Doha: Al Duhail kick-started their 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League campaign in fine style by defeating Qatar SC 6-1 in their Week 1 match at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.
Kenyan Michael Olunga scored a hat-trick for the Red Knights in the 41st, 44th and 90+6th minute of the match, while Ismail Mohamed got a brace scoring in the 69th and 82nd minutes, and Abdullah Al Ahrak found the back of the net in the 85th minute.
Al Duhail captain Almoez Ali was involved in three of his team's goals by providing assists.
Qatar SC's consolation goal was fetched by their Congolese professional Ben Malango in the 64th minute.
While the match began on an even keel and Qatar SC showed good defence, Al Duhail were persistent with their charge despite failing to find a good finish for a better part of the opening half.
Olunga was always on the lookout and one of his early attempts in the 18th minute saw his header go over.
A minute later, Olunga managed to score grabbing a pass from the midfield from Almoez, but he was clearly offside and the flag went up.
In the 37th minute, Al Duhail got a free-kick just outside the box but Edmilson, but shot far and wide.
Soon, The Red Knights managed to open the goal gates with Almoez providing a perfect floating pass from the right for Olunga to head in the team's first goal.
Three minutes later, Olunga was back to shock the rivals again as Al Duhail broke through and Bassem Al Rawi sent in a cross for Olunga to do the needful (2-0).
After the half-time break, Qatar SC tried to make a comeback, but in the 53rd minute, Ben Malango's attempt at the goal from right of the box went wide past the left post.
Al Duhail then stepped up, but at on the hour mark, an Almoez strike from top of the box went wide of the left post.
In a counter-attack, Qatar SC hit back with Malango grabbing on to a pass from Jassim Ahmad Al Jalabi, after a battle in the penalty area, to put the ball into the net with ease (1-2).
The joy for Qatar SC was, however, shortlived as five minutes later Almoez broke past three defenders to send in a through cross to an unmarked Ismail Mohammed to score (3-1).
More battle ensued, but Ismail was back to score his second goal of the match as Almoez latched on a midfield lob to dash into the D' and provide a left-footed pass for Ismail to gleefully score (4-1).
Al Duhail's fifth goal left Qatar SC defence dumbfounded with Ismail providing the ball this time for an onrushing Al Ahrak to strike.
In the 88th minute, Qatar SC's Badr Benoun found the net with a superb header off a corner kick, but soon a VAR decision ruled it out as one of the players was found offside.
Al Duhail heaped more misery in stoppage time, with Olunga scoring an easy field goal to complete his hat-trick and to make it 6-1 for the winners.
Source: Qatar News Agency