CHAN 2024 Group Stage Highlights So Far (2nd - 6th August)

Brief Summary

• Tanzania shines at home with two straight wins over Burkina Faso and Mauritania, securing six points in Group B.
• Senegal stuns Nigeria 1–0 in a major upset, while Congo and Sudan share points in a 1–1 Group D draw.
• Guinea and Algeria lead Group C, both opening with strong wins over Niger and Uganda, respectively.
• Kenya and Morocco start strong in Group A, each securing clean-sheet victories in front of supportive home crowds.

Deep Dive!!

Lagos, Nigeria—Strong starts, unexpected upsets, and outstanding performances in all four groups made the first week of CHAN Pamoja 2024 an entertaining display of African football. 

The tournament has already lived up to expectations with Senegal claiming a close victory over the reigning champions, Nigeria and Tanzania already on an undefeated run at home.

This is a country-by-country breakdown of every match that took place between August 2 and August 6.

Tanzania (Group B)

2 August – Tanzania 2–0 Burkina Faso

Tanzania defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam to begin the CHAN Pamoja 2024 tournament, their first-ever opening-day victory in a CHAN final.

Tanzania defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam to begin the CHAN Pamoja 2024 tournament, their first-ever opening-day victory in a CHAN final.

Abdul Sopu's well-executed penalty in first-half stoppage time established the tone, and Mohamed Hussein's header in the 71st minute did the same. The Taifa Stars were unstoppable and made a statement in Group B, supported by an enthusiastic home crowd.

6 August – Mauritania 0–1 Tanzania

Tanzania defeated Mauritania 1-0 at Mkapa Stadium in their second game of the window. Tanzania sneaked a narrow victory, gaining six points from two games and a solid lead in Group B. 

What’s Next?

Tanzania faces off against Madagascar on Saturday, August 9, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, even though they already appear to have survived the group stage with six points in the bag.

Burkina Faso (Group B)

2 August – Lost 0–2 vs Tanzania

Despite substitutions and tactical changes at halftime, Burkina Faso lost their group opener and failed to win their fourth CHAN debut game.

6 August – Burkina Faso 4–2 CAR (Central African Republic)

At Mkapa Stadium, the Stallions came back strong and defeated CAR in spectacular fashion. Burkina Faso, after suffering a devastating opening loss against Tanzania, scored two penalties and late goals from Patrick Malo and Abdoul Baguian in a hard-fought second half after falling behind 1-0 at halftime. 

What next?

With three points in the bag, Burkina Faso’s hopes of qualification are still alive as they face Mauritania on Wednesday, August 13, at Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

READ ALSO: CAF Appoints Elite Technical Study Group for CHAN PAMOJA 2024

Kenya (Group A)

3 August – Kenya 1–0 DR Congo

Kenya defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo by a slim margin of 1-0 at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. Austin Odhiambo's late goal in first-half stoppage time gave the home team all three points and a solid start in Group A.

What’s Next?

Kenya hopes to continue in victory as Angola tomorrow, August 7, in their second game of the competition at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi.

Morocco (Group A)

3 August – Morocco 2–0 Angola

Morocco defeated Angola 2-0 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, demonstrating their class. They were the early favourites in Group A with goals from Imad Riahi in the first half and Angola's Quinito own goal in the 81st minute.

Next Match

Morocco faces the host country, Kenya, on Sunday, August 10, at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi, in what promises to be a highly entertaining match.

Madagascar vs Mauritania (Group B)

3 August – Madagascar 0–0 Mauritania

Both Madagascar and Mauritania are still looking for momentum in Group B after a goalless stalemate in Dar es Salaam. Tough competition at the top half of the table is reflected in the deadlock.

Guinea & Niger (Group C)

4 August – Niger 0–1 Guinea

Guinea defeated Niger 1-0 at Mandela Stadium in Kampala to start their Group C campaign with a victory, establishing an early-tournament trajectory.

Algeria & Uganda (Group C)

4 August – Uganda 0–3 Algeria

Algeria made a statement by defeating co-host Uganda 3-0 at Mandela Stadium as well. Big hopes for them as they will be hoping to defeat South Africa on August 8, at Mandela National Stadium, Kampala. 

Congo & Sudan (Group D)

5 August – Congo 1–1 Sudan

Congo and Sudan drew 1-1 in their Group D opening match at Zanzibar's Amaan Stadium. It was their first-ever CHAN meeting and represented the cautious beginnings of both teams as they looked for early points against Zambia and Nigeria, respectively.

Senegal & Nigeria (Group D)

5 August – Senegal 1–0 Nigeria

Senegal defeated reigning champions Nigeria 1-0 in a high-profile encounter at Amaan Stadium, securing an early lead in Group D and causing a significant upset in the first round of play. Senegal faces DR Congo and will be aiming to settle at the top of the Group D table.