Tanzania vs Madagascar: Taifa Stars secure historic CHAN 2024 knockout spot

• Tanzania’s national men’s team defeated Madagascar 2-1 to secure a historic place in the quarterfinals of the CHAN 2024 tournament.
• The match took place at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Saturday, August 9.
• The Taifa Stars not only qualified for the knockout stage for the first time in their history, but also became the first team across all groups to book a spot in the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals.

Clement Mzize netted a sensational brace to inspire Tanzania to a historic qualification for the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

The Taifa Stars, making only their third appearance in the continental competition, had never progressed beyond the group stage.

However, a determined 2-1 victory over Madagascar on Saturday evening at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam etched their name into the record books.

The win not only secured a knockout stage berth, but also made Tanzania the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals in the 2024 edition and notably, the first-ever East African side between Kenya Uganda and Tanzania, to achieve such a feat.

Tanzania, co-hosting the tournament alongside Uganda and Kenya, were in control of Group B heading into the fixture.

They had already secured convincing victories: 2-0 against Burkina Faso and 1-0 over Mauritania.

With Saturday’s wiin, they topped the group with nine points, five ahead of second-placed Mauritania and six clear of Burkina Faso, who still have a game in hand.

However, regardless of that result, Tanzania’s qualification is now mathematically secured.

Match Report

First half

Under the floodlights of Benjamin Mkapa, the first significant threat came in the 8^th minute, when Feisal Salum unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box, forcing Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa into a desperate save.

The resulting corner nearly resulted in a goal, as Mzize’s header narrowly missed the target, grazing the crossbar.

Tanzania’s dominance finally bore fruit in the 13^th minute, when Mzize capitalized on a deflection from Mudathir Yahya’s shot, which had ricocheted off the woodwork.

Mzize calmly slotted the ball home, giving the hosts a deserved lead.

Shortly after, coach Hemed Suleiman was compelled to make an early substitution, replacing Mohamed Hamza with Ibrahim Khamis due to injury.

The change had immediate impact. Just six minutes later, Mzize struck again in the 19^th minute, this time converting a superb free kick delivery from Feisal, doubling Tanzania’s advantage with a composed finish.

The Barea, nearly halved the deficit on the half-hour mark when Alexandre Rakotoson fired a powerful free kick just inches over the bar.

Tanzanian keeper Yakoub Suleiman remained alert, tipping the ball over for a corner that didn’t yield much.

However, Madagascar eventually pulled one back in the 34^th minute through a clinical counter-attack.

Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa delivered a pinpoint cross from the left wing, met brilliantly by Gregasse Razafimahatana, who slotted it past Suleiman to reduce the margin.

The Taifa Stars, though rattled, managed to hold firm through the remainder of the half, fending off a series of dangerous Malagasy advances.

The first half ended with Tanzania holding a slim yet crucial 2-1 lead.

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Second Half

The second half resumed with Madagascar continuing their search for an equalizer.

Just five minutes into the match, Luc Ranaivoson attempted a long-range effort that narrowly missed the crossbar. Despite their relentless pressure, Tanzania’s defense remained solid and well-organized.

As the clock ticked on, the match became increasingly intense. In the 72nd minute, the Taifa Stars almost added a third, but goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa produced a remarkable save to keep the Barea in contention.

Tanzania launched several attacks, but Madagascar’s backline stood strong.

The final 10 minutes were full of drama as Madagascar pushed desperately for a late equalizer.

Nonetheless, Tanzania held their ground, showing tactical discipline and mental resilience to seal a momentous three points and officially book their place in the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals.

CHAN 2024 Group B – Tanzania vs Madagascar Lineups

Taifa Star
Yakoub Ali, Hamza (sub: Ibrahim Khamis), Iddy Nado, Hamad, Job, Feitoto, Sopu, Hussein, Kapombe, Mudathir, Mzize

The Barea
Toldo, Tony, Claude, Manitrisa, Lalaina, Gregasse, Luc, Bono, Toky Niaina, Mamisoa