AFCON 2025
Tanzania began their CHAN 2024 campaign on a high note with an impressive 2-0 win over Burkina Faso on Saturday night in Dar es Salaam.
Playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, the Taifa Stars delivered a confident performance, securing their first-ever victory in a CHAN opening fixture.
Previously, Tanzania had stumbled in their tournament openers, but this time, they made a strong statement in Group B.
The home side showed intent early, with Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum forcing saves from Burkina Faso goalkeeper Ladji Sanou. Despite some threatening counterattacks from the West Africans, Tanzania remained in control for most of the first half.
Their breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Frank Tologo fouled Mzize in the box. Abdul Sopu stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to put Tanzania in front just before the break.
Burkina Faso tried to turn the tide with multiple second-half substitutions, bringing on experienced players like Patrick Malo and Yves Koutiama. However, it was Tanzania who continued to look the sharper of the two sides.
The second goal came in the 71st minute when Mudathir Yahya whipped in a well-placed cross that found Mohamed Hussein, who powered his header past Sanou to double the lead.
Burkina Faso pushed for a response in the final stages, but their efforts lacked precision. Missed opportunities from Tertius Bagré and Papus Ouattara summed up their frustrating evening.
With this win, Tanzania now sits in a strong position in a challenging group that also includes Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s struggles in tournament openers continue, as they remain winless in their four CHAN debuts.
