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Michael Olunga’s coach was lost for words after his side were beaten at home by Iranian outfit Persepolis in the Asian Champions League on Monday
Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo has apologised to the club’s fans after his side lost 1-0 to Iranian outfit Persepolis in the Asian Champions League on Monday.
The Qatar champions suffered the loss at home at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium with the result leaving them with just one point in the competition following a goalless draw with Istiklol of Tajikistan last month ahead of a meeting with Cristian Ronaldo and Sadio Mane’s Al-Nassr on October 24.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga played all 90 minutes for Al Duhail but he was subdued for most of the encounter as Omid Ali scored the lone goal for Persepolis in the 63rd minute.
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09:06 - 29.09.2023
STARS ABROAD Olunga and Coutinho on target as Al Duhail return to winning ways
Olunga and Coutinho got to link up for the first time since the Brazilian’s arrival in Qatar as both players inspired Al Duhail to get back to winning ways.
“I apologise for the result we got today (Monday). The team did not play well and the result was not in our favour. We need to pause in order to get our players back, as we have missed many players since the beginning of the season,” said Crespo.
“We played a bad match today versus Persepolis and the team has many problems, and since the beginning of the season the team has not been complete in any training. We are still looking for solutions in light of the challenges we face and the AFC Champions League fixtures do not give us enough time for this matter.
“My goal and the goal of the team has always been to participate in this tournament, but now our squad is not complete and we still have four matches and we can advance from this group, but the task has become difficult, and these matches require everyone to provide their best.”
Olunga lined up upfront yet again with former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho playing just behind him but the duo could not repeat the trick of last week when both scored as Al Duhail beat Al-Markhiya 2-1 in the league on Thursday.
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19:00 - 20.09.2023
STARS ABROAD: Michael Olunga’s Al Duhail coach addresses subdued Asian Champions League outing
Al Duhail's coach, Crespo, seeks improved performance in the Asian Champions League after Tuesday night draw.
Al-Nassr lead Group E with six points after winning their first two games with Persepolis second on three while Al Duhail and Istiklol have a point each also from two games.
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