Pohang Steelers of South Korea shocked two-time champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia 2-1 to capture the AFC Champions League title here on Saturday.

After a scoreless first half, the opening goal was scored by forward No Byung-Jun, who netted from a free kick in the 57th minute after the team's top Brazilian scorer Denilson was fouled.

The Koreans doubled their lead just eight minutes later from another freekick. Midfielder Kim Jae-Sung played the ball into the box and defender Kim Hyung-Il headed in to leave the Saudi giants with an uphill task.

Although Al Ittihad clawed a goal back through Mohammed Noor in the 74th minute they could not find another goal, with Morocco midfielder Hicham Aboucherouane's free kick in injury time going wide.