Pohang claim thriller to set up ACL final against Al Hilal
Jeonju, South Korea - South Korea's Pohang Steelers will face Saudi giants Al Hilal in the AFC Asian Champions League (ACL) final after defeating title-holders Ulsan Hyundai 5-4 on penalties on Wednesday. The final is on November 23.
The two sides, rivals on South Korea's east coast, were locked at 1-1 after 120 tense minutes with Pohang equalising with just a minute left of normal time to force the extra period.
Skipper Kang Sang-woo was the hero for Pohang, holding his nerve to slam his winning penalty into the corner, before being mobbed by his teammates.
Ulsan top the K League but it was mid-table Pohang who started better and hit the post in the opening quarter at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, where there was a sparse, socially distanced crowd.
The two sides conjured up only three shots on target between them in 45 minutes of cautious first-half football.
But the game came to life after that. Pohang goalkeeper Lee Jun had looked shaky throughout and it was his mistake that allowed Ulsan to score when he fumbled a routine stop into the path of Yun Il-lok.
The 2009 champions Pohang squandered three clear-cut chances in the space of ten frenetic minutes, but just when Ulsan looked like they had weathered the storm, their skipper Won Du-jae was red-carded in the 68th minute.
It was all Pohang after that and the pressure told in the 89th minute when their British-born Australian defender Alex Grant popped up with a looping header that went in off the post to force extra-time.
On Tuesday, Al Hilal defeated rivals Al Nassr 2-1 in a Riyadh derby, with Mali striker Moussa Marega and Saudi international
Salem al Dawsari scoring either side of the break. Al Hilal stayed on course for a second Champions League title in three years.
Al Hilal won their third Asian title in 2019 but were dramatically kicked out of the tournament last year after several members of their squad tested positive for COVID-19.
But the team known locally as 'Al Zaeem', or 'The Boss' seem to have successfully banished the memories of that fateful day from their minds with an impressive run this year as they moved within striking distance of another international trophy.
Bruce leaves Newcastle by ‘mutual consent’
Steve Bruce has left his position as Newcastle manager by 'mutual consent', 13 days after a Saudi-led takeover at St James' Park, the English Premier League club announced on Wednesday.
"Newcastle United can confirm that Steve Bruce has left his position as head coach by mutual consent," said a club statement. "He leaves the Magpies after more than two years in charge, having steered the club to 13th and 12th-place finishes in the Premier League."
Bruce, 60, said he was grateful to have had the opportunity to manage the 'unique' club.
“I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work," he said.
"There have been highs and lows, but they have given everything even in difficult moments and should be proud of their efforts."
Rapid chess tournament on Friday
A rapid chess tournament will be held at the Panorama Mall Oman in Muscat on October 22. The event will begin at 1.15pm and interested participants are to report by 12.45pm. Entries can be submitted to 71549460 on Whatsapp.