African Nations Championship
Group B
Tanzania 1 Mauritania 0
Burkina Faso 4 Central African Republic 2
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Hosts Tanzania edged closer to the quarter-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after veteran defender Shomari Kapombe struck an 89th-minute winner to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mauritania at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Kapombe capitalised on a clever assist from Iddy Nado, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr to ignite wild celebrations in the packed stadium and maintain Tanzania’s perfect start in Group B.
The Taifa Stars now sit top of the group with six points from two matches, having scored three goals and conceded none. They need only a draw in their final group game to book a place in the last eight.
Tanzania’s head coach, Hemed Suleiman, praised his players’ resilience, especially Kapombe’s late heroics: “We knew it would be tough, but the boys kept their composure and got the job done.”
Mauritania’s camp was left frustrated, having dominated portions of the match but failed to convert chances. They now face a do-or-die match against Burkina Faso, while Tanzania only need a point against Madagascar.
Burkina Faso Bounce Back, CAR Fall Again
Earlier on Wednesday, Burkina Faso revived their CHAN campaign with a thrilling 4-2 win over debutants Central African Republic (CAR), after falling to Tanzania in their opener.
The Stallions showed dominance in the second half with goals from Abdoul Abass Guiro, Patrick Malo (both from the penalty spot), and Abdoul Baguian, after a 1-1 first half. CAR’s goals came from Sydney Tchibinda and Ange Zoumara, the former marking CAR’s first-ever CHAN goal.
Group B Standing
- Tanzania – 6 points
- Burkina Faso – 3 points
- Mauritania – 1 point
- Madagascar – 1 point
- Central African Republic – 0 points (game in hand)
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