Classy TPDF march on as Prisons drop points

Dar es Salaam. TPDF had little mercy on Dar Stars as they trashed them 6-0 in the Dar es Salaam Regional Hockey League match at the Lugalo ground over the weekend.

Following the convincing victory, the army team now leads the title race with 17 points from eight matches.

Tanzania Prisons are second with nine points from eight matches, while Dar Khalsa sit third with seven points garnered from seven outings.

TPDF, one of the country’s hockey power houses, looked clear favourites to win the game as it took them five minutes to register the match opener through Elias Samala. Samala netted the goal off Amos Ngambara’s pass off the right flank for a 1-0 first half lead.

It was TPDF on command on resumption with Ngambara leading the onslaught. Seven minutes into the second half, he scored the second goal with a long range shot.

Just three minutes later, he scored the third goal after he was set up by Abdallah Kitundu from the left flank.

TPDF’s goal festival did not end up there. In the 12th minute, Machano Machano added the fourth after a one-two touch with Focus Paulo.

Six minutes later, Ngambara scored the fifth goal, concluding an Elias Samala’s corner kick. It was Machano who scored the sixth goal in the 20th minute after capitalising on their opponents’ defensive blunders.

Dar Stars veteran players Joseph John and Salumu Kibwana failed to show their usual skills after they were tight marked by TPDF defenders. Ngambara, one of the match stars said good preparations and effective build up matches helped them win easily.

But Dar Stars player, Kibwana claimed injury problems facing their key players helped TPDF win easily the match.

In another match held at the same venue, Tanzania Prisons were held to a 1-1 draw with Dar Institute in a tough encounter.