Kyoto Sanga striker, Peter Utaka, scored a delightful double today to celebrate his 200th J-League game in grand style.
Utaka’s record efforts, however, did not yield maximum points for his J-League 2 second-placed side as they shared points in the exciting clash that ended 2-2 before their fans against Thespakusatsu Gunma.
‘Manpo’ put his side ahead as early as the 12th minute, before the visitors evened scores just before the recess.
He doubled his effort and Kyoto Sanga’s lead in the 64th minute before was denied full marks after the visiting team equalised in the 77th minute and that was enough for the spoils to be shared.
The shared points restored Kyoto Sanga top placing with 38 points, same as second-placed Jubilo Iwata, but they are on superior goals’ difference.
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The former KVC Westerlo hitman told SCORENigeria he was ecstatically hitting a double in his historic milestone but was disappointed at their visitors’ other plans.
“Playing 200 games in the J-League isn’t a mean feat and I thank God for it,” ‘Manpo’ beamed.
“A mixed feeling it was for me though because it would’ve been sweeter if it was a victory for us.
“But nevertheless, I’m very elated too because God has made it possible for me to achieve that.”
Utaka, 37, has had a very sweet and honours-filled stint in Japan which also includes two top scorer’s award, a record for an African player and the one of the four players in the world to achieve the feat.
‘Manpo’ has also emerged top scorer in Belgium, Denmark and in the Chinese FA Cup.