Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: DPR Korea squeezed into the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Championship on Tuesday as a 2-2 draw with Thailand was just enough to secure second place in Group B behind winners Japan.
Three teams were still in with a chance of joining the East Asians in the last eight on a thrilling final day of Group B action, and with Japan maintaining their 100% record wit a 2-1 defeat of Saudi Arabia, DPR Korea’s draw with Thailand at the Grand Hamad Stadium saw Yun Jong-su’s side secure second place ahead of the Saudis and Thais courtesy courtesy of the greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned as all three sides ended their group stage campaign with two points.
Kim Yong-il opened the scoring for the North Koreans before Narubadin Weerawatnodom levelled, only for Yun Il-gwang (pictured) to give Yun Jong-su’s side the lead at the half-time break.