Ibenge apologises to fans after Azam FC stalemate

Azam FC head coach Florent Ibenge apologised to the fans following the team’s 0-0 Mainland Premier League draw against Mbeya City on Thursday.

The Ice Cream Makers went into the fixture seeking to return to winning ways after their 0-0 Mzizima derby draw against Simba SC.

However, they failed to break down a resilient Mbeya side, who dominated proceedings especially in the first half.

 

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The draw left Ibenge gutted, while admitting his side should do everything to bounce back as quickly as possible.

‘Azam FC lost two points’

“It was not normal to make a draw today,” a visibly frustrated Ibenge told Pan-Africa Football. “I am sorry for our fans; it was not what we wanted from this game.”

Ibenge added: “But, in the last game we won two points against Simba, but today, we lost two points. We have to start to win again as soon as possible.”

Asked what went wrong, Ibenge said: “It is not because we were playing away, it is because we weren’t good enough. It was not good in the first half, and we played without grip, like a friendly game.

“When we came back for the second half, it was more difficult because this team plays low block, and if you have a lot of skills to play against such teams, then you draw, and a draw is normal.”

Draw left Azam sitting third

Mbeya City head coach Mecky Mexime explained his game plan that denied Azam the opportunity to win the game.

“We were smart, we read the Azam game very well, and we managed to get the point, a point is good for us, against such a strong team like Azam,” said Mexime.

The draw left Azam third in the top-flight table with 34 points from 18 matches. They have managed eight wins, 10 draws, and zero defeats.