PETALING JAYA, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Selangor FC seized the top spot in Group H of the 2024/25 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) after securing their second consecutive win by defeating South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC 2-1 here tonight.
The crucial victory at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium (MBPJ) allowed the Red Giants, led by Nidzam Jamil, to overtake Jeonbuk in the group standings, holding a slim one-point advantage after three matches.
In this much-anticipated match, the cautious play shifted to a more lively tempo in the final 15 minutes of the first half, with captain Harith Haiqal putting Selangor ahead by finishing an assist from Umarbek Eshmurodov in the 30th minute.
Just three minutes later, Jeonbuk, managed by Kim Do-heon, faltered again when a neat pass from Nooa Laine was calmly converted by Ali Olwan in the penalty box, doubling Selangor's lead.
However, their comfortable advantage was short-lived as Jeonbuk reduced the deficit when Jung Woo-jae's excellent cross from the left was headed home by Kwon Chang-hoon, beating goalkeeper Muhammad Azim Al Amin in the 40th minute.
Harith missed an opportunity to score his second goal of the night when Jeonbuk goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon made an impressive save off his header from a corner kick just three minutes before halftime, leaving the score at 2-1.
Nidzam's men were left frustrated in their quest for a third goal as Nikola Jambor's powerful shot from outside the penalty box in the 50th minute rattled the crossbar.
As the match seemed to be heading towards a Selangor victory, Jeonbuk nearly snatched a late equaliser when substitute Han Seok-jin's long-range effort in second-half injury time struck the post.
Selangor's win tonight also maintained their unbeaten home record in all competitions this season.
Meanwhile, in the other Group H match, Muangthong United from Thailand played to a 2-2 draw against Filipino side Dynamic Herb Cebu in Bangkok tonight.
Selangor now lead Group H with seven points, followed by Jeonbuk in second with six points, Muangthong United in third with two points, and Dynamic Herb Cebu at the bottom with one point.
Next, Selangor will travel to Jeonbuk, while Dynamic Herb Cebu will host Muangthong United in Manila, with both matches set for Nov 7.
-- BERNAMA
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