CAF Confederation Cup: Azam FC Name Maniema, Wydad as Favourites as Nairobi United Miss the Spotlight

Tanzanian heavyweight Azam FC have identified the opponents they are most afraid of in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

Azam FC flew to Kinshasa, DR Congo, ahead of their landmark CAF Confederation Cup Group B opener against AS Maniema Union this Sunday at the renowned Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote.

This campaign marks a significant milestone for the Chamazi-based club, as it is their first-ever appearance in the group stage of a continental tournament.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Azam faces a formidable challenge in a group that includes Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Athletic Club, Congolese side AS Maniema Union, and fellow debutants Nairobi United.

Head coach Florent Ibenge, returning to a country where he achieved considerable success with AS Vita Club, shared a pragmatic yet hopeful outlook on his team's continental journey.

"We are starting a new phase of this tournament. It's like a mini-championship, a mini-league with six games," Ibenge commented before the team's departure, quoted by IPP Media.

"There are four teams, and everyone wants to finish first or second. I know we are not the favourites, but we are going to play to take our chances."

Azam's first test is against AS Maniema, a rising force in Congolese football. While this is their first time in the Confederation Cup group stage, they competed in the CAF Champions League group phase last season, giving them valuable experience at this level.

This experience, coupled with their home advantage in Kinshasa, positions them as one of the group favourites alongside Wydad. However, Ibenge was adamant that his team is not travelling just to make up the numbers.

"We know we aren't the favourites; Maniema and Wydad Athletic Club are the top two. We are considered third in the group, but it's a game, and we will give it everything," he affirmed.

"We are going to enjoy this match and hope for a good result. There are three possible outcomes in football, but we are going to Kinshasa to bring back three points.

“I approach every game with the intention to win and take points. I want my players to adopt this mentality. If you lose, it's not the end of the world, but you must step onto the pitch with the will to win."

AS Maniema secured their spot in the group stage by overcoming Eswatini's Royal Leopard on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw. Nairobi United also advanced dramatically, stunning Etoile Sportive du Sahel 7-6 in a penalty shootout.

Wydad, a club with a storied history including three CAF Champions League titles, enters the competition with high ambitions, as the Confederation Cup remains a trophy they have yet to win.

Azam FC is scheduled to conduct their final training session in Kinshasa on Saturday, fine-tuning their preparations for the crucial Sunday clash that will set the tone for their debut continental campaign.