Incheon United win K League 2 to secure promotion

Incheon United are K League 2 champions after a dominant 3-0 win over Gyeongnam FC today. The destination of the title hasn't been in much doubt for several months, but the home side were forced to wait to confirm what we all expected. Today, the wait ended.

Incheon United 3 (Gerso Fernandes 35', Stefan Mugoša 53', Mo Barrow 60')

Gyeongnam FC 0

Key Details:

• Gerso Fernandes opened the scoring on 34 minutes.
• Stefan Mugoša made sure of the title early in the second half.
• Mo Barrow notched his third of the season on the hour mark.
• Incheon United secured the K League 2 title and an immediate return to the top flight.

There was one message in manager Yoon Jung-hwan's in-tray when he started work at Sungui Arena: Get promoted immediately. Having shocked the Korean football community by leading Gangwon FC to second last season in K League 1, the hottest domestic property dropped down a division to rescue the relegated Incheon United.

Yoon delivered with the help of his goal scoring foreign trio, some top class young Korean talent, and several experienced veterans to lead the side through the murky waters of K League 2. The conclusion is clear; if you go down, don't muck about. Suwon Samsung didn't learn this lesson last year. Incheon are up because they did.

It hasn't been easy. On several occasions, Incheon looked like pulling well clear of the chasing pack, and winning the division at a canter. But with 93 minutes gone at Big Bird yesterday, their lead was cut to five points. Then the unthinkable happened; Jeonnam scored against Suwon to tie the game. Incheon knew a win would be enough to guarantee promotion.

The relief of Suwon's late demise must have impacted their thinking this morning. However, for 33 minutes, Incheon showed very little intent. When the opening goal came, it wasn't against the run of play. But it was completely out of the blue. Gerso was the man who set the party train in motion. Stefan Mugoša and Mo Barrow put the appropriate gloss after the break.

In simple terms, Incheon have been better than everyone else. Suwon may have scored more goals, but what good is that when the opposition regularly expose the weaknesses in your defense. Outside of Suwon, Incheon had no challengers. With the title secured, they can immediately begin the process of planning for 2026.

[READ: FC Anyang's Final B fixtures and aspirations]

It was appropriate that Gerso was the man to open the scoring on 34 minutes. Incheon's main dangerman picked up a loose ball on the left flank after Park Seung-ho was fouled on the touchline. As Incheon screamed for a free kick, Gerso headed for the edge of the box with limited options. The former Jeju winger stood up his man and rifled an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net.

Incheon United supporters reminding their team of what they had to do today.

It was Gerso's 12th goal of the season and brought much-needed calm to an increasingly edgy Sungui Arena. The opening half-hour hadn't quite gone as expected for the home side, but a flash of brilliance from the 34-year-old helped to settle the nerves. That was Incheon's one and only effort on goal in the opening period, but it was enough to separate the sides.

[READ: Ranking Suwon Bluewings' potential Final B opponents]

Incheon didn't have to wait long to settle the game - and therefore the season - after the break. Lee Myung-joo's perfect delivery from the right found legendary striker Stefan Mugoša eight yards. The Montenegrin did what he's been doing all throughout his career in Korea - he buried a header into the corner of the net. This was his 20th of the campaign.

Manager Yoon Jung-hwan starts the celebrations.

As Gyeongnam wilted under immense pressure, Barrow tapped home the third eight minutes later. Lee Myung-joo stole possession in midfield, and Incheon had a 4-on-4. Mugoša's heavy touch looked to take the sting out of the counter, but the striker somehow made good contact on his shot. Goalkeeper Choi Pil-soo could only palm it on to the post, allowing the Swedish winger an easy tap in from two yards.

And that was that. Gyeongnam offered nothing in response. Incheon made changes to allow squad members the chance to savour this moment. It was complete and it was comprehensive. Incheon are back!

Up next

Gyeongnam's poor season isn't over yet. They return home to host playoff chasing Seoul E-Land next Saturday, November 1 at 14:00.

The party continues at Sungui Arena for Incheon United. Former boss Cho Seung-hwan takes his Busan IPark to the celebration capital of Korean football on Sunday at 14:00.

Best player: Lee Myung-joo.

Attendance: 11,156.