Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Mon, 18 May, 2026

Shaikh Salman honours five-star DPR Korea on record victory

Kuala Lumpur: Following the thrilling conclusion of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has extended his warmest congratulations to DPR Korea for securing an unprecedented fifth continental crown after defeating rivals Japan 5-1 at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium.

Prior to Sunday’s Final, both teams stood deadlocked as the joint-most decorated nations with each holding four titles. With this monumental victory, DPR Korea retained the coveted silverware to stand tall as the most celebrated team in the competition's history.

#U17WAC - DPR Korea power to record fifth title

Sun, 17 May, 2026

#U17WAC - DPR Korea power to record fifth title

Suzhou: DPR Korea were at their customary best as they defeated Japan 5-1 to lift the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ trophy at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium on Sunday.

Yu Jong Hyang scored four times to take her tournament tally to 15 goals, with Kim Won Sim adding the other to render Yumi Hayashi’s effort immaterial as DPR Korea moved past Japan to land a record-setting fifth title.

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Yu takes MVP, Top Goalscorer awards

Sun, 17 May, 2026

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Yu takes MVP, Top Goalscorer awards

Suzhou: DPR Korea’s Yu Jong Hyang deservingly held aloft the Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards after displaying her immense potential at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™.

With 15 goals, Yu was the runaway winner as Asia witnessed the rise of her prodigious talent.

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Ji, Yu dedicate win to fans

Mon, 18 May, 2026

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Ji, Yu dedicate win to fans

Suzhou: Head coach Ji Yun Nam and star forward Yu Jong Hyang expressed their delight after DPR Korea produced an emphatic 5-1 win against Japan in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final on Sunday.

Yu’s brace gave the defending champions a 2-0 lead with Japan pulling a goal back through Yumi Hayashi but there was never any moment that Ji felt that the momentum of the game shifted.

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Kim scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Sun, 17 May, 2026

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Kim scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Suzhou: Kim Son Gyong was named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ following DPR Korea’s 5-1 triumph against Japan in the final on Sunday.

The 172cm tall custodian was at her best in the decider at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium, producing heroics to ensure the title stayed with the East Asian side.

#U17WAC - Japan’s Shirai earmarks areas for improvement

Mon, 18 May, 2026

#U17WAC - Japan’s Shirai earmarks areas for improvement

Suzhou: Sadayoshi Shirai cut a forlorn figure after Japan were defeated 5-1 by DPR Korea in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final on Sunday.

The head coach was disappointed that his side couldn’t cope with the waves of pressure inflicted on them and even though Yumi Hayashi pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, the opportunity to make a comeback was quickly snuffed out.