Suwon: South Korea captured their first East Asian women's football title in 20 years with a 2-0 victory over Chinese Taipei at home. Ji So-yun scored a 70th-minute penalty, followed by Jang Selgi's goal in the 85th minute, in the final match of the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) Women's E-1 Football Championship held at Suwon World Cup Stadium, 30 kilometers south of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea, China, and Japan all concluded the tournament with five points each, having secured one win and two draws. South Korea's earlier matches included a 2-2 draw against China and a 1-1 draw against Japan. In a match earlier in the day, China and Japan played to a goalless draw after both teams had already defeated Chinese Taipei. The first tiebreaker was goals scored in head-to-head matches among the three tied teams, with South Korea emerging on top with three goals, ahead of China's two and Japan's one.
This victory marks South Korea's first EAFF title since their inaugural win in 2005. Ranked 21st globally, South Korea improved their record to 15 wins, two draws, and four losses against 42nd-ranked Chinese Taipei, with all 15 victories coming consecutively.
South Korea needed a win to secure the tournament title and took control of the match early despite rainy conditions. Kim Mi-yeon and Jeong Da-bin had early opportunities, but their efforts were thwarted. Jang Selgi's attempt in the 36th minute was saved by goalkeeper Wang Yu-Ting.
South Korea missed several chances early in the second half, including opportunities by Mun Eun-ju, Jeong, and Lee Geum-min. It wasn't until the 70th minute that South Korea finally scored, with Ji So-yun converting a penalty after Kang Chae-rim was fouled in the box. Ji's goal marked her 74th international tally, as South Korea's all-time leading scorer.
Chen Jin-Wen's 78th-minute shot for Chinese Taipei went wide, and Jang Selgi sealed South Korea's victory with a second goal in the 85th minute, flicking Kim Hye-ri's cross over the goalkeeper. South Korea finished the match with 24 shot attempts compared to Chinese Taipei's three and held an 11-0 advantage in shots on target.