SAINTS defender Maya Yoshida was awarded the bragging rights over St Mary’s colleague Emmanual Mayuka yesterday.

Mayuka created Zambia’s first goal as the African nation stormed into an early 2-0 lead against the World Cup finals qualifiers in Tampa, Florida.

But Japan hit back before half-time before taking a 3-2 lead with goals in the 74th and 75th minutes.

Mayuka – aiming for a fresh start at Saints after spending most of last season on loan at French club Sochaux – had been taken off in the 52nd minute.

Zambia levelled in the 89th minute, only for Japan to claim their fifth straight victory less than 60 seconds later.

Japan made six substitutions, but Yoshida was given the whole 90 minutes.

He is almost certain to start his first World Cup finals game when Japan face the Ivory Coast this coming Sunday.