Daegu FC, a club from Korea Republic. make a miracle on the last minute and defeat Buriram United, on penalties shoot-out with a scores 3-2 after 120 minutes 1-1 in the AFC Champions League 2022 play-off round at Forest Arena, Daegu.
The Thai League 1 runners-up were on the attacking foot in the opening minutes as they tested the Korean defence, forcing Daegu goalkeeper Oh Seung-hoon into making early saves.
Daegu, however, were able to weather the storm and shifted the momentum into their favour but their best chances came through free-kicks with Cesinha’s 27th minute strike missing the top right corner by mere inches.
Daegu had a chance to open the scoring just two minutes into the restart but Cesinha fired wide.
Buriram United’s Jonathan Bolingi came close to breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute after Daegu’s defence was caught off guard by a long-range pass but the Congo forward was unable to beat ‘keeper Oh with his strike from distance.
Daegu should have scored in the 81st minute after back-to-back corner kicks with Cesinha picking up the loose ball, but the Brazilian’s strike lacked power with Buriram United goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen easily dealing with the effort as the match went into extra time.
Bolstered by the home crowd, Daegu threw bodies forward as they peppered Tedsungnoen with attempt after attempt, but their aggression backfired in the 120th minute when Bolingi collected a long-range pass before beating Oh for the lead.
However, Cesinha dramatically drew Daegu level from the restart to push the match into a penalty shootout with the home side emerging victorious after Suphanat Mueanta and Theerathon Bunmathan’s missed efforts, coupled with Oh’s superb save against Bolingi, saw the Korean side emerge 3-2 victors.
Daegu FC proved sharper in the penalty shootout and they join Shandong Taishan FC of China PR, Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds and Singapore’s Lion City Sailors FC in Group F when the East Zone action kicks off on April 15.
Credit Photo : Buriram United
