Even without manager Lee Jeong-hyo, Gwangju FC remained stable.

Gwangju won 2-1 against Daegu FC in the 10th round of Hana Bank K League 1 2025 held at the Gwangju World Cup Stadium on the 9th. With 13 points, Gwangju rose to 3rd place. Daegu (7 points) fell to 9th place.

Due to the suspension from the match against Daejeon, manager Lee Jeong-hyo missed two consecutive games. Nevertheless, Gwangju achieved two consecutive wins, filling the leadership void. Manager Lee Jeong-hyo watched from the stands, and Gwangju successfully overcame the crisis.

The opening goal was recorded by Gwangju. In the 12th minute of the first half, Kang Hee-su calmly linked a loose ball in the box with a right-footed shot. The ball deflected off Kim Jeong-hyun's foot and went in. Kang Hee-su scored his debut goal for Gwangju.

Gwangju scored a crucial goal in the additional time of the first half. Asani received a long pass from behind the halfway line. Asani dribbled past four defenders in the box, setting up a pass. Gwangju's Oh Woo-sung calmly scored an additional goal after a series of quick passes. It was the moment when Gwangju, leading 2-0 at halftime, was assured of victory.

Manager Lee Jeong-hyo, who was watching the match from the stands, clenched his fists and roared. It was a confidence that even without him, Gwangju's system was functioning perfectly.

Daegu faced unfortunate circumstances. In the 33rd minute of the second half, goalkeeper Oh Seung-hoon sustained a dislocated right pinky finger injury. However, the team could not make a substitution while trailing 0-2. In the end, he taped his pinky and ring fingers together before putting on his gloves to continue playing.

Demonstrating great spirit, Daegu regained a goal in the 43rd minute of the second half when Sejingya scored. A corner kick situation saw Sejingya's cross curl in and become a goal.

With 6 minutes of additional time given, Daegu launched a final offensive. However, Gwangju did not allow Daegu to score a tying goal.

After the match, Kang Hee-su said, "I am happy to score my first professional goal. I didn't expect the ball to come. The coach kept telling me to come in from the outside. It was my first start, but I was confident," expressing his joy.

[OSEN]