Kenya’s Olunga on target as Al-Arabi suffer Al-Gharafa defeat

Kenya international Michael Olunga was on target for his new club Al-Arabi but his effort was not enough to help the side as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Al-Gharafa in their Qatar Stars League fixture at Al Rayyan Stadium on Sunday.

The towering Harambee Stars captain opened the scoring the in the 12th minute after sneeking his effort past Senegalese goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar.

However, Spanish forward Joselu levelled matters in the 26th minute following a superb finish past Yousef Hassan before Algerian forward Yacine Brahimi made it 2-1 for Gharafa in the 53rd minute.

This was Olunga’s second goal this campaign having scored in the opening match. During the fixture Olunga’s Al-Arabi battled to secure a 2-2 draw against Al-Wakrah at Al Thumama Stadium.

Olunga found the back of the in the 15th minute and played the entire game. He has now scored two goals from two matches so far this season.

His superb form will be good news for Kenya coach Benni McCarthy as he prepares to name his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Kenya, who are currently sitting fourth in Group F with six points — 10 adrift of leaders Ivory Coast, will face the Gambia on September 5 and Seychelles on September 9 at Kasarani — a major boost, as the Stars play World Cup qualifiers at home for the first time in years.