Photo Credit - Al Duhail SC Media.
Kenya international Michael Olunga sparked a comeback for Al Duhail SC as they rallied to beat Al Ahli 4-2 in a Qatar Stars League fixture that saw Algerian star Hakim Ziyech find the back of the net at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday.
Despite taking an early lead through Lucas Verissimo in the 26th minute, Olunga’s Duhail found themselves trailing 2-1 at half-time after a brace from Julian Draxler put the visiting side ahead in the 38th and 42nd minutes respectively.
However, in the second half, Duhail came back a more rejuvenated side and it was the Harambee Stars captain who started the comeback, with a beautifully taken goal in the 74th minute after being teed up by Edimilson Junior to make it 2-2.
Eight minutes later, Ziyech, who featured for Chelsea in the Premier League, put Duhail ahead for the first time in the game, when he drilled home from a free kick.
The Red Knight’s comeback was completed in the stoppages when Benjamin Bourigeaud sealed the win to make it 4-2. Olunga has now scored 11 league goals from 15 appearances and provided two assists.
For Ziyech, this was his first goal since moving to Duhail from Galatasaray. He has managed five appearances but is yet to create an assist.
Olunga’s scoring form will be great news for new Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy as he prepares to name his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya, who are sitting fourth in Group F, are scheduled to face Gambia and Gabon.
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