Azam, Prisons in midweek fixture

Yanga players train at the Karume Memorial Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Photo: Michael Matemanga

 Tanzania Prisons are at home to visiting Azam FC in a left-over premiership match of the mainland league to be played at the Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya this afternoon.

The encounter promises to be tense basing on the fact that the Mbeya team has never conceded defeat at the hands of visiting Dar es Salaam teams regardless of their football trademarks.

Rejuvenated Prisons shocked Simba by a lone goal on October 21 last year before stretching Yanga to a dramatic 2-2 draw early this month. The wardens have established a new tradition of not conceding defeat at the hands of visiting Dar es Salaam teams, a feat that might be tall order for Azam to overturn. Sixth positioned Prisons with 31 points are visibly not title contenders though they have an opportunity to find a breakthrough in their remaining ten rounds after today’s game.

This is game that has automatically touched attention of many soccer fans who are following the premiership as Azam might top the standings table should they win. 

Unbeaten once in their 18 appearances this season, Azam would like to dislodge holders Yanga who are enjoying a one-point gap at the top of the standings.

Prisons have been resolute this season after notching eight wins, drawing seven and losing the rest in their 19 appearances. They have a narrow positive goal aggregate of one but have displayed potential in scoring. Certainly the game against Azam will be one of the tension-packed despite being played in midweek.

Azam coach Stewart John Hall will have to shuffle his cards in the right way as Prisons might possibly dent his hope of keeping title chase on track.

While Azam are in Mbeya, holders Yanga who are gearing up for their CAF Champions League return leg tie against a team from Mauritius this weekend, still would be closely following what is happening in Mbeya.

Yanga will beam with confidence and joy should Azam falter to give them huge relief in the title chase.

 Though Prisons have almost nothing to lose, a win at home would meet satisfaction of their ardent fans.

 Coach hall is expected to field Salum Aboubakar on the midfield role to cover the gap left by Himid Mao who has been ruled out of the clash.