NAIROBI, Kenya — Morocco has cemented its place in African football history after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Madagascar in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 final at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The win makes Morocco the first nation to clinch the CHAN crown three times.
The final, which was played before a packed stadium, brought the month-long Pamoja CHAN 2024 tournament to a dramatic close.
Madagascar, chasing its first continental title, stunned the Moroccans early in the first half when Clavin Felicite Mantanosoa scored with a neat half-volley following an assist from Nantenaina Razafimahatana.
However, Morocco’s resilience did not waver. Forward Youssef Mehri restored parity with a fine header from Khalid Baba’s curling cross.
Just before the break, Morocco struck again, as tournament top scorer Oussama Lamlioui netted in the final seconds of the half to give the North Africans a crucial 2-1 halftime lead.
Madagascar’s coach, Romuald Rakotondraibe, made three substitutions at the restart that immediately lifted his team’s tempo. The gamble paid off in the 68th minute when T.N Rakotondraibe leveled the score at 2-2, sending their fans into wild celebration.
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But Morocco’s class would prevail. With just over 10 minutes left to play, Lamlioui produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a thunderous long-range strike to seal the win and secure the Golden Boot with a total of seven goals.
The victory not only handed Morocco the title but also KSh 455 million in prize money.
The Atlas Lions now stand alone as the only nation to lift the CHAN trophy three times, having previously won in 2018 on home soil and again in 2020.
They had missed the 2023 edition of the tournament. On their way to the crown, Morocco eliminated then-defending champions Senegal on penalties in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Madagascar earned widespread respect after a remarkable run that included eliminating hosts Kenya and Sudan.
