Morocco secured its third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown in six years on Saturday, edging Madagascar 3-2 in a gripping final played in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Atlas Lions, as Morocco’s national team is known, added the 2024 trophy to their earlier triumphs in 2018 and 2020, becoming the most decorated nation in the tournament’s history. The CHAN is distinct from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in that it features only players competing in their domestic leagues.
Forward Oussama Lamlioui was again the difference-maker. The RS Berkane striker scored twice, including a remarkable strike from nearly 40 yards that sealed the win late in the second half.
“I thank the Moroccan supporters immensely,” Lamlioui said afterward. “We told them to trust us, and we’ve proved now that we were worthy of that trust.”
Underdogs rise, but fall just short
Madagascar, appearing in the final of a major continental football competition for the first time, made a dream start. Calvin Felicite Manohantsoa converted a pass from Mika Razafimahatana in the ninth minute to put the island nation ahead.
Morocco equalized through Youssef Mehri in the 27th minute, and Lamlioui’s first goal soon after gave the North Africans a 2-1 advantage heading into halftime.
Madagascar refused to fade. Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe — who had scored the semifinal winner against Sudan — struck again midway through the second half to level the match at 2-2.
But Lamlioui’s audacious long-range effort restored Morocco’s lead, and despite late pressure from Madagascar, the Atlas Lions held on.
Awards and legacy
The win cements Morocco’s dominance in the CHAN, a competition they have never lost when reaching the final. Midfielder Mohammed Hrimat was named Player of the Tournament, while Lamlioui claimed the Golden Boot with six goals. Senegal’s Marc Diouf received the Golden Glove award, and his team earned the Fair Play Award after finishing third by beating Sudan on penalties.
For Madagascar, the silver medal still represents a milestone in the country’s football history.
Looking ahead
The tournament doubled as a preview of Morocco’s growing stature in African football. The country is preparing to host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year — its first time since 1988 — with the competition scheduled to begin on December 21.
