In Korea Republic, Gangwon FC and Suwon FC preserved their top-flight status as they prevailed over Gimpo FC and Busan IPark respectively in the relegation playoffs, meaning second division champions Gimcheon Sangmu will be the only new face in the top division next season.

Lee Man FC maintained their three-point lead over holders Kitchee SC with a 3-2 win against Tai Po FC in Hong Kong while Taipower secured third place in Chinese Taipei with a 3-1 defeat of Hang Yuan on Sunday, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia.Kawasaki Frontale emerged as the Emperor’s Cup champions after they overcame Kashiwa Reysol in an epic penalty shootout at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday. Kawasaki goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong scored in the 11th round of spot-kicks and then saved his counterpart Kenta Matsumoto’s attempt to decide the title.

The two sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes of action in the final of the 103rd edition of the tournament before Kawasaki emerged as winners on penalties – a triumph that also booked their place in next season’s AFC Champions League™ Elite.

This is the second Emperor’s Cup win for Kawasaki under head coach Toru Oniki who has also guided them to four J1 League titles since 2017, the J.League Cup in 2019 and two Japanese Super Cups.