Even after being sent off, Jeju followed through to the end. Coach Jung Jo-guk: "Other players ran as hard as N'Gueba would have." [Kimcheon Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Jeju SK secured one point in an away match against Kim Cheon (SVP).

On the 5th, Jeju drew 1-1 with Kimcheon in a Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 16 away game at Gimcheon Stadium. With this result, eighth-place Jeju now has five wins, four draws, and seven losses, accumulating 19 points. Kimcheon, currently eleventh, recorded two wins, nine draws, and five losses for 15 points.

After the match, Jung Jo-guk, Jeju's senior coach, commented: "It was hot and humid, and both teams played fiercely. I want to say that all the players worked hard and did a great job."

N'Gueba's sending-off in the 32nd minute of the first half was a disappointing moment. He received a direct red card during a challenge with Kimcheon defender Byun Jun-su. Although Byun also left the field due to accumulating yellow cards, N'Gueba's dismissal dealt a significant blow to Jeju.

Senior coach Jung Jo-guk said: "N'Gueba is an important player in our team plan. He was supposed to play a major role, so it's regrettable that he was sent off." However, he added praise: "Still, other players performed well under the hot and humid conditions, covering N'Gueba's responsibilities."

Jeju conceded the first goal in the 25th minute of the second half. Jeju goalkeeper Kim Dong-jun advanced to block a lobbed pass from the opponent, leaving the goal unguarded. Kimcheon defender Park Cheol-woo then scored with a long-range shot.

However, senior coach Jung Jo-guk defended Kim Dong-jun. He stated: "This is something that can happen easily. Because we play with a high defensive line, Dong-jun often has to cover large areas." He continued: "Dong-jun is an important player. As seen in this match, he made many good saves."

Sergio Costa, Jeju's head coach, watched the game from the stands rather than the bench. Coach Costa was sent off during a previous match against Ulsan HD in May, and senior coach Jung Jo-guk took charge of the team until this Kimcheon game.

Senior coach Jung Jo-guk reflected: "I've served as interim head coach before, and while I had another opportunity like this, being a head coach is a difficult position." He added: "Still, Coach Costa prepared well, and the players followed his guidance effectively during the World Cup break."

He further expressed satisfaction: "Kimcheon conceded many goals from set pieces this year. We conducted extensive analysis and focused heavily on set-piece training, which resulted in a strong performance."

Senior coach Jung Jo-guk also emphasized the importance of training. He said: "Once again, I feel that training is the answer. Without proper training in scoring, defense, and organizational aspects, players cannot perform well on the field."

He concluded: "Starting from the next match, Coach Costa will return to his role. The team will become even stronger. Coach Costa is leading the team effectively, and I will continue to provide full support."

Meanwhile, Joo Seung-jin, Kimcheon's head coach, said: "With the second half of the season beginning, I wanted to greet fans with a home victory. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, and I am sorry."

He added: "Unexpected variables arose, and things did not go as planned. Still, the players adapted to the changes and took control of the game. However, we conceded from a set piece. We will review this once again."

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*This content was translated by AI.