"We will counter both insults and kicks": Ji So-yun starts, North Korea hometown team LINE-up revealed... Fateful AWCL semi-finals [Suwon]

*This content was translated by AI.

The starting LINE-ups for the decisive match to determine the final ticket holder have been revealed. SuwonFC Wimin (South Korea), seeking revenge at home, and Nae-hyang Women's Football Team (North Korea) will clash head-on with their full-strength rosters.

SuwonFC Wimin, led by coach Park Gil-young, announced its starting LINE-up ahead of the single-match AFC Women's Champions League (AWCL) semi-final to be held at 7 p.m. on the 20th at Suwon Sports Complex.

SuwonFC Wimin will deploy Haruhi and Milenya at the front to target the Nae-hyang goal. The midfield features key players, with captain Ji So-yun leading the way, followed by Ayaka, Kwon Eun-som, and Yoon Su-jeong. The back four defense is built by Lee Yu-jin, Seo Ye-jin, Kim Hye-ri, and Han Da-in, with goalkeeper Kim Kyung-hee in goal.

In response, Nae-hyang will field a three-forward formation. Captain Kim Kyung-ryong will be joined by Choi Geum-ok and Kim Hye-young up front, while Kim Sung-ok, Park Ye-kyung, and An Bok-young will occupy the midfield. The back four consists of Ri Myong-gum, Ri Yu-jeong, Jo Guk-hwa, and Ri Guk-hyang. Goalkeeper Park Ju-kyung will guard the final line.

Before the match, Nae-hyang coach Ri Yu-il previously drew a line in the official press conference the day before regarding questions about the joint South-North Korea support group, stating, "We came solely to play the match. The support group issue is not something for coaches and players to worry about," before adding, "I will answer only one more question."

Captain Kim Kyung-ryong also vowed to give her all to repay the trust of her parents and siblings regarding the team's atmosphere.

In response, SuwonFC Wimin coach Park Gil-young and Ji So-yun are burning with determination, stating, "We will ignore that and respond strongly with our own style of football to win at home."

In particular, Ji So-yun addressed the North Korean team's characteristic intense psychological warfare, saying, "If they curse, we will curse back; if they kick, we will kick back," previewing a match with no room for retreat.

The winning team in this match will face Japan's prestigious club Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the final to compete for the title of Asia's strongest. Tokyo had already secured their spot in the final by defeating Australia's Melbourne City FC 3-1 in the first semi-final match held earlier and is now waiting for the winner of this matchup.

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*This content was translated by AI.