AFC Cup Draw

AFC Cup draw


East Zone
Group I
1. 4.25 SC (PRK)
2. Rovers FC (GUM)
3. Taipower Company (TPE)
4. Play-off winner (PRK/TPE/MNG)

AFC Cup - Two DPR Korean teams in AFC Cup

Selangor: The stage is set for the AFC cup 2017 draw which will take place at the Hilton Petaling Jaya in the Malaysian capital at 1430hrs (local time) on Tuesday.

The clubs - including reigning champions Air Force Club - who will enter the Group Stage of the competition which will feature a new format, are:

East Asia Zone

4.25 SC (DPR Korea)
Rovers FC (Guam)
Taipower Company (Chinese Taipei)
One East Play-off winner

http://www.the-afc.com/afc-cup-2017/stage-set-for-afc-cup-2017-draw

Kigwancha FC from DPR Korea in playoffs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_AFC_Cup

Korea DPR comeback seals second crown

Korea DPR came from behind to secure a 3-1 win over France in the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Grace Geyoro put France ahead early on, but Korea DPR equalised on the half-hour mark and then scored at either end of the second period to seal their first title for ten years.

An electric atmosphere was created by the capacity crowd and the players responded in kind with an up-tempo contest.

Indeed, the match proved to be a contest of fine margins at times with several last-gasp tackles and blocks amid action at both ends of the pitch.

An early goal for France perhaps helped ensure the match was an open affair. Maelle Garbino whipped in a dipping free-kick from the touchline and goalkeeper Kim Myong Sun could only fumble the ball into the path of midfielder Geyoro, who swept the opportunity home.

Buoyed by their lead, France charged forward and Clara Mateo was blocked in the nick of time by Kim Myong Sun as she bore down on goal.

Korea DPR, however, levelled on 30 minutes as the impressive Wi Jong Sim flicked the ball home at the near-post, following a fine left-sided run and cross from Kim Phyong Hwa.

Eight minutes after the break Korea DPR had a golden chance to take the lead. Kim So Hyang burst down the right following a sharp exchange of passes and her low cross was met at the far post by Kim Phyong Hwa, but the No11 somehow pushed her close-range effort wide.

The villain, however, turned heroine within a matter of just minutes. Kim Phyong Hwa headed home from an almost identical position after Wi Jong Sim deflected the ball into her path from a free-kick.

Korea DPR looked in the mood, but the match became disjointed amid a flurry of substitutions and stoppages. France could find no answers despite a late surge, with a Jon So Yon penalty in the closing stages securing victory.

It saw Korea DPR crowned champions of a FIFA women’s tournament for the second time within a matter of weeks.

http://www.fifa.com/u20womensworldcup/matches/round=276005/match=300353173/match-report.html

HONG KONG 0-1 DPR KOREA: JONG GOAL CLINCHES E-1 FINAL BERTH

DPR Korea defeated Hong Kong 1-0 on Saturday night to win the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2017Round 2 Men’s Tournament and advance to next year’s final competition in Japan.

Jorn Andersen’s men came into the match needing a draw to advance on tiebreakers, and the opening minutes of the game seemingly reflected their desire to prevent Hong Kong’s naturalised attackers such as Alex Akande and Godfried Karikari from creating any major chances on goal.

With fouls increasing and tempers souring on the pitch, it was Jong Il Gwan who scored the lone goal of the match when he stole the ball from Hong Kong’s Leung Chun Pong and broke past the defender before sending a chip shot over the goalkeeper and into the net.

Faced with their first deficit of the tournament, Hong Kong struggled to respond. Alex, fresh off his four-goal performance against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday, found himself surrounded by multiple DPR Korea defenders whenever he entered the penalty area and was rarely able to get off a shot on goal.

The leaders’ confidence was unshaken in the second half as they continued to maintain possession, passing the ball around the middle of the pitch as they pleased. Hong Kong’s frustration showed, with defender Roberto Affonso Junior at one point getting into a verbal altercation with DPR Korea coach Andersen.

A boisterous home crowd numbering in the thousands also appeared short on patience, with three dozen fans rushing to the pitchside hoardings at one point to loudly protest the officials.

But the two goals needed by Kim Pan Gon’s men to pull off a last-minute reversal never materialized, and DPR Korea were left to celebrate at the final whistle as they clinched a second straight appearance in the regional tournament’s final competition where they will join Korea Republic, Japan, and China.

http://footballchannel.asia/2016/11/12/post13216/

GUAM 0-2 DPR KOREA: PLUCKY MATAO UNDONE BY SECOND HALF SURGE

By Dan Orlowitz

Goals by So Hyun Uk and Pak Kwang Ryong were enough to see DPR Korea past Guam on Wednesday evening in the second matchday of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2017 Round 2 Men’s tournament.

Coming off their 2-0 win against Chinese Taipei in the tournament opener, the AFC Asian Cup 2015 participants were forced to make do without manager Jorn Andersen, whose ejection from that match for arguing with an official led to a touchline ban.

His men were frustrated throughout the first half by Guam, whose defending showed marked improvement from their 3-2 loss to Hong Kong. Goalkeeper Douglas Herrick was caught off his line far less frequently, and even in tight situations he was frequently rescued by defenders Alexander Lee and Brandon McDonald.

The Matao quickly earned the favor of the neutral crowd, who cheered every clearance and even booed DPR Korea’s players as they moved the ball up the pitch. Their support seemed to have little effect on Guam’s offensive production, and despite a brief spell of pressure in added time the teams would head into the halftime locker room in a nil-nil deadlock.

DPR Korea continued to pressure when play resumed in the second half, and So Hyun Uk broke the game open in the 67th minute with a tremendous volley from close range to put his team ahead 1-0.

That goal seemed to take a bit of fight out of Guam, who continued to hold strong defensively but remained unable to put any solid pressure on the DPR Korea goal despite the best efforts of Guy and Shayne Malcom’s long throw-ins which got the crowd roaring.

Striker Pak Kwang Ryong put the game away in the 87th minute with a stunning free kick from just outside the Guam penalty area, bringing his team even closer to the final tournament in Japan next December.

http://footballchannel.asia/2016/11/09/post13141/

DPR KOREA 2-0 CHINESE TAIPEI: DISCIPLINED DPRK EASE TO VICTORY

A pair of goals bookending 90 minutes of spirited play saw DPR Korea open the EAFF E-1 Championship Men’s Round 2 with a 2-0 win over feisty Chinese Taipei on Sunday afternoon at Hong Kong’s Mong Kok Stadium.

The two sides traded attacks early in the match, and Chinese Taipei striker Wu Chun-Ching drew a free kick deep in enemy territory in the eighth minute that was regrettably wasted.

DPRK made their own attempt on goal soon after, with Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Chiu Yu-Hung forced to fend off several efforts. Despite some big saves early on, he was helpless to stop Pak Song Chol’s 16th-minute corner kick when it went into the net.

While defender Pak Myong Song was credited with the goal, the ball appears to have potentially deflected off of Chinese Taipei defender Chen Ting-Yang.

With the neutral crowd on their side, Chinese Taipei responded with inspired stretches of play but struggled to create chances on goal, a trend that continued through the final whistle.

The second half started with cagy play, and Chinese Taipei’s Chen Po-Liang and DPRK’s Kim Kuk Bom were both shown yellow cards after a scuffle at the hour mark.

Soon after sending on Kim Ju Song to relieve Myong Cha Hyon in the 64th minute, DPRK coach Jorn Andersen was forced to make a second switch when Pak Myong Song appeared to seriously injure his right leg while chasing down a Chinese Taipei attacker.

Andersen would not see Pak’s replacement, defender Sim Hyon Jin, score the team’s second goal of the match through a smooth grounder in the 87th minute; just 10 minutes earlier the Norwegian had been ejected for arguing with the officials.

The result was disappointing for Chinese Taipei coach Kazuo Kuroda, who was promoted from his position as the head of the country’s youth program on Wednesday.

http://footballchannel.asia/2016/11/06/post13080/

LATEST AFC DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE DECISIONS PUBLISHED

The Committee also found that the DPR Korea Football Association, the DPR Korea U-16 Head Coach Yung Jong-su and the DPR Korea goalkeeper for the match Jang Paek-ho were all guilty of bringing the game into disrepute following the deliberate conceding of a goal in the 49th minute of the match and ordered:

DPR Korea Football Association:
USD20,000 fine and exclusion from AFC U-19 Championship 2018 (suspended for a probationary period of one year)

DPR Korea official Yung Jong-su:
USD5,000 fine and twelve (12)-month match suspension

DPR Korea player Jang Paek-ho:
USD1,000 fine and twelve (12)-month match suspension

Should the U-19 representative team of the DPR Korea Football Association engage in similar behaviour in the AFC U-19 Championship 2018 (Qualifiers), they will be automatically excluded from the competition.

The effect of the match suspensions also means that Yung and Jang are now suspended from the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017.

http://www.the-afc.com/media-releases/latest-afc-disciplinary-committee-decisions-published-6

Korea DPR crowned as Japan pay the penalty

Korea DPR have won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup for a second time, edging out Japan 5-4 on penalties after an enthralling goalless draw in Amman. Rio Kanekatsu was the only player of the ten to miss, blasting her spot-kick high and wide, which allowed Kim Pom-Ui to slot home the winner and regain a trophy the North Koreans first won eight years ago in New Zealand. 

Finals are often tense, insipid affairs but this was anything but, and the high-energy, high-quality football on show provided a fantastic advert for this tournament and for women's football. The pace was frenetic from the word go, with openings at either end and Japan in particular producing superb, flowing moves that thrilled the noisy crowd.

It was one such passage of play that gave the Little Nadeshiko their first clear chance of the match on 10 minutes, when a slick exchange down the left ended with play being switched to the lively Saori Takarada on the right. The Japan No7 met the ball first time at the edge of the box and saw her shot take a deflection off Pak Hye-Gyong, but instead of wrong-footing Ok Kum-Ju, the touch diverted the ball safely into the Korea DPR goalkeeper's arms.

Naoki Kusunose's team remained on top, though, and saw an even better opportunity go begging ten minutes later. Hana Takahashi was the guilty party, scuffing wide of the far post with the goal at her mercy after Ok had only been able to parry Fuka Nagano's 25-yard free-kick.

Korea DPR's goal was living a charmed life at this stage and they were fortunate again a few minutes later, when Hinata Miyazawa cut in from the left and rattled the face of the crossbar with a ferociously struck long-range effort.

Lady Luck was soon smiling on Japan too, though, with two major let-offs for goalkeeper Momoko Tanaka either side of half-time. First, the Japan keeper came for and missed a long ball from Pyon Un-Gyong, and emerged unscathed only when Ri Hae-Yon's glancing header drifted just wide of the right-hand post. Then, early in the second period, she dropped the ball at the feet of Sung Hyang-Sim and was saved only by a miraculous saving tackle by Reina Wakisaka, who slid to divert the resulting goal-bound shot behind for a corner.

At the other end, Ok was looking considerably more dependable for the Koreans, and she twice came to her side's rescue as the second half wore on, producing fine saves to deny Oto Kanno and Saori Takarada. The result was that penalties were required to settle the outcome and Korea DPR held their nerve, converting all five of their spot-kicks to leave poor Kanekatsu as the unfortunate villain.

Live Your Goals Player of the Match: Sung Hyang-Sim (PRK)

http://www.fifa.com/u17womensworldcup/matches/round=275914/match=300357973/match-report.html

Familiar finalists spark Asian celebrations

THE DAY REPLAYED – Before today, only two teams had reached the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final more than once. Now that same duo can look ahead to a third after Korea DPR and Japan made light work of Venezuela and Spain respectively in the last four.

Though the Asians had begun the day as narrow favourites, few would have seen them achieving identically resounding 3-0 victories over such formidable semi-final opponents. Yet it was with a degree of ease that they reached the showpiece match of Jordan 2016, with the North Koreans silencing the erstwhile irrepressible Deyna Castellanos before the holders, even without several star players, cruised past the team they beat to take the title two years ago. 

Now another final rematch awaits as Japan and Korea DPR meet for the first time since battling it out for the Asian title last November.

ResultsVenezuela 0-3 Korea DPR
Spain 0-3 Japan

http://www.fifa.com/u17womensworldcup/news/y=2016/m=10/news=familiar-finalists-spark-asian-celebrations-2844254.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news_top

AFC U-19 : Vietnam 2-1 DPR Korea

Manama: Vietnam made a winning start to their 2016 AFC U-19 Championship campaign on Friday evening as goals from Ha Duc Chinh and Doan Van Hau sealed a 2-1 victory over DPR Korea at Khalifa Sports City Stadium.

Duc Chinh scored with 20 minutes remaining in a tight game to give the Vietnamese the lead before Van Hau secured a vital second in the 90th minute to secure victory for the South East Asian side, leaving DPR Korea’s Ryang Hyon-ju to score an injury time consolation.

Vietnam started brightly, with Hoang Anh Tuan’s side on the front foot from the beginning and carving out the better of the few chances created in the opening 45 minutes.

It was an error by DPR Korea goalkeeper Ri In-hak that presented the Vietnamese with their first sight of goal with only 12 minutes of the game gone when his miss-hit clearance fell at the feet of Duong Van Hao and his shot from 20 yards out came back off the post.

The Vietnamese threatened again in the 34th minute when, following a slick build up, Ho Minh Di sent in a curling cross towards Van Hao that the forward headed over the crossbar while two minutes before the break Duc Chinh hit a speculative shot from distance that was well wide.

DPR Korea pressed throughout the first half, but the well-marshalled Vietnamese defensive line held firm, presenting Ri Song-ho’s side with few chances to seriously threaten goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung.

The game continued to be tight and chances were at a premium in the second half until Duc Chinh finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. The Vietnamese worked the ball across the field until it came to substitute winger Tran Thanh and his cross found Duc Chinh, who steered his header home.

Three minutes later Duc Chinh should have added a second when, following a scrappy period of play by both teams, Thanh fizzed in a low ball that the unmarked striker should have done better with than steer wide across the face of goal.

DPR Korea picked up the pace as time ticked down, but the Vietnamese always presented a threat on the break and, with the game in the final minute of normal time, Van Hau’s speculative effort from 25 yards flew across goalkeeper Ri and into the goal.

Three minutes into injury time, Ryang finally found the back of the net for DPR Korea, but it was not enough to salvage anything from the game.

Vietnam coach Honag Anh Tuan
"I’m very happy today because of this win. Everybody said before kick-off that we were the outsider in this and you can talk about winning or losing, but we have to try 100 percent and today you saw that the players were fighting and I’m very happy today.

"Our mentality was excellent. DPR Korea are a strong team but I spoke with our players and told them the first match is always very difficult psychologically and we showed more fight and that was the key."

DPR Korea coach Ri Song-ho 
"We played our first match today and unfortunately we lost the game, but I hope the players have learned something from this. It’s their first match and mentally they were a bit nervous and also not prepared physically for this game. My team played how I expected in the game and we have to prepare better for the next game.

"The weather was one of the reasons because the players aren’t used to this because in DPR Korea it’s cold, but most of all they’re not fully recovered from the travel fatigue. I think Vietnam found it easier to adapt than we did, they were still playing in the second half and keeping possession of the ball."

http://www.the-afc.com/u-19-championship-2016/afc-u-19-championship-dpr-korea-1-2-vietnam

Korean heroines talk celebrations & semi-finals

“I knew I was going to score, and what a great feeling it was when I did!”

Ja Un-Yong was still on a high as she spoke to FIFA.com just a few minutes after notching a stoppage-time winner for Korea DPR against Ghana to book her team’s place in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

In a decidedly tense affair, the North Koreans appeared to be in control of the quarter-final showdown until their African opponents conjured up an equaliser with under ten minutes to play. But as the final seconds ticked by, and the spectre of a penalty shoot-out loomed, Ja Un-Yong pounced on a loose ball in the box. Her dramatic goal secured a memorable victory for the winners of the inaugural U-17 Women’s World Cup, whose last-four appearance is a major improvement on their performance at Costa Rica 2014, where they exited at the group stage.

“We’re here to lift the trophy,” was Ja's decisive verdict. “We performed really well and we deserved to win today. The result was up in the air until the last few seconds, but I knew we were capable of finding a goal before the final whistle went.”

The precocious forward has played a part in all four of Korea DPR’s matches, coming off the bench each time. Her coach, Sin Jong-Bok, regards her as an impact substitute, a role in which the 15-year-old has never disappointed her team-mates and coach.

“I’ve got used to coming on in the second half,” she said. “When I join my team-mates out on the pitch, I try my best to carry out the coach’s instructions, whether I’m attacking or defending. Today, that worked out for me, because I scored the winning goal. I feel like I’m dreaming, and I hope to continue dreaming until we lift the trophy. To achieve that goal, we have to first beat Venezuela in the semi-finals.”

A special celebration
Sitting beside her in the interview, Kim Pom-Ui, who had been listening intently to her compatriot, allowed herself a few seconds of thought before assessing her own role in Korea DPR's latest victory. “It was a hard-fought win, but the most important thing at the end of the day is that we got the result we needed," she said. "My task is to create opportunities and provide our attackers with good service, but if I get a chance to score, I don’t hesitate.”

The young midfielder has become known for her remarkable composure at crucial moments during this tournament; when she and her team-mates trailed to England during the group stage, for example, she calmly equalised with a well-struck free-kick. Against Ghana, that coolness was in evidence again as she slotted home a high-pressure penalty kick at a decisive moment.

The talented No9 was part of the North Korean squad that travelled to Costa Rica 2014, and although she remained on the bench throughout, it increased her experience and boosted her confidence. “I got a taste of the atmosphere,” she said. “I was young, but once I got back home, I kept working away at training to earn a spot in the team. And now we’re in the semi-finals.”

Kim Pom-Ui’s enhanced confidence saw her notch four goals at the 2015 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship, from which Korea DPR emerged victorious. “After that tournament, our goal was to reach the U-17 World Cup and go as far as possible. We’re not going to stop here; we want to go all the way.”

There are just two more hurdles for the North Korean playmaker and her team-mates to negotiate before that they can achieve that objective, at which time fans may get another look at the entertaining celebration that followed her goal on Thursday. “We’d already agreed to do it if I scored. I put away the penalty and then I stretched my arms out like a plane and ran, and the girls all copied me. I’m sure it looked great, and we hope to get the chance to repeat it in our upcoming matches."

http://www.fifa.com/u17womensworldcup/news/y=2016/m=10/news=korean-heroines-talk-celebrations-semi-finals-2843636.html

Philippine Azkals bow to North Korea in friendly, 3-1

By Paolo Del Rosario, CNN Philippines

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Philippine Azkals fell to North Korea, 3-1, in their international friendly match on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

It was their first meeting since the Philippines dumped North Korea, 3-2, out of the FIFA World Cup Qualifying tournament last March.

In the prematch press conference, the coaches of both sides said that the friendly was to prepare for future tournaments.

The Philippines got off to a rough start in the match, with North Korea taking a 2-0 advantage into the halftime break

Pak Kwang Ryong got North Korea on the scoreboard after his header from a corner kick found the back of the net at the 11th minute mark.

Things got worse for the Philippines towards the end of the half, after North Korea doubled their lead through Pak Song Chol at the 38th minute.

The second half did not provide respite for the Filipinos, who conceded another goal in the 67th minute from Jong Gwan.

Substitute Iain Ramsay ensured that the Azkals would not end the day without getting on the scoreboard, after chipping the North Korean keeper in the 76th minute pull the score back 3-1.

The goal reinvigorated the Azkals, but their late second half push failed to yield anymore goals.

http://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2016/10/11/philippine-azkals-bow-to-north-korea-in-friendly.html

October 10 Friendly : Philippines 1-3 DPR Korea

October 6 Friendly, Vietnam 5-2 DPR Korea . YouTube - Full match

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup : DPR Korea 1-0 Brazil

Zarqa: DPR Korea edged Brazil 1-0 in a tightly-contested encounter at the Prince Mohammed International Stadium in Zarqa in Group C at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Jordan 2016, thanks to Ri Hae-yon's 71st-minute goal.

DPR Korea looked the most likely to score as they demonstrated fluid movement in attack but Brazil's defence played a physical game and were up to the challenge. What Brazil had in defence they lacked up front as head coach Luizao's team struggled to produce any threatening chances on the DPR Korea goal. 

Ko Kyong-hui came closest to scoring in the first half for DPR Korea when her fiercely struck effort from about 16 yards out crashed off Brazil's crossbar. DPR Korea coach Sin Jong-bok made a tactical substitution on the half-hour, bringing on Pyon Ung-gyong for Jang Suk-yong.

Shortly after half-time, DPR Korea looked even more threatening and forward Ri almost put her side in front but she flashed her header a foot wide of the upright. For large spells of the second half, both teams lost possession more than they would have liked with several fouls suffered by both sides.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 71st minute when Ri tucked in a low, right-footed shot into the corner from a cross sent in on the ground by substitute Ja Un-yong. Ko pulled off a neat dummy in the build-up to the goal to disguise a shot and open up space for Ri to score her first goal of the tournament and what would eventually prove to be the winner.

Group C has proven to be one of the hardest groups to call with every team still in with a chance of qualification to the knockout phase heading into the final matchday on Saturday when DPR Korea will face Nigeria in Amman and Brazil will take on England in Irbid at the same time (16:00 local).

DPR Korea coach Sin Jong-bok
Although we’re top of the group after today’s win, nothing has yet been decided. We need to prepare well for the next match against Nigeria and get a good result from that game. I knew before the tournament began that ours would be one of the toughest and most evenly-matched groups, and the first two rounds of matches have proven that. I didn’t expect Brazil to be so defensive today. We weren’t prepared for that but we adapted well. The best team doesn’t always win in football, as today’s game between England and Nigeria showed. That’s why I’m delighted we were able to find a way through today and score that vital goal.

Brazil coach Luizao
We knew it would be a tough game against DPR Korea. Our defenders worked hard in the first half, but we occasionally lost our shape after the break. Unfortunately we were unable to keep out the goal despite the fact that DPR Korea scored in exactly the same way against England, which we'd watched on video. But we lacked concentration a little at that point. The difference for DPR Korea today was that they converted their chances better and scored a goal and we didn’t. We’ve got to have greater possession in the next match and dominate play. If we can do that, we’ll beat England.

Sources: FIFA.com, FIFA/Getty Images

http://www.the-afc.com/fifa-u-17-womens-world-cup-2016/fifa-u-17-womens-world-cup-brazil-0-1-dpr-korea

DPR Korea qualify for AFC U-16 Champiosnhip semifinals

Goa: Captain Kim Pom-hyok equalised late then scored the decisive spot kick as holders DPR Korea kept their AFC U-16 Championship defence alive and booked a semi-final date with the Islamic Republic of Iran after seeing off Oman 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the last eight on Monday.

An even opening 45 minutes at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium saw DPR Korea's Yun Min miss from the spot, before substitute Muadh Al Jahdhami put Oman in front on 79 minutes.

But the East Asians hit back five minutes later through Pom-hyok and with no further goals the tie was decided on penalties.

Both sides netted two of their first three spot kicks but after Cha Kwang put the Koreans 3-2 to the good Al Jahdhami missed and Kim Pom-hyok kept his composure to secure a 4-2 shootout victory.

The win also guaranteed DPR Korea’s progression to the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup as one of the tournament’s four highest-placed finishers.

Oman had the first strike on target when three-goal forward Arshad Al Alawi’s low drive from distance was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Sin Tae-song on 13 minutes.

The East Asians hit back almost immediately as the outstretched Pom-hyok fired just over after getting on the end of Yun's corner from the right.

As an open game ensued Thamir Al Zaabi drew Sin Tae-song into a low diving save from 15 yards in the 13th minute before DPR Korea were awarded a penalty midway through the half.

Khalid Al Baraa’s shove on the recently introduced Ri Kang-guk earned the defender a yellow card, but Yun was unable to take advantage as his spot kick struck the outside of the left post and parity was maintained.

Yun then tried to make amends on the half hour when he lashed in a powerful effort from 25 yards that was parried out by ‘keeper Yousuf Al Sheyadi.

DPR Korea keep getting better says boss Yun Jong-su

And the Koreans should have gone into the interval a goal to the good but Pom-hyok headed Han Kyong-hun’s delivery from the left straight at Al Sheyadi in first-half stoppage time.

Oman had their best chance of the game eight minutes after the restart when Mohammed Al Alawi cut back to unmarked Al Jahdhami, whose left-foot effort from 15 yards sailed over the crossbar.

With the tie firmly in the balance it was the East Asians who had the next sight on goal 65 minutes in as Sin Kwang-sok slipped in Kye Tam only for the midfielder to scuff narrowly wide.

But as the half wore on it was Oman who looked the more likely to open the scoring and so it proved with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Mohammed Al Alawi again played in Al Jahdhami and the forward cut in from the right before firing low past Sin Tae-song to spark joyous celebrations on the Oman bench.

The goal spurred the defending champions into life, though, and Pom-hyok levelled on 84 minutes after heading home Kwang-sok’s inch-perfect cross from the right.

With no extra-time played at the AFC youth tournament, the tie went directly to penalties and Kye struck first for DPR Korea before Tae-song saved from Arshad Al Alawi’s to allow Yun to open up a two-goal advantage.

Mohammed Al Qaidi netted and Al Sheyadi tipped Kim Kyong-sok's effort onto the bar before Yousuf Al Malki restored parity at 2-2.

Cha put the Koreans back in front before Al Jahdhami struck the woodwork and Pom-hyok put DPR Korea into the semi-final.

http://www.the-afc.com/u-16-championship-2016/dpr-korea-qualify-for-afc-u-16-championship-semi-finals

AFC U-16 Championship : DPR Korea 2-0 Yemen

Goa: Kim Pom-hyok’s double helped get defending champions DPR Korea off to a winning start at the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 as the East Asians secured a 2-0 scoreline over Yemen in Group D on Saturday.

Neither side was able to break the deadlock in a hard-fought opening 45 minutes at GMC Stadium, but the holders took control after the interval and opened the scoring on the hour through captain Kim Pom-hyok.

The influential skipper then fired in a fine free-kick from distance to double his side’s tally, before Yemen substitute Muneef Jassar missed from the spot as DPR Korea saw out a comfortable victory.

Cheered on by a noisy contingent of Yemen fans in the stands, the match began in even fashion with Kim Hwi-hwang and Yousef Kandash exchanging off-target efforts at either end inside the opening 10 minutes.

Abdullah Hussein was more accurate with a free-kick from the left before the quarter-hour mark but his shot did not overly trouble DPR Korea goalkeeper Sin Tae-song who was alert to the danger.

On 22 minutes Murad Murshed slipped in Abdullah Zahrah, who stepped inside his marker but his shot was smothered by Sin Tae-song who dove low to his right. 

Unable to call on suspended midfielders Kye Tam and Paek Kwang-min, the East Asians began to gain a stronghold on the game as the half hour approached and Kim Chung-jin should have hit the target when he headed Yun Min’s corner from the left over the crossbar from eight yards.

DPR Korea came out full of purpose after the restart and were rewarded with the opening goal of the game after 60 minutes.

Yun Min played a lovely diagonal ball over the top towards Kim Pom-hyok and the captain turned defender Ahmed Abdulghani before coolly slotting under outrushing goalkeeper Aiman Al Suraihi.

With the game now being played out almost entirely in the Yemen half the holders should have doubled their advantage three minutes later but the unchallenged Sin Kwang-sok failed to hit the target from six yards after being picked out by Kung Jin-song.

DPR Korea then gave Yemen a mountain to climb on 75 minutes when the captain curled in a well-struck free-kick from fully 35 yards beyond the reach of Al Suraihi.

But Yemen were handed a lifeline with 12 minutes remaining when they were awarded a penalty after Ri Il-ju brought down substitute Jassar, only for the frontman to see his spot kick saved by Sin Tae-song low to his right.

Kim Pom-hyok then could have scored his hat-trick in the final five minutes but his header from Yun’s corner was pushed out by Al Suhairi.

DPR Korea coach Yun Jong-su:
"This match wasn’t so good for us as the players didn’t play to the level I expected. The Yemen team were good in defence and attack, and they created a lot of chances in the first half. 

"We came back in the second half and managed to score two goals. We changed some positions and focused more on our forwards and moved players to the front so we could play more attacking. Kim Pom-hyok started out in defence but he is strong and fast so we moved him forward and he managed to score two goals."

Yemen coach Amen Al Sunaini:
"I knew it was going to be tough, especially against the champions. Our preparation wasn’t great because of the situation in Yemen. Maybe we were not lucky but I’m happy with the spirit and the performance of the players. 

"DPR Korea is a very tough team – I’m not happy with the result but I am happy with the way we fought. We were playing against a team that is very strong physically and they have very fast players. I hope the next match will be better for us."

Photos: AFC, Lagardère Sports

http://www.the-afc.com/u-16-championship-2016/afc-u-16-championship-dpr-korea-2-0-yemen

Friendly : UAE 0-2 DPR Korea

DPR Korea won 2-0 against UAE in  a friendly in Shanghai , China today

Both goals were scored in first half. UAE got one player sent off late in first half.

1-0 Jang IL Gwang PK 
2-0  Myong Cha Hyon

Norwegian match report :

http://www.vg.no/sport/internasjonal-fotball/ny-seier-for-andersen-og-nord-korea/a/23774868/

Friendly : Iraq 1-1 DPR Korea

DPR Korea drew Iraq 1-1 in  a friendly in Malaysia today.

Friendly : DPR Korea 1-0 Iraq , Dream start for Jørn Andersen

FOTO: TROND JOHANNESSEN / VG

Link to Norwegian newspaper :



http://www.vg.no/sport/fotball/internasjonal-fotball/droemmestart-for-andersens-nord-korea-det-gir-selvtillit/a/23767354/

Iraq friendlies for DPR Korea

DPR Korea will play two international friendlies against Iraq in Malaysia this month.




MATCH #1 : IRAQ vs DPR KOREA

DATE : 16 AUGUST 2016, TUESDAY

VENUE: STADIUM UiTM, SHAH ALAM
KICKOFF: 1700 HRS

 

MATCH #2 : DPR KOREA vs IRAQ

DATE : 21 AUGUST 2016, SUNDAY

VENUE: STADIUM TUANKU ABDUL RAHMAN, PAROI, N.SEMBILAN
KICKOFF: 2000 HRS

The two two friendlies against Iraq will be not A international matches and not count in FIFA Ranking.

DPR Korea is also scheduled to play UAE in China on 24. August

DPR KOREA LIFT THIRD AFC U-14 GIRLS' REGIONAL TITLE

Beijing: DPR Korea won the AFC U-14 Girls’ Regional Championship for the East zone for the third straight time after beating Japan 3-0 in Sunday’s final while Korea Republic finished third-place following their 4-2 victory over Chinese Taipei.

The North Koreans also won the MVP and Top Scorer accolades through prolific striker Won Hyang-son who scored a whopping 15 goals in her side’s five games throughout the campaign.

THE WINNERS
Champions: DPR Korea
Runners-Up: Japan
3rd Place: Korea Republic
Fair Play: Chinese Taipei
MVP: Won Hyang-son (DPR Korea No. 15)
Top Goal Scorer: Won Hyang-son (DPR Korea No. 15) - 15 Goals

FINAL MATCH
Japan 0-3 DPR Korea
Scorers: Jo Yu-jong (8’), Won Hyang-son (43’), Ri Hak (51’),
Referee: Tian Jin (China PR)

http://www.the-afc.com/afc-u-14-girls-regional-championship-2016/dpr-korea-lift-third-afc-u-14-girls-regional-title

NORTH KOREA APPOINT EX-NORWAY STRIKER JORN ANDERSEN AS NEW NATIONAL COACH

Former Bundesliga top scorer Jorn Andersen is set to take over as head coach of the North Korean national soccer team, his family confirmed to Norwegian media on Wednesday.

Family members told Norway’s state broadcaster NRK that the 53-year-old had signed a one-year deal with the notoriously secretive state, whose team are already out of the running for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Since retiring as a player Andersen has managed in Switzerland, Germany and Greece. His last job in football was with Austria Salzburg, which he left in December 2015.

Andersen’s 18 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt made him the first foreigner to top the Bundesliga’s scoring charts in the 1989-1990 season. He also played for a number of other German and Swiss clubs.

He told NTB: “It seems strange, but in North Korea sport is political. Just as it is in other countries. It means a lot for them to win and make a good showing within the international arena.”

“They actually played pretty good football before. It has been up and down, but they have shown they are capable.”

Via: Daily Mail

http://footballchannel.asia/2016/05/12/post11077/?utm_content=buffer21af5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer