Bengaluru FC storm into AFC Cup group stages

Bengaluru Feb 20 (IANS) Antonio Dovale scored Bengaluru FC s first ever hat-trick in Asian competition (in the 12th 35th and 48th minutes) as the Blues ran roughshod over Maldivian side TC Sports Club beating them 5-0 (8-2 on aggregate) at the Kanteerava Stadium here on Tuesday to book a place in the AFC Cup Group stages

Erik Paartalu marked the occasion with an outrageous left-footed volley (36th minute) from 40 yards out and Rahul Bheke added a fifth (90th minute) late in the game in what was also the Blues biggest ever win the AFC Cup.

The Blues join I-League side Aizawl FC Maldives New Radiant SC and Abahani Dhaka from Bangladesh in Group E of the continental competition which commences on March 7 with an away clash against the reigning Indian champions.

--IANS
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