AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup - Han hails DPR Korea for passing stiff test

Pathum Thani: DPR Korea head coach Han Chol Hok was full of praise for his charges as they booked their place in the last four of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ with a 3-0 win over Australia in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

The victory not only saw the reigning champions move a step closer to retaining their crown, but did so while remaining the only side yet to concede a goal.

#U20WAC | Quarter-finals: DPR Korea 3-0 Australia

However, despite the comfortable scoreline, Han admitted that Australia had proved to be their toughest test yet, with the physically imposing side posing multiple threats on his team at the Pathum Thani Stadium.

“I am very happy with the way the team played because this was not an easy game,” he said. “The Australian side were extremely strong, and they really pushed us.

“I am quite impressed with the game they brought to the pitch, with the biggest challenge being countering their physicality, and I am glad my team could handle it well.”

With the East Asians also being the current FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup champions, the 46-year-old did not shy away from expressing confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the challenge once again when the global tournament comes around in September.

“I am happy that we qualified for the World Cup and I am quite satisfied with the performance DPR Korea have put up so far,” said Han.

“Right now, we want to concentrate on the tournament at hand but when the time comes, I am quite sure that the team will be prepared to represent Asia,” he said. “I am pleased with how things are going and we will be ready to lift the World Cup trophy once again.”

Han hails DPR Korea for passing stiff test

Q-final: DPR Korea 3-0 Australia

Q-final: Thailand 1-2 Korea Republic

R16 - Preview: Al Hilal SFC (KSA) v Al Sadd SC (QAT)

R16 - Preview: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) v Al Duhail SC (QAT)

Five-star Australia; defeats for India, Japan, Korea Republic