Suwon 3-1 SAFFC: Joy and relief for Suwon

Suwon fans celebrate the 3-1 win over Singapore Armed Forces that took them through to the last 16 as Group G runners-up.

SUWON - Suwon Samsung Bluewings coach Cha Bum-keun was relieved to see his team book their place in the last 16 after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Singapore Armed Forces on Tuesday.

Bae Ki-jong opened the scoring for the Korean champions early in the first half and although Alexander Duric equalised for the Singapore club just before the interval, Lee Sang-ho quickly restored Suwon’s lead on the stroke of half-time before Seo Dong-hyeon’s late penalty sealed the win.

The three points were enough to eliminate Shanghai Shenhua and send Suwon into the knockout stage along with Group G winners Kashima Antlers of Japan.

“We missed out on first place but I am happy that we made it to the next stage,” said Cha at the post-match press conference.

“I was worried that we were missing key players like Kwak Hee-joo and Eduardo but our players scored good goals. There were things that were not so good but the players tried their best and we managed the victory.

“Last season we were very eager to participate in the AFC Champions League but since then, there have been many changes in the team. If we could have strengthened last year’s team just a little then I think we could do well.”

With a place in the last 16 secured, Cha is now switching his attention to the K-League in which Suwon currently occupy last place.

“I hope we can continue this form in the K-League and we will take confidence from this result and use it to move forward and hopefully climb the table.”

SAF coach Richard Bok was pleased with the performance of his players and wished Suwon the best of luck for the rest of the tournament.

“I’d like to congratulate Suwon for progressing to the last 16. I expect that they will continue to perform well,” he said.

“It was good that we scored our goal but then we lost concentration and made mistakes for their second and third goals.

“We succeeded early on in pressuring Suwon around our penalty area but after they reorganised we had a tough game."

Bok recognised that his team’s participation in the AFC Champions League was a good experience for his team despite ending their campaign at the bottom of the group with only one point from six games.

“I am happy that the players surpassed my expectations in their performance. Overall, I am satisfied,” he said.