Olunga’s brace hands Duhail victory as he goes top in Golden Boot race

© Al Duhail SC

STARS ABROAD Olunga’s brace hands Duhail victory as he goes top in Golden Boot race

Kiplagat Sang 21:27 - 29.04.2023

The Kenyan star scored in either half to ensure the league leaders extended their gap at the top.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga scored a brace as Al Duhail SC secured a 2-1 win over Umm Salal in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) on Saturday.

The former Gor Mahia star opened the scoring from a spot-kick in the third minute of added time in the first half.

Umm Salal fought hard and quickly registered an equalizer in the sixth minute of added time through Adil Rhaili before the teams broke for the half-time breather.

Olunga scored the second for Duhail four minutes after the hour mark, and they managed to hold onto the slim lead to the end.

Al Duhail’s manager, Hernan Crespo, made his first change in the 69th minute when Khaled Mohammed was withdrawn and Isameel Mohammad was brought on.

The second substitution for the away side came in the 83rd minute, with Assim Madibo replacing Karim Boudiaf.

The win is a crucial result for Olunga’s side, as it keeps them at the top of the league table. They have 48 points, five more than second-placed Al Arabi, and both have played 20 matches.

The defeat on home turf means Umm Salal, with 16 points from 20 games, remains 11th on the 12-team table.

Next up for Olunga and his teammates is a match against third-placed Al Sadd at home. This promises to be a tricky encounter for Al Duhail given that Al Sadd will be expected to fight hard as they need points to boost their chances of winning the title.