Olunga's brace sends Al Duhail to Champions League semifinals

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STARS ABROAD Olunga's brace sends Al Duhail to Champions League semifinals

Festus Chuma 09:08 - 24.02.2023

Al Duhail will take on Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the last four.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga scored two late goals on Thursday as Al Duhail beat Al Shabab 2-1 to reach the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League.

Olunga scored his first goal in the 77th minute after heading Edmilson Junior's corner past goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

The 28-year-old made it 2-0 in the 85th minute after connecting to Ismail Mohammed's cross from the right late in the second stanza.

Al Shabab found a consolation in added time courtesy of defender Saeed Al Rubaie who produced a beautiful finish after connecting a cross from the light.

"It was all about the group, we worked collectively to get the win. It feels great to be part of this history. We knew it was going to be a difficult, high tempo game but we - the players, officials and fans - gave it our all.

"It was a game of two halves. They had chances (in the first half) but they didn't take them. We had chances in the second half and we took them," Olunga was quoted by AFC Champions League official portal.

Al Shabab had most of the chances in the first stanza but could not find a way past Salah Zakaria between Al Duhail's posts.

Olunga had an opportunity to put Al Duhail ahead in the first half with his header missing the target.

"In this kind of game, we must be patient with our timings. I was not involved much in the first half, and at half-time, the coach said I had to do more and get into spaces, and I did.

We are looking forward to the semifinal. We will work and play as a group and I am sure it is going to be a fantastic game to play," added Olunga. 

The former Gor Mahia talisman has been instrumental in Al Duhail's fight for the title. He netted a penalty in the quarterfinals as his side bundled out Al Rayyan.

Al Duhail will now face title holder Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the semifinal on Sunday after the four-time champions defeated Iranian club Foolad 1-0 on Thursday.

The winner of the match will take on Urawa Reds of Japan in the two-legged final in April and May.

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