Pohang Steelers record third ACL title

Korean club Pohang Steelers have become the first team to win the Asian Champions League for a third time.

The Steelers overcame Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad 2-1 in the final at the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan thanks to two second-half goals.

Forward Noh Byung-Joon opened the scoring in the decider in the 56th minute when his free-kick snuck through the wall and past the Al-Ittihad keeper and just eight minutes later, defender Kim Hyung-il rose above the Ittihad defence to head home a Kim Jae-sung free-kick into the corner of the net.

But the Saudis struck back through inspirational captain Mohammed Noor who finished with a volley from near the penalty area to give his side some hope.

However, the Koreans held out and were able to clinch their third Asian Confederations Champions League title following on from their 1997 and 1998 efforts.