CAFCC: Ibenge concedes Azam FC exit, issues new target

Azam FC head coach Florent Ibenge admitted his side produced a good show in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup despite failing to progress past the stage this season.

The Ice Cream Makers had a great opportunity to advance on the final day of the group matches. Azam headed into the final Group D matches sitting third with nine points, the same number as second-placed AS Maniema Union.

 

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However, Azam needed to beat Wydad AC and hoped Maniema lost against Nairobi United at home to progress. However, Azam suffered a 2-0 defeat in Morocco while Maniema thumped United 3-0 at home to end their slim hopes.

Azam will target quarters next season

“I came here for this project, you know, the team wants to be one of the best in Africa, we are building the team with a plan, with the target of course, reaching the knockout stages,” Ibenge told Pan-Africa Football.

“We have managed to collect nine points; it is a big achievement for Azam being the first time they achieved this, it is amazing. We have learnt a lot from the competition, and we want to keep building and get ready to do better at this stage next season.”

Ibenge added: “Our target next season will not be knockout stages but our target will be to reach the quarterfinals. We are definitely going to work for that; we want to better this performance which is not bad for the first time.

“I am confident Azam will be one of the best teams in Africa, we only need time to adjust a few things. By next season, Azam will be the team to beat in CAF competitions.”

The Tanzanian outfit finished third with nine points, while Wydad AC and Maniema progressed to the next stage. Wydad led the pile with 15 points, while Maniema garnered 12 points.