Defending champions DPR Korea U20 Women’s Team sent a powerful message in their opening match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026, thrashing Jordan U20 Women’s Team 8–0 in their Group B clash at Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani.
The two-time champions produced a stunning attacking display, racing to a five-goal lead before halftime as six different players contributed to the scoreline in one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far.
DPR Korea wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just one minute into the match, forward Ri Su Jong burst through the Jordan defence and calmly slotted the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Sajida Issa to give her side a dream start.
The lead doubled only three minutes later when Kang Ryu Mi rose unmarked to head home a precise cross delivered by Ri Ye Gyong.
Despite a couple of saves from Issa to deny Choe Rim Jong and Choe Yon A, the Jordan goalkeeper could do little to stop the relentless attacking wave.
Kang added her second goal in the 21st minute with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area, before Choe Yon A joined the scoresheet in the 41st minute after capitalising on a rebound inside the box.
DPR Korea capped a devastating first-half performance when Pak Il Sim headed home at the far post just before the break, giving the East Asian side a commanding 5–0 halftime lead.
Jordan, meanwhile, endured a difficult opening 45 minutes, failing to register a single shot on goal.
Substitute Pak Ok-I made an immediate impact in the 48th minute, chipping the ball into the net after a corner caused confusion in the Jordan defence.
Only a minute later, captain Ri Kuk Hyang unleashed a spectacular long-range strike from 25 yards that left Issa helpless as the scoreline stretched to 7–0.
Kang completed a memorable hat-trick in the 71st minute, ghosting behind the defence to guide Choe Rim Jong’s shot into the net and seal an emphatic 8–0 victory.
The dominant win highlights DPR Korea’s determination to defend their continental crown and underlines their status as one of the tournament favourites.
DPR Korea will next face Uzbekistan on Sunday as they aim to maintain their perfect start.
For Jordan, a swift recovery will be needed ahead of a challenging encounter against Korea Republic.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
