The highly anticipated CHAN 2024 is set to kick off, and one of the most intriguing matchups of the opening round will see co-hosts Tanzania take on Burkina Faso in a Group B clash at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Match Details:
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM EAT
Venue: Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania: Riding on Home Support
The Taifa Stars, as they are affectionately known, enter the tournament with the momentum of being a co-host and the passionate support of their home crowd. This is their third appearance at CHAN, and they will be looking to break a historical jinx, having been eliminated in the group stage in their previous two outings in 2009 and 2020. The recent form of the Taifa Stars, including impressive wins over Senegal and Uganda, suggests a team that has found its rhythm at the right time.
Under the guidance of coach Hemed Suleiman, Tanzania is expected to field a disciplined and well-organized team, likely in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Key players to watch include the creative midfielder Feisal Salum and the clinical forward Clement Mzize, both of whom have been in excellent form. The familiarity of their lineup and the chemistry within the squad could be a decisive factor.
Burkina Faso: The "Local Stallions" Seek to Impress
Burkina Faso, nicknamed the "Local Stallions," is a consistent presence at the African Nations Championship. They are a team known for their attacking flair and a more expansive style of play, often favoring a 4-2-1-3 formation. However, this aggressive approach can sometimes leave them vulnerable on the flanks, an area Tanzania's wingers will look to exploit.
Their qualification for the tournament was hard-fought, overturning a two-goal deficit against Côte d'Ivoire in a penalty shootout. This resilience will serve them well in the face of a challenging opening match. Coach Issa Balboné, who took over in April 2024, has been working to iron out defensive vulnerabilities and will be hoping his side can rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance.
This is a huge opportunity for Tanzania, who will be playing all their group stage matches on home turf at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. They'll be looking to use that home-field advantage to the fullest. Under the guidance of coach Hemed Suleiman, the Taifa Stars have been on the rise, recently qualifying for three out of the last four AFCON tournaments. They're currently ranked 23rd in Africa and 103rd in the world by FIFA.
But don't count out Burkina Faso. The Stallions are eager to make a statement in their fourth CHAN appearance, aiming to finally make it past the group stage. They'll be feeling confident after beating Tanzania 2-0 in a friendly earlier this year.
Head-to-Head & Prediction:
The head-to-head record between these two sides is limited. In their only recent encounter, a friendly match in January 2025, Burkina Faso secured a 2-0 victory. However, with the home advantage and a squad that appears to be clicking, Tanzania will be considered the slight favorites. This match is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams known for their defensive discipline.
Expect a tactical battle in the midfield, with both sides aiming to control the tempo of the game. While Burkina Faso possesses dangerous attacking potential, Tanzania's home advantage and recent form might just give them the edge. A narrow victory for the Taifa Stars, or even a hard-fought draw, seems like a plausible outcome.
