Harambee Stars goal poacher Michael Olunga bagged his third hat-trick of the season to help Al-Duhail beat Al Arabi Doha 3-2 in the second round of the Ooredoo Cup.
The former Gor Mahia ace opened his account early in the second half with a lovely tap-in after the Al Arabi defenders failed to clear a free kick in their penalty box.
Al Arabi equalized in the 52 minute through Ibrahim Kalla Nasser who timed his run well to pounce on a cross from the left wing and put the ball away from Al-Duhail's shot-stopper.
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It did not take long for Olunga to put his side ahead. The Technical University of Kenya alumni scored two quick-fire goals in the 61st and 70th minute to put Al-Duhail in control.
However, Olunga’s goal did not lessen the spirit of the Al Arabi players. They continuously pressed the Al-Duhail defence until in the 85th minute when Hamed Ismael pulled one goal back to heap pressure on the leaders.
This was Olunga’s second consecutive hat-trick. He registered another one in the first round to help his side beat Al Markhiya 8-3.
Reacting after the match, a delighted Olunga thanked God for the incredible feat.
"Yes! Back-to-back hattrick. All glory is your's, God," read his statement.
The win moved Al-Duhail to the top of Group B with six points, three above Al Arabi. The story is different in the Qatar Stars League since Al Arabi sits at the top of the log with 16 points from 7 matches.
Al-Duhail is third with 14 points behind Al Wakrah who have a one-point advantage.
Olunga has not featured for Harambee Stars for months due to the current ban that was imposed on the country by FIFA as a result of the government's interference in football affairs.
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