Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pyongyang: DPR Korea continued their dominant start to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 Group B qualifiers on Wednesday thanks to a convincing 5-0 victory over Hong Kong which saw them strengthen their position at the top of the standings.
A purposeful DPR Korea, who beat India 8-0 in their opening fixture two days ago, made a bright start at the Kim Il Sung Stadium, Ri Kyong-hyang’s powerful header flashing narrowly wide of the Hong Kong goal in the opening minutes.
Midfielders Ho Un-byol and Wi Jong-sim, who had formed a telepathic partnership against India, were at their menacing best once again, dictating the tempo and rhythm in the middle of the park for DPR Korea.
And after just 12 minutes, Ho and Wi duo combined forces at a corner to set up Ri un-yong who made no mistake from close-range.
Hong Kong struggled throughout to cope with DPR Korea’s set pieces, and were duly undone by Wi’s pinpoint corner in the 28th minute which allowed forward Kim Yun-mi to double the home side’s lead.
Eleven minutes later, Kim Yun-mi bagged her second of the game, this time letting fly with a thunderous drive from distance that gave Hong Kong custodian Leung Wi Nga little chance.
The beleaguered Hong Kong defence was to be undone by yet another Wi corner shortly before the break, Ho Wan Tung sending an attempted clearance over a flat-footed Leung and into her own net.
The second half saw DPR Korea’s dominance continue, Ri Kyong-hyang’s powerful 55th minute header rattling the crossbar following an exquisite Ri un-yong cross.
With some 13,500 fans, who had braved the cold rain in Pyongyang, urging their side on, the three time AFC Women’s Asian Cup winners then delivered arguably their best goal of the night when, after a fine interchange of crisp passing, substitute Choe Un-ju unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box that flew past a despairing Leung
DPR Korea’s emphatic victory puts them in pole position ahead of their historic encounter against neighbours Korea Republic on April 7. Meanwhile, Hong Kong are next in action on Sunday when they are scheduled to play Korea Republic.
DPR Korea Head Coach Kim Kwang-min:
“I am not very satisfied with our performance, especially in attack against a resilient Hong Kong defence. There are many young new players who obviously still need to gain more experience but most of them did well. We could have scored more today, and the main reason for this was inexperience. Today’s game provided a good opportunity for the younger players to make that leap forward. I need to emphasise that the spirit of the team of is good and that to me, is the most important aspect. Now, we look forward to playing Korea Republic on Friday.”
Hong Kong Head Coach Chan Shuk Chi:
“In the first half, our marking was not tight enough, and at half-time I told the players to stay closer to the DPR Korea players, especially at corners. I think that improved in the second half. We must remember that we are playing a world class team. DPR Korea were excellent in every department and I am happy that we were able to give them a good fight, especially in the second half.”
Photo: DPR Korea Football Association