TOKYO —

South Korea’s Pohang Steelers were crowned kings of Asia on Saturday after a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad in the Asian Champions League final in Tokyo. Pohang’s continental triumph was their first since the tournament was revamped in 2002. The K-League side won the ACL’s forerunner—the Asian Club Championship—in 1997 and 1998.
   
‘‘It was a very difficult match but we were able to find a way through from our set pieces,’’ said Steelers manager Sergio Farias. Al Ittihad had slightly the better of a tight first half at National Stadium but Pohang broke the deadlock on 57 minutes through No Byung Jun’s free kick, and the South Koreans doubled the lead nine minutes later, Kim Hyung Il heading home from another set piece.

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