"Finally, we won" Choi Byung-chan's decisive strike + national team star Shin Min-ha's rock-solid defense... Gangwon defeats Kuching at home to secure ACL2 "first victory"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Gangwon FC secured its first victory in the tournament after three matches in the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2 (ACL2).

Led by manager Jeong Gyeong-ho, Gangwon defeated Kuching City (Malaysia) 1-0 in their home match on the 29th at Gangneung High1 Arena for the third round of Group H in the 2026-2027 ACL2 group stage, powered by a decisive goal from Choi Byung-chan in the 28th minute of the first half.

Gangwon, which had entered the playoff for the higher-tier Champions League Elite (ACLE) as the fifth-placed team in last season's K League 2 but was relegated to ACL2 after losing 0-1 to Gamba Osaka (Japan), had previously swallowed their disappointment with a draw (0-0) against Kitchee SC (Hong Kong) in the first match and a loss (1-2) to Phnom Penh Crown (Cambodia) in the second. However, with this third-match victory, they recorded one win, one draw, and one loss, successfully turning the momentum around.

On this day, Gangwon fielded Kim Gun-hee, Lee Seung-won, Kim Dae-won, Seo Min-woo, and Choi Byung-chan as starters. Shin Min-ha, a center back who recently received his first call-up to the national team under manager Roberto Moreno, also started and led the defensive line.

In the 28th minute of the first half, Gangwon took the lead when Choi Byung-chan controlled a pass from Kang Jun-hyuk and finished with a shot. Struck by the blow, Kuching City saw James Okuosa attempt a threatening header during a corner kick scramble in the 38th minute of the first half, but it was blocked by goalkeeper Park Cheong-hyo's save.

Entering the second half, Gangwon brought on Park Ho-young, Lee Eun-ho, Kim Dong-hyun, and Park Sang-hyuk in succession to solidify their lead. Although no additional goals were scored, including a header from Choi Byung-chan that went over the crossbar in the 26th minute of the second half, they maintained their one-goal advantage until the final whistle to secure three points at home.

Gangwon will play their away match against Kuching City for the fourth round on November 5 at 9:15 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original