Kenyan international Michael Olunga scored the first hat-trick of this year’s Asian Champions League as Qatar giants Al Duhail beat Iran's Esteghal 4-3 in an Asian Champions League match victory played on Wednesday night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Olunga struck twice in the first half before completing his hat-trick in the 85th minute to put the Qataris in control of Group C with seven points from three matches.
Al Duhail, who were dethroned as champions by Xavi’s Al Sadd in the Qatar Stars League in March, have not been a real force at the continental level, having never progressed beyond the quarter-finals.
But Wednesday’s performance must have lifted their hopes with Olunga scoring his second hat-trick this year, having starred in Al Duhail’s 6-0 win against Al Ahli in Qatar’s Amir Cup.
Esteghlal took the lead at the King Abdulla Sports City in Jeddah with Amir Motahari powering in a header off a Seyed Mousavi cross in the fourth minute.
Olunga opened his account in the 10th minute of the game when he tapped home a rebound after Esteghlal goalkeeper Mohamed Mazaheri had parried a powerful shot from Edmilson onto his path.
Olunga was on the mark again in the 27th minute, this time round taking advantage of a wayward pass from Masoud Rigi inside the box and firing home.
Al Duhail’s lead didn’t last long as Chieck Diabate scored with an easy tap-in in the 34th minute after Motahari had crossed to him following a great pass by Farshid Esmaeili.
However, just on the stroke of half-time Al Duhail were a goal up again with Abdullah al-Ahrak finding the net off a cross from Mohamed Musa.
There was more drama to come as the Iranians drew level once again with captain Esmaeili scoring in the 74th minute with a diving header following a corner.
The match appeared heading for a draw when Olunga completed his hat-trick by controlling a cross from Ismael Mohamed and firing home.