Michael Olunga’s strike inspires Al Arabi to return to winning ways
By Luke Oluoch, October 26, 2025Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga bagged the equalising goal as the Al Arabi side claimed a comfortable 3-1 win over hosts Al Sadd FC in the Qatar Super League tie on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
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.
Olunga’s strike inspired a stunning comeback, as an own goal from Ahmed Suhail two minutes later saw the visitors coast to a comfortable evening on away grounds.
Dismal start
With the win, Al Arabi claimed their second league win to shore up a stuttering start to their league campaign. Olunga grabbed his third league goal since signing for the Qatari side on July 5, 2025.
In the team’s seven league ties in the season, the Kenyan has featured for the team five times, missing one game and starting one from the bench.
The team is now ranked ninth after suffering four losses and two wins after seven games.
Meanwhile, back home, four Kenyan players will play in the coveted CAF group phases following their respective teams’ qualification on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Tanzania-based players Elvis Rupia of Singida Back Stars and Duke Abuya of Young Africans led the way with comfortable home victories.
Rupia featured as Black Stars earned their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages with a 3-1 comeback win over Flambeau of Burundi.
Shumah on target
Abuya and Young Africans mounted a stunning comeback to edge Silver Strikers 2-0 and secure their place in the final phases of the continental games.
Abuya, who started on the bench in the first-leg tie that saw Yanga suffer a 1-0 defeat, was restored to the starting line-up for the return tie at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
In Zambia, Moses Shumah was on the score sheet as Power Dynamos drew Ivan Minnaert’s Vipers 1-1 to advance on a 3-1 aggregate win.
Shumah also bagged a goal in the first-leg tie in Uganda, with his strike in the return leg stretching his fine form in front of goal.
Baron Ochieng, who plays for Zamalek in Egypt, will also feature in the CAF group phases after the White Knights eliminated Somalia Dekadaha in the second qualifier rounds on Saturday.