A late goal from Mu Kanazaki gave Kashima Antlers a 2-1 win over Auckland City in Yokohama on Thursday to earn the Japanese side a second-round tie with Mamelodi Sundowns in the Club World Cup.
Kim Dae Wook put Oceanic champions Auckland in front five minutes into the second half but Shuhei Akasaki levelled on 67 minutes and Kanazaksi grabbed the winner two minutes from time.
The Antlers are representing hosts Japan in the seven-team tournament and next face the South African Sundowns in Osaka on Sunday. The winners of that tie meet European champions Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
Colombians Atletico Nacional await the winner of the other second-round match in which South Koreans Jeonbuk Hyundai take on Club America of Mexico.
The final takes place in Yokohama on December 18.
DPA
