The much-anticipated African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 kicks off this Saturday, with co-hosts Tanzania opening the tournament against Burkina Faso in what promises to be an exciting curtain-raiser.
The opening ceremony will take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, setting the stage for the first match of the competition as the Taifa Stars begin their quest for continental glory. Facing them is a well-organised and physical Burkina Faso side that will look to spoil the party for the hosts.
This will be the second meeting between the two nations this year. Their last encounter came during the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar in January 2025, where Burkina Faso ran out 2-0 winners. Tanzania will be eager to turn the tables, this time with the support of a passionate home crowd.
The Taifa Stars are expected to rely on their high-pressing style and aggressive approach, with the hope that their energy and intensity can overpower their opponents. On the other hand, the Stallions will aim to use their trademark physicality and speed on the counter-attack to exploit any gaps in the Tanzanian defence.
Tanzania’s goalkeeper Aishi Manula has expressed confidence ahead of the clash, pointing to the hard work put in during training and the hunger within the squad to make a positive start.
Burkina Faso will be no pushovers, though. Defender Patrick Malo has underscored the team’s desire to represent their country with pride and showcase the strength of domestic Burkinabe football on the continental stage.
With Group A also featuring Mauritania, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic, both teams know that a positive result in the opener will be crucial to setting the tone for the rest of their campaign.
Kick-off Time and Where to Watch
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM (EAT) at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Fans across East Africa can watch the action live on free-to-air platforms: KBC TV in Kenya, TBC in Tanzania, and UBC in Uganda.
For those with access to pay TV, SuperSport and Azam TV will broadcast the match in Kenya, Azam TV in Tanzania, and FUFA TV in Uganda. Coverage will include local language commentary and studio analysis tailored to regional audiences.
