The South Africans got off to the perfect start when Thendo Mukumela opened the scoring in the 10th minute from the penalty spot, after Ri Kuk Hyong was sent off for bringing down Lubuyo Mkatshana inside the area.
However, the lead lasted just seven minutes when Katlego Mohamme recklessly shoved a Korea DPR striker in the back inside the box and Kim Wi Song stepped up to bury the spot-kick.
Amajimbos then wasted a number of chances against the 10 men of Korea DPR, and Ntseki admits that cost them the game.
“We started the match well with an early penalty that gave us the 1-0 lead,” he said. “However, our enthusiasm worked against us. We lost our focus and our opponent took advantage of it.
“We created goal chances, but Korea DPR’s great defence denied us more goals.”
South Africa face leaders Russia in their final group game, and Ntseki is hoping they can pull the cat out the bag.
“Even with this result, we still have hopes of moving on to the next phase,” he added. “If we win our next match, against Russia, we’d have four points, which could see us through the group stage to the knockout round.”