North Korea's Choe Ryong Il controls the ball during the match. (Photo supplied)Thailand's U23 side saw their hopes of lifting the CFA Team China International Youth Tournament dashed on Tuesday after a 3-1 defeat to North Korea at Fengdong Football Park East Stadium in Xi'an. That early chance proved costly as North Korea gradually asserted control, pressing high and forcing errors from the Thai defence. Wichan Inaram's foul inside the box handed North Korea a penalty, which Ri Il Song converted with confidence to make it 2-0 at half-time. Their profligacy was punished late on when Choe Kuk capped an impressive display by scoring North Korea's third five minutes from time, sealing a 3-1 victory.

Source: Bangkok Post March 31, 2026 23:35 UTC