AZAM FC face one of the toughest challenges among Tanzanian teams in the upcoming CAF Champions League as they prepare to navigate a difficult route to the group stage.

Drawn from pot three, Azam must first overcome Rwandan champions APR FC in the first preliminary round to keep their continental dream alive.

Azam will host APR FC at their Chamazi home ground on Sunday before heading to Kigali for the return leg. 

If they emerge victorious, they will then face either Zanzibar's JKU or Egyptian giants Pyramids FC for a place in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League group stage.

Last season, Azam suffered a heartbreaking early exit in the CAF Confederation Cup, eliminated by Ethiopian side Bahir Dar Kenema in the first round. 

That defeat left the club’s supporters, management, and technical bench devastated. To avoid a similar fate, Azam will need to bring their best game against APR.

APR, like Azam, endured a disappointing 2023/24 CAF Champions League campaign, bowing out in the second round after a crushing 6-1 defeat by Pyramids. 

Determined to bounce back, the Rwandan side has bolstered their squad with several new signings, including Ghanaian duo Richmond Lamptey and Dauda Yussif, Malian striker Mamadou Sy, and local talents Frodouard Mugiraneza, Gilbert Byiringiro, and Olivier Dushimimana.

APR FC chairman, Col Richard Karasira, has emphasized the club's goal of building a strong team capable of competing against Africa's elite clubs. 

Their performance in the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup hints that the upcoming two-legged tie could be a tough battle for both teams.

However, Azam coach Youssouph Dabo remains optimistic despite the challenge. Reflecting on last season's failure, he believes his team has learned valuable lessons and is better prepared this time.

“It will be a tough match because APR is not a small team. It is a big team in Rwanda with 22 titles. As I said to my players, we have ambitions in this competition, but we also need to be humble because last season we lost against Bahir Dar," Dabo said. 

"This season, we have a better chance. Last season was the beginning, and now we already have one season with the players, and most of them understand our game. I think we will be ready and have a better chance.”

Should Azam overcome APR FC, they are likely to face the formidable Pyramids FC, currently leading the Egyptian Premier League. 

Known for their big spending in the transfer market, Pyramids would present a significant challenge for the Tanzanian side.

For Azam, failure to qualify for the group stage again would be a massive disappointment. Coach Dabo is aware that another early exit could test the patience of the Chamazi hierarchy. 

The Senegalese tactician has already faced pressure, losing two major pre-season games, including the Community Shield final against Young Africans.

The early arrival of new signings, including Ivorian duo Franck Tiesse and Yoro Mamadou Diaby, Colombian midfielder Ever Meza, and striker Jhonier Blanco, signals the management's commitment to supporting Dabo. 

However, that support comes with high expectations, and both the management and supporters will be demanding positive results.

Azam’s journey in the CAF Champions League begins now, and the stakes could not be higher.