BANGKOK, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea kicked off their AFC U-19 Women's Championship Group A campaign with a 5-1 win over Australia in Chonburi, Thailand on Sunday, but the host nation went down 2-0 to Vietnam in their group opener.

The Australians broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Kyra Cooney-cross headed home Indiah-Paige Riley's cross from the right.

But their celebrations were short-lived as the DPR Korea fought back and drew level in the 19th minute through Kim Hyang's well taken effort from inside the area off a rebound.

The DPR Korea, the 2017 runners-up, went ahead at the half-hour mark through Yun Ji-hwa, who struck from inside the box.

Australia fell further behind in the 74th minute when the DPR Korea captain Ri Kum-hyang headed home Kim Yun-ok's corner.

The DPR Korea added their fourth goal in the 83rd minute with Park Il-gyong and the East Asians made it 5-1 with two minutes to spare through Kim Yun-ok'strike.

In the second match contested on Sunday, Vietnam secured a 2-0 win over Thailand thanks to a second-half penalty from captain Nguyen Thi Tuyet Ngan and Ngan Thi Van Su's late effort.

The hard-fought victory saw Vietnam go second in the Group A standings following the DPR Korea's 5-1 defeat of Australia.

Vietnam will face the DPR Korea on Wednesday, the same day as Thailand meet Australia in a game both sides cannot afford to lose. Enditem

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