North Korea qualifies for semis in AFC Challenger Cup

Hyderabad, Aug 2 (UNI) North Korea defeated Nepal 1-0 to qualify for the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup at GMC Balayogi Stadium here today.

The all important goal was scored by Pak Song Chol off a cross from Ho JOng Min in the 39th minute of the first half. Though both the teams played an entertaining football, they failed to convert their openings into goals.

Korean player So Kwang Chol slipped in front of the goal-mouth in the rain soaked ground with only the goalkeeper to beat. The Koreans also failed to capitalise on a free-kick from top of the penalty box in the 88th minute, as Pak Song Chol's pile-driver went over the bar.

The Nepal team, with its well-drilled defence, withstood torrid pounding from the Koreans for some time and towards the fag end of the game, they tested their rival's citadel, but their striker Bijay Gurung's long-ranger from 40-yards went straight into the hands of Korean custodian Ju Kwang Min.

Points Table Group-A M W D L P GF GA Turkmenistan 2 1 1 0 4 6 1 India 2 1 1 0 4 2 1 Tajikistan 2 0 2 0 2 2 2 Afghanistan 2 0 0 2 0 0 6 Group-B M W D L P GF GA Myanmar 2 2 0 0 6 6 1 North Korea 2 2 0 0 6 4 0 Nepal 2 0 0 2 0 0 4 Sri Lanka 2 0 0 2 0 1 6 Tomorrow's Group-A Schedule: 1830 hrs India Vs Turkmenistan at Gachibowli Stadium 1830 hrs Tajikistan Vs Afghanistan at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium UNI XC/AP LPB HT2135