Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga played the full 90 minutes as his club, Al Duhail, crashed out of the Qatar Amir Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Al Sadd in a highly contested semi-final at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Saturday.The Red Knights advanced to the last four after a 3-2 win over Al Arabi, a match in which the Kenyan striker netted a brace. However, Olunga’s efforts were neutralized against Al Sadd, proving futile in penetrating the opposition’s defense.##NAJAVA_MECA_8109516##Al Sadd broke the deadlock in the 46th minute through striker Akram Afif, following a brilliant moment of skill. Dancing through the backline, Afif slotted the ball into the far left corner, leaving Al Duhail’s goalkeeper helpless.Despite renewed efforts from the Christopher Galtier-managed side, they failed to create clear-cut chances and were left to rue their missed opportunity in the first half.Olunga had been fouled by Mathews Uribe, resulting in a penalty. However, former Liverpool attacker Philippe Coutinho’s effort from the spot was saved by custodian Meshal Barsham.Cheche going on the offense as Junior Starlets host EthiopiaIn the second half, Wesam Rizik’s Al Sadd continued to dominate play and had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Afif was brought down in the box, but the referee waved play on.Olunga’s teammates exerted pressure to push for an equalizer, but Al Sadd stood firm to secure a ticket to the Amir Cup final for the 29th time, where they will seek to bag a record 19th title. Al Sadd now awaits the winner of the second semi-final between Al Gharafa and Qatar SC.Kenya U18 captain Amos Wanjala scores in Gimnastic Tarragona triumphElsewhere, Victor Wanyama was an unused substitute as his club, CF Montreal, lost 5-1 to Toronto in the Canadian Classique on Sunday morning.Former Juventus attacker Federico Bernardeschi was the star of the match, scoring a hat trick, while Matthew Longstaff and Prince Osei Owusu also found the net. Ibrahim Sunusi scored Montreal’s consolation goal.
