Suwon: North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC made history on Wednesday by reaching the Asian Women’s Champions League final after defeating South Korea’s Suwon FC Women 2–1 in a tense semi-final.
According to Beyond Time News, the match marked the first appearance of a North Korean sports team in South Korea in eight years, drawing significant attention and a full house at the Suwon Sports Complex.
Comeback Win in High-Intensity Semi-Final
Played in heavy rain, the match saw Naegohyang come from behind to secure victory in a tightly contested encounter.
Suwon FC took the lead early in the second half when Japanese striker Haruhi Suzuki capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 49th minute.
However, the North Korean side responded quickly, with Choe equalising in the 55th minute through a well-placed header from a set piece.
Naegohyang then completed the turnaround in the 67th minute when Kim Kyong Yong scored with a close-range header following sustained pressure.
Late Drama as Suwon Miss Penalty
Suwon FC had a chance to level the match after VAR awarded them a penalty in the closing stages. However, captain Ji So-yun missed the spot-kick, sending the ball wide despite the goalkeeper diving the wrong way.
The miss proved decisive as Naegohyang held on to secure a place in the final.
Historic Visit Draws Strong Interest
The semi-final attracted more than 7,000 spectators, with tickets selling out quickly due to rare cross-border sporting interest.
Despite poor weather, fans from both sides attended, while neutral civic groups also filled sections of the stadium under Seoul’s unification ministry arrangements.
There were no official North Korean supporters present, as travel restrictions remain in place between the two countries.
North Korean Women’s Football Team Arrives in South Korea for Rare Match
Final Awaits Against Japan
Naegohyang will now face Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the final on Saturday at the same venue.
Tokyo reached the final after defeating Australia’s Melbourne City 3–1 in the other semi-final.
Conclusion
Naegohyang’s victory marks a significant sporting moment, not only for their on-field achievement but also for the rare inter-Korean sporting encounter it represented.
According to Beyond Time News, the team will remain in South Korea for the final, where they will compete for the continental title.
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