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PFF Cup: More than just a title at stake for KRL

Team fighting to reclaim ‘best club of Pakistan’ status.

Our Correspondent February 22, 2016

KRL, one of Pakistan’s most dominant clubs, went through a tough phase following the departure of key players, but Adil believes they can reclaim their lost glory. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: KRL midfielder Mohammad Adil believes it is time for his side to reclaim their status as the best team in Pakistan as they prepare to face NBP in the final of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Cup at the Punjab Stadium in Lahore on Monday.

“Now is the time to reclaim our status as the best team in Pakistan,” Adil told The Express Tribune. “A win in the final would also boost the confidence of the younger players as well and help us rebuild the image that we want to project.”

Adil also revealed that KRL, four-time Pakistan Premier Football League champions including three consecutive titles from 2011-2014, had to undergo massive rebuilding after key players such as Kaleemullah, Ehsanullah, Mehmood Khan, Saddam Hussain and Adil himself all leaving the club for greener pastures abroad.

Adil has, however, returned from his stint at FC Dordoi and believes his experience can help KRL lift the PFF Cup title.

“The club had to start from scratch in rebuilding the team after most of us left. But I’m back and I feel we can reclaim our position as the best club in the country,” he added. “NBP are a great side but we feel we have what it takes to win.”

Meanwhile in the third-place match, PAF defeated Army 2-0 finish third on Sunday.

Irfan Ali scored the opening goal of the match in the 42nd minute and then added another in the 66th minute to seal the win and guarantee PAF a prize of Rs100,000 as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2016.

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