Iran took a huge step towards qualifying for the Round of 16 with a 3-0 win over 2014 silver medallists DPR Korea.

Iran started brightly against DPR Korea but Mohammad Khodabandehlo and Amir Roustaei had their opportunities saved by goalkeeper Kang Ju-Hyok inside the first 18 minutes.

DPR Korea were also chasing their first win after settling for a 1-1 stalemate with Myanmar on Wednesday and went close to scoring in the 19th minute but Ri Un-Chol’s strike was saved by IR Iran goalkeeper Mahdi Amini Zazerani.

However, Roustaei put Iran in the lead following his strike in the 27th minute and the goal pushed DPR Korea forward in search of an equaliser but Song-il Ju’s men couldn’t find the target as they trailed by a goal at halftime.

Iran, four-time Asian Games champions, kept the momentum going in the second half as they looked to extend their advantage over the East Asians.

DPR Korea suffered a blow when they went down to 10 men after Song Kum-Song was shown his marching orders in the 52nd minute.

Iran used the one-man advantage to double their lead through Mehdi Ghayedi’s strike in the 68th minute and despite DPR Korea’s best efforts, the Central Asians made it 3-0 after Aref Aghasi Kolahsorkhi converted a penalty in added time.

With top spot still up for grabs, IR Iran will face Myanmar in their final group match on Monday while DPR Korea will entertain Saudi Arabia.