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Michael Olunga's goal-scoring return in the QSL sends a strong message to Cameroon ahead of the AFCON qualifier.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga sent a message to the rest of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) as he marked his second game back from injury with a crucial goal in Al-Duhail’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Al Sadd on Saturday night.
The match played at the Khalifa International Stadium, saw Olunga’s team claim their fifth consecutive win of the season maintaining a perfect record as they surged to the top of the table with 15 points.
Al-Duhail's early dominance was evident and Olunga wasted no time proving his fitness and sharpness.
Though he missed an early penalty in the seventh minute after being denied by Al Sadd's goalkeeper Meshaal Barsha, Olunga quickly redeemed himself.
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In the 15th minute, a well-executed team play saw Karim Boudiaf deliver a precise cross from the right which was cleverly dummied by Luis Alberto, leaving Olunga in prime position.
The former Gor Mahia man did not disappoint striking a bouncing shot that evaded Barsham and found the back of the net to give Al-Duhail a 1-0 lead.
This goal, Olunga’s first since returning from injury, set the tone for Al-Duhail’s dominance throughout the match.
Despite missing several key fixtures, including two crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for Kenya, Olunga's return has brought much-needed firepower to the team, and his performance against Al Sadd was a clear indication that he’s back to full fitness.
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Al-Duhail extended their lead just minutes later. Belgian winger Edmilson Junior, who was in inspired form, took on the Al Sadd defense and scored with a clinical finish in the 23rd minute to make it 2-0.
Just five minutes later, Homam Ahmed made it three, capitalizing on another assist from Edmilson to further punish Al Sadd, whose defense struggled to cope with the relentless attacks from Al-Duhail’s forward line.
The fourth goal came in spectacular fashion as Edmilson, continuing his fine form, unleashed a brilliant strike from the left side in the 33rd minute. His shot beat a diving Barsham to make it 4-0.
Edmilson’s performance has been a highlight for Al-Duhail this season, and this goal marked his fifth of the campaign.
Al Sadd managed a consolation goal in injury time of the first half, as Hassan Al Haydous slotted in after a scramble in the box, following a rebound from Rafa Mujica’s initial attempt.
The goal reduced the deficit to 4-1 but offered little relief for Al Sadd, who struggled throughout the match to cope with Al-Duhail’s relentless pressure.
In the second half, Al-Duhail continued their charge, and although Almoez Ali missed a golden opportunity in the 53rd minute, he made amends moments later by heading in a fifth goal for his side. His well-placed header into the left corner of the goal sealed the comprehensive 5-1 win for Al-Duhail.
Despite the scoreline, the match statistics were closer than expected. Al Sadd held 51% possession to Al-Duhail’s 49%, and they completed more passes (611 to Al-Duhail’s 595).
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However, it was Al-Duhail’s clinical finishing that made the difference. Olunga, Edmilson Junior, and Almoez Ali were ruthless in attack, and their efficiency overwhelmed Al Sadd, who suffered their third loss of the season.
For Olunga, this performance is a clear statement of his return to form.
After missing crucial matches for both club and country, the Kenyan striker has now scored in back-to-back games since his return, reaffirming his status as one of the most feared forwards in the QSL.
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