AZAM FC were left frustrated once again on Wednesday night after being held to a goalless draw by Singida Black Stars at Chamazi Complex, extending their winless streak to four matches in all competitions and piling pressure on head coach Florent Ibenge.

It was a familiar storyline for the Chamazi-based side, who dominated long spells of the match and created a catalogue of first-half chances but failed to apply the finishing touch. The stalemate marked Azam’s third consecutive draw in the Mainland Premier League and leaves them with only one win from their opening four league fixtures.

Despite controlling the pace and flow of the contest, Azam’s lack of precision in the final third proved costly. The team has now scored just once in their last four outings, a worrying return for a squad built around attacking quality and ambition.

 As the goals dry up, scrutiny has inevitably shifted toward Ibenge, who is tasked with finding immediate solutions ahead of a busy and unforgiving December schedule. Speaking after the match, the Congolese tactician (pictured) delivered a candid assessment of his team’s recurring shortcomings.

Ibenge admitted his side should have killed the match early but were undone by a lack of sharpness and composure inside the penalty area. “I think today, as usual, we created many opportunities but we could not score easy goals, especially in the first half, and win this game easily,” he said. “We missed a lot of chances.”

 While clearly disappointed, Ibenge insisted there are positives to build on, particularly the team’s ability to carve out openings. But he lamented the poor decision-making that repeatedly let them down at crucial moments.

 “We stay positive. We are going to work a lot in order to be more efficient,” he added. “When the team creates chances that means you are working really hard for that. But what do your players need just to put the ball in the back of the net? They are not so efficient, not so calm. They miss the lucidity in the box.”

 The coach pointed to hesitation and confusion in the attacking phases, suggesting that even simple scenarios were being overcomplicated. “They have to be more calmer, to scan more, and to make a good decision, because each time they make the wrong decision. Instead of shooting, they make a pass; instead of making a pass, they shoot. Technically, also in the box, they were not good. That's a constant, so we have to work to improve that,” he said.

 With pressure mounting and league leaders beginning to pull away, Azam’s upcoming fixture provides no breathing room. The ice cream makers travel to face Simba on Sunday in what promises to be another stern test of character, quality and resilience.