Antlers press ahead

Shinzo Koroki scored twice as Japan's Kashima Antlers thrashed Singapore Armed Forces 5-0 yesterday as the J-League champions moved a step closer to the knockout round in Group G. Antlers joined Korean side Suwon Samsung Bluewings at the top of the group on nine points. Suwon came frome behind to after rallying to beat Shanghai Shenhua of China 2-1 at home. Bulgarian Yanko Valkanov gave Shanghai an early lead but two goals in the space of three minutes just before the break by Lee Sang-ho and Bae Ki-jong put the South Koreans in control. Shanghai striker Hernan Barcos missed a late penalty to equalise.

In Group E, Seigo Nazaraki saved a late Sasho Petrovski penalty kick to help Nagoya Grampus Eight to aor 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets and move top of Group E. Midfielder Yoshizumi Ogawa's 56th-minute strike gave Nagoya victory. "We ran out of legs," said Newcastle coach Gary van Egmond. "The effort was tremendous but you have to take your chances. Unfortunately we didn't." In the other game in the group, Ulsan Hyundai from South Korea beat Beijing Guoan 1-0 away.

* Agencies