Japan midfielder Hidemasa Morita opened his account for Sporting Lisbon and set up another goal Friday in a 3-1 victory over Portuguese top-flight opponents Gil Vicente.
Morita struck the opener against a visiting Gil Vicente side featuring compatriot Kanya Fujimoto in midfield, tapping in after Sporting winger Nuno Santos fired across the face of goal in the 16th minute.
The hosts doubled their lead six minutes later at Jose Alvalade Stadium when Portugal international Pedro Goncalves netted after Morita sent him through on goal with a clever back-heel.
Sporting made it 3-0 through Rochinha in the 82nd minute before Fran Navarro pulled one back for the visitors in injury time.
Morita transferred to Portuguese heavyweights Sporting from fellow Primeira Liga side Santa Clara in July. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder moved to Portugal in January last year after helping Kawasaki Frontale capture the 2020 J-League title.
