Co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania gear up for defining CHAN quarterfinal clashes

The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 enters its high-stakes quarterfinal stage this Friday, with co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania facing formidable challenges as they bid to keep their title aspirations alive on home soil. Both nations will rely on their passionate home support to overcome seasoned opponents in what promises to be two thrilling encounters.

Kenya vs Madagascar

In a fascinating clash, tournament debutants and co-hosts Kenya are set to meet tournament regulars Madagascar for the first time ever at the CHAN finals. The Harambee Stars have shown resilience and tactical acumen to reach this stage, and will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage against an unpredictable Malagasy side.

Kenya’s journey so far has seen them successfully navigate group stage encounters, including a 1-1 draw with Angola and a crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia, marking their third meeting with a COSAFA member nation at the tournament.

Their offensive efforts have yielded four goals from 13 shots on target, boasting a conversion rate of 15.38%. However, their physicality has come at a cost, with 49 fouls committed and two players sent off.

Madagascar, making their 10th appearance against a different opponent at CHAN, will be wary of facing a host nation again, having previously lost 2-1 to Tanzania in the group stages of this very tournament.

Their overall record against East African opposition stands at a win against Sudan (3-0 in 2022) and the recent loss to Tanzania. With five goals from 14 shots on target and a conversion rate of 14.71%, Madagascar presents a potent attacking threat, though they too have shown a robust side, committing 55 fouls and receiving one red card.

Tanzania vs Morocco

Later on Friday, football fans in Dar es Salaam will witness a titanic struggle as co-hosts Tanzania take on Morocco, one of the most successful nations in African Nations Championship history. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two sides at CHAN, and a significant one for Tanzania as it is their first encounter against North African opposition in the competition.

Tanzania, playing their 11th CHAN game and facing their 10th different opponent, will need to be at their absolute best. They have built their campaign on defensive solidity, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament – the joint fewest of any side remaining.

Their attacking output has seen them score five goals from 17 shots on target, converting at 10.42%, and their tenacity is evident in their 45 tackles won, compared to Morocco’s 29.

Morocco, meanwhile, arrive with a formidable reputation, having scored eight goals – the most of any side in the tournament – from 23 shots on target, boasting an impressive 18.6% conversion rate.

The North African giants have a strong historical record against East African opposition (P6 W3 D2 L1), with wins over Uganda and Rwanda. Crucially for Tanzania, Morocco’s only defeat to an East African side in CHAN history occurred this tournament – a 1-0 loss to co-hosts Kenya.

Morocco is also familiar with facing host nations, with past results including dominant wins against Rwanda (4-1, 2014) and Cameroon (4-0, 2020), overshadowed only by their recent defeat to Kenya. This will be Morocco’s first meeting with an East African side in the knockout rounds.

As Dar es Salaam prepares for these crucial encounters, the stage is set for a battle of wills, tactics, and home advantage. The dream of a historic CHAN title remains alive for both Kenya and Tanzania, but they face their sternest examinations yet against determined and talented opponents.