Azam Fail to Outsprint Yanga

Defiant Tanzania Prisons dealt a blow to Azam campaign to topple Young Africans and reclaim the premiership's pilot seat.

The Mbeya-based warders fought bravery in all 90 minutes to hold Azam to a barren draw in a fiercely fought encounter held yesterday at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.

The second-placed Azam who needed a win that would earn them 48 points, have now remained at the same position with 46 points the same as the leaders Young Africans, but the latter have superior goal average.

The results also complicated their race to the championship as they face another hurdle on March 5 when they play defending champions, Yanga at the National Stadium.

Looking determined to win the encounter, Azam tried all tricks to win the away match, but the hosts stood firm to end the first half without a goal. However, it was the Azam goalkeeper, Aishi Manula and defenders Serge Paschal Wawa, Erasto Nyoni and Shomari Kapombe who were occasionally kept busy in attempts to defend their goal.

There was no serious attack in the second half as Prisons maintained their defiance to deny Azam any possible chance of scoring. The scoreboard read 0-0 until the final whistle.

Meanwhile Young Africans survived JKT Mlale's scare to sail to FA Cup quarters following their hard earned 2-1 win at the National Stadium yesterday.

After the match, it was evident that JKT Mlale were not underdogs as most soccer pundits thought before the encounter. Parading a number of youthful players, JKT Mlale stunned Yanga in the 21st minute when Shaaban Mgandila curled a volley into the yawning net after he was fed from left flank.

It was very beautiful goal that even stunned a few soccer fans who attended the match. The hosts reorganised and continued to create their attacks from both flanks. Their efforts paid off 17 minutes later, when Paul Nonga equalised in the 38th minute finishing Peter Mwashiuya's spadework from left flank. The teams went for the breather tied 1-1.

In the 55th minute Yanga made the profitable substitution by benching Salum Telela for creative Thabani Kamusoko. Three minutes later, Kamusoko scored the winner completing a pass from Mwashiuya.

JKT Mlale goalkeeper Noel Murish was the biggest hurdle to Yanga yesterday after denying them a number of goals. The FA Cup matches continue on Friday in different venues.

At Lawi Nangwanda Stadium in Mtwara, Ndanda FC will play host to JKT Ruvu while in Tanga, the hosts Coastal Union and Mtibwa Sugar will lock horns in an encounter to vie for the quarter final ticket.

On Saturday, February 27, Mwadui will host Rhino Rangers at their Mwadui Complex while in Mbeya, Tanzania Prisons and Mbeya City will lock horns in what is billed as a Mbeya derby.

The fourth round will climax on Sunday in Dar es Salaam with an encounter between Simba and Singida United to be held at the National Stadium.

In Moshi, Azam FC are scheduled to face Panone FC in a match to be held at Cooperative College stadium and on the same date Toto Africans will host Geita Gold Mine at CCM Kirumba Stadium.