Dar es Salaam. For the first time since the inception of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2009, Tanzania stands as a proud co-host, alongside regional siblings Kenya and Uganda.
But tonight Saturday, August 2, 2025 it’s Dar es Salaam that becomes the epicentre of African football.
The continent’s eyes are set on the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, where Tanzania’s Taifa Stars will clash with Burkina Faso in the Group B opener of a tournament that celebrates local-based football talent pure, raw, and unapologetically African.
At exactly 8:00 PM EAT, the whistle will blow, drums will beat, and history will roar into life. This is CHAN 2024.
The Road to CHAN: Tanzania’s Moment of Arrival
Tanzania’s inclusion as co-host is not mere symbolism it is a testament to the nation’s growing footballing infrastructure, fan culture, and unwavering commitment to grassroots talent.
This year marks the eighth edition of CHAN, a tournament unique in the global game only open to players competing in their country’s domestic leagues.
For Tanzania, hosting this tournament is a national statement a bold declaration that we are ready to compete, inspire, and lead on the African stage.
Leading the charge is head coach Hemed Suleiman “Morocco”, a tactician known for his player first approach, tactical discipline, and motivational leadership. Speaking ahead of the clash, Coach Morocco was candid and composed:
“We’ve prepared. We’ve struggled. We’ve sacrificed. Now, we are ready. Tanzania has waited for this day, and the players understand the weight of the jersey they wear.”
Stars Sharpen Their Swords
Tanzania’s preparations have been extensive and deliberate.
The team first held a 10-day high-intensity training camp in Egypt, focusing on endurance, defensive transitions, and attacking shape.
That was followed by a more tactical, altitude-based camp in Karatu, Arusha.
There, Taifa Stars played two crucial international friendlies a narrow 1-0 win over Uganda and a 2-1 comeback victory against Senegal.
Both matches offered more than just match fitness; they were the final auditions for Coach Morocco to define his ideal starting XI.
“We took those games very seriously,” he admitted. “They weren’t just friendlies—they were war drills. The players who showed hunger, resilience, and chemistry—those are the ones who’ll fight for us tonight.”
Who Carries the Nation’s Hopes?
While the final lineup remains under wraps, tactical trends and friendly match performance suggest the following XI will likely start tonight:
Goalkeeper: Yakoub Suleiman Strong in reflexes and confident under pressure, he seems to have edged out veterans Aishi Manula and Hussein Masalanga.
Defense: A trusted backline that includes Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Dickson Job, and Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad the latter scored the winner against Senegal.
Midfield Anchors: Mudathir Yahya and Yusuph Kagoma will likely screen the back four while setting the tempo.
Wingers: Idd Suleiman “Nado”, scorer of the only goal vs Uganda, is expected to start on one flank.
On the other side, versatile Feisal “Fei Toto” Salum could provide both width and central support.
Attack: With a proven domestic season behind him, Clement Mzize is poised to lead the frontline. Abdul Suleiman “Sopu”, who scored and assisted against Senegal, is also in serious contention.
This starting XI blends experience with youthful energy, but more importantly—it’s built on form, hunger, and chemistry.
Burkina Faso: The Opponent in the Ring
Burkina Faso is no stranger to CHAN’s intensity.
Their coach Issa Balboné has assembled a competitive and disciplined squad filled with players eager to upset the host nation.
“We respect Tanzania, but we are not here to play second fiddle,” Balboné said. “We are ready to represent Burkina Faso with pride, grit, and fearlessness.”
Key players include Sanou Ladji, Konvelbo Mathieu, Moussa Traore, and Tertus Bagre names that may not yet be stars, but CHAN has a history of transforming such men into legends
