Having won the first meeting 2-1 in Nairobi a fortnight ago, Azam ensured they collected six points from their East African neighbours after midfielder Feisal Salum's first-half goal turned out to be the winner in the Group B contest.
Knowing victory could revive their slim hopes of making it to the knockout stages for the first time in their history, United coach Salim Ali made three changes to the starting XI that had lost against the same team.
Steve Biko, who joined United from Kariobangi Sharks in January, was handed his first start, alongside new signings Ugandan star Mustafa Kizza, who was handed a role from the flanks, and Rwandan Hakizimana Muhadjiri, who got the nod to pull the strings in the midfield.
Benson Omalla started up front
Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla, who came on as a substitute in the home defeat, started upfront alongside his young brother Duncan, who scored the lone goal against the Tanzanian outfit at Nyayo National Stadium.
Azam under veteran coach Florent Ibenge started with a lot of pressure, pinning United in their own half and they took the lead with only 12 minutes played. A superb delivery from Yahya Omary found Salum, who struck home a low effort past United goalkeeper Kevin Oduor.
The Ice Cream Makers continued to dominate play and should have doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Salum’s pass from the right wing troubled United defenders to clear. Jephte Kitambala tried to sneak it into the net, but Oduor reacted quickly to make a superb save and keep the scores 1-0.
The first yellow card went to Muhadjiri of United following a tactical challenge on an Azam player, before Biko saved United from conceding after he reacted brilliantly to deny Salum with a timely block.
United’s first chance came in the 39th minute when Duncan whipped in a dangerous cross looking for his brother Benson, but the Azam defence reacted just in time to calm the situation.
The second half started with United making a change. Muhadjiri Hakizimana was withdrawn for attacking midfielder Enock Machaga as the Nairobi-based side tried to improve on their midfield which was losing balls to the opponents.
The matchday four fixture remained balanced until the 53rd minute when Oduor produced another wonderful save to deny Salum. In the 64th minute, United went for a triple change - Titus Ssematimba, Brian Omondi, and Charles Waibi, coming in for Lesley Owino, Roy Okal, and Kevin Otiende.
The promoted side remained rooted at the bottom with zero points, having lost all their four matches, conceding seven goals in the process.
United’s next assignment will see them return home to face Wydad on Sunday, February 8, before they wind up their group campaign with a trip to DR Congo to face Maniema on Sunday, February 15.
AS Maniema defeat Wydad AC
In another Group B fixture, AS Maniema Union registered a hard-fought 2-1 win against Wydad AC to stay on course. The hosts took the lead in the 33rd minute when Beni Namboka finished calmly from close range after good build-up play.
Maniema doubled their advantage early in the second half in unfortunate fashion for the visitors, as Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid turned the ball into his own net under pressure in the 61st minute.
Wydad responded quickly and pulled one back through Hamza Hannouri, who converted from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after a foul in the area.
Despite late pressure from the Moroccan side, Maniema defended resolutely to secure a memorable result in the stage.
