Jasheer Asani (30, Gwangju FC) exploded with a multi-goal performance to create 'the miracle of Gwangju.'

Gwangju FC won 3-0 against Vissel Kobe in the '2025 AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 second leg' held at Gwangju World Cup Stadium on the 12th, with Asani's multi-goal. After losing 0-2 in the away match against Kobe on the 5th, Gwangju reversed the aggregate score to 3-2, securing a place in the quarterfinals.

Gwangju will face Thailand's prominent Buriram United in the quarterfinals. If Gwangju wins, they will meet the winner of the match between Yokohama and Kawasaki in the semifinals.

It was an absolutely unfavorable situation for Gwangju. Gwangju suffered a 0-2 defeat in the away match against Kobe on the 5th. Gwangju needed to win by at least three goals at home to have any hope of reaching the quarterfinals.

Fortunately, the first goal came quickly. In the 18th minute of the first half, Park Tae-jun's free-kick opportunity was headed in by Park Jong-in. With the early lead, Gwangju saw hope. Head coach Lee Jung-hyo clenched his fist and cheered.

Asani created a miracle. In the 38th minute of the second half, Park In-hyuk fell after a foul by Iwanami. A penalty kick was awarded. Asani stepped up and scored an equalizer with his left foot. Gwangju took a 2-0 lead, making the aggregate score 2-2.

Gwangju needed one more goal to advance to the quarterfinals. Riding the momentum, Gwangju continuously pressed Vissel Kobe, but goals did not come easily. Ultimately, the match moved into extra time.

A stunning goal came in the 118th minute of extra time. Asani received a pass from Choi Kyung-rok just outside the box and took a shot with his left foot. The ball struck the crossbar and went in.

It was a miraculous goal that led Gwangju, who faced elimination, into the quarterfinals. The dramatic goal came just 2 minutes before the end of extra time.

After the match, Asani, who became the player of the match, said in an interview with the broadcaster, 'I am really happy. We had to score at least three goals at home. I couldn’t sleep well for two days. I think I will sleep well tonight.'

Despite the chilly weather, many Gwangju fans gathered. Asani noted, 'I wanted to win because our team survived. Now we are going to the quarterfinals. I am happy. I am grateful that the fans came. I hope more fans come to the next match.'

The ACL 8th quarterfinal tournament will take place in Saudi Arabia from April 23 in a single-elimination format. How far can Gwangju go?

[OSEN = Reporter Seo Jeong-hwan]