DAR ES SALAAM: A bitter-ending to Young Africans’ unbeaten streak came yesterday, as Azam served them a sharp 1-0 defeat at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.
The match was a gripping affair, with Azam striking decisively to spoil Yanga’s’ taste for victory. Not only did Yanga end their unbeaten run, but they also got revenge for their 4-1 win against Azam at the Community Shield final in August.
The match burst into life with a dramatic twist as Yanga’s centreback, Ibrahim Hamad, saw red card in the 21st minute. In a moment of reckless abandon, he fouled Azam’s striker, Nassor Hamoud, who was poised to weave through the defines like a dancer gliding across the stage.
After receiving a perfectly threaded pass from Lusajo Mwaikenda, Hamoud had a golden opportunity to compose himself, taking a breath before facing the Yanga’s goalkeeper, Djigui Diarra, in a one-on-one duel that promised fireworks.
But alas, Hamad, sprinting in to contest the ball,lost his character in the dance, his challenge veering from the art of defence into a misstep that led to his early exit from the stage.
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After the red card, Yanga had to rebuild their defence formation, which had a hole in it following the red card.
As a result of the hole in the defence, Azam capitalised on it, taking advantage of a well taken pass from Adolf Mtasingwa which was well received by Gibril Sillah in the 33rd minute to shot.
His strike was too powerful for Diarra to stop, hence the lone goal. In the end, the goal was enough to end Yanga’s winning streak.
In spite of the defeat, the Jangwani Street lads remain on top of the table with 24 points after nine games, while Azam remain in fourth place with 21 points after 10 games.
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