NBC Premier League: TRA United humiliate Azam FC

TRA United produced one of the biggest shocks of the NBC Premier League season after thrashing Azam FC 4-1 at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha, handing the visitors their first defeat of the campaign at the venue.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Azam Sports (@azamtvsports)

Azam FC started brightly and took an early lead just six minutes into the match. Striker Japhte Kitambala finished calmly after receiving a well-timed assist from Saido Kanoute to put the visitors ahead 1-0.

TRA United turn it around in shock NBC Premier League result

However, TRA United quickly recovered from the early setback and began growing into the contest. Their equaliser arrived in the 19th minute following a dangerous attack that started from the left flank. Defender Valentine Nouma delivered a long throw into the box, Amy Mapaka flicked the ball on with a header, and midfielder Ally Ng’anzi was left with a simple finish to level the score at 1-1.

The home side continued to pile pressure on Azam FC and deservedly grabbed the lead four minutes before halftime. Issack Mtengwa sent in an inviting cross which found Amy Mapaka unmarked inside the penalty area, allowing the forward to head home comfortably past goalkeeper Aishi Manula for a 2-1 advantage.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Azam Sports (@azamtvsports)

Mapaka struck again in similar fashion just before the break to complete his brace. Winger Ramadhan Chobwedo beat Azam defender Pascal Msindo on the right wing before setting up Mtengwa, whose cross once again found Mapaka free inside the box. The striker powered another header into the net to extend TRA United’s lead to 3-1 at halftime.

After the restart, Azam FC coach Florent Ibenge attempted to turn the game around with tactical substitutions, introducing Taleb Zitoun for Iddy Nado and Jean Ngita for Ashraf Kibweku. Despite showing more attacking intent in the second half, Azam struggled to break down a disciplined TRA United defence.

TRA United then sealed the emphatic victory in the 63rd minute after Himid Mao conceded a dangerous free kick near the edge of the penalty area and received a yellow card. Chobwedo stepped up and curled a superb free kick into the net to make it 4-1.

Azam FC had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 68th minute, but Feisal Salum missed a penalty, failing to score what would have been his 11th goal of the season.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Azam Sports (@azamtvsports)

Both coaches made several changes as the match progressed, but TRA United coach Etienne Ndayiragije emerged victorious after masterminding a memorable performance from his side.

Despite the defeat, Azam FC remain third in the league standings with 43 points from 22 matches, while TRA United climb closer in fourth place with 33 points from the same number of games.

Azam FC will next face Tanzania Prisons, while TRA United are set to take on Mtibwa Sugar in their upcoming league fixture.