Kifero Sivi reporting from Dar es Salaam: Tanzania’s emphatic 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has intensified pressure on Harambee Stars, who are set to face two-time champions DR Congo in their tournament opener at Kasarani Stadium.

The Taifa Stars’ win at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam has not only energised the home fans and players but also set the tone for their CHAN campaign.

It was a statement performance that sent a ripple across the region—and notably muted the usually vocal Kenyan online community.

Kenyans, often known as “keyboard warriors,” have been unusually quiet online following Tanzania’s win, with much of the conversation now focused on whether Harambee Stars can match or surpass their neighbours’ strong start.

Prior to the kickoff of the tournament, Kenyan football fans had roasted Tanzanian organisers for what they termed substandard playing pitches, criticism that escalated after Kenya withdrew from the CECAFA Challenge Cup just 48 hours before the whistle.

Citing poor pitch conditions that could risk player injuries, Harambee Stars opted to fly back to Nairobi despite having already landed in Arusha aboard a chartered plane.

The result of Kenya’s opening match against DR Congo is expected to either reignite the nation’s football pride—or invite a new wave of social media backlash.

“Majirani wanshangilia sana? Ndio mwendo umeanza #CHAN2024,”
posted Andrew Otieno on X.

Beatrice Stephene from Tanzania chimed in:
“Kumetulia sana Kenya, aisee kwema?” adding, “Kesho mko kikaangoni.”

With all eyes now fixed on the pitch at Kasarani, Harambee Stars will need more than just home advantage to reclaim regional bragging rights and silence the growing online banter.