Global FC off to sizzling start

Games tomorrow:

4:30 p.m. – Yeedzin (Bhutan) vs Dordoi Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)

7:30 p.m – KRL (Pakistan) vs Global FC (Philippines)

Global FC did not disappoint the more than 2,000 fans that packed the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) last night after it scored a 5-0 thrashing of Yeedzin of Bhutan in its opening match in the Group B stage qualifiers of the 2013 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s Cup.

The win allowed Global FC to take the top spot with three points while Yeedzin dropped to the cellar with no points.

Earlier, a converted penalty allowed Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) of Pakistan to score an upset after drawing two-time champions Dordoi Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan 1-all in the opening match.

The 1-all draw earned Dordoi Bishkek and KRL a point each.

Half German-Cebuano Patrick Reichelt led Global FC’s scoring spree when he found the back of the net just four minutes into the match.

This was followed with another goal four minutes later courtesy of Carli de Murga, who later picked up a yellow card for wasting time.

Ben Starosta and Misagh Bahadoran made it 4-0 for Global FC at halftime.

Bhutan became slightly physical in the second half but this did not yield dividends as Global FC stretched its lead to five courtesy of Janver Angeles who picked up a corner kick from Jeffrey Christiaens.

Global FC head coach Brian Reid said he appreciated the homecrowd who did not stop cheering for the team from start to finish.

“I am very elated, it was magnificent. We appreciate it. It is a big boost for us especially that we are representing the country,” Reid said.

DORDOI VS KRL

KRL head coach Tariq Lutfi said that he is very satisfied with the draw considering that Dordoi had played very well.

“KRL is new to the tournament. Last year we qualified in the final stage but we played at home. Dordoi is a very good team and I have so much respect for them,” Lutfi said during the post-match conference.

Lutfi added that neither the pitch or the weather had hampered their game.

Dordoi Bishkek looked headed to collecting its first three points when its pressing attack allowed Kharchenko Vadim to score in the 23rd minute.

Vadim scored on a follow through after beating KRL goalkeeper Saqib Hanif who failed to get back up in time after he dived to save a ball from Murzaev Mirlan.

KRL team captain Samar Ishaq had scored the equalizer in the second half after he converted the penalty in the 49th minute.