AZAM FC will kick off their Premier League title chase this season against JKT Tanzania at the Isamuhyo Stadium this afternoon. With both teams eager to make a strong start, this opening fixture promises to be a fascinating encounter.

Azam will be hoping for a better campaign, especially after failing to progress beyond the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. 

Youssouph Dabo's side was defeated over the two legs by Rwandan champions APR, having lost 2-0 in the second leg on Saturday after only managing a 1-0 draw in the first leg on home turf.

The Chamazi side, who fell short in their bid to dethrone rivals Young Africans last season, will be determined to successfully challenge for the title once again. 

The under-fire Senegalese coach, Dabo (pictured), will be under pressure to restore belief in his squad. He knows that anything less than three points against JKT Tanzania will invite intense scrutiny.

Dabo will be relieved to have a fully fit squad at his disposal. Against APR, Dabo opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Colombian striker Jhonier Blanco leading the attack and James Akaminko playing alongside Adolf Mutasingwa and Feisal Salum in midfield. 

Franck Tiesse appears to be the chosen replacement for Kipre Junior, who was sold to Algerian side MCA, and his performance will be key to Azam’s hopes this season.

Meanwhile, JKT Tanzania head into the new season with a lot on the line. After a disappointing 13th-place finish last term, the army side is looking for redemption. 

The home side sacked coach Malale Hamsini at the end of the 2023/24 season and replaced him with former Tanzania Prisons boss Hamad Ally.

Expectations are high following significant investments in the transfer market. JKT Tanzania have bolstered their squad by signing experienced striker John Bocco, among others. 

In eight recent meetings between both sides in the league, JKT Tanzania has lost six times and drawn twice.

Azam completed a league ‘double’ over the Barracks Boys last season, winning 2-1 at home thanks to goals from Sospeter Bajana and Iddy Selemani and 2-0 in the return fixture played at Isamuhyo.

With both teams determined to start their campaigns on the right foot, today’s match promises to be an exciting contest. 

JKT Tanzania will look to capitalize on their home advantage and depth of talent, while Azam aim to defy the odds and secure a positive result to set the tone for their season.