IN a thrilling showdown at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam last Sunday, Azam FC clinched a pivotal 2-1 victory over Young Africans SC in the highly-anticipated NBC Premier League encounter.

The match, which stirred a wave of emotions among fans, delivered a captivating spectacle, with both teams showcasing their preparedness to compete at the highest level.

Following Azam FC’s 2-1  victory against Young Africans SC- alias Yanga-, the former’s head coach Youssouph Dabo reflected on the challenging encounter.

Dabo revealed: “It was a very difficult game; our opponents were determined to secure a win as well. Therefore, Azam FC had to devise a sound strategy to ensure our victory.”

Explaining his decision not to adopt a more aggressive approach, he elaborated: “This match brought together two teams with formidable attacking prowess.”

Dabo stated: “We endeavored to disrupt the opponent’s play, particularly in the midfield. Yanga employed a tactic of quick, short passes, particularly in the midfield.”

The Senegalese gaffer noted: “I cautioned my players to exercise caution, particularly in the midfield. Aziz Ki, their midfielder, posed a significant threat, especially when operating centrally rather than out wide.”

“Hence, I instructed my players to push him towards the sidelines. However, this game necessitates carefulness and attentiveness in order to emerge victorious,” Dabo said.

The match witnessed midfielder Feisal Salum ‘Fei Toto’ haunt his former club by scoring the decisive goal and offering a heartfelt apology to the Yanga faithful.

‘Fei Toto’, a recent acquisition by Azam from Yanga, delivered a pivotal blow against his former employers with a goal that sealed victory for Azam FC in the 52nd minute of the contest. 

Following his goal, ‘Fei Toto’ exhibited a brief celebration before expressing his remorse to the Yanga supporters, with whom he had been embroiled in a contractual dispute upon his departure.

It marked Fei Toto’s 13th goal of the season, placing him on par with Stephanie Aziz Ki of Yanga, who also boasts 13 goals to his name.

The match commenced with both teams launching attacking forays against each other, yet a sense of composure pervaded the defensive lines of both sides.

In the 10th minute, Yanga surged ahead courtesy of a goal scored by Clement Mzize, who made the most of a precise assist by Aziz Ki, tallying his seventh assist of the season in the league for the Burkinabe.

However, Azam FC swiftly responded, restoring parity in the 19th minute through midfielder Djibril Sylla, who capitalized on a defensive lapse from Yanga to find the back of the net.

One of Yanga's star players, Ivorian Pacome Zouzoua, suffered an injury setback in the 31st minute, prompting his substitution, and paving the way for striker Joseph Guede.

The first half concluded with the score deadlocked at 1-1, setting the stage for a gripping second half characterized by measured play from both sides.

'Fei Toto' emerged as the hero for Azam FC once again in the 52nd minute, netting the crucial second goal with a clinical finish from within Yanga’s penalty area.

Yanga responded with tactical substitutions in the 58th minute, introducing Kennedy Musonda and Joyce Lomalisa in place of Nickson Kibabage and Maxi Nzengeli, respectively.

In the 80th minute, Yanga further reshuffled their lineup, bringing on Augustine Okrah and Bakari Mwamnyeto to replace Kouassi Yao and Mzize.

Azam FC countered with a substitution of their own, introducing Iddi Selemani ‘Nado’ for Abdulhamis Suleiman ‘Sopu’.

As the match entered its closing stages, Azam FC made two additional changes in the 86th minute, with Paschal Msindo and Sylla making way for Cheikh Sidibe and Ayoub Lyanga, who bolstered the team’s resolve and secured the hard-fought victory.

Yanga remains at the pinnacle of the Premier League table, boasting 52 points from 20 matches played. Their dominance is evident with 17 victories, a solitary draw, and two defeats recorded so far. 

Throughout the season, Young Africans have showcased their attacking prowess, tallying an impressive 49 goals while conceding just 11.

In contrast, Azam FC occupies the second position in the NBC Premier League. With 21 matches under their belt, they have clinched 14 wins, along with five draws and two losses.

Azam FC’s performance this season underscores their offensive capabilities, having scored 47 goals while conceding 16.