South Korea's Pohang Steelers were crowned kings of Asia for the first time on Saturday after a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad in the Asian Champions League final in Tokyo.

Al Ittihad had slightly the better of a tight first half at National Stadium but Pohang broke the deadlock through No Byung Jun's free kick shortly before the hour mark, and the South Koreans doubled the lead thanks to Kim Hyung Il's header.

Two-time champions Al Ittihad, who ended Japanese interest in the competition with an 8-3 aggregate win over Nagoya Grampus in the semifinals, reduced the arrears when inspirational skipper Mohammed Noor fired home from close range.

Al Ittihad's Hitcham Aboucherouane went close to equalizing with a free kick in stoppage time but Pohang held firm to claim victory and a spot at the World Club Cup in Abu Dhabi next month.