After 12 years of preparations, the World Cup has gotten under way with the opening ceremonies kicking it off at Qatar’s Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.
The 30-minute ceremony, narrated by Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman, featured performances from a star-studded cast of entertainers and singers, including K-pop sensation Jungkook of South Korean supergroup BTS and Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi.
Qatar and Ecuador took the field at 7pm local time and the host was underwhelmed in its first-ever World Cup match, losing 2-0 to an energised Ecuador led by Enner Valencia, who netted two unanswered goals on a penalty kick and later a header.
Kenyans react
Now, Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) are having mixed reactions following Qatar’s loss with many dragging Kenya’s footballer Michael Olunga to it.
The Kenyan captain and Al Duhail SC forward has been shining in the Qatar Super League since he joined the Middle East club.
According to KOT, Qatar is an overrated Country when it comes to football and many wondered how they were able to make it to the World Cup matches.
Here are some of the comments from Kenyans on Twitter:
@r_e_m_y001: Hio Qatar team is a clear proof that Michael Olunga is overrated..Anashine juu anachezanga na makondoo
@Blackaffiniti: Now I understand why elite clubs won’t sign Michael Olunga. He is playing non league football in Qatar. Bora pesa
Michael Olunga trying to explain that he plays professional football in Qatar. #FIFAWorldCup #WorldcupQatar2022 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ApMsF7At46
— Albanus 10 (@Kiswili_10) November 20, 2022
@Mkenyamzii: Michael Olunga has never been a serious Player since time immemorial
@Mkenyamzii: I hope by Now you understand why Michael Olunga is the best Player in Qatar. Dude has no talent just taking a corner kick and dashing to score.Nothing Serious!
https://twitter.com/EugeneAbilla/status/1594399815663845378
@nyaisim: Now I understand why our star Michael Olunga would scoop hatricks after hatricks in this Qatar league 
https://twitter.com/Josholuga/status/1594559176151371778
@gabrieloguda: Michael Olunga is the only footballer in Qatar.
@KamauWaMwangi_: Do not let Qatar’s poor game make you underrate our son Michael Olunga. He is one of the best in the world.
Jua Cali vs Olunga
A few months ago, legendary musician Jua Cali clashed with the footballer after he insinuated the Qatar league is low-grade which the forward’s supporters did not take lightly.
https://twitter.com/juacaliGenge/status/1568877727826219008
— MICHAEL OLUNGA (@OgadaOlunga) September 10, 2022
Fans rose up in arms to defend Kenya striker after popular artist took a jibe at him following his first hat-trick of the season.
The former Kashiwa Reysol forward scored a hat-trick as Al Duhail defeated Qatar Sporting Club 3-0 in the Qatar Stars League on September 9. In response, Cali stated that Olunga is playing with clueless players, and that attracted a reaction from the player and fans.
KOT have finally agreed with Jua Cali’s earlier sentiments.
