Men’s U-17 national team will face archrivals Japan in their quest for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup title for the first time in 21 years.

Back Inwoo scored the only goal of the game from a free-kick as Byun Sunghwan’s charges defeated Uzbekistan in the semi-final staged in Pathum Thani, Thailand on Thursday. Having already secured passage to the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 4-1 win over hosts Thailand, the Taegeuk Warriors are now aiming for the coveted trophy.

Their opponents in Sunday’s final are Japan, who defeated Iran 3-0 in the other semi-final fixture earlier in the afternoon. Korea Republic will be looking to claim the continental championship, having won the tournament twice in 1986 and 2002.

Byun opted for the same side that had faced Thailand in the quarter-finals: joint goalscoring leaders Kim Myeongjun (four goals) started up front, supported by Yang Minhyeok, Jin Taeho, Back Inwoo and Yoon Doyong; Lim Hyunsub in defensive midfield; Hwang Jisung, Ko Jonghyun, Kang Minwoo and Lee Changwoo at the back; Hong Sungmin between the posts.

The Uzbeks, who had defeated Korea Republic 3-2 in the qualifying last year, were a formidable side as expected, as the Koreans found themselves on the back foot in the early stages of the match. In fact, they struggled to gain possession until the eighth minute, when Yang Minhyeok made their first attempt on target.

However, the men in red slowly began to find their rhythm midway through the first half, as Yoon Doyong fired a thunderous shot straight at the goalkeeper, before Kim Myeongjun saw his audacious effort swerve wide of the left post.

The deadlock was broken through a set-piece after 31 minutes, when Back Inwoo’s free-kick from the edge of the area went through the right side of the wall and into the bottom corner of the net. Having set up Kang Minwoo’s header against Thailand, Back has put his name on the scoresheet for the third time in this tournament.

Korea Republic kept up the momentum after the opening goal, surging forward to keep the Uzbeks at bay as the half wore on. Yoon saw his point-blank volley deflected off a defender and go out just wide, as they took a 1-0 lead into the half time.

They picked up where they had left off as the second half got underway, with Back Inwoo trying his luck from distance with an audacious free-kick that the goalkeeper managed to parry away. Yoon twice came close to doubling his side’s advantage, only to be denied by the woodwork and then the keeper.

The Uzbeks launched a series of attack to draw level in the closing minutes, but Korea Republic held on to march into the final thanks to the fine saves from Hong Sungmin.

2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup

Semi-finals

Korea Republic 1-0 Uzbekistan

Goal: Back Inwoo 31’

KOR: Hong Sungmin, Hwang Jisung (Seo Jeonghyeok 70’), Ko Jonghyun, Kang Minwoo, Lee Changwoo (Lee Suro 86’), Lim Hyunsub (Cha Jehoon 90’+5), Yang Minhyeok (Kim Hyunmin 86’), Jin Taeho, Back Inwoo, Yoon Doyong (Kim Seongju 86’), Kim Myeongjun