Under the bright lights of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, South Korea’s U23 squad delivered a stirring comeback to claim a 4-2 victory over Lebanon in their second Group C match on January 10. The result not only electrified their supporters but also gave the team a crucial boost in their quest for a quarterfinal berth, especially after a frustrating draw against Iran in their opening fixture.
From the first whistle, South Korea’s intent was clear. Hungry for a win to establish dominance in the group, the young Taegeuk Warriors surged forward, pressing Lebanon’s defense and peppering their area with early attempts. In just the eighth minute, Kim Han Seo unleashed a powerful shot from distance, only for a Lebanese defender to block it bravely. Moments later, Lee Chanouk found himself with a golden opportunity inside the box, but his close-range effort sailed wide, leaving the Korean bench and fans momentarily exasperated.
But football, as ever, punishes wastefulness. Against the run of play in the 13th minute, Lebanon stunned their opponents. A cleverly worked throw-in saw Mohammad Safwan dart down the byline before whipping in a cross. Leonardo Shahin expertly controlled the ball with his chest and, with ice in his veins, fired past goalkeeper Hong Seong Min to open the scoring. The Lebanese bench erupted, sensing a possible upset brewing.
That early goal, however, proved to be the wake-up call South Korea needed. With their pride on the line and a packed stadium urging them on, the Koreans pressed even harder. Their persistence paid off just seven minutes later. From a well-rehearsed corner routine, captain Lee Hyun Yong charged into the box and met the cross with a powerful header that bounced past Lebanon’s Maassry. The equalizer not only brought the teams level at 1-1 but also seemed to lift a weight off the Korean players’ shoulders.
Buoyed by the goal, South Korea took control for the remainder of the first half. Their midfield dictated the tempo, and the pink-shirted squad kept Lebanon pinned back, searching for a second goal. Yet, despite dominating possession and carving out several half-chances, the Koreans couldn’t find a breakthrough before halftime. Lebanon, meanwhile, clung on, hoping to regroup during the interval.
The second half began with a twist. Just three minutes after the restart, South Korea lost possession in midfield, allowing Lebanon to mount a swift counterattack. The ball found its way to El Fadl, who took a touch before launching a thunderous strike from outside the area. The shot flew past Hong Seong Min, restoring Lebanon’s lead at 2-1 and silencing the Korean fans—at least for a moment.
Now trailing again, South Korea had no choice but to throw caution to the wind. Their response was immediate and intense. In the 56th minute, a corner kick sparked chaos in the Lebanese box. Lee Chanouk pounced on a loose ball and fired a shot that ricocheted off Jeong Jae Sang, wrong-footing Maassry and nestling in the back of the net. The scoreboard read 2-2, and the momentum had swung once more.
With the scores level and the clock ticking, South Korea refused to settle for another draw. They pushed forward relentlessly, pinning the Lebanese team deep in their own half. Lebanon, dressed in white, desperately packed their defense, hoping to withstand the onslaught. But the Koreans’ creativity and determination finally broke the deadlock in the 71st minute. Bae Hyun Seo burst down the left flank and whipped in a pinpoint cross that Kang Seong Jin met with a clinical first-time finish. The roar from the stands was deafening as South Korea took the lead for the first time in the match, 3-2.
Just five minutes later, the Korean fans were on their feet again. Kim Tae Won, seizing on Lebanon’s defensive disarray, slotted home the fourth goal, effectively sealing the contest. Lebanon, now two goals down, pushed bodies forward in a desperate bid to salvage something from the game, but South Korea’s defense stood firm.
As the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard at the stadium confirmed South Korea’s 4-2 triumph—a result that could prove pivotal in the race for quarterfinal qualification. The victory was a testament to their resilience, attacking flair, and refusal to be rattled by early setbacks. For Lebanon, it was a tough lesson in the unforgiving nature of tournament football, where a strong start can quickly unravel under sustained pressure.
Reflecting on the match, it’s clear that South Korea’s ability to respond to adversity set them apart. The leadership of Lee Hyun Yong, whose equalizing header shifted the tide, and the attacking prowess of players like Kang Seong Jin and Kim Tae Won highlighted the depth and quality in the squad. The tactical adjustments made after each setback paid dividends, as did the team’s unwavering belief in their style of play.
Meanwhile, Lebanon showed flashes of brilliance, particularly through the efforts of Leonardo Shahin and El Fadl, whose goals briefly put them in the driver’s seat. Their defensive organization in the first half frustrated the Koreans, and their quick transitions caught South Korea off guard. However, as the match wore on, fatigue and relentless Korean pressure exposed gaps in their backline.
The result leaves South Korea in a much stronger position in Group C, while Lebanon faces an uphill battle to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive. With Iran and other group rivals watching closely, the stakes have only grown higher as the tournament progresses.
Elsewhere in the competition, Japan made headlines by defeating the UAE 3-0, while Thailand and Iraq prepared for a crucial showdown in Group D. The drama of the AFC U23 Championship continues to captivate fans across Asia, with every match bringing new twists and potential heroes.
For South Korea, this hard-fought victory over Lebanon is more than just three points—it’s a statement of intent. As the tournament moves forward, the young Taegeuk Warriors have shown they possess the grit, skill, and spirit to challenge for continental glory. The road to the quarterfinals remains open, but with performances like this, South Korea’s U23s are making sure the football world is paying attention.
