KRL hit back to level in President’s Cup opener

Team draws against FC Dordoi in opening match in Philippines.

KARACHI: KRL opened their campaign at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s Cup with a draw against Kyrgyzstan club FC Dordoi 1-1 at the Cebu Sports Centre in the Philippines yesterday.

FC Dordoi were given the lead through Kharchenko Vadim in the 23rd minute with KRL heading for the half-time interval trailing 1-0. However, KRL were awarded a penalty kick in the 50th minute with captain Samar Ishaq finding the net to level the score.

KRL coach Tariq Lutfi was satisfied with the team’s performance that earned them a point in their opening Group B match. However, the official added that an improvement was needed, singling out his team’s attack as the area of concern.

“It was a satisfactory performance but we need to be better than this,” Lutfi told The Express Tribune. “The penalty kick was helpful but I would want my forwards to be more attacking in our next match. The remaining two games are extremely important.”

KRL will now play hosts Global FC tomorrow before contesting their final game against Bhutan’s Yeezdin FC on May 12. Ishaq said the match against Yeezdin FC would be easier.

“Global FC will play on their home-turf and have experienced players who compete in different international tournaments throughout the year. We want a win against Global FC or at least score more than two goals to ensure a good goal-difference if the points at the end are equal.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2013.