Korea Republic got off to a bright start, taking the lead in the third minute when Jung Hee-jung was the first to react after Jin Geon-young’s header was blocked from inside the box off a corner.

Having been stunned 1-0 by Indonesia in their opening game, Korea Republic continued to dominate and doubled their lead six minutes later through Kim Ye-geon, who converted from the spot after keeper Hamid Amiri brought down Jung Hee-jung.

Afghanistan dropped deep in an attempt to reduce the damage but were breached again in the 17th minute after Kim Eun-seong surged into the box before releasing a stunning low shot that sailed past a sprawling Amiri.

The Central Asian side had a chance to reduce the deficit three minutes later when Waris Shirzai pounced on the loose ball at the top of the box, but goalkeeper Park Do-hun was equal to the effort. 

Afghanistan’s woes were compounded six minutes into the restart with Oh Ha-ram volleying home Lim Ye-Chan’s cross.

Korea Republic maintained their tempo and increased their tally in the 66th minute through Park Byeong-chan’s header from close range before Eun-seong doubled his tally in the 70th minute, scoring off his own rebounded effort past Amiri as the East Asian side saw out the emphatic win.