Shin Sang-woo gave a start to Jeon Yu-gyeong, who was one of Korea Republic’s standout players in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024, at Suwon World Cup Stadium.

On the opposite side, the trio of Wu Haiyan, Yao Wei and Wang Shuang of AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2024/25 winners Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC were among head coach Ante Ilicic’s choice of starters.

Midfielder Yao Wei stunned the home crowd in the 15th minute when she rifled home a sweet left foot strike from outside the box into the top corner to give China PR the lead.

Korea Republic, through Jeon, nearly pulled level four minutes later after she was put through by Noh Jin-young but China PR custodian Pan Hongyan was quick to snuff out the danger with the young forward then subbed off after picking up an injury during that move.

The hosts, however, found the equaliser their play deserved in the first minute of first half added time after Mun Eun-ju’s cross from the right was parried by Pan into the path of Jang Selgi who smashed in an effort that took a deflection off Wu.

China PR looked the stronger side after the break, reclaiming their lead in the 67th thanks to a smart Yao Wei flicked header from Chen Qiaozhu’s cross, presenting Shao Ziqin the simplest of tasks of nodding home from close range.

Just when it looked like China PR were going to hold out for the win, Ji came up with a spectacular strike from distance in stoppage time to salvage a point for Korea Republic.

Next up for China PR is a meeting with Chinese Taipei with Korea Republic to face Japan, with both matches to be played on Sunday.

Photos: EAFF