The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) officially got underway on Saturday, August 2, with co-hosts Tanzania securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the tournament’s opening fixture at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
This eighth edition of the tournament, exclusively featuring national teams made up of players active in their domestic leagues, had initially been scheduled for February 2025.
However, due to logistical delays, the competition was postponed to August and is being jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
It is the first time CHAN is being staged across three countries.
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, ladies and gentlemen.
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 2, 2025
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A colourful opening ceremony set the tone for what promises to be an engaging tournament, and the hosts wasted little time asserting their intent on the pitch.
Despite a spirited start from Burkina Faso, it was Tanzania who dominated possession, dictating the tempo with 63% ball control and registering 19 shots compared to their opponent’s eight.
The star of the show.
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 2, 2025
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The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time after striker Stephano Mzize was brought down inside the box. Abdul Suleiman stepped up and calmly dispatched the resulting penalty to give Tanzania a deserved lead.
In the second half, Simba SC’s Mohamed Husseini sealed the win with a thumping header in the 72nd minute, following a brief VAR review.
The win is an encouraging start for Tanzania, who are making only their third appearance in the competition.
A glimpse of the opening. Now brace yourselves, it begins!
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 2, 2025
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Meanwhile, all eyes now shift to Nigeria’s Super Eagles B, who will begin their campaign on Tuesday, August 5, against defending champions Senegal at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City.
The West African giants, under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, are participating in the tournament for the fourth time but have yet to lift the trophy.
Nigeria reached the final in 2018 and secured third place in 2014 but failed to qualify for the last two editions. Now, with renewed optimism and a determined squad, the Super Eagles B will be looking to start their journey on a high against a formidable Senegalese side.
