Olunga help propel Al Duhail to Emir Cup quarterfinal
Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga was on target as Al Duhail SC defeated Al Shamal 3-1 to progress to the quarter-final of the Emir Cup.
Al Duhail had to dig deep for a win after initially going down and the advance to the quarters means their dream of a silverware this season remains alive.
Meanwhile, Phillipe Coutinho equalised for Olunga’s side when he converted a penalty just before the hour mark for a 1-1 draw before the half time break.
Ismael Muhammad scored the second goal for Al Duhail in the 52nd minute. The goal underwent an intense scurtiny by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) before it was finally allowed to stand.
Al Shamal were penalised late in the second half when Olunga scored following some miscommunication from the defenders and the goalkeeper. The Harambee Stars captain collected the ball after the goalkeeper’s low, less powerful pass to his defender.
Olunga had a rather easy job of slotting the bainto an empty net.
Good form
The progress in the domestic competition means the Qatar Stars League champions are on course to lift at least a silverware this season. They exited the Asian Champions League and are not in a position to defend the league crown.
Olunga’s goalscoring form should be welcome news for Harambee Stars’ head coach Engin Firat who will need his striker to be on top when international duties call later in June.