Pohang Steelers have caused an upset of sorts by defeating Kawasaki Frontale in Kawasaki to take top spot in Group H of Asian Champions League qualifying.

The Korean outfit had already secured a berth in the next phase of the competition but were playing for number one ranking in their group and it began beautifully when Noh Byung-jun curled in a free-kick in the 11th minute.

After half-time, the home side tried gallantly to force an equaliser and on a few occasions came agonisingly close but the Steelers drew further ahead through Denilson who finished after Noh played him in with a nice pass.

The only lowlight of the match for Pohang was the second yellow card and imminent sending off of midfielder Shin Hung Min in the final minute.

The win sees Pohang topple Kawasaki and go to the next round as the top ranked team from Group H whilst the Japanese club will be ruing a missed opportunity.