Qatar’s Al Duhail defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab 2-1 to qualify for the AFC Champions League 2022 semifinals at the Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday.

Star Kenyan striker Michael Olunga scored Al Duhail’s goals in the 77th and 85th minutes.

Al Shabab pulled one back through Saeed Al Rubaie (90+3).

Al Duhail, who reached the semifinals for the first time in their history, are now within one match of facing Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, who sealed their place in the final from the East Zone last August.

The Red Knights, who are leading the QNB Stars League standings, came close to scoring as early as the 11th minute when Edmilson Junior collected a pass on the left flank and whipped a pinpoint cross for 2021 AFC Champions League top scorer Olunga who met it with his weaker right foot, just missing the target from close range.

The Saudi side responded with a big chance of their own three minutes later when right-back Fawaz Al Soqour delivered an exquisite pass behind the rival defence for Carlos Junior who had just the goalkeeper to beat, but the Brazilian’s finish was thwarted expertly by Salah Zakaria to keep the scores level.

South Korean playmaker Nam Tae-Hee tested his compatriot Kim Seung-Gyu with a left-footed effort from distance, but the goalkeeper got the better of him, making a solid diving save.

Olunga’s second attempt came at the half-hour mark and again it was on his right foot, but this time the Kenyan held off his marker and powered an effort within the frame of the goal, but was once more denied by Kim.

Ten minutes into the second half, Al Shabab suffered a blow as forward Carlos Junior had to be stretched off after landing awkwardly while controlling a cross, being replaced by Fahad Al Muwallad.

Hernan Crespo-coached Al Duhail pushed forward and from a corner kick 13 minutes from time, Karim Boudiaf directed a header towards goal that was tipped behind by the Korean goalkeeper for a second corner. Edmilson Junior delivered the cross from the opposite side and Olunga’s header this time was too powerful for Kim, nestling into the back of the net to open the Qatari side’s account on the night.

Five minutes from time, Al Shabab found themselves again at the receiving end. Ismail Mohammed made an instant impact having come off the bench, taking advantage of a Moteb Al Harbi error to advance down the right and square for Olunga who doubled his tally to put the game beyond doubt.

Al Shabab pulled one back as defender Al Rubaie moved into the opposition box, meeting a cross from the right with aplomb to make it 2-1 three minutes into added time.