Auckland United’s hopes of progressing in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup came to an end on Sunday after the Oceania champions suffered a 2-0 defeat to North Korean side Naegohyang Women’s FC at the Shangcheng Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, China.
Two goals from captain Kim Kyong-yong secured victory for the reigning AFC Women’s Champions League winners, who controlled much of the match and prevented the New Zealand club from creating many clear scoring opportunities.
Naegohyang made an aggressive start and took the lead in the 19th minute. An attacking move down the right produced a cross into the penalty area, where Kim directed a low effort towards goal. The shot took a deflection before beating Auckland United goalkeeper Charlotte Eagle.
The Asian champions continued to threaten throughout the first half, with Ri Myong-gum having a headed goal disallowed for offside. Kim also thought she had doubled the advantage before the break, but a VAR review ruled out her header after confirming an offside infringement.
Auckland United, coached by Alexander Barlow, worked hard to contain their opponents and improved after half-time. Their best opportunity came when Rena Okutsu struck a free kick narrowly wide, but the New Zealanders struggled to create sustained pressure against Naegohyang’s defence.
Despite several unsuccessful attempts to extend their lead, the North Korean champions eventually secured the result in the 88th minute. Kim found the net again, although her effort was initially ruled out for offside. Following a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned and Naegohyang were awarded their second goal.
The defeat marks Auckland United’s second consecutive elimination in the opening round of the competition. In their first appearance last year, the club narrowly lost 1-0 to Chinese representatives Wuhan Jiangda.
United returned to the international stage after winning their third successive OFC Women’s Champions League title in July, defeating Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United 3-1 in the final in Solomon Islands.
Despite another early exit, Auckland United remain one of Oceania’s leading women’s clubs, having claimed three consecutive continental titles. Their participation also provided another opportunity to measure themselves against stronger international opposition, particularly a Naegohyang side featuring several North Korean internationals.
Naegohyang will now face the African champions in December, with a place in the four-team final stage in Miami in January 2027 at stake.
For Auckland United, attention returns to domestic competition, where they currently lead New Zealand’s Women’s National League with four victories from their opening four matches.
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