Their opponent was Chonburi from Thailand.
Kashima Antlers vs Chonburi FC
1-1 (First half 1-0, Second half 0-1)
Match commissioner's check in the locker room before the match.
Locker room just before the match.
The match was played at 7:00 PM local time under floodlights.
As the sun set and the temperature in the stadium dropped slightly, the Antlers players aggressively pushed forward from the start of the match.
Then, in the 7th minute, an attack from the left flank went through Hirato in the center to Shikama, who controlled the ball and shot. The shot slipped through the opposing goalkeeper's hands, giving them the lead.
After that, Chonburi FC had possession for an extended period, but the Antlers did not allow them any clear chances, and while they created some clear chances themselves, they couldn't convert them, so they went into halftime with a one-goal lead.
At halftime, the Antlers reconfirmed their strategy and took to the pitch for the second half, but they continued to create chances without being able to convert them.
With the Antlers still leading 1-0, the match went into additional time at the end, when a foul was called in the penalty area, giving away a penalty kick just before the final whistle.
The penalty was converted, and the match ended in a draw.
They had wanted to start the new team's season with a victory, but this match reminded them of their weaknesses, their precision in front of goal, the difficulty of winning, and the harshness of football.
Meeting in the locker room.
Chonburi Match Match Highlight Video