Seongnam Ilhwa book place in AFC Champions League final
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Seongnam Ilhwa were the first team to book a place in next month's AFC Champions League final in Tokyo after beating Al Shabab 1-0 at home, progressing on the away goals rule after a 4-3 defeat in their semi-final first leg.
The seven-time K-League champions, finalists in 2004, will play against either Saudi champions Al Hilal or Iranian league leaders Zobahan, who kicked off their semi-final second leg in Riyadh later on Wednesday evening.
Seongnam forward Cho Dong-geon scored the only goal at the Tancheon Sports Complex in the 31st minute and Korea Republic goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong was another hero after pulling off vital saves in the second half.
Ilhwa, wearing their familiar yellow shirts but unfamiliar red shorts and socks, had revenge on their mind after giving up the lead three times in Riyadh two weeks ago.
Seongnam coach Shin Tae-yong wanted an early goal and his side had the ball in the net in the third minute, but midfielder Kim Sung-hwan was ruled offside after shooting home from a flick-on header by target man Dzenan Radoncic.
Captain Sasa Ognenovski came close in the 26th minute when he rose to meet a Mauricio Molina free-kick from the left, but the giant Australian centre-back glanced his header just past the far post.
In the 30th minute left-back Hong Chul, 20, showed great skill to set Radoncic free on the left of the area and the tall Montenegrin beat Brazilian defender Marcelo Tavares before his angled shot was well saved by Waleed Abdullah.
Seongnam took the lead just a minute later. Right-back Ko Jae-sung pumped in a deep cross that was flicked on toward the six-yard box and the 24-year-old Cho pounced on the chance to hook the ball into the top of the net with his left foot.
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Cho Dong-geon scored the only goal for Seongnam Ilhwa. |
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