Pursuit of Promotion Intact as Gyeongnam Advances to Face Gimpo FC in Next Playoff Match

photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League

In a crucial playoff match in South Korean football's second division on Wednesday, Gyeongnam FC eliminated Bucheon FC 1995 after a goalless draw at Changwon Football Center in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. Gyeongnam secured the win by virtue of finishing a spot ahead of Bucheon in the regular season, claiming fourth place.

The upcoming challenge for Gyeongnam involves a face-off against Gimpo FC, the third-ranked club in the K League 2. The second playoff match is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Gimpo Solteo Football Field in Gimpo, located just west of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province. 

▲ photo provided by the Korea Professional Football LeagueIn the initial playoff encounter, neither Gyeongnam nor Bucheon managed to record a shot on target during the first half. With a draw sufficient for advancement, Gyeongnam adopted a defensive strategy to thwart Bucheon's offensive attempts.

Gyeongnam goalkeeper Goh Dong-min played a pivotal role in maintaining the deadlock, making crucial saves in the final moments of the match. Notably, Goh denied a free kick taken by Nilson Junior on the 88th minute and executed a desperate save with his right shoulder during a chaotic goalmouth scramble.

The victor of the Gimpo-Gyeongnam match will progress to face the 10th-ranked team from the K League 1 in one of two promotion-relegation playoff series. The scheduled dates for the two legs of this series are next Wednesday and December 9.

Simultaneously, another promotion-relegation playoff series will feature the 11th-ranked team from the K League 1 against Busan IPark, the No. 2 seed from the K League 2. Their two-legged encounters are also set for next Wednesday and December 9.

Gimcheon Sangmu FC secured a direct promotion to the K League 1 by clinching the K League 2 title on Sunday. Meanwhile, the 12th-ranked team in the K League 1 will face automatic relegation to the K League 2.

As the season concludes, Gangwon FC, Suwon FC, and Suwon Samsung Bluewings are contenders to finish in the bottom position in the K League 1, with one final match remaining on Saturday.

Sayart

Sayart, sayart2022@gmail.com