Pohang Steelers — Kaya FC : Match Preview and Prediction for October 02,2025

Pohang Steelers’ Recent Form: Pragmatic Approach

How have Pohang Steelers been playing recently? Their focus is on results! No reckless attacks, just pragmatism and control. Let’s look at the statistics. In their last 5 matches, a maximum of 3 goals were scored in total. At home, the statistics are even more telling, with Under 3.5 goals occurring in 13 of their last 16 games.

Analyzing the K-League Defeat

Their recent K-League match against Gimcheon Sangmu (a 0:2 defeat) is quite illustrative. Yes, they lost. However, it’s crucial to examine the underlying cause. In the 41st minute, defender Lee Dong-Hee received a direct red card. The team played the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage. What do the statistics reveal? Only two shots towards the goal and zero on target. Their attack was completely neutralized after the sending-off, indicating a reliance on equal numbers to create scoring opportunities.

Opener

In the first round of this very , they secured a 1:0 away victory against BG Pathum United. Head coach Park Tae-Ha explicitly stated at the press conference that he was satisfied with this result, achieved in a challenging away fixture. The keyword here is ‘result’ – not a rout, but specifically a result.

Strategic Priorities and Energy Conservation

Furthermore, Pohang is engaged in a fierce battle to secure a top-6 spot in the K-League, necessitating careful allocation of their squad’s energy. Why push for a comprehensive thrashing of an ostensibly weaker opponent when an economical victory can be achieved, preserving key players for crucial league matches?

Kaya FC: Domestic Dominance vs. Continental Challenge

Now, regarding the visitors from the Philippines. Indeed, in their domestic league, Kaya FC can score 8 or even 12 goals. But let’s be honest – the level of opposition there is entirely different. The AFC Champions League is a completely distinct tier of competition, and the first round clearly demonstrated this. In their opening group stage match, Kaya FC lost 0:3 at home to Tampines Rovers. This result serves as our primary reference point. The team not only lost but also failed to score.

Statistical Weaknesses Against Organized Defense

Let’s delve into the statistics from that encounter. Kaya FC registered 18 shots towards goal, yet only 2 of these were on target. This highlights significant issues with execution and the ability to craft genuine scoring opportunities against an organized defense. Their ball possession stood at a mere 34%. Evidently, the team struggles to control the game at this higher level.

Kaya FC’s Away Performance Trends

Kaya FC’s away matches also tell a story of low-scoring affairs. Statistical trends confirm that in 12 of their last 16 away fixtures, the Filipino side did not witness more than four goals scored in total. They generally do not engage in high-scoring shootouts when playing away from their home ground.