Olunga set for Ronaldo encounter in tough ACL group stage clash

Riyadh, 

Tuesday, 24 October, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

Kenya's football sensation Michael Olunga is set to play against Christiano Ronaldo as Ronaldo's Al-Nassr welcomes Al Duhail to the KSU Stadium in the AFC Champions League group stage on Tuesday (October 24).

The hosts have enjoyed a 100% record in the competition toping the group with six points in two matches , while Olunga's Al Duhail are winless in their two games so far Having lost 1-0 to Iranian Parsepolis in their first match and held to a goalless draw by Tajikistan's Istiqlol Pushanbo. 

Al-Nassr eased past Istiklol with a 3-1 home win in their previous outing, thanks to second-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Talisca. 

Talisca and Ronaldo were on the scoresheet again as second-half goals helped Al-Nassr record a 2-1 comeback win over Damac in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. Al-Duhail, meanwhile, won 2-0 at Al Gharafa in the Qatari Stars Cup last week.

The two teams have crossed paths four times, with all meetings coming in the group stage of the AFC Champions League. Al Duhail have won twice and drawn as many.

They last met in the group stage of the Champions League in 2016, which Al Duhail won 4-0 at home.

Al-Nassr are unbeaten in 12 games across competitions, winning 11 also having won five of their last six home games across competitions, scoring 19 goals.

Al Duhail have won their last two away games across competitions, scoring four goals and conceding once.

Nassr's Ronaldo is currently on a perfect form having scored 12 goals so far this season with Olunga's Five. 

This is the first time Olunga is playing against Ronaldo with many Kenyan fans anticipating for the highly expected encounter. 

“When you talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, you talk about one of the best players in the world, and for me it is an honor to play on the same field with him...but our goal tomorrow is to win the match.” Olunga said ahead of their match.