North Korea into AFC semifinals

KATHMANDU, March 11: Defending champions Democratic People´s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday stormed into the semifinal of the AFC Challenge Cup after it registered a second successive victory. DPRK edged past Tajikistan 2-0 on Sunday at Halchowk ground and became the first team to secure semifinal berth.

A goal in either half from Pak Nam Chol and Jang Kuk Chol guided DPRK to comfortable victory. During the 2008 edition of same event Tajikistan had defeated DPRK. [break]

Pak Nam Chol gave lead to DPRK in the fourth minute of the game. Pak Nam Chol beat the offside trap and utilized a cross from Pak Song Chol to put the team in charge. Though DPRK intensified attacks it had to wait until late second half to net the other goal.

Substitute Jang Kuk Chol sealed victory for DPRK with a goal at the 86th minute. Jung Kuk Chol, 35th minute replacement of Jang Myong Il, utilized a cross from Kim Ju Song and fired it from the box to send the ball past a diving goalie.

Fatkhuloev Farkhullo was unlucky to see his shot rebound from the bar in the 14th minute for Tajikistan following deflection from goalie Ri Mong Guk´s hand.

In the 18th minute, Farkhullo dribbled past five Korean defenders and made a powerful strike but it was saved by the DPRK goalie Ri Mong Guk´s.

DPRK piled consistent pressure and kept Tajik goalie Tuychiev Alisher busy throughout the match. Pak Song Chol´s header off Pak Nam Chol´s free kick was saved by Alisher in the 27th minute. A minute later Pak Song Chol´s powerful strike from the box went just wide from the pole.

Pak Song Chol again squandered a scoring chance in the 40th minute as his acrobatic shot off Pak Nam Chol cross sailed above the bar.

DPRK dominated the second half as well. Jong Kwang Ik´s powerful strike off Pak Song Chol´s cross was saved by Tajik keeper Alisher.

DPRK coach Yun Jong Su said the match was important for his side and expressed happiness for the win. "Our target was to earn three points and qualify for the semifinal and we achieved it," he said adding, "our next target is to defend the title."

Despite the defeat Tajik coach Kemal Alispahic praised his team´s performance. "We played well against the strong Korean team and the performance was satisfactory. However, the boys failed to utilize chances.

"We will defeat the Philippines in another match and confirm semifinal berth."