KRL draws Dordoi, boosts Global’s bid

CEBU CITY—Filipino side Global got a boost at the start of Group B play in the AFC President’s Cup yesterday after Pakistan’s Khan Research Laboratories and Dordoi Bishkek battled to a 1-1 stalemate at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The draw meant that KRL and Dordoi dropped two points, leaving the door open for the reigning United Football League champs to take the early lead if they beat Yeedzin of Bhutan late last night.

Dordoi took the lead through Kyrgyzstani international Vadim Karchenko in the 23rd minute, but KRL leveled six minutes into the second half with skipper Samar Ishaq firing from the penalty spot.

Undaunted by Dordoi’s status as a six-time finalist and two-time winner of the tournament, KRL put the Kyrgyzstan side in trouble several times with quick counter attacks that ended up with limp attempts on goal.

Dordoi could have put the match to bed early, but the Kyrgyzstan side wasted three clear-cut chances after taking a 1-0 lead.