ACL Matchday Two Preview - East Asia: Pohang Steelers Look To Get Back On Track

Pohang Steelers will strive to get their AFC Champions league title defence back on track on Wednesday when they host first-timers Sanfrecce Hiroshima, two weeks after a surprise loss to Adelaide United. The Group H clash is one of eight matchday two ties on Wednesday.

Pohang regained their winning touch at the Steelyard on Saturday when they beat Daegu 2-1 in their K-League opener with goals from No Byung-joon, who headed in national teammate Kim Jae-sung’s corner, and Almir, one of three new Brazilian strikers at the club.

Pohang coach Waldemar Lemos hopes the victory will spur his side in their clash with Sanfrecce, who last month lost 1-0 to former Chinese champions Shandong Luneng.

 “We won the AFC Champions League last year and we’re confident of winning it again this year,” said Lemos, who took over at Pohang following the departure of compatriot Sergio Farias to Jeddah club Al Ahli. “We always play as a team and I hope we can show a better performance this time.”

Pohang’s new signings include Korea Republic international Seol Ki-hyeon and Brazilians Almir, Alexandro and Mota, a former star at Seongnam Ilhwa and Chunnam Dragons. Mota and Alexandro started against Adelaide, where Almir came on as a substitute.

“Football is not an individual sport. The good point of our team is harmony and the new players are adapting quite well,” said Lemos, whose side includes Korea Republic internationals Seol, No, Kim, midfielder Shin Hyung-min and centre-back Kim Hyung-il.

Sanfrecce opened their J.League account on Saturday with a frustrating 1-1 draw with Shimizu S-Pulse in Hiroshima, where the hosts conceded an extra-time equaliser after leading from the third minute when Japan striker Hisato Sato converted a penalty.

Shandong, Chinese Super League winners in 2006 and 2008, host Adelaide as both teams target a second straight win. China striker Han Peng headed home a corner to help the Orange win in Hiroshima, while Adelaide teenager Mathew Leckie scored against Pohang following an 80-yard run.

Adelaide, who arrived in Jinan on Sunday after three flights via Singapore and Beijing, have had to adjust to sub-zero temperatures compared to Australia’s warm climate, but remain confident after winning their last two A-League games and beating Pohang.

“We’ve been told we could be playing in zero degrees, so it’s going to be tough, but I’d rather be playing in that than in the heat,” said Reds captain Travis Dodd. “I’d imagine their fans would be expecting them to win at home, so we need to frustrate them as much as we can and hopefully turn that against them.”

Gamba Osaka, the 2008 champions, host Henan Jianye in Group G, in which all teams are on one point following two scoreless draws on matchday one.

Gamba, who were held 0-0 at Suwon Bluewings in Korea Republic, will want to assert themselves against their Chinese visitors, especially after Saturday’s disappointing 2-1 J.League loss to Nagoya Grampus.

Suwon, the reigning Korean FA Cup winners and winners of the former Asian Club Championship in 2001 and 2002, will also be favourites when they visit Singapore Armed Forces.

Cha Bum-kun’s men beat Busan I'Park 4-3 in the K-League on Saturday, as two goals apiece from Brazilian signing Jose Mota and Seo Dong-Hyun helped make up for their opening-day loss at Jeonbuk Motors.

Richard Bok’s Warriors have started their bid for a fifth straight S.League title with one win and two draws, but are still looking for their first win in the AFC Champions League.