Sanfrecce Hiroshima made their return to continental competition in spectacular fashion, dominating Kaya FC, 3-0, in their AFC Champions League Two opener.

The Viola, playing in an AFC competition for the first time since 2019, leaned upon the brilliant Makoto Mitsuta, whose three assists led the team to a dominant victory.

Douglas Vieira gave Sanfrecce a deserved lead in the 37th minute when he got on the end of a cross from Mitsuta. The Brazilian slid to reach the ball from Mitsuta and expertly redirected it into the bottom corner of the goal for the opener.

It took until the 54th minute before Sanfrecce would double their lead, again with Mitsuta playing the role of provider. He picked the ball up in the center circle before driving to the edge of the box, skipping past multiple defenders, and feeding new signing Gonçalo Paciência for the rocket finish.

The Japanese midfielder then picked up his third assist of the game when his cross found the head of Osamu Henry Iyoha, who nodded the ball home to wrap up the 3-0 win.

Sanfrecce will return to AFC play in October, when they travel to Hong Kong for a contest with Eastern Sports Club.