After scoring his debut goal, 2005-born Jung Mah-ho was elated.
Chungnam Asan FC lost 1-2 to Suwon Samseong in the opening round of the Hana Bank K League 2 2024 at Suwon World Cup Stadium on Wednesday.
On this day, Chungnam Asan debuted 2005-born Jung Maho. The midfielder, who was considered a top prospect in high school, signed a professional contract with Chungnam Asan last December. It was an unusually quick turnaround considering he signed his professional contract just three months ago.
Coach Kim Hyun-seok believed in Jung’s potential. He told the press before the match, “I think he will grow into a good player after training. It’s his first game, so he’ll be nervous, but he’s been doing well since yesterday, and we had a meeting today where I told him that I want his brothers to help him a lot. He’s a good player himself, so if he adapts a little bit, I think Korea will have a great midfielder,” Kim said.
Jung Mah-ho responded to Kim with his debut goal. The midfield combination of Jung and Kim Jong-seok helped the offense with good movement and good fundamentals. He had a good understanding of space and was in the right place at the right time to act as a link, as well as showing sharp attacks at times.
Jeong scored the game-winning goal in the 24th minute of the second half after falling behind 0-2. It was here that all of the aforementioned strengths were on display. Jung received a throw-in and played the ball between Kim Sang-joon’s legs. As Park Dae-hoon penetrated near the right side of the penalty box, Jeong continued to exchange the ball and space, slowly advancing forward, and when Park broke through the defense, Jeong took over the ball in good space and neatly slotted the ball into the opposite goal with his left foot.
However, instead of being happy about his debut goal, Jeong was disappointed that his team didn’t win. In an interview with the Mix Zone after the game, he said, “The coach had high expectations and gave me a chance. I should have repaid him with a goal and a win today, but it’s unfortunate that I couldn’t,” he said, adding, “As a member of Chungnam Asan, I should have won rather than scored. I’m not too concerned about the goal yet, I’m just disappointed,” he said, showing a mature demeanor.
Jung Maho was worried about his debut, but Kim’s concern for him helped ease his mind. “When I heard that I was going to be selected, I was scared. The professional world is different, so I was worried. But when I actually tried it, I thought it was something I could handle,” he said. “I was surprised when the coach said to me during the meeting, ‘As the youngest player’s first debut, he might be nervous on the field, so please say a lot of good things to him and take care of him.’ That helped me relax a lot before the game and boosted my confidence.” He thanked Kim.
Now that he’s made his professional debut, everything is still a bit surreal. “I was nervous because of the support of the Suwon fans, but when I played, all of that disappeared,” he said, adding, “I think it’s from interviews and receiving support from fans that I realize I’ve come to the pros and feel the pressure.”
He also thanked the fans of Chungnam Asan for their support. “I didn’t expect so many Chungnam Asan fans to come, but I’m grateful that they traveled so far to support me. I apologize for not being able to give them a win on the opening day. We will work hard to prepare for next week’s home game, and we will definitely win and get the three points then.”