Some powerful slogans like "Watoto wa Samia", a nod to President Samia Suluhu Hassan's popular youth programs, was emblazoned on some fans who opted to paint on their bodies. Other messages like "Samia Kazi na Utu" and "Kapu la Taifa" (The National Basket) could be seen waving high, symbolizing national unity and abundance under her leadership.
From the outside, fans created such a spectacle that it drew in foreign media and CHAN officials alike.
A troupe of local dancers and drummers entertained the waiting crowd, many of whom had arrived as early as 6 a.m. Entire families sang together, and even toddlers had tiny flags pinned to their backs or painted cheeks.
Inside the stadium, the energy reached fever pitch as kickoff approached. Waves of sound crashed through the terraces as vuvuzelas and whistles filled every pause in the pre-match program. Chants of "Taifa Stars! Taifa Stars!" echoed in unison, as the national team emerged from the tunnel.
Hoewver, their efforts yielded two goals from Adbul Suleiman and Mohamed Husseini to give them a head start in the tournament.