AZAM FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Ihefu SC in a tense NBC Premier League encounter played at the Azam Complex Stadium at Chamazi, Dar es Salaam last Sunday.

The win keeps the Chamazi Street side firmly in the title race, despite remaining four points behind current league leaders Yanga.

The only goal of the match came in the 13th minute courtesy of midfielder Feisal Salum Abdallah. This strike marked Salum’s 14th goal of the season, propelling him to second place in the Golden Boot race.

Salum, reflecting on his impressive form with 14 goals scored thus far, attributed his success to a combination of factors. 

Speaking after the game, the midfielder humbly expressed gratitude, stating: “First of all, I thank God, the technical bench, and my teammates.”

Salum emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidance provided by his coaches, highlighting their role in his development. 

He acknowledged their instructions as instrumental in his achievements, affirming: ”The secret of me having this quality is following the instructions of the coach and the technical bench.”

Salum’s remarks underscored his humility and dedication to his craft. By crediting both divine guidance and the support of his team and coaches, he exemplified the importance of teamwork and mentorship in football success.

His commitment to following instructions reflects a disciplined approach to his game, showcasing the value of coach-player collaboration in achieving peak performance.

However, he still trails Golden Boot Race's leader Stephane Aziz Ki of Yanga, who sits atop the goal-scoring charts with 15 goals.

Ki maintained his position at the top after converting a penalty in the recent Dar es Salaam derby against Simba SC.

Yanga emerged victorious in the encounter- edging Simba SC 2-1 and further solidifying their grip on the league lead.

Ki’s impressive tally of 15 goals and eight assists have directly contributed to Yanga’s current form, with the team boasting a total of 54 goals scored in just 22 matches.

Azam FC’s victory over Ihefu SC brings the former’s points tally to 54 after 24 games. However, their ambitions for the top spot remain hampered by Yanga’s superior record, with the current champions holding a four-point advantage and two games in hand.

Meanwhile, Ihefu SC finds itself languishing in 11th place on the league table with 25 points after 24 matches. The defeat against Azam FC serves as a setback in their pursuit of a higher position in the standings.

The tight race at the top of the NBC Premier League promises further excitement in the remaining fixtures.

Azam FC will be determined to capitalize on any slip-ups from Yanga to challenge for the title, while other contenders will also be looking to make a late surge for glory. 

Meanwhile, Abdallah’s goalscoring form will be crucial for Azam FC’s title aspirations, and with Ki maintaining his lead in the Golden Boot race, the fight for the top scorer Golden Boot adds another layer of intrigue to the league’s climax.