Tanzania began their African Nations Championship campaign with a commanding victory over Burkina Faso in front of an electric home crowd in Dar es Salaam.
The Taifa Stars delivered when it mattered most at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, securing their first-ever opening match victory at the continental tournament for home-based players.
Abdul Sopu’s composed penalty in first-half stoppage time broke the deadlock before Mohamed Hussein’s towering header sealed a memorable evening for the hosts.
Tanzania started with real intent, creating early opportunities through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum, both forcing saves from Burkina Faso goalkeeper Ladji Sanou. The visitors responded with counter-attacks of their own, testing home keeper Yakoub Suleiman through efforts from Souleymane Sangaré and Papus Ouattara.
But Tanzania’s persistence paid dividends in the dying moments of the first half when Mzize was fouled in the penalty area by Frank Tologo. Sopu stepped up to convert the spot-kick with authority, sending Sanou the wrong way three minutes into stoppage time.
Burkina Faso introduced experienced campaigners Patrick Malo and Yves Koutiama at the interval, hoping to shift momentum in their favour. However, Tanzania continued to dictate proceedings with their high-tempo approach paying dividends once again.
The decisive moment arrived in the 71st minute when Mudathir Yahya delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank. Hussein rose unmarked to power his header beyond Sanou and send the home supporters into delirium. Burkina Faso pushed forward desperately in the closing stages, but wayward attempts from Tertius Bagré and Ouattara summed up their evening as Tanzania held firm for a crucial three points.
The result puts Tanzania in pole position in Group B, which also features Madagascar, Mauritania and the Central African Republic.
For Burkina Faso, this latest opening-day disappointment extends their winless streak in CHAN tournament debuts to four matches, leaving them facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
Tanzania will look to maintain this momentum in their next group fixture, while Burkina Faso must regroup quickly if they are to salvage their continental ambitions.
