Summer signing Kim Song Yong scored a perfect hat-trick as Bengaluru FC began their DSK Cup campaign with a convincing 5-0 win over Pune FC at the DSK Dream City football ground, in Pune, on Saturday. Vishal Kumar and Shelton Paul scored the other goals as the Blues secured three points to go top of Group C.
With a starting XI comprising just six regular first team players, the Pradhyum Reddy-coached Bengaluru started brightly with shots from Beikhokhei Beingaichho and Alwyn George coming close to breaking the deadlock in the early stages. Kim’s first goal of the evening came from the spot after the North Korean was brought down in the box by Pune defender Gaurav Bora. The striker made no mistake, slotting his penalty calmly past ’keeper Shain Khan in the Pune goal.
Minutes later, 28-year-old Kim turned provider as his darting run and pass from the left flank allowed defender Vishal Kumar to tap home from close to make it 2-0 to Bengaluru. U-19s striker Paul got in on the act at the stroke of half-time, picking up the ball in midfield and unleashing a screamer from over 25 yards out, past the reach of Khan and into the top corner to give the Blues a 3-0 lead at the break.
Bengaluru looked to add to their lead early in the second half with shots from George and Paul forcing saves from Khan before Kim scored his second of the night. The striker exchanged passes with Rishabh Agrawal in midfield, before slotting past Khan with a left-footed finish in the 69th minute.
The Curtis Osano-led Blues defence held tight at the back, barely allowing a sight on goal for the Pune attack as Kim grabbed his third, heading home a cross from substitute Jonathan Piers to make it 5-0. Bengaluru play Gangtok Himalayan SC in their final group game on Monday.
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