Mzize Double Fires Tanzania into Historic CHAN Quarter-Finals
The 21-year-old forward scored on 13 and 20 minutes—either side of a Mudathir Yahya shot that thundered off the post—before Nantenaina Razafimahatana reduced the deficit on 34 minutes.
Clement Mzize struck twice inside the opening 20 minutes as co-hosts Tanzania sealed a perfect Group B campaign at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, defeating Madagascar 2-1 on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
The 21-year-old forward scored on 13 and 20 minutes—either side of a Mudathir Yahya shot that thundered off the post—before Nantenaina Razafimahatana reduced the deficit on 34 minutes.
Mauritania’s earlier 1-0 victory over Central African Republic, combined with Tanzania’s win, ensured the Taifa Stars finished top of the group with nine points from nine. They now advance to the knockout rounds with three straight wins, five goals scored, and only one conceded—a remarkable transformation for a team that had never previously won consecutive CHAN matches.
Spurred on by a vibrant Dar es Salaam crowd, Tanzania wasted no time asserting dominance. Feisal Salum’s long-range effort tested Michel Ramandimbisoa early, before Mzize crashed a header against the inside of the post. Mudathir Yahya soon rattled the same upright, signalling the hosts’ intent.
The breakthrough came moments later when Mzize pounced on a loose ball in the box, sweeping a composed left-foot finish into the net. Seven minutes later, he doubled the lead, ghosting to the far post to nod in from Feisal’s set-piece delivery—his second and third goals of the tournament.
Madagascar rallied, finding joy on the flanks, and pulled one back through Razafimahatana, who steered a low finish past Yakoub Suleiman after a teasing cross from Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa. The strike ended Tanzania’s run of two clean sheets but did little to shift the momentum before the break.
Tanzania coach Hemed Suleiman introduced fresh legs after the interval, with Pascal Msindo and Nassor Saadun bolstering energy levels. Madagascar, however, pressed hard, forcing a string of set-pieces and long-range attempts.
Fenohasina Razafimaro headed over from close range, while substitute Félicité Manohantsoa injected pace down the right. Still, Suleiman’s men stood firm, with disciplined defending and timely interventions from goalkeeper Suleiman.
Shomari Kapombe twice came close to restoring the two-goal cushion, and the hosts expertly navigated the final minutes, quelling late pressure from the Barea.
The victory cements Tanzania as Group B winners, marking a significant milestone in their CHAN history. They now await their quarter-final opponents with momentum firmly on their side.
Mauritania, on four points, currently occupy second place but must wait for Burkina Faso (three points from two matches) to play their remaining fixtures. Madagascar, with a single point, must beat Burkina Faso to keep qualification hopes alive. Central African Republic, still without a point, are eliminated.
Player of the Match – Clement Mzize
Mzize was the difference-maker. His intelligent movement, aerial presence, and clinical finishing unsettled Madagascar’s defence. Even after being withdrawn late due to a knock, he received a standing ovation—a fitting tribute to the man who powered Tanzania into uncharted territory.
Pre-match statistics painted a daunting picture—Tanzania had never won their third CHAN group game. By full time, they had rewritten the script, not only topping their group but also setting a new benchmark for the nation’s footballing ambitions.
With a solid defensive record, diverse goal-scoring threats, and the backing of passionate home support, the Taifa Stars enter the quarter-finals as a dangerous, in-form contender.
