Jebali Stuns Nagasaki with 94th-Minute Equaliser in 2-2 Thriller

V-varen Nagasaki were seconds away from victory until Issam Jebali’s 94th-minute strike earned Gamba Osaka a dramatic 2-2 draw in an enthralling J1 League Round 5 clash. The home side had looked to have sealed all three points through late goals from Kenshin Yasuda and Matheus Jesus, only for Gamba’s persistence to pay off in heart-stopping circumstances.

V-varen Nagasaki vs Gamba Osaka: First Half

The first 45 minutes were a cagey affair, with Gamba Osaka controlling 56% of possession but neither side able to carve out clear chances. The only notable incident came when Gamba’s Ryo Hatsuse picked up the game’s first yellow card on 36 minutes for a cynical foul.

Both managers made changes at half-time, with Nagasaki coach Takashi Takagi sending on Shunya Yoneda for Keita Takahata, while Gamba’s Tomokazu Myojin introduced Issam Jebali and Deniz Hümmet in place of Shu Kurata and Naru Nakatsumi.

V-varen Nagasaki Turn the Screw

Nagasaki began to impose themselves after the break, with Matheus Jesus coming on for Masahiro Sekiguchi on 50 minutes to add more attacking impetus. The home side’s pressure told on 79 minutes when Kenshin Yasuda ghosted in at the back post to volley home the opener.

Just five minutes later, Nagasaki doubled their advantage. Hotaru Yamaguchi’s perfectly weighted through ball found Matheus Jesus, who showed great composure to slot past Gamba keeper Jun Ichimori.

Gamba Osaka’s Dramatic Comeback

Just when it seemed Nagasaki had done enough, Gamba Osaka showed their fighting spirit. On 90 minutes, Deniz Hümmet rose highest to head home Shinnosuke Nakatani’s cross and set up a grandstand finish.

With Nagasaki clinging on desperately, Jebali sparked wild celebrations among the Gamba players and staff in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The Tunisian striker showed great improvisation to latch onto a loose ball in the box and poke home past keeper Masato Goto.

What This Result Means

For Nagasaki, this will feel like a defeat after having victory snatched away so cruelly. Takagi’s side will rue missed opportunities despite dominating large periods, registering 20 shots to Gamba’s 16.

Gamba Osaka showed remarkable resilience to earn a point, continuing their unbeaten start to the season. Myojin’s tactical changes ultimately paid off, with substitutes Hümmet and Jebali both on the scoresheet. However, the manager will be concerned by his side’s struggles to create chances from their majority share of possession.

Both teams will now regroup before Matchday 6, with Nagasaki looking to bounce back and Gamba hoping to turn their draws into wins as the J1 League season picks up pace.

Key Moments

79′ ⚽ V-varen Nagasaki — Kenshin Yasuda

84′ ⚽ V-varen Nagasaki — Matheus Jesus (assist: Hotaru Yamaguchi)

90′ ⚽ Gamba Osaka — Deniz Hümmet (assist: Shinnosuke Nakatani)

90+4′ ⚽ Gamba Osaka — Issam Jebali