King Cup: Afimico Pululu kicks off his Saudi adventure with a brace
Afimico Pululu opened his account with Al-Hazem. Starting against Al-Bukayriyah in the Round of 16 of the King Cup, the 27-year-old forward netted a brace, powering his team to a 3-2 away victory and securing a ticket to the next round.
Just days after making his debut in the Saudi league against Abha Club, Pululu has already found the back of the net with his new team. In the starting eleven once again, the Congolese striker needed only five minutes to break the deadlock.
Played through into the box, the former Jagiellonia striker capitalized on a failed intervention by the opposing goalkeeper to score his first official goal in Al-Hazem colors. This opening goal quickly set the tone for his adventure in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Bukayriyah soon equalized, but Pululu struck again before halftime. Well-positioned in the box and forgotten by the defense, he latched onto a cross from the right just a few meters from goal to complete his brace and restore the lead for his side.
Al-Hazem eventually netted a third goal after the break through Sultan Tunkar. Despite a late comeback attempt by the opposition, Pululu’s club held firm until the final whistle to clinch a 3-2 win.
A first statement after his league debut
This performance comes just days after Pululu’s first appearance in the Saudi Pro League. Against Abha Club, the Congolese striker started and played almost the entire match, though he failed to score.
It took until his second official match for the forward to open his tally. With two goals in his first King Cup start, Pululu has sent an early message to his new coach, showing he can quickly become a key weapon in Al-Hazem's attacking arsenal.
His adaptation will now be tested in the league. Al-Hazem will play their first home match of the season on Friday against Al-Diriyah—another chance for Pululu to keep up his momentum.
A new chapter after Jagiellonia
Before his move to Saudi Arabia, Pululu made a name for himself in Poland with Jagiellonia Białystok. Having come up through FC Basel and played for several European clubs, the striker gradually became one of the Polish side’s main attacking threats.
His spell at Jagiellonia notably allowed him to experience Champions League football and establish himself as a powerful forward, dangerous with his movement and clinical inside the box.
Now at Al-Hazem, Pululu embarks on a new adventure in a rapidly growing league. And after just two official matches, the Congolese striker already has two goals to his name. The machine is up and running.
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