AZAM FC head coach Florent Ibenge has admitted his side struggled to cope with JKT Tanzania’s tactical approach after the two teams settled for a 1-1 draw in the Mainland Premier League at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday evening.

The Chamazi-based outfit appeared to be on course for a valuable away win after influential midfielder Feisal Salum Abdallah fired them ahead in the 43rd minute. However, a lapse in the dying stages proved costly as JKT forward Paul Peter Kasunda struck deep into stoppage time (90’+3) to deny Azam all three points.

Reflecting on the result, Ibenge expressed frustration with how his team managed the second half, particularly in the closing stages. “Only in the last 10 minutes, because we played too far back, low block, and we let the opponent come and play near our goal,” Ibenge (pictured) explained. “We conceded a goal, congratulations to JKT, and we are going back to working to win the next game.”

 The Congolese tactician acknowledged that Azam were far from their best in possession, with JKT’s well-organized structure making it difficult for his charges to build momentum. “We weren’t very good with the ball today, because I told you JKT is a good team. They play in a system we didn’t read very well, so we had a lot of difficulties to keep the ball,” Ibenge admitted.

 The coach also pointed to fatigue as a possible factor behind their dip in intensity. “Maybe we are tired, we played less than 72 hours from our last game,” he added, noting the demanding schedule his team has faced in recent weeks.

 With the draw, JKT Tanzania moved to five points from three matches, while Azam reached four points from two games. Despite the setback, Ibenge remains optimistic that his side will bounce back, emphasizing the need to adjust quickly and rediscover their rhythm as the season gathers pace.