SHENYANG // Kim Kyong Hwa scored a first-half goal as North Korea beat Nigeria 1-0 to lead of Group F in the women's Olympic football tournament. Yesterday's victory put the North Koreans at the top of the group after title contenders Germany and Brazil drew 0-0 in the first match of the day at Shenyang Olympic Stadium. Kyong Hwa scored the winner with a powerful shot from near the penalty spot in the 27th minute after the Nigerian defence failed to clear a cross inside the area.
The North Koreans had a chance to add to the lead with a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, but captain Ri Kum Suk's shot from the spot went wide. She had been pulled down inside the area by a Nigerian defender to earn the penalty. *AP
