Photo : YONHAP News
North Korean state media prominently reported that a North Korean women’s football club won Asia’s top women’s football title but omitted that the match was held in South Korea.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Sunday that Pyongyang-based Naegohyang Women’s FC defeated Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the final of the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League.
KCNA said the team received the championship trophy and gold medals, and that captain Kyong-yong was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
However, the report did not mention that the final took place in Suwon, South Korea, a detail included in KCNA’s earlier semifinal coverage.
The agency also left out descriptions of the stadium atmosphere, including an inter-Korean cheering squad organized by South Korean civic groups.
North Korea’s ruling party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, likewise focused on the victory and highlighted Kim’s winning goal in the 44th minute, without referencing the South Korean venue or supporters.