Israel Saria
Azam FC Coach John Stewart Hall
For the first time since winning promotion into the Mainland top flight berth during the 2008/9 season, Azam FC have managed to take the league lead after breezing past JKT Ruvu by 2-0 goals at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
The victory has boosted Azam’s title chase campaign bagging 35 points, same as Young Africans but the ice cream makers enjoy superior goal aggregates.
Azam’s midfielder Ibrahim Mwaipopo broke the stalemate for the ice cream makers three minutes in to half time.
Mwaipopo was later sent off at the beginning of the second half but Azam never looked a depleted side while JKT Ruvu failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage.
Azam’s Kenyan import Ibrahim Shikanda put Azam’s lead beyond reach of the army side when his goal-bound shot was assisted into the net by defender Stanley Nkomola in a frantic efforts to clear.
Azam coach made three substitutions including replacement of striker John Boko and Ugandan import Peter Ssenyonjo to stabilize its striking force.
However, Azam lead the premiership standings while having played one more match over second laced Yanga and two over holders Simba.
Azam’s next assignment is at home to relegation-haunted Majimaji on March 2.
Line-ups:
Azam FC:
Jackson Chove, Ibrahim Shikanda, Malika Ndeule, Aggrey Morris, Luckson Kakolaki, Ibrahim Mwaipopo, Ramadhan Chombo/Jamal Mnyate Mrisho Ngassa, Jabir Aziz, John Bocco / Peter Ssenyonjo, Himid Mao/Salum Aboubakar.
JKT Ruvu:
Shaaban Dihile, Kessy Mapande, Stanley Nkomola, Shaibu Nayopa, Damas Makwaiya, Nashon Naftari, Haruna John, Mwinyi Kazimoto, Bakari Kondo/Pius Kisambale, Hussein Bunu, Sostenes Manyasi/Amos Mgisa.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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