Veteran right-back Shomari Kapombe emerged as the hero for Tanzania after scoring a dramatic late winner against Mauritania, propelling the CHAN 2024 co-hosts six points clear at the top of Group B. The 1-0 win at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday evening puts Tanzania firmly on track for a place in the quarter-finals.
In a tense and tightly contested match, both sides struggled to break the deadlock for much of the evening. However, in the 89th minute, Kapombe, who plays for Tanzanian giants Simba SC, seized a rare opportunity in front of goal, sending home the decisive strike that sent the home fans into a frenzy.
The victory marks Tanzania’s second consecutive win in the group and takes them to six points, three ahead of their nearest rivals, Burkina Faso, with one round of group fixtures remaining.
Burkina Faso Boost Quarter-Final Hopes With 4-2 Win Over CAR
Elsewhere in Group B, Burkina Faso revived their qualification hopes with an action-packed 4-2 victory over Central African Republic (CAR) in a heated contest.
The Burkinabe side, making their fourth appearance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), opened the scoring early through Patrick Ouattara in the 11th minute. However, their lead was quickly erased when Sydney Tchibinda equalized with a spectacular free-kick just four minutes later, marking CAR’s first-ever goal in a CHAN tournament.
Burkina Faso regained control in the second half, capitalizing on mounting frustration in the CAR defense. They were awarded two penalties, both of which proved pivotal to the final outcome. Striker Abdoul Karim Baguian, who plays for USFA Ouagadougou, was a key figure in the latter stages, earning one of the penalties and scoring the team’s fourth goal in the 84th minute to seal the win.
Despite Ange Zoumara pulling one back for CAR five minutes into injury time, it was too little too late for the tournament debutants.
Group B Standings and Outlook
After Wednesday’s results, the Group B standings are as follows:
- Tanzania – 6 points
- Burkina Faso – 3 points
- Mauritania – 1 point
- Central African Republic – 1 point
With only one round of group matches remaining, Tanzania need just a draw in their final game to confirm top spot and a place in the quarter-finals. Burkina Faso, meanwhile, will be looking to secure maximum points in their last fixture and hope for favorable results elsewhere to advance.
The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which features players competing in their domestic leagues only, is being co-hosted by Tanzania and Algeria and has already delivered exciting action, surprise performances, and moments of individual brilliance.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Tanzania to see if they can continue their winning run and make a deep run on home soil.
Written By Rodney Mbua
