Morocco made history at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after edging Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium to become the first nation to lift the trophy three times.
Backed by a vibrant crowd, Morocco nearly opened the scoring within seconds of kickoff when Oussama Lamlioui intercepted a loose pass from Madagascar’s defense but sent his effort wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. That miss proved costly as Madagascar stunned the Atlas Lions with an early opener in the ninth minute. Felicite Manohantsoa finished off a sweeping move by curling the ball into the top corner, silencing Moroccan fans and putting the underdogs ahead.
Morocco regrouped and kept pushing, with Mohamed Boulacsout missing a golden chance before they finally found the equalizer in the 27th minute. A corner delivery from Khalid Baba was met perfectly by Youssef Mehri, who powered in a header to restore parity. The North Africans gained confidence from the goal and continued to pile pressure, with Lamlioui pouncing on a near-post cross to slot home Morocco’s second just before halftime. VAR reviewed a possible foul in the build-up but the goal was allowed to stand, sending Morocco into the break 2-1 up.
Madagascar, however, refused to give in. In the 68th minute, Toky Rakotondraibe outpaced Morocco’s central defenders before calmly slotting past goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar to make it 2-2. The goal forced Morocco to press harder, with Lamlioui coming close again, only to be denied by a last-ditch clearance.
The decisive moment arrived nine minutes from time, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, Lamlioui unleashed a strike from the halfway line that sailed into the net, sparking wild celebrations in the stadium. The wonder goal sealed Morocco’s victory and their place in CHAN history.
The Atlas Lions, who previously lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2020, now boast a record three titles. Their triumph comes with a $3.5 million prize, while Madagascar, who bettered their third-place finish in 2022 by reaching the final, will receive $1.2 million.
For Morocco, it was a night of resilience, brilliance, and history-making, as they reaffirmed their dominance in African football’s homegrown talent showcase.
