Taifa Stars hit ground running

DAR ES SALAAM: A roar of jubilation echoed through the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam as Taifa Stars kicked off the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 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.

The match was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, attending on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

From the very first whistle, the hosts showed no signs of hesitation, with a fast-paced, attacking approach that had fans on the edge of their seats. Clement Mzize nearly gave the fans the dream start in the fourth minute, as a blistering counter-attack saw him race down the right flank, skipping past defenders with a surge of pace, before unleashing a shot.

But Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, Ladji Sanou, was quick to react, throwing himself across the goal to deny Mzize’s effort.

The crowd’s anticipation grew with every attack and by the eighth minute, it was Feisal Salum’s turn to test Sanou. A deft pass from Mudathir Yahya saw Feisal open up space just outside the box, but once again, the Burkina Faso goalkeeper was equal to the task, making yet another crucial save to keep the scoreline level.

But Taifa Stars were not backing down. Mohamed Hussein found Mzize in the 13th minute, but the striker’s shot just missed the target, sending the ball narrowly wide of the post. Fans gasped in disbelief, urging their team to keep up the pressure.

As the first half wore on, Burkina Faso’s Souleymane Sangare had their best chance in the 18th minute. His shot from distance had the crowd holding their breath, but Tanzania’s goalkeeper, Yakoub Ali, stood firm, pulling off a crucial save to keep the score level.

The electric atmosphere reached a fever pitch when Feisal whipped in a dangerous cross in the 20th minute. Mudathir leaped high but his header sailed agonisingly wide of the target, much to the groans of the crowd who had been waiting for the breakthrough moment.

As the first half drew to a close, it was clear that Taifa Stars had come to play. In the dying moments of the half, a dramatic incident inside the box saw Mzize brought down by Burkina Faso’s Frank Tologo.

The crowd erupted, roaring for a penalty after the referee pointed straight away to the spot. Stepping up with composure, Abdul Suleiman made no mistake, calmly converting the penalty to break the deadlock and put 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.

When the teams returned, Tanzania came out with renewed energy. The crowd was on their feet from the off, sensing that something special was on the horizon.

Just two minutes into the second half, Mzize had a golden opportunity, a bulletlike strike from a tight angle looked destined for the back of the net. But once again, Sanou was there, making a brilliant save to deny the hosts.

Tanzania’s relentless pressure continued. Ibrahim Hamad connected with a perfectly delivered set-piece from Feisal in the 50th minute, only to see his header miraculously saved again by the agile Burkinabe keeper.

It was becoming a theme: Tanzania creating chance after chance, but always meeting a brick wall in the form of Sanou.

Then, in the 60th minute, a collective gasp filled the stadium as Mohamed Hussein played in Abdul Suleiman, whose powerful shot was brilliantly saved once more. The frustration was palpable, but the fans never stopped cheering, believing their team would find a way through.

In the 73rd minute, Tanzania crafted a moment of brilliance a flowing one-two 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 Mohamed Hussein who was perfectly placed to steer it into the back of the net.

Initially, Burkinabe 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.

The decision brought renewed energy and a wave of emotion, setting the tone for what promised to be a memorable night for Tanzanian football.

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Tanzania’s next challenge comes against Mauritania on 6th August, followed by a clash with Madagascar on the 9th, before wrapping up their group campaign against the Central African Republic on 16th August.

Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are co-hosting the CHAN finals, featuring 19 nations divided into four groups.