Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, launched their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign in style with a resounding 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium today, August 2, 2025.
The electric night saw goals from Abdul Suleiman “Sopu” and Mohamed Hussein “Tshabalala,” as the home side moved to the top of Group B and ignited hopes of a historic title run on home soil.
The stadium was packed to the rafters, with thousands of fans waving flags and singing in full voice, creating a thunderous atmosphere as the tournament officially got underway.
With Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa in attendance and President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Sh1 billion incentives for winning CHAN still fresh in players’ minds, the stakes were high—and Taifa Stars delivered.
Sopu opens the floodgates in style
The first breakthrough came in dramatic fashion just before the half-time whistle.
In the 45+3rd minute, young striker Clement Mzize was fouled inside the box by Burkina Faso defender Aime Tologo as he dribbled toward goal. Algerian referee Lotfi Bekouassa did not hesitate to point to the spot.
Up stepped Abdul Suleiman “Sopu,” calm and confident, as he slotted home Tanzania’s opening goal of the tournament—making history as the first player to score in CHAN 2024.
The goal sent the crowd into delirium and gave Taifa Stars a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.
The hosts were dominant throughout the match and dictating play through midfield maestros Mudathir Yahya and Feisal Salum.
Wide players Yusuph Kagoma and Iddi Seleman added pace and width, consistently stretching the Burkinabe defense.
Despite their control, the match had moments of tension. Mudathir received a yellow card in the 32nd minute for a reckless challenge, but Taifa Stars maintained their composure and continued to pile on the pressure. Also Yusuph Kagoma was booked in the injury time.
Tshabalala seals the victory in second half
The second half saw no change in Tanzania’s attacking intent. In the 71st minute, midfielder Idd Suleiman “Nado” split the Burkina Faso defense with a beautiful through ball that found Mohamed Hussein “Tshabalala,” who timed his run perfectly and calmly headed the ball past the goalkeeper.
The celebrations were temporarily halted as the referee consulted VAR to check for a possible offside.
The tension inside the stadium was palpable, but after a brief review, the goal was allowed to stand—sparking renewed celebrations as the lead was extended to 2-0.
It was a moment of personal triumph for Tshabalala, who is expected to move from Simba SC to Young Africans SC (Yanga) next season.
More importantly, it was a team goal that showcased the growing cohesion within Taifa Stars’ camp.
Perfect start, high hopes
The 2-0 result gives Tanzania a dream start to their CHAN 2024 journey. It was a disciplined, creative, and confident performance in all areas of the pitch—from goalkeeper Yakuob Suleiman to captain Dickson Job at the back, and through the midfield to the clinical forwards.
This victory not only sends a message to the rest of the continent but also energizes a nation eager to see their team go all the way.
As the sun sets on an unforgettable night at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, one thing is clear: Tanzania has arrived, and the dream of CHAN glory is alive and kicking.
