Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seongnam: First half goals from Kim Do-heon and Nam Jae-joon gave Seongnam FC a 2-1 win over Buriram United on Wednesday and ensured progression from Group F into the Round of 16 of the 2015 AFC Champions League.
Seongnam may have been on top for most of the game at the Tancheon Stadium after a penalty from Kim Do-heon and a Nam header set them on course for victory but a late goal from Buriram's Brazilian striker Diogo ensured a nervous end to the game for the hosts.
With Japan’s Gamba Osaka cruising past China’s Guangzhou R&F in Group F’s other Wednesday tie, Seongnam are now three points clear of the pack as well as with a superior head-to-head record that ensures at least a second place finish in the group.
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Kim impressed by Seongnam's progression to Round of 16
Neither team had been able to create any opening of note before Seongnam took the lead on the 27th minute. After an exchange of headers in the area, the ball fell to Kim Do-heon just outside the area, his low shot was handled by the sliding Narubodin Weerawatnodom.
The referee pointed to the spot and Kim Do-heon coolly slotted the kick into the far corner to give the goalkeeper no chance.
The breakthrough lifted the home team and suddenly, the men in black were passing the ball around fluently and taking control. After the half hour Kim Cheol-ho blasted the ball over from outside the area following a slick move.
Seven minutes before the break Seongnam moved further ahead. Kim Do-heon whipped a free-kick from the right into the penalty area and Nam was unmarked to head high into the net.
The Thai champions started the second half with determination and pressured the hosts with a couple of corner kicks but soon Seongnam, two time continental champions, re-established control of the game.
Five minutes in and should have virtually sealed the win soon after the restart. Nam pulled the ball back from the byline and Hwang Ui-jo, standing on the penalty spot, screwed a low shot just wide.
Seongnam goalkeeper Park Jun-hyuk had little to do but, with 20 minutes remaining, almost fumbled a regulation free-kick from Buriram captain Suchao Nutnum.
Yet, with 13 minutes remaining, United pulled a goal back. A deep right-sided corner kick was headed back across goal by Karnwit Narmwiset and there was Diogo to head home from close range.
Despite late Buriram calls for a penalty due to handball, Seongnam held on for a vital and deserved win.