Pohang Steelers took a big step toward a third Asian continental title with a 2-0 win over Qatar's Umm Salal in Wednesday's first leg of their Asian Champions League semifinal. Captain Hwang Jae-won gave the hosts the lead just before halftime and Kim Jae-sung extended Pohang's advantage ten minutes from the end. It was a deserved result for the K-League team - which won the Asian crown in 1997 and 1998 - which was forced to work hard to manufacture opportunities against an opponent that defended in numbers. Pohang dominated from the kickoff, spurning a good chance in the first minute before Brazilian striker Denilson hit the crossbar in the third. Umm Salal's Brazilian striker Davi had a good one-on-one opportunity blocked in the sixth minute but it was a rare foray forward for a team looking to become only the second Qatar club to take the Asian club title after Al Sadd in 1989. Macedonia international striker Stevica Rastic headed narrowly wide in the 34th minute and hit the bar with another header in the 42nd. It looked as if Pohang would receive no reward for its first-half dominance until Hwang leapt unmarked at the near post to head in a corner just seconds from the interval. The pattern of play continued in the second half as the Steelers regularly probed the Umm Salal defense but struggled to break down determined resistance and create clear chances. Pohang finally broke through for a second goal as Song Chong-ho crossed to an unmarked Kim, whose leaping, powerful header went into the top left corner. The hosts almost grabbed a third goal in the dying seconds as Choi Hyo-jin fired into the side netting from close range. The second leg takes place next Wednesday in Qatar with the final held in Tokyo on November 7. The other semifinal first leg between Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad and Japan's Nagoya Grampus was to take place later Wednesday.
