Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Cebu: Global’s chances of reaching the AFC President’s Cup finals at the first time of asking suffered a major blow on Friday when the Philippines’ champions were defeated 2-0 by Pakistan’s KRL (Khan Research Laboratories) in the penultimate round of Group B matches.
Global, the first side from the Philippines to take part in the AFC President Cup, impressed on their continental club debut when they defeated Bhutan’s Yeedzin 5-0 but the UFL (United Football League) champions were given a wake up call on the competitiveness of the tournament for developing nations on Friday when they conceded a goal in each half to lose to KRL and put their hopes of a place in the finals in serious jeopardy.
Mehmood Khan put KRL one-up with 12 minutes at the Cebu City Sports Centre played before fellow midfielder Adil sealed the victory in the 77th minute to see the Pakistan champions go level on four points with Group B leaders Dordoi, who defeated Bhutan’s Yeedzin 9-0 in the earlier match at the same venue.
Global are in third place and will have to defeat six-time finalists Dordoi to book their place in September’s finals while KRL will be confident of taking all three points against a Yeedzin side that has conceded 14 times when the curtain comes down on Group C on Sunday.