Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, has expressed confidence that Tanzania is well-positioned to contend for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) title, following a morale-boosting triumph in the CECAFA 3-Nations Tournament.
The mini-tournament, held in Karatu, Arusha Region, concluded recently with Tanzania clinching the title after edging Uganda 1-0 and outclassing Senegal 2-1. Designed as a preparatory event ahead of the CHAN finals, the tournament brought together three national teams all aiming to sharpen their squads.
Speaking shortly after the CECAFA victory, Mwinjuma said the win reflects the team's growing strength and readiness to take on continental opponents.
“This is our moment. We have just won the CECAFA tournament in Karatu—an encouraging sign. Now, our full focus shifts to CHAN 2024, which we will co-host with Kenya and Uganda. The time has come for Tanzania to make its mark in African football,” he said.
Head Coach of the Taifa Stars, Hemed Morocco, echoed the Deputy Minister’s sentiments, stating that the team had successfully implemented 80 percent of its tactical plans during the CECAFA matches.
However, he acknowledged areas that still require improvement ahead of their CHAN opener against Burkina Faso on August 2 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
“We’re on the right track, but there are still adjustments to be made. These final days at home are crucial for polishing key aspects of our game. We are determined to enter CHAN in peak form,” Morocco said.
Defender Dickson Job, who featured prominently in the CECAFA tournament, said the experience boosted the squad’s morale and confidence. He stressed the importance of maintaining focus, match by match.
“The tournament helped us grow mentally and build our confidence. Now, all our energy and attention are on the first CHAN match. We’re going to give everything 100 percent effort to ensure we start strong and pursue our ultimate goal,” Job said.
With the CHAN finals fast approaching, excitement is building across the nation. Fans and football stakeholders alike are hopeful that Tanzania will leverage its home advantage and recent momentum to make a deep run in the tournament and possibly secure its first-ever CHAN title.