North Korea’s formidable women’s football team launched their Asian Games campaign in Osaka, Japan, with a clinical 10-0 victory over Bangladesh. The side, considered a primary contender for tournament gold, displayed overwhelming superiority throughout the match, entering the half-time interval with a commanding 7-0 lead.
Support and Match Highlights
- Several hundred pro-Pyongyang fans provided constant support in Osaka, singing and chanting throughout the duration of the match.
- The starting lineup featured Japan-born striker Ri Song-a, who successfully scored in the second half.
- The North Korean squads were previously greeted by supporters waving flags upon their arrival last week, appearing in white blazers and pink ties.
Tournament Context and Future Fixtures
More than 100 North Korean athletes are set to compete across 14 sports in the games, which officially commence in Nagoya-Aichi on September 19. The nation previously suspended all international sporting participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, only returning to global competition at the 2023 Asian Games in China and the recent Paris Olympics. Looking ahead, North Korea’s women are scheduled to face South Korea in a Group F match on September 21, while the men’s team is set to open their campaign against China this coming Wednesday.
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