- Tanzania defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in the opening match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).
- The match was played at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
- The Taifa Stars’ two goals came from Abdul Suleiman, who converted a penalty, and Mohamed Hussein Mohammed, who added the second.
Tanzania’s national men’s team, the Taifa Stars, launched their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign in spectacular fashion with a decisive 2-0 win over Burkina Faso on Saturday night at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
The match saw Abdul Suleiman convert a penalty to open the scoring, followed by a second goal from Mohamed Hussein Mohammed in the second half, firmly establishing Tanzania as a formidable contender in Group B alongside Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic.
Making their fourth appearance in the CHAN tournament, the Taifa Stars began the match with aggression.
In the fourth minute, Young Africans striker Clement Mzize created an opportunity on the right wing, choosing to shoot rather than pass to better-placed teammates.
However, his effort lacked the power to trouble Burkinabe goalkeeper Ladji Sanou.
Tanzania generated additional opportunities but struggled to capitalize, as Burkina Faso’s defense consistently thwarted their advances.
In the 19th minute, Feisal Abdallah delivered a precise cross to Mudathiri Abbas, whose header sailed just over the crossbar, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
Despite Burkina Faso enjoying spells of possession, Tanzania remained dangerous.
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Suleiman nearly found the breakthrough from a corner, unleashing a fierce shot from outside the box that narrowly missed the target around the half hour mark, with the match still delicately balanced.
Moments before halftime, Mzize was fouled inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Suleiman calmly slotted home the penalty, giving Tanzania a well-deserved lead after a frustrating first half filled with missed chances.
The Taifa Stars dominated much of the opening 45 minutes, creating numerous opportunities while Burkina Faso struggled to test Tanzanian goalkeeper Yakoub Ali.
Although Issa Balbone’s side held firm defensively, they were unable to generate meaningful threats in the final third.
In the second half, Hemed Morocco’s men resumed their relentless tempo.
Mzize continued to trouble the Stallions’ backline with a couple of attempts, one of which Sanou managed to parry.
Tanzania sealed the victory in the 71st minute when Mohamed Hussein Mohammed found the back of the net.
The goal, initially contested, was confirmed after a VAR review, doubling the Taifa Stars’ lead and effectively securing the three points in their opening group-stage CHAN 2024 encounter.
CHAN 2024 Group B – Tanzania vs Burkina Faso- Starting Lineups
Taifa Stars (Tanzania)
Yakoub Ali, Iddi Alli, Ibrahim Hamad, Dickson Job, Feisal Abdallah, Abdul Suleiman, Mohamed Mohamed, Yusuph Kagoma, Shomari Kapombe, Mudathiri Abbas, Clement Mzize.
The Stallions (Burkina Faso)
Ladji Sanou, Josaphat Ouattara, Tertius Bagre, Frank Tologo, Papus Ouattara, Abdoul Guiro, Moumouni Diallo, Kalifa Nikiema, Souleymane Sangaré, Aliou Chitou, Hanaiby Sagné.