Games today:
4:30 p.m. – Yeedzin (Bhutan) vs Dordoi Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
7:30 p.m – KRL (Pakistan) vs Global FC (Philippines)
Global FC of the Philippines tries to solidify its hold of the top spot in Group B as it shoots for its second win when it faces Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) of Pakistan in the stage qualifiers of the 2013 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s Cup today at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
Global FC beat Yeedzin of Bhutan, 5-0, in its first outing last Wednesday. Head coach Brian Reid said that the first 30 minutes of that match was played very well by his team as it set the tone for the blowout.
He said his team slackened a bit during the second half but overall, he was satisfied with their performance.
Reid of Scotland also hopes that the homecrowd will continue supporting Global FC, especially on Sunday when it meets the two-time champions Dordoi Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan.
KRL head coach Tariq Lutfi, for his part, is optimistic of his team’s chances against Global FC today.
He said he is very satisfied that KRL was able to draw its match against Dordoi.
He noted that Global FC is a dangerous team since it is manned by some members of the Philippine Azkals and other noted players.
YEEDZIN VS DORDOI
As for Yeedzin, head coach Kinley Dorji said they will concentrate on making short passes and set pieces.
He added that he did not expect Global FC to move that fast. He also did not expect his team to be buried by five goals.
According to Dorji, the homecrowd was a huge factor in his team’s defeat to Global FC.
Dordoi head coach Dvoryankov Sergey, on the other hand, speaking through an interpreter, admitted that some of his players are tired since they have been seeing action in several international matches.
Dordoi is mostly comprised of players from the Kyrgyzstan national team.
The top two teams in this group will advance to the final stages in September.
Meanwhile, Nimrod Quinones, one of the board members of the Cebu Football Association (CFA) which is hosting this AFC tournament, said that more than 2,000 spectators that showed up to watch the matches last Wednesday. He said that was a good turnout considering that the game was held on a week day. They are expecting more spectators today and on Sunday.