PFF lauds KRL show in AFC President’s Cup

Progression to final stage is a win for Pakistan, says Lodhi.

KARACHI: There was finally some good news for Pakistan football on the international front as KRL progressed to the final stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s Cup, an achievement that was duly lauded by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).

KRL demolished Bhutan league champions Yeezdin FC 8-0 in their final group game, much to the delight of PFF Secretary Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi who said it was a victory for Pakistan football.

“It’s a win for Pakistan,” Lodhi told The Express Tribune. “I’m impressed and extremely happy with their performance. They are Pakistan’s premier club and showed why.

“KRL tackled FC Dordoi in their opening match. They defeated the home team Global FC in style as well. It’s been a good campaign so far.”

KRL and Kyrgyzstan’s FC Dordoi, who have previously won the AFC President’s Cup, qualified for the final stage of the tournament with seven points each, leaving behind Philippines’ Global FC and Yeezdin FC in Group B.

The two teams will now play the final stage in September with Nepal’s Three Star Club and Mongolia’s Erchim FC who qualified from Group A along with Turkmenistan’s FC Balkan and Palestine’s Hilal Al-Quds FC from Group C.

According to Lodhi, even coach Tariq Lutfi proved that his team can produce players with a temperament for the international matches. He praised the club for qualifying for the final stage for the second successive time.

A leap for Kaleemullah

Lodhi also heaped praise on KRL’s star striker Kaleemullah, who scored five goals in the rout against Yeezdin FC.

Kaleemullah was previously criticised for his poor show for the national side and Lodhi was relieved to see him deliver the goods.

“I’m relieved he finally scored,” said Lodhi about the 21-year-old striker, who scored 32 goals in the Pakistan Premier Football League. “He struggled with the national side. So I’m glad Kaleemullah has proved his doubters wrong.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2013.