Sanfrecce Hiroshima edged closer to the knockout round of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 on Wednesday, moving up to third place in the table after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Shanghai Shenhua FC.
Michael Skibbe’s side claimed their third win of the group stage thanks to Hayato Araki’s header in the closing stages, leaving Hiroshima just behind fellow 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE sides Vissel Kobe and FC Machida Zelvia in the rankings.
The first chance of the game fell Hiroshima’s way in the fourth minute, but Naoto Arai couldn’t quite get enough purchase on his shot after Hayao Kawabe’s cross into the area from the left and it was easy enough for Shanghai goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong to deal with.
Shanghai then had a chance of their own four minutes later at Hiroshima Soccer Stadium, but after being played in on goal Andre Luis spooned his attempt over the bar from just outside the area.
Andre Luis threatened again in the 27th minute but thumped his strike against the post after a clearance fell to him inside the Hiroshima box, and Daiki Suga then saw a controlled effort from distance headed to safety by Shanghai defender Zhu Chenjie seven minutes before half-time, meaning the teams went in all square at the break.
Sota Nakamura thought he had given Hiroshima the lead in the third minute of the second half, clipping in after Kawabe’s crisp ball in behind, but the 23-year-old had strayed just offside and the effort was ruled out.
The hosts went close again with a pair of headed chances in the 59th minute, but Suga saw his first attempt saved by Bao and then substitute Kosuke Kinoshita couldn’t quite direct the ball on target from close range.
Araki then finally made the breakthrough for Hiroshima with 12 minutes remaining, rising highest in the six-yard box to nod an Arai corner in at the back post.
Hiroshima had an opportunity to add to the scoring when another pair of substitutes combined in the second minute of additional time, but Mutsuki Kato’s volley after Valere Germain's ball into the area went straight at Bao.
Even so, Hiroshima’s one-goal advantage was enough to make sure of all three points, leaving them in a strong position to advance to the Round of 16.
