Kim: Still work for Seongnam to do after win over Evergrande

The sides looked to be heading into next week’s second leg in China all square after Jorginho’s 23rd minute strike for Seongnam was cancelled out by Guangzhou’s Huang Bowen just before half-time at Tancheon Sports Complex.

But after captain Kim Do-heon held his nerve to net a 96th minute penalty, two-time Asian champions Seongnam will take a one-goal advantage to China next Wednesday seeking a first quarter-final appearance since winning the 2010 AFC Champions League.

Match report: Seongnam FC 2-1 Guangzhou Evergrande
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“We were successful in the first match, but this is not the end and we will have to perform in the second half of the match against Guangzhou so we need to prepare well for the next match in Guangzhou,” said Seongnam coach Kim Hak-bum.

“Each player did their best on the pitch and had a strong mentality. But the players need to become stronger mentally and physically, and that is the key for the return match in Guangzhou.”

Brazilian Jorginho had handed the home side the lead with a neat finish midway through the first half only for Huang to net a spectacular equaliser two minutes before half-time.

But Kim Do-heon beating goalkeeper Zeng Cheng from the penalty spot following an off-the-ball foul as a stoppage time free-kick was played into the area, 1995 Asian Club Championship winners Seongnam will return to Guangzhou with a slender advantage having beaten Guangzhou R&F 1-0 in China during the group stage.

“I told the players at half-time to focus on their style of play. We could score, but we should not become defensive. I told them to focus on the match itself and do what they can do,” added Kim Hak-bum.

“The next match will be played in completely different circumstances so we will begin to prepare soon, but I will take some time to make a plan for the match in Guangzhou.”

Photo: WSG