Harambee Stars Fans Rejoice As Tanzania Are Eliminated By Morocco At CHAN 2024

Taifa Stars were eliminated by Morocco at CHAN 2024, ending a historic run but winning admiration for resilience and pride.

Harambee Stars failure to make to the semifinals of 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) did not deter Kenyans from coming together to find a common favourite and enemy.

On Friday night, Kenyan football fans turned their attention to Dar es Salaam, where Morocco locked horns with co-hosts Tanzania in a high-stakes quarterfinal.

Social media platforms were abuzz as Kenyans rallied behind the Atlas Lions, driven by regional rivalries and a sense of shared footballing banter.

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Inside a packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Atlas Lions lived up to their billing as two-time CHAN champions. Their patience and experience eventually silenced a spirited Taifa Stars side that had been dreaming of making history on home soil.

The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute, when striker Oussama Lamlaoui pounced on a clever assist from Youssef Belammari to net his third goal of the tournament.

Until that moment, the game had been finely poised. Tanzania’s Clement Mzize and midfield dynamo Feisal Salum kept Morocco’s defence on edge with waves of energetic attacks.

However, Moroccan goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar proved equal to the task, pulling off crucial saves to keep his side in contention. Once Morocco grabbed the lead, they displayed calmness and composure, with Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh forming a resilient defensive wall that absorbed the Taifa Stars’ late pressure.

Despite creating two golden opportunities in the dying minutes—a powerful header from Mzize and a strike from substitute Nassor Saadun—Tanzania fell short. Their exit ended hopes of becoming the first debutants since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semifinals.

Morocco’s Dominance, Tanzania’s Pride

The Atlas Lions extended their remarkable CHAN record to seven straight knockout victories since 2014, reaffirming their status as tournament heavyweights even without several key defenders. They now march confidently into the semifinals, chasing a third continental crown after their triumphs in 2018 and 2020.

Taifa Stars, on their side, can take immense pride in a campaign that saw them top their group and advance to the last eight for the very first time.

Hamad Suleiman’s men conceded only two goals across five matches, winning admiration across the region for their organisation, defensive discipline, and the passion they inspired in fans.

Banter, Rivalry, and Fan Politics

Beyond the pitch, the rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania provided as much drama as the match itself.

Tanzanian fans, buoyed by an “easy” group stage run, had openly taunted Kenyans, with Yanga club president Hersi Said earlier dismissing Harambee Stars’ chances in the so-called “Group of Death.” He insisted Tanzania were in a safer pool and predicted a bright run.

Kenyan supporters, still smarting from their team’s group stage exit, seized the chance to back Morocco against their neighbours.

Reports even emerged that Kenyans were snapping up tickets for the clash in Dar es Salaam, sparking fears among Tanzanians that they might be crowded out of their own stadium.

The tension spilled over online, with spirited debates over which nation boasts the stronger football pedigree.

In the end, Morocco’s 1-0 victory gave Kenyan fans reason to celebrate, even in absence of their own team.