AFC Champions League: Former Wydad striker Sambou leads Al Shorta to victory on debut

Senegalese striker Bouly Junior Sambou enjoyed a sensational debut with Iraqi Stars League club Al Shorta on Monday with two goals in an AFC Champions League Elite victory over Qatar’s Al Duhail.

There was not too much to play for as the Iraqi champions were already eliminated from contention to qualify for the knockout stages on the final matchday from the tournament’s league stage.

However, for the striker who helped lead Wydad Casablanca to the 2022-23 CAF Champions League final, he had plenty of motivation to impress after joining from fellow Iraqi club Duhok SC. Down 1-2 at halftime, the Senegalese made a massive difference early in the second half.

In the 57th minute, midfielder Bassam Shakir showed his skill to escape pressure before passing to Sambou for a powerful effort to level the match. Less than a minute later, the hosts were in the lead when the striker finished from Hussein Ali’s cross to complete a dramatic turnaround.

The 27-year-old forward has now represented five clubs since leaving Wydad midway through the 2023-24 campaign. A transfer to Turkish Süper Lig club Konyaspor ended in failure before more difficulties at Iranian club Gol Gohar. After suffering relegation with Turkish second tier club Sanliurfaspor following the 2024-25 season, Sambou left for Duhok to begin his Iraqi adventure.

The former ASC Jaraaf star only managed two goals from fifteen matches with mid-table side Duhok but a move from Iraqi Kurdistan to Baghdad club Al Shorta could be the boost his career needs.

𝗙𝗧 | 🇮🇶 Al Shorta 3️⃣-2️⃣ Al Duhail 🇶🇦

The hosts conclude their campaign on a high with a hard-fought victory, while visitors must now wait for tomorrow’s results to learn their Round of 16 fate!#ACLElite | #SHOvDUH pic.twitter.com/5mMLxtfUse

— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) February 16, 2026

Now with continental duties complete, the club will focus on winning a fifth consecutive top flight title. They currently trail local rivals Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya by five points but have two games in hand on the leaders.