AZAM FC have safely arrived in Morocco ahead of their decisive CAF Confederation Cup Group B clash against Wydad Athletic Club, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at the iconic Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. The match will kick off at 19:00 East Africa Time (EAT), with the Chamazi side needing nothing less than victory to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.

The ice cream makers head into the final group fixture facing a complex qualification scenario. Currently third in Group B with nine points from five matches, Azam are level on points with second placed Maniema Union of DR Congo but trail on goal difference. Maniema hold a superior +2 goal difference, while Azam sit on zero, having scored four goals and conceded four. 

Wydad AC top the group with 12 points, having won four matches and drawn one without suffering defeat. The Moroccan giants have already secured qualification to the quarterfinals, but their unbeaten run and strong home record mean Azam cannot expect any favors in Casablanca. 

Azam FC, under head coach Florent Ibenge (pictured),  have traveled with a strong squad for the crucial encounter. The goalkeeping department includes Aishi Manula, Zuberi Foba, and Antony Mpemba. 

In defense, the team will rely on Lusajo Mwaikenda, Pascal Msindo, Lameck Lawi, Twalib Nuru, Yoro Diabi, Nathaniel Chilambo, Ben Zitoune, and Yeison Fuentes. 

The midfield unit features Himid Mao, Adolf Mtansingwa, Yahya Zayd, Abel Abah, Feisal Salum, James Akaminko, Idd Nado, Abdul Sopu, Pape Doudou, Cheickna Diakite, and Mzee Hassan. 

Upfront, the attacking responsibilities will fall on Japhte Kitambala, Zidane Sereri, and JJ Ngita as Azam look to find the goals that could define their continental campaign.

 The equation is clear but challenging. Azam must defeat Wydad in Casablanca and, at the same time, hope for a favorable outcome in Kinshasa, where Maniema Union will host bottom placed Nairobi United. 

Nairobi United sit last in the group, having lost all five of their matches. On paper, Maniema appear strong favorites in that fixture. If Maniema win, Azam will be eliminated regardless of their own result in Morocco. 

However, a draw or defeat for Maniema, combined with an Azam victory over Wydad, would see the Tanzanian side progress to the quarterfinals. The stakes could not be higher. 

Complicating matters further is the head-to-head record between Azam and Maniema Union. The Congolese side defeated Azam 2-0 in Kinshasa earlier in the group stage. Although Azam responded with a 1-0 victory in the return fixture at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, the aggregate score still favors Maniema, giving them the advantage should both teams finish level on points. 

This means Azam not only need to win, but they must do so convincingly enough to eliminate any reliance on complex tiebreakers while simultaneously hoping for Nairobi United to produce an unlikely upset or draw in DR Congo. 

Despite Wydad having already secured qualification, the Moroccan club’s pedigree and depth present a formidable challenge. Playing at the Stade Mohamed V, one of Africa’s most intimidating venues, Azam will need tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and clinical finishing in front of goal.

 CAF competitions have consistently shown how qualification can hinge on fine margins. A missed opportunity, a late concession, or an unexpected result elsewhere can undo months of preparation and effort. For Azam, the margins are razor thin. 

The Tanzanian side’s campaign has been marked by resilience but also inconsistency. Three wins and two defeats in five matches underline their competitiveness, yet their modest goal tally highlights the need for sharper attacking efficiency in decisive moments. 

Sunday’s match is therefore more than just another group fixture it is a defining moment for the club’s continental ambitions. 

Azam’s situation mirrors a broader challenge facing Tanzanian clubs in CAF competitions. While capable of competing strongly at home, consistency, goal difference management, and away performances remain areas requiring improvement if they are to become regular contenders in the latter stages of African tournaments.

February 15 will not only determine whether Azam advance to the quarterfinals but will also serve as a measure of how close Tanzania’s top clubs are to consistently matching the continent’s elite. 

For now, all focus shifts to Casablanca. Azam must produce one of their most disciplined and determined performances of the season and then turn their attention to events unfolding in Kinshasa. 

Their fate rests on both their own execution and results beyond their control, a reminder of the unforgiving nature of continental football.

Pressure mounts on Otieno as Tanzania Prisons sink deeper

By Correspondent Nassir Nchimbi

PRESSURE is mounting at Tanzania Prisons as the club’s hierarchy launches a formal assessment of the technical bench led by Kenyan tactician Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno, following a dismal eight-match winless run in the Mainland Premier League.

The crisis reached a breaking point on Tuesday at Sokoine Stadium, where Prisons suffered a humiliating 4–1 defeat to Coastal Union. The latest setback has deepened concerns over the team’s technical direction as the Mbeya-based side continues to slide down the league standings.

With the club’s board now scrutinising Otieno’s position, the coming fixtures are expected to be decisive in determining whether the former Gor Mahia coach can reverse the trend or whether a change in leadership will be required to avoid a relegation scrap.

Since taking charge, Otieno has overseen 12 matches, recording just two wins and three draws against seven defeats. The poor run has left Tanzania Prisons languishing in 15th place with only nine points.

Club chief executive officer Godfrey Madegwa confirmed that discussions are ongoing, although no final decision has been reached.

“Results govern a coach’s job. When the scoreboard does not reflect our objectives, explanations are required. If those answers are not convincing, the way forward becomes clear. However, as a structured institution, we do not act on impulse,” Madegwa said.

“We are following our internal procedures and consulting with headquarters. Once a collective agreement is reached regarding the coach’s future, we will communicate our official position transparently.”

Madegwa also acknowledged the difficult period the team is enduring and stressed the importance of supporting the players mentally and psychologically to prevent morale from collapsing during the slump.

On the pitch, Tanzania Prisons’ struggles have been stark. In the 2025/26 Premier League season they have scored just four goals in 12 matches - the lowest tally in the division - while conceding 12 for a goal difference of minus eight.

Their biggest weakness has been a severe lack of attacking consistency and firepower. The team has relied heavily on a few individuals to create chances and often looks toothless once those players are effectively neutralised.

This inability to find the net has repeatedly wasted otherwise disciplined defensive performances, resulting in narrow defeats and frustrating draws in matches where Prisons were competitive.

Tactically, Prisons have also suffered from instability and a tendency to crumble under sustained pressure. While they occasionally show resilience, their defensive displays remain a mixed bag, with lapses in concentration regularly punished by opponents.

To climb out of the relegation zone, Tanzania Prisons must urgently solve their scoring crisis and establish a more reliable attacking pattern capable of disrupting opponents and easing the burden on the back line.

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CAPTION: DOGO

Youths trained at the Jakaya M. Kikwete Youth Park are pictured recently at the centre’s grounds in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO: CORRESPONDENT JUMANNE JUMA.