CHAN: Tanzania cruises to quarterfinals after victory against Madagascar

Hosts Tanzania maintain their perfect start with a 2-1 win over Madagascar at the half-packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam to book their place in the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The Taifa Stars are the first national side to cruise to the quarterfinals as they top Group B so far with three wins.

The home side saw yet again empty seats at the stadium for the second game running. However, it was a perfect start for Tanzania who went 2-0 up inside the first twenty minutes. Clement Mzize was the danger man for the hosts as he opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a rebound after Mudathir Yahya’s effort rattled the upright. Mzize doubled the lead seven minutes later when he converted a cross from Feisal Salum’s free kick.

Madagascar were on the wrong foot for much of the first interval but pulled one back in the 34th minute through Mika Razafimahatana. The defensive midfielder scored from inside the box after collecting a pass from Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa.

The Barea were limited to half chances following the interval but came closest to leveling moments following the resumption through Jean Luc Ranaivoson. Shomari Kapombe of Tanzania had the better chance for his side at the other end as the interval saw fewer scoring chances with the Taifa Stars holding firm.

The win means Tanzania qualified for the quarterfinals with nine points. Madagascar are fourth with a single point.

Group B Table

1. Tanzania- 9 points (3 games)
2. Mauritania- 4 points (3 games)
3. Burkina Faso- 3 points (2 games)
4. Madagascar- 1 point (2 games)
5. Central African Republic- 0 points (2 games)