TEHRAN - Korea Republic took a step closer to securing a place in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024 after cruising past Iran 8-0 in their Qualifiers Round 2 Group A tie at Buriram City Stadium on Thursday.

Iran had lost to hosts Thailand 6-0 on Tuesday in Group A.

Korea Republic, who scored eight unanswered goals against India on the opening day, took the lead in the ninth minute when Won Ju-eun was felled inside the box and then converting the spot-kick, the-afc.com reported.

Iran’s bid to find the equalizer fell flat in the 32nd minute when Kwon Da-eun collected Beom Ye-ju’s headed pass just inside the area to score past an out of position keeper Fatemeh Salehi.

There was more to come from the Koreans in the second half as they extended their lead in the 48th minute with Han Guk-hee showing good skill to evade her marker before turning to score with a classy finish from above the box.

Korea Republic increased their tally in the 50th minute when Won Ju-eun’s backheel off Beom Ye-ju’s cross from the left flank was deflected into the goal by Mina Babouyeh before substitute Kim Ye-eun pounced on a poor clearance by Salehi in the 70th minute to make it 5-0.

he goals continued to pour in for Korea Republic with further strikes from Park Ju-ha (74th), Han Guk-hee (76th) and Seo Min-jeong (88th).

Korea Republic will face Thailand in their final Group A fixture on Saturday, while Iran meet India.

Group B action will see the Philippines take on Bangladesh on Friday with Vietnam facing Australia.