The DPR Korea team: AFC photo by Stanely Chou

KUALA LUMPUR: DPR Korea will be aiming to claim top place in Group B on Saturday when they face Thailand in the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship at MPPJ Stadium.

DPR Korea stunned defending champions Japan in their opening match on Thursday, battling to a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Yun Hyon-yi scored the decisive goal after 11 minutes that lifted her side and left Japan in danger of missing out on a place in the semi-finals.

Korean coach Ri Ui-ham paid tribute to his players after their triumph over Japan and hoped they could continue their winning ways against Thailand.

“We were quite nervous against Japan because this is the first time our girls are playing in a major international tournament,” said Ri, whose team only need a draw against Thailand to advance to the semi-finals.

“We hope to play better against Thailand. We will do our best because we can’t afford to take anyone lightly.”

“Japan were unlucky against us because they hit the bar two times. It wasn’t their day. So, we cannot assume that we will have it our way against Thailand.”

The Thais will certainly not be pushovers. They finished third at the 2005 tournament and are hoping for a stronger performance at this year’s event.

The hot and humid weather is perfect for the Thais, who play in similar conditions back home.

The weather was certainly a factor in Japan’s defeat, as confirmed by the Japanese coach Hiroshi Yoshida.

The Thais, though, will be in their element and victory for the Southeast Asian side will throw Group B wide open.

Thailand’s final group game is against Japan on Monday.