Pohang — Defending champions Pohang Steelers are poised to clash with regional rivals Ulsan HD FC for the prestigious Korea Cup title, following a dramatic victory in their semifinal match against Jeju United.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Steelers secured their spot in the final after a tense 2-1 victory over Jeju United at the Pohang Steel Yard. The match, which followed a 2-2 draw in the first leg, was decided in the 81st minute when substitute Eo Jeong-won scored the decisive goal. This win propels Pohang into the final where they will seek their second consecutive title and a record sixth overall. The team’s last back-to-back wins came in 2012 and 2013.
Earlier in the day, Ulsan advanced to the final following a close 3-2 aggregate victory over Gwangju FC. The match, held at Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, ended in a 2-2 draw, with Ulsan managing to hold onto their lead from a 1-0 win in the opening leg. Ulsan aims to capture their second Korea Cup title, their first being in 2017.
The final between Pohang and Ulsan, set for November 30 at Seoul World Cup Stadium, is highly anticipated as both teams hail from cities only 50 kilometers apart, intensifying their longstanding “East Coast Derby” rivalry. The upcoming one-and-done match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for national glory.