AZAM have shaken off their slow start to the season with an impressive turnaround. Rachid Taoussi ’s side are on a four-game winning streak, showing the grit and quality that propelled them into the CAF Champions League last term.

As they prepare to host Kagera Sugar at Chamazi Complex this evening, they have a chance to move on level points with second placed Young Africans.

Confidence will be flowing as they come into the game on the back of an excellent 1-0 win over Young Africans prior to the international break.

The win over Young Africans means Azam have won four of their last five fixtures in the league. The other wins have come over Ken Gold, Namungo and Prisons.

It is also worth noting that Azam have won three of their recent four Premier League meetings with Kagera Sugar, outscoring them by 9-1 for good measure. 

They have also won each of their last three home matches with Kagera Sugar since being held to a goalless stalemate in 2021.

When you look at the bigger picture, Azam have lost just one of their ten league encounters this season, picking up six wins and three draws in the process.

Azam’s recent form and home advantage make them clear favourites. Kagera Sugar’s struggles on the road and lack of cutting-edge attack suggest another pleasant evening for the hosts.

On the flip side, Kagera Sugar will be looking to climb out of the relegation zone when they make the trip to Chamazi. 

They are languishing in the bottom three, two points away from safety.

They recorded a crucial 2-1 home win over Dodoma Jiji prior to the international break. It was the first win for coach Melis Medo, who took over from Paul Nkata.

The away side are now looking to win successive league games for the first time this season. 

However, statistics show Kagera Sugar have failed to win any of their five league games on the road this season.

And so, with just two wins from their first ten league fixtures recording two draws and six defeats along the way, Medo’s side faces another pivotal moment against Azam.

Peter Lwasa leads Kagera Sugar in scoring with four goals. Lwasa has only appeared in eight matches. No other Kagera Sugar player has scored more than one goal.