Asian Champions League: Gwangju FC Shines as Struggles Continue for Shanghai Teams

Gwangju FC secured a 1-0 win against Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League, following up their earlier victory against Yokohama F Marinos. Meanwhile, Shanghai Port and Shanghai Shenhua faced heavy defeats, and other teams like Buriram United and Johor Darul Ta'zim claimed important wins to advance in the league.

South Korea's Gwangju FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against J-League side Kawasaki Frontale on Tuesday, marking their second consecutive win in the Asian Champions League Elite. Meanwhile, China's Shanghai Port and Shanghai Shenhua faced significant setbacks.

Shanghai Port, currently led by Kevin Muscat in the Chinese Super League, suffered a 3-0 defeat against Pohang Steelers. Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia defeated Shanghai Shenhua 3-0, while Thailand's Buriram United earned their first campaign win by beating Australian champions Central Coast Mariners 2-1 in Gosford.

Gwangju followed their earlier 7-3 triumph over Yokohama F Marinos with a resilient performance against Kawasaki. Jasir Asani's 21st-minute penalty, coupled with critical saves by goalkeeper Kim Kyeong-min, secured the victory. In Malaysia, JDT's Arif Aiman and Jorge Obregon scored early, with Juan Muniz adding a third, to maintain dominance over Shanghai Shenhua.

Thai League 1 champions Buriram United joined JDT on four points with a 2-1 win over Central Coast, marked by key goals from Guilherme Bissoli and Curtis Good. Pohang Steelers rebounded from an earlier defeat, scoring three in the second half to defeat Shanghai Port.

The league phase's second round concludes Wednesday with matches featuring Japanese champions Vissel Kobe hosting Shandong Taishan and Yokohama F Marinos playing Ulsan HD.

(With inputs from agencies.)