Gamba Osaka drew 1-1 against Ventforet Kofu in the final match of the 2017 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League’s opening round.

After a scoreless first half, the visitors took the lead in the 55th minute thanks to a surprising effort by defender Masaru Matsuhashi.

But three away points were not in the cards for Ventforet after Yasuyuki Konno pounced on a loose ball following Yasuhito Endo’s corner kick to net the equaliser in the 91st minute.

The result gives Gamba a second straight win in all competitions to start the season as they prepare for another midweek AFC Champions League fixture, this time against Jeju United on Wednesday, March 1.