PAMOJA's Historic Moment: The man who scored CHAN 2024's first Goal [WATCH]

The CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 kicked off with an entertaining opening encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Home side Tanzania made a commanding statement by defeating Burkina Faso 2-0, with midfielder Abdul Sopu writing his name in history by scoring the tournament’s very first goal.

The historic breakthrough came just before halftime when Tanzania’s Clement Mzize was fouled in the box by Burkina Faso defender Frank Tologo, according to a video by CAF.

Awarded a penalty in stoppage time (45+3 minutes), Abdul Sopu stepped up and sent Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper the wrong way, giving the hosts an important 1-0 lead.

This was Tanzania’s first-ever opening-day goal and win in CHAN history, having previously lost both of their tournament openers.

Tanzania, backed by passionate home support, dominated much of the game with energetic performances from players such as Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum, who tested the opponent’s goalkeeper early.

Burkina Faso struggled to mount significant threats despite a few counter-attacks, kept out by the steady Tanzanian defence and goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman.

In the second half, Tanzania extended their lead with a powerful header from defender Mohamed Hussein in the 71st minute, sealing a well-deserved victory amidst waves of ecstatic local fans.

The win gives Tanzania an early advantage in Group B, which also includes Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic, setting the stage for a competitive tournament ahead. For Burkina Faso, the loss prolongs their search for a first-ever opening day win at CHAN.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Tanzania to see if they can maintain this momentum, while Burkina Faso face an uphill battle to secure qualification for the knockout stages for the first time.

• Tanzania 2 – 0 Burkina Faso

• Goals: Abdul Sopu (penalty, 45+3’), Mohamed Hussein (header, 71’)

• Venue: Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam

The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship PAMOJA 2024 promises exciting football ahead as it continues across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda through the month.