Motivation for Harambee Stars as impressive Olunga propels Al Duhail to resounding win

Michael Olunga scored his second goal since returning from an injury as he inspired Al Duhail SC to a resounding 5-1 victory over Al Sadd on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The captain missed Kenya‘s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to an injury but now looks ready before the next game against Cameroon in October.

Meanwhile, Olunga struck the opening goal for Al Duhail, although the opener would have come much earlier had he scored a penalty in the fifth minute.

The Qatar Stars League giants won a penalty when Edmilson was brought down, but Olunga’s spot kick was saved by Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham.

However, the Harambee Stars captain scored in the 14th minute when he picked a cross from Karim Boudiaf and broke the deadlock. Edmilson doubled the lead in the 28th minute after a brilliant individual run.

Al Duhail stretched the lead to 3-0 after Al Amin scored minutes later after the second goal, before Edmilson, the provider of the assist for the second goal, scored the fourth one with a long-range strike. The Brazilian scored his third in the 40th minute to cap a brilliant night with individual brilliance.

Olunga’s side was denied a clean sheet after Al Sadd pulled one back through Hassan Al Haydoos just before halftime.

Coach impressed

After the resounding win, head coach Christophe Galtier said he was impressed but felt they should have scored more goals.

“Our goal tally could have been higher after we largely controlled the first half, and our penetrations of Al Sadd defences were relatively easy. This would not have been achieved without the full commitment of all our players.

“There was a collective commitment from all the team’s members and full respect for the tactical plan that we had prepared. Our defensive and offensive lines cooperated to deliver a very high-quality first half,” the French tactician said.

According to the coach, the second half proved difficult for his side as compared to the initial stanza.

“The second half was a bit more complicated for our team. We started well and created some opportunities, but as soon as we scored the fifth goal, I felt the team had slowed down, and signs of relaxation appeared among our players after we felt close to winning and securing the result of the match.

“We could have performed much better during the second half, which is something I will discuss with the players and emphasise the need for a consistent level on the field, regardless of the score,” he continued.