Tanzania money bags Azam FC are the new Cecafa Kagame Cup champions for the first time in their existence after beating favorites Gor Mahia of Kenya 2-0.

The loss means K’Ogalo’s 30 years wait for the fourth Kagame Cup title still continues.

The high octane match played at the National Stadium on Sunday August 2,2015 lived up to the hype, with Azam’s solid defense carrying the day once more; the men from Chamazi never conceded a goal in open play the entire tournament.

Azam skipper John Raphael Bocco opened scoring in the 16th minute, burrying Kipre Tche Tche’s inviting low cross from the right, the Ivorian, Kipre did all the donkey work managing to go past two defenders to deliver the dangerous cross.

K’Ogalo’s attempt to get back into the game like they did in past matches were thwarted by the mean defense marshaled by the defender of the tournament Pascal Wawa – the defense’s work was made easy by the long balls from Gor side which were cleared with ease.

The tie headed into the breather with the Ice Cream makers enjoying the lead.

Golden gloves winner, Boniface Oluoch of Gor Mahia, watched as Kipre curled home a beautiful free kick to double the lead; Bonny will be asking himself how he allowed that goal in and still bagged the award.

Coach Frank Nuttall pulled out sluggish Eric Ochieng for Ali Abondo but still, they could not go past Azam keeper Aishi Manula who had a superb outing in this competition.

By the blow of the final whistle, it was all celebration for the Azam side as they put their name on the prestigious regional gong. No tears rolled on Gor’s side, a sign of a war well fought on their part. The players exchanged their jerseys to the last man, in a show of respect and sportsmanship from the two teams.

The next edition of this tournament will be played in Zanzibar in 2016.

@bonfaceosano