AZAM BACK TO ITS POSITION

Kipre Tcheche

Kipre Tcheche’s converted penalty as early as the third minute of their game against visiting Oljoro JKT at their Chamazi backyard yesterday elevated the ice cream makers into the second spot of the Mainland premiership leader board.

The goal lasted for the entire duration of the match that was full of thrills as each side played impressively.

Playing without their suspended trio of Deogratius Munishi and defending duo of Erasto Nyoni and Said Morad, the ice-cream makers still looked lethal and perfect.

Coach John Stewart Hall said the trio have been suspended for a week due to misconduct but declined to give details.

The victory has earned Azam three more points to breath behind leaders Yanga by a difference of two points after twelve appearances.

Azam have therefore deposed holders Simba who used to be second ahead of yesterday’s game.

In Tanga Coastal Union beat relegation haunted Police Morogoro by a third minute goal courtesy of Daniel Lihanga to move to fourth with 22 points.

In Morogoro giant killers Mtibwa Sugar floored troubled Ruvu JKT by a 25th minute goal scored by defender Issa Rashid to claim three points and stay fifth in the table.

The premiership continues this weekend where teams are expected to wind up the first half of the season.

Meanwhile, Azam spokesman Jaffer Idd denied reports of the suspended players while Hall confirmed the ban on disciplinary grounds.

Line-up:

Azam FC:

Mwadini Ali, Wazir Salum, Latson Kakolaki, Aggrey Morris, Jabir Aziz, Salum Aboubakar, Himid Mao, Kipre Tcheche, Michaeil Balou/Gaudence Mwaikimba, John Bocco and Hamis Mcha.

Coach: John Stewart Hall

Referee: Livingstone Lwiza

Oljoro JKT:

Lucheche Musa, Yasin Juma, Salim Mbonde, Kalaghe Mgunda, Idd Saleh, Marcus Raphael, Emmanuel Memba, Amir Omar, Omar David, Sanu Essau, Essau Maeba/ Yahya, Edmund Kashami