Kathmandu: Nepal suffered a crushing 11-0 loss to North Korea, crashing out of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Sunday.

Needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive, Nepal came under relentless pressure from the start and failed to register a single attempt on goal. They conceded five goals in the first half and six more after the break in their final Group ‘A’ match.

Strike Ho Kyong alone netted five goals and Choe Chong added four goals for Korea.

With the result, North Korea secured their place in the finals, topping the group with a perfect record of nine points from three matches. Only the group winners from each four-team group advance to the final tournament.

North Korea had earlier thrashed Saudi Arabia 15-0 and hosts Bhutan 10-0. Nepal concluded their campaign on four points, following a 1-1 draw against Bhutan and a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

Bhutan, scheduled to face Saudi Arabia in the group’s final fixture later on Sunday, could finish runners-up if they win the match.