Latest news with #KashiwaReysol
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Kenya striker Olunga bids farewell to Al Duhail as club's all-time top scorer
Kenya's Michael Olunga has officially left Qatari giants Al Duhail, bringing an end to a remarkable four-and-a-half-year spell that saw him become the club's all-time top scorer with 130 goals. Al Duhail confirmed the striker's departure in a heartfelt statement posted on their official website, praising Olunga's professionalism, discipline, and immense contribution to the club's recent successes. 'Olunga was an example of professionalism and discipline on and off the field, and contributed significantly to the club's numerous achievements and championships,' the club said. 'He left a clear mark on the club's history through his decisive goals and contributions to the first football team.' Olunga, 31, joined the Qatari side from Japan's Kashiwa Reysol in January 2021 and hit the ground running. On his debut for Al Duhail, he scored in a 7-1 demolition of Al Wakrah at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. From that moment, his goal-scoring instincts and leadership made him the heartbeat of the team's attack. Reflecting on his departure, Olunga expressed pride in what he achieved during his time in Doha. 'I spent four amazing years with the club, filled with tremendous support and love both on and off the pitch,' he said. 'I'm happy to have played for this great club; joining a club of Al Duhail's stature was a huge step for me.' He continued: 'Today I announce my departure from the club with my head held high and I am moving forward in search of a new future. I truly gave my utmost effort to this great club and achieved many accomplishments.' Olunga's legacy at Al Duhail is cemented not just in numbers, but in moments—decisive goals, crucial titles, and a string of standout performances in both domestic and continental competitions. 'I remember my first goal for the team versus Al Rayyan. On my last day at the club, I feel emotional, but I leave satisfied. I'll miss the fans, my teammates, and the magnificent Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium,' Olunga added. The Nairobi-born striker also left the door open for a possible return, hinting that he could one day rejoin Al Duhail in another capacity. 'Perhaps I'll return one day as a player, coach, or official. I will continue to support Al Duhail and hope they become the best team in Asia.' Under Olunga's leadership, Al Duhail clinched multiple trophies including Qatar Stars League titles and cup competitions. His consistency in front of goal and calm demeanor off the pitch earned him the admiration of fans, teammates, and club officials alike. Al Duhail's final message summed up the emotions surrounding his departure: 'Thank you, Olunga… you will always remain an integral part of the Al Duhail family.' As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, speculation will mount over where the prolific forward will land next. But what is clear is that Michael Olunga leaves Al Duhail not just as a footballer, but as a club legend.
The Mainichi
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Football: Machida win 3-0 to end Kashiwa's 11-game unbeaten run
MACHIDA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Machida Zelvia stopped second-place Kashiwa Reysol's 11-game unbeaten run in the J-League first division on Saturday, claiming a 3-0 win for their first home victory in two months. Leaders Kashima Antlers held off Shimizu S-Pulse 1-0 for their seventh straight win to move up to 37 points and four points above Kashiwa, while Machida are up to sixth on 24 points with their first win in four games. Playing on a tricky rain-soaked pitch at Machida Gion Stadium, Kotaro Hayashi scrambled home the opener inside four minutes after Keiya Sento's low drive from 25 meters out was saved by Ryosuke Kojima. Hayashi was the architect for their second 12 minutes later when he got a return ball following his throw-in down the left and sent a fast cross that hit Kashiwa defender Taiyo Koga to bounce into the net. Kashiwa, who came into the game with a two-day rest, fell further behind in the first-half stoppage time as Na Sang Ho fired a penalty high into the net after Oh Se Hun was brought down inside the box for the home side. The visitors, who had won their previous four games, finally had a big chance in the 77th minute, but substitute forward Yuki Kakita could not convert a close-range shot off a left-wing cross on a bounce, summing up a forgettable outing for the entire team. "We hadn't won at home for quite a while, and I knew the first goal was going to be really important," Hayashi said. "I think we have to win here all the time, and we'll keep working hard." Elsewhere, third-placed Kyoto Sanga moved up to 31 points after easing to a 3-0 win at bottom side Yokohama F Marinos, who are 10 points off safety after their sixth straight defeat and winless in 10 games. Sanfrecce Hiroshima are up to 29 points following their late 2-1 comeback win over Tokyo Verdy, level with Urawa Reds, who downed FC Tokyo 3-2. Yuya Osako hit a brace as Vissel Kobe edged local rivals Gamba Osaka 3-2, Avispa Fukuoka snatched a late 1-1 draw with Nagoya Grampus, and Yokohama FC moved out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win at Shonan Bellmare.
Saba Yemen
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Saba Yemen
Japanese League: Kashiwa Reysol Defeats Fagiano Okayama, Chases Kashima Antlers for the Top Spot
Tokyo – SABA: Kashiwa Reysol defeated visitors Fagiano Okayama 2-0 in their match on Saturday as part of Round 16 of the Japanese Football League. Kashiwa's goals were scored by Mao Hosoya in the 76th minute and Diego Rodríguez in the 90th minute. With this win, Kashiwa Reysol continues to chase league leaders Kashima Antlers, raising their points tally to 30 in second place—just one point behind Kashima Antlers. Meanwhile, Fagiano Okayama remains at 19 points in 14th place. In other matches today, Yokohama FC beat Avispa Fukuoka 1-0, and FC Tokyo claimed a 1-0 victory over Vissel Kobe. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
The Mainichi
26-04-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Football: Kashiwa 3 pts off J1 top after draw with Niigata
KASHIWA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Kashiwa Reysol were held to a 1-1 home draw with Albirex Niigata on Saturday, missing the chance to stay close behind surprise J-League first-division leaders Kyoto Sanga. Kashiwa have moved up to fourth place on 21 points, three points behind Kyoto and a point behind Kashima Antlers and Urawa Reds. Niigata are up to nine points but remain in the relegation zone, three points off safety. Attacker Yota Komi scored a 14th-minute penalty to give a dominant Niigata the lead after Motoki Hasegawa was pushed to the floor from behind by Shumpei Naruse at Sankyo Frontier Stadium. Kashiwa leveled in the 32nd minute when Tojiro Kubo sent a short pass into the box, and Yuto Yamada played the ball away from the goal to set up Masaki Watai, whose first-time effort found the right bottom corner. Yoshio Koizumi and Kubo both wasted huge chances from close range minutes before the break for Kashiwa, while Jin Okumura steered his shot inches wide a minute into the second half for Niigata with Keisuke Kasai's 75th-minute header also narrowly off target. "We were slack in the first 15 minutes. There's no easy game in the J1," Kashiwa manager Ricardo Rodriguez said. "We saw improvements from around the time we leveled the game, but we should have done that from the start."
