Sydney denied by 10-man Jeonbuk in AFC Champions League draw


Sydney FC's luck run out at the death as 10-man Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors conjured a deserved last-minute equaliser for a 2-2 draw in the AFC Champions League.

The Sky Blues seemed headed for a much-needed AFC Champions League victory after Adam Le Fondre converted a contentiously awarded second-half penalty at Jubilee Stadium on Wednesday.

The visitors finally got reward for a strong second half when Han Kyowon pushed home the rebound with just a minute remaining after Murilo's strike crashed off the post.

Le Fondre had converted a contentious second-half penalty to give Sydney FC hope of a comeback win after Trent Buhagiar's equaliser following Luke Brattan's own goal just after half time.

The match was a low-key contest throughout much of the opening half before another disappointing Asian Champions League crowd of 3,255 but it sprung to life after the interval.

Jeonbuk carved out the better of the goalscoring chances with substitute Cho Guesung and teammate Han Kyo Won's both missing golden opportunities from point-blank range.

Sydney FC and Jeobuk Motors played out an eventful draw in the AFC Champions League.
Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

Bratton scored an own goal in the 50th minute, but Buhagiar's equaliser came just minutes later.

Luck continued for the Sky Blues with 13 minutes remaining as a goalmouth scramble after a counter-attack resulted a penalty.

Replays suggested the ball eluded the hand of Choi Bokyung despite his smothering dive to block the ball, but the veteran defender was sent off after extended protests.

Le Fondre duly crashed home the penalty with trademark conviction.

But Joenbuk didn't give up and in the 89th minute Han netted to sink Sydney FC's hopes and share the points.

The draw is still a much-needed boost to the Sky Blues' continental campaign after their crushing 4-0 opening loss against Yokohama F. Marinos.