Tanzania vs Burkina Faso: Hosts launch CHAN 2024 in style against fearless Stallions
The 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA kicks off on Saturday, 2 August with an electrifying Group B opener between hosts Tanzania and Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Excitement is at fever pitch across East Africa and the rest of the continent as the three-nation-hosted tournament — jointly organized by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda — gets underway under the unifying theme “PAMOJA”, meaning “together” in Swahili.
More than just a football competition, CHAN 2024 showcases the pride and promise of locally-based African talent, and this curtain-raiser promises fireworks.
Opening Match: Home Crowd, High Stakes
With anticipation building for months, the bustling coastal city of Dar es Salaam is ready for its moment on the continental stage.
Fans have thronged the streets and airwaves in support of their national team, the Taifa Stars, who are determined to start strong and make history on home soil.
Head coach Hamad Suleiman is embracing the pressure that comes with being hosts.
“We’ve prepared thoroughly for CHAN 2024. Playing at home, in front of our passionate fans, will definitely give us an edge,” he told journalists during the pre-match press conference.
Goalkeeper Aishi Manula echoed the sentiment: “We are ready. We’ve worked hard in camp and the boys are hungry. We want to give the country something to smile about.”
Tanzania will look to blend youthful exuberance with experienced heads as they begin their campaign in a tough Group B that includes Burundi and the Central African Republic.
Burkina Faso: Hungry to Impress
Standing in the way of the hosts are Burkina Faso — a side that has grown in stature in recent years and is determined to improve on past CHAN campaigns.
Head coach Issa Balboné believes his side has what it takes to surprise the hosts.
“We’ve drawn strength from previous tournaments. We’ve corrected our mistakes and our ambition is clear: to go beyond the group stage this time,” Balboné stated confidently.
Defender Patrick Malo added, “We carry the responsibility of our league and country. This is our chance to show what Burkina Faso football is all about. We’re ready to fight.”
The Stallions, known for their discipline and physical presence, bring experience and tactical maturity.
While they may not have the luxury of home advantage, they are no strangers to grinding out results on big stages.
Unity and Momentum Behind the Hosts
With East Africa co-hosting its first CHAN, there’s a renewed sense of regional pride.
The tournament's PAMOJA identity celebrates cross-border unity — and the Taifa Stars want to channel that energy.
Thousands of fans are expected to pack the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and millions more will watch across the continent.
This tournament means everything for Tanzanian football. A win in the opening match would not only set the tone for their CHAN 2024 ambitions but also send a message of intent to their Group B rivals.
Matchup Outlook: Clash of Styles
Saturday’s contest is likely to be decided by control in midfield and composure in key moments.
Tanzania will lean on home support and aggressive pressing, while Burkina Faso are expected to be organized and lethal on the break.
With experienced heads like Manula and Malo on either side, the defensive lines will be tested early and often.
A draw would not be a disaster for either team — but both will want maximum points with tougher tests ahead.
As the referee blows the whistle in Dar es Salaam, CHAN 2024 begins not just a tournament, but a celebration of African talent, solidarity, and sporting excellence.
Kickoff: Saturday, 2 August 2024
Venue: Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam
Group: Group B
Teams: Tanzania vs Burkina Faso
Broadcast: Live across Africa on CAF and local partner networks