Michael Olunga © Duhail
Michael Olunga © Duhail

Olunga's Duhail land Ever Banega's Al Shabab in the quarters of the 2022 AFC Champions League

Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 21.02.23. | 13:52

The semi-final will follow this Sunday, with the final of the competition set to be played over two legs - on April 29 and May 6, 2023, with Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds having confirmed their spot already.

In their quest for continental glory, Harambee Stars captain and Al Duhail striker Michael Olunga will face off against Al Shabab FC of Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinal following a draw conducted on Tuesday morning.

Duhail booked their spot in the last four of the 2022 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League after seeing off Al Rayyan with 7-6 in post-match penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra time.

The Kenyan scored one of the seven penalties for Duhail, with Rayyan missing one to see Hernan Crespo's charges proceed to the last four.

Al Duhail head coach Hernan Crespo said his players were elated to get to the stage, adding that they are ready for their opponent at the quarters.

“We know of Al Shabab’s qualities but we will focus on ourselves. We had a tough match against Al Rayyan but all the players will be ready for Al Shabab,” Crespo said.

Al Shabab is coached by former Espanyol coach Vicente Moreno and is home to former Valencia, Inter Milan, and Sevilla player Ever Banega.

In the other quarterfinal in the West region, Foolad Khouzestan FC of Iran will take on defending champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia also at the Al Janoub Stadium the same day.

Olunga was the top scorer in the 2021 AFC Champions League with his nine goals proving to be no match despite his team having been knocked out in the Group Stages.

In the current campaign, the former Gor Mahia forward has scored four goals, four behind his teammate Edmilson Junior who is the leading scorer in the competition with eight.

The semi-final will follow on Sunday, with the final of the competition set to be played over two legs - on April 29 and May 6, 2023, with Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds having confirmed their spot already.


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Michael OlungaAl DuhailAFC Champions League

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