THE NBC Premier League title race is now between two teams as Simba have faltered in their recent matches and Azam’s away trip to Mtibwa Sugar is going to be one of the key fixtures in the pursuit to be champions.

The game between Mtibwa Sugar and Azam will be played at the Manungu Stadium this afternoon, kicking off at 4 PM.

However, Azam are only still clinging onto a slight bit of title hope as they are eight points behind leaders Young Africans who had the possibility of extending their lead to eleven with a potential victory over Mashujaa on Sunday.

Coach Youssouph Dabo said while it is difficult to catch up with Young Africans, his side need to focus on winning their remaining games and see what happens at the end of the season.

Azam have managed to stay in the title race thanks to their incredible 17 consecutive league matches without a defeat. 

This afternoon, they are aiming for an 18th straight match without a loss in the league.
Hosts Mtibwa Sugar are deep in trouble at the other end of the standings, with a 27-year stay in the top flight at risk of reaching its end.

The fight for survival in the NBC Premier League has taken several twists and turns in recent months. 
After the weekend’s results, Mtibwa Sugar finds themselves in 16th place in the table, five points behind 15th-placed Tabora United.

The relegation is far from cut and dry, but many believe that this could be the season that ends Mtibwa Sugar’s almost three decades of presence in the Tanzanian top flight.

Only Simba and Young Africans have spent more consecutive years in the top tier of the Tanzanian game than the Millers from Turiani.

Though nothing is set in store, it does look like a tough task for Mtibwa Sugar to escape the drop this season, unless their form drastically changes and they start taking points off the teams around them.

A game against Azam at home at this stage of the season - especially after losing three games in a row - doesn’t look like a likely source of three points. 

However, this is the kind of game that gives them an edge in the relegation fight if they emerge victorious.