Tanzania Prisons 0-1 Azam FC: Dube's stoppage-time goal enough for Ice-cream Makers
The Chamazi-based charges are so far the only team with maximum points after four games
Prince Dube scored with seconds to go, to help Azam FC go top of the Tanzania Mainland League after a narrow 1-0 win against Tanzania Prisons.
The 2014 champions had anticipated a tough game against the administrative side, but Kagera Sugar's 1-0 win against KMC FC motivated them since a win meant they would go top of the table.
However, as Azam's assistant coach Bahati Vivier predicted, it turned out to be a tough affair at the Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga. The hosts dominated with their slick passing amid cheers from the fans who had come in numbers.
When everyone thought the spoils would be shared, Zimbabwean forward Prince Dube rose to the occasion and won his team maximum points.
It was the third goal for the forward in the four games the Ice-cream Makers have played. The result put Azam on top of the table with 12 points. They remain the only team in the division to have won maximum points from their opening four matches.
Meanwhile, Dodoma Jiji FC suffered a 3-0 win to the hands of their hosts Polisi Tanzania.
It took Polisi just 11 minutes to get the opening goal when Marcel Kaheza's free-kick was missed by everybody including the goalkeeper. It was a ball floated in from the right after a foul committed by the defenders.
Former Yanga SC forward Tariq Seif doubled the advantage in the 39th minute. Kaheza fooled the defenders, and the ball was well controlled by the former on his chest, before unleashing a volley which the custodian could do little to keep out.
In the 61st minute, Kaheza completed his brace. George Mpole spotted the unmarked Seif on the right. The striker took his time, spotted the advancing Kaheza, and crossed the ball to him and the latter tapped into an empty net to ensure Polisi earned a 3-0 win.
Azam are on 12 points while KMC are second with nine after playing four games as well. Simba, who will play Gwambina FC later on, are third with seven points from three games.
Saturday's win took Polisi Tanzania to fourth with seven points while Dodoma Jiji dropped to sixth with the same number of points but they are inferior on goal difference.