Korea Republic U-23 national team defeated Ghana 3-1 in the first match of the friendly series at Jeju World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo on Saturday. Kim Hagbum’s side will face Ghana again at the same venue on Tuesday, as they compete for their places in the final squad for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020.

Kim opted for a 4-3-3 formation, led by Um Wonsang, Cho Guesung and Lee Seungwoo up front; Kim Jingyu, Lee Soobin and Jeong Seungwon in midfield; Kim Jinya, Lee Sangmin, Kim Jaewoo and Lee Youheyon at the back; and goalkeeper Ahn Joonsoo. The coach had announced in the press conference earlier on Friday, all the 28 players would be tested over the course of the two-game series.

The hosts surged forward right from the off, with Um breaking through the right channel after six minutes. Wingers Um and Lee Seungwoo created opportunities with their swift runs on both flanks, whilst Ghana sat back and waited for their chances on counters led by Joselpho Barnes.

After a series of attempts to break the deadlock, Korea Republic finally opened the scoring on 18 minutes: Kim Jingyu’s corner was half-cleared to the right side of the area, where Lee Youhyeon picked up the loose ball to deliver a cross into the crowded goalmouth. Centre back Lee Sangmin rose highest to connect with a thumping header from close range.

On 34 minutes, Kim Jingyu dribbled the ball into the edge of the area, only to drag his effort just wide. But then the hosts were dealt an unexpected blow on 39 minutes, when Kim Jinya was sent off for a reckless challenge after a VAR review.

Coach Kim Hagbum brought Yoon Jonggyu and Seol Youngwoo on for Lee Youhyeon and Lee Soobin respectively during the interval, as he sought to make up for the numerical disadvantage against Ghana’s fightback. Jeong Wooyeong, Lee Seungmo and Maeng Seongung then came off the bench to replace Lee Seungwoo, Kim Jingyu and Jeong Seungwon on 57 minutes.

The reshuffle paid dividends almost immediately, as Lee Seungmo’s volley hit the right post following a Maeng free-kick on 59 minutes. Lee calmly collected the rebound to score within two minutes upon his arrival.

Cho Guesung then put his name on the scoresheet on 66 minutes, as the lone striker received a Seol cross from the left to fire home from close range.

Ghana fought back to reduce the deficit in the closing minutes, with Samuel Obeng Gyabaa pulling one back after breaking into the left side of the box. But it proved too little too late for the visitors to claw their way back into the match, as Korea Republic held on to claim a hard-fought victory.

Korea Republic 3-1 Ghana 

Scorers: Lee Sangmin 18’, Lee Seungmo 59’, Cho Guesung 66’; Samuel Obeng Gyabaa 76’

KOR: Ahn Joonsoo; Lee Youhyeon (Yoon Jonggyu 46’), Kim Jaewoo, Lee Sangmin (Lee Jisol 74’), Kim Jinya (sent off 39’); Jeong Seungwon (Maeng Seongung 57’), Lee Soobin (Seol Youngwoo 46’), Kim Jingyu (Lee Seungmo 57’); Lee Seungwoo (Jeong Wooyeong 57’), Cho Guesung, Um Wonsang (Cho Youngwook 68’)