Morocco booked their place in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final after edging defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties in Uganda, setting up a thrilling showdown with Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium on August 30.
The match was a tense affair, filled with end-to-end drama, near misses, and crucial saves before penalties eventually decided the contest.
First Half
Senegal started the brighter of the two sides and took the lead in the 16th minute when left-back Joseph Layousse Samb rose highest to head home a pinpoint delivery from Libasse Guèye. Morocco responded quickly, restoring parity in the 23rd minute through Sabir Bougrine, who finished off a sharp passing move.
The game opened up from there, with Morocco nearly taking the lead before halftime when Anas Bach forced Senegal goalkeeper Marc Philips Arona Diouf into a strong save after a well-worked move involving Youssef Mehri and Youssef Belammari.
Second Half
The second half brought more drama when Marouane Louadni appeared to have been shown a straight red card for fouling Senegal substitute Vieux Cissé, who was through on goal. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the punishment was reduced to a yellow card, though Senegal were awarded a dangerous free-kick. Samb stepped up again, but Morocco keeper El Mehdi Al Harrar made a fine save to keep the scores level.
Morocco responded with chances of their own, including a thumping header from Mehri in the 66th minute that was brilliantly saved by Diouf, who collided with the post in the process. Minutes later, Ayoub Khairi went close from a quick counterattack, but his effort drifted wide.
Senegal also threatened in the closing stages, with Oumar Ba delivering a dangerous cross that found Cissé, only for him to head wide from close range. With neither side able to find the winning goal, the match moved into extra time.
Extra Time & Penalties
Extra time produced few clear-cut opportunities as fatigue set in. With the deadlock unbroken, penalties were needed to decide the winner. Morocco held their nerve, converting all five spot-kicks, while Senegal faltered once, giving the Atlas Lions a 5-3 shootout victory.
The result sends Morocco into the CHAN 2024 final, where they will face tournament surprise package Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium.
