Kashima Antlers edges Guangzhou Evergrande 2-1 in AFC Champions League

With Hiroyuki Takasaki's last second header, Kashima Antlers edged Guangzhou Evergrande 2-1 in AFC champions league group H here on Tuesday.

Yasushi Endo converted a penalty in the 19th minute to gift the lead for Kashima. Elkeson scored to help Guangzhou equalize in the 75th minute. The visitors went into disappointment by Takasaki's last touch in the last second of injury time.

With three games and nine points already in hand, the group leaders started the contest brightly, but Guangzhou found themselves behind after 19 minutes. Endo converted from the penalty spot after seeing his cross blocked by the arm of Kim Younggwon.

Brazilian striker Elkeson made a promising effort in the 35th minute, but Kashima's keeper Hitoshi Sogahata was at full-stretch to refuse the sharp angled free-kick shot.

Elkeson finally found the net in the 75th minute thanks to Gao Lin's chipped cross from the left side.

It is the home side's late substitute Takasaki who jumped high up in the crowded penalty area to head home Shibasaki's free-kick cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The game ended when the ball flew into the net.

The Antlers are back into the competition again after winning their first game in the group, as Western Sydney Wanderers drew Seoul FC 1-1 and both have five points after four games. Guangzhou just need another one point to book a seat in the final 16.

"The spirit of 'never give up' led us to the final victory, this is our tradition," Kashima's coach Toninho Cerezo said at the post-match press conference.

"I have to admit we are in a difficult condition, a few players can't play due to injuries, but we have to be calm and confident," Guangzhou's coach Fabio Cannavaro said. Endi