Naegohyang FC defeats Suwon FC in a match with a peace background
The North Korean women’s team Naegohyang FC achieved an important 2-1 victory against Suwon FC of South Korea. The match, which took place amid chants of peace, is seen by Seoul as a step towards improving tense relations with Pyongyang, with whom a state of technical war still persists. The Naegohyang, which promised to focus solely on the sporting aspect during its first visit to the South since 2018, secured its place in the final of the Women’s Champions League of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The team will seek to lift the trophy on South Korean territory by facing Verdy Beleza from Tokyo in the final on Saturday.A match marked by intensity and symbolism
The match, played under heavy rain, was characterized by its intensity, although it remained within the limits of fair play. Suwon FC opened the scoring in the second half, but Naegohyang reacted with determination, managing to come back with goals from Choe Kum-ok and their captain, Kim Kyong-yong, who was named player of the match. The Suwon had the opportunity to tie the match with a penalty, but the shot from their star, Ji So-yun, went wide, extinguishing the hopes of the home fans.The expectation generated by the meeting led to sold-out tickets, although attendance was limited by weather conditions. More than 200 South Korean civil organizations in favor of unification promised to support both teams. Both Koreas are still technically at war, as the conflict ended with an armistice and not a peace treaty. Seoul sees this match as an opportunity to reduce tensions.Hopefully this soccer tournament can open a door to peace. In any case, we are cheering with the hope that our homeland team plays well and leaves well, putting politics aside.
Fan outside the stadium
