Azam FC and JKT Tanzania were left to rue missed opportunities after battling to a 1-1 draw in their NBC Premier League encounter at Major Isamuhyo Stadium, with both coaches conceding their teams underperformed.
Azam’s head coach, Florent Ibenge, was candid in his post-match remarks, admitting his players struggled to control the tempo and maintain possession, which limited their attacking threat.
He said defensive lapses also gave JKT the chance to get back into the game.
“My players were not sharp in keeping the ball, and that reduced our ability to create scoring chances,” Ibenge said.
“We allowed them to attack too easily, which is how they managed to equalize. Honestly, the system used by the JKT coach gave us problems and denied us the win.”he added
JKT Tanzania coach Ahmad Ally echoed similar sentiments, saying his side also fell short of their best performance.
However, he praised his players for showing character in the second half to fight back and secure a point.
“We did not play our best football, but I congratulate the players for listening to instructions and working hard to equalize. At least we managed to take one point at home,” Ally said.
He noted that while his team circulated the ball well, hesitation and nerves in front of goal prevented them from doing more damage.
The draw adds to both clubs’ frustration as they continue their pursuit of consistency in the early stages of the season.