DPR Korea strengthen Intercontinental Cup final claim with narrow win against Tajikistan

Ri Jin scored the only goal for the men from Pyongyang just past the half hour mark.

DPR Korea defeated Tajikistan in the group stage match of the Hero Intercontinental Cup at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad today (July 15, 2019).

Ri Jin’s 33rd minute strike proved to be the difference between the two sides in a match largely contested in the midfield with both teams engaging in end to end action.

DPR Korea started the match in an attacking stance and initiated attack in the 1st minute itself but their chances was cleared by the Tajik defence line. In the 33rd minute, Ri Jin latches onto a low cross from the right flank and his first time shot went into the back of the net to give DPR Korea the lead.

At the half-way point, DPR Korea lead by a solitary goal to nil. Changing over, in the second half, Tajikistan tried to minimize their deficit, but DPR Korea tested their custodian with good chances, although failed to make the most of them.

Tajikistan dominated possession but failed to equalize their deficit despite giving DPR Korea a scare in the dying embers of the match as the full-time scoreline read 1-0 in DPR Korea’s favour. Courtesy of the result, the exit bells rang for India as the Blue Tigers have been knocked out of the Hero Intercontinental Cup with both Tajikistan and DPR Korea finishing the group stage with 6 points each. Syria having 3 with a match in hand against India tomorrow.