Naegohyang Women's FC of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea defeated South Korea's Suwon FC Women 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the final of the AFC Women's Champions League in a match that drew attention far beyond football.
The semifinal at Suwon Stadium marked the first visit by DPRK athletes to South Korea for a sports competition in nearly eight years, with heavy rain failing to dampen interest in the historic occasion.
Suwon took the lead early in the second half through Haruhi Suzuki, but Naegohyang responded with goals from Choe Kum Ok and captain Kim Kyong Yong to complete the comeback victory.
Pyongyang-based Naegohyang will face Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza in Saturday's final at the same venue.
"It was a very tough match today," Naegohyang captain Kim Kyong Yong said. "But our players came together for the win and ran with all their strength, and that is why we were able to get this result."
Suwon head coach Park Kil-young struggled to hide his emotions after the defeat.
"I am sorry to the fans who came to the stadium and cheered for us despite the bad weather," Park said, choking back tears. "It was a disappointing result, but I think our players did their best." ■
Ri Yu Il, head coach of Naegohyang Women's FC, reacts prior to the semifinal match between Naegohyang Women's FC of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Suwon FC Women of South Korea at the 2025/2026 AFC Women's Champions League in Suwon, South Korea, May 20, 2026. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)
Players of Naegohyang Women's FC line up before the semifinal match between Naegohyang Women's FC of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Suwon FC Women of South Korea at the 2025/2026 AFC Women's Champions League in Suwon, South Korea, May 20, 2026. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)
Kim Kyong Yong (L) of Naegohyang Women's FC vies with Nishikawa Ayaka of Suwon FC Women during the semifinal match between Naegohyang Women's FC of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Suwon FC Women of South Korea at the 2025/2026 AFC Women's Champions League in Suwon, South Korea, May 20, 2026. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)
