By 
Tanzania kicked off their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday evening, sending a clear message to their Group A rivals.
In front of a jubilant home crowd, the Taifa Stars delivered a composed and confident performance to secure all three points in the tournament’s opening fixture. A well-placed first-half penalty by forward Abdul Sopu and a towering second-half header from defender Mohamed Hussein ensured a dream start for the hosts.
Tanzania came out with purpose and dominated the early proceedings. Their aggressive pressing and quick passing forced Burkina Faso onto the back foot from the opening whistle. Within the first 15 minutes, attacking duo Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum had already tested Burkinabe goalkeeper Ladji Sanou, setting the tone for what was to come.
The breakthrough came when the hosts were awarded a penalty midway through the first half. Abdul Sopu stepped up with composure and slotted the ball home to give Tanzania a deserved lead, igniting celebrations among the local supporters.
Trailing at the break, Burkina Faso made three changes at halftime, bringing on experienced players Patrick Malo and Yves Koutiama in an attempt to shift the game’s momentum. But despite the tactical adjustments, it was Tanzania who maintained control and continued to dictate the pace.
The pressure paid off again in the second half when defender Mohamed Hussein rose highest to power home a header, doubling the lead and effectively sealing the result.
The victory puts Tanzania in pole position in Group A, which also features Burundi and the Central African Republic. It also extends Burkina Faso’s frustrating record of failing to win their opening match in any of their four CHAN appearances.
With the three-nation-hosted tournament shared by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda now officially underway, excitement is sweeping across East Africa. Under the theme “PAMOJA”, Swahili for “together,” CHAN 2024 aims to showcase not only footballing talent but also unity and pride in local based African players.
Tanzania’s strong start is a promising sign for a team eager to make a deep run on home soil. Coach and players alike will be buoyed by the confident display and will look to carry that momentum into their remaining group fixtures.
For Burkina Faso, the road ahead becomes steeper. With history not on their side in CHAN openers, they will now need a quick turnaround to stay in contention for a place in the knockout stages.
