Shakeel ur Rehman
SYDNEY,AUSTRALIA: China PR came from behind to defeat DPR Korea 2–1 in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™️ Group C match at Western Sydney Stadium on Monday, sealing top spot in the group with a perfect record.
The win ensured China PR progressed to the quarter-finals as group winners, while DPR Korea also advanced and will face hosts Australia in the last eight.
DPR Korea head coach Ri Song Ho named the same starting XI for the third consecutive match, while China PR coach Ante Milicic fielded his strongest lineup with Wu Haiyan marshalling the defence and Wang Shuang leading the attack.
The match began cautiously on a rain-soaked pitch, with both sides struggling to create clear chances in the opening half hour.
DPR Korea broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Han Jin Hong surged down the right flank and cut the ball back into the box for Kim Kyong Yong, who finished clinically to give her side the lead.
China PR responded swiftly, drawing level just two minutes later. Following a corner kick, DPR Korea failed to clear the danger and Shao Ziqin set up Chen Qiaozhu, who drilled a low shot past goalkeeper Yu Son Gum.
China PR then turned the match around in stoppage time before the break. A well-delivered free kick from Yao Wei caught the DPR Korea defence off guard as Zhang Chengxue squared the ball across goal for Wang Shuang to steer home from close range.
The second half saw fewer clear chances as both teams tightened their defences. DPR Korea came close when Hong Song Ok tried her luck from distance, but China PR goalkeeper Chen Chen was equal to the effort.
China PR nearly extended their lead later in the half when Shao Ziqin’s shot took a double deflection and bounced narrowly wide.
DPR Korea thought they had equalised in the 80th minute when Choe Il Son tapped the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after Kim Hye Yong was judged to have received the ball in an offside position earlier in the move.
China PR held firm in the closing stages, with captain Wu Haiyan and Yao Wei organising the defence effectively to secure the victory and complete an impressive group stage campaign.
