Defending champions DPR Korea U20 women’s national team took a major step toward retaining their crown after a commanding 6-0 victory over Uzbekistan U20 women’s national team in Group B of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani.
DPR Korea wasted no time asserting dominance, launching their first dangerous attempt inside the opening minute when Ho Kyong forced Uzbekistan goalkeeper Ezoza Sevinova into an early save from a tight angle.
The breakthrough arrived in the ninth minute when Jon Il Chong reacted quickest inside the box, finishing calmly after a low cross from Pak Ok I.
Uzbekistan struggled to cope with DPR Korea’s relentless attacking pressure, and the defending champions doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Jong Pok Yong inadvertently deflected a corner from Choe Chong Gum across the goal and into the net.
Just three minutes later, Pak Ok I made it 3-0, finishing clinically from close range after meeting another precise delivery.
DPR Korea captain Pak Ok I continued to shine, adding her second goal four minutes before halftime by pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area and slotting it into the bottom corner to give her side a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.
The second half followed a similar script, with DPR Korea maintaining total control of the match.
Their fifth goal arrived on the hour mark when So Ryu Gong unleashed a stunning long-range strike that flew into the top-left corner, leaving Sevinova with no chance.
Despite several late defensive efforts from Uzbekistan, including crucial interventions by substitute Nazira Sayfiddinova, DPR Korea capped off their dominant display in stoppage time.
Pak Ok I completed her hat-trick in the second minute of added time, sealing a resounding 6-0 victory for the reigning champions.
With two wins from two matches, DPR Korea have already secured qualification to the knockout stage of the tournament in Thailand. Their final Group B clash against South Korea will determine who tops the group.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan must defeat Jordan in their final group match to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
