Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Bangkok: DPR Korea coach Yon Kwang-mu is looking for an improved performance from the former champions in Tuesday's AFC U-16 Championship Group C encounter with holders Uzbekistan at Muangthong Stadium.
DPR Korea top the Group C table after an impressive 3-0 victory over Kuwait in Sunday's opener thanks to goals from Han Kwang-song, Jong Chang-bom and Park Yong-gwan.
And despite Uzbekistan beginning the defence of their title by sharing a 1-1 draw with Nepal on Sunday, Yon is looking for significant improvements from the 2010 champions on Tuesday.
"We didn't perform at our best in the first game, but I hope my players can show their full potential against Uzbekistan," said Yon (pictured).
"I took Han Kwang-song off against Kuwait because he had a slight injury; he has the skill, talent and technique to help us do well in this tournament, and he will be ready for the game on Tuesday."
Uzbekistan had dominated the majority of the game against the Nepal only to see Kiran Sunar's header in the dying seconds cancel out Jonibek Kuchimov's penalty to secure an unlikely draw.
"We played well against Nepal, but we tired towards the end, maybe because the players were not used to the weather conditions," said Uzbekistan coach Alexander Mochinov, who will have Sukhrob Nurulloev available after the midfielder missed the draw with Nepal due to suspension.
"The first game is always hard, but now the players will be focused and ready for the second game.
"I don't think they will let what happened against Nepal affect them in the next game."
In Tuesday's other Group C encounter, Nepal will look to build on their battling draw against Uzbekistan against 2012 quarter-finalists Kuwait at Muangthong Stadium.
And Nepal coach Bal Gopal Marhajan is boosted by the return of Anderlecht striker Bimal Gharti Magar from suspension.
"I am very happy that Bimal can return for the game. He is looking forward to coming back into the team and his team-mates are very happy he will be back," said Marhajan.
"He has a lot of experience and can really help the team and the overall confidence."
Kuwait coach Ibrahim Al Shammari, meanwhile, is boosted by the return of Yousef Al Rashidi after the midfielder missed the opening day defeat by DPR Korea due to suspension.
"I will pick my players up so they are fully prepared for the second group game," said Kuwait coach Al Shammari.
"I know them very well and I know they will be able to come back strongly."