Dr Biteko to grace CHAN gala dinner as Burkina Faso and Central African Republic set to arrive
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko
What you need to know:
- Tanzania will kick off the tournament against Burkina Faso on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam. The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) continues to gather momentum as Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic (CAR) arrive in Tanzania on July 31, 2025 ahead of the much-anticipated continental tournament.
Both teams are in Group B alongside hosts Tanzania (Taifa Stars), Madagascar, and Mauritania—widely regarded as one of the most competitive pools in this year’s championship. Tanzania will kick off the tournament against Burkina Faso on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
As part of the official curtain-raising events, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, will be the guest of honour at a special gala dinner tomorrow at the Johari Rotana Hotel. The event is expected to attract top dignitaries from across Africa and serve as a symbolic launch of the CHAN 2024 tournament.
Government Chief Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, confirmed Dr Biteko’s presence at the high-profile gathering.
“The gala dinner, set to begin at 6 p.m., will bring together a distinguished delegation of local and international guests. We are honoured to host the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, along with CAF executives and senior football officials from across the continent,” said Msigwa.
The dinner will also feature ministers of sports from Kenya and Uganda, ambassadors, and major stakeholders in sports development and tourism.
“We’ve extended invitations to ambassadors, local sports leaders, and key partners from the tourism and cultural sectors. This tournament is more than just football—it’s an opportunity to showcase Tanzania’s hospitality, vibrant culture, and tourism potential,” Msigwa added.
He emphasized that CHAN 2024 is a strategic platform for promoting Tanzania’s image globally, with special focus on Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, where several matches and official events are scheduled.
Ticket sales for the opening match are reportedly going well, and Msigwa called on fans to continue purchasing tickets to ensure a packed stadium.
“We want a full house to rally behind Taifa Stars. Our fans are known for their passion—let’s turn up in large numbers and create an electrifying atmosphere. All preparations are complete, and Tanzania is ready to host Africa,” he affirmed.
Adding to the excitement, Tanzanian music sensation Rayvanny will headline the entertainment segment of the opening ceremony. The Bongo Flava star has promised an unforgettable performance that reflects Tanzania’s musical heritage and celebratory spirit.
Meanwhile, in Zanzibar, preparations are also in full swing. Group D teams—Senegal, Nigeria, and Congo Brazzaville—have already arrived ahead of their matches at the Amaan Stadium. The final team in the group, Sudan, is expected to arrive shortly.
With the tournament fever spreading across the nation, Tanzania is set to deliver a memorable edition of CHAN. High-level coordination, world-class infrastructure, and renowned hospitality are positioning East Africa at the heart of African football celebration, as the continent unites to spotlight its homegrown football talent.
