Co-hosts Tanzania started their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign in style, securing a 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the tournament's opening match. The win, played out in front of a passionate home crowd at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, marks a historic first for the Taifa Stars, who had never won a CHAN opener in their previous attempts.
The hosts were in control for much of the Group B encounter. The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Abdul Sopu calmly converted a penalty after Clement Mzize was fouled in the box. The goal set the tone for a celebratory night for the home fans.
Tanzania sealed the victory in the second half. Following sustained pressure, Mudathir Yahya delivered a perfect cross from the right, and Mohamed Hussein rose highest to head home the second goal in the 71st minute.
Despite late pressure from Burkina Faso, their efforts were thwarted by a lack of composure in front of goal, leaving them still searching for their first-ever CHAN opening-day victory. The win puts Tanzania in a strong position in Group B, which also includes Burundi and the Central African Republic.
