The K League One Pohang Steelers have won four straight matches in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) group stage to advance to the round of 16.
Pohang won their 2023-2024 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Group J match against Urawa Reds (Japan) 2-1 on Monday at the Pohang Steel Yard thanks to a late goal from Kim In-sung. This year’s FA Cup winners, Pohang (12 points), became the only K League team to win all four of their matches and set a new standard for K League pride. If the upcoming Group J match between Wuhan Sanjin (China – 4 points) and Hanoi FC (Vietnam – 9 points) ends in a draw or Hanoi wins, Pohang will advance to the round of 16 regardless of their remaining matches.
Pohang conceded a goal to Jose Kante in the 36th minute, but Zeca equalized from the penalty spot 21 minutes into the second half. Ko Young-joon’s cross from the left side of the penalty area deflected off Urawa defender Marius Hoivieten. The referee awarded a penalty kick after the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed a handball foul on Hoiviten. Zeca stepped up to the plate and slotted home the equalizer.
Pohang, who increased their numerical advantage after Urawa’s Takahiro Akimoto was sent off in the 25th minute of the second half, looked set for victory when Kim In-sung struck in stoppage time. Kim Seung-dae’s cross from the right flank hit the goalkeeper’s hands, and Kim In-sung slid it in with his left foot. Pohang was hit with a setback in the final minutes when Kim Seung-dae left the field with a hamstring injury, but held on to the one-point lead until the end. 무지개토토 주소
Jeonbuk Hyundai lost 0-2 to ‘underdogs’ Ryan City in Singapore in their Group F match. Jeonbuk fell to 2-2-2 (6 points), failing to close the gap on first-place Bangkok United (9 points), who have played one game less.
Jeonbuk was awarded a penalty kick in the 42nd minute after falling behind 0-2, but Gustavo’s miss was not enough to turn the tide.