Azam`s Mainland premiership title race or a runners-up spot could possibly be frustrated by teams waging battle to evade relegation at the end of the season.
The ice cream makers have three matches in their remaining fixture after collecting 37 points in 19 appearances.
They have a ceiling of 46 points should they post victories in the three matches in hand, including the March 30 clash against equally competitive Young Africans.
Besides Yanga, Azam have to beat Police Dodoma and Ruvu Shooting, teams that have lost title hope but focus on the premiership survival.
Battle to avoid relegation is always an arduous one as Azam have to be keen in their efforts to earn some points from the two teams.
Though AFC and Majimaji teams are potential drop off candidates, the web for relegation is still wide open to cover Ruvu Shooting and Police Dodoma as well.
The two teams have a rather weak cushion to shield from the relegation borderline and would not risk to loss points at this crucial stage of the league.
Azam’s pathway to claim the silverware for the first time since they arrived in the top flight berth three years ago is hanging on balance.
Unless pace makers Simba and Yanga falter terribly in the three matches remaining, then Azam chances might be boosted.
Holders and leaders Simba have opened a four-point gap over rivals Yanga to comfortably create a hefty seven-point cushion over Azam.
Simba need to win just one match to dash Azam’s title dream and two victories would assure them their much needed title retention for the second season in a row.
Azam’s March 30 match against Yanga would be the litmus test to decide their destiny in both title chase and runners up spot.
Azam have dropped four points as a result of draws with visiting Majimaji and Mtibwa Sugar who severely dented title hopes for the team.
