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Naegohyang FC Wins Asian Women's Champions League in South Korea

Naegohyang FC Wins Asian Women's Champions League in South Korea
Naegohyang FC players celebrate winning the Asian Women's Champions League
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North Korean club Naegohyang Women's FC won the Asian Women's Champions League after defeating Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the final in Suwon, South Korea on Saturday.

Captain Kim Kyong Yong scored the decisive goal just before half-time, securing victory during a historic cross-border trip.

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This marked the first time a North Korean football team visited the South in eight years.

The win guarantees Naegohyang FC a spot in next year's FIFA Women's Champions Cup.

Founded in 2012, the club reached the final after defeating Suwon FC Women 2-1 in the semi-finals.

The match ended with emotional scenes as players from both sides embraced.

Naegohyang coach Ri Yu Il wept with joy on the bench.

Official North Korean supporters could not attend due to travel restrictions.

South Korean spectators cheered for Naegohyang using traditional drums.

Around 3,000 spectators from civic groups backed by the South Korean unification ministry attended.

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Activists and local residents expressed profound emotions regarding the rare sporting encounter.

Civic leaders hoped the football match would foster a sense of connection despite decades of political hostility.

"We have long been the closest neighbours, yet also the most hostile towards each other," said Cheong Wook-sik, director of South Korean NGO Peace Network.

"I hope these football events can help change that, even if it may sound too idealistic."

The match also drew elderly spectators with personal ties to the North.

"I heard they were playing Japan today, so I came out to support them," said Choi Hyo-kwan, who is originally from the North and attended the game at the age of 94.

"Above all, I just hope everyone stays healthy, avoids injuries and goes all the way to victory."

The result reversed an earlier outcome where Tokyo Verdy Beleza defeated Naegohyang 4-0 during the first round in Myanmar.

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Tokyo, the 2019 champions of the tournament's predecessor, controlled the early tempo before Jong Kum assisted Kim's match-winner following a swift counterattack.

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Editors Team
Author: Daniel
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