Host China falls to DPRK in AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup semifinals

SUZHOU, May 14 (Xinhua) -- China's campaign at the 2026 AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup ended in the semifinals here on Thursday after a 4-2 defeat to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

In a highly anticipated clash, the DPRK's Yu Jong-hyang broke the deadlock in the 28th minute before Ri Kyong-im doubled the lead five minutes later.

China pulled one back before halftime when Wu Yichen delivered a pinpoint cross for Liu Yuxi to tap home in the 43rd minute.

The hosts carried that momentum into the second half as Zhao Siqing's through ball released Liu, who calmly lobbed the goalkeeper in the 50th minute to make it 2-2.

However, Yu restored the DPRK's advantage in the 65th minute before completing her hat trick 10 minutes later to seal her side's place in the final.

In the other semifinal, Japan defeated Australia 4-0 to set up a final against the DPRK on Sunday.

A total of 12 teams competed in the continental tournament, with the four semifinalists qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco this October. Enditem