November 6: Japan stunned defending champions North Korea in the U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-finals in Morocco to set up a final on Saturday against Nigeria.
North Korea appeared to be on course for a third consecutive U-17 World Championship to take their total to five wins. Japan has won one title, beating Spain in the final in 2014. In 2016, Japan lost to North Korea in the final.
The North Koreans had dominated the Japanese for 90 minutes, having taken the lead through Ri Ui Gyong’s half-volley in the 52nd minute.
But the Japanese defense had kept them in the game and as the clock ticked down to stoppage time, North Korea’s Won Sol Gyong put the ball into her own net under Japanese pressure. the most dramatic of circumstances after scoring the equalizer in stoppage time took the game to a penalty shootout.
Japan were deadly from the penalty spot. After Eh Chong Gum saw his effort saved by Kou Kadowaki and then Kim Ju Gyong hit the post. Asuka Tanaka scored the win for Japan.
Japan will now face Nigeria, who beat Brazil 3-1 in their semi-final, becoming the first African nation to reach the final of the U-17 Women’s World Cup in the 10th edition of the competition. Nigeria’s best result so far was third place in India 2022, where they beat Germany 3-2 in the bronze medal match after being knocked out by Colombia in the semi-finals.
Against Brazil, who were aiming for their first finals after losing in the semi-finals in 2025, Nigeria were first to score through Queen Joseph in the 56th minute.
Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 71st minute before the result was not in doubt with a second goal in the 86th.th minute
Brazil pulled one back late in the game through Greise in the 89th minute.
The final will be played at the Mohammed VI Women’s Football Complex in Rabat.
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