The Chinese side were on course for a second straight win against the K-League champions only to come up short when Hwang Jin-sung slotted a low shot past Changchun goalkeeper Zong Lei from the edge of the area in the 92nd minute.

The late drama meant the visitors fell two points behind pool leaders Adelaide United, who beat Binh Duong 4-1 on Wednesday. Pohang remain in third on four points.

Pohang started well with Hwang Jin-sung heading over the bar after six minutes and Choi Hyo-jin firing a shot just wide shortly afterwards.

Zong also played a part in keeping his side level with a fine save to keep out Hwang Jin-sung's shot. Do Nam-kung ought to have converted the rebound but put his header into the side-netting.

Having ridden their luck on several occasions, Changchun promptly went up the other end and took the lead, Huang Jie crossing for Wang Dong to fire past home keeper Shin Hwa-yong.

Zong saved well from Choi before the hosts equalised after 64 minutes when a free-kick by Hwang Jin-sung deflected into the air off defender Wang Bo and was put into the Changchun net by Hwang Jae-won's backward header.

Du Zhonyu restored Changchun's advantage with a wonderful 25-yard curling shot with 20 minutes to go.

It looked as though it would be the winner only for Pohang's late pressure to be rewarded when Hwang Jin-sung fired home.