More than 10 men's ace soccer teams in the country are playing in the contest, divided into two groups. Their standings will be decided by their total scores in the two rounds of their group league matches.

There were first day soccer matches of the first round between the April 25 and Pyongyang teams and between the Hwaebul and Mangyongbong teams at Kim Il Sung Stadium on Thursday.

The stadium was packed with spectators including service personnel, people, youth and students in the city.

Among the audience were Choe Ryong Hae, Jang Jong Nam, Kim Won Hong, Kim Yang Gon, Choe Pu Il, officials of party, armed forces and power organs and those in the fields of sports and education.

In the matches the April 25 team beat the Pyongyang team 2:0 and Hwaebul team tied the Mangyongbong team 1:1.

The matches will go on.