DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Co-hosts Tanzania launched their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign on a high note, securing a convincing 2-0 win against Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday night. The victory gives the Taifa Stars a flying start in the tournament’s opening match.
The home side took the lead just before halftime when Azam FC striker Abdul Hamisi Hussein successfully converted a penalty.
The spot-kick was awarded after forward Clement Mzize was fouled inside the box, allowing Tanzania to go into the break with a one-goal advantage.
For much of the match, Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, Ladji Sanou, was a standout performer, making a series of crucial saves to keep his team in contention.
His impressive reflexes were on full display in the second half, where he made a sensational twin save, first parrying away a curling shot from Mzize before punching away the rebound from the ensuing corner.
However, his strong performance was marred by a moment of misjudgment when he came out of his goalmouth for a loose ball, creating an opportunity that proved decisive.
Left-back Iddi Alli capitalized on the goalkeeper’s error, expertly spotting Mohammed Hussein in the penalty area. Alli then lobbed the ball to the Simba SC midfielder, who headed it into an empty net.
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The goal was initially ruled offside, but following a VAR review, the center referee Lotfi Bekouassa reversed his earlier decision and awarded the goal, confirming the Taifa Stars’ two-goal lead.
Despite Burkina Faso’s determined efforts to mount a comeback, they were unable to breach Tanzania’s resilient defense.
The Taifa Stars held firm to close out the game with a clean sheet and a crucial win.
Fellow co-hosts Kenya will begin their campaign on Sunday against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at Kasarani Stadium, while Uganda is scheduled to play Algeria on Monday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
