OFC Women’s Champions League winners Auckland United fell to a 2-0 defeat to Naegohyang Women’s FC of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the opening round of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in China.

The three times Champions League winners were facing a strong side in Naegohyang Women’s FC, who had won last season’s AFC Women’s Champions League.

Perhaps to be expected, the Kiwi side were called into regular defensive work early on, as their opponents looked to make a fast start – Charlotte Eagle under pressure from a number of crosses from out wide.

19 minutes were on the clock when the deadlock was broken. Great play down the right-hand side led to a cross finding Kim Kyong-yong, whose low effort deflected past goalkeeper Eagle and into the corner.

It appeared as though the North Koreans had doubled their lead shortly after, but the offside flag denied Ri Myong-gum’s looping header.

VAR then came to Auckland United’s rescue when Kim Kyong-yong nodded in what appeared to be her second, only for a second look to ascertain that the forward had made her run fractionally early.

To their credit, Auckland United worked hard towards the end of the half, looking to find a way back in, but for all their possession and endeavour, they were unable to truly test the Naegohyang Women’s FC backline.

Auckland United started the second period well and almost grabbed an equaliser, when Rena Okutsu’s well-hit free kick narrowly flew wide.

Normal service resumed however for the majority of the second-half, with Naegohyang Women’s FC on the front foot – yet they remained frustrated in their attempts to double the score line.

The offside flag was again a friend to Auckland United, when Jong Kum had her effort ruled out. The initial cross hitting the post and Kum’s follow up coming from an offside position.

Another denied goal seemed to have saved the Kiwis, when Kim Kyong-yong’s effort was pulled back for offside. However, following a lengthy VAR check, the initial call was reversed and Naegohyang Women’s FC had their crucial second.

The North Koreans held out to secure the 2-0 win and passage to the second round, whilst Auckland United can reflect on a spirited performance and another important experience in their ongoing development.

Naegohyang Women’s FC: 2 (Kyong-yong KIM 11′, 88)
Auckland United: 0

HT: 1-0