Super Kapombe seals Azam win

AZAM kept their pursuit of Mainland Premier League title on track by rallying to a 1-0 victory over battling Stand United in a thrilling match played at Azam Complex, Chamazi in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Left full-back Shomari Kapombe was again the surprise match-winner for Azam, scoring in the 63rd minute after United’s defence had failed to clear a cross from John Bocco.

The goal took Kapombe’s tally to seven goals this season -- a return that puts his name in the record books as the most goal-scoring defender in the top flight league.

The victory moved Azam FC level on points with second-placed Yanga, with both recording 50 points from 21 games. Holders Yanga, however, are ahead thanks to superior goal difference ratio.

Simba command the driver’s seat with 54 points out of 23 outings, while Stand United seventh with 30 points from 23 games.

Defender Aggrey Morris returned to action, partnering Ivorian Serge Paschal Wawa at the heart of Azam defence. There was no place in the starting line-up for Stand United’s top talisman Elias Maguli.

Eager to close the gap at the top of the table, Azam bossed the opening exchange and launched three decent attempts early in the opening minutes but could not find the back of the net.

But it didn’t take long before Stand United found a confidence to take the game to their hosts and were able to stretch the home defence on a couple of occasions.

The game was then evenly contested for the most of first half, each team prodding for the opener. Frank Hamis went close to breaking the deadlock for United when he muscled his way past Morris before unleashing a blockbuster that keeper Aishi Manula blocked, conceding a futile corner.

There was great work ethic by both sets of players, making this one of the intriguing Premier League games witnessed this season.

The two teams fashioned out a couple of chances without converting them and headed for the breather tied in goalless draw.

Stand United showed more vigour after the restart and attacking midfielder Kassim Seleman ‘Selembe’ missed a glorious chance to give his side the lead after being set up by Selemani Mrisho’s cross.

The visitors once again threatened to upset the title-chasing Stewart Hall’s team with Nassor Said ‘Chollo’ denied by a superb stop by Manula.

United were looking the more likely to score but were made to pay for their profligacy shortly after the hour mark when Kapombe blasted home what would be the only goal of the match, finishing off a nice cross from substitute John Bocco.

Mudathir Yahya almost grabbed the second a few minutes later, stinging goalkeeper Frank Muwenge’s hands with a stunning effort. United’s efforts to rescue a point from the game ended in vain as Azam held for the win, recording their 15th win of the season.

Teams: Azam FC: Aishi Manula, Shomari, Kapombe, Erasto Nyoni, Aggrey Morris, Serge Wawa, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, Frank Domayo, Mudathir Yahya/Kipre Balou, Allan Wanga/John Bocco , Kipre Tchetche, Farid Mussa/Waziri Salum.

Stand United: Frank Muwenge, Nassor Said ‘Chollo’, Suleiman Mrisho, Revocatus Richard, Assouman N’guessang, Jocob Masawe, Pastory Athanas, Amri Kiemba, Frank Hamis, Suleiman Kassim ‘Selembe’/Salum Kamana, Haruna Chanongo/Vitaris Mayanga.