The Taifa Stars of Tanzania have kicked off their CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign in style, securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the Group B opener at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Tanzania recorded its first-ever win in an opening CHAN fixture, a significant milestone after losing both of their previous tournament debuts.

The home side established control early in the first half, with Abdul Sopu converting a penalty in stoppage time after Clement Mzize was brought down in the box by Frank Tologo.

his composed spot-kick sent the Taifa Stars into the break with a crucial one-goal lead and set the tone for the rest of the match.

Despite a triple substitution by Burkina Faso at halftime in a bid to swing momentum, it was Tanzania who continued to press with intensity.

Their efforts were rewarded in the 71st minute when defender Mohamed Hussein rose highest to meet a teasing delivery from Mudathir Yahya, guiding a powerful header into the back of the net to seal the victory and send the local fans into a frenzy.

While Burkina Faso pushed forward in the final 10 minutes, their attempts to score from Tertius Bagré and Papus Ouattara were off-target, allowing Tanzania to hold firm and secure all three points.

The result gives Tanzania an early advantage in a challenging group that also includes Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic.

For Burkina Faso, the search for a first opening-day CHAN win continues, and they now face an uphill battle to progress to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. The Taifa Stars will now look to build on this impressive momentum in their next group match.