Dar es Salaam. Azam FC yesterday tasted their first Mainland Premier League defeat after succumbing to a 0-1 defeat by hosts Coastal Union of Tanga at Mkwakwani Stadium.
The defeat comes as a relief for league leaders, Simba and their close challengers, Yanga in their quest for the 2015/2016 league title.
The win has continued Coastal Union’s impressive home record over giant clubs after recently beating defending champions, Dar es Salaam Young Africans 2-0 to reduce their pace in the race for the title.
That was also the first defeat for Yanga, who now remain in the second position after Azam’s failure to beat their hosts which could have enabled them to share points with Simba at the summit.
The win has improved Coastal Union’s standing in the league by going up three places to the 12th position after earning 16 points from 19 matches.The Tanga-based team which was once threatened with relegation are moving out of the danger zone.
Reports from Tanga say thanks should go to right back Miraj Adam, who scored the lone goal in the 67th minute to disappoint the former champions.
He sent home a power-packed shot that penetrated into Azam’s well built defence to see goal keeper, Aishi Manula, napping.
Azam FC remain at the third place with 42 points, just one point adrift Yanga from 17 matches. In another match, Mwadui failed to utilize well their home ground advantage, after being held to a scoreless draw by Tanzania Prisons in Shinyanga.
The league will continue on Saturday with Simba battling against their traditional rivals, reigning champions Dar es Salaam Young Africans at the National Stadium.
