Makoto Mitsuta's 88th-minute leveler salvaged Sanfrecce Hiroshima a 1-1 draw away to Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League first division on Saturday.
The versatile 24-year-old exchanged passes with Ezequiel to drive inside from the left before his low shot from 20 meters out deflected into the net at Uvance Todoroki Stadium.
"We began to attack with conviction late in the first half but only managed to score at the end of the game to secure a point. We need to become a team who can win three points away from home," Mitsuta said as Sanfrecce moved up to 34 points, six behind leaders Machida Zelvia ahead of their game on Sunday.
Hiroshima won possession inside the opposition box, but forward Douglas Vieira's fifth-minute shot was denied by a crucial challenge by Kento Tachibanada. Kawasaki left-back Asahi Sasaki flashed his shot just wide at the other end before the home side went ahead.
Tatsuki Seko's deflected shot from outside the box was saved by Japan keeper Keisuke Osako in Hiroshima's goal, but Brazilian winger Marcinho was the quickest to react and steered the rebound high into the net after 23 minutes.
In an evenly-matched encounter, Kawasaki came close to doubling the lead following a flowing move in the 71st minute, but substitute Yu Kobayashi's curling shot from outside the area toward the top corner was saved by Osako.
Hiroshima upped their pressure, and while substitute Pieros Sotiriou's 78th-minute backheel off Mitsuta's left-wing cross was denied by Jung Sung Ryong, the Kawasaki keeper could do nothing about the equalizer as the visitors' late pressure paid off 10 minutes later.
Elsewhere, Tokyo Verdy won 2-1 at Yokohama F Marinos to move up to 30 points. Bottom side Consadole Sapporo lost their seventh straight game after going down 1-0 at home to Albirex Niigata, staying six points off safety.
