CHAN 2024: Tanzania humble Burkina Faso in tournament opener

Tanzania began their 2024 African Nation Championship (CHAN) with a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso to take an early lead in Group B.

Goals from Abdul Suleiman and Hussien Mohammed either side of halftime were enough to grant Taifa Stars victory.

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In a match that was played on Saturday 2 August at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam after the opening ceremony, the hosts proved to be too strong for the West African nation.

Tanzania head coach Hamad Suleiman named a strong starting eleven, and as expressed in his press conference, looked prepared and hit the ground running from the first whistle.

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Burkina Faso seemed to find it difficult to contain the rampant hosts, who were enjoying the larger share of possession, and threatened on different occasions through Feisal Salum and Mzize, but could not find the back of the net.

Feisal, who was lively throughout the half, had the best chance with a powerful shot that was goal bound, but Ladji Sanou pulled a brilliant save to deny the Azam forward from breaking the deadlock.

Just when the first half looked to end goalless, Tanzania were awarded a controversial penalty.

Yanga forward Mzize, who had launched to the box, made a sharp turn that attracted a challenge from the Burkina Faso defender with the referee pointing to the spot.

Azam’s Abdul Suleiman stepped up, and with great composure, scored the first goal of the 2024 CHAN in the second minute of first half added time, sending the stadium into a frenzy and granting Tanzania a halftime lead.

Coach Issa Balbone responded by making a triple substitution at the start of the second half; bringing on Abduol Karim, Yves Koutiama and Patrick Malo for Hanaby Sagne, Aliou Chitou and Souleymane Sangare.

With Burkina Faso pushing for an equalizer, Tanzania were able to utilize the spaces behind the team's defense for their own attacks, part of which paid of in the 71st minute.

Simba SC left back Hussein initiated an attack where Tanzania completed one touch passes before Yahya Mudahathir set up Hussein with a cross that he headed into the back of an empty net with Sanou caught in no man’s land.

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The linesman had initially ruled the goal out for offside, but upon review by the VAR, the goal stood much to the delight of the Tanzania faithful.

In the end, Tanzania were able to hold on to their much deserved win, keeping a clean-sheet in the process and sitting top of Group B.

Tanzania will return to the field on Wednesday, 6 August with a match against Mauritania, while Burkina Faso have a date with Central African Republic on the same day.