South Korea's Seongnam storms into Asian final

TASHKENT (Reuters) -- Seongnam Ilhwa shook off their wretched domestic form to record an upset 2-0 victory at Pakhtakor on Wednesday that sent the South Koreans into the Asian Champions League final.

K-League title holders Ilhwa advanced after a goalless draw with the Uzbeki champions in the first leg of their semi-final in Korea last week.

Seongnam, struggling in South Korea's domestic league this season, will take on Al Ittihad in the two-leg final on November 24 and December 1.

The Saudi giants overcame South Korean cup holders Chonbuk Motors 4-3 on aggregate in the other semi-final.

Kim Do-hoon, who scored his 100th K-League goal last week, latched on to a long ball from Lee Ki-hyung to put Seongnam ahead in the 37th minute with a clinical finish.

Kim's Brazilian striking partner Dudu doubled their lead with a rasping drive from 25 metres after 56 minutes in Tashkent as Seongnam ended Pakhtakor's proud home record.

The result was a devastating blow to Pakhtakor, who were knocked out at the same stage last year and had not conceded a goal at home in 10 Asian Champions League matches.

Their misery was compounded when defender Bakhtiyor Ashurmatov was sent off for a "professional" foul on Kim as he looked likely to score his second of the game.

The Asian champions will receive $500,000. Last year's inaugural competition was won by United Arab Emirates side Al Ain.

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