Maji Maji sends African Lyon packing

Maji Maji yesterday managed to overcome African Lyon 2-1. Maji Maji were the first to open the scoring in the 18th minute through a cross that left African Lyon defenders stunned.

African Lyon pulled their socks up and managed to rescue the situation temporarily through Yusuf oka who took advantage of a weak back pass to slot the ball for the equaliser.

At the break both teams were on par. In the second half both teams came out looking for a winning goal, but it was African Lyon who were more dangerous, until the 78th minute when the referee awarded a controversial penalty and Maji Maji needed that opportunity and took it.

From there on it was all about time wasting tactics used by Maji Maji to see of the game, despite changes to the attack by African Lyon.

After the game coach Jumanne Chale said that the referee was to blame for the defeat, and TFF should take a look at this seriously.

African Lyon : Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo, Abu Ubwa, Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Victor Isaac, Rashid Gumbo, Mohammed Samatta, Mbwana Samatta (Karume Songoro 81 mins), Yusuf Soka, Robert Sentongo (Idrisa Rashid 68 mins)

African Lyon clash with Maji Maji

African Lyon today will have to break the recent run of home form of Maji Maji in Songea, to gain three important points and elevate from the Relegation Zone.

Speaking to the website Coach Chale said that it was too early to discard African Lyon this year, and he said he expected a top half finish, but it was important for the team to start picking up points.

“We can finish the first round in the top half, and make a charge in the second round, obviously we need to pick up points now, with all due respects to Maji Maji they are a good side at home, but this is where we have to prove that we can win tough games” said Chale

Chale however dismissed the recent claims of Maji Maji being involved in a corruption case that resulted in three referees getting a life ban, and Maji Maji being slapped a hefty 10 million fine, saying that it was not a factor on the pitch.

“Maji Maji leadership has problems with the fine, but not the players, so I don't think this will effect the actual game, but this incident has really left a bad taste in Tanzanian football, and it should not have happened” said Chale.

Chale said that all the players that made the trip were in high spirits despite the journey taking longer then expected, and they were all fit to face Maji Maji.

Today's line up is expected to be Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo, Abu Ubwa, Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Victor Isaac, Rashid Gumbo, Mohammed Samatta, Yusuf Soka, Mbwana Samatta and Robert Sentongo.

Reserves: Hamadi Waziri, Saidi MWarami, Godfrey Komba, Karume Songoro, Idrissa Rashid, Stephano Nkomola and Sultan Kittu.

Meanwhile African Lyon's next opponents Azam FC will face league leaders Simba at the Uhuru Stadium