On Friday, March 6, defending champions China and North Korea secured their respective spots in the Asia Women’s Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
Both the teams registered their second consecutive wins in the Group B stage matches. China defeated Uzbekistan by 3-0, while North Korea recorded their win over Bangladesh by 5-0 at the Western Sydney Stadium. With nine impressive records, China is aiming to extend its number to 10.
After going half and hour into the game, China were able to go past the Uzbekistan’s defence through Shao Ziqin who made a penalty shot from the bottom left corner to bring it down in the goal. Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova tried her best to save several close range goals from the Chinese side including attempts from Shao and Zhang Linyan.
However, in the 51st minute she found herself in a collision with one of the teammates while trying to intervene, which gave Linyan the empty space to shoot freely. Later in 26 minutes, she found another net from Zhang Xin’s cross to give China the win.
Meanwhile in the match between Bangladesh and North Korea, the three-time champions were edged off in the first half after two of their goals went into loss. But before going into the break, they opened their accounts through Myong Yu-jong and Kim Kyong-yong. Both the goals were scored two minutes apart.
On Monday, March 9, Uzbekistan will face Bangladesh and will try for the quarterfinals and get the final spot for the best third-placed team in Group B. Both Uzbekistan and Bangladesh have faced heavy defeats in the tournament so far. Meanwhile, China and North Korea will battle it out for the top spot in the group to be held in Sydney.
