Michael Olunga scores in Al Arabi’s Cup triumph
By Luke Oluoch, October 29, 2025Harambee Stars ace Michael Olunga scored a goal for the first time as captain of Al Arabi as the club secured passage in the Qatar Super League Cup next rounds in a convincing 6-1 victory against Lusal on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
The Kenyan, who started the match on the substitute bench, grabbed the fifth goal of the clash, nodding home from a cross in the 74th minute against the minnows.
Yazan Alhaimat grabbed the match plaudits with his hat-trick, inspiring the host to the huge victory.
The attacker’s performance proved crucial in setting a comfortable 4-0 cushion heading to the breather, before the Kenyan helped seal the win in the final half.
Back-to-back goals
The goal continued the striker’s scoring streak, coming after his strike in Arabi’s previous clash against Al Sadd on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Olunga has now scored two of his team’s nine goals in what has been a week of high returns from the Harambee Stars ace.
Against Al Sadd, the towering striker notched home in the 43rd minute from Rodri’s cross to level matters after Al Sadd got in front via Akram Affif.
The strike inspired the team to a stunning comeback en route to the comfortable league victory on away grounds.
Dismal start
Saturday’s win saw Al Arabi earn their second league win on Match Day Seven as Cosmin Contra seeks to shore up the team’s stuttering start to their league campaign.
Olunga, who signed for Al Arabi in July 2025, currently has three league goals after seven league games.
The striker is, however, among the big names that will miss Kenya’s next phase of international friendly ties after he was left out of Benni McCarthy’s latest squad for back-to-back ties in Turkey.
Harambee Stars
According to an official statement from FKF on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Kenya will open their tour against Madagascar on November 14 before taking on Comoros four days later on November 17 or 18, with the exact date to be confirmed.
Among those handed the nods for the ties is teenage midfielder Aldrine Kibet, who earns his first senior national team call-up.
The Celta Vigo youngster has impressed with his creativity and composure both at club level and in Kenya’s youth national sides.
Also joining the squad is Baron Ochieng of Zamalek, another promising player who has continued to make progress in his club career. McCarthy has also recalled Ovella Ochieng, whose return after a long absence adds pace and directness to the team’s attack.
The two matches will give McCarthy a chance to assess his players’ readiness ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures, including World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.