Tanzania’s Taifa Stars delivered a strong statement ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, securing a 2-1 comeback victory over reigning champions Senegal in the final of the CECAFA pre-CHAN Tournament on Sunday.
The win at the Black Rhino Academy grounds ensured Tanzania topped the three-nation preparatory competition with a perfect six points.
Senegal initially took the lead through Mapathe Mbodj, but Tanzania responded fiercely.
After a string of saves from Senegal’s goalkeeper Mare Philips Arona Dioup, tactical changes in the second half by Tanzania coach Hemed Suleiman paid off. Substitute Abdul Hamsi equalized from the penalty spot, and just four minutes later, Ibrahim Hamad netted the winner for Tanzania.
The Taifa Stars dominated the proceedings, leaving Senegal without a point in the tournament. Tanzania had previously beaten Uganda 1-0.
Coach Hemed Suleiman praised his players but noted room for improvement.
Senegal head coach Souleymane Diallo saw the losses as valuable lessons learned. CECAFA Competitions Director Yusuf Mossi highlighted the tournament’s benefit for gauging teams before CHAN.
The TotalEnergies CHAN 2024, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2-30, 2025, will feature Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, and hosts Kenya from the CECAFA zone.
