AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup Final: Japan, DPR Korea one step away from title

Japan have won the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup a record six times.

DPR Korea are confident of upstaging Japan when the two sides clash in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024 final at the JAR Stadium on Saturday.

The two sides met six times in the AFC U19 Women’s Championship final with DPR Korea winning only once – in 2007 for their sole title. 

Ri Song Ho’s side, however, will enter the final with the psychological advantage of having beaten Japan in the Uzbekistan 2024 group stage, with their only blemish being the opening day draw with China PR.

“Participating in the final brings me great pleasure and we are very happy to be here. We will do what it takes, with our own style of play, to win the match,” said head coach Ri.

“The (coaching) team is focused on the condition of the players. If they are in good physical condition, they can demonstrate their capabilities well. We’ll strive to play at our own rhythm during the match.”

DPR Korea midfielder Min Kyong jin, who was on target in the 6-0 win against Vietnam, firmly believes that her team’s unity will power them past Japan.

“We have reached this stage thanks to the unity among the coaching staff and players. I’m fully determined to win the match and deliver a great victory for our parents and homeland. Our team will always be victorious,” said Min.

Japan are looking to add the Uzbekistan 2024 crown to their record six AFC U19 Women’s Championship titles with head coach Kano Michihisa confident of his team’s chances. 

“I’m confident in my team’s ability to secure victory in the final despite having lost to DPR Korea in the group stage. We want to show better initiative and challenge ourselves, both in attack and defence,” said Kano.

“It doesn’t matter who our opponents are. Our focus remains on our team and delivering our best performance. We aim to be aggressive.”

Fuka Tsunoda said Japan have to be fully focused from the start if they want to emerge champions. 

“Tomorrow’s match is the final and I want to go all out. We are determined not to lose against the same team again and we are eagerly anticipating the final,” said the midfielder. 

Japan v DPR Korea

Venue: JAR Stadium (Tashkent)

Kick-off: 18:00 (UTC+5)

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.