KRL lose first match in PPFL

Fatigue the reason for 1-0 loss to NBP, says Qasim.

KARACHI: Defending champions KRL lost their first match in the ongoing Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) season when NBP defeated them 1-0 at the KMC Stadium on Tuesday.

Both teams played a goalless first-half, while NBP’s 16-yeal-old Munir Ahmed scored the winner in the 69th minute of the match.

KRL has been touted as the strongest team in the competition among the 16 sides this year after their successful run at the Asian Football Confederation President’s Cup campaign.

KRL’s seasoned striker Muhammad Qasim said that the players had played international tournaments continuously throughout the year, and as a result the team was fatigued during the league this season.

“KRL played well, we had 70% of ball possession throughout the match,” Qasim told The Express Tribune.

“NBP only scored during a counter attack. We missed at least seven opportunities to score.

“I think we are a little tired since we have constantly played international matches.

“But the team will need to work harder and get back in the competition now.”

KRL have 18 points and remain in 11th place, while NBP have 22 points to their credit.

In other matches, PIA shocked two-time champions Army 3-0 as Ali Adim Shah, Shakir Lashari and Zeeshan Ali scored a goal each. After are result, PIA stay in third position with 29 points.

Meanwhile, Afghan FC also registered a 3-2 win against KPT at the KPT Stadium.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27^th, 2013.

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