Ibenge eyes strong league finish

DAR ES SALAAM: AZAM FC Head Coach Florent Ibenge has said his side is fully focused on securing a strong finish to the Mainland Premier League season, stressing all matches count as the club prepares for its final five matches of the campaign.

Azam FC’s remaining five Mainland Premier League fixtures are against Fountain Gate on Friday, Mashujaa next Wednesday, Young Africans on June 24, Coastal Union on June 27 and Dodoma Jiji on June 30.

“We want to win and do well in our last remaining games,” said Ibenge.

The Congolese coach said consistency and determination would be crucial in the closing weeks of the season, adding that his players had shown commitment throughout the campaign and must maintain the same approach until the final round of matches.

The Dar es Salaam side currently sits third in the standings with 52 points from 25 matches, six behind second-placed Simba and eight adrift of leaders Young Africans. Azam have recorded 14 wins, 10 draws and only one defeat this season, while also boasting one of the league’s strongest defensive records after conceding just nine goals. With five matches remaining, Azam can still mathematically reach a maximum of 67 points if they win all their remaining fixtures.

However, the club’s title ambitions are likely to depend on Young Africans and Simba dropping points in the closing weeks of the campaign. Young Africans lead the table with 60 points and have recently shown strong form, winning four of their last five matches.

Simba are close behind on 58 points and enter the run-in on the back of five consecutive victories, placing them in a strong position in the title race. Azam’s recent form has also been impressive, with four wins from their last five matches despite one defeat.

Their consistency and defensive stability have kept them firmly among the league’s top sides throughout the season. While catching Young Africans and Simba may prove difficult, Azam remain well placed to secure a top-three finish and could still apply pressure if the leading sides falter.

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The club also holds a significant advantage over fourthplaced Singida Black Stars, who trail by 11 points with five games left. Azam coach Florent Ibenge has insisted that his players remain focused on winning their remaining fixtures and finishing the season strongly.

With valuable points still available, the final weeks of the campaign could prove decisive in determining whether Azam can turn outside title hopes into a genuine late challenge.

Meanwhile, Azam skipper Lusajo Mwaikenda and forward Jean Ngita expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete strongly during the final stretch of the season.

“We are determined to perform well in all our remaining league matches and fight for every point available,” said Mwaikenda. Ngita urged supporters to continue backing the team during the closing stages of the campaign. “The support from our fans is very important. We ask them to keep believing in us and continue supporting the team until the end,” he said.