Bin Hammam hails ACL champions

AFC – TOKYO, AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam saluted Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma following the Korean club’s 3-1 AFC Champions League victory over Zob Ahan in Saturday’s final.

Bin Hammam was at the National Stadium in Tokyo to present the coveted trophy to Seongnam skipper Sasa Ognenovski after goals from the 31-year-old Australian, Cho Byung-kuk and Kim Cheol-ho saw the K-League outfit crowned kings of Asian club football.

A Mohamadreza Khalatbari strike made it 2-1 as the Iranians threatened a Kim back before Kim’s third ensured Seongnam became the third Korean side to claim ACL glory following Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2006 and last year’s winners Pohang Steelers.

“This was a very exciting match which I am sure was greatly enjoyed by all the spectators,” said Bin Hammam, referring to the 27,308 fans that shrugged off the chilly conditions in Tokyo to enjoy the entertaining climax to this year’s edition of Asia’s premier club competition.

“Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma thoroughly deserved to be champions having displayed the highest standard of football all over the pitch tonight.

“I would like to congratulate Seongnam for winning the ACL title at the second attempt after their defeat in 2004.

“I must also praise runners-up Zob Ahan, who proved they were more than worthy of their place in the final as well.

“The two teams played in a fully professional manner right up to the final whistle and I was delighted to see how they played…this really was a top match between the two best club teams in Asia.”

‘’They are really Asia’s best and I am very happy to see how the standard of Asian Football has risen.

‘’I wish Seongnam all the best at the FIFA Club World Cup and hope that they represent Asia with pride in December.’’