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An uncharacteristic error from Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic handed Pohang Steelers the win.

Reds captain Galekovic had been the cornerstone of Adelaide's wins over Bunyodkor and Gamba Osaka, which had lifted Adelaide three points clear at the top of the table.

But after Pohang had increased the pressure at the start second half in Korea, Galekovic failed to hold onto Hwang Jin-sung's 68th minute free-kick and Kim Dae-ho pounced to turn the ball home from close range.

With Gamba beating Bunyodkor 3-1 at home, Pohang and Adelaide are now tied at the top of the table with identical records, with Gamba and Bunyodkor three points off the pace at the halfway stage in Group E.

"I am happy that we have achieved the objectives that were set out and the team played very well," said Pohang coach Hwang Sun-hong.

"This was a good result because we got all three points. We tried different passing plays because Adelaide has a good defence, so I told the players to try different long balls as well as direct short passes.

"Obviously, our side is not yet perfect as we have tried different formations, rotations and combinations, but I believe that with patience, we will be able to achieve the team that we want.

"April will be a difficult month for us as we have many K-League matches as well as away fixtures, but we will adjust the squad accordingly to achieve our next objectives."

Galekovic was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half with saves from Ianis Zicu and Kim Tae-su before Adelaide were dealt a blow just before half-time as Dario Vidosic was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury and replaced by Fabian Barbiero.

And Adelaide made a better start to the second half before the tide slowly turned in favour of the home side and Pohang took the lead eight minutes after the hour mark.

Hwang's free-kick from the edge of the penalty area after Nigel Boogaard had fouled Go Moo-yul appeared to be heading into the side netting until Galekovic attempted to make a seemingly regulation catch.

But the ball escaped the goalkeeper's grasp and unfortunately the bounce took the ball away from Galekovic and towards the onrushing Kim, who took the chance to fire home from a tight angle.

Zicu failed to find the target with seven minutes remaining, but Adelaide were unable to find a response as Pohang claimed a deserved second three points of the campaign.

"The game itself was a very difficult game for us as Pohang are a very good side. The boys played well and the score was disappointing," said Adelaide coach Luciano Trani.

"After Pohang scored in the second half, the game became a bit more difficult for us and we will look towards the upcoming games and start training so that we can get back to winning ways and get some good results.

"I do not think that the weather had an effect on the players, the boys knew during the warm-up that it would be very cold and had adapted quickly to this."

 

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