AZAM FC head coach Florent Ibenge has called for greater efficiency in front of goal as his side prepare to host Mtibwa Sugar in today’s Mainland Premier League clash at the Chamazi Complex.

Kick-off is set for 9:00pm, with ninth-placed Azam FC aiming to climb as high as fifth on the table with a victory.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Ibenge (pictured) struck a confident yet cautious tone, describing matchday as a moment to savour while acknowledging the stern test awaiting his side.

“For me, the day of the game is a day to enjoy,” Ibenge said. “We are happy to play tomorrow. It’s a very good team, so I’m happy to play against a very good team. But we know it will be very tough.”

Azam head into the fixture on the back of a 2-0 win over KMC last Sunday, but Ibenge indicated he is unlikely to field the same starting XI due to the demanding schedule.

“We play every three days. It’s difficult to play with the same players because they can get injured and cannot give 100 per cent if they play all the time,” he explained. “I need some rotation to keep my team at a high level.”

The Congolese tactician expressed confidence in the depth of his squad, insisting the quality gap between his players is minimal.

“In the group, the players are close in level. If I take one out, I don’t kill my team. It’s easy for me,” he added.

Despite their recent away success, Azam have dropped four points at home this season following draws against Fountain Gate and Singida Black Stars. Ibenge made it clear that improving their home record is now a priority.

“We want to win all the games at home. We have to be just a bit better than Mtibwa Sugar in order to win. Technically, tactically, physically and mentally — we have to be better in each sector,” he stressed.

Ibenge also warned his players to remain alert, particularly when committing numbers forward.

“When you attack, you have to be clever not to allow the opponent the possibility to score. We must respect them and not think it will be easy,” he cautioned.

While pleased with his team’s ability to create chances, Ibenge admitted their conversion rate remains a concern.

“The most difficult thing in football is to score goals,” he said. “We create a lot of opportunities, which is good. But we must be efficient in the box.”

He revealed that special attention has been given to his attackers in training to sharpen their finishing and boost their confidence.

“Yesterday we worked with the attackers. We tried to give them confidence. They have to try and believe in themselves again and again until they succeed.”