Michael Olunga eyes further history as Al Duhail seek positive end to Asian Champions League campaign

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga will be seeking to extend his run as the top scorer for his club in the Asian Champions League when Al Duhail take on Persepolis of Iran on Tuesday.

Al Duhail appear already out of the competition they reached the semi-final last season as they have four points ahead of the final group game in Tehran and third in Group F which is led by Al-Nassr, who have 13 points while Persepolis have eight.

Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia are already qualified and with the top side from each group advancing to the Round of 16 along with the best three second-placed teams from among the five West Asian groups, the arithmetic does not favour Al Duhail.

That means the Qatari champions will be playing for pride which gives Olunga an opportunity to further cement his name in the annals of history.

Olunga took his Champions League tally to 18 for Al Duhail last week when he scored twice as they beat FC Istiklol of Tajikistan 2-0 for their only victory of the tournament.

Another goal on Tuesday will further cement his legacy for his club even if they have been poor in the competition this season, recording just one win, a draw and three losses.

It has been a run to forget for Al Duhail, starting with a goalless draw against FC Istiklol, before a 1-0 loss to Persepolis. That was followed by 4-3 and 3-2 losses to a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr before las week’s win.

Olunga has, however, provided some spark with his three goals. He scored the third goal against Al-Nassr in the first leg and then set up Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho in the return match before last Monday’s double.

The Kenyan international blamed injuries for their woes this season but Al Duhail fans will expect them to exit with pride given they are also playing catch up in the Qatar Stars League, where they are fifth on the table with 16 points, seven behind leaders Al Gharafa, following last Friday’s 1-0 loss to Umm Salal.

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