CAF's CHAN 2024 kicks off in style: Tanzania lead the charge on colourful opening day [Pictures]

The much-anticipated CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 kicked off in spectacular fashion on Saturday evening at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The hosts made a statement in the opening match by securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso, setting the tone for an exciting tournament ahead.

Before the football action began, the stadium came alive with a vibrant opening ceremony featuring an impressive presentation of the new CHAN 2024 trophy, per posts from CAF on their website and social accounts.

The trophy was carried into the stadium by Millen Magese, a Tanzanian model and Miss Tanzania 2001, who had also toured the country as part of the trophy's promotional campaign.

Tanzania started their CHAN 2024 campaign with superb confidence and flair, commanding much of the game and thrilling the passionate home crowd with their performance.

Backed by loud and fervent support, the Taifa Stars controlled large portions of the Group B clash, earning their first-ever opening-day win in CHAN history, having lost their previous two tournament openers.

The breakthrough came just before halftime when Clement Mzize was fouled in the box by Burkina Faso’s Frank Tologo, awarding Tanzania a penalty. Abdul Sopu calmly stepped up and converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way in the third minute of first-half stoppage time to give the hosts a crucial 1-0 lead.

Despite making a triple substitution at halftime, including bringing on seasoned players like Patrick Malo and Yves Koutiama in a bid to shift momentum, Burkina Faso struggled to regain control. Tanzania continued to press forward with intensity and purpose.

The decisive second goal arrived in the 71st minute. Mudathir Yahya delivered a teasing cross from the right flank, and Mohamed Hussein rose highest among defenders to powerfully head the ball into the back of the net. The goal sent home fans into raptures and firmly sealed the victory for the Taifa Stars.

Burkina Faso pushed forward in the final ten minutes in search of a goal, but lacked the composure and accuracy required in front of the goal. Attempts by Tertius Bagré and Papus Ouattara failed to trouble the target as Tanzania held firm to secure all three points.

With this win, Tanzania takes an early lead in Group B, which also features Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic. The victory not only boosts their hopes but also provides them with momentum to build on in upcoming group matches.

For Burkina Faso, the outcome prolongs their frustrating wait for a first-ever opening-day win at CHAN, having now missed out on all four of their tournament debut matches.

• Final Score: Tanzania 2-0 Burkina Faso

• Goals: Abdul Sopu (Penalty, 45+3'), Mohamed Hussein (Header, 71')

• Venue: Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam

1. Group B Teams: Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Mauritania, Central African Republic

Tanzania dominated early, with Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum testing Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, Ladji Sanou.

Burkina Faso’s attacks were brief but included threatening counter-chances from Souleymane Sangaré and Papus Ouattara, kept at bay by Tanzanian goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman.

The first goal, a penalty converted by Sopu near halftime, gave Tanzania momentum and confidence.

The second goal, an expertly timed header from Mohamed Hussein, came after sustained pressure, confirmed by VAR after an initial delay.

Burkina Faso’s final attempts were futile, failing to convert any clear chances in the closing stages.

The hosts now look ahead with belief and ambition to continue their impressive run, while Burkina Faso face a tough challenge as they seek to make history by advancing beyond the group stage for the first time.

Tanzania will face Madagascar next as they aim to consolidate their position at the top of Group B.

Burkina Faso must regroup quickly to bounce back and keep their qualification hopes alive.

The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship PAMOJA 2024 promises more thrilling football as it unfolds across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda through the rest of August.