Singida, Tanzania – April 6, 2025
Kenyan international Elvis Rupia came off the bench to score the decisive goal as Singida Black Stars marked their return to the newly renovated CCM Liti Stadium with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Azam FC in a Tanzanian Premier League clash played yesterday.
The match, which was the first hosted at the venue since its approval on April 1st following a suspension due to poor conditions, lived up to its billing with intensity, drama, and a storybook finish for the home side.
Singida Black Stars, managed by former Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma, headed into the tie trailing third-placed Azam by four points. A win was crucial in maintaining their push for continental football, with the fourth-place spot guaranteeing a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round ticket.
Coach Ouma kept faith in his recent tactical approach, opting to start in-form Ghanaian forward Jonathan Sowah over Rupia. Sowah, who has impressed since his mid-season move from Libya’s Al Nasr Benghazi, led the line supported by wingers Emmanuel Keyekeh and Marouf Tchakei, while Josephat Bada played just behind in a central attacking role.
Sowah was a constant threat throughout the first half. In the 7th minute, he rattled the crossbar with a thunderous effort. He came close again in the 30th and 38th minutes, but luck was not on his side as his efforts either missed the target or were deflected at the last moment. Azam FC, on their part, had moments of danger, particularly when Feisal Salum, popularly known as “Feitoto”, saw a chance go to waste just before halftime.
The second half began with Singida still on the front foot. Sowah again tested Azam’s defence in the 47th minute, but goalkeeper Zuberi Foba thwarted his attempt to round him.
Coach Ouma then introduced Elvis Rupia, and the Kenyan forward wasted no time making his presence felt. In the 75th minute, a swift counterattack saw Rupia collect a long pass just past the halfway line. With composure and pace, he charged towards goal and fired a powerful shot past the onrushing keeper to send the home fans into a frenzy.
It was Rupia’s 10th goal of the season, moving him to 4th in the league’s top scorers’ chart — just two goals behind the current leader Jean Ahoua of Simba SC.
Azam nearly snatched a point in added time when Feitoto rose highest to meet a cross, but Singida’s goalkeeper pulled off a brilliant save to preserve the lead and seal a vital three points.
The win not only narrows the gap between Singida and Azam but also makes a bold statement on the team’s ambitions under David Ouma’s leadership — and on the significance of returning to a rejuvenated CCM Liti Stadium.
With momentum building and Rupia back among the goals, Singida Black Stars look increasingly like serious contenders for continental competition.
