Michael Olunga, the captain of Harambee Stars, started the Qatar Stars League season in spectacular fashion, scoring a hat-trick that led Al Duhail to a resounding 6-1 victory over Qatar SC. This performance not only highlights Olunga’s exceptional talent but also sets the stage for what could be a stellar season for both him and Al Duhail as they seek redemption after a disappointing campaign last year.
Olunga, who has been the top scorer in the league for the past two seasons, showed no signs of slowing down. He opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a clinical finish, breaking the deadlock after a period of sustained pressure from Al Duhail. Just three minutes later, Olunga doubled his tally, demonstrating his predatory instincts as he latched onto a cross and expertly placed the ball into the net. This quickfire double gave Al Duhail a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into halftime, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Qatar SC, however, showed signs of life in the second half. Ben Malango found the back of the net in the 64th minute, reducing the deficit and giving his team a glimmer of hope. The goal was well-executed, with Malango timing his run perfectly to beat the defense and finish past the Al Duhail goalkeeper. But any thoughts of a comeback were quickly quashed as Al Duhail responded almost immediately. Just five minutes after Malango’s goal, Ismail Muhamad restored the two-goal cushion with a powerful shot that left the Qatar SC goalkeeper with no chance.
The momentum was firmly back with Al Duhail, and they capitalized on it. Muhamad, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, added his second goal in the 82nd minute, effectively putting the game beyond Qatar SC’s reach. The goal was a result of a swift counter-attack, with Muhamad displaying great composure to finish off the move.
As the match entered injury time, Al Duhail’s dominance became even more pronounced. Olunga, determined to make a statement in the season opener, completed his hat-trick with a well-placed shot, sealing the victory in style. Not to be outdone, Muhamad also completed his hat-trick in the dying moments of the game, adding a sixth goal for Al Duhail and capping off a perfect performance.
This 6-1 victory is a significant boost for Al Duhail, particularly after a disappointing 2023-24 season that saw them finish sixth in the league—a position far below the club’s usual standards. The underperformance led to the sacking of coach Hernan Crespo midway through the campaign, and Christophe Galtier was brought in to turn things around. Galtier, known for his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players, now faces the challenge of restoring Al Duhail to the top of Qatari football. The emphatic win over Qatar SC is an encouraging sign that the team is on the right track under his leadership.
For Olunga, this hat-trick is more than just a personal achievement; it is a clear message to the rest of the league that he is once again a strong contender for the golden boot. Having won the award in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, Olunga has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in the Qatar Stars League. His ability to consistently find the back of the net, even during periods when the team as a whole was struggling, underscores his importance to Al Duhail’s ambitions.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Olunga as he aims to secure his third consecutive golden boot. His partnership with Ismail Muhamad, who also demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess with a hat-trick in the same match, could prove to be one of the most formidable attacking duos in the league. If they can maintain this level of performance, Al Duhail will be well-positioned to challenge for the league title and reclaim their status as the top team in Qatar.
This opening match was not just a win for Al Duhail; it was a statement. After the disappointments of last season, the team has started the new campaign with a clear intent to dominate. Christophe Galtier’s tactics seem to be clicking, and with Olunga leading the line, Al Duhail looks set to be a force to be reckoned with.
In conclusion, Michael Olunga’s hat-trick against Qatar SC is a powerful reminder of his goal-scoring abilities and his importance to Al Duhail. The 6-1 victory not only gives the team a strong start to the season but also signals their intent to reclaim the top spot in the Qatar Stars League. With Olunga in top form and a new coach at the helm, Al Duhail’s prospects for the season look very bright.
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