AFC President's Cup: Global FC seeks win No.2 vs. Pakistan’s KRL squad

CEBU, Philippines - After a rousing debut against the hapless Yeedzin FC from Bhutan, Global FC guns for its second straight victory and a berth into the final round as it takes on the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) squad of Pakistan in the resumption of the AFC President's Cup today at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Global FC, composed of some members of the celebrated Philippine Azkals, will square off against the KRL booters in the main match at 7:30 pm, right after the opening showdown between Yeedzin FC and Dordoi Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan at 4:30 pm.

Global FC kick-started its campaign in the five-day joust with a clinical 5-0 beating of Yeedzin FC, while KRL and Dordoi fought to a 1-1 draw.

“I'm very happy with our game against Yeedzin, but you know it's only the first day. We have to keep going,” said Global coach Brian Reid. “I'm very elated with the crowd. It was magnificent. We appreciate it. The loud cheers was a big boost for us as we represent the country. Hopefully we get more support from fans for our next games,” he added.

An estimated crowd of 2,500 went to support Global and the organizing Cebu Football Association (CFA) hopes the attendance will increase today.

Fil-German Patrick Reichelt, whose mother is from Argao, Cebu, sparked Global's scoring spree after finding the back of the net with just five minutes gone by in the game.

A minute later, Carli Martinez de Murga was slapped with a yellow card, but did not matter as he delivered another goal on the eighth.

“I still don't know why? The referee thinks I was wasting time,” said De Murga in reaction to the referee's call.

The daring midfielder was then replaced by Marwin Angeles at the 30th as coach Reid wanted de Murga to rest  especially that he had been feeling some pain on his hamstring.

Global punched in two more goals before the first half ended courtesy of Ben Starosta at the 13th and Fil-Iranian Misagh Bahadoran at the 19th as the lone Philippine club in the competition sat on a comfortable four-goal cushion at the half.

Another Azkal Jeffrey Christiaens connected with a great pass to Marwin Angeles in the 65th minute that wrapped up the scoring parade for the football club of Azkals team manager Dan Palami.

The contending clubs will play in single round robin, with the top two teams proceeding to the final stage against the best of Group A and C later this year. (FREEMAN)