Hwang Sun-hong has reported a disappointing start to the U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
The South Korean U-22 team, led by head coach Hwang Sun-hong, convened in Changwon on Aug. 28. The U-22s, who are evacuating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, are preparing for Group B of the 2024 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, which will double as the first Asian qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, starting on September 6.
A total of 16 nations will compete in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. The top four teams from each of the 11 qualifying groups will qualify. As hosts, Qatar have automatically qualified. The tournament will kick off in Qatar next April.
The 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup also serves as the final Asian qualifier for the Paris Olympics. First through third place will earn a direct ticket to Paris. The fourth-placed team will have to play a playoff against the fourth-placed African finalist and win to qualify.
In this Group B qualifier, Hwang will face Qatar on June 6, Kyrgyzstan on June 9, and Myanmar on June 12. Despite being a relatively weak team, Hwang is looking to go far by selecting his best players.
However, there was bad news from day one. The Korea Football Association announced on the 28th that “Byun Jun-soo (Daejeon Hana Citizens) and Kang Yoon-gu (Ulsan Hyundai) have been removed from the squad due to injury. Lee Sang-hyuk (Gimpo FC) and Hong Yun-sang (Pohang Steelers) were selected as replacements.”
“Kim Jun-hong (Gimcheon Commerce) has been replaced by Shin Song-hoon (Gimcheon Commerce) due to his call-up to the A team.” 메이저사이트