worked tirelessly as a lone target man for much of the second half. Goalkeeper Ryo Kanzaki also deserved credit for keeping his side in the contest with a fine double save at 1-1.

What the result means

The three points strengthen Roasso Kumamoto’s position in the J3 League promotion race and give the club valuable momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. For FC Gifu, the defeat leaves them with work to do as they look to climb the table and stay within touching distance of the play-off places. Kumamoto’s ability to respond after conceding will be particularly encouraging for their supporters, while Gifu will rue a missed opportunity to take at least a point from a game that was evenly balanced for long spells.