The 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) co-hosts Tanzania, are the first country to qualify for the competition’s quarterfinals after defeating Madagascar 2-1 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday night.
Yanga forward Clement Mzize scored a first-half brace to put Taifa Stars in the driving seat. Madagascar clawed one back before halftime through Mika Razafimahatana but Tanzania protected their lead in the second half to maintain their 100 per cent in the tournament following wins in their first two matches against Burkina Faso and Mauritania, respectively.
Mzize opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a tap-in after Mudathir Yahya’s shot hit the post and rebounded to him.
The 21-year-old doubled Tanzania’s lead in the 20th minute after pouncing on Fei Toto’s free kick to beat Madagascar goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa at his near post with a right-foot shot. He became the first player at Chan 2024 to score a brace.
Madagascar, who had lost only once in their last nine previous meetings against Tanzania, sparked hope for a revival after Razafimahatana tapped in a cutback from Lalaina Cliver Rafanomezantsoa in the 34th minute.
Fans inside Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam during Tanzania's Group 'B' match of the 2024 African Nations Championship against Mauritania.
Photo credit: Pool
The goal was the first that Tanzania had conceded in the tournament as Madagascar showed intent of defending their record of never losing a match in the group stages at Chan. The Indian Ocean islanders, who made their competition at Chan 2022, were on a run of three matches without loss in the group stages at Chan.
Mzize almost completed the first half with a hat-trick, but the quick-thinking Ramandimbisoa raced off his line to clear the ball and prevent Tanzania from extending their lead.
In the second half, Mzize continued to be a thorn in the flesh of the Malagasy defence but fell short in his attempts to complete his hat-trick.
Substitute Pascal Msindo almost extended Tanzania’s lead in the 59th minute, but his shot from outside the box following a neatly-worked move went straight to Ramandimbisoa’s hands.
Equally, Madagascar had opportunities to level the score, but none of their efforts hit the target.
The result saw Tanzania securing top spot in Group ‘B’ with nine points. They will play the Central African Republic in their last group match on Saturday, August 16.
Madagascar, who finished third at Chan 2022, remain fourth in Group ‘B’ with one point. They started their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Mauritania. However, they still stand a chance to qualify for the knockout stages if they win their remaining matches and finish the group stages with a superior goal difference to Mauritania, should the two countries end up tying on points.
