Azam FC head coach Florent Ibenge has praised his players for their discipline and fighting spirit after securing a hard-fought victory over TRA United in the NBC Premier League at the Azam Complex in Chamazi.
Ibenge said he was particularly pleased with Azam’s first-half display, urging his players to maintain the same level of performance throughout their remaining matches.
He, however, admitted that the game became increasingly difficult after Azam conceded early in the second half and later lost goalkeeper Aishi Manula to a red card.
“After conceding early in the second half, things became mentally difficult because we did not know whether to attack or protect the result. We also lost our goalkeeper to a red card, meaning we had to play with 10 men, but the players showed great fighting spirit to protect the three points,” Ibenge said.
The Frenchman described the encounter as a tough contest, noting that both sides displayed quality and provided an entertaining spectacle for the fans.
Ibenge also refused to blame Manula for his dismissal, saying the goalkeeper had been attempting to help the team.
“I cannot blame him because he was trying to save the team. The rules are the rules, and we have to accept the red card. We will play without him and give an opportunity to a U-20 goalkeeper to join the squad,” he said.
For TRA United, head coach Etienne Ndayiragije acknowledged Azam’s efficiency in front of goal, conceding that the better side won on the day.
“Azam deserved to win because they used the opportunities they created. My players fought hard, and I can see progress in the way they are adapting to the team’s system. I thank them for their efforts,” Ndayiragije said.
The Burundian coach also praised his players for their response after the break, saying those introduced as substitutes built on the work of the starting players.
He stressed that the performance was a collective effort despite the final result.
“I don't think the match should have ended in a draw. We accept the result with respect, congratulate Azam and now turn our attention to the next match,” Ndayiragije said.
