The 2016 MEIJI YASUDA J2 League will head into a climactic final round following Saturday’s heart-stopping Round 41.

Leaders Consadole Sapporo saw their title hopes thrown into uncertainty when Yamato Machida’s goal put them behind 1-0 at JEF United Chiba. 

But Ken Tokura’s 71st-minute equaliser set the stage for Yoshihiro Uchimura’s stunner four minutes into stoppage time to give the visitors a 2-1 come from behind victory.

Elsewhere, second-place Matsumoto Yamaga suffered a 2-1 loss at Machida Zelvia after allowing two first-half goals. They now trail Shimizu S-Pulse, who won 2-1 against Playoff contenders Fagiano Okayama, on goal difference, with both teams even at 81 points.

Yokohama FC were eliminated from promotion contention with their scoreless draw against Zweigen Kanazawa, who remain at the bottom of the table with 38 points, trailing Giravanz Kitakyushu on goal difference.

The final round of the J2 campaign will take place on November 20