CAFCC: Nairobi United lose again to Azam FC

Kenyan Premier League side Nairobi United remained the only winless side in Group B of the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) after losing 1-0 against Azam FC at New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday.

 

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The Ice Cream Makers had won the first meeting 2-1 in Nairobi which was their first in the campaign. In Zanzibar, Feisal Salum, who scored in Nairobi, hit the back of the net in the 12th minute for the only goal.

Under veteran coach Florent Ibenge, Azam started with a lot of pressure, pinning United in their own half and they took the lead with only 11 minutes played. A superb delivery from Yahya Omary found Salum, who struck home a low effort past United goalkeeper Kevin Oduor.

Azam continued to dominate play and should have doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Salum’s pass from the right wing troubled United defenders to clear. Jephte Kitambala tried to sneak it into the net, but Oduor reacted quickly to make a superb save and keep the scores 1-0.

The first yellow card went to Muhadjiri of United following a tactical challenge on an Azam player, before Biko saved United from conceding after he reacted brilliantly to deny Salum with a timely block.

United’s first chance came in the 39th minute when Duncan whipped in a dangerous cross looking for his brother Benson, but the Azam defence reacted just in time to calm the situation.

The second half started with United making a change. Muhadjiri Hakizimana was withdrawn for attacking midfielder Enock Machaga as the Nairobi-based side tried to improve on their midfield which was losing balls to the opponents.

The matchday four fixture remained balanced until the 53rd minute when Oduor produced another wonderful save to deny Salum. In the 64th minute, United went for a triple change – Titus Ssematimba, Brian Omondi, and Charles Waibi, coming in for Lesley Owino, Roy Okal, and Kevin Otiende.

United, who remained bottom, will now face Wydad on Sunday, February 8, before winding up their group campaign with a trip to DR Congo to face Maniema on Sunday, February 15.

CAFCC Group B Table