AZAM FC head coach Rachid Taoussi has revealed that the team’s recent poor form in the Mainland Premier League has prompted him to summon his players back to camp early, as they prepare for three crucial matches that will determine their qualification for next season’s CAF competitions.

Taoussi expressed concern over the team’s lack of success this season, having been eliminated from all major competitions including the CAF Champions League and the Federation Cup. With only a third-place league finish remaining as a realistic route to continental football, the Moroccan tactician is under pressure to guide his side to a strong finish.

“It is true that we are not having good results after being eliminated from all the titles we fought for this season,” said Taoussi. “I have called my boys to camp early to prepare for the remaining three matches. It will not be easy, but we are working on a plan, and the players are aware of the task ahead.”

Azam currently sit third in the Premier League table with 54 points, but their position is under threat from fourth-placed Singida Black Stars, who are just a point behind and have a game in hand. 

Singida Black Stars are also through to the semifinals of the Federation Cup, meaning they have two avenues for CAF qualification, while Azam have only one.

“We have left our rivals chasing us for third place by one point. This is not good for us,” Taoussi added. “Despite a strong start to the second round, we have dropped many points. Now we must make sure we don’t drop a single point in the remaining three matches, although it will not be easy.”

Azam’s remaining fixtures include a May 13 clash against Dodoma Jiji, followed by encounters with Tabora United and Fountain Gate, which will be played between June 18 and 22. 

Taoussi is targeting maximum points from those games to hit 63 points, the highest they can achieve this season, and hopes Singida Black Stars drop points in their final four matches, which include a tough test against Simba SC.

 “In the last five league matches, we have dropped six points after losing two games and winning three. We need a strong finish in these final three games, and if we win them, that would be four straight wins,  a good position to secure CAF Confederation Cup participation,” Taoussi explained.

 He stressed the urgency and importance of the task ahead, reiterating that league performance is now the only remaining path to continental football for the Chamazi-based side.

 “Only the league will give us representation in the Confederation,” said Taoussi. “So we need to invest more energy to get that representation. The players realize the importance of getting results in those three games, and we have sat down to plan the strategies necessary to achieve our goal.”

 Azam’s 2023/24 campaign has been one of unfulfilled promise, and the next three matches will determine whether they end the season with redemption or regret.