Late strike leaves Sky Blues in ACL disarray

For 83 minutes Sydney FC had a valuable point packed in the suitcase ready to bring back from Japan.

Sydney FC forward Adam le Fondre heads the ball in front of Kawasaki Frontale defender Tatsuki Nara. Picture: AFP

For 83 minutes Sydney FC had a valuable point packed in the suitcase ready to bring back from Japan, tucked safely away along with their Asian Champions League aspirations.

And for 83 minutes goalkeeper’s Andrew Redmayne’s sterling display had seemingly ensured his team would depart the Land of the Rising Sun third in their group — albeit without a goal from two matches.

Until Kawasaki Frontale substitute Manabu Saito inflicted a late blow to send the Sky Blues home with a 1-0 loss, in last place and with a mountain to climb to advance out of the group stage..

With one cruel swipe of the ball, the reigning J-League champions brought a swift end to another chapter of Sydney’s disappointing history in Japan.

In truth Kawasaki deserved the win. Despite Sydney’s declaration this expedition was in pursuit of three points, they offered little in the way of incisive action in the front third despite defending resolutely.

Sydney’s best moment arrived on the half-hour as Milos Ninkovic embarked on a neat one-two with Michael Zullo, the pair ploughing through gaps only for the one they sought most to elude them.

As the second half wound down Sydney seemed certain to steal their share from the proceedings.

Until Kawasaki coach Toru Oniki brought on Saito, and seven minutes from time he was at the right place at the right time to finish a scrappy cross through a throng of players.