CAF Confederation Cup: Azam FC ease to first leg victory in South Sudan

Tanzania’s Azam FC are on their way to the final round of qualifying in the CAF Confederation Cup following Saturday’s 2-0 first leg victory at South Sudanese club El Merreikh Bentiu.

The third place finishers from last season’s Tanzanian top flight campaign did well to navigate a potentially difficult first leg clash in the South Sudanese capital of Juba. Star midfielder Feisal Salum opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before new signing Jephte Kitambala doubled the lead in the 70th minute.

Azam quickly established their dominance, with Kitambala’s physicality causing issues for the El Merreikh defense. The Congolese striker nearly put the visitors into the lead inside four minutes but a good save prevented him from opening the scoring.

But the lead arrived for Azam in the 22nd minute. Kitambala got on the end of a cross and his shot was well saved from close range but the rebound fell to “Fei Toto”, who placed his shot perfectly into the roof of the net. El Merreikh appeared to respond before halftime but had a goal disallowed for offsides.

The pace on the wings and physical superiority of Azam wore El Merreikh down and the lead was extended in the second half. Another attack down the left flank resulted in a low cross to find the near post run of Kitambala, who had plenty of space to apply a first-time finish.

The second leg will take place next Sunday at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam, where Azam are expected to confirm their place in the final qualifying round where they could face either Djibouti’s AS Port or Zanzibari side KMKM FC.