sports

The first-round matches of the 2025-2026 DPRK Premier League have entered the final stage.

Unlike the previous ones, the matches have been very fierce since the beginning as differences in abilities between the participating teams have decreased. In other words, there increased the number of the teams having their sights set on the first place.

The point gaps among the eight leading teams were narrow at the point of December last year, when more than half of the first-round matches were played.

It portended the fierceness of the remaining games.

Actually, the first-round matches have been fierce since it resumed in February this year, making it hard to predict the rankings.

The April 25 Team has won 17 points in nine matches and the spectators say that the team plays games briskly and with composure as expected. The Hwaeppul Team scored 18 points with five wins, three draws and one defeat in nine matches. What is notable in its play is its high scoring rate in normal circumstances. Since the resumption of the first-round matches, the team has played five matches to score seven goals and got five of them in set pieces (four from corner kicks and one through a penalty kick).

The Pyongyang Team is also drawing attention.

According to the spectators, fans and experts, its individual players have remarkably improved in ability and the team has undergone marked change in the running of games.

The Sobaeksu Team adopting an aggressive mode of play has ensured high attacking speed while continuously putting pressure on its opponents.

The above-mentioned leading teams are being closely followed by the Sonbong, Ryomyong and Amnokgang teams.

Every team is doing their best in each match as the rankings in the first-stage matches might be changed according to the results of the remaining games, thereby attracting more interest of experts and fans.