National Challenge Cup: KRL win 2-1 as Saddam makes a comeback

Midfielder has left FC Dordoi due to Kyrgyz club’s financial constraints

KARACHI: Midfielder Saddam Hussain is back in the national circuit after playing for Kyrgyzstan’s FC Dordoi and helped KRL win their first match 2-1 against SSGC at the 2015 NBP National Challenge Cup on Thursday.

KRL kicked off their campaign in Group D, conceding an early goal to SSGC’s Zakir in the 13th minute of the match.

However, KRL equalised through Murtaza Hussain in the 61st minute, and Muhammad Samad sealed the win in the 90th minute.

“It’s good to be back,” Saddam told The Express Tribune. “After playing abroad for eight months, KRL was my only choice. K-Electric also offered me a place, but if I’m playing in Pakistan I want to play for KRL, it’s where I belong.”

Saddam added that he has left FC Dordoi after an eight-month stint as the club was facing financial issues and had asked him to play for them for half the agreed price. “I was signed for $2,000 and now they want me to play for them for half of that,” said Saddam. “It’s unfair. Another Brazilian player also decided to walk out because there’s no dignity in staying.”

KRL coach Sajjab Mehmood also welcomed Saddam and said that his return will certainly help the team redeem itself in the national circuit. “It’s a relief for us that our midfielder Saddam is back with us. I believe he’ll add depth to the squad.”

Meanwhile, Ashraf Sugar Mill held former Pakistan Premier Football League champions Army in a goalless draw at the Faisal Town Football Ground in their Group B match, while KPT also drew 1-1 against Navy.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2015.

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