DAR ES SALAAM: THE four national envoys in the continental stage have sent out a united message of ambition following the CAF groupstage draws, insisting they are determined to progress to the knockout stages rather than merely make up the numbers.

Simba, Young Africans, Azam FC, and Singida Black Stars face demanding assignments against some of Africa’s established clubs but their coaches and officials remain confident that their teams have what it takes to advance.

Having fallen short of their ambitions in previous continental campaigns, the Tanzanian sides are eager to make a stronger impression this season and keep the country’s flag flying high on the African stage.

Azam and Singida will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup, while Simba and Yanga will represent Tanzania in the CAF Champions League.

Azam have been drawn against Morocco’s AS FAR, Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli and South Africa’s Durban City, while Singida have been drawn in Group C alongside Red Arrows FC, AS Maniema Union, and a yet-to-be-confirmed fourth team between CR Belouizdad and the winner of the Douanes/Hafia matchup.

In the Champions League, Simba face Morocco’s RS Berkane, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates and Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive.

Yanga, meanwhile, have been handed a tough group featuring Egyptian giants Zamalek SC, Algeria’s MC Alger and Tunisia’s Club Africain.

Azam FC head coach Florent Ibenge has acknowledged the quality of the opposition but believes the group presents an opportunity for his side to demonstrate its progress.

“Our target is to reach the quarter-finals,” Ibenge said, recognising that the contest would be closely fought and that every point could prove decisive.

He identified AS FAR as one of the leading contenders for the title and described Al Ahli Tripoli as a formidable opponent, citing the club’s investment in its playing squad.

Singida Black Stars coach Papy Kimoto shares that ambition, drawing inspiration from his experience with DR Congo’s Maniema Union, whom he guided to the Confederation Cup quarter-finals last season.

“My ambition this season is to reach the quarterfinals again,” Kimoto said, emphasising the importance of thorough preparation and attention to detail in a competition where small mistakes can prove costly.

At Simba, head coach Steve Barker has made qualification a clear priority, expressing confidence that his side has the quality and ambition to progress despite the demanding opposition.

The Msimbazi giants face a challenging group featuring RS Berkane, Orlando Pirates and Colombe Sportive, with Barker identifying the Moroccan side as a particularly difficult opponent because of its recent continental achievements.

“Qualifying for the knockout stages is the target. We are going to qualify, 100 per cent. That is our objective,” Barker said.

Simba Board Chair Crescentius Magori has stressed that securing wins in all home matches will be key to the team’s quest to qualify for the group stage.

He noted that winning at home, while securing draws or victories in away matches, would put the team in a strong position to achieve qualification.

Yanga vice-president Arafat Haji has welcomed the challenge awaiting the Jangwani giants, describing their group as an opportunity to test themselves against some of Africa’s established clubs.

Yanga have been drawn against Zamalek, MC Alger and Club Africain, three opponents with rich histories in African football.

Haji expressed confidence in the club’s squad, technical bench and leadership, while urging supporters to stand firmly behind the team throughout the campaign, both at home and away.

“You cannot become a better team without facing opponents who match your level. For us, this is a good challenge,” Haji said.

He also pointed to Yanga’s previous encounters with MC Alger and Club Africain, recalling the clubs’ connections to the team’s past continental campaigns.

Haji urged Wananchi, as Yanga supporters are popularly known, to fill the stands during home matches and encouraged those able to travel to accompany the team on away assignments.