Azam edge Nairobi United, Chiefs secure victory in Ndola

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup action resumed on Sunday afternoon as the race to a quarter-final finish continues across the continent.

Tanzania’s Azam FC kept their knockout stage hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nairobi United, while Amakhosi found an early goal in Ndola to hold on for a crucial away victory over Zesco United.

Below is a summary of the afternoon fixtures:

Azam FC 2 – 1 Nairobi United

Azam secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Nairobi United in an entertaining encounter that was decided by a dramatic own goal late in the second half.

Nairobi United made a bright start and took the lead in the 13th minute through Dancan Omala, who struck from outside the box after a fast break assisted by Michael Karamor.

Azam responded quickly, equalising in the 17th minute when Jephté Kitambala finished calmly from the centre of the box following a pass from Yoro Diaby.

The match remained tightly contested with both sides creating chances. Azam came close on several occasions through Kitambala and Iddi Selemani, while Nairobi United threatened on the counter. Goalkeepers Zuberi Foba and Ernest Mohammed were kept busy with important saves.

The decisive moment came in the 78th minute. After Himid Mao hit the post, the rebound deflected off Nairobi United goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed and into the net for an own goal, giving Azam a 2–1 lead.

United pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, winning free kicks and corners, but Azam defended well and saw out the six minutes of added time. A late save by Ernest Mohammed denied Iddi Selemani from increasing the margin, while Azam managed the game smartly to protect their advantage.

Zesco United 0 – 1 Kaizer Chiefs

 Kaizer Chiefs claimed a narrow but vital 1–0 victory over Zesco United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, thanks to an early goal from Pule Mmodi that proved decisive.

The South African side struck in just the 2nd minute when Pule Mmodi reacted quickest inside the box to convert from close range following a corner, giving Chiefs a dream start. Moments earlier, Flávio Silva had hit the post from another corner, signaling Chiefs’ early dominance.

United responded by pushing forward and creating several chances, particularly through Amine Hiver, Leonard Mulenga and Emmanuel Manda, but they were repeatedly denied by strong defending and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.

The second half saw ZESCO increase the pressure, winning multiple free kicks and corners as they searched for an equaliser.

Despite several stoppages due to injuries, Chiefs held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.