Iran Beaten by S. Korea at AFC U-19 Women's Championship Qualification
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran was defeated against Korea Republic 2-0 at the AFC U-19 Women's Championship Thailand 2019 qualification on Sunday.
A goal in each half secured victory for Hur Jung-jae's side, who had begun the final stage of qualifying with a 9-0 win over Lebanon on Friday.
Iran's defeat comes as a blow to its chances of reaching Thailand 2019, but it is by no means a fatal one, with its destiny to be decided on the final Matchday on Tuesday.
As the two-time Asian champion at this age level, the Koreans began strongly and took the lead through Jo Min-ah, who found the back of the net in the 28th minute to give the East Asian side a 1-0 half-time lead, the-afc.com reported.
Iran had performed well in the second half of its opening-night tie with group host Vietnam, and it did the same here, with only a late second goal from 18-year-old midfielder Hye Jong giving Korea Republic breathing space with five minutes remaining.
Korea Republic will face Vietnam in Tuesday's final Matchday, while Iran will be fighting for qualification against Lebanon on the same day.