Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pyongyang: Switzerland-based duo Pak Kwang-ryong and Cha Jong-hyok were among the stand-out names for DPR Korea as Jo Tong-sop named a 22-man man squad for the finals of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.
FC Basel striker Pak is joined by FC Wil defender Cha Jong-hyok who, along with goalkeeper Ri Myong-guk, is one of only two players in the squad that represented the country at the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa in 2010.
Jo’s line-up leans heavily on the Rimyongsu side that finished as runners-up at the AFC President’s Cup in Sri Lanka in May, with eight players from the club selected while 2010 AFC Challenge Cup MVP Ryang Yong-gi brings both experience and guile.
DPR Korea are appearing at their second consecutive AFC Asian Cup finals after exiting the competition in 2011 in Qatar at the group stages. They have been drawn to face Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and China in Group B and kick off their 2015 campaign against the Uzbeks at Stadium Australia on January 10.
Squad
Ri Myong-guk (Pyongyang), Ri Chang-ho (Rimyongsu), Jang Song-hyok (Rimyongsu), Jon Kwang-ik (Amroksang), Han Song-hyok (Rimyongsu), Ro Hak-su (Romyongsu), Ri Sang-chol (Rimyongsu), Ryang Yong-gi (Vegalta Sendai, Japan), Pak Song-chol (Rimyongsu), Pak Kwang-ryong (FC Basel, Switzerland), Jon Il-gwan (Rimyongsu), Om Chol-song (4.25 FC), Sim Hyon-jin (4.25 FC), Kye Song-hyok (4.25 FC), Jang Kuk-chol (Hwaebul), Cha Jong-hyok (FC Wil, Switzerland), So Hyon-uk (4.25 FC), Ri Kwang-il (Tokushima Vortis, Japan), Choe Won (Hwaebul), O Hyok-chol (4.25 FC), Ju Kwang-min (Rimyongsu)
Photo: AFP