Morocco have reaffirmed their dominance in African football after securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Madagascar in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final, played on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi.
The win sealed the Atlas Lions’ third CHAN crown, following earlier triumphs in 2018 and 2020.
The encounter was anything but routine for the champions. Madagascar, contesting their first-ever CHAN final, stunned the crowd in the 9th minute when midfielder Félicité Manouhantzua fired in a spectacular long-range strike that left Moroccan goalkeeper Mehdi Al Harrar helpless.
Morocco responded with the calmness of seasoned winners. In the 27th minute, Youssef Mehri rose to meet a pin-point cross from Khalid Baba, restoring parity.
Their momentum grew, and just before halftime, Oussama Lamlioui latched onto a clever pass from Mohamed Boulacsout, slotting home to give the North Africans a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
The underdogs from Madagascar showed incredible spirit after the interval. Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Toky Rakotondribe coolly converted an equaliser, sparking hopes of a fairytale finish.
But Morocco’s big-game experience proved decisive. With ten minutes remaining, Lamlioui struck again—a stunning long-range effort that sealed the victory.
The forward not only secured the title for his side but also finished the tournament as top scorer with six goals.
The Atlas Lions defended resolutely in the dying moments, withstanding heavy pressure from Madagascar, to hold on for a famous win.
Head coach Tarik Sektioui praised his side’s resilience under pressure.
“It was never easy, but the boys showed character. Coming from behind in a final like this says everything about their mentality,” he said.
For Madagascar, defeat brought heartbreak, but their maiden appearance in the final represented a milestone in the country’s football history and a sign of progress on the continental stage.
Morocco’s triumph cements their position as the most successful nation in CHAN history, writing yet another glorious chapter in their footballing story.
