Naegohyang Women's FC of North Korea defeated Suwon FC Women 2-1 in the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation Women's Champions League on May 20 in Suwon, advancing to Saturday's final against Tokyo Verdy Beleza.
The match took place in heavy rain at Suwon Stadium, drawing 5,763 spectators. Suwon FC Women led after Haruhi Suzuki scored in the 49th minute, but Choe Kum-ok equalized six minutes later and Kim Kyong-yong netted the winner in the 67th minute.
Suwon captain Ji So-yun missed a penalty in the 75th minute following a video review. Naegohyang will face Tokyo Verdy Beleza at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the final, with US$1 million at stake.
Suwon coach Park Kil-young said the team felt hurt by the pro-North Korean crowd at their home ground. Naegohyang coach Ri Yu-il praised the passion shown by South Korean fans. Hundreds of civic group members cheered for the visiting side, viewing the event as a rare moment of inter-Korean connection.
