Chinese players gesture to their fans following the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between China and Bangladesh in Sydney. (AP)

SYDNEY, March 3 (AP): Myong Yu Jong completed a first-half hat trick to set North Korea on course for a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan in its first Women’s Asian Cup appearance since 2010.

Defending champion China followed up by beating tournament debutant Bangladesh 2-0.

Both Group B games at Western Sydney Stadium were scoreless in the second half. In the nightcap, what Bangladesh gave away to nine-time champion China in experience, size, and skill, it made up for with energy.

On Wednesday, Group C kicks off with Japan against Taiwan and Vietnam against India in Perth.

Coach Ri Song Ho has a young North Korea squad, including players he guided to the Under-20 Women's World Cup title in 2024.

North Korea won continental titles in 2001, 2003, and 2008 but hasn't played at the Women's Asian Cup since losing the 2010 final to Australia.

A ban following doping infringements at the 2011 Women's World Cup resulted in North Korea missing the 2014 Asian Cup. It failed to qualify for the 2018 and missed the 2022 tournament because of travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strong recent results at the youth level - Under-17 World Cup titles in 2024 and 2025 and the Under-20 title - have increased the confidence within North Korea's squad.

Myong's opening strike in the sixth minute followed a well-worked combination on the right. Kim Kyong Yong passed wide for Chae Un Yong and angled back into the box to meet a cross with a diving header. That deflected off an Uzbek defender and bounced perfectly for Myong to fire in over the goalkeeper.

Within minutes, Uzbek goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova collided heavily with a teammate and needed treatment on her head and neck. She was carried off in a protective neck brace.

Myong added penalties in the 24th and 41st minutes to make it 3-0 at halftime.

China dominated early possession but wasn't able to capitalize until just before halftime.

After having a goal overturned by VAR, Wang Shuang drilled a shot inside the left post in the 44th to finally convert possession and pressure into a lead.

Zhang Rui's strike from just outside the area two minutes later doubled the lead, but Bangladesh held firm for the remainder.

China had 24 shots at goal but only 10 on target. Bangladesh had two shots on target, including a surprising long-range shot on a counterattack by Ritu Chakma that China keeper Chen Chen tipped over the crossbar in the 14th.