‘We need to win every match now’

Kaleemullah reinforces KRL’s focus as side thrashes PIA 3-0 in PPFL.

KARACHI: Defending champions KRL thrashed PIA 3-0 in the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) at the Faisal Town Ground in Lahore on Wednesday.

PIA, who now stand in seventh position, held KRL as both teams failed to score in the first-half.

However, Muhammad Adil scored the opening goal in the 53rd minute of the match, while Saddam Hussain doubled the lead seven minutes later. Kaleemullah also contributed with his goal in the 78th minute to seal KRL’s 17th win of the season.



The team edged closer to table leaders KESC to continue in second place with 56 points after playing 25 matches.

According to Kaleemullah, KRL will need to win their remaining matches if they want a shot at the title.

“We know that we need to win every match now, we don’t have the leverage to lose or play a draw,” Kaleemullah told The Express Tribune. “Every match counts.”

He said that their next match against PAF on Saturday would be an important one.

“If we win against PAF, we’ll have a 70% chance of clinching the title.”

Meanwhile, Kaleemullah added that his aim was to receive the award for being the season’s highest scorer, apart from hoping a title win for his team. He took the trophy with 35 goals last season. So far he said he has scored 19 goals in 25 matches.

In another fixture, PAF drew 1-1 with KPT. Irfan Ali scored the first goal in the eighth minute of the match for PAF, while Muhammad equalised the score seven minutes later.

PAF continue in fourth place with 47 points, while KPT remain on eighth spot with 38 points, following PIA’s seventh-place stand with 43 points.

Afghan FC also held NBP in a 1-1 draw. NBP, in 12th place with 33 points, are facing relegation, while Afghan FC stand in ninth position with 35 points.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2014.

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