Gwangju FC gamers rejoice their purpose throughout a match towards Yokohama F. Marinos on the AFC Champions League Elite event in Gwangju World Cup Stadium, Sept. 17. Yonhap
By John Duerden
Gwangju FC has by no means been a powerhouse in Korean soccer — in any case, this can be a membership that’s solely 13 years previous — however the southwesterners are making fairly a reputation for themselves internationally.
Within the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier membership event, there are 24 groups. Solely three have gained all three video games thus far. The primary two are Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli. The previous has stars comparable to Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves and extra and might be one of the best group in Asia proper now. Al-Ahli has superstars of its personal, Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney, Roberto Firmino and extra.
The third is Gwangju. Ulsan HD has gained two Asian titles, and Pohang Steelers has gained three however they’re trying up at their fellow Okay-League group. Gwangju began with a 7-3 thrashing of Yokohama F. Marinos, the Japanese group that reached the ultimate of final season’s version. Then got here an equally spectacular 1-0 win in Japan, this time on the house of Kawasaki Frontale, and that was adopted by a 3-1 victory over Malaysian powerhouse Johor Darul Tazim. All these groups have appreciable expertise in Asian competitors and all misplaced to this rookie.
Gwangju certified for the event due to a unbelievable Okay-League season in 2023. Simply after promotion from the second tier, coach Lee Jung-hyo led the group to 3rd place, by a long way the membership’s finest ever season. This season has not been fairly as profitable at house however in Asia, Gwangju have made waves.
Albanian attacking midfielder Jasir Asani has been a standout in your complete event and has managed six targets thus far. If the 29 year-old was a bit of youthful then he can be an enormous cash transfer to a profitable league earlier than too lengthy.
Lee Jung-hyo continues to be getting loads of plaudits, nonetheless. The 49 year-old is having fun with his first head teaching place and has labored wonders with Gwangju. He took over a group that had simply been relegated to the second tier. Within the three years he has been in cost, he has delivered promotion, a third-place end and now, an Asian marketing campaign that has began completely. Lee has been praised for his consideration to element and with the ability to get one of the best out of particular person gamers.
Provided that, after eight video games in Asia, the highest eight of the 12-team group progresses to the Spherical of 16, Gwangju is sort of assured a spot. Ulsan HD is on the reverse finish after dropping all three video games. The 2012 and 2020 champion, the group that’s trying like it will win a 3rd successive Okay-League title, is not going to get a 3rd Asian title.
Whereas Ulsan will concentrate on home prizes, Gwangju goes to need to watch out to not get too caught up with its Asian problem. The group is struggling a bit of at house and has to control the relegation battle. For the time being, the group that’s making waves internationally has to verify it doesn’t get sucked down into the second tier as soon as extra.
