DPR Korea edge Iran in stoppage time to lead U20 Asian Cup

DPR Korea scored two stoppage-time goals to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Islamic Republic of Iran in AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 qualifying on Thursday. The win in Viet Tri, coupled with Palestine's 2-1 win over Vietnam, puts DPR Korea in a commanding position at the top of Group C.

Kang Wi Song headed home a 92nd-minute equaliser to cancel out Mohammadmahdi Jannianavaei's second-half opener for Iran. Just two minutes later, Kang Myong Bom struck the winner for coach O Thae Song's side. The result gives DPR Korea six points from two matches, three clear of both Iran and Palestine. Vietnam remains at the bottom of the table without a point.

DPR Korea's dramatic comeback

The match's opening half was largely uneventful. DPR Korea's Kim Yu Jin posed the main threat, forcing two saves from Iranian goalkeeper Amirmahdi Maghsoudi. Maghsoudi also denied captain Ri Hyok Gwang from close range to ensure the teams went into halftime level.

Iran capitalised quickly after the break. Two minutes into the second half, Amirmohammad Karimi's long throw found Jannianavaei in the box. He rose above the defence to head past goalkeeper Kim Jong Hun. DPR Korea pushed for an equaliser and Kang Myong Bom had a golden chance with six minutes remaining. The substitute found space but dragged his shot wide of the target.

The late drama unfolded in added time. In the 92nd minute, Pak Kwang Song found Han Il Bok on an overlapping run down the left. Han's cross located Kang Wi Song, who headed past Maghsoudi unmarked. Before Iran could recover, Kang Myong Bom scored the decisive goal just two minutes later to complete the stunning turnaround.

Palestine hold off Vietnam

In the group's other match, Palestine secured a 2-1 victory over hosts Vietnam. Laieth Tayem gave Palestine the lead in the 34th minute, firing home from 10 yards after Suheinbelias Ali's initial shot was blocked.

Vietnam responded strongly after halftime. Nguyen Van Bach hit the post in the 51st minute. Captain Nguyen Quoc Khanh eventually found the equaliser in the 66th minute. His header cannoned off the crossbar, hit goalkeeper Diogosamara Lourneco on the back, and trickled over the line.

The home side continued to press, with Dau Hong Phong also striking the woodwork. However, Palestine struck the decisive blow with eight minutes remaining. Zakidomeland latched onto a through ball from Talal Ahmed and calmly chipped the ball over advancing goalkeeper Phan Dinh Back to secure all three points.

Group C standings

The AFC's match report confirmed the updated group standings following Thursday's results. The table below shows the current points situation after two matchdays.

DPR Korea now sits in pole position to secure qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 finals. Their next match will be important in determining the group's outcome.