Modest Sagan Tosu spurned the chance to move three points clear at the top of the J. League after a 1-0 defeat to defending champion Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a rescheduled game on Monday.

Koji Morisaki, Kosei Shibasaki and Yojiro Takahagi all had chances for Hiroshima before the home side finally broke the deadlock with nine minutes left through rookie striker Yusuke Minagawa.

Yoshifumi Kashiwa sent a cross into the danger zone and 22-year-old substitute Minagawa took advantage of slack marking to send a free header past Tosu goalkeeper Akihiro Hayashi.

Tosu, who fired manager Yoon Jung-hwan on Friday over “trust” issues and were playing their first game under Megumu Yoshida, and Urawa Reds both have 37 points from 19 games.

Hiroshima stayed in contention for a third straight title after improving to sixth place on 30 points.

Monday’s match had initially been scheduled for Saturday but was postponed due to a typhoon.