Sydney’s Andrew Hoole and Jung Wonjin of the Steelers. Photo: Dan Himbrechts, AAP.

Sydney are on the cusp of booking a spot in the last 16 of the Asian Champions League (ACL) for the first time after beating South Korean side Pohang Steelers 1-0 last night to stay two points clear at the top of Group H.

Serbian playmaker Milos Ninkovic’s goal sealed the result at Allianz Stadium five minutes into the second half to keep the light shining at the end of the tunnel following an A-League season to forget.

Having endured a taxing period of travel and short turnarounds, 11 straight winless matches and exclusion from finals reckoning, Arnold was visibly relieved his side’s foray into Asia was reaping rewards.

“I’m very happy for once in 10 weeks,” the Sky Blues coach said.

“And I’m happy for the players.

“They’ve worked so hard and done their best every week and they haven’t been rewarded – tonight’s a reward for them.

“It’s also a reward for the fans because they’ve stuck by us through thick and thin even though they probably don’t understand what we’ve been going through, but mentally it’s been tough for everyone.”

Sydney have two group-stage matches remaining, against Urawa Red Diamonds and Guangzhou Evergrande.

A draw against the Japanese heavyweights at home in two weeks will likely see the Sky Blues through, while a win would guarantee them top spot before they even travel to China early next month to face reigning champions Evergrande who sit last in the group with just two points.

If they top the group Sydney will start the knockout phase against the runners-up of Group F – led currently by FC Seoul ahead of second-placed Shandong Luneng FC.

Arnold was quick to point out the importance of holding their nerve.

“We’re not there yet – I want the players to finish on top of the group,” he said.

“It gives us a better option in Group H.

“FC Seoul are a very, very good side.

“At the moment Shandong is in second spot, and that would probably suit us better.”

-AAP