Tanzania targets history against Mauritania in CHAN showdown

African Nations Championship
Today
At 5pm
Burkina Faso v Central Africa Republic
At 8pm
Tanzania v Mauritania

Tanzania’s national team will head into their second Group B fixture at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with confidence and clarity of purpose, knowing a win over Mauritania could edge them closer to a historic quarterfinal berth.

Having already dispatched Burkina Faso 2-0 in their opening match, the Tanzanian squad has shown early signs of tactical maturity, discipline, and belief, traits that captain Dickson Job insists will be crucial in navigating the rest of the group stage.

“This game demands intelligence and composure,” said Job. “We know what’s at stake and we will approach it with the seriousness it deserves. The team is ready, and we urge our fans to rally behind us,” noted Job.

While this will be the first CHAN meeting between the two sides, the stakes are already high. Mauritania is coming off a frustrating goalless draw with Madagascar, and anything short of a win would make their path to the knockouts considerably harder. Tanzania, meanwhile, are aiming to build momentum and establish themselves as one of the dark horses of the tournament.

Historically, East versus West African matchups at CHAN have produced tight contests, and Tanzania’s record supports that narrative. In four previous clashes against West African sides, they have secured wins against Côte d’Ivoire (2009) and Burkina Faso (2024), drawn with Guinea (2020), and narrowly lost to Senegal (2009). Mauritania, for their part, have struggled against teams from the region, falling to both Burundi and Sudan in earlier editions.

This encounter also reflects a broader narrative: the rise of local talent through regional investment in the game. As one of the co-hosts of this CHAN edition, Tanzania is not only showcasing hospitality but also ambition. The revamped infrastructure, packed stadiums, and energised fans show a nation ready to compete at the top level, on and off the pitch.

CHAN, a tournament reserved exclusively for home-based players, offers a unique window into the future of African football. Performances here are often stepping stones to greater stages like the Africa Cup of Nations or even international club careers. For Tanzania’s players, that spotlight has never burned brighter.

As the tournament unfolds, the group remains open. Alongside Tanzania and Mauritania are Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic, who are yet to kick off their campaign. But for now, all eyes will be on Tanzania to see if they can turn early promise into a statement of intent.

With the home crowd behind them and belief growing with every pass, the Taifa Stars are no longer just participants. They are contenders with a purpose.