Introduction: East African Hopes Crushed at CHAN 2024
On August 22, 2025, Kenya and Tanzania were knocked out of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 in the quarter-finals, intensifying their historic football rivalry. Co-hosting with Uganda, both nations faced heartbreak, with Kenya falling to Madagascar and Tanzania losing to Morocco.
The Rivalry: Kenya vs Tanzania Heats Up
The Kenya-Tanzania football rivalry has always been intense, with CHAN 2024 amplifying the stakes. Hosted in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala, the tournament saw fans trade jibes online.
Kenyans mocked Tanzania’s stadium turnout, while Tanzanians called Kenya’s Harambee Stars “robotic” under coach Benni McCarthy. Though a dream final was anticipated, both teams’ quarter-final exits shifted the focus to reflection.
Quarter-Final Shocks: Kenya and Tanzania Fall
Kenya faced Madagascar in Nairobi. Alphonce Omija’s header gave Harambee Stars a 1-0 lead, but Fenohasina Razafimaro’s penalty forced a 1-1 draw. In the penalty shoot-out, Omija’s miss handed Madagascar a 4-3 win.
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars lost 1-0 to Morocco, with Oussama Lamlioui’s goal ending their unbeaten run. Both losses ended East African hopes, leaving Uganda to face Senegal.
Expulsion Rumours:
Stirring the pot, unverified rumours of Kenya and Tanzania facing expulsion swirled before the matches, fuelled by claims of Kenyan fans buying tickets to Tanzania’s game to back Morocco. Tanzania dismissed these as false, but earlier diplomatic tensions, including Tanzania’s 2025 deportation of Kenyans, added fuel. No CAF sanctions materialized, but the rumours heightened the rivalry’s drama.
Looking Ahead: A Rivalry undimmed
Despite the losses, Kenya and Tanzania shone in CHAN 2024. Kenya topped Group A, beating Morocco and DR Congo, while Tanzania went unbeaten in Group B. The “Pamoja Bid” showcased East African unity, but the quarter-final exits stung. With Uganda carrying the region’s hopes, the Kenya-Tanzania rivalry remains fierce, setting the stage for future showdowns.
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Tanzania and Kenya’s CHAN 2024 Exit