Morocco: Tanzania pushing to get better despite winning start in CHAN
By Luke Oluoch, August 3, 2025Tanzania’s head coach, Hemed ‘Morocco‘ Suleiman, delivered a modest assessment of his team, stating that they are still far from their best levels despite earning a winning bow in their 2024 African Nations Championship on Saturday, August 2, 2025, against Burkina Faso.
The Taifa Stars scored on either end of the half through Abdul Sopu and Mohammed Hussein to get their off to a winning start as a dominant side made the home advantage count in a thrilling opener at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Speaking after the game, the coach hailed the perfect start from the host even as he admitted that much remains to be achieved in the bid to fine-tune the team’s performance to reach top levels.
“It was not easy; we knew we did not rank well on the scoring front. We knew we had a good defence, but we lacked a bit on the attacking front,” he said.
“We had to work for it and ensure we create chances and utilise them. We still have the room we want to improve on. We are a work in progress on the course to better our team. We started well; that was our aim, and we look to get better after every game,” he added.
In the clash, Abdul Spou bagged the opener in the 43rd minute to hand the Taifa Stars a crucial lead after Clement Mzize was brought down in the box.
Azam FC striker Abdul stepped up to expertly pick his spot past the goalie for the opener.
Taifa’s Stars second
VAR was brought into play after Taifa’s goal was initially disallowed by the referee, Lotfi Bekouassa.
This was after Burkinabe goalkeeper Ladji Sanou came out to pick a loose ball, but due to poor judgement, it landed on Iddi Alli’s feet, who spotted Mohammed Hussein in the penalty area, and the former Simba SC defender headed it into an empty net.
The goal was first disallowed, but after referee Lotfi Bekouassa consulted the VAR, he overturned the decision and pointed to the centre circle, giving Tanzania a much-needed cushion.
The West African side tried to mount a comeback, but Taifa Stars mounted a well-organised defensive effort to deny Burkina Faso even a consolation goal.
Tanzanian midfielder Feisal Ali Salum, also known as Fei Toto, was voted the game’s Man of the Match.