Kangwon FC, making their debut in the Asian professional football club competition, achieved a dramatic victory against Japanese champions Vissel Kobe.
On October 22, at Chuncheon Songam Sports Center, Kangwon secured a 4-3 win over Kobe in their home match for the third round of the 2025-2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) League Stage.
With two wins and one loss, Kangwon rose to third place in the East Asia group of the league stage with 6 points, while Kobe, experiencing their first defeat, took second place, also with 6 points.
Kobe is a strong team, having won the J1 League championship in the 2023-2024 season. However, currently ranked fourth in the J1 League and engaged in a tight race for the final standings, Kobe rotated their squad, allowing Kangwon to play a more dominant match.
Kangwon opened the scoring just 6 minutes into the first half, when Lee Sangheon volleyed Kang Tuji’s lobbed pass with his right foot. The lead was extended in the 21st minute with a goal from Mo Jaehyun, and in the 43rd minute, Song Junseok’s long-range shot found the bottom right corner of the net, making it 3-0.
Kobe fought back with two goals within the first five minutes of the second half. At the start of the half, Kobe made three substitutions, including striker Miyashiro Taisei, to change their lineup. In the 48th minute, Miyashiro scored with a left-footed shot, and two minutes later, Jean Patrick finished a cross with a header to narrow the gap to one goal. Then, in the 89th minute, Miyashiro’s shot from the right side of the box found the net, leveling the match.
At this crucial moment, Kangwon’s savior was Kim Gunhee. In stoppage time, Kim Gunhee struck from close range during a corner kick, sending the ball into the net.
Although Kangwon was reduced to ten men late in the match after Mo Jaehyun was sent off for accumulating two yellow cards, they held on without conceding further and claimed the victory.
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