Suwon Samsung Bluewings Triumph in the 2019 KEB Hana Bank FA Cup
The 2019 KEB Hana Bank FA Cup marked the 24th edition of South Korea's premier knockout football tournament. Spanning from March 9 to November 10, 2019, the competition brought together 86 teams from various tiers of the Korean football pyramid, including professional K League sides, university teams, and amateur clubs.
While Daegu FC entered the tournament as the defending champions, their campaign ended prematurely in the Round of 16 following a defeat to Gyeongnam FC. Ultimately, the tournament saw a dominant performance by Suwon Samsung Bluewings, who secured their fifth title and earned a spot in the group stage of the 2020 AFC Champions League—Asia's most prestigious club competition.
Key Facts
- Champions: Suwon Samsung Bluewings (5th title)
- Runners-up: Daejeon Korail
- Top Scorer: Yeom Ki-hun (5 goals)
- Best Player: Ko Seung-beom
- Total Teams: 86
Tournament Overview and Progression
The tournament followed a rigorous knockout format, beginning with qualifying rounds designed to integrate amateur and university talent with the professional ranks. The structure allowed for a diverse range of competitors to test themselves against the nation's elite.
The Qualifying Rounds
The competition began in early March with the First Round, featuring 86 clubs, including 16 university teams and various K3 League Basic and amateur sides. The Second Round saw the introduction of 10 university teams and 7 K3 League Advanced teams, while the Third Round brought in 10 K League 2 teams and 8 Korea National League sides.
As the tournament progressed into the Round of 32, the 12 K League 1 teams entered the fray, significantly raising the level of competition. From this stage onward, the field narrowed through the Round of 16, the Quarter-finals, and the Semi-finals, culminating in a two-legged final.
The Road to the Final
The path to the championship was filled with dramatic finishes and intense penalty shootouts. In the semi-finals, Daejeon Korail advanced after a grueling battle against Sangju Sangmu, winning a penalty shootout (4-2) following a 3-3 aggregate score. Meanwhile, Suwon Samsung Bluewings secured their place in the final by overcoming Hwaseong FC with a 3-0 victory in the second leg of their semi-final tie.
The final was contested between Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Daejeon Korail. After a scoreless first leg at the Daejeon Hanbat Stadium, Suwon delivered a commanding performance in the second leg at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, winning 4-0 to claim the trophy.
Tournament Statistics and Awards
Individual excellence played a massive role in the 2019 edition. Yeom Ki-hun of Suwon Samsung Bluewings finished as the tournament's top goal scorer, netting five goals, including a crucial hat-trick during the semi-finals. Ko Seung-beom was recognized as the tournament's Best Player for his outstanding contributions on the pitch.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner | Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
| Runner-up | Daejeon Korail |
| Top Scorer | Yeom Ki-hun (5 goals) |
| Best Player | Ko Seung-beom |
| Total Participants | 86 teams |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team won the 2019 KEB Hana Bank FA Cup?
Suwon Samsung Bluewings won the tournament, marking their fifth FA Cup title.
How many goals did the top scorer score?
Yeom Ki-hun was the top scorer of the tournament with a total of 5 goals.
What was the prize for winning the tournament?
By winning the 2019 FA Cup, Suwon Samsung Bluewings qualified for the group stage of the 2020 AFC Champions League.
How many teams participated in the 2019 edition?
A total of 86 teams participated in the competition, ranging from professional K League clubs to university and amateur teams.
Who was named the best player of the tournament?
Ko Seung-beom was awarded the Best Player title for his performance during the tournament.