Excitement is reaching fever pitch across Tanzania ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with the host nation preparing to kick off the tournament against Burkina Faso on August 2, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The tournament, co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, has sparked growing enthusiasm among fans and stakeholders, who are mobilizing support to ensure Taifa Stars receives a strong backing in the opening match.
Speaking at Mbezi Magufuli Bus Terminal, Simba SC Communications Manager Ahmed Ally called on Tanzanians to fill the stadium and rally behind their national team.
“This is the moment for every Tanzanian to show true patriotism. There is no greater pride than supporting your country when it matters most,” he said. “Let us fill the stands and push our team with everything we’ve got.”
Echoing the sentiment, Tabora United’s Communications Officer Christina Mwagala urged fans to wear the national team’s jersey on match day as a sign of unity and morale support for the players.
“We need to set aside club rivalries and embrace this national mission. This is not about Simba, Yanga, or Azam this is about Tanzania.
Let us stand behind our team and ensure that the slogan ‘It stays home’ becomes a reality,” she emphasized.
Mwagala added that while Burkina Faso is a strong opponent, Tanzania has the quality to compete at the highest level especially with overwhelming support from home fans.
Meanwhile, Pamba Jiji FC's Media Officer Moses William revealed that fan mobilization efforts are in full swing in Mwanza Region, where four buses have already been filled with supporters heading to Dar es Salaam. He noted that one special bus has been reserved for journalists and regional leaders.
“Our journey to Dar begins on August 1. The excitement is unbelievable. Fans from Mwanza are eager to support Taifa Stars, and we are grateful to Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda, who has provided transportation as a show of solidarity with the national team,” said William.
He also made an open call to stakeholders and well-wishers to contribute support in kind—such as bottled water and branded T-shirts to aid fans making the journey to the capital.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the message from across the country is clear: unity, patriotism, and presence at the stadium will be crucial in boosting Taifa Stars’ morale as they begin their CHAN 2024 campaign.