Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara 1-2 AS Elfen Saitama: Visitors Rally for Comeback Win in Women Empowerment League

AS Elfen Saitama produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara 2-1 in the Women Empowerment League on Saturday, 2 May 2026. The victory keeps Saitama in touch with the league leaders, while Nojima Stella remain searching for consistency after a bright start.

First Half Opener

The home side took the lead in the 19th minute through a well-worked set piece. A corner from the right was headed down at the back post, and forward Riko Ueno stabbed the ball home from close range to give Nojima Stella a 1-0 advantage. The goal energized the Kanagawa-based side, who nearly doubled their lead when a low cross fizzed across the face of goal with no one able to apply the finishing touch.

AS Elfen Saitama absorbed the pressure and began to find their rhythm late in the first half. The movement of their attacking trio started to stretch the Nojima defense, creating space for midfield runners to exploit.

Second Half Turnaround

The visitors equalized in the 57th minute through a moment of individual brilliance. Winger Yui Hasegawa picked up the ball on the left flank, cut inside past two defenders, and unleashed a powerful shot that curled into the top corner. The equalizer swung the momentum decisively in Saitama's favor.

Just 12 minutes later, Saitama completed the turnaround. A quick counter-attack caught Nojima Stella's defense pushed up, and striker Mina Tanaka was played through one-on-one. She kept her composure and slotted past the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 2-1. Nojima pushed forward for an equalizer in the closing stages but found Saitama's defense well-organized and determined to hold onto all three points.

League Impact

• AS Elfen Saitama: move up to 3rd place in the Women Empowerment League table with 16 points from 7 matches, just three points off the top spot.
• Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara: drop to 7th with 10 points, having now lost three of their last four matches.
• This was Saitama's third consecutive away win, establishing them as one of the league's toughest teams to face on the road.

What's Next

AS Elfen Saitama host league leaders INAC Kobe Leonessa next weekend in a pivotal top-of-the-table clash. Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara will look to bounce back when they travel to face Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza.