KATHMANDU, Aug 10: Nepal’s dream of qualifying for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup was crushed as powerhouse North Korea thrashed them 11-0 in their final group stage match held in Thimphu, Bhutan.
With this victory, North Korea topped Group A and secured their place in next year’s Asian Cup in Thailand.
North Korea dominated the match from the start, scoring their first goal in the third minute. Nepal, forced to defend for most of the first half, conceded five goals within 41 minutes.
2024 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualification: Nepal in Group ‘B...
In the second half, North Korea intensified their attack, adding six more goals to seal the overwhelming win. North Korea remained undefeated in the qualifiers, having earlier defeated Saudi Arabia 15-0 and Bhutan 10-0.
This loss ended Nepal’s chances of topping the group and qualifying directly. With one win, one draw, and one loss, Nepal accumulated four points and stands second in the group.
Nepal’s slim hope to qualify now depends on finishing as one of the best runners-up in the qualifiers, which requires other match results to go in their favor.
Their fate hinges on the result of the Bhutan vs Saudi Arabia match scheduled today. Nepal will secure second place only if Saudi Arabia wins or draws that game.
Earlier, Nepal drew 1-1 with host Bhutan and won a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in their first two matches.