If Jeonnam Wins, First K League 2 Club to Win FA Cup, New Record in Korean Football
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Jeonnam Dragons will challenge a comeback victory in the second leg of the ‘2021 Hana Bank FA Cup’ final, held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, December 11, at DGB Daegu Bank Park.
In the first leg of the final held on Wednesday, November 24, at Jeonnam’s home stadium, Gwangyang Football Stadium, about 4,500 spectators came to the stadium despite it being a weekday evening, passionately cheering for Jeonnam’s victory, but they narrowly lost 0-1.
For this second leg, Jung Jae-hee, who led Gimcheon Sangmu to the championship and returned to the team after military discharge, is also available to play.
If right wing forward Jung Jae-hee creates synergy with the existing players, he could become the bluebird leading Jeonnam to victory. If Jeonnam wins, Jung Jae-hee will have won the K League 2 championship with Gimcheon and the FA Cup with Jeonnam, lifting two trophies with two different teams in the 2021 season.
Jeonnam, who ended their K League 1 promotion challenge with a draw in the K League 2 semi-playoff, is determined to shake off their disappointment by winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the ACL in the last match of the 2021 season, the second leg of the FA Cup final. If Jeonnam wins, they will set a new record in Korean football as the first K League 2 club to win the FA Cup and participate in the AFC Champions League.
Moreover, Jeonnam has been recognized as an ‘away game powerhouse’ this season, recording 10 wins, 10 draws, and 2 losses in away matches across both the league and FA Cup, based on their stingy defense.
Daegu FC secured third place in the ‘Hana One Q K League 1 2021’ and earned a spot in the ACL playoff round. The foundation of Daegu’s good performance was their home game winning rate. Daegu showed their ‘home fortress’ status with a record of 10 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses at home across all competitions in the 2021 season.
The second leg of the 2021 Hana Bank FA Cup final will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, December 11, at Daegu’s home stadium, DGB Daegu Bank Park, and will be broadcast live on SBS.
Jeonnam operates an away bus service called the ‘Victory Expedition’ for fans who find traveling to away games burdensome. The Victory Expedition can be applied for through Yongshop (www.jdfcshop.com), and prior registration is required to board the bus.
Additionally, this match will be operated as a 100% vaccinated zone, so only those who have completed vaccination, youths under 18, and others permitted in the vaccinated zone can board. Detailed information can be found on the club’s official website or SNS.
Having defeated K League 1 teams Suwon FC, Pohang Steelers, and Ulsan Hyundai in succession during this FA Cup to reach the final, Jeonnam, known as the ‘away game powerhouse,’ will face Daegu, the ‘home fortress,’ in the second leg away match. Attention is focused on whether Jeonnam can secure victory and lift their fourth FA Cup trophy.
Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr
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