Azam FC have made an underwhelming start to the new Tanzania Premier League season despite remaining unbeaten in their opening four matches, already falling four points behind their main title rivals, Yanga and Simba.
Azam have played four matches, winning two and drawing two to collect eight points. They have scored seven goals and conceded five.
The results give Azam an average of two points per game, leaving the team fourth in the league standings.
Azam recorded their second draw of the season yesterday after being held to a 2-2 draw away to Geita Gold, a result that saw them drop four points from their opening four matches.
Before that draw, Azam had also failed to secure a victory against Polisi Tanzania in another away fixture that ended in a draw.
Speaking about the results, Azam FC head coach Florent Ibenge said his team needs to step up its efforts to secure victories in away matches.
Ibenge noted that both draws came against newly promoted sides, stressing the importance of his team being more focused when playing away from home.
While Azam have dropped points in those matches, Yanga and Simba have made perfect starts to the season, winning all four of their games to move to 12 points each.
That has left Azam four points behind their rivals, who are already laying the foundations for a fierce battle in the title race.
Azam are also behind Mbeya City, who have collected nine points and currently occupy third place in the standings.
Although the season is still long and Azam remain unbeaten, their early results have increased pressure on the squad to secure victories in upcoming matches, particularly away from home.
For a team with ambitions of challenging for the title, the ability to collect maximum points consistently will be crucial to preventing the gap to Yanga and Simba from growing further.
