Al Duhail's Michael Olunga (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil
Doha, Qatar: Reigning champions Al Duhail, bolstered by a brilliant brace by Kenyan striker Michael Olunga, yesterday kicked off the second week of the Expo Stars League with a dominant 4-1 victory over Muaither at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Al Duhail’s star power was on full display in yesterday’s game despite the promoted Muaither displaying some sort of promise in the first half which saw scores levelled at 1-1.
Apart from the scintillating show from Olunga, notable performances came Almoez Ali, who assisted in three of the team’s striking efforts.
The match also highlighted Al Duhail’s mastery of the game, with Olunga and Almoez forming a strong partnership.
Almoez congratulated his teammates and the club fans on the win, noting that the match was a tough one.
“I would like to congratulate the players and the fans on this second win after a strong and tough match, during which we succeeded in performing well,” Almoez said.
This season will be exceptional and strong as it is obvious that all teams prepared well, which was demonstrated by Muaither today, especially in the first half,” the Qatar striker said.
Olunga’s impressive goals came in the ninth and 76th minutes, showcasing his remarkable scoring ability. Ibrahima Diallo added to the tally in the 68th minute, and substitute Isaac Lihadji finished off with a goal in the 90+7 minute.
Muaither managed to find the net thanks to a goal by Romanian forward Denis Alibec in the 37th minute, but they failed to keep up the pace in front of Al Duhail’s prowess.
Al Duhail’s commanding performance not only secured them full points once again but also underlined the Hernan Crespo-coached team’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with, while Muaither have to wait for their first points in the Expo Stars League this season.
Later, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan clinched a 1-0 victory over Qatar SC.
The Lions struck early into the match when Spanish striker Rodrigo Moreno seized an opportunity and hammered the ball into the net in the 15th minute.
Moreno’s clinical finish, off a perfectly placed cross from new recruit Roger Guedes, left Qatar SC’s goalkeeper Sataa Al Abbasi helpless as jubilant Al Rayyan fans burst into celebrations.
