Dalian, Pohang Steelers in semis

Dalian, Pohang Steelers in semis

NINGBO, China (Reuters): A vital goal by Li Ming put Chinese champions Dalian into the semifinals of the Asian club cup on Sunday, despite a loss to Japan's Kashima Antlers in the final group match.

Dalian was beaten 2-1 but Li's 70th-minute goal meant it finished ahead of Kashima in the standings, thanks to their higher goal tally after their three eastern zone group matches.

South Korea's Pohang Steelers topped the group with the best goal difference after beating Finance and Revenue of Myanmar 5-1 Sunday.

Kashima needed to beat Dalian by two clear goals to qualify ahead of the Chinese side for the semifinals in Hong Kong in April.