Malaysia Women’s National Team eliminated in qualifiers and ended hope to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 after losing to DPR Korea National Team scoring 0-6 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers Group H at Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe.
With the group’s only qualification spot at stake, it was a must-win match for the Malayan Tigress, who came into the clash after back-to-back victories over Palestine and Tajikistan. Only a victory would have booked their historic ticket to the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Head coach Joel Cornelli fielded his best available XI, with Steffi Sarge Kaur retaining the captain’s armband, Intan Sarah spearheading the attack, and Azurin Mazlan guarding the Malaysian goal.
Malaysia showed early defensive discipline, withstanding wave after wave of North Korean attacks. However, the breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Kim Hye Yong broke the deadlock with a powerful header that gave North Korea a 1-0 lead.
The pressure mounted, and just before halftime, Myong Yu Jong doubled the lead with another clinical header, leaving the Malaysian defense flat-footed.
Malaysia’s resistance crumbled further after the restart. In the 52nd minute, Kim Kyong Yong made it 3-0 with a free header inside the box. Just three minutes later, the same player capitalized on a corner to score her second and North Korea’s fourth.
Kim completed her hat-trick in the 78th minute with a close-range strike that left Azurin Mazlan with no chance, before Ri Hye Gyong sealed the scoreline with a late sixth goal following a scramble in the Malaysian penalty area.
The 6-0 defeat confirmed North Korea as Group H winners, earning the automatic qualification spot to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. For Malaysia, it was a crushing blow, ending their campaign despite earlier signs of promise.
Credit Photo : FAM
