Lee Ha-eun's Hat-Trick Powers Korea to Third Straight Win in Group H Qualifiers
National Team Advances Unbeaten, Poised for 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Qualification Bid
The South Korea U-19 women's national football team has secured a berth in the final round of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-20 Women's Asian Cup with an overwhelming display of skill, defeating Bangladesh and posting a perfect three-for-three record in the group qualifiers.
Under head coach Park Yunjung, the Korean side clinched a ticket to the next stage after routing Bangladesh 6-1 in their third Group H match of the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup qualifiers, held August 10 in Vientiane, Laos.
Despite conceding an early goal and recording their first goal against in the qualifiers, South Korea was undeterred. Lee Ha-eun (Ulsan College of Science) led the comeback with a hat-trick. Cho Hye-young added two goals, and Jin Hye-rin (Korea University) sealed the rout with a late strike, dominating the match in the second half.
South Korea concluded the qualifying round-top of Group H with maximum points, having previously cruised past Timor-Leste (9-0) and edged out Laos (1-0), finishing with three wins from three matches (nine points). Bangladesh trailed in second place with two victories and one defeat (six points).
The first qualifying round featured 32 countries split into groups for matches beginning August 6. Ultimately, the eight group winners, three of the best group runners-up, and host nation Thailand earned tickets to the final round.
The AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup finals will be staged in Thailand from April 1 to 18 next year. The tournament's top four teams will also qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, set for September in Poland.
In the Group H decider, South Korea conceded early to Sri Moti Trishna (Bangladesh) in the 15th minute, but Lee Ha-eun responded with an equalizer at the 19th. In the second half, Cho Hye-young struck twice (48th and 60th minutes), followed by Lee Ha-eun's penalty goal (87th minute) and her third goal (90th minute). Jin Hye-rin put the finishing touch on the impressive win with an additional goal in stoppage time (90+6).
Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”
Photo=Yonhap News, Korea Football Association
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