The Tanzania national team kicked off their TotalEnergies CHAN PAMOJA 2024 journey with a convincing 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso, in a match held Saturday night at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Backed by an energetic home crowd, the Taifa Stars controlled much of the game and earned their first-ever win in a CHAN opener after failing in their previous two attempts.

From the outset, the home side played with ambition and tempo. Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum both tested goalkeeper Ladji Sanou with threatening efforts, while on the other end, Yakoub Suleiman had to step up to deny Souleymane Sangaré and Papus Ouattara, who created danger on the counter for the visitors.

A penalty and a header sealed the Tanzanian celebration

The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time. Mzize was brought down in the box by Frank Tologo, and Abdul Sopu calmly slotted the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way. That goal set the tone for what would be a night of celebration for the hosts.

In the second half, despite Burkina Faso making tactical changes by bringing on experienced players like Patrick Malo and Yves Koutiama, the momentum remained with the home team. In the 71st minute, after sustained pressure, Mudathir Yahya delivered a perfect cross from the right and Mohamed Hussein rose above everyone to head home the 2-0.

Burkina Faso tried to respond in the final moments, but a lack of accuracy in front of goal hindered their chances. Shots from Tertius Bagré and Ouattara failed to hit the target, and time ran out for the West Africans.

With this result, Tanzania takes the lead in Group B, which also includes Burundi and the Central African Republic. The Taifa Stars will now aim to keep the momentum going, while Burkina Faso must regroup quickly if they hope to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.