Defending champions DPR Korea U20 Women’s National Team delivered another dominant performance to defeat Korea Republic U20 Women’s National Team 5–0 in their final Group B match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani.
The emphatic victory ensured DPR Korea completed the group stage with a perfect record, underlining their status as one of the strongest contenders for the continental title.
DPR Korea controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, although it took time before they could convert their dominance into goals. Their first notable chance came in the fifth minute when Pak Ok I attempted a long-range strike that was mishandled but ultimately gathered safely.
Goalkeeper Kim Chae-been kept Korea Republic in the match with several important saves, including efforts from Jon Il Chong, Choe Yon A, and Choe Rim Jong.
However, the resistance was finally broken in the 38th minute when Kang Ryu Mi connected with a cross from Pak, sliding the ball past the goalkeeper to give DPR Korea a deserved lead.
The East Asian side quickly doubled their advantage just before halftime. Kang again played a key role, heading the ball across goal for Pak Ok I to volley home from inside the penalty area.
Moments later, the DPR Korea captain struck again during stoppage time, collecting a pass from Ro Un Hyang, beating two defenders and calmly finishing into the bottom corner to make it 3–0 before the break.
DPR Korea maintained its attacking momentum after the restart. In the 48th minute, Pak Il Sim produced a moment of brilliance with a curling corner that flew directly into the net, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
The scoring was completed in the 51st minute when substitute Ho Kyong tapped in from close range after an excellent cut-back from Kang Ryu Mi.-
The convincing win means DPR Korea advances to the quarter-finals with maximum points and will face Australia in the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Korea Republic will meet tournament hosts Thailand in what promises to be another exciting quarter-final clash.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
