Atlabara FC from the newest footballing nation, South sudan put on a spirited performance to snatch a 2-2 draw against Tanzania champions, Azam FC at the on-going CECAFA-Kagame Cup tournament on Tuesday at Kigali Regional Stadium.
Atlabara who are making their maiden appearance in the zonal club tournament started the game on an attacking note with striker Sebit Ajak testing Azam goal keeper Aishi Salum Manula with a tough shot from 30 yards.
Defender Shomari Salum Kapombe had his free kick cleared by skipper Thomas Batista who turned from hero to zero following a late red card in the 90th minute following his reckless tackle on midfielder Bolou Wilfred Michael.
New signing Leonel Saint Preux was a threat to Atlabara defense but his efforts were all saved by man of the match goal keeper Mpenzi Jecko who was pivotal for the South Sudan’s side.
Azam broke the deadlock when Bolou fired a sharp free kick past Mpenzi in the 43rd minute to give a first half lead for the Tanzanians.
Two minutes after recess, Atlabara canceled the lead through Batista with a brilliant go to send the mammoth fans into jubilations who were all inspired by the quality of football displayed by the South sudan outfit.
Striker Bony Martin who proved a thorn for the Azam defence doubled the lead for Atlabara with a left-footed shot which left goal keeper Aishi Salum Manula stunned.
Substitute Didier Kavumbagu who replaced wasteful Mwaikimba Gaudence saved Azam from humiliation as he rose to score a bright header from Kipre Herman Tche Tche’s cross in the 85th minute to ease a sigh of relief on the Tanzanian technical bench.
The draw leaves Azam at the summit of Group A with five points following their win over KMKM and a draw against Rayon Sports.
Both Atlabara and KMKM are tied on two points, two points behind Rayon Sports who have played a game less just as the South Sudanese champions.
Adama City of Ethiopia has a point secured in a one-all draw against KMKM on Tuesday afternoon. Midfielder Wonooson Milkesa scored a 46th minute goal for the Ethiopians but was canceled by KMKM courtesy of a dazzling strike in the 93rd minute.
Action continues on Wednesday afternoon in Group B as Ugandan champions KCCA seeks recovery over Burundian Atletico in the first game of the day.
KCCA beat Gor Mahia 2-1 in the opening game and succumbed to a 1-2 loss to Telecom in their second game while Atletico lost 0-1 to APR before shocking Gor Mahia with a 1-0 win. Both teams have three points and whoever wins this crunch match will be assured of a place in the last eight.
The last match of the day will pit three-time winners APR Fc of Rwanda against a tricky Telecom side from Djibouti who have been dubbed silent assassins in this tournament.
Tuesday results
KMKM 1-1 Adama City Fc
Azam 2-2 Atlabara
Wednesday fixtures
APR vs. Telecom
KCCA v Atletico
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Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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