Westfield Young Matildas downed by DPR Korea in AFC U-19 Women’s Championship opener

The Westfield Young Matildas opened their AFC U-19 Women’s Championship campaign with a 5-1 defeat to 2017 runners-up DPR Korea. 

Australia broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Melbourne Victory starlet Kyra Cooney-Cross, who buried Indiah-Paige Riley's cross with a fantastic diving header.

Images courtesy of Lagardère Sports 

Kim Hyang drew DPR Korea level off a rebound, and Yun Ji-hwa added another to ensure the East Asians took a half-time lead in Chonburi, Thailand.

Leah Blayney's side continued to fight in the second half but fell further behind when Ri Kum-hyang, Park Il-gyong and Kim Yun-ok to stretch the advantage out. 

Next up for Australia in Group A is a match up with hosts Thailand on October 30.

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