Pohang Steelers Secure Third Consecutive Win with Lee Ho-jae's Decisive Goal Despite Ki Sung-yueng's Injury
Lee Ho-jae scores early to clinch victory over FC Anyang, achieving back-to-back goals this season Pohang rises to third place as FC Anyang suffers third straight defeat; fierce clash marked by red card and heated protests
The Pohang Steelers extended their winning streak to three games after overcoming FC Anyang 1-0 in an away fixture during Round 26 of the K League 1, held at Anyang Sports Complex on August 15.
Despite facing the setback of losing key midfielder Ki Sung-yueng to a hairline rib fracture, Pohang managed to secure victory through meticulous game management and a rock-solid defense.
The decisive moment came just five minutes into the first half when Lee Ho-jae converted a precise pass from Jorge, quickly putting Pohang ahead and ensuring the team swept both matches against Anyang this season.
With this goal, Lee Ho-jae notched his second consecutive scoring game, bringing his season tally to 11 goals, tying for second place in the league with Ju Min-kyu of Daejeon.
Pohang, having maintained a clean sheet, climbed to third place with 41 points, while Anyang remained in 11th place with 27 points, having suffered their third consecutive loss.
A tense moment arose late in the first half when Lee Ho-jae's elbow struck Kim Jeong-hyeon in the face, resulting in a yellow card. The Anyang bench vigorously protested the decision, causing a temporary suspension of play.
In the second half, Anyang was reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Kwon Kyung-won, yet pressed on offensively, searching for an equalizer until the final whistle.
Although Pohang failed to register a single shot opportunity after halftime, their determined three-man defense successfully repelled Anyang’s attacks, preserving the narrow advantage.
On the same day, a goalless draw was recorded at Jeju World Cup Stadium between Jeju SK FC and Gangwon FC. Jeju’s Kim Jun-ha received his marching orders in the 36th minute of the first half after collecting a second yellow card. Gangwon was frustrated by the woodwork three times, as both teams retained their respective ninth and eighth positions in the standings.
Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”
Photo=Yonhap News Agency, Korea Professional Football League