DPR Korea came back from a goal down to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Iraq in their AFC U-20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Group B opener at the Longhua Cultural and Sports Center on Feb. 13.

Iraq showed their intent as early as the second minute when Mustafa Qabeel threaded a cross into the box for Karrar Jaafar, whose shot was blocked, while Muslim Mousa failed to find the target after angling his header wide.

DPR Korea almost found a way through four minutes later when Kim Se Jin weaved his way past the Iraqi defense at the edge of the area but shot wide from a tight angle.

The East Asian side had another look at goal in the 18th minute after Hong Kil Ryong’s goal kick was headed on by Choe Kuk to Ri Jong Dok, whose tame shot was easily collected by keeper Wisam Ali.

Iraq then seized control of the game in the 32nd minute after Karrar Jaafar delivered a pinpoint cross for Luay to strike home the opener into the bottom left corner.

Iraq survived a late surge from DPR Korea, who saw Choe Kuk head the ball over the bar in the 41st minute, before Choe Kuk unleashed a stinging shot from just inside the box, which was denied by the left post.

The West Asian side came close to doubling their advantage just a minute into the restart when Qabeel cut into the box after losing his marker, only to find Hong too much of an obstacle as he hit his grounded effort just wide of the right post.

Iraq were in ascendancy as they kept Hong on his toes with Sidad Haji testing the DPR Korea custodian from distance at the hour mark.

DPR Korea, however, roared back and drew level in the 62nd minute after Kim Jin Song pounced on a parry from Ali to strike the ball into the top left corner of the net.

The East Asian side almost caught Iraq by surprise seven minutes later after Kim Se Jin’s through ball for Hong Paek Hyon almost proved calamitous after Ali conceded possession to a surging Kim Jin Song, whose shot across the face of the goal was cleared away by Ali Mokhalad.

Both teams will aim for their first win on Matchday 2, with DPR Korea taking on Jordan while Iraq will face Saudi Arabia, with both ties to be played on Feb. 16.