Kitakyushu vs FC Ryukyu Match Recap - Oct 25, 2025

Kitakyushu Outlasts Ryukyu in Tense J3 Showdown, Keeps Playoff Hope Alive

In the picturesque setting of Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu, Giravanz Kitakyushu edged out FC Ryukyu in a thrilling 2-1 contest that could have significant implications for both clubs as the season nears its close. A late strike from Koh Seung-Jin sealed the deal for Kitakyushu, keeping alive their aspirations for a playoff spot while deepening Ryukyu's relegation worries.

How wrong could I have been in my pre-match predictions? The contest turned out to be far more frenetic than I anticipated, showcasing Kitakyushu's resilience against a desperate Ryukyu side. I ventured that this clash could end in a tight draw, but the last-minute drama reminded us that football can be unpredictable-even in the J3 League, where the stakes are often higher than the flair on display.

The first half offered little in terms of scoring, as both teams traded missed opportunities. Kitakyushu maintained their recent form, coming off a dominant 4-1 win last week, while Ryukyu, despite an encouraging win against Kochi United, struggled to find continuity. Yet, it would be the second half that brought the match to life.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute when R. Okano found the back of the net for Kitakyushu, sending the home crowd into rapture. Just when it seemed the hosts would cruise to victory, Ryukyu struck back in the 70th minute with an equalizer that injected energy back into the match. The goal, though attributed to an unknown scorer, reignited hopes for the visitors, lifting their spirits as they rallied for vital points in a battle against relegation.

However, as the clock ticked into the dying moments, Kitakyushu refused to be denied. With the match seemingly poised for a draw, Koh Seung-Jin, whose role has grown increasingly vital in recent weeks, scored a dramatic goal in the 90th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy once more. His timely finish encapsulated Kitakyushu's determination to secure a place in the playoff race, as the team improved to 47 points, maintaining their position in ninth place.

For Ryukyu, the defeat marked another setback in their struggle for survival. With just 37 points and currently sitting in 14th place, the pressure mounts as each match becomes more critical in fending off relegation. Their ability to equalize showcased their fighting spirit, but the inability to secure points away from home will loom large as they regroup for the challenges ahead.

Looking forward, Kitakyushu's late heroics keep the hope flickering for a potential playoff charge, while Ryukyu faces a daunting path ahead. With matches dwindling, every point counts in this frenetic league, and both teams understand that the coming weeks are crucial for their respective goals-one aiming for ascension and the other desperately fighting to stay afloat.