Lindi custodian Abdul Said Ally makes a timely save to disappoint Kigoma strikers in one of the ongoing Copa Coca-Cola championship matches at the Karume Memorial Stadium, Dar es Salaam. Kigoma won 2-0. (Photo courtesy of a correspondent)

The ongoing Copa Coca-Cola under 17 championship has become a huge attraction to most of the Dare s salaam fans as they fill up the Karume Memorial Stadium to its capacity.

It’s just unfortunate the stadium has no seats but soccer fans are braving rain and sunshine to stand throughout the duration of the matches to follow through the unfolding actions.

What pulls the crowd is the brand of the football displayed by the youngsters. The venue which also hosted the just ended Airtel Rising Stars tournament has now become a heaven to football fans who have been deprived of soccer action resulting from the ‘holiday’ as the premiership season is yet to kick off.

During yesterday’s matches, Ilala combined team beat Arusha 2-1 in a thrilling encounter witnessed by a huge crowd.

The winners dominated the match right from the kick off, to torment Arusha defenders who stood firm to thwart onslaughts.

However, Arusha resistance was broken

Three minutes to the half time mark when Ilala striker Yusuph Yesaya scored the opener.

Arusha would not find an equaliser within the three remaining minutes to trail by the lone goal up to the half time.

On resumption, Arusha took the control of the match with a series of attacks that made Ilala stopper to have a busy morning making fine saves.

Arusha players fought back gallantly and their efforts paid off when striker Dafazali Ismail pulled the all important equaliser eight minutes to time.

Ismail outpaced Ilala defenders before releasing the killer shot that sailed into the net for the teams to go level.

Arusha players were too complacent after the potential equaliser and never seem to search for the winning goal.

Ilala took full advantage of their opponent’s relaxation and it was an initiative that paid off instantly.

Manzi Hamisi broke the hearts of the visiting Arusha team when he notched the winner three minutes to time to seal off all three allotted points.

In another match played during the morning session as well as the Kawe’s Tanganyika Packers venue Unguja urban West team handed North Pemba team a four-goal comprehensive demolition.

The 2010 Copa Coca-Cola champions, had all of their goals scored by striker

Kitwana Hassan with frenzy of celebrations from the on the 7th, 35th, 54th and 77th minutes of the match.