The Chamazi-based club will therefore begin their continental campaign at the second preliminary stage rather than facing a first-round opponent. The development forms part of a wider list of higher-ranked clubs expected to enter the competition from the second round when the official preliminary draws take place in Cairo on Thursday, 6 August.
Favourable Path for the Wafanyakazi
According to reports circulating among African football journalists, Azam FC are among eight clubs set to receive byes. The list also includes established names such as Al Ahly, USM Alger, Raja Casablanca, CR Belouizdad, AS FAR, AS Maniema Union and AS Otohô.
The decision is understood to be based on the latest CAF club rankings, which take into account performances in recent editions of the Champions League and Confederation Cup. Azam’s strong showing in the 2025/26 Confederation Cup, where they reached the group stage, is believed to have contributed significantly to their elevated seeding.
Context and Outlook
Azam finished third in the most recent Tanzania Premier League season, securing qualification for the Confederation Cup alongside Singida Black Stars. The bye offers the side a more favourable route into the later stages of the competition and reduces the risk of an early exit against a lower-ranked opponent.
The full preliminary round draws for both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup will be conducted at CAF headquarters in Cairo on 6 August, with the Confederation Cup draw scheduled to begin at 11:00 GMT.
Azam FC will now await the identity of their second preliminary round opponents as they prepare for another tilt at continental progress.