On March 16, 2025, Gyeongnam FC played their K League 2 home opener against the Jeonnam Dragons at the Changwon Football Center, resulting in an exhilarating 2-2 draw. The match was marked by two equalizing goals by Gyeongnam, following what began as a challenging game after they conceded an early goal.
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with approximately 7,000 spectators, including key figures such as Park Wan-soo, the Governor of Gyeongnam Province, and Choi Hak-beom, chairman of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council. Park expressed his support for the team, stating, "Gyeongnam FC has refined its skills and teamwork to achieve good results... the fans’ continued interest and support are requested." His encouragement not only boosted the players’ morale but also set the tone for the day’s events.
The game commenced dramatically with Jeonnam scoring the first goal only two minutes after the kickoff. Jeonnam's Ha Nam put the ball past Gyeongnam's goalkeeper following a free kick from Alveraldo, catching the home team off guard and sending the crowd quiet for the moment.
Despite the setback, Gyeongnam refused to back down. They fought fiercely to regain control and created several opportunities to level the score. Their persistence paid off just after the interval; on the 55th minute, Jeonnam's Kim Kyung-jae inadvertently scored an own goal, pulling Gyeongnam back to parity at 1-1.
Buoyed by the home crowd, Gyeongnam ramped up the attack. They pushed forward and soon found themselves once again on the scoreboard, thanks to Ha Nam who netted his second goal at the 72nd minute, this time heading the ball home from Jung Kang-min’s cross, giving Jeonnam the lead at 2-1.
Yet, Gyeongnam would not relent, and they struck back once more. Just five minutes after falling behind, Park Gi-hyun scored the equalizer for Gyeongnam, capping off the match at 2-2. The teams exchanged chances as the match drew to its conclusion, maintaining the excitement for the onlookers.
Gyeongnam seemed to have won the match when Noh Dong-geon netted what appeared to be the winning goal late on. Unfortunately for Jeonnam fans, the excitement turned sour when the Video Assistant Referee intervened, ruling the goal offside. This decision brought relief to Gyeongnam, who managed to secure the draw.
The match ended with Gyeongnam FC recording 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss, placing them tied for 8th with Hwaseong FC. Coach Lee Eul-yong remarked on the game, acknowledging the effort but highlighting areas for improvement, particularly on set pieces. He stated, "Our team performed well according to the preparations, but we must work on defensive aspects to capitalize on our opportunities more effectively."
Looking forward, Gyeongnam FC will face Chungbuk Cheongju FC on March 29, 2025, at 4:30 PM at the same venue, and the management is optimistic about securing points against their future opponents.
The home opener also featured engaging pre-match events, including fan signings and performances from military bands, creating an unforgettable experience for supporters. Fans departed, hopeful for the team’s future successes and ready for the next home game, reinforcing the bond between the club and its passionate community.