Azam face tough ZED CAF test

DAR ES SALAAM: AZAM FC begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign today against Egypt’s ZED FC in the second preliminary round, while fellow Tanzanian representatives Singida Black Stars head to Kenya determined to secure a positive result against Tusker FC.

Azam, who received a bye to the second round, face ZED at Cairo International Stadium, with both sides seeking an advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for next week.

The team that wins on aggregate will secure a place in the competition’s group stage, raising the stakes for both encounters.

Meanwhile, Singida Black Stars leave today for Nairobi today ahead of Sunday’s first-leg encounter against Tusker at Nyayo Stadium.

Singida Black Stars Media and Communications Manager, Hussein Masanza, said the team were ready for the challenge, adding that beginning their preparations in Arusha would help players adapt to conditions similar to those expected in Nairobi.

“The journey starts here in Arusha, where the coach and players will have time to prepare before travelling to Kenya,” he said.

Masanza noted that more than 90 per cent of the squad were fit and participating fully in training, although Benjamin Tanimu remained under medical assessment after sustaining an injury against Dodoma Jiji in the Mainland Premier League match.

Tanimu missed the match against Coastal Union, but Masanza said his recovery was progressing well as the club awaited the medical team’s report to determine whether he could feature against Tusker.

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He added that Halili Abibu, who has been recovering from a long-term injury sustained during the 2025/2026 season, had returned to the camp but would miss Sunday’s action.

Masanza reassured supporters that Shehani, who failed to complete the match in Tanga, would be available for selection against the Kenyan side.

He said Singida had thoroughly analysed Tusker’s playing style and strengths ahead of the encounter.

“We have done our homework to understand the kind of team Tusker are and how they play,” he said.

Masanza acknowledged Tusker’s long history but suggested that Singida could capitalise on the Kenyan side’s limited experience in the advanced stages of continental competitions.

Singida will be hoping to translate their preparations into a strong first-leg performance before hosting the return fixture.