Zanzibar will mark a major milestone in its football journey on August 5 when the New Amaan Complex hosts its first-ever match of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship CHAN 2024
The day will feature a Group D double-header beginning with Congo Brazzaville versus Niger at 5pm followed by the much-anticipated clash between defending champions Senegal and continental heavyweights Nigeria at 8pm
The matches will be played at the newly built New Amaan Complex a symbol of Zanzibar’s growing reputation in African football Zanzibar Football Federation Secretary General Hussein Ahmada Vuai confirmed that preparations are complete and that fans with a single-entry ticket will be allowed to attend both matches Gates will open at 2pm
“This is a proud moment for Zanzibar and Tanzanian football We are ready to host Africa” Vuai said “All logistics security and technical matters are in place We welcome fans from across the Isles and Mainland to witness this moment in history”
The occasion will be graced by the Minister of Information Youth Culture and Sports Tabia Maulid Mwita whose attendance Vuai said underlines the national significance of the event
Senegal will kick off their title defense under pressure after suffering back-to-back defeats in their last two competitive games Coach Souleymane Diallo acknowledged the weight of expectation but struck an optimistic tone ahead of the opener
“The title defense starts here We respect Nigeria but we are here to compete Our focus is on a strong start and restoring belief in the squad” Diallo said
Nigeria enter the match in better form unbeaten in their last five outings Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede said his team is well prepared and focused on making a strong impact in the tournament
“Every match is like a final Senegal are champions but we have studied them We are ready to compete and win” Ogunmodede said
With no reported injuries both teams are expected to field their strongest squads
Beyond the football the moment marks Zanzibar’s official arrival as a serious sporting destination on the continent with the New Amaan Complex standing tall as a beacon of progress
