Korea Republic women’s national team came from behind to defeat New Zealand.

Colin Bell’s side edged New Zealand 2-1 in the first match of the Women’s National Team Friendlies presented by Shinsegae Emart at Goyang Stadium on Saturday. The two-game series has been planned in preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 finals in January, with the second match to be staged in the same venue on Tuesday.

Bell opted for his full-strength squad for the series opener, starting the trio plying their trade in the Women’s Super League in England: Cho Sohyun, Ji Soyun and Lee Geummin. Centre-forwarad Lee was flanked by Son Hwayeon and Choo Hyojoo; Cho, Ji and Lee Mina in midfield; Jang Selgi, Hong Hyeji, Lim Seonjoo and Kim Hyeri at the back; goalkeeper Yoon Younggeul.

It was an evenly contested affair from the outset, with both sides out to take control in the early exchanges. New Zealand came out strong into the first half, with Ria Percival pulling the strings in midfield, Ava Collins and Jacqui Hand creating chances up front. At the opposite end, the hosts fought back through captain Kim Hyeri, Lee Mina and Choo on the right flank.

Korea Republic’s first chance of note came after 15 minutes, when Hong’s header off a Ji corner was denied by the crossbar. The women in red struggled to create more opportunities against the run of paly, with the visitors mounting pressure throughout the opening half.

New Zealand drew first blood on 25 minutes, as Hand headed home following Ali Riley’s cross from the left. Korea Republic fought back almost immediately, but still struggled to restore parity: Choo’s effort from the edge of the area went just wide on stroke of half-time.

Bell brought on Choe Yuri for Lee Geummin during the interval, before Park Yeeun came off the bench to replace Lee Mina, as the hosts geared up to create their chances to get back into it.

And they did draw level shortly before the hour mark: Choe’s low cross from the right into the path of an onrushing Choo was blocked by Meikayla Moore, but her attempted clearance only ended up in their own net.

Buoyed by the equaliser, the hosts kept up the momentum midway through the second half: Ji Soyun’s free-kick smashed the crossbar, before Hong’s glancing header off a Ji corner went just wide. Choo tried her luck with an effort from distance, forcing a fine save from Anna Leat.

They finally took the lead in the 81st minute. Cho broke into the left side of the area to connect with a free-kick, and set up a perfect header for Lim Seonjoo, who put her name on the scoresheet for the first time in three years on her birthday.

The visitors were desperate to claw their way against the run of play, but the Korean rearguard and goalkeeper Yoon held on claim the 2-1 victory.

Women’s National Team Friendlies

Korea Republic 2-1 New Zealand

Scorers: Hand 25’, Moore 59’ o.g. Lim Seonjoo 81’

KOR: Yoon Younggeul; Jang Selgi, Hong Hyeji, Lim Seonjoo, Kim Hyeri; Cho Sohyun, Ji Soyun, Lee Mina (Park Yeeun 55’); Son Hwayeon (Seo Jiyoun 83’), Lee Geummin (Choe Yuri 46’), Choo Hyojoo (Yeo Minji 74’)