Pohang Steelers win on penalties to set up AFC Champions League showdown with Al Hilal

October 21 – South Korea’s Pohang Steelers will face Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the final of the Asian Champions League after beating current ACL holders Ulsan Hyundai on penalties.

On Tuesday Al Hilal overcame their Riyadh rivals Al Nassr 2-1 in the West zone semi-final. On Wednesday it was the turn of the South Korean east coast rivals Pohang and Ulsan to battle for the final and ultimately a shot at being the AFC’s representative at the 2021 Club World Cup, now rescheduled to be held in the UAE early next year.

Ulsan took a lead early in the second half via defender Yun Il-lok. But when Ulsan’s Won Du-jae was dismissed in the 68th minute it was enough to allow Pohang to level the score through an Alex Grant headed goal that forced extra-time.

With no further goals, the match went to penalties. Ulsan missed their first but Pohang scored all theirs to take the final slot.

The final will be played in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 23 and will be Al Hilal’s fourth appearance, the most of any club in Asia. They have won their last five consecutive games in the AFC Champions League knockout stages.

It will be Pohang Steelers’ second time in the final, having won the ACl in 2009 when they beat Saudi side Al Ittihad 2-1.

Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1711707106labto1711707106ofdlr1711707106owedi1711707106sni@n1711707106osloh1711707106cin.l1711707106uap1711707106


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