Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pyongyang: DPR Korea's 4.25 SC secured their second consecutive 2018 AFC Cup Inter-zone Semi-final berth after beating compatriots Hwaepul SC 2-0 on Wednesday.
Prior to the match, Hwaepul needed a win to keep their Knockout Stage hopes alive, but suffered a bad start when An Il-bom opened the scoring for 4.25 SC in the 19th minute, scoring his eighth goal of the tournament.
Less than five minutes later, Hwaepul were pushed further back with Kim Yu-song's strike making it 2-0 for 4.25 SC.
Mun Ho-il's charges were determined to reduce their deficit before the half-time whistle, but 4.25 SC defended resolutely to maintain their two-goal advantage at the Kim Il-sung Stadium.
Despite bringing Ri Il-san and Kim Ju-won in the 63rd and 65th minutes respectively, coupled with 4.25 SC's impressive defensive backline, a goal continued to elude them, while 4.25 SC held strong to claim their fifth win in Group I and an Inter-zone Semi-final appearance with a game to spare.