Global seeks AFC final-round slot vs Pakistan side

CEBU CITY—Buoyed by a lopsided triumph in its debut, Global tries to seal qualification to the AFC President’s Cup final round when it battles Khan Research Laboratories of Pakistan tonight in Group B at Cebu City Sports Center here.

Using a blistering start, Global, the first Filipino side to see action in the continental tournament, routed Yeedzin of Bhutan, 5-0, to gain the early lead after KRL and Dordoi Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan played to a 1-1 stalemate.

Global will still play Dordoi on Sunday, but a win over KRL will give the UFL champions a spot in the six-team finals.

Patrick Reichelt, Carli de Murga, Ben Starosta, Misagh Bahadoran and Marwin Angeles scored a goal each against Yeedzin.

Juani Guirado anchored the backline with authority while Jason de Jong set the tempo to Global’s play in midfield. Moussa Sanogo also looked assured in his debut for Global in between the posts.

The incisiveness of Global’s attack early on delighted coach Brian Reid, although he later expressed concern when his squad got a little sloppy after taking a 4-0 lead in the first 20 minutes.

“We are delighted to start the tournament in the right manner, but it’s only the first step,” said Reid. “It’s always difficult heading into a tournament that you don’t know the strengths of the opposition.”

Global owner Dan Palami believes his squad’s task is far from finished.

“We need to be more consistent in our game,” said Palami, noting the fact that his team did not play up to its standards for some stretches in the Yeedzin clash.