Tanzania wrote a new chapter in their CHAN history on Saturday, defeating Madagascar 2-1 to storm into the quarter-finals for the very first time.
Clement Mzize was the hero of the night at a vibrant stadium, finding the net twice inside the opening 20 minutes.
His first came on 13 minutes after a sharp move carved through the Barea backline, and his second followed just seven minutes later to send the home fans into a frenzy.
Madagascar, stunned but unbowed, hit back on 34 minutes when Nantenaina Razafimahatana pounced to halve the deficit.
The second half saw the islanders pile on the pressure with a wave of set-piece deliveries, yet Hemed Suleiman’s charges displayed the control and maturity of true group leaders to protect their narrow advantage.
Earlier in the day, Mauritania edged Central African Republic 1-0, a result that, combined with Tanzania’s win, cemented the Taifa Stars at the summit on nine points from three matches.
Mauritania’s victory puts them on four points from three games, ahead of Burkina Faso who have three points and a game in hand, in the race for the second qualifying spot.
Madagascar remain on a single point and must overcome Burkina Faso on the final day, while hoping other results fall in their favour.
Tanzania’s march into the knockouts extends their longest unbeaten streak in the tournament and showcases a fresh attacking spark, with multiple scorers across the campaign and Mzize now claiming the spotlight with his decisive brace.
