Tanzania defeated Senegal, defending champions of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), 2-1 to claim the CECAFA pre-CHAN Tournament, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Taifa Stars came from a goal down to beat the reigning continental champions 2-1 in the final of the tournament decided on Sunday, signalling their readiness for the home tournament.
The victory at the Black Rhino Academy ground in Karatu marked the hosts’ second consecutive win and secured their place at the top of the three-nation preparatory tournament with a perfect six points.
Senegal took an early lead just eight minutes into the match through Mapathe Mbodj via a goalkeeping error from a cross. Despite going behind early, Tanzania raised their game as they forced the Senegal side back into defending. However, Senegal goalkeeper Mare Philips Arona Dioup was equal to the task, keeping the home side at bay with a string of fine saves.
The hosts drew level shortly after the restart, with substitute Abdul Hamsi converting from the penalty spot. Just four minutes later, Ibrahim Hamad sealed the turnaround for Tanzania, coolly finishing past the advancing Dioup to complete the comeback.
Tanzania clinched the top spot in the mini-tournament after winning both of their matches, including a narrow 1-0 victory over Uganda Cranes in the opener. Uganda secured second place with three points thanks to a 2-1 triumph over Senegal, who finished bottom without earning a point.
CECAFA Competitions Director Yusuf Mossi praised the mini-tournament, describing it as a timely and valuable preparation platform for teams from East and Central Africa.
“The mini-tournament has helped two CECAFA teams, Uganda and Tanzania, to gauge themselves better before the CHAN tournament,” Mossi stated.
CHAN 2024, a competition exclusively for players active in their domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2 to 30, 2025. The CECAFA zone will be represented by Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, and Kenya.
