Ibenge laments costly errors, Feisal red card

MWANZA: AZAM FC Head Coach Florent Ibenge has admitted his side paid the price for a poor start and costly errors in their dramatic comeback draw against Pamba Jiji FC at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza on Monday Ibenge conceded that his team began the match on the back foot and were punished for their mistakes after adopting an overly passive approach.

“We started very badly,” he said. “We were too passive and our opponents were better in the duels. We made a costly mistake and they punished us.”

Azam found themselves two goals down before the break, and despite attempting to respond after the interval, were undone again in the early stages of the second half.

“In the second half we switched to a more direct style of football, but unfortunately we were punished again by another mistake in the early minutes and they made us pay,” Ibenge added.

However, the Congolese tactician praised his players for their resilience as they fought back from 2-0 down to level the scoreline, with Feisal Salum netting the second goal of the comeback. “I am glad we managed to get back into the game and equalise,” he said.

“It was bad luck that after our comeback we received a red card.” Salum, who had hauled Azam back into contention was shown a red card at the end of the match, ruling him out of the club’s next fixture. Ibenge described the dismissal as unfortunate both for the team and the player. “It is bad luck for us and for Feisal because he will miss the next game,” he said.

ALSO READ: Azam FC, Yanga set for epic Mapinduzi Cup final showdown

“But I am confident in the depth of my squad. We have multiple options to fill the gap.” On the opposite bench, Francis Baraza, Pamba Jiji Head Coach, lamented his side’s inability to protect a commanding lead.

“We gifted our opponents two goals,” Baraza said. “We were leading 2-0 but failed to protect our advantage. One point at home is not good for us.

” Baraza acknowledged that Azam’s tactical switch, which included the introduction of two strikers, shifted the momentum of the contest. “My players made careless mistakes. We missed many clear chances that could have finished the game early. We need to correct those mistakes,” he added.

The result leaves the race for the top four finely poised. Pamba Jiji remain fourth on 24 points from 15 matches, behind Young Africans S C , J K T Tanzania and S i m b a SC.

How – e v e r , they are now looking over their shoulders at fifth-placed Azam, who sit on 23 points, having played 11 games and appear to have the stronger upward momentum.