AZAM FC head coach, Rachid Taoussi, expressed his pride in his team’s performance after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Fountain Gate FC in the Mainland Premier League at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

The win marked a significant milestone for striker Alassane Diao (pictured), who returned from a lengthy injury layoff to score his first goal in six months.

“It was a tough match. Fountain Gate FC is a good side, but we had a very good strategy to win,” Taoussi said. 

“My players fought hard to secure these three points at home, and I am proud of them. I was especially happy for Alassane Diao, who scored his first goal for the club since his injury. 

“Before the match, I told him that today he was going to score, and it would boost his confidence. This win is crucial, and now we will focus on our upcoming matches to keep collecting points.”

Diao, a Senegalese forward, had been sidelined since March 2024 after undergoing knee surgery to repair an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. 

His long-awaited return to the pitch came in the 81st minute of the match when he replaced Jibril Sillah. Just ten minutes later, in stoppage time, Diao made an instant impact, heading in a corner kick delivered by Cheikh Sidibe to double Azam’s lead.

The emotional moment capped a triumphant comeback for the striker, who had endured nearly nine months of rehabilitation and recovery.

Azam opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Sillah found the back of the net with a clinical finish, assisted by Feisal Salum ‘Fei Toto.’ 

Salum’s impressive form continues, as he now leads the league with seven assists this season.

Despite Fountain Gate’s efforts to mount a comeback, Azam maintained control of the match, and Diao’s late goal sealed the victory, much to the delight of the home fans.

The victory saw Azam conclude the first round of the Mainland Premier League on a high note. The team has amassed 33 points from 15 matches, including 10 wins, three draws, and two losses. They have scored 22 goals and conceded only seven, showcasing their solid defensive and offensive capabilities.

Their performance places them ahead of Singida Black Stars, who are in second place with 30 points from 14 matches. Simba SC are in third place with 28 points from 11 matches, while rivals Young Africans sit in fourth with 27 points from 11 matches.

Taoussi emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as the league progresses. 

“These three points are important for us, but we need to stay focused and keep working hard in the upcoming matches,” he said.

With Diao back in action and the team displaying cohesion on the pitch, Azam FC will aim to build on their strong first-round performance as they eye the league title.

The return of Diao, combined with the form of key players like Salum and Sillah, adds depth and confidence to the squad as they prepare for the challenges ahead.