TANZANIA, Kenya, and Uganda the three co-hosts of CHAN 2024 have all advanced to the knockout stage, a historic feat that has electrified the region and united millions of fans under the spirit of Pamoja – the Swahili word for “together.
For the first time in the history of the African
Nations Championship (CHAN), East Africa has carved its name in bold letters on
the continental stage.
Tanzania lead the charge
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars set the tone with a dominant
and unbeaten run in Group B. They collected 10 points from four matches,
winning three and drawing one, while scoring five goals and conceding just
once.
Their only dropped points came in their final fixture
against the Central African Republic, a game that had no bearing on their
already-secured qualification.
With fans creating a sea of red and green in every
home match, Tanzania’s momentum has lifted national pride and restored belief
that the team can compete with Africa’s finest.
The real test now comes in the quarter-finals, where
Tanzania will lock horns with Morocco, the 2020 champions.
The North Africans have historically had the upper
hand, but the Taifa Stars are determined to change the narrative on Friday
night in Dar es Salaam.
Kenya stun on debut
If Tanzania provided consistency, Kenya supplied the
element of surprise.
The Harambee Stars, making their debut in CHAN,
shocked the continent by topping Group A ahead of Morocco.
Their defining moment came at Kasarani Stadium
when Ryan Ogam’s 75th-minute strike sealed a dramatic 1-0 win over Zambia,
sending the home crowd into raptures. Guided by coach Benni McCarthy, Kenya
impressed with their rock-solid defending and swift counterattacks.
Their performances have not only silenced doubters but
also ignited massive excitement across Nairobi, where thousands turned out to
cheer them on. The Harambee Stars now face Madagascar in the quarter-finals, a
contest expected to be one of the most finely balanced ties of the round.
For debutants who have already surpassed expectations,
belief is growing that they might extend their fairytale run even further.
Uganda break the jinx
Uganda’s Cranes added the final piece to East Africa’s
historic puzzle. Long plagued by group-stage exits in previous editions, Uganda
finally broke the barrier by qualifying for the quarter-finals.
With a balanced blend of youthful energy and
experienced leadership, the Cranes navigated a tricky group with resilience,
notching key wins that sealed their progression.
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