Tanzania’s Azam FC are expected to begin their campaign to qualify for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) today, Friday, October 16, 2026, when they face Egypt’s ZED FC in the first leg of the competition’s second qualifying round.
The Tanzanian representatives head into the match aiming to secure a positive result away from home that would put them in a strong position ahead of the return leg, which will be played in Tanzania.
Under head coach Florent Ibenge, Azam have been stepping up their preparations with the aim of making a strong start to their bid for a place in the group stage of the competition organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The team go into the encounter with confidence after beating Coastal Union 2-0 in an NBC Mainland Premier League match played on October 9 this year.
Meanwhile, ZED FC enter the match with experience from the first qualifying round, where they eliminated ASAS Djibouti Télécom 5-1 on aggregate after winning 4-0 at home and drawing 1-1 away.
Those results have given the Egyptian side confidence to maintain their positive form, as they look to take advantage of playing in front of their home supporters and secure a first-leg victory.
IBENGE TASKS AZAM WITH A TOUGH CHALLENGE
Ibenge is expected to lead his side with caution, focusing on strengthening the defence and making the most of any goalscoring opportunities that arise.
For Azam, a positive away result would be an important step towards qualification, laying the foundation ahead of the return leg at their home ground, Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.
However, they will need tactical discipline and concentration throughout the match to prevent their opponents from capitalising on defensive errors to score.
ZED FC, meanwhile, are expected to make a fast start, aiming to use their home advantage to establish a lead before travelling to Tanzania for the second leg.
