Gyeongnam FC 2-1 Gimhae City: Late Winner Keeps Promotion Hopes Alive

Gyeongnam FC snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Gimhae City in a K League 2 encounter at the Changwon Football Center on May 10, 2026. The result was a vital one for the home side as they continue their push for promotion to the top flight.

Match Overview

The match started at a high tempo, with both teams aware of the significance of three points in a tightly packed K League 2 table. Gyeongnam dominated early but found themselves behind in the 25th minute when Gimhae's Lee Sang-heon curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner. The setback galvanized Gyeongnam, who equalized just before halftime through a scrappy finish from Jang Hyun-soo after a corner kick.

The second half was a tactical battle, with both sides cancelling each other out. With the game heading for a draw, Gyeongnam's persistence paid off in the 88th minute. Substitute Kim Dae-won latched onto a through ball from midfielder Park Tae-joon and fired low into the far post, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

Key Moments

• 25' – Goal (Gimhae): Lee Sang-heon's stunning free-kick put the visitors ahead.
• 44' – Goal (Gyeongnam): Jang Hyun-soo bundled home the equalizer from a set-piece scramble.
• 88' – Goal (Gyeongnam): Kim Dae-won's composed finish secured all three points.

Standout Performers

• Kim Dae-won (Gyeongnam) – The super-sub delivered the crucial winning goal with a clinical strike.
• Jang Hyun-soo (Gyeongnam) – A constant threat in the air and scored the vital equalizer.
• Lee Sang-heon (Gimhae) – His set-piece brilliance nearly earned his team a point.

Table Impact

The win moved Gyeongnam FC into 5th place in the K League 2 standings, three points behind the automatic promotion places. For Gimhae City, the defeat left them in 9th, now seven points adrift of the playoff spots with six matches remaining.

This match encapsulated the excitement of South Korea's second division, where every game carries enormous weight in the race to join the K League 1 elite. Gyeongnam FC's never-say-die attitude will be crucial as the season reaches its climax.