Ibenge reveals how Azam FC managed to beat JKT Tanzania

Azam FC head coach Florent Ibenge had explained how his pep talk during the half time break propelled his side toa 3-0 Mainland Premier League victory against JKT Tanzania at Azam Complex Stadium on Friday.

The first half produced a 0-0 outcome leaving coach Ibenge a frustrated man, despite his side dominating the game. However, in the second period, Azam came attacking in all fronts and they were rewarded with two quick goals.

 

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DR Congo import Jephte Kitambala scored the opener in the 48th minute before Iddy Nado sealed a double in the 50th and 60th minute respectively.

Azam opener enabled JKT to open game

“We made a very good first half, but we just missed our opportunities to score the goals,” Ibenge told Pan-Africa Football. “So, I told my player to increase the possession, and to be more efficient in front of the goal.

“I told my players not to go down, but to go up. I asked them to keep playing, and playing. We had good menatality, we scored early in the second half, and after that it was time for the opponents to open the game, and it became easier for us.”

Ibenge added: “It was not easy to beat JKT Tanzania, you know it is a good team, and I think today in TV, and inside the stadium, everybody saw a good game.

“It was because we had two good teams on the field, so we played, and JKT also tried to play, and congratulations to JKT. They are in fourth position in the league because they win their games, and we did a good job today, and I am really happy for my players.”

On his plans to improve on the squad during the league break, the DR Congo opened up: “We are going to Zanzibar to play, so, it may be the opportunity for me to give more time to play for some players, who are injured for a long time.

“We have players who have been out for a long time, so they are going to have time to play.”

JKT game plan dropped in second half

JKT Tanzania coach Kocha Ahmad Ally conceded their level of playing in the second half dropped drastically allowing Azam to take advantage and win the win.

“We didn’t have a good start to the second half, because in the opening 11 minutes, we had conceded two goals, Azam used our weaknesses to win the game, our game plan in the second half never worked,” said Ally.

“We lost concentration and Azam took advantage.”

The win enabled Azam to move 37 points, two less than second-placed Simba SC, while JKT Tanzania dropped to fifth with 29 points from 19 matches.