KRL pitted against reigning champions

Pakistani side Khan Research Laboratories have been placed in the same group of the AFC Presidents Cup as winners of the last edition, Taiwan Power Company.

Tariq Lutfi’s KRL side romped to the Premier League title last season, but face a stern test of their footballing credentials in the Asian competition.

The Rawalpindi outfit take on reigning champions Taiwan Power Company in the group stages and while it looks to be an uphill battle, coach Lutfi has reiterated his desire to secure progression to the next round.

Speaking to reporters, the former Pakistan boss revealed his optimism going into the game and revealed that there were going to be wholesome changes in the team.

“I am optimistic that we will be able to make it to the final round. I am also going to revamp the team. A few young players are being inducted in place of a few seniors.”

He also added that his side will have to be wary of the current title-holders but should be able to get the points against Erchim and perhaps even the Bangladeshi champions.

“We will be very careful about the last year’s champions Taiwan Power Company. But we have a chance against Mongolia’s Erchim FC and it is yet to be seen how many professional players are playing in the Bangladeshi club.”

Lastly, Lutfi said that the club might hold their training camp in Lahore, in order to prepare themselves for the challenge that lies ahead.

“We will try to hold camp, if possible in Lahore, for the whole April to make better preparations for a tough assignment,” the trainer was quoted as saying.

Full Group placement is as follows:

Group A: KRL Football Club (Pakistan), Taiwan Power Company (Chinese Taipei), LSJ Dhanmondi Club Limited (Bangladesh), Erchim FC (Mongolia).

Group B: Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia), Dordoi-Dynamo (Kyrgyzstan), Nepal Police Club (Nepal), Yeezdin FC (Bhutan).

Group C: Istiklol FC (Tajikistan), Balkan FC (Turkmenistan), Al Amma’ri Youth Club (Palestine), Ratnam Sports Club (Sri Lanka).

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Posted by Shahrukh Sohail on Mar 7 2012. Filed under Pakistan, South Asia, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry