Azam of Tanzania gave their title hunt a huge boost with a lone goal victory over Uganda’s Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) in the Group C opener of the 2015 CECAFA-Kagame Cup on Sunday.
John Bocco’s 13th minute strike past KCCA goalie Benjamin Ochan was all needed to secure the maximum points.
The Azam skipper dribbled into the area from the left, outwitted Habib Kavuma and Hassan Wasswa Dazo who were anticipating a cross from his right, only to fire home with his left.
John Bocco’s 13th minute strike past KCCA goalie Benjamin Ochan was all needed to secure the maximum points.
The Azam skipper dribbled into the area from the left, outwitted Habib Kavuma and Hassan Wasswa Dazo who were anticipating a cross from his right, only to fire home with his left.
The closest KCCA came to finding the back of the net, was when winger Michael Birungi hit the post, Denis Okoth also tried his luck from long range but Azam goalie, Salum Aishi Manula tamed the low shot.
Muzamir Mutyaba also tried his luck but again Manula was up to the task.
At the half hour mark, Azam almost doubled their lead. With Benjamin Ochan in goal beaten, Erasto Kapombe’s shot from 25 yards hit the upright.
Azam won the physical battle, especially in the midfield as Mutyaba and Hakim Ssekumba struggled to win possession, and the former’s creative prowess was a no show.
At the start of the second half, KCCA made a double substitution, Shaban Kondo and Ivan Ntege came on for Derrick Nsibambi and Mutyaba respectively.
Ochan was KCCA’s best player on an evening Azam were desperate to double their efforts. Substitute Kipre Tchetche was denied by the custodian with a reflexive save eight minutes after recess.
Minutes later, with only Manula to beat, Joseph Ochaya failed to slot home with an effort off target.
KCCA coach, Sam Simbwa admitted his side made costly mistakes which he hopes to correct before the next fixture.
“I believe they survived because we created more chances than them and it was our players who were wasteful but I believe we shall come back strongly” Simbwa said.
On his part, Steward Hall, Head Coach of Azam lauded his team for playing to instructions and commended striker John Bocco for the great work rate exhibited.
“We came with a strategy and the boys executed it well. I’m happy we did not concede. It’s the fifth game without conceding and for me it’s a bonus,” remarked Hall.
In the other Group C game, Malakia of South Sudan shocked Ethiopia’s Adama City with a 2-1 win. Samuel Ssekamatte and Sadam Peter Opera scored for the South Sudanese torchbearers whilst Kennedy Santoliano grabbed a consolation for Adama.
In Group B, Lydie Academic of Burundi and Heegan of Somalia settled for a barren draw at the Karume Stadium.
Results
Group B
Lydie Academic (Burundi) 0-0 Heegan (Somalia)
Group C
Azam (Tanzania) 1-0 KCCA (Uganda)
Muzamir Mutyaba also tried his luck but again Manula was up to the task.
At the half hour mark, Azam almost doubled their lead. With Benjamin Ochan in goal beaten, Erasto Kapombe’s shot from 25 yards hit the upright.
Azam won the physical battle, especially in the midfield as Mutyaba and Hakim Ssekumba struggled to win possession, and the former’s creative prowess was a no show.
At the start of the second half, KCCA made a double substitution, Shaban Kondo and Ivan Ntege came on for Derrick Nsibambi and Mutyaba respectively.
Ochan was KCCA’s best player on an evening Azam were desperate to double their efforts. Substitute Kipre Tchetche was denied by the custodian with a reflexive save eight minutes after recess.
Minutes later, with only Manula to beat, Joseph Ochaya failed to slot home with an effort off target.
KCCA coach, Sam Simbwa admitted his side made costly mistakes which he hopes to correct before the next fixture.
“I believe they survived because we created more chances than them and it was our players who were wasteful but I believe we shall come back strongly” Simbwa said.
On his part, Steward Hall, Head Coach of Azam lauded his team for playing to instructions and commended striker John Bocco for the great work rate exhibited.
“We came with a strategy and the boys executed it well. I’m happy we did not concede. It’s the fifth game without conceding and for me it’s a bonus,” remarked Hall.
In the other Group C game, Malakia of South Sudan shocked Ethiopia’s Adama City with a 2-1 win. Samuel Ssekamatte and Sadam Peter Opera scored for the South Sudanese torchbearers whilst Kennedy Santoliano grabbed a consolation for Adama.
In Group B, Lydie Academic of Burundi and Heegan of Somalia settled for a barren draw at the Karume Stadium.
Results
Group B
Lydie Academic (Burundi) 0-0 Heegan (Somalia)
Group C
Azam (Tanzania) 1-0 KCCA (Uganda)
By: Cafonline.com
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