CEBU CITY , Philippines – Philippine club Global FC fell to Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) of Pakistan, 0-2, in a heartbreaking setback in last night’s Group B qualifiers that made their road to the final round of AFC President’s Cup a lot bumpier.
Lacking the organized buildup and attack that characterized its 5-0 shutout of Yeedzin of Bhutan on opening day, Global tried in vain to duplicate the feat against a better-skilled opponent and yielded the crucial match before 4,352 supporters at Cebu City Sports Complex.
Had the Phl club won, it would have assured itself of a place in the next phase with six points.
As it was, Global got stuck at three points, dropping to third behind its conquerors from Pakistan (four points) and Dordoi (four points), which manhandled Yeedzin in the first game, 9-0.
Global thus face a must-win situation against Dordoi tomorrow night to land in the Top 2 and salvage a place in the final round of the tourney for clubs from “emerging†Asian nations.
KRL made good on a corner opportunity in the 12th minute to score the first goal via Mahmood Khan and put the Pinoys on the backfoot. Khan launched a swerving corner kick that blew past an off-position Global keeper Moussa Sanogo, the ball bouncing off the post and in to the dismay of the local fans.
Adil added to Global’s heartaches when he blasted it home at the 76th for a two-goal lead.
Global had its chances. Patrick Reichelt delivered a nice cross to Joshua Beloya but the latter’s header just went over the bar in the 70th and Carli de Murga’s shot off a delivery by Misagh Bahadoran was cleared by the KRL defenders three minutes later.
Earlier forward Mirlan Murzaev knocked in five goals (9’, 41’, 50’, 72’, 80’) in a searing display of offensive might as Dordoi mercilessly pounded on the outmatched Bhutanese club to bounce back strong after getting forced to a 1-1 draw by KRL on opening day.