Okwi tips Azam for strong season after APR victory

DAR ES SALAAM: UGANDAN international and former Simba SC winger Emmanuel Okwi has praised Azam FC’s progress, describing them as a team showing clear signs of growth and competitiveness.

Currently playing for Rwandan side Police FC, Okwi shared his remarks after watching Azam secure a convincing 2-0 win over Rwanda’s APR in a recent pre-season friendly. The match saw Azam dominate key moments, with goals from Zidane Sereri and Yahya Zayd.

“I’ve seen how Azam have improved,” said Okwi. “We played them in a friendly recently and it was a tough match even though we won 1-0, it wasn’t easy. They look like a team that can compete strongly in the league and in CAF competitions.”

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During the encounter against APR, Azam opened the scoring just before half-time in the 45th minute. Zidane Sereri capitalised on a defensive error, pressing high after a misjudged exchange between APR’s goalkeeper and defender to slot home the opener.

The second goal came in the 54th minute when Yahya Zayd extended the lead following a well-worked move. Earlier in the match, Azam goalkeeper Zuberi Foba made a crucial save to deny APR from the penalty spot in the 21st minute, keeping the Tanzanian side in control throughout.