22 Apr 2021 - 9:17
AFC
Michael Olunga starred with a hat-trick as Al Duhail SC defeated Esteghlal of Islamic Republic of Iran 4-3 in Group C of the 2021 AFC Champions League (ACL) yesterday.
Both sides went into the Matchday Three encounter hopeful of extending an unbeaten record, with Al Duhail having collected four points from their opening two games and Esteghlal having earned the full six points.
Esteghlal wasted no time, instantly taking the game to their opponents and were rewarded with the opener within four minutes. Seyed Ahmad Mousavi’s whipped cross from the right was converted into the back of the net through Amir Arsalan Motahari’s powerful header.
Olunga hat-trick helps Al Duhail edge Esteghlal in ACL thriller thepeninsulaqatar.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thepeninsulaqatar.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
He fired Al Duhail ahead in the 27th minute, but Mali s Cheick Diabate did not let the lead last for long as he drew Farhad Majidi s side level, seven minutes later.
Both teams were set to go into the break on level terms but Abdullah Abdulsalam changed trajectory as he restored Al Duhail s lead in the 43rd minute.
After the restart, Farshid Esmaeili made it 3-3 for the visitors but Olunga s late match-winning goal secured all three points for the Red Knights.
The Kenya international scored his third goal of the night in the 85th minute, courtesy of an assist from Ismaeel Mohammad.
Al Duhail overcome spirited Iraqis in Asian Champions League
Issued on:
16/04/2021 - 03:55 Midfielder Edmilson (R) scored Al Duhail s second goal against Al Shorta - AFP 3 min
Doha (AFP)
Qatar giants Al Duhail overcame spirited resistance from Iraq s Al Shorta and their own suspect finishing to clinch a 2-0 win in their opening Asian Champions League match on Thursday.
Hussam Kadhim s own goal gave Al Duhail the lead in the 36th minute before Brazilian Edmilson Junior 53rd-minute volley helped Sabri Lamouchi s side grab three points in Jeddah.
The seven-times Qatar league champions dominated the Group C match, although Al Shorta did well to thwart their forwards on most occasions.