By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter

Pohang Steelers defeated Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad 2-1 in the final of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Saturday.

Striker No Byung-Jun opened the scoring in the 57th minute and defender Kim Hyung-il doubled the lead nine minutes later.

The Saudi outfit pulled a goal back with Mohammed Noor's goal in the 74th, but failed to find an equalizer.

It is the second time a K-League club has won the title in the last six years following Jeonbuk Motors in 2006. The Champions League superseded the Asian Club Championship in 2003.

The Steelers also triumphed in the defunct event in 1997 and 1998.

With the victory, Brazilian Sergio Farias' side has booked a spot in next month's Club World Cup, contested by the champions in regional tournaments on all six continents as well as the host country, this year the United Arab Emirates (UAE). European champion FC Barcelona and Libertadores Cup holder Estudiantes of Argentina have already booked their places at the competition.

``It was a tough game,'' Farias said.

``I think 2-1 was a fair result. Al Ittihad also had set-piece opportunities but they were not able to take advantage and score.

``We were able to score from set pieces and that was probably their weakness today.''

The two sides played up to their pre-match billing as the top two sides on the continent.

Kim Tae-su's mid-range shot was saved by Saudi national team goalie Mabrouk Zaid in the 14th, while Redha Tukar's header from a free kick was saved by Steelers goalkeeper Shin Hwa-yong in the 22nd.

Shin, 26, produced another nice block to tip away Hicham Aboucherouane's fierce free-kick 10 minutes before the break.

Right after the start of the second half, the Saudis came close to breaking the deadlock as Amine Chermiti headed a cross goalward, but it bounced back off the crossbar, as Gabriel Calderon's team continued threatening the Steelers.

But No, an eight-year pro, then changed the entire complexion of the game.

Some 25 yards from the goal, he curled a right-footed free-kick, awarded for a foul Brazilian striker Denilson, into the net to put Pohang ahead 12 minute into the second half.

The four-time league winner continued to attack the stunned Saudi side, gaining a further reward in the 66th.

Kim Jae-sung sent a free-kick into the area and it found Kim Hyung-il, who nodded the ball into the corner of the net to seal the game.

Al Ittihad moved within a goal of tying the scoreline with 16 minutes to go, as goalie Shin first denied a Chermiti header but lost out when the rebound fell to Noor, who volleyed home near the penalty area.

Al Ittihad coach Calderon admitted that a lack of accomplishment cost his club's quest for a third title in the competition.

``Our players tried their best but it didn't come off for us,'' he said.

``We did have some chances but we couldn't take advantage of them. That's basically the reason why we lost. They scored from two set-pieces, which was unfortunate.

``We were able to create a lot of chances but we couldn't capitalize on them.''

ksw@koreatimes.co.kr