Korea Republic men’s U-23 national team have won all three games in the qualifying for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. 

Hwang Sunhong’s side defeated hosts Singapore 5-1 at Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday, after breezing past the Philippines (3-0) and Timor-Leste (6-0) earlier this week. With the three straight wins, the Taegeuk Warriors have won Group H to reach the tournament proper.

The qualifiers saw the participating teams divided in 11 groups, with each group winners and the four runners-up with best results reaching the finals that will take place in Uzbekistan next summer.

Korea Republic took a seemingly unassailable lead in the first half, with goals from Kim Chan, Cho Sangjun and Park Jeongin – as well as an own goal by Jacob William Mahler. Choi Jun put the result beyond doubt shortly after the interval, before Muhammad Nur pulled one back for the hosts to make it 5-1.

After the emphatic victory, coach Hwang Sunhong said: “Despite the short period of time given to us, we were able to prepare well for the games and achieve good results. I’d like to thank the lads and the staff for the efforts.”

“We’ve achieved positive results in such a short period of time, including the quick transitions [between attack and defence]. But we’ve still got room for improvement – conceding goals against the run of play, for instance. Hopefully, we’ll become a stronger side in June, if we carry on and keep up the good work in the meantime.

AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2022 Qualifiers

Group H

Game 3

Korea Republic 5-1 Singapore

Scorers: Kim Chan 3’, Cho Sangjun 6’, Jacob William Mahler (25’ o.g.), Park Jeongin 40’, Choi Jun 52’; Muhammad Nur Adam 57’

KOR: Lee Gwangyeon; Lee Kyuhyuk, Kim Jusung, Lee Sangmin, Choi Jun; Goo Booncheul, Kwon Hyeokkyu, Go Jaehyeon; Park Jeongin (Lee Dongryul 46’), Cho Sangjun (Kim Seyun 60’), Kim Chan (Oh Hyeongyu 46’)

Game 2

Timor-Leste 0-6 Korea Republic

Scorers: Park Jeongin 29’ 32’ 50’, Choi Jun 31’, Oh Hyeongyu 32’, Kim Seyun 87’

KOR: Lee Gwangyeon; Lee Kyuhyuk (Park Jinseong 70’), Lim Dugkeun, Jo Jinwoo, Choi Jun; Goo Booncheul, Kwon Hyeokkyu (Lee Pungyeon 81’), Go Jaehyeon; Park Jeongin (Kim Seyun 58’), Cho Sangjun (Lee Dongryul 46’), Kim Chan (Oh Hyeongyu 46’)

Game 3

Korea Republic 3-0 Philippines

Scorers: Lee Kyuhyuk 51’, Go Jaehyeon 72’, Park Jeongin 89’

KOR: Lee Gwangyeon; Lee Kyuhyuk, Kim Jusung, Lee Sangmin, Choi Jun; Goo Booncheul (Seo Jinsu 46’), Kwon Hyeokkyu, Go Jaehyeon (Kang Yungu 83’); Choi Geonju (Park Jeongin 46’), Cho Sangjun (Lee Dongryul 71’), Kim Chan (Oh Hyeongyu 46’)