HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) Tomoaki Makino scored a late winner from an unusual penalty routine as already eliminated Sanfrecce Hiroshima wrapped up their Asian Champions League debut with a 4-3 defeat of defending champions Pohang Steelers of South Korea on Tuesday.
Pohang had Kim Tae Su sent off after conceding the spot kick with 10 minutes left and Hisato Sato softly touched it off for Makino to storm into the area and ram past Shin Hwa Yong.
Adelaide United, who along with Pohang had already qualified for the next round, lost 1-0 at home to China's Shandong Luneng but finished top of Group H on 10 points. Pohang (10) was second, Hiroshima (nine) was third and Shangong (six) last.
Sanfrecce took less than 50 seconds to open the scoring through Junya Osaki, but their joy proved short-lived as Kim Jae Sung stole in to head the South Koreans level on four minutes.
Tadanari Lee's header put Hiroshima back in control and Shinichiro Kuwada made it 3-1 with a confident finish three minutes before the interval.