Seoul: With an eye on the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2018, Korea Republic's challenge in the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Women's Football Championship will come from a squad mixed with experienced and rising stars.
Head coach Yoon Duk-yeo on Tuesday announced a 23-player roster for the Championship in Chiba, Japan where Korea Republic will take on Japan, China PR and DPR Korea on December 8 to 15.
Included were eight who weren't in the squad for Korea Republic's October friendlies against the United States as Yoon left out players, including Chelsea Ladies forward Ji So-yun, who are with their clubs in Europe.
Korea Republic's attack in Chiba will be led by Yoo Young-a (pictured above), the top scorer in the current squad with 32 goals in 84 matches.
Other veterans include midfielder Cho So-hyun (pictured below), team captain who has won 102 caps, and goalkeeper Kim Jeong-mi, who has played 110 international matches.
Kim is one of the eight players who didn't face the United States last month.
Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels, who clinched their fifth consecutive Women's K League title on Monday, have nine players in the national squad. Hwacheon KSPO, the runners-up, are represented by four players.
There are also three collegiate players, including Korea University forward Son Hwa-yeon, who has two goals in three international appearances.
The women's edition of the E-1 Football Championship, formerly called the East Asian Cup, began in 2005.
Korea Republic were the inaugural champions, but Japan won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2010, and then DPR Korea claimed consecutive titles in 2013 and 2015.
Korea Republic will face Japan on December 8, followed by DPR Korea (December 11) and China (Dec 15). The matches will be played at the Fukuda Denshi Arena in Chiba, Japan.
Sources: Yonhap, AFP
Source: the-afc.com