A sizzling strike from Brazilian midfielder Ferndando proved decisive as Kashima Antlers beat Yokohama F. Marinos 1-0 at home in the first leg of their Nabisco Cup semifinal on Saturday.
Fernando rifled home in the 23rd minute but the Antlers had a couple of late scares and were indebted to defender Atsuto Uchida for a clearance that denied Marinos a crucial away goal to take back to Nissan Stadium for the second leg on Sept. 20.
The winner will meet either Kawasaki Frontale or holder JEF United Chiba, who face off on Sunday in their first-leg clash at Todoroki Stadium.
Yokohama had the first chance to open the scoring as Takayuki Yoshida's header skimmed the crossbar after 20 minutes, but the former Oita Trinita striker was left needing treatment for a cut head when Kashima went in front.