Dar es Salaam erupted in joy as Taifa Stars from Tanzania launched their CHAN PAMOJA 2024 campaign in spectacular fashion, delivering a commanding 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the Group B opener at the electrified Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Fuelled by the thunderous cheers of their home supporters, the Taifa Stars not only claimed a vital three points but also made history—securing their first-ever opening-match win in CHAN tournament play, after previous debut disappointments.
From the very first whistle, Tanzania played with heart and hunger. The breakthrough came just before halftime, when Abdul Sopu coolly converted a pressure-packed penalty in stoppage time.
The moment came after Clement Mzize was fouled in the box by Frank Tologo, setting the stage for Sopu’s calm finish that sent the stadium into a wave of celebration.
“You could feel the belief shift the moment that goal went in,” one fan said, flag in hand and tears in their eyes.
Although Burkina Faso made three tactical changes at halftime in a desperate attempt to flip the momentum, Tanzania only grew stronger. Their pressing was relentless, their spirit unshakable.
In the 71st minute, the crowd exploded once again. Defender Mohamed Hussein soared above the defense to meet a perfectly placed cross from Mudathir Yahya, thundering a header into the net and sealing the win.
With every tackle, pass, and goal, Tanzania made a bold statement—not just to their group rivals, but to the entire continent: they are here to compete, and they are playing for something bigger than themselves.
Burkina Faso attempted a late comeback with shots from Tertius Bagré and Papus Ouattara, but both efforts fell short, leaving Tanzania to celebrate a well-earned clean sheet and a dream start to their tournament.
This victory places the Taifa Stars at the top of Group B, ahead of fellow challengers Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic.
It also gives the squad priceless momentum heading into their next clash, with the home crowd now fully behind them and hope soaring high.
For Burkina Faso, however, the struggle continues. Still searching for their first opening-day win in CHAN history, they now face a steep climb to reach the knockout stages.
