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CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Tanzania's Roar: Unbeaten run raises trophy talk, Madagascar hold on
Under the floodlights of the stadium, the air was electric. The crowd sang, flags waved, and on the pitch, Tanzania's 'Taifa Stars' delivered yet another statement victory at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024. For head coach Hamad Suleiman, it was a night of pride. For Madagascar's Romuald Rakotondrabe, it was a night of frustration — yet not one without hope. Tanzania M arch into the Quarter-finals in Style Tanzania secured their third straight win in the group stage with a 2-1 triumph over Madagascar, sealing their ticket to the quarter-finals. Forward Francis Mzize was the star of the evening, netting both goals that sent the home fans into raptures and ensured the Taifa Stars remain one of the competition's form sides. The win wasn't just about points — it was about belief. Three matches, three victories. It's a run few teams achieve at this stage of the CHAN. 'Not Easy to Win Three Matches in a Tournament' In his post-match press conference, Hamad Suleiman made sure the spotlight shone on his players. 'I say to the players, well done. It is not easy to win three matches in the tournament. It was a tough match, and our players did a good job. We tried to press Madagascar from the start. There were some difficult moments during the game overall.' He added: 'We believe we delivered what we needed to deliver in the match. The players really gave their all throughout, and the result was fair.' Teamwork, Training, and a Touch of Luck Suleiman was quick to highlight the collective effort behind the win. 'Our mission was difficult, but we trained well and we were also lucky in the match. We recovered many balls, we played well, we found the solution in the match, and we won.' He continued: 'In general, the match was good and beautiful between the two teams. The team play we presented was beautiful, and football requires such play. I confirm that luck was with us in this match.' A Message to the Home Crowd With the quarter-finals now confirmed, Suleiman turned his thoughts to the Tanzanian supporters. 'The fact we have qualified to the next round — I must say to Tanzanians to continue supporting us and motivating the players, and to keep providing that atmosphere. We have reached this stage together in the tournament.' He added: 'We played well, and our opponent was strong. Madagascar's players defended well and their back line was solid. We trained a lot and our tactical plan was on point. I congratulate the players who gave what they had — they did well, and that's what I can say about them.' For Madagascar, a Setback but Not the End On the other side, Madagascar's head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe could only lament the result, though he refused to let the setback crush their spirit. 'It was a tough defeat against Tanzania, and this is football.' The Turning Point: A Surprise Goal Rakotondrabe pinpointed the early breakthrough as the key moment that swung the tie in Tanzania's favour. 'We played a strong match, but not like our opponent Tanzania who scored the first goal, and it was surprising. Football is always difficult.' Hope Still Alive Despite remaining on a single point after two matches, the Madagascar coach insists the door to the quarter-finals is still ajar. 'We lost the first two matches. This result is, in fact, painful, but there are still two matches ahead of us. We will work on motivating our players for the coming games.' The night ended with the host nation celebrating their flawless group-stage run, while Madagascar faced the uphill task of rekindling their campaign. The big questions now loom: can Tanzania carry this momentum to the final — and possibly the trophy? And will Madagascar, third-place finishers in the last edition, find a way to escape the group stage once again?
CAF
02-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tanzania vs Burkina Faso: Hosts launch CHAN 2024 in style against fearless Stallions
The 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA kicks off on Saturday, 2 August with an electrifying Group B opener between hosts Tanzania and Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Excitement is at fever pitch across East Africa and the rest of the continent as the three-nation-hosted tournament — jointly organized by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda — gets underway under the unifying theme 'PAMOJA', meaning 'together' in Swahili. More than just a football competition, CHAN 2024 showcases the pride and promise of locally-based African talent, and this curtain-raiser promises fireworks. Opening Match: Home Crowd, High Stakes With anticipation building for months, the bustling coastal city of Dar es Salaam is ready for its moment on the continental stage. Fans have thronged the streets and airwaves in support of their national team, the Taifa Stars, who are determined to start strong and make history on home soil. Head coach Hamad Suleiman is embracing the pressure that comes with being hosts. 'We've prepared thoroughly for CHAN 2024. Playing at home, in front of our passionate fans, will definitely give us an edge,' he told journalists during the pre-match press conference. Goalkeeper Aishi Manula echoed the sentiment: 'We are ready. We've worked hard in camp and the boys are hungry. We want to give the country something to smile about.' Tanzania will look to blend youthful exuberance with experienced heads as they begin their campaign in a tough Group B that includes Burundi and the Central African Republic. Burkina Faso: Hungry to Impress Standing in the way of the hosts are Burkina Faso — a side that has grown in stature in recent years and is determined to improve on past CHAN campaigns. Head coach Issa Balboné believes his side has what it takes to surprise the hosts. 'We've drawn strength from previous tournaments. We've corrected our mistakes and our ambition is clear: to go beyond the group stage this time,' Balboné stated confidently. Defender Patrick Malo added, 'We carry the responsibility of our league and country. This is our chance to show what Burkina Faso football is all about. We're ready to fight.' The Stallions, known for their discipline and physical presence, bring experience and tactical maturity. While they may not have the luxury of home advantage, they are no strangers to grinding out results on big stages. Unity and Momentum Behind the Hosts With East Africa co-hosting its first CHAN, there's a renewed sense of regional pride. The tournament's PAMOJA identity celebrates cross-border unity — and the Taifa Stars want to channel that energy. Thousands of fans are expected to pack the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and millions more will watch across the continent. This tournament means everything for Tanzanian football. A win in the opening match would not only set the tone for their CHAN 2024 ambitions but also send a message of intent to their Group B rivals. Matchup Outlook: Clash of Styles Saturday's contest is likely to be decided by control in midfield and composure in key moments. Tanzania will lean on home support and aggressive pressing, while Burkina Faso are expected to be organized and lethal on the break. With experienced heads like Manula and Malo on either side, the defensive lines will be tested early and often. A draw would not be a disaster for either team — but both will want maximum points with tougher tests ahead. As the referee blows the whistle in Dar es Salaam, CHAN 2024 begins not just a tournament, but a celebration of African talent, solidarity, and sporting excellence. Kickoff: Saturday, 2 August 2024 Venue: Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam Group: Group B Teams: Tanzania vs Burkina Faso Broadcast: Live across Africa on CAF and local partner networks
