CHAN 2024 opening ignites Dar

DAR ES SALAAM: FROM the bustling heart of the city to the far-flung corners of the country, anticipation rippled across Tanzania on Saturday as the curtains rose on CHAN 2024 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The opening night was crowned not just by organisation and spectacle, but also by a commanding 2–0 victory from the Taifa Stars that sent the home crowd into raptures. It was more than a match; it was a moment.

A convergence of national pride, cultural celebration, and sporting ambition, meticulously orchestrated to show the continent what Tanzania can do on and off the pitch.

Long before the gates were due to open, Dar es Salaam had already begun to pulse with excitement. Streets teemed with fans draped in national colours blue, green, black and yellow streaming in aboard motorbikes, public transports, chartered buses and even on foot.

Vuvuzelas pierced the air with a celebratory clamour that echoed through neighbourhoods and down highways, announcing the day’s significance in no uncertain terms. By midday, the area surrounding Benjamin Mkapa Stadium resembled a vibrant carnival.

Vendors lined the pavements, selling everything from cold drinks and snacks to flags and face paint. Businesses bloomed wherever there was space. Motorbikes idled just outside the stadium gates, their riders ready to whisk fans to distant corners of the city once the event concluded.

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Tricycles and street hawkers jostled for attention, all drawn into the vortex of the day’s energy. As the day progressed, it became clear this was also a boom time for microentrepreneurs. When ‘Daily News’ attempted to leave the venue and return to the office near TAZARA, a ride-hailing app proved fruitless every driver was busy. Instead, a waiting motorbike offered a swift and budget-friendly solution.

The 10-minute journey, typically costing around 2,500/- via app or 3,000/- through direct call, was charged at just 1,000/-.

“Today is business,” grinned Ali Rajabu, the rider. “If your price is reasonable, you win customers. During competitions like this, you make connections and maybe they will call you again after the final whistle.” By late afternoon, the stadium precincts had transformed into a living tapestry of Tanzanian pride.

Security was tight but amicable, with volunteers and protocol teams managing the crowd flow with smooth efficiency. A brass band kept spirits high with a medley of marching tunes, their horns and drums setting the tone for the night. Fans queued patiently, laughter and song bouncing between them.

When gates finally opened at around 5:00 pm, thousands surged in orderly, jubilant and unstoppable. Inside, the organisation was faultless.

Stewards directed guests with professionalism, and the stadium filled quickly as golden hour sunlight bathed the pitch in warmth. By 6:00 pm, the atmosphere was electric.

When the Taifa Stars stepped onto the pitch for warm-ups, a thunderous ovation erupted, reverberating through the concrete coliseum.

One by one, as players’ names boomed from the stadium speakers, cheers followed—raw, emotional, and unmistakably Tanzanian. The stands became a sea of flags, dancing hands, and wide-eyed children seeing their heroes in real life. Then came the opening ceremony an explosion of tradition and theatricality.

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A ceremonial carpet, bearing a map of East Africa, unfurled across the centre circle. Cultural troupes emerged from three corners of the stadium, each in traditional dress, performing rhythmic dances that told stories of heritage, resilience, and joy.

The decibels soared when Rayvanny, one of Tanzania’s musical juggernauts, stormed the stage. Clad in blazing red, he unleashed a performance that had tens of thousands on their feet.

Every beat of the drum, every flicker of his footwork ignited fresh waves of energy. As Rayvanny’s vibrant set drew to a close, the spotlight shifted to the pitch once again for a symbolic and moving moment: the official trophy parade.

A woman dressed in a flowing gown of white and blue made her way gracefully to the centre stage, lifting the CHAN 2024 trophy high above her head.

She was accompanied by a small entourage and surrounded by flags of all 19 participating nations, waved high in celebration.

The stadium roared with approval. Each detail of the 30-minute presentation added to the spectacle—a vivid tribute to unity and competition.

The performance, regal and celebratory, unfolded in front of esteemed guests, including Guest of Honour Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and former President Jakaya Kikwete, who proudly wore a national team jersey. As night fell and floodlights roared to life, the main event took centre stage.

Taifa Stars versus Burkina Faso. The energy was palpable and within minutes, it was rewarded. Then came a rousing moment: the squad line-up was announced. Each name echoed around the stadium like a drumbeat of national unity.

Cheers erupted proud, emotional, unrestrained as supporters hailed their footballing heroes. The energy was electric, the pride unmistakable.

This was more than football; it was patriotism in motion. After the opening ceremony came the inaugural match, as host nation Tanzania locked horns with Burkina Faso.

A roar of jubilation echoed through Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as Taifa Stars kicked off their 2024 CHAN campaign in style, defeating Burkina Faso 2–0 to top Group B with a confident start. A first-half penalty from Abdul Suleiman and a second-half header by Mohamed Hussein secured a comfortable victory for Tanzania, putting them in command of the Group B standings.

As the first half drew to a close, it was clear the Taifa Stars had come to play. In the dying moments of the half, a dramatic incident inside the box saw Clement Mzize brought down by Burkina Faso’s Frank Tologo. The crowd erupted, roaring for a penalty and, without hesitation, the referee pointed straight to the spot.

Stepping up with composure, Abdul Suleiman made no mistake, calmly converting to break the deadlock and put the Taifa Stars ahead. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the teams headed into the tunnel, with fans buzzing with excitement at the prospect of a second-half breakthrough.

Then, in the 73rd minute, Tanzania crafted a moment of brilliance. A flowing onetwo exchange opened up space down the flank, slicing through Burkina Faso’s defence with precision.

The ball was played into Iddi Suleiman, whose surging run carried him deep into the box. With defenders scrambling, Suleiman squared it to Mohamed Hussein, who was perfectly placed to steer it into the back of the net.

Initially, Burkina Faso’s players raised their arms in protest, claiming offside. The stadium held its breath as the referee paused to consult VAR. Moments later, the verdict was in: goal confirmed.