Suwon: South Korea netted a late equalizer to hold China to a 2-2 draw, marking the start of the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Women's Football Championship at Suwon World Cup Stadium, located approximately 30 kilometers south of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the match saw Ji So-yun score a stoppage-time goal for South Korea, securing a hard-fought point for the host nation. China's Yao Wei opened the scoring in the 15th minute, followed by an equalizer from South Korea's Jang Selgi just before halftime. Shao Ziqin restored China's lead in the 67th minute, but Ji's 73rd international goal ensured the game ended in a draw.
The match statistics revealed South Korea's record against China now stands at four wins, 10 draws, and 29 losses. Earlier that day, Japan, the two-time defending champions, defeated Chinese Taipei 4-0.
South Korea is set to face Japan at Hwaseong Stadium on Sunday and will conclude the four-nation tournament against Chinese Taipei next Wednesday in Suwon. The team is aiming to add to their lone EAFF title, won at the inaugural event in 2005.
The match featured intense moments, including Kim Hye-ri's attempted clearance that led to China's first goal and several near-misses by South Korean players. Despite several opportunities, South Korea struggled to find the net until Jang Selgi's stoppage-time equalizer.
China regained the lead after halftime through a header from Shao Ziqin, but South Korea's persistent efforts paid off with Ji So-yun's late equalizer. Ji praised her younger teammates for stepping up in the absence of injured veterans and expressed satisfaction with the result against a strong Chinese side.
The match showcased a blend of experienced and young talent in South Korea's lineup, with Ji emphasizing the team's potential for growth. Despite challenging conditions, the team remained determined to deliver a solid performance on home soil.