UCFC loses opening match in AFC Champions League

Originally published by Sunstar

UNITED City FC (UCFC) suffered a 1-0 defeat against Korean FA Cup winner Jeonnam Dragons in its opening Group G match of the 2022 AFC Champions League on April 15.

UCFC got caught napping on defense late in the match which opened up the opportunity for Jeonnam’s winning goal.

Kosovan striker Leonard Pllana was wide open in the middle and received a well-timed pass by forward Park Hee-seong.

He struck in the middle past goalkeeper Anthony Pinthus and scored the late goal in the 87th minute.

UCFC defense was spot on the whole match up until the final minutes of the match. Jeonnam had a total of 11 shots and had three strikes on target.

Jeonnam also had control of the offensive, getting 65 percent of the possessions the whole match.

Meanwhile, BG Pathum United settled to a 1-1 draw with Melbourne FC in the other Group G match.

Aussie winger Andrew Nabbout hit the opening goal in the 22nd minute. However, Thai star striker Teerasil Dangda scored the equalizer in the 35th minute.

Joennam takes the early lead in Group G with three points, followed by BG Pathum United and Melbourne City FC with a point each. UCFC is at the bottom with no points.