Harambee Stars forward Michael Olunga was a proud man despite Al Duhail’s painful semifinal exit from the 2022/2023 Asian Champions League.
The Qatari-based club was hammered 7-0 by Saudi Arabian giants and defending champions Al-Hilal in a one-sided encounter played at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Nigerian international and former Manchester United goal-poacher Odion Ighalo was the destroyer-in-chief for Al-Hilal, bagging four goals in the match.
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Salem Al Dawsari and Moussa Marega were also on the scoresheet scoring one and two goals respectively to hand Al Duhail its heaviest defeat since 2014.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) side Al Ain was the last club to inflict a huge loss on Al Duhail after scoring five goals to nothing in that unforgetful match.
However, reacting to the humiliation, Olunga stated that he was happy for his club’s remarkable run this season in the tournament.
“Tough one to take. We wanted to go to the final but this was not our day. Still proud of this far Al Duhail has come and achieved a semifinal spot for the first time in the history of the club.
“We will build from there and focus on the upcoming fixture,” commented the former Gor Mahia attacker.
Al Duhail tried to put up a fight with Olunga’s shot being tipped over the bar by Al Muaiouf but they were no match for the defending champions.
Al-Hilal, who are the multiple Asian champions is expected to battle out with Japanese-based side Urawa Red Diamonds in the final.
The final, which will be played in two legs, is scheduled to take place between Saturday, April 29 and Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Al Hilal beat Urawa when they last met in the final in 2019.
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