North Korea vow no more protestsAFP, PERTH, AustraliaNorth Korea yesterday pledged that there would be no more sideline protests during their Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final against Australia after causing a stir against China. An incensed North Korea refused to play for several minutes in their 2-1 loss to China during a group game on Monday. North Korea coach Ri Song-ho, left, gestures as he engages with match officials during their AFC Women’s Asian Cup match against China at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Monday. Australia’s Sam Kerr is the only player left from the match, with North Korea now boasting a young and physical side. They are looking to build on defending their Women’s U17 World Cup title in Morocco last year and winning the U20 World Cup in Colombia in 2024.

Source: Taipei Times March 12, 2026 17:14 UTC