Myong’s Hat-Trick Powers North Korea’s Victory at Women’s Asian Cup

Casey Halston

Published: March 3, 2026 1:54 AM ET

Myong’s Hat-Trick Powers North Korea’s Victory at Women’s Asian Cup

North Korea’s women’s national football team showcased their dominance in the Women’s Asian Cup, led by midfielder Myong’s impressive hat-trick. The match against Uzbekistan, held at Western Sydney Stadium, ended very much in favor of the Koreans.

Myong’s Hat-Trick Highlights North Korea’s Victory

The North Korean team started strong, taking control of the game early on. Myong opened the scoring in the sixth minute, expertly finishing after a chaotic goalmouth scramble. This initial goal set the tone for the match, leaving Uzbekistan struggling to recover.

Key Moments of the Match

Sixth Minute: Myong scores the opening goal.
Penalty Goals: Myong successfully converts two penalties, extending the lead to 3-0 by the 41st minute.
Uzbekistan’s Challenge: The Uzbek side failed to muster any shots on target during the first half.

In the first half, Uzbekistan experienced a significant setback when they lost their starting goalkeeper to a neck injury early in the game. Despite their efforts, the team could not cope with the relentless pressure from North Korea.

North Korea’s Ambitions in the Asian Cup

North Korea, one of Asia’s most successful women’s teams, is aiming to capture a title reminiscent of their victories in 2001, 2003, and 2008. Their path to this tournament followed a period of inactivity due to various challenges. The team was banned from the 2015 World Cup qualifying due to failed doping tests and did not compete from 2019 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Future Prospects and Achievements

Ranked ninth in the world, North Korea arrives in Australia with considerable momentum. They recently defended their U17 World Cup title in Morocco and triumphed at the U20 World Cup in Colombia in 2024. Their recent successes reflect the development of women’s football in North Korea.

As the tournament progresses, North Korea joins China and Bangladesh in Group B, with further matches set to unfold. Myong’s outstanding performance not only secured the victory but also emphasized North Korea’s potential in this year’s Women’s Asian Cup.