August 21, 2020, 15:30

The 25th Muhak National High School Football Championship was held from August 2 to 13 in Haman, Gyeongnam, a region known as the “home of football.”

Hosted by the Korea Football Association (KFA) and Gyeongnam Football Association, and organized by the Gyeongnam Football Association, the tournament officially adopted Nassau’s “Tuji Premium” as the official match ball, which was used in all matches throughout the competition.

Official Match Ball of the 25th Muhak Cup ? “Tuji Premium” by Nassau

A total of 32 teams, including 7 from the Gyeongnam region and 14 from the Seoul metropolitan area, participated in this year’s tournament. The event concluded with Masan Technical High School lifting the championship trophy for the first time in 18 years, since their last win in the 7th edition in 2002.

Under the leadership of Coach Yoo Byung-ok, a former semifinalist with the Korean U-20 national team at the FIFA World Youth Championship in Mexico, Masan Tech secured two consecutive wins in the group stage, quickly advancing to the Round of 16.

In the quarterfinals, they faced a strong contender from Seoul, Yeongdeungpo Technical High School, and claimed victory in a tense penalty shootout. In the semifinals, they defeated their local rival Changnyeong High School 3-1, earning a spot in the final.

The two semifinalist teams had previously placed first and second in the 2020 Gyeongsangnam-do High School League, raising expectations for their performances in this national tournament.

Returning to the final for the first time in 16 years, Masan Tech triumphed with a 1-0 win over Gwacheon High School, securing the championship title.

?? MVP (Most Valuable Player): Kim In-seong (Masan Technical High School)

? Top Scorer: Park Sang-hyeok (Yongin Taeseong FC)

Despite his team’s elimination in the Round of 16, Park Sang-hyeok earned the Golden Boot.