Nguyen hails Binh Duong's efforts against Jeonbuk

Despite needing a win to keep alive any faint hope of a place in the Round of 16, Abass Cheikh Dieng’s late equaliser still sparked wild celebrations at Binh Duong Stadium after the hosts had gone behind on the half-hour mark from Eninho’s opener for 2006 winners Jeonbuk.

Binh Duong, who had lost three consecutive games ahead of their Matchday Four meeting with the Group E leaders, did not lose heart at going behind and put on a spirited display in the second half which was rewarded by Dieng’s powerful 20-yard leveler in stoppage time.

Match report: Becamex Binh Duong 1-1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

“I’m very satisfied with our players’ mentality and with the result of the game,” said Binh Duong coach Nguyen Thanh Son.

“Jeonbuk is a very strong team, but that does not mean we did not have chances to beat them. My players showed a very high spirit in this game, they did not fear losing, and they really wanted to win it, so we deserved to get at least a draw today.

“I think that there's a quite big distance between the big clubs of Asia and Vietnamese clubs, so we need more games like this to learn and to improve.”

Opposite number Choi Kang-hee was far less pleased by a share of the spoils, as his Jeonbuk side passed up on the opportunity to become the sole leader of Group E.

Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol, who share the lead with the Koreans, also drew with Chinese FA Cup holders Shandong Luneng in the day’s other game.

"Our target was to win this game, but we did not achieve this. We made some good scoring chances in this game, but just succeeded on one occasion,” said Jeonbuk coach Choi.

“We also nearly got the victory in the last minute, but my players did not concentrate enough to hold onto our lead.

“Just one mistake at the last minute, then the victory has gone away. The draw result is really a pity for us".

Photo: WSG