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Sunday November 8, 2009

Pohang shock Al Ittihad to emerge champs

TOKYO: Pohang Steelers of South Korea shocked two-time champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia 2-1 to capture the AFC Champions League title here yesterday.

After a scoreless first half, the opening goal was scored by forward No Byung-jun, who netted from a free-kick in the 57th minute after the team’s top Brazilian scorer Denilson was fouled.

The Koreans doubled their lead just eight minutes later from another free-kick. Midfielder Kim Jae-sung played the ball into the box and defender Kim Hyung-il headed in to leave the Saudi giants with an uphill task.

Although Al Ittihad clawed a goal back through Mohammed Noor in the 74th minute they could not find another goal, with Morocco midfielder Hicham Aboucherouane’s free-kick in injury time going wide.

The momentum switched several times in the first half, with midfielder Shin Hyung-min failing to connect cleanly with a shot from distance and Macedonian striker Stevica Ristic forcing the Saudi goalkeeper into a save..

Both sides were guilty of missing several more chances to open the scoring before Al Ittihad skipper Mohammed Noor was sliced down by Hyung-min just outside the area, with Hyung-min booked as a result.

With the victory, Pohang won a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates from Dec 9-19.

It was the Korean side’s third continental title following their victories in the former Asian Club Championship in 1997 and 1998. — AFP

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