AFTER a period of uncertainty, the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) and Young Africans (Yanga) have confirmed that the upcoming November 2 match against Azam FC will be held at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.

Originally slated to take place at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, Young Africans opted for a change due to the high costs associated with hosting matches in Zanzibar, especially following the team’s recent stay there for their clash with Singida Black Stars.

The decision to host at the Azam Complex also considers logistical ease, with both teams based in Dar es Salaam. 

Both Young Africans and Azam FC boast strong defensive records this season, with the Jangwani Street-based side yet to concede a goal and Azam FC conceding only three.

Last season, Young Africans emerged as champions, while Azam FC secured second place, leading both teams to the CAF Champions League preliminary stage. 

Young Africans advanced to the group stage, while Azam FC was eliminated by APR. 

In their last five league encounters, Young Africans have claimed three wins, Azam FC have won once, and one match ended in a draw. 

Their last league face-off saw Azam FC win 2-1, although Young Africans avenged this with a 4-1 victory in the Community Shield final, which led to the dismissal of Azam’s coach, Youssouph Dabo.

TPLB CEO Almas Kasongo (pictured) shed light on the decision, noting that Young Africans initially requested to play at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, but ongoing renovations rendered the venue unavailable. 

"League regulations allow a team a 21-day period to play away from their home ground, but due to time constraints, Young Africans chose the Azam Complex as their host venue,” Kasongo explained.

The TPLB is currently coordinating with Young Africans and Azam Complex management to finalize logistical details, including spectator capacity and ticket pricing. 

Kasongo emphasized that these arrangements will meet the necessary standards to ensure a smooth event.

Young Africans will be coming off a midweek match against Singida Black Stars, while Azam FC, after their recent 4-1 victory over KenGold, will have additional time to rest and prepare. 

This venue shift promises to add an extra layer of intensity as these top Tanzanian teams face off in what’s expected to be a thrilling encounter at the Azam Complex.