Naegohyang FC advanced to the final.
First North Korean team in South Korea in eight years.
They will play Tokyo Verdy Beleza next.
Atlas AI
North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC beat South Korea’s Suwon FC Women 2-1 in Suwon on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to book a place in the AFC Women’s Champions League final. The victory, achieved in heavy rain, comes during the first visit by a North Korean sports team to the South in eight years. Naegohyang will remain in South Korea to face Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza in Saturday’s final at the same venue.
Suwon went ahead early in the second half before Naegohyang rallied with two headers to turn the tie. Suwon captain Ji So-yun later missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time. Interest in the rare North–South meeting was strong, with all 7,087 general admission tickets selling out in advance, though attendance was reduced by the weather at the roofless Suwon Sports Complex.
The semifinal was played in a fair, fast rhythm despite the conditions, and followed a 3-0 Naegohyang win when the teams met in the group stage earlier in the competition. Tokyo Verdy Beleza had beaten Australia’s Melbourne City 3-1 earlier in the day to reach the final.
Rain-soaked semifinal turns on key moments
Scorers, equaliser and decisive header
After a first half of traded chances, Suwon’s Japanese forward Haruhi Suzuki put the hosts in front in the 49th minute. Naegohyang responded six minutes later when Choe Kum Ok headed in from a set piece to level the match. Prolific striker Kim Kyong Yong then completed the turnaround with another header in the 67th minute to make it 2-1.
VAR-reviewed penalty and early chances
Suwon were awarded a penalty after a VAR review with just over 10 minutes remaining, but Ji So-yun pushed her effort wide with the goalkeeper diving the other way. Earlier, Naegohyang had a fifth-minute effort ruled out for offside, and Suzuki had gone close with a first-half header that struck the post. Both sides created opportunities in a match that remained competitive and well-tempered.
Strong demand and rare cross-border occasion
Ticket sellout and matchday atmosphere
General admission tickets numbering 7,087 sold out within hours of release, officials said. Persistent rain left many seats empty at the open Suwon Sports Complex, but home supporters maintained a steady drumbeat and chants for Suwon. Groups backed by Seoul’s unification ministry attended to support both teams, reflecting the unusual nature of the fixture.
No away section and recent history
There were no official away supporters, as North Koreans are generally not permitted to travel to the South. The clubs had met once already in this tournament, when Naegohyang won 3-0 in the group stage; the semifinal proved tighter, with momentum shifting after the interval and the decisive moments arriving from dead-ball situations.
Final ahead against Tokyo Verdy Beleza
Saturday decider at the same venue
Naegohyang will stay in South Korea for Saturday’s final at the Suwon Sports Complex against Tokyo Verdy Beleza, who advanced by defeating Melbourne City 3-1 earlier. The North Korean side will attempt to cap their run with the title, while organizers expect strong interest if conditions improve.
Attention now turns to preparations for the final, where the weather and quick turnaround could shape selection and tempo in the title match.