Korea DPR unveil strong 21-player squad as they prepare to face Kenya in FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

©KFA

Korea DPR unveil strong 21-player squad as they prepare to face Kenya in FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

Festus Chuma 10:30 - 05.10.2024

The Kenya opponents have named a strong 21-player squad for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, led by coach Kim Eun-jung.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (Korea DPR) have officially announced their final 21-player squad for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, where they will battle alongside Kenya's Junior Starlets, England, and Mexico in Group C.

With their second group match against Kenya scheduled for October 20 at Santiago De Los Caballeros's CFC Stadium, Korea DPR is gearing up for a fierce competition in the Dominican Republic.

The Korea Football Association revealed the squad list following the conclusion of their final domestic training camp.

The team is led by coach Kim Eun-jung and features a mix of promising young talents, including Casey Eugene Fair, who plays in the U.S. professional league.

Fair, already a key member of the Korean women’s national team,also shined during the U17 Asian Cup earlier this year.

"We've prepared thoroughly with the help of many people," said coach Kim Eun-jung.

“There are no easy teams in the World Cup, but I believe if we can clearly execute our game plan, our players will not only get good results but also grow significantly.”

One notable absence from the squad is Won Ju-eun the former captain and key striker of Ulsan Hyundai High School.

Won was unfortunately sidelined due to an injury sustained just before the team’s final training sessions. Her absence may impact the attacking dynamic of Korea DPR, but the team remains confident in their depth and resilience.

Of the 21 players selected, 11 were born in 2007, and 8 were born in 2008, reflecting a youthful core with immense potential.

The squad also includes two standout middle school players: Han Kook-hee from Ulsan Hyundai Cheongun Middle School, born in 2009, is among the youngest players on the roster.

Korea DPR earned their place in the tournament by finishing third in the U17 Asian Cup held in Indonesia earlier this year.Now, they are eager to prove their strength on the world stage.

"This is our return to the U17 World Cup finals after six years, and we want to make the most of it," said coach Kim, reinforcing his team’s hunger to make an impact.

Kenya's Junior Starlets, who will be Korea DPR's second opponent, are expected to face a tough challenge against a well-prepared and disciplined side.

Korea DPR has a strong track record in this competition, having won the tournament in 2010, when they became the first Korean team in history to lift a FIFA World Cup trophy.

Junior Starlets will need to be at their best to handle the tactical discipline and attacking prowess that Korea DPR is known for.

Korea DPR final squad

Goalkeepers:

Woo Soo-min (Pohang Girls' High School), Jeong Yu-jeong (Ulsan Hyundai High School), Jeong Hae-rim (Chungju Yesung Girls' High School)

Defenders:

Kim Han-ah, Shin Yoon-ah (both Gwangyang Girls' High School), Noh Si-eun, Shin Da-in, Shin Sung-hee (all Ulsan Hyundai High School), Park Ji-yu (Chungju Yesung Girls' High School), Jeong Ha-yoon (Gyeongnam Robot High School)

Midfielders:

Kim Ye-eun, Nam Sa-rang, Ryu Ji-hae, Baek Ji-eun (all Ulsan Hyundai High School), Beom Ye-ju (Gwangyang Girls' High School), Seo Min-jeong (Gyeongnam Robot High School), Yang Ji-min, Lim Ye-ji (both Pohang Girls' High School), Kim Min-seo (Incheon Family Girls' Middle School)

Forwards:

Casey Eugene Fair (Angel City FC), Han Kook-hee (Ulsan Hyundai Cheongun Middle School)