DPRK clinches record fifth AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup title

Players of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) celebrate during the final match between Japan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 17, 2026. (Photo by Liu Zhenrui/Xinhua)

SUZHOU, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Yu Jong Hyang scored four goals as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) thrashed Japan 5-1 to lift the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup at Suzhou Sports Center Stadium on Sunday.

Yu opened the scoring in the 30th minute, chesting down a cross and slotting home after a teammate's shot was scuffed. She doubled the lead five minutes into the second half with a lobbed finish over the stranded Japanese goalkeeper.

Japan pulled one back through Yumi Hayashi in the 53rd minute, but the deficit lasted only two minutes as Kim Won Sim restored DPR Korea's two-goal lead with Yu's assist. Yu then added two more in the 81st and 89th minutes to bring her tournament tally to 15 goals.

The victory secured a record-setting fifth title for DPRK. Yu finished as both the Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer, while goalkeeper Kim Son Gyong was named the Best Goalkeeper after playing every minute for DPRK throughout the tournament.

A total of 12 teams competed in the tournament, with the top four sides - DPRK, Japan, China and Australia - securing berths at this year's FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. ■

Tanaka Asuka (1st L) of Japan competes during final match between Japan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 17, 2026. (Photo by Liu Zhenrui/Xinhua)