Suwon: North Korean side Naegohyang Women's FC captured the top Asian women's football title on South Korean soil Saturday. Naegohyang defeated Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the final of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League at Suwon Stadium, located 30 kilometers south of Seoul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Captain Kim Kyong-yong scored the match's only goal in the 44th minute, tying for the tournament lead with four goals. Kim was named the MVP of the tournament. With the support of hundreds of South Korean fans, Naegohyang secured their first AFC title and a prize of US$1 million.

Naegohyang advanced to the final by edging out South Korea's Suwon FC Women 2-1 in Wednesday's semifinals, marking the first match between women's football clubs of the two Koreas held south of the border. Although Tokyo Verdy Beleza had previously defeated Naegohyang 4-0 during the group stage in November last year, they were unable to score this time with the AFC title at stake.

Kim's decisive goal came from a fast break, with Jong Kum delivering a long pass down the left wing, setting up Kim for a successful right-footed shot past goalkeeper Shu Ohba. This marked Naegohyang's first shot on goal in the match.

In a televised interview, Kim expressed her happiness, stating, "We all trained so hard in tough conditions, and that's why we were able to get that decisive goal today. It was a great moment because we defeated a strong team from Japan. I am so happy to bring joy to our people, and I want to share this with them." Naegohyang withstood early pressure and avoided conceding a goal in the 16th minute when goalkeeper Pak Ju-gyong stopped a shot by Yuzuho Shiokoshi, with the rebound safely cleared.

Following the opening goal, Tokyo Verdy Beleza maintained a possession advantage, but Naegohyang effectively defended while generating counterattacking opportunities. Despite a 65-35 advantage in possession, Tokyo Verdy Beleza could not convert their control into goals as Naegohyang outshot them 6-2.