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Olunga’s Al Arabi edge league rivals in 6-goal thriller
30th January, 2026 07:41 AM
Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga’s Al Arabi side stayed on the winning run after edging Um Salal 4-2 in a league encounter staged on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Qatar.
The talismanic striker entered the fray in the second half as the visitors had an easy task of safeguarding a three-goal cushion.
Goals from Pablo Sarabia, Cameroonian Toko Ekambi, and an own goal from the host handed the visitors a healthy 3-0 lead at the hour mark.
Settle the tie
The cruise was assured minutes later as Isaac Lihandji settled the tie as a contest with his first goal and Al Arabi’s fourth.
A late surge by the ten-man hosts saw them claw back with a couple of late goals through Naim Laidouni and Antonio Namce, but it proved not enough to overturn the visitors’ healthy lead.
The result marked Arabi’s fourth league match of the year, where the club has won three times and lost only once against Al Gharafa.
Despite this, the club remained static in fifth position on the log with 23 points.
Olunga in Qatar
Al Gharafa leads the standings with 31 points.
Cosmin Contra’s charges will next face Shamal on Thursday, February 5, 2026, as they seek to continue their ascent of the league table.
Olunga, who joined Al Arabi from rivals Al Duhail, has racked up two assists and eight league goals for the 12 games he has featured in for his new club.
He was part of the team’s dream opening to the year, captaining the club to a solitary goal victory over Al Wakrah in a Qatar Super League (QSL) match played on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
