AFC Champions League Elite - Myojin hails Gamba resolve

Gangneung: Gamba Osaka head coach Tomokazu Myojin hailed his players’ resilience after the Japanese side edged Gangwon FC 1-0 after extra time to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage on Tuesday.

Gaku Nawata struck in the 103rd minute to settle a finely balanced Preliminary Stage encounter in favour of the reigning AFC Champions League Two™ titleholders.

“It was a very tough match. I think it was a game where you really couldn't tell which way it would go,” said Myojin. “However, I think the fact that our players fought until the very end, including their running.

"Our goal was to win this match and advance to the League Stage, so I am very happy that we were able to achieve that.”

Myojin was also impressed by the challenge posed by Gangwon, with the Korea Republic side pushing Gamba all the way before Nawata’s extra-time winner.

“Today's match was very evenly contested, and it was impossible to tell which way it would go. There were many strong teams in the ACL2 last season so far, but today's Gangwon team gave us a very tough time, and I think they are a strong team.”

Gangwon head coach Jung Kyung-ho was left despondent by the outcome

“The result is very disappointing,” said Jung. “The manner of the defeat was particularly difficult for my players and staff after their efforts over the course of the contest. It is difficult to accept the result.”

Victory for Gamba sees them joining compatriots Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto Sanga in the draw for the league phase, while Gangwon will enter the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™.

Myojin hails Gamba resolve

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PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

PS: Adelaide United (AUS) 0-2 Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)

PS: Al Jazira FSC (UAE) 1-4 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

PS: Pakhtakor (UZB) 3-0 Al Hussein (JOR)