Pohang were heading for a third draw of the competition as they failed to convert their dominance into goals until Hwang headed home seven minutes after the hour mark.

The win moves Pohang into second place in Group H ahead of Central Coast Mariners, two points behind leaders Kawasaki Frontale who destroyed the A-League side 5-0 in Gosford today.

Macedonian striker Stevo Ristic forced Tianjin goalkeeper Yang Jun into an early diving save as his long-range effort headed for the bottom corner.

Shortly after it was Brasilia who tested Yang as the visiting goalkeeper turned away the Brazilian midfielder's free-kick from the edge of the area.

The Chinese side seemed content to give Pohang plenty of space in midfield which led to Pohang firing several crosses into the area without success.

And the visitors nearly grabbed the breakthrough against the run of play two minutes before the break as Pohang goalkeeper Shin Hwa-yong failed to hold onto a curling effort from defender Tan Wangsong but was able to recover just in time.

Ristic continued to provide the threat for the home side after the break but lacked the finishing touch which he has shown on a regular basis in the domestic league this season.

But midway through the second half Ristic cushioned Denilson's cross into the path of Hwang who made no mistake.

The goal took the wind out of Tianjin and it was Pohang who dominated the closing stages but failed to add a second as Brazilian striker Denilson picked out Ristic, but he failed to guide his header on target.