This Saturday in Dar es Salaam, co-hosts Tanzania will face Madagascar in a crucial match of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024. This game is vital for both teams as they aim to advance to the next stage of the tournament in their group.

Madagascar will face their sixth different opponent in CHAN history and it will be their first time competing against a host nation. This is a new challenge for the Malagasy team on such an important stage. Meanwhile, Tanzania will play against a COSAFA member for the fourth time, with a balanced record: one win, one draw, and one loss in their previous three matches against teams from this confederation.

Click here to watch the match: Tanzania vs Madagascar

Madagascar started the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Mauritania, marking the first time they have failed to win a group game in this competition, after winning both matches in the previous edition. Unlike their previous five CHAN games, which always produced a winner and goals, this time they have kept two consecutive clean sheets — something they had never done before. However, a defeat on Saturday would mean their first group-stage loss.

Statistically, Madagascar showed low ball possession against Mauritania, with only 37% — their second-lowest in CHAN history. They also struggled to create chances, managing just one shot on target and completing 269 accurate passes compared to their opponents’ 532. These numbers highlight the tough challenge ahead against Tanzania.

Tanzania: Aiming for Historic Qualification

On the other hand, Tanzania arrives with momentum after winning their first two matches against Burkina Faso and Mauritania. Notably, Tanzania has always won their second group game at CHAN, never conceding a goal and consistently winning 1-0.

With this streak, Tanzania extends their unbeaten run in the tournament to four games (three wins and one draw), achieving their first back-to-back wins in a CHAN edition. A victory against Madagascar would secure their qualification to the knockout stage for the first time in history.

Midfielder Ibrahim Hamad has been instrumental, with 108 touches and 81 completed passes, dominating the midfield. Also, Shomari Kapombe scored Tanzania’s latest goal ever in CHAN history in the 89th minute against Mauritania.

Click here to watch the match: Tanzania vs Madagascar

This encounter promises to be full of tension and tactical play, where defense will be as crucial as offensive capability. Both Tanzania and Madagascar will fight to secure victory and keep their dreams alive in this prestigious African tournament.