1-1 Draw Against Pohang
Gimcheon Sangmu Professional Football Club (CEO Lee Jaeha) wrapped up their first match of the 2026 season with a 1-1 draw against the Pohang Steelers in the 1st round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2026' home game, held at Gimcheon Sports Complex at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 28.
Gimcheon Sangmu started with a 4-4-2 formation. Paek Jongbeom guarded the goal. The back four consisted of Park Cheolwoo, Lee Jeongtaek, Kim Minkyu, and Kim Taehwan. In midfield, Park Taejun and Lee Subin paired up. Kim Juchan and Ko Jaehyeon took positions on the left and right wings, while Park Sejin and Lee Geonhee formed the attacking line.
For the home opener, Gimcheon Sangmu hosted a variety of events, including player escorts, special bodysuit giveaways to promote overcoming low birth rates, and a ceremonial kickoff with young fans, adding meaning to the occasion. Notably, the official supporters group, Susa Bulpae, organized a performance highlighting the club’s transition to a citizen club, which was met with a message of support from the visiting supporters, drawing attention.
Early on, celebratory fireworks marked the opening of the season. In the 3rd minute of the first half, following a free kick delivered by Park Cheolwoo, Lee Subin connected with a shot as the ball dropped. The goalkeeper blocked the attempt, but Lee Geonhee passed the rebound to Ko Jaehyeon, who calmly slotted it home to score Gimcheon Sangmu’s first goal of the 2026 season.
After Gimcheon Sangmu took the lead, both teams exchanged attacks throughout the match. In the 10th minute, Lee Geonhee threatened the goal with two consecutive shots. Pohang responded with a set piece, but neither side added to the score, and the first half ended without further goals.
At the start of the second half, Pohang used substitutions to shift the momentum. Then, in the 54th minute, Pohang scored the equalizer. In response to conceding the goal, Gimcheon Sangmu brought on Lee Sangheon and Hong Yunsang from the 12th squad to alter the game’s flow. The substitutions paid off, as Hong Yunsang and Lee Sangheon penetrated the opposing defense and led the attack.
In the 62nd minute, Hong Yunsang earned a free kick just outside the penalty box with a sharp run through space. Lee Sangheon took the kick, but unfortunately, it was blocked by the defensive wall. Seven minutes later, a critical moment arrived: as Lee Geonhee broke through into space, he was tripped by an opposing defender, resulting in a red card for the opponent. With a numerical advantage, Gimcheon Sangmu began to press Pohang more intensely. In the 82nd minute, Gimcheon Sangmu made a double substitution, bringing on Kang Minkyu and Kim Ingyun to push for a win. Kim Iseok also entered the field, further boosting the team’s energy.
Gimcheon Sangmu continued to press Pohang throughout the seven minutes of added time. Park Cheolwoo sent in a cross that Kim Ingyun headed towards goal in an attempt to score the go-ahead goal, but the team was unable to find the net again before the final whistle. In the subsequent press conference, Head Coach Joo Seungjin said, "I want to thank all the fans who came to the home opener. I also appreciate the players for executing what we prepared during winter training to the end," adding, "It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t take control in the first half or capitalize on our numerical advantage in the second half. We’ll work on these areas to secure a win in the upcoming match against Jeonbuk."
Meanwhile, Gimcheon Sangmu will play their K League 1 second-round home match against Jeonbuk Hyundai at Gimcheon Sports Complex on March 8.
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