AZAM FC head coach Florent Ibenge struck a confident yet realistic tone after his side edged Maniema Union 1-0 in their CAF Confederation Cup Group B clash, insisting his team will fight until the very end despite the tough task ahead.

“After losing our first two matches, the situation became very difficult,” Ibenge (pictured) said after the final whistle. “However, we made a decision as a team to fight for our chances in the remaining four games. So far, we have won three, and now there is one match left. We know the task ahead is very tough, but it is not impossible. Even if we only have a one percent chance, we will fight with one hundred percent commitment.”

The narrow but crucial victory over the Congolese visitors in the fifth round of the group stage has dramatically reshaped the qualification picture in a tightly contested Group B, leaving all three contenders separated only by fine margins heading into the final matchday.

Ibenge revealed that Azam will approach their last fixture with a single minded focus as they prepare to travel to Morocco for a decisive showdown against Wydad AC.

“We are going to Morocco with one objective: to win the game and then see what happens next,” he said. “At the start of the season, our main target was to reach the group stage, and we achieved that. Collecting nine points at this level is not a small achievement. It shows the hard work we put in to get here. This season has been a big learning experience for us, and we must use these lessons to improve and perform even better next season.”

Azam’s victory lifted them to nine points from five matches, drawing them level with both Wydad AC and Maniema Union and setting up a dramatic finale to the group stage. With just one round of matches remaining, the battle for the two quarter final tickets remains wide open.

Wydad AC currently sit top of Group B,  Maniema Union are second with nine points from five matches, while Azam occupy third place on the same tally, also after five games. Nairobi United have already been eliminated and remain bottom of the group without a single point.

The result against Maniema was particularly significant for Azam, who began their group campaign in difficult fashion after suffering defeats in their opening two matches. Those early setbacks left them facing an uphill battle, but a strong response in the remaining fixtures has revived their hopes and transformed them into genuine contenders for progression.

Azam’s resurgence has been built on improved organisation, tactical discipline and a growing belief within the squad. Against Maniema, they displayed patience and resilience, ensuring they capitalised on their opportunity while limiting their opponents’ chances. The three points not only kept them alive in the competition but also applied pressure on their rivals ahead of the final round.

For Wydad, the situation is equally delicate. Despite leading the group, the Moroccan giants cannot afford complacency when they host Azam in Casablanca. A slip could prove costly, especially with Maniema Union also eyeing qualification as they prepare to face Nairobi United in their final group match.

Azam’s path to the quarter finals is clear but demanding. Victory away to Wydad would significantly boost their chances and could even see them finish top of the group, depending on the outcome of the other fixture. Any other result would leave their fate dependent on goal difference and results elsewhere.

Still, Ibenge remains proud of his team’s journey so far and views the campaign as a foundation for future growth, regardless of the final outcome.

“Reaching this stage and competing at this level has taught us a lot,” he added. “We have shown character, resilience and ambition. Now we have one last game to give everything we have.”

The final decisions in Group B will be made on the sixth and decisive matchday, with Azam travelling to Casablanca to face Wydad AC, while Maniema Union take on Nairobi United. With all three contenders locked on nine points, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to one of the most competitive groups in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup.