Korea Republic U-16 women’s national team have reached the continental finals in style, with three straight victories in the qualifying competition.

Kim Eunjung’s side defeated Thailand in their final Group A match in the qualifier for the 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup staged at Buriram City Stadium on Saturday, with Beom Yejoo scoring a hat-trick in a 7-2 victory over the hosts.

Korea Republic had already secured passage to the continental finals with a game in hand, after claiming back-to-back 8-0 victories over India and Iran. The young Taegeuk Ladies had reached the finals by finishing at least second in the group with the two wins earlier this week, before rounding off their qualifying campaign with another comprehensive win over hosts Thailand.

Top two sides from each group (four teams in total) in this qualifying round, as well as the three teams that had finished on the podium at the finals in 2019 (Japan, Korea DPR and China PR) will join the host nation Indonesia in the tournament proper in April next year.

Korea Republic U-16 women’s national team in the Asian Cup qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Woo Sumin (Pohang Girls’ Electronic HS), Lee Yeoeun (Hwacheon Information Industry HS), Kim Sihyeon (Ganggyeong Girls’ MS)

Defenders: Park Jiyoo (Yeseong Girls’ HS), Ji Ae (Hwacheon Information Industry HS), Jang Yerin, Shin Dain, Shin Seonghui, No Sieun, Lee Haeun (Ulsan Hyundai HS), Kim Hana (Gwangyang Girls’ MS)

Midfielders: Kwon Daeun, Kim Yeeun (Ulsan Hyundai HS), Seo Minjeong, Kim Jihyo (Gyeongnam Robot HS), Park Gayuen (Yeseong Girls’ HS), Park Juha (Gangwon FC U-18), Beom Yejoo (Gwangyang Girls’ HS), Jang Yeyun, Ryoo Jihae, Han Gukhui (Ulsan Hyundai Chungun MS)

Forwards: Kim Hyowon (Gwangyang Girls’ HS), Won Jueun (Ulsan Hyundai HS)