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CNMI falls to North Korea in AFC tourney
The CNMI U14 Girls National Team suffered back-to-back setbacks in the AFC U14 Girls Regional Championships (East) 2015 after losing to North Korea last Wednesday night at the National Football Training Centre in Beijing.
The CNMI U14 Girls National Team’s starters pose for a photo before their game against North Korea in the AFC U14 Girls Regional Championships (East) 2015 last Wednesday night at the National Football Training Centre in Beijing, China. (Contributed Photo)
North Korea whipped the Commonwealth bet, 17-0, to secure the semis berth and join host China in the second round. China matched North Korea’s 2-0-0 win-draw-loss record following a 7-0 victory over Hong Kong, which was scheduled to face the CNMI in the last game in Group B yesterday at 5pm (7pm Saipan time).
Although the CNMI bets gave up too many goals to North Korea, the former managed to hold its ground early against its much favored opponents. North Korea did not make it to the board until the 12th minute off a goal from defender Kwak Un Sim. In its 0-15 loss to China, the CNMI gave up the first goal of the game right in the second minute.
“The girls played bravely today. North Korea is a tough opponent. It had bigger and taller players compared to ours, but the girls continued to play hard and gave all they got,” team manager Angie Ito said in a message posted on the squad’s unofficial website.
The CNMI used 10 of its starters against China in its match versus North Korea. Toremy Diaz made her second start and was joined by Jerlyn Castillo, Princess Alcantara, Samantha Manacop, Jobelle Tabuena, Lyka and Angelica Sally, Guinevere Borja, Katrina Costales, Erica Santiago, and Anela Duenas. Grace Choi, Leisha Sally, Katherine Magat, Francesca Bucalig, and Kyla Tuazon were the substitutes.
Meanwhile, after Kwak’s goal, North Korea went on to knock in nine more in the first half and then seven in the second. Forward Kim Yun Ok led North Korea with her five goals, while fellow forward Kim Il Sim contributed four. Kwak finished the match with a hat-trick, while defenders Ri Kum Hyang and Jong Hyo Yon and forwards Kim Ryu Song and Jo Son Mi added one goal each. North Korea got an own goal in the first half.
In other results, South Korea and Japan bagged the two semis berths in Group A with the former topping the pool with its 3-0-0 record. Japan ended up with 2-0-1 card after eliminating Chinese-Taipei yesterday, 7-1, while South Korea kept its perfect mark following a 7-0 victory over Guam.
