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Tanzania will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) when they face Mauritania today at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Kick-off is at 6 pm Morocco time (GMT+1), and fans can catch the action live on BeIN Sports.
The Taifa Stars opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Burkina Faso and could all but secure a place in the quarter-finals with another victory. Head coach Hemed Sulaiman struck a confident yet cautious tone ahead of the Group B game.
“There’s great morale within the team. Our focus, both mentally and physically, is solid, and we want to maintain this momentum,” he said. “We didn’t create many chances in our first match, and that’s something we’re working on.”
Despite playing in front of a home crowd, Sulaiman was quick to temper expectations.
“We know Mauritania are a well-organised and disciplined side. Any team that makes it to this level deserves respect. We’ve studied their game, and it won’t be an easy match.”
Goalkeeper Aishi Manula shared the same sentiment, warning that pressure will mount after the opening win. “The first match is behind us. The next one is even tougher because everyone now has expectations.”
Mauritania, meanwhile, come into the match with a solitary point after a goalless draw against Madagascar. Their coach, Artzi Lopez Garai, believes his side are well-prepared for the challenge.
“Our players have reached a level where they can compete fairly with Tanzania without fear. We respect our opponents but we’re here to fight,” Garai said.
He added: “Tanzania are playing at home and that changes things. But we’re learning and adapting after each game.”
Midfielder Al Hassan Diop added: “The team spirit is excellent. Our goal is qualification, and we’re fully focused on getting the three points against Tanzania.”
Mauritania are still searching for their first-ever CHAN win, having only qualified twice before. With no injury concerns, Garai is expected to field a full-strength side.
Elsewhere in Group B, Central African Republic will make their tournament debut against Burkina Faso, who are already under pressure following their opening defeat.
Victory for Tanzania would make them the first team in the group to reach six points — a tally that could be enough to secure qualification with a game to spare. Mauritania, by contrast, face a must-win scenario to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
Score Prediction:
Tanzania have the edge at home and come in with momentum. Mauritania will compete but may fall just short.
MWN says Tanzania 2-0 Mauritania
