“It wasn't easy for me as a player to prepare for this match. It's true that I felt burdened after losing the first match," said Asani, whose brace means he is jointly leading the scorers’ chart with Yokohama F. Marinos Anderson Lopes with nine goals. 

“We talked among ourselves as players about being aggressive from the beginning. That happened just as we had planned. We have proven Gwangju's capabilities. We have advanced to the ACLE quarter-finals on our own, so I think we are making history at every moment. I am happy to be a part of it."

Park Jeong-in struck with a looping header in the first half and Asani struck from the spot to force the game into extra-time with the forward then producing a stunning long-range strike to secure Gwangju’s passage into the last eight stage.

Gwangju head coach Lee Jung-hyo credited his team’s tactical discipline for the result.

“Today was a day when I felt like I could do anything. The players' eyes and attitude as they prepared for the game were different from before, so I was looking forward to it,” said Lee.

"We pressed hard and immersed ourselves in an organised manner. I think that's why we were able to achieve this result."

Vissel Kobe head coach Takayuki Yoshida took full responsibility for the defeat, admitting that his side struggled to cope with Gwangju’s intensity.

“I apologise to the fans who came all the way here. It is entirely my responsibility as the coach,” said Yoshida. "I predicted and prepared for Gwangju to be aggressive, but they persistently picked at our weaknesses.

“We had a hard time defensively because we couldn't find our own rhythm. It seems like Gwangju did a good job of attacking us with strong pressure and switching plays targeting the (defensive) back space.”