Supersport ’ s Cup dream ruined

Confederation Cup.

Azam lost a fiery last-16 second leg 2-1 at FAR Rabat of Morocco to exit the second-tier competition by the same aggregate score, having been held 0-0 in Dar es Salaam two weeks ago.

After achieving better results on the road in previous rounds, England-born Azam coach Stewart Hall was confident of success at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in the Moroccan capital.

The Tanzanians could not have wished for a better start with John Bocco on target after seven minutes only for Abderrahim Achchakir to equalise with a penalty soon after.

Although reduced to 10 men when Achchakir was sent off, 2005 Confederation Cup winners FAR nudged ahead just before half-time when Mustapha Allaoui slammed a rebound past goalkeeper Ally Mwadini.

A disastrous second half for Azam saw David Mwantika and Waziri Salum red carded after second bookings before Bocco rattled the woodwork with a penalty nine minutes from time.

Defeat for Azam leaves surprise side Lydia Academic of Burundi as the lone east African qualifiers for mid-May play-offs against CAF Champions League last-16 losers.

Christophe Nduwarugira scored the only goal in Bujumbura seven minutes before halftime and the home team went on to oust 1998 African champions ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast 4-2 in a shootout. – Sapa-AFP