Japan and DPRK to contest AFC U-19 Women's Championship final

Defending champions Japan will face the DPRK in the final of the 2019 AFC U-19 Women's Championship, in a repeat of the 2017 final.

The DPRK secured their place in the final after defeating two-time champions the Republic of Korea (ROK) 3-1 on Wednesday.

Kim Kyong-yong scored in the third and ninth minute to hand the DPRK an early two-goal lead.

Pak Il-gyong scored in the second half to make it 3-0 in the 53rd minute, before Kang Ji-woo converted a penalty six minutes later to reduce the arrears.

Meanwhile, Japan advanced with an emphatic 7-0 win over Australia.

The final will be held at the Chonburi Stadium on Nov 9. Japan defeated the DPRK in the 2017 final to lift a record fifth title.

In reaching this year's final, Japan and the DPRK have also booked their places at the 2020 FIFA U-20 World Cup, while the ROK and Australia will contest a play-off to determine the third and final nation to qualify for next year's event.