CHAN 2024: Suleiman makes history in Tanzania's opening win
The Group B clash, held in front of a lively crowd, was a hard-fought contest with both teams eager to seize early momentum in the regional showpiece co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Abdul Suleiman (right) celebrates with a teammate. Courtesy photo
By Maurice Okore
Journalists @New Vision
Abdul Suleiman etched his name into the history books on Saturday night as the first player to score in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), helping Tanzania secure a 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the tournament opener.
The Group B clash, held in front of a lively crowd, was a hard-fought contest with both teams eager to seize early momentum in the regional showpiece co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Suleiman’s historic moment came in first-half stoppage time. With the clock ticking into the third added minute (45+3’), Taifa Stars forward Clement Mzize was brought down inside the box by Burkina Faso defender Aime Tologo after a skilful dribbling run. Suleiman stepped up and confidently slotted the penalty past the keeper to give Tanzania the lead heading into the break.
Tanzania doubled their advantage through Mohamed Hussein in the second half, sealing a crucial win and setting the tone for their CHAN 2024 campaign.
With this victory, Tanzania take an early lead in Group B and have given their home fans reason to believe in a deep tournament run. For Abdul Suleiman, his name now stands as a lasting footnote in CHAN history—as the man who scored the very first goal of the 2024 edition.