North Korean Club Defeats South Korean Team in Asian Women's Football Semifinal

Suwon FC Women hosted North Korean club Naegohyang Women's FC at Suwon Stadium on May 20 in the semifinal of the Asian Football Confederation Women's Champions League. Naegohyang defeated Suwon 2-1. The match marked the first time women's football clubs from the two Koreas met south of the border.

Suwon head coach Park Kil-young said his team felt like the visiting side during the match. He stated that players and staff felt hurt by the presence of large numbers of supporters for the North Korean club. South Korean civic groups, supported by government funding, formed cheering squads that waved Naegohyang flags and displayed welcoming banners.

Women recorded a 10-1 advantage in shot attempts during the first half but failed to score. The team hit the goal post twice. Captain Ji So-yun missed a penalty kick in the 79th minute when goalkeeper Pak Ju-gyong dove in the opposite direction. Park Kil-young said he instructed Ji So-yun to take the penalty and accepted responsibility for the outcome.

He added that the team competed hard despite the loss. Park also apologized to supporters who attended despite rain. Park stated that a victory would have generated interest in women's football beyond political aspects. He noted the match drew large attendance and media coverage.

The coach expressed hope that the event would increase future interest in the sport.