Michael Olunga sends message of firepower to Benni McCarthy with brilliant strike in Qatar

Michael Olunga

Michael Olunga sends message of firepower to Benni McCarthy with brilliant strike in Qatar

Festus Chuma 21:30 - 28.02.2025

Michael Olunga’s stunning goal powers Al Duhail to victory as Kenya awaits Benni McCarthy’s unveiling as Harambee Stars’ new coach.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga was on the scoresheet as Al Duhail SC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Shahania in a Qatar Stars League encounter on Friday, just days before Kenya unveils Benni McCarthy as the new national team head coach.

Olunga delivered a crucial goal early in the second half showing his trademark pace and composure. 

The Kenyan striker latched onto a long pass from goalkeeper Salah Zakaria Hassan, sprinted past Al Shahania’s defenders, and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike to put Al Duhail ahead. 

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The match, played with intensity from both sides, saw Al Duhail break the deadlock through Olunga’s brilliance before Al Shahania equalized in the 66th minute. 

Pelle van Amersfoort converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed he had been brought down inside the box. The goal momentarily revived Al Shahania’s hopes of extending their four-match winning streak, but Al Duhail responded swiftly.

Just four minutes later, Karim Boudiaf restored Al Duhail’s lead with a well-timed header from a corner kick, directing the ball into the right side of the goal past Al Shahania’s goalkeeper Marc Martinez. 

The Red Knights held on to their advantage despite late pressure from Al Shahania, who were desperate to salvage at least a point.

The closing moments of the match were filled with drama, as Al Duhail had to navigate nine minutes of stoppage time amid waves of Al Shahania attacks. The visitors came close on multiple occasions but could not break through Al Duhail’s resilient defense. 

Their frustration was compounded when Francesco Antonucci received a red card in the 98th minute, reducing Al Shahania to 10 men and ending their hopes of a late equalizer.

Al Duhail reclaimed the top spot in the Qatar Stars League standings with the win, moving to 38 points, just one ahead of reigning champions Al Sadd. 

Meanwhile, Al Shahania remained on 23 points, missing the opportunity to climb higher in the league table.

For Olunga, the goal added to his growing tally this season, keeping him in the race for the Golden Boot. He currently sits in fifth place with 17 goals, level with last season’s top scorer, Baghdad Bounedjah of Al-Shamal. The Kenyan talisman continues to prove his worth as one of the most lethal forwards in the league.

His latest heroics come just days before the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officially unveils Benni McCarthy as the new Harambee Stars head coach. 

The appointment of the former Bafana Bafana striker has generated excitement among Kenyan football fans, with hopes that his vast experience and tactical acumen will elevate the national team’s performance.

The FKF confirmed that McCarthy’s unveiling will take place on Sunday, February 27, at the KICC Pavilion in Nairobi, with key federation officials and other stakeholders in attendance. 

His appointment marks a new chapter for Kenya’s football, and with players like Olunga in top form, McCarthy will have a strong foundation to build upon.