North Korea's fortunate draw makes it difficult for China U23 to win the championship at home.

(Football result) - Following another draw with North Korea, China U23 is unlikely to clinch the CFA Team China 2026 title at home.

The match between China U23 and North Korea U23 started with an open and aggressive approach from the very first minutes. In the 7th minute, North Korea U23 created the first notable opportunity with a dangerous long-range shot, forcing the opposing goalkeeper to make a difficult save. In the following minutes, the visiting team maintained pressure with troublesome crosses, continuously earning corner kicks and clearly demonstrating superior control of the game.

North Korea U23's proactive play finally materialized in the 21st minute. From a quick counter-attack situation, a dangerous shot was taken before Ryang Kwang Myong swiftly rushed in to follow up and score, opening the scoring for the visiting team. After conceding, China U23 attempted to push forward their formation but encountered intense pressing tactics from the opponent. The match became a tug-of-war with fierce midfield battles until the first half concluded with a 1-0 advantage favoring North Korea U23.

Entering the second half, China U23 tried to find an equalizing goal but continued to expose gaps in their defense. In the 51st minute, Ri Il Song had a dangerous header from a high jump, but the ball went wide of the goal. By the 63rd minute, Kim Kwon Song nearly doubled the lead with a skillful free kick from 25 meters away. Despite leading, North Korea U23 remained the dominant side, continuously pressing and causing significant difficulties for China U23.

Just when victory seemed firmly in North Korea U23's hands, a turning point occurred in the 87th minute. A China U23 player was fouled inside the penalty area, resulting in a crucial penalty. From the 11-meter spot, Xiang Yuwang displayed composure with a precise finish, equalizing the score to 1-1. The remaining minutes saw no further goals, and the match ended with a 1-1 draw.

Full time, China U23 1-1 North Korea U23

87' Goal, China U23 scores to equalize 1-1

A Chinese player was fouled inside the penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty. From the penalty spot, forward Xiang Yuwang calmly finished to score.

75' North Korea U23 continues to dominate possession

Despite being behind, China U23 allowed North Korea to maintain pressure and struggled helplessly to find an equalizing goal.

63' Still opportunities for North Korea U23

North Korea U23 received a free kick from 25 meters, and Kim Kwon Song executed a technical curling shot that narrowly missed entering the net.

51' No goal

China U23's defense revealed many weaknesses. Ri Il Song made a spectacular diving header, but unfortunately, the ball went wide of the goal.

46' Second half begins

End of first half, China U23 0-1 North Korea U23

33' Tug-of-war in the match

Both North Korea U23 and China U23 are playing fiercely and without hesitation in physical clashes, particularly with intense midfield battles.

21' Goal, North Korea U23 scores the opening goal

North Korea U23's pressure finally paid off. A lightning-fast counter-attack situation saw Ryang Kwang Myong arrive timely to follow up and score after the initial shot from a teammate.

14' North Korea U23 still playing better

The visiting team continuously delivered troublesome crosses into the penalty area, and China U23 had already conceded four corner kicks since the start of the match.

7' No goal

North Korea U23 created the first opportunity with a rather dangerous long-range shot. China U23's goalkeeper had to work hard to make the save.

1' Match begins

Starting lineup

When is the live match between China U23 and North Korea U23?

• Match time:6:35 PM on March 28, 2026
• Match venue:Xi'an, China
• Competition:CFA Team China Friendly – Xi'an 2026
• Watch link:Watch the live match here

Noteworthy information before the China U23 vs North Korea U23 match

In the CFA Team China 2026 friendly tournament, both opening matches ended with draws. Vietnam U23 shared points with North Korea U23, while China U23 also failed to secure a win against Thailand U23, creating a balanced start for the competition.

China U23's 2-2 draw against Thailand U23 left home fans disappointed. As the reigning Asian U23 runner-up, this team was expected to win easily. However, missed opportunities and defensive mistakes cost them two regrettable conceded goals.

In the other match, North Korea U23 displayed an annoying style of play against Vietnam U23. This team continuously pressed, exerted pressure, and maintained characteristic discipline, creating a balanced game and causing difficulties for the opponent in executing their tactics.

Looking ahead to the next match, China U23 is expected to improve cohesion, especially as the current lineup has many changes compared to the Asian U23 Championship due to the absence of key players. Meanwhile, North Korea U23, after a positive warm-up, is also ready to pose a significant challenge, promising an noteworthy match with the hosts to conclude the tournament in Xin'an.

Expected lineup for China U23 vs North Korea U23

China U23:Yu Jinyong, He Yiran, Yang Haoyu, Peng Xiao, Xiang Yuwang, Bao Shimeng, Zhang Yuanhui, Bao Shengxin, Wang Shiqin, Chen Zeshi, Wang Bohao.

North Korea U23:Kim Ryong Ik, Ri Won Gwang, Ri Il Song, Choe Ryong Il, Kim Kwon Song, Ryang Kwang Myong, Ra Myong Song, Kim Yu Song, Choe Kuk, Kim Song Hye, Jong Hwi Nam.

Link to watch Vietnam U23 vs Thailand U23 live at 14:00 today, March 28

Thai young star determined to win against Vietnam U23