The Kenyan striker, who has quickly settled into life at Al Arabi following his high-profile switch from Al Duhail in August last year, provided the match-winning assist as his side picked up vital points on the road to kick off their 2026 campaign.
Wearing the captain’s armband, Olunga once again demonstrated his growing influence within Cosmin Contra’s squad, combining leadership with decisive attacking contribution in a tightly contested fixture.
The lone goal arrived in the 39th minute when Olunga cleverly teed up Spanish midfielder Rodri, formerly of Real Betis, who made no mistake in dispatching a composed finish past the Al Wakrah goalkeeper. The strike proved sufficient as Al Arabi defended resolutely in the second half to secure maximum points away from home.
The assist continued Olunga’s impressive record against Al Wakrah, a side he previously troubled earlier in the season. He opened his Al Arabi league account against the same opponents in a 2–2 draw shortly after completing his move from Al Duhail, underlining his knack for rising to the occasion in key fixtures.
Despite limited clear-cut chances in the second half, Olunga remained a constant menace, occupying defenders, pressing aggressively from the front and providing an outlet whenever Al Arabi sought to relieve pressure. His off-the-ball work and ability to link play were instrumental as the visitors held firm under sustained Wakrah pressure late in the game.
So far this season, the talismanic forward has racked up eight league goals and two assists in 12 appearances, numbers that underline his importance to Al Arabi’s attacking structure. His most eye-catching performance came in November when he struck a brace in a dominant 5–1 win over Qatar SC, a match that firmly announced his arrival at the club.
That emphatic victory also saw former Premier League winger Pablo Sarabia score twice, with Yazan Al-Naama adding a late goal, highlighting the attacking depth available to Contra as Al Arabi push for a strong league finish.
Wednesday’s win sees Al Arabi climb to fifth place in the 12-team Qatar Super League standings. After 12 matches, the club has recorded six wins, two draws and four defeats, positioning them within touching distance of the league’s leading pack as the season enters a crucial phase.
League leaders Al Gharafa currently top the table with 28 points, setting the benchmark for the rest of the competition. However, with momentum building and key players finding form, Al Arabi will be encouraged by their solid start to the year.
For Olunga, the performance was another reminder of his enduring quality and leadership, both at club level and on the international stage. As Harambee Stars continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures, the striker’s consistency in Qatar will be a major boost for national team coach and fans alike.
Al Arabi will now turn their attention to upcoming league fixtures, hoping to build on their winning return and maintain pressure on the teams above them. With Olunga leading from the front, confidence is steadily growing that the club can mount a sustained challenge as the 2026 season unfolds.
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