South Korea’s Women Claim Historic East Asian Title in Thrilling Finish
A Dramatic Victory on Home Soil
The South Korean women’s national team has ended a 19-year drought by winning the EAFF E-1 Football Championship in a nail-biting finale. Played in Suwon, the Taegeuk Ladies secured the title with a 2-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, capping off a tournament filled with tension and drama. The win was especially sweet as it came down to goal difference in a three-way tie with Japan and China, all of whom finished level on five points.
South Korea’s triumph was sealed by their superior attacking record in head-to-head matches. A hard-fought 2-2 draw against China and a 1-1 stalemate with Japan proved decisive, as those four goals edged them ahead of their rivals. The final match saw Kang Chae-rim break the deadlock with a 70th-minute penalty before Jang Seul-gi, later named tournament MVP, sealed the win with an 85th-minute strike.
Japan’s Men Continue Their Dominance
While the women’s tournament delivered a historic moment for South Korea, the men’s competition followed a more predictable script. Japan retained their crown with a 1-0 victory over the hosts, completing a perfect three-win campaign. The lone goal in the final match was enough to extend Japan’s regional supremacy, leaving South Korea’s Taeguk Warriors in second place.
China secured third place with a narrow 1-0 win over Hong Kong, rounding out a tournament that served as a testing ground for domestic-based players. With the event falling outside FIFA’s international window, European-based stars were unavailable, giving coaches a chance to evaluate local talent.
Key Takeaways from the Tournament
South Korea’s Women Step Up: This victory marks a turning point for a team that last won the competition in 2005. The resilience shown in tight matches against Japan and China suggests they could be a force in future Asian tournaments.
Japan’s Consistency: The men’s team’s flawless run reaffirms their status as East Asia’s top side. Their disciplined defense and clinical finishing make them perennial contenders.
China’s Mixed Results: The women’s team showed promise but fell short on goal difference, while the men’s side struggled to impose themselves.
Other Asian Football Highlights
Carlos Queiroz Takes Charge of Oman
Oman has appointed seasoned Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz as their new head coach. The move comes ahead of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoff, where Queiroz will aim to guide the team through a tough qualification phase.
Malaysia Withdraws from CAFA Cup
The Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) expressed disappointment after Malaysia pulled out of the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) cited scheduling conflicts, as the revised dates fall outside the FIFA window, making player availability an issue.
Iraqi Defender Zaid Tahsin Heads to Uzbekistan
Iraqi center-back Zaid Tahsin is set to join Uzbek giants Pakhtakor on a 1.5-year deal. The 24-year-old’s move underscores the growing appeal of Central Asian clubs in the transfer market.
Ronaldo Voted Saudi Pro League’s Best
Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, continues to defy age after being named the fans’ Player of the Season in the Saudi Pro League. The Al Nassr captain’s performances have kept him at the pinnacle of the game, even in the latter stages of his career.
What’s Next for East Asian Football?
The EAFF E-1 Championship has set the stage for an exciting year in Asian football. South Korea’s women will look to build on this momentum, while Japan’s men remain the team to beat. With World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments on the horizon, the battle for supremacy in East Asia is only heating up.
For more updates on Asian football, follow the AFC’s official website.