Azam FC shattered hopes of a fifth Kariakoo Derby this season after defeating Yanga 3-2 in the semi-final of the CRDB Federation Cup at CCM Kirumba Stadium on Sunday.
A dramatic winner from Congolese forward Jephte Kitambala in the 113th minute sealed Azam’s place in the final after the two sides had finished level at 2-2 at the end of normal time.
The victory was even more remarkable as Azam spent a significant part of the match with 10 men following a second-half red card.
The result also ended Azam’s poor run against Yanga in the CRDB Federation Cup.
Their first meeting in the competition came on June 12, 2023, at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, where Yanga claimed a 1-0 victory through Zambian striker Kennedy Musonda.
The two sides met again in the 2023/24 final at New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on June 2, 2024. After a goalless draw over 120 minutes, Yanga triumphed 6-5 on penalties to lift the trophy.
Florent Ibenge’s tactical decision to start towering striker Jean Kamanga Ngita, who stands at 6ft 5in, proved crucial.
Azam frequently utilised long balls whenever Yanga managed to block their short-passing routes, with Ngita’s aerial presence causing constant problems for the opposition defence.
During the opening 45 minutes, Azam sought to create opportunities through the creativity of Idd Seleman ‘Nado’ and Feisal Salum.
However, they regularly mixed their approach by launching long passes towards Ngita, whose height gave him a clear advantage over Yanga’s central defenders.
Bakari Mwamnyeto, at 6ft 1in, was the tallest player in Yanga’s back line, while Ibrahim Hamad ‘Bacca’ stands at 5ft 9in.
Ibenge’s plan paid off in the 28th minute. Pascal Msindo delivered a cross that found Ngita, who nodded the ball down for Himid Mao ‘Ninja’.
The midfielder then headed home to give Azam the lead before half-time.
The midfield battle was one of the most intense aspects of the match as both sides fought to control possession and dictate the tempo.
Yanga’s acting head coach Abdihamid Moallin started with Duke Abuya and Mudathir Yahya in central midfield, while Allan Okello operated further forward as an attacking midfielder. Pacome Zouzoua and Max Nzengeli occupied the wide positions.
Azam responded with Himid Mao and Yahya Zayd anchoring the midfield, while Feisal Salum played in a more advanced role.
Ashraf Kibwe and Idd Seleman operated on the flanks.
The contest in midfield became increasingly fierce as the game progressed.
After falling behind, Yanga raised the tempo and gradually took greater control of possession, particularly in the second half after Azam were reduced to 10 men.
Recognising that Azam’s defence, led by Yoro Diaby, was pushing high up the pitch, Yanga altered their approach by replacing Mudathir Yahya with Depu.
The substitution added greater attacking presence and encouraged a more direct style of play.
Depu partnered Prince Dube in attack and immediately increased Yanga’s threat inside the penalty area.
The adjustment paid off in the 67th minute when Depu headed in the equaliser following sustained pressure on the Azam defence.
Just two minutes later, Azam suffered a major setback.
Yoro Diaby brought down Dube while acting as the last defender and was shown a straight red card, leaving his side with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Azam refused to surrender.
Ibenge reacted quickly by introducing Lameck Lawi and Zidane Sereri to strengthen the midfield and provide additional energy during a difficult spell.
The resilience shown by Azam was rewarded in the 85th minute when they restored their lead, raising hopes of reaching the final.
However, Yanga responded almost immediately, equalising three minutes later to force extra time after the match ended 2-2 at the conclusion of the 90 minutes.
With penalties looming, Azam found the decisive breakthrough in the 113th minute when Kitambala struck the winning goal, sending the Chamazi-based side into the final and ending any possibility of another Kariakoo Derby this season.
