APL

Shaheen Asmayee and Toofan Harirod will have their second game of the season, facing each other later today at the AFF Stadium at 4:00 PM.

Shaheen is the two times defending RAPL champions while Toofan claimed the same trophy in 2012, RAPL’s opening year. This is a critical game for the current and past titleholder to dominate and win.

Shaheen lost their first game to Simorgh Alborz 3-1 and left their fans disappointed with a surprisingly lackluster performance. Their only goal being scored by Samiullah Mohammadi via penalty shot.

Shaheen won’t have any chance of advancing the group stage if they lose today’s game. “We couldn’t play as a team in our last game and lost. We have realized that and won’t repeat the same mistake playing against Toofan.” Bashir Ahmad Sadat, Shaheen Assistant Coach said.

Toofan finished their first game in a 2-2 draw with De Maiwand Atalan. They appeared strong and in form as a team in their opening game but they are well aware of today’s challenge against Shaheen.

“We believe Shaheen is a strong team and it will be challenging to defeat them. However, we have trained for this day and prepared to face them today.” Sayed Moheen Hamidi, Toofan Assistan Coach said.

Shaheen will be playing against Toofan for the first time since the 2013 Semi Finals, defeating them 3-2. This will be one the biggest games to watch for in this season’s group stage competition.

All of the group stage matches will start at 4:00 pm this season. The matches will broadcast live on TOLO TV, Lemar TV, Arman FM and Arakozai FM.  It will also be watchable on the RAPL YouTube page (www.youtube.com/afghanpremierleague).