Journey to the final: Morocco vs Madagascar in historic CHAN showdown

2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy. (Photo: CAF)

By Erick Kariuki
Wednesday, August 27, 2025

The two teams both emerged second in their respective group stages and failed to beat their hosts in their group stage matches. Morocco lost 1-0 to Kenya, their only loss in the group stage, while Madagascar lost 2-1, their only loss and both were second matches.

On August 30, the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, will set the stage for a historic 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final.

The clash brings together two sides with sharply contrasting stories: Morocco, the seasoned giants chasing a record third crown, and Madagascar, the spirited underdogs on the brink of their first-ever major CAF senior title.

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The Atlas Lions (Morocco) arrive at the final as one of the most decorated sides in CHAN history, having lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2020. Their path to Nairobi has underlined both their pedigree and resilience.

Placed in Group A alongside hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, Morocco finished second after winning three matches and narrowly losing to Kenya. That setback only sharpened their focus.

In the quarterfinals in Tanzania, they edged out the hosts Taifa Stars 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter, showing their ability to grind out results under pressure.

Their semifinal in Uganda against defending champions Senegal was a true test of nerves. After a tense 1-1 draw, Morocco’s composure from the spot secured a 5-3 penalty shootout triumph, punching their ticket to yet another final.

Coach Tarik Sektioui has praised his team’s blend of experience and hunger, with their nine goals in the tournament proving the potency of their attack. For Morocco, victory in Nairobi would not only extend their dominance but also crown them as a true dynasty in CHAN history.

If Morocco’s journey has been about defending a legacy, Madagascar’s has been about defying odds. The Barea’s run to the final has captured the imagination of fans across Africa.

Drawn in Group B with Tanzania, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, Madagascar showed grit and resilience. After a draw in their opening match, they bounced back with two wins before suffering a defeat in their second fixture, finishing second in the group.

Their quarterfinal was a dramatic affair against Group A winners Kenya. In front of a charged Nairobi crowd, Madagascar held their nerve in a 4-3 penalty shootout victory, eliminating the hosts and proving their mettle.

Back in Tanzania for the semifinals, they faced Sudan in a gruelling contest. Reduced to ten men, Madagascar refused to surrender, and substitute Toky Rakotondraibe struck in the 116th minute of extra time to seal a famous 1-0 win. It was a goal that epitomised their never-say-die spirit and sent the island nation into its first CHAN final.

Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe has credited belief and unity as their greatest weapons: “Our strength lies in believing until the last moment.” With a bronze medal from 2022 already in their cabinet, Madagascar is now daring to dream bigger.

The final is more than just a football match; it is a contest of two philosophies. Morocco brings experience, tactical discipline, and firepower, while Madagascar relies on collective spirit, resilience, and heart.

Whichever way the result swings, August 30 will mark a defining chapter in CHAN history. A Moroccan victory would affirm their supremacy and cement them as the undisputed kings of the tournament. A Madagascar triumph, on the other hand, would inspire smaller footballing nations across the continent and prove that dreams, no matter how improbable, can come true.

The two teams both emerged second in their respective group stages and failed to beat their hosts in their group stage matches. Morocco lost 1-0 to Kenya, their only loss in the group stage, while Madagascar lost 2-1, their only loss and both were second matches.