Ibenge confident as Azam FC prepare for Nairobi United showdown

Speaking during the team's training session at the Police Sacco grounds, the experienced Congolese tactician dismissed suggestions that Azam are under pressure to deliver their first win of the campaign.

“Pressure? I don’t like this word,” Ibenge said. “For me, football is a pleasure. We are going to the pitch on Sunday, and we hope to get our first point in the competition.”

Azam FC, like their hosts, Nairobi United, are still searching for their first points in Group B after losing their opening two matches against AS Maniema Union and Wydad AC. The encounter, therefore, presents a pivotal moment for both debutants as they seek momentum in a tightly contested group.

Ibenge expressed satisfaction with his squad’s condition ahead of the match, revealing that preparations in Nairobi have gone smoothly.

 “We are good and thank you. I’m really happy to be here in Nairobi, a nice city,” he said. “The squad is good, we don’t have any injuries. We are in a good hotel, training on a very, very good pitch, and we are happy.”

On what fans can expect from his side, the former RS Berkane and DR Congo coach emphasised intent and identity.

“We expect to play good football, to show that we are here in this group stage and that we are playing the same competition as anybody else,” he noted. “As you said, we have zero points, like Nairobi, and we are going to try to get our first point in this competition.”

Despite playing away from home, Ibenge insisted Azam will play with joy and commitment rather than anxiety.

“We are going to enjoy our game and do everything to win, but no pressure,” he said. “We want to just play and enjoy because we know a lot of people fight hard in their lives. We have to respect them and give one hundred percent.”

The Azam coach also had words of respect for Nairobi United, who are making their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup. “It’s one of the best teams here in Kenya,” Ibenge said. “You have to respect them and play your best game. They also want their three points, so I think the game will be open and it will be a good game.”

A proven continental winner, Ibenge guided RS Berkane to the CAF Confederation Cup title in 2022 and recently led Azam into the group stage for the first time in the club’s history. He says the journey is only beginning. “Azam is ambitious,” he explained. “We want to build slowly, stay humble, respect everybody, but also reach the top.”

Sunday’s encounter shapes up as a battle of belief versus pedigree, with both Nairobi United and Azam FC chasing a historic first group-stage victory under the Nyayo lights.