Tanzania’s remarkable and historic journey in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday, as they fell 1-0 to a formidable Moroccan side at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
The lone goal of the tense quarter-final clash was scored in the 66th minute by Oussama Lamlioui, who expertly finished a pass from Youssef Belammari to break the deadlock and silence the home crowd. Despite a valiant effort from the hosts, the Atlas Lions’ quality ultimately shone through, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
While the loss is a bitter pill to swallow for the #TalfaStars and their passionate supporters, the team’s campaign is being widely celebrated as a monumental success. As noted by commentator Millard Ayo, this tournament run marks a new chapter for Tanzanian football. This was the first time the national team, composed exclusively of domestic league players, has ever advanced to the quarter-final stage in the history of the CHAN tournament.
“This is a new piece of history for Tanzania,” the update read, highlighting the significant progress and development of the Taifa Stars squad. The team’s performance has ignited a sense of pride and optimism for the future of football in the country, proving they can compete with the continent’s best on home soil.
With their victory, Morocco now awaits the winner of the match between Uganda and Senegal. The other semi-final will see Madagascar, who eliminated Kenya, face the victor of the Sudan versus Algeria clash.
The remaining quarter-final matches are scheduled to be played on August 23, 2025. Uganda will host Senegal at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, while Sudan will face Algeria at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Though their dream of lifting the CHAN trophy is over, Tanzania’s Stars have earned immense respect and have set a new, higher benchmark for themselves, leaving fans eager to see what this growing squad will achieve next.
