Taoussi calls for full effort to stay on top

DODOMA: AZAM head coach Rachid Taoussi praised his players following their 3-1 win over Dodoma Jiji at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma on Sunday.

The victory propelled them to the top of the Mainland Premier League, overtaking Simba SC, who were not in action this week.

However, Azam have a two-game advantage over Simba SC and Young Africans who are third in the league.

Taoussi said the focus is on the bigger picture, underscoring that the most important factor is Azam’s position at the summit.

The victory against Dodoma Jiji saw Azam FC earn 30 points, putting them two points ahead of Simba and three points ahead of Young Africans in the Tanzanian Premier League standings.

Taoussi attributed the team’s success to their unwavering dedication and relentless hard work.

“This achievement is a direct result of the commitment and effort the players have put in,” Taoussi said.

“We are proud of the result, but what matters most is that we are at the top of the league table,” Taoussi stated in a post-match interview. “This reflects the commitment and effort the players have shown throughout the season.”

Azam’s impressive form has put them in a strong position, but the coach made it clear that the team is not resting on its laurels.

“We know that the competition is fierce, especially with teams like Simba and Yanga. We will give our all, working hard to win each game and maintain our position at the top,” Taoussi continued.

The victory over Dodoma Jiji has given Azam a crucial advantage, but the coach emphasised that consistency and hard work in every match are key to securing the league title. As the season progresses, Azam FC aim to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of Tanzanian football’s biggest prize.

Dodoma Jiji’s head coach, Mecky Mexime, expressed disappointment after his team lost to Azam FC. He acknowledged the early goal conceded and the mistakes that ultimately led to a 3-0 defeat.

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The coach apologised to the fans for the result but praised his players’ overall performance, highlighting that they played well as a team. He emphasised that small mistakes, including a careless giveaway that led to Azam’s second goal, proved costly.

“We played a good game, but we were punished by small errors. Azam capitalised on their chances and the second goal was especially difficult because it stemmed from an easy ball we gave away,” the coach said.

He also noted that the third goal, which came in a controversial situation, seemed to seal their fate. “We couldn’t clearly see if it was offside, but the last two goals ultimately decided the game for us,” he added.

Despite the loss, the coach remains optimistic about his team’s performance moving forward. “We are still building and while we made mistakes, the way my players played shows they have potential. It’s just about addressing the small errors in training.”