Tanzania made a dream start to their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Saturday night.
Roared on by a passionate home crowd, the Taifa Stars dominated long periods of the Group B clash to record their first-ever win in an opening CHAN fixture, breaking a streak of two previous opening-day defeats.
A calm first-half penalty from Abdul Sopu set the tone before defender Mohamed Hussein’s towering header in the 71st minute sealed all three points for the hosts, sending the stadium into celebrations.
Tanzania began the game with attacking intent, with Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum forcing early saves from Burkina Faso goalkeeper Ladji Sanou. The visitors responded through Souleymane Sangaré and Papus Ouattara, but Yakoub Suleiman stood firm in the Taifa Stars’ goal.
The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Mzize was brought down in the area by Frank Tologo. Sopu stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot kick, sending Sanou the wrong way to give Tanzania a 1-0 lead at the break.
Burkina Faso made three substitutions at halftime in an effort to reverse their fortunes, bringing on experienced campaigners Patrick Malo and Yves Koutiama. However, it was Tanzania who continued to dictate the game.
After sustained pressure, Mudathir Yahya delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, and Mohamed Hussein rose highest to power home a header midway through the second half.
Despite a late push from the Stallions, including efforts from Tertius Bagré and Ouattara, Burkina Faso lacked composure in the final third as Tanzania comfortably held on to secure a vital opening win.
The result gives the Taifa Stars an early advantage in a competitive group that also features Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic.
Tanzania will now aim to build on their momentum in their next group fixture, while Burkina Faso are left needing a quick response to keep their hopes of a first-ever CHAN knockout stage appearance alive.
