CHAN 2024: Tanzania Head Coach Sends Warning to Harambee Stars, Other Rivals Ahead of Quarter-Finals
- Tanzania head coach Hemed 'Morocco' Suleiman has fired a warning at Harambee Stars and CHAN 2024 rivals
- Taifa Stars have advanced to the quarter-finals and are waiting to learn their opponents from Group A
- Harambee Stars, Morocco, DR Congo, and Angola are possible quarter-final opponents for Suleiman's team
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Tanzania coach Hemed 'Morocco' Suleiman has fired a warning to Harambee Stars and other CHAN 2024 opponents after they booked their spot in the quarter-final.
Source: Twitter
Taifa Stars have registered three wins from three matches so far and have emerged as one of the favourites.
Other co-hosts, Kenya and Tanzania, are also edging towards the quarter-finals, and if things go as expected, they could meet at some point in the tournament.
How has Tanzania performed at CHAN 2024?
Tanzania have played three matches in Group B so far. They have registered three wins, scored five goals and conceded one.
Taifa Stars are top of Group B and will be aiming to finish strongly when they face the Central African Republic on Saturday, August 16.
In the opening match, they took down Burkina Faso with goals in each half from Abdul Suleiman and Mohamed Husseini.
Mauritania gave them a headache in the second game, but they won it at the death with a brilliant goal from Shomary Kapombe.
Clement Mzize's first-half brace gave them a comfortable win over Madagascar in their third match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Source: Twitter
Who will Tanzania face in CHAN quarter-final?
Taifa Stars will face the runner-up from Group A. With nine points, no other team in their group can catch them.
Therefore, their opponents could be Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo, or Angola on August 22.
Tanzania are also making their third appearance at the tournament. They exited at the group stage in 2009 and 2020.
Has Tanzania coach sent a warning to Harambee Stars?
Hemed 'Morocco' Suleiman is eyeing the trophy on Kenyan soil, and that's something Kenyans won't exactly be cheering for.
After their huge win over Madagascar, Suleiman seemed to send a warning to Harambee Stars and the other CHAN 2024 contenders.
"We are not relaxing as there is a tough task ahead. We can play any team and secure the best results. To win the title, you need to win. Tough matches, too. Our target is not just to reach the knockout stage, but to go all the way. We have been preparing for every possible scenario," he said.
"Whether we face Kenya, Morocco or DR Congo, we know the strengths. And weaknesses. We will approach the match with the same winning mindset. We respect all our opponents, but respect does not mean fear. Football is about competing, and we have shown that we can compete with anyone."
Fans eager for Kenya vs Tanzania
Fans are longing for a meet-up between the two teams, who are sworn rivals, given the geographical proximity.
Eric Njiru said,
"CHAN- Kenya is now moving like the Ivory Coast at AFCON. Everything is pointing to a tournament win at home. Organic African home crowd can take down anyone. I just wish we meet Tanzania 🇹🇿 somewhere on the way to the final. We have a score to settle "
Endovo Elonyo said,
"Tanzania were given the easiest group, whereas Kenya was given the group of death, and still we are top, they should think twice before comparing them to us."
Abwao Jerry said,
"Of all competitors in any field on this planet, this is one country Kenyans are safe to ignore completely. We have nothing in common apart from sharing a lengthy border."
Kevin Oloko said,
"Tanzania forgetting they will face Morocco in the round of 16 ...that's where their journey comes to an end"
Has Kenya qualified for CHAN quarter-finals?
In a related story, we explained why Harambee Stars are yet to qualify for CHAN 2024 quarter-finals.
Kenya has seven points from three matches so far, after wins over DR Congo and Morocco and a draw against Angola.
Only the top two from each group will advance to the last eight will need a point against Zambia to go through.
Martin Moses, head of sports desk, contributed to this article by adding fans' reactions.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
