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CAF CC: Azam plot the double over Nairobi United in decisive rematch
31st January, 2026 06:00 PM
Azam FC coach Florent Ibenge has laid down their intentions of finishing the task against Kenya’s representatives, Nairobi United, as the two East African rivals clash this Sunday, February 1, 2026, in the return leg tie in Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Ibenge revealed that his charges will be out to salvage their dwindling prospects of progressing from the group by laying siege for the maximum points on offer.
The tie comes after the former Tanzania moneybags edged Salim Ali’s 2-1 in the first-leg encounter in Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.
With the win putting them back in contention in the group, the tactician explained how the victory over the Naibois will open up their survival quest.
Calculations
“Getting the three points remains on top of our objective. In our calculations, we intend to win all our remaining games at home and battle to get a single point in the ties we will be playing away,” the Congolese explained.
The matchday four fixture holds the key to Nairobi United’s future participation in the continental games.
Naibois, who prop up the group with zero points after opening three games, are tasked with getting maximum points to redeem hopes of continuing their journey.
Salim Ali has, however, dwelled on the positive side amid the mounting pressure to deliver results, insisting that their journey remain on course, at least mathematically, according to the technical director.
Crazy game
“Football is crazy sometimes. When we play and minimise the mistakes that we made in Nairobi, then it is something that we can build on,” Salim noted. “It is only one team that has nine points; Maniema has six, and Azam has three. So if we get our first win at home against Wydad, which is possible, then you never know what can happen.”
Wydad Casablanca leads the group with nine points heading to match day four, followed by Maniema Union on six points.
Ibenge’s Azam comes third on three, while Nairobi United is yet to register a point.
