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Azam FC in do-or-die CAF tie against Ethiopia’s Bahir Dar
Azam FC and Bahir Dar FC players vie for a ball during their first leg played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, one week ago. Azam FC lost 2-1. PHOTO | AZAM FC
What you need to know:
- The match is decisive for Azam FC whether to qualify for the next stage of the competition or exit.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s envoys in the 2023–24 CAF Confederation Cup, Azam FC, need a 1-0 victory over Bahir Dar FC of Ethiopia in order to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
The encounter, which is held today at the Azam Complex in the city, has been scheduled to kick off at 7pm and the team head coach, Youssoupha Dabo, has promised to do their best in the encounter.
He said his men are in a buoyant mood and ready for the match and they are not underestimating their rivals.
In the first leg played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, one week ago, Azam FC lost 2-1.
The match is decisive for Azam FC whether to qualify for the next stage of the competition or exit.
The winners will face the Club Africain of Tunisia, whereby the first leg of the second round will be held on September 17, while the return leg is set for October 1.
Group stage matches will start from November 26 to March 3 next year, while quarterfinals are set for March 31 and 30 for the first legs and the second legs between April 7 and 6.
Semifinals are set to start between April 21 and 20 for the first legs, while return legs are scheduled for April 28, and the final will be held on May 10 for the first leg and May 17 for the return leg.
Dabo said he is confident that he will conquer the game against Ethiopia’s side.
"We have the responsibility of winning the game. It is a very important match, as our target is to qualify for the next stage. There is always no easy match as each team targets victory," said Dabo.
“All technical matters ahead of the encounter have been worked out, and we are now waiting for the time, and the players are ready for the challenge. We are aware that it is going to be a tough game as Bahir Dar fc are a strong side. We will play with determination and come out with the best result," he said.
Apart from Azam FC, another team in the competition are Singida Fountain Gate FC, who will face JKU of Zanzibar on Sunday at the same venue.
In their first leg, Singida Fountain Gate FC won 4-1 at the Azam Complex and JKU have to win 3-0 in order to qualify for the next stage of the competition.
Sigida Fountain Gate FC need only a draw to advance to the next stage. The winners will meet Future of Egypt.
