DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 4 -- FROM the bustling heart of the city to the far-flung corners of the country, anticipation rippled across Tanzania on Saturday as the curtains rose on CHAN 2024 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The opening night was crowned not just by organisation and spectacle, but also by a commanding 2–0 victory from the Taifa Stars that sent the home crowd into raptures. It was more than a match; it was a moment.

A convergence of national pride, cultural celebration, and sporting ambition, meticulously orchestrated to show the continent what Tanzania can do on and off the pitch.

Long before the gates were due to open, Dar es Salaam had already begun to pulse with excitement. Streets teemed with fans draped in national colou...