InsideJapan News Network

Kawasaki Frontale will face Gamba Osaka in the first knockout round of the 2009 Asian Champions League after slipping to defeat in their final group match.

Frontale hosted South Korea's Pohang Steelers on Tuesday to decide who topped Group H, but could not make home advantage count.

Goals either side of the break from No Byung-jun and Denilson secured a 2-0 win for the visitors and a last-16 tie against either Newcastle Jets or Ulsan Hyundai.

Kawasaki's defeat means they travel to the tournament's form side Gamba Osaka, who have scored 16 times on their way to winning all five of their group games, on June 24th.

Kashima Antlers were also in Champions League action on Tuesday, clinching a 1-1 draw at Shanghai Shenhua thanks to an equaliser from Marquinhos after Mark Milligan had given the Chinese side an early advantage.

The result ensured they topped Group G and they now face a home tie against either FC Seoul or Shandong Luneng on June 24th.

Nagoya Grampus had already clinched their place in the last 16, where they have a home match against Suwon Samsung Bluewings on June 24th.

Written by Graham McPherson


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