DAR ES SALAAM: AZAM FC began their CAF Champions League preliminary round campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against APR at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
Jhonier Blanco’s decisive goal gave Azam a crucial advantage ahead of their second leg at Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda on Saturday.
The victory also earned Azam 5m/- from the presidential motivation package, as President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged 5m/- for each goal scored by Tanzanian teams in CAF Interclub Competitions.
The aggregate winner will face either Egypt’s Pyramids FC or JKU from Zanzibar, who played their first leg at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo yesterday.
Azam has set their sights on reaching the CAF Champions’ League group stage for the first time in their history. The match started at a high tempo, with both teams eager to score early.
APR created two early chances, forcing Azam’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Mustafa, into key saves to keep the game goalless.
Azam’s Feisal Salum and Gibril Sillah missed opportunities from free kicks just outside the APR penalty area in the first half. After the break, Azam became more aggressive.
Franck Tiesse’s long-range shot in the 53rd minute was saved by APR’s goalkeeper, Pavelh Ndzila. In the 55th minute, Colombian striker Blanco converted a penalty awarded after Feisal was fouled in the box, giving Azam the lead.
This moment was eagerly anticipated by Azam fans and Tanzanians, marking a significant step forward in the challenging match.
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In response, APR pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Azam’s defence, led by Youssouph Dabo, held firm to neutralise the threats.
In the 72nd minute, Ruboneka Bosco was substituted for veteran midfielder Taddeo Lwanga as Azam sought to gain control of the midfield and maintain their dominance.
Azam successfully preserved their lead through a tense final period, now looking to secure their advancement in the second leg in Rwanda.
