Kashima Antlers picked up their first points in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday with a 2-0 win over Shanghai Shenhua, while Kawasaki Frontale shared the spoils with Pohang Steelers in a 1-1 draw in South Korea.
Stunned 4-1 by Suwon Bluewings in their opening Group G game last week, Antlers, the reigning J. League champions, were looking for a morale boost in front of their fans.
With neither side looking likely to score, Osako collected a pass in midfield a minute before the break and cleverly released Takuya Nozawa with a clean through ball into the box, the Kashima midfielder leaving three defenders in his wake as he slotted low into the corner of the net.