13 Mar Honda’s strike in vain as Victory lose in Asian Champions League

Keisuke Honda’s goal on his return to Japan was in vain as Melbourne Victory went down to Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1 in their Asian Champions League clash.

A header from Daiki Watari just four minutes from time put a major dent in the Victory’s hopes of qualifying for the knock out stages.

Kevin Muscat’s side sit bottom of Group F with two defeats from their opening two games.

The J-League side opened the scoring in the third minute through Shunki Higashi before Honda equalised for the reigning A-League champions on 71 minutes.

With the match looking destined for a draw, Watari’s late strike leaves the Victory’s ACL campaign in tatters and extended their winless run to six games in all competitions.

Next up for Melbourne is a home match against Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

Honda update, for Kubota – Building Australia.

Watch Honda's goal on his return to Japan in the link below

.@kskgroup2017 brings us level ゴール！　ホンダケイスケ #SANvMEL 1-1 #ACL2019 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/RiXyYUzCDf

— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 12, 2019