Morocco were crowned the winners of the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), after beating Madagascar by three goals to two in a thrilling final held at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.
The Atlas Lions became champions of the tournament for the third time, becoming the most successful team in the competition.
Despite being crowned champions, Morocco was forced to sweat, as they had to come from behind to beat the Barea of Madagascar in a gruelling fixture.
Tarik Sektioui’s men fell behind in the ninth minute to a 20-yard screamer from Clavin Felicite ‘Fely’ Manohantsoa against the run of play. The game’s opener came after a free-flowing attacking move from the island nation, culminating in Fely thumping the ball into the top-left corner of the net in a wonderful first-time finish.
However, Morocco, one of the favourites heading into the tournament, pulled a goal back through Youssef Mehri in the 27th minute. They were later able to take the lead through their star striker, Oussama Lamliouli in the 44th minute.
The pulsating clash took another twist as the resilient Madagascar managed to equalise in one of their few forays forward through Toky Niaina Rakotondraibe in the 68th minute. The silky winger’s deft finish left the Moroccans dumbfounded as Madagascar hoped to take the game to extra time.
With the game destined to go to extra-time, a magical piece of quality from Lamliouli, restored Morocco's lead. The striker, who finishes as the tournament's top scorer, was able to shrug off a Madagascar defender before hitting a sumptous half volley from just beyond the halfway line, leaving Madagascar's keeper Michel Ramandimbisoa well beaten.
The well-taken finish left members of both the Morocco and Madagascar technical benches stunned, with coach Sektioui seen head in hands astonished by the quality of the strike.
The goal would be a worthy winner as Morocco held on despite late pressure from Madagascar to clinch the title, signalling the end to a gruelling 30-day tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. They were later awarded the shining new CHAN trophy by President William Ruto and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
To reach the final, Morocco had dispatched Senegal 5-3 in post-match penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in their semi-final fixture. This had been preceded by a one nil quarter-final win against Tanzania, one of the tournament's co-hosts. Morocco secured their quarter-final spot after finishing second to Kenya in Group A. Notably, Morocco's only loss in the tournament was against Kenya, becoming their first loss in close to 20 CHAN games at the time.
The final attracted thousands of spectators seeking to catch the glimpse of the high-profile match. A closing ceremony featuring performances from musicians Savara (Kenya), Zuchu (Tanzania) and Eddy Kenzo (Uganda) set the tone for the match.
Aside from Ruto and Infantino, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe was also in attendance. Motsepe hailed the 2024 CHAN edition as the most successful in the tournament's history.
