Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga faced disappointment as his team, Al Duhail, suffered a 2-0 defeat against Umm-Salal in a Qatar Stars League showdown at Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday evening.The loss dealt a blow to Christophe Galtier’s squad, diminishing their hopes for a top-three finish. With just two wins in five games, including losses to Shabab Al Ahli and Al Rayyan.##NAJAVA_MECA_8055863##The spotlight of the match belonged to 30-year-old Angolan striker Lucas Joao, who clinched victory for Patrice Carteron’s side with a decisive brace, bringing them within a point of Al Duhail.The first half appeared evenly matched, but Al Duhail’s fortunes took a downturn as midfielder Almoez Ali received two yellow cards in quick succession just before halftime, reducing them to ten men.Umm Salal seized the opportunity early in the second half, with Victor Lekhal setting up Joao for the opening goal in the 48th minute. Al Duhail’s woes continued as they lost 17-year-old forward Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid to injury in the 57th minute.Mozzart Bet Cup quarterfinals shifted to Dandora Stadium due to heavy rainsDespite dominating possession, Al Duhail struggled to penetrate Umm-Salal’s defence, with the hosts effectively thwarting their attacks.Centre-back Mohamed Musa further compounded Al Duhail’s troubles with a red card in the closing minutes for a professional foul as the last man, leaving them with nine men on the field. Joao then secured maximum points for Umm-Salal with a goal in the 90th minute.The defeat leaves Al Duhail in fifth place on the league table with 28 points after 21 games as they prepare for their final match of the season against Qatar SC on Sunday.
