China beats North Korea 2-1 in heated match and take top spot in Group B at Women's Asian Cup

China's Chen Qiaozhu (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 football match between China and North Korea in Sydney on Monday, March 9, 2026. -- Photo by Steve CHRISTO / AFP)

SYDNEY (AP): Defending champion China edged North Korea 2-1 in a physical, high-energy game Monday to take top spot in Group B in the Women’s Asian Cup .

The result sent North Korea into a quarterfinal Friday against Australia in Perth, where the hosts and 2023 World Cup semifinalists opened the tournament with a win over Philippines .