The J1 League Promotion Playoff semi-finals took place on Sunday with the third through sixth place finishers in this year’s MEIJI YASUDA J2 League campaign all looking to book the third and final spot for new additions to the top flight.

At Alwin Stadium, sixth-seeded Fagiano Okayama stunned Matsumoto Yamaga in a 2-1 upset victory. 

Yuki Oshitani put the visitors into the lead midway through the first half, but it was Shingo Akamine who won the game with his stoppage-time goal after Paulinho had equalised for the hosts in the 74th minute.

Meanwhile, captain Yoichiro Kakitani’s 13th-minute goal was enough for Cerezo Osaka to advance after drawing 1-1 with Kyoto Sanga, who made the crowd at Kincho Stadium nervous when Koki Arita knotted the game up in the 90th minute.

Cerezo will host the one-legged final against Fagiano on Sunday at Kincho Stadium in Osaka, with the hosts capable of securing promotion with a draw after 90 minutes.