Michael Olunga got his Al Arabi debut off to a dream start, clinching the Man of the Match award in a 2-2 draw against Al Wakrah on Friday, August 15, 2025.

The Kenyan needed only 15 minutes to open his competitive debut with a goal as he nodded home from Abdou Diallo’s delivery for the host’s opener.

The lead was, however, short-lived after El Amine Zouhzouh restored parity three minutes later.

Held outcome

Former EPL star Pablo Sarabia restored Al Arabi’s lead in the 38th minute, with Al Arabi taking the advantage to the break.

Redouane Berkane’s goal in the 68th minute, however, denied Olunga and his Al Arabi charges of a winning start as the clash ended on a share of spoils.

Sixth

The draw left the team in sixth on the log. The club is, however, likely to drop down as more league matches take centre stage this Saturday.

Olunga and Al Arabi now shift focus to the next league assignment against Al Gharafa on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

The goal continued a rich vein of goalscoring form for the Harambee Stars skipper, who bagged crucial goals for the team during its preseason engagements in Valencia.

The former Gor Mahia hitman netted twice in the team’s first preseason game as Al Arabi thrashed Spanish side UD Ibiza 5-2 in a friendly on Tuesday, July, 29, 2025.

He continued the streak with a goal as Al Arabi edged out Club Costa City 2-0 in a preseason friendly tie.

His last preseason goal came on Saturday evening, August 2, 2025, as Al Arabi rode to a 5-0 friendly win over Spanish side Córdoba.

Olunga, who recently completed his move to the club from rivals Al Duhail, will be keen to continue the fine form in the Qatari Super League after agreeing to a two-year deal with the record champions.

He departed Al Duhail as the club’s all-time top scorer with 130 goals after three memorable seasons.

At Duhail, Olunga proved a key cog of the club, becoming a fan favourite and a key figure in the club’s domestic and continental campaigns. The Kenyan went on to win several major titles, including Qatar Stars League titles and multiple cup trophies.

Before his Qatari success, Olunga had lit up leagues across the globe besides his domestic stint at various Kenya Premier League clubs.