Azam coach Conolese trainer Florent Ibenge has fired a warning to his team, cautioning that he will not compromise on the competitive standards he requires his players to exhibit.
Speaking after warming up to their Sunday, February 1, 2026, CAF Confederation Cup against Nairobi United—with a 2-0 win over TRA United in the local league—the tactician warned that every player who wishes to continue his stay with the Chamazi club must step up in their performance and help the team’s cause.
Team’s cause
“We have one group of about 30 players, and as I have said, all of them have to play to the required level and help the team,” he stated.
The vastly experienced coach secured his first win of the CAF CC group stages last Sunday after a 2-1 comeback win over Naibois and remained hopeful that his team would continue in the same competitive spirit.
“If there is anyone who cannot play at that level, he does not have to be here. I want all my players to be ready for the task. All of them have a responsibility to fight and be in the team’s starting list. We also expect them to maintain the competitive nature of this team,” he added.
Sunday’s encounter at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar comes with plenty at stake for either side.
Playing catch-up
Fresh from their maiden victory, the hosts look to shore up their chances of qualification from the group and catch up with the leading pack of Wydad Casablanca, who lead the group with nine points, followed by Maniema Union on six points.
For Nairobi United, the clash comes as a make or break moment that could also determine their fate, with a defeat further compounding matters for the CAF debutants.
Faced with the daunting task, the club’s technical director, Salim Ali, has remained bullish, insisting that their campaign is far from over.
Alo pointed to the tight nature of Group B standings, where they lead the group with nine points, followed by Maniema Union on six points, Azam on three, and Nairobi United, who are seeking to break their duck in the competition.
“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.”
