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Yanga go top as Azam, City share spoils

Azam FC striker John Bocco (left) contemplates his next move as Mbeya City defender Yusuph Abdallah guards during their Vodacom Premier League at Azam Complex yesterday. They drew 3-3. photo | michael matemanga

What you need to know:

  • The results mean Yanga now top the league table with 28 points, one ahead of their closest challengers Azam and Mbeya City

Dar es Salaam. The Vodacom Premier League leadership changed hands again yesterday as Mbeya City forced Azam FC to a 3-3 draw while high-flying Young Africa routed JKT Oljoro 3-0.

The results mean Yanga now top the league table with 28 points, one ahead of their closest challengers Azam and third-placed Mbeya City.

Mbeya City and Azam tie on 27 points, but the ice-cream makers are ahead on goal difference.

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Azam had Mcha Khamis to thank for the hard-fought draw as his sizzling shot six minutes to time rescued them from the jaws of defeat in a nail-biting encounter at Azam Complex.

Mbeya City, who are making their first appearance in the top flight league, seemed destined for a win until in the 84th minute when Khamis cooled the hosts’ nerves.

The closely-contested match started at a cracking pace with both teams pressing up front relentlessly in search of an early goal.

After a tight battle in the opening exchanges, the hosts opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Humphrey Mieno, whose superb header gave goalkeeper David Baruani no chance.

As expected, Mbeya City responded quickly and fluffed two chances before Mwagane Yeya equalised in the 30th minute with a diving header off a Deus Kaseke cross from the right flank.

Seven minutes into the second half, Mwagane came into the picture again, this time connecting home a cross by Peter Mapunda with a header.

Azam, needing a win to remain unruffled at the pilot’s seat, still remained on top and it came as no surprise when they levelled matters in the 60th minute through John Bocco after he was set up by Kipre Tchetche

From then, the Mbeya boys took command of the game. They looked set to wind up their first round campaign on a high when Mwagane made it 3-2 in the 75th minute with a close-range shot that left goalkeeper Ali flat footed.

At the National Stadium, Yanga, seeking a win to grab the league reigns for the second time this season, scored their goals through Simon Msuva (23rd), Mrisho Ngasa (30th) and Jeryson Tegete (53th).

Line-ups:

Azam FC- Mwadini Ali, Erasto Nyoni, Wazir Omary, Said Morad, Aggrey Morris, Bolou Michael, Kipre Tchetche,  Abubakar Salum, John Bocco/Joseph  kimwaga, Humphrey Mieno and Farid Malik.

Mbeya City- David Baruani, John Kabanda, Hassan Mwasapili, Deogratius Julius, Yusuph Abdallah, Anthony Matogolo, Mwagane Yeya, Steven Nazanda, Paul Nonga, Deus Kaseke and Richard Peter.

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