CHAN 2024 roars to life in Tanzania's 'grand' opening

Sports
By Esther Nyambura | Aug 02, 2025
Hundreds of people flood Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania during the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Hundreds of football fans have thronged the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, filling the air with excitement, songs, and the flutter of national flags as the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) officially kicks off in Tanzania.

The mood is electric as supporters from across the region gather to witness the start of one of the continent's most anticipated football tournaments.

Hundreds of people flood Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania during the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The opening match pits the Taifa Stars of Tanzania against Burkina Faso in what promises to be a thrilling curtain-raiser. Fans in Tanzanian colors, draped in scarves and jerseys, are rallying behind their team with hopes of a victorious start on home soil.

The tournament, which will run until August 30, is expected to showcase top-tier talent from across Africa and boost the local sports scene with a display of unity, culture, and the beautiful game.

Hundreds of people flood Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania during the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
Hundreds of people flood Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania during the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
Hundreds of people flood Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania during the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
CHAN 2024 roars to life in Tanzania's 'grand' opening. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
CHAN 2024 roars to life in Tanzania's 'grand' opening. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
CHAN 2024 roars to life in Tanzania's 'grand' opening. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
Share this story
Team Kenya eyes Commonwealth glory
With just days remaining before the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Team Kenya is entering the final phase of preparations with a strong squad
World champions Spain supplant Argentina to top FIFA rankings
Newly-crowned world champions Spain replaced beaten finalists Argentina atop FIFA rankings released Monday.
Arrogance or pride? Argentina grapples with World Cup villain label
Critics blasted Argentina for dirty tactics and poor sportsmanship during their 1-0 loss to Spain, cementing the country's status as World Cup villain that grew throughout the tournament.
With more matches, World Cup shatters attendance and TV records
The 2026 World Cup created a stadium attendance high while FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said that TV viewership broke the previous record "many, many times over".
Giant of the game: Liverpool and England legend Keegan dies aged 75
Former Liverpool and England star Kevin Keegan has died aged 75 after battling cancer, his family announced on Monday.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS