Dar es Salaam: Tanzania made a strong start to their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso, taking an early lead in Group B.

In a match played on Saturday, August 2, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the hosts showed their intent from the outset, dominating possession and creating numerous chances.

Goals from Abdul Suleiman and Hussein Mohammed secured the win for Taifa Stars, who were simply too clinical for their West African opponents.

Tanzania, led by head coach Hamad Suleiman, named a strong starting XI and came into the game well-prepared.

They pushed forward early, with Feisal Salum and Stephano Mzize threatening Burkina Faso’s defense multiple times.

Feisal had the best chance of the half, but his powerful strike was brilliantly saved by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Ladji Sanou.

Just before halftime, Tanzania were awarded a controversial penalty after Mzize was brought down inside the box.

Azam FC’s Abdul Suleiman stepped up and calmly converted in first-half stoppage time, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about as Tanzania went into the break 1-0 up.

Second-Half Response and Sealing the Win

Burkina Faso coach Issa Balbone reacted to the goal by making three substitutions at the start of the second half, introducing Abduol Karim, Yves Koutiama, and Patrick Malo in a bid to change the momentum.

Despite their push for an equalizer, Burkina Faso left gaps in defense that Tanzania was quick to exploit.

In the 71st minute, a sweeping move saw Yahya Mudathir deliver a pinpoint cross to Hussein Mohammed, who headed into an empty net after Sanou was caught off his line—sealing a deserved win for the hosts.

Tanzania now top Group B and will look to carry their momentum into the next match as they aim for a strong CHAN 2024 campaign.