![Naegohyang Women’s Football Club celebrate after beating Suwon FC Women in the AFC Women’s Champions League semifinal on May 20 at Suwon Sports Complex in Suwon, South Korea. [Photo by Yonhap]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/05/21/20260521102720154946.jpg)
SEOUL, May 21 (AJP) - North Korea advanced to the final of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League after beating South Korea, state media reported on Thursday.
Breaking its silence over the reclusive country's footballers' trip to South Korea last weekend, the state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported briefly that its Naegohyang Women's Football Club beat its rival 2–1 in a semifinal match in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province the pervious day.
In a rain-soaked match, North Korea came from behind to defeat South Korea.
South Korea had taken the lead just minutes into the second half but could not hold on, as an equalizer by North Korean player Choe Kum-ok came about five minutes later, followed by another goal from Kim Kyong-yong in the 67th minute. South Korea also missed a late penalty, failing to salvage a draw at least.
The North Korean team will now face against Japan's Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the final at the same venue in Suwon on Saturday.
Wednesday's match marks the first time in about eight years that North Korean athletes have participated in a sporting event held in South Korea.
Breaking its silence over the reclusive country's footballers' trip to South Korea last weekend, the state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported briefly that its Naegohyang Women's Football Club beat its rival 2–1 in a semifinal match in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province the pervious day.
In a rain-soaked match, North Korea came from behind to defeat South Korea.
South Korea had taken the lead just minutes into the second half but could not hold on, as an equalizer by North Korean player Choe Kum-ok came about five minutes later, followed by another goal from Kim Kyong-yong in the 67th minute. South Korea also missed a late penalty, failing to salvage a draw at least.
The North Korean team will now face against Japan's Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the final at the same venue in Suwon on Saturday.
Wednesday's match marks the first time in about eight years that North Korean athletes have participated in a sporting event held in South Korea.
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