Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seongnam: Seongnam FC coach Kim Hak-bum is looking forward to testing his side’s solid defence against the attacking riches of Chinese powerhouse Guangzhou Evergrande in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Round of 16 clash at Tancheon Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Upon their return to the continental competition for the first time since 2012, the Korea Republic team impressed to finish in second place in what was a tough Group F that contained Japanese treble winners Gamba Osaka, Thai champions Buriram United and Chinese debutants Guangzhou R&F .
Despite clinching their spot in the last 16 with a match to spare after conceding just three goals in the first five games, a 2-1 defeat away at Gamba saw the two-time Asian champions finish behind the J.League side but ahead of Buriram and Guangzhou R&F.
“We know that Guangzhou Evergrande have some talented attackers but we have a settled and strong defence,” said Kim, who took Seongnam to the semi-final of the 2007 edition.
“Our opponents are strong but we will also play for the pride of the K-League. Many people may not give us much hope but the ball is round and anything can happen.
“We will see who is the stronger in the stadium on Wednesday.”
Seongnam, who were known as Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma when they won the AFC Champions League in 2010 to add to their 1995 Asian Club Championship crown, struggled in the 2014 K-League season, earning a place in the continental competiton courtesy of a Korea FA Cup triumph.
Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou, meanwhile, also booked their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare as Fabio Cannavaro’s team topped Group H ahead of Korea Republic’s FC Seoul. The star-studded southern Chinese side have won the last four Super League titles as well as the 2013 AFC Champions League.
“They have lots of experience in this competition as well as playing against teams from Korea Republic while our players lack experience but it won't be a big problem,” added Kim, who has fitness concerns surrounding attacker Hwang Ui-jo and defender Kim Tae-youn after they sustained injuries in the final group game against Gamba.
“We are not thinking about the second leg at the moment, we are only considering Wednesday’s game and how we will play. We are looking forward to it.”
Photo: WSG