Ulaanbaatar: DPR Korea’s Kigwancha SC took to the pitch to face Mongolia’s Erchim FC on Tuesday as somewhat of an unknown quantity in what was their first-ever AFC Cup game and as the only side of the 34 teams in the 2017 edition who had yet to kick a ball.
Compatriots 4.25 SC had disposed of Erchim in comprehensive fashion three weeks ago by posting a 6-0 victory so, with only the winners of the three-team Group I advancing to the next stage, the Pyongyang-based side needed all three points. But they did not have it all their own way.
In an even opening half hour it was the hosts who should have gone in front on nine minutes when Soyol-Erdene Gal-Erdene missed a gilt-edged chance by heading wide from just a few yards out as Erchim gave as good as they got in an end-to-end game
First-half chances: Soyol-Erdene Gal-Erdene (15) should have scored in an even first half
But just as it seemed the sides would go into the interval scoreless, Kigwancha went in front on 40 minutes as Ri Un-il found Kim Yong-il to slot home under goalkeeper Ariunbold Batsaikhan.
Two minutes later, though, Kigwancha defender Ri Thong-il was dismissed for a second bookable offence when he handled on the edge of his own area as Erchim appeared to have a way back into the game.
But straight from the second-half kick-off, the hosts were given a mountain to climb as Kang Rok’s hopeful ball over the top was headed into his own net by Tuguldur Galt after Ariunbold had needlessly come running off his line.
From then on, Erchim looked every bit the side that had succumbed to such a heavy defeat in Pyongyang last month as the 10-man visitors took complete control of the tie, allowing the home side just two more attempts on goal.
Second-half chances: 10-man Kigwancha (left) have a number of attempts after the interval
Kim, who had two first-half chances, had another four after the restart as he racked up more attempts on goal – five of which were from inside the area – than anyone on the pitch.
And it was no surprise when the attacking midfielder capped a fine individual display deep into stoppage time when he scored from a neatly angled header after Ri Un-il notched his second assist of the game with an accurate delivery from the eft.
It was only the second time in the 90 minutes that Ri Un-il had passed to Kim, but the 100% return told of a strong understanding between the pair.
Ri Un-il and Kim Yong-il combine well for Kigwancha goals
There will be tougher tasks ahead for Kigwancha in the double-header with 4.25 in what will surely be a battle between the North Koreans for the right to advance to the knockout round.
But after a strong maiden AFC Cup showing, and with Kim’s ability to take his chances, Kigwancha will be confident they can earn the right to progress on the continent.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com