Azam FC satisfied with pre-season progress after draw against Touarga

By Nassir Nchimbi , The Guardian
Published at 01:45 PM Jul 29 2024
Azam FC
Photo: Courtesy of Azam FC
Azam FC

AZAM FC have expressed satisfaction with their competitive progress in pre-season preparations following a 1-1 draw against Moroccan side L'Union Sportive de Touarga.

The match, played on Saturday in Benslimane, Morocco, marked the Ice Cream Makers' third friendly during their off-season training camp.

Nassor Saadun scored the equalizer for Azam, rescuing the team from a potential loss against the CAF Confederations Cup participants. 

Under the guidance of coach Bruno Ferry, who steps in while coach Youssouph Dabo pursues his CAF Diploma A coaching license at the TFF training center in Mnyanjani, Tanga, the team has shown commendable development.

Azam spokesperson Hashim Ibwe expressed satisfaction with the team's progress, emphasizing the importance of increasing competition through these international friendlies.

"When we started the season, we planned our pre-season matches to gradually increase in difficulty. We began with middle-tier teams, then moved on to Zanzibar's Zimamoto and Morocco's Union Yacoub El Mansour. Now, we're facing a higher level by playing against a CAF Confederations Cup participant,” he said.

Ibwe clarified that the focus is on tactical development, fitness improvement, and building competition within the squad rather than solely on results, aligning with coach Dabo's vision. "Our main goal isn't about winning or drawing these matches. As coach Dabo has stated, we're focused on the team's progress. We're seeing new players step up and perform well, which is very encouraging," he said.

Azam have also played two other matches during their pre-season, winning 3-1 against Kazimoto in Zanzibar and securing a 3-0 victory over Union Yacoub El Mansour in Morocco.

Reflecting on the significance of playing against L'Union Sportive de Touarga, Ibwe noted: "Touarga are competing in the CAF Confederations Cup this season and finished fourth in the Moroccan Botolo Pro League last year. This match was a crucial test for us before facing Wydad Casablanca."

Azam FC's management and coaching staff are pleased with the progress made thus far. As the team transitions from pre-season to competitive action, the focus will shift to delivering success both domestically and on the continental stage.

Azam will conclude their Moroccan pre-season tour with a high-profile friendly against Wydad Casablanca today. This match will serve as the final test before returning home to Tanzania.

Following their stint in Morocco, Azam will travel to Rwanda for another friendly against Rayon Sports on August 3. This match will serve as a showcase for both teams, with a joint event dubbed "Rayon Sports Day" and "Azamka" planned for the occasion.

Azam's focus is on fine-tuning their squad for the upcoming CAF Champions League clash against APR FC. The first leg will be played at home on August 16, with the return leg in Kigali on August 24. The winners of this clash will face the victors of Zanzibar’s JKU vs. Egypt’s Pyramids FC match.

However, before the continental clashes, Azam have set their sights on domestic glory, with their campaign kicking off against Coastal Union in the Community Shield mini-tournament on August 8 at New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.