North Korea’s Naegohyang defeat Suwon to reach Asian Champions League final
North Korean side Naegohyang secured a historic 2-1 victory over South Korea’s Suwon on Wednesday to reach the Asian Women’s Champions League final.
The momentous semi-final marked the first time athletes from the north have competed on southern soil since the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Emotional scenes erupted at the final whistle, with several victorious players weeping tears of joy after securing their place in the showpiece event.
Second-half comeback stuns Suwon hosts
The debutants fell behind when Haruhi Suzuki opened the scoring for the host club in the 49th minute.
However, a resilient second-half performance saw Choe Kum-ok and Kim Kyong-yong find the net to complete a stunning turnaround.
The South Korean outfit were handed a late lifeline following a video assistant referee review that resulted in a penalty.
Former Chelsea captain Ji So-yun stepped up to take the crucial spot-kick but pushed her effort wide of the target.
Naegohyang players find winning rhythm
“We believed in our team’s ability,” said Naegohyang goalscorer Choe following the dramatic victory.
“Every player’s role is important, but things didn’t go well for us in the first half.”
“Once we got into the second half, we found our rhythm and I think the game flowed much better for us.”
Sporting diplomacy amidst political tensions
No official away supporters were permitted at the sold-out stadium due to strict travel restrictions across the heavily fortified border.
A large spectator group from civic organisations backed by Seoul’s unification ministry were present to provide support for both sides.
South Korea’s Unification Minister Chund Dong-young suggested the fixture would establish a positive precedent for inter-Korean relations.
The neighboring nations remain technically at war, having never signed a peace treaty following the conclusion of the Korean War in 1953.
Final showdown against Tokyo Verdy Beleza
The triumphant 27-player squad and their 12 coaching staff members will remain in the southern capital ahead of the tournament finale.
They face Japanese giants Tokyo Verdy Beleza at the same stadium on Saturday, 23 May.
Victory in the continental competition would crown an astonishing debut campaign for the history-making squad.