Morocco lift their third CHAN trophy after beating Madagascar 3-2
The Atlas Lions, who previously lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2020, once again showed their pedigree, but only after surviving a stern examination from the fearless Malagasy side, who were appearing in their first-ever CHAN final.
Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title after edging out Madagascar 3-2 in a final played before 45,028 spectators on Saturday evening at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Atlas Lions, who previously lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2020, once again showed their pedigree, but only after surviving a stern examination from the fearless Malagasy side, who were appearing in their first-ever CHAN final.
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The game exploded into life as early as the 2nd minute when Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui squandered a golden one-on-one chance. That miss proved costly moments later. Against the run of play, Madagascar struck first in the 9th minute through Clavin Felicite, who capitalised on a swift counter to fire past Morocco’s advancing goalkeeper.
Stung by the setback, Morocco pushed forward with fluid passing and incisive wing play. Their task was complicated in the 16th minute when Youssef Belammari was sent off for foul play, reducing them to 10 men. Yet, the North Africans showed their resilience. Youssef Mehri, instrumental throughout the tournament, pulled Morocco level in the 27th minute with a well-taken strike.
Morocco’s momentum grew, and on the brink of half-time, their persistence was rewarded again. Mohamed Boulacsout’s dazzling run and cross set up Mehri for his second of the evening, the goal surviving a VAR check to put Morocco 2-1 up at the interval.
The second half brought more drama. Madagascar’s coach Romuald Rakotondrabe introduced Toky Rakotondraibe, whose impact was immediate. In the 68th minute, the substitute punished a defensive lapse to make it 2-2, sparking wild celebrations from the Malagasy bench.
But Morocco’s pedigree told once more. With ten minutes left, Oussama Lamlioui, already Morocco’s standout striker of the tournament, produced a moment of magic. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, he unleashed a thunderous strike from nearly 46 yards to restore Morocco’s lead at 3-2. It was a goal worthy of winning any final.
Madagascar pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa Michel could not inspire another rescue as Morocco held firm to the final whistle.
At just 26, Lamlioui cemented his reputation as CHAN 2024’s most feared striker, finishing with five goals and a Man of the Match display in the knockout stages. Alongside Mehri’s brilliance in midfield, Morocco’s quality and experience once again proved decisive on the continental stage.
For Madagascar, their fairytale run lit up East Africa’s first CHAN hosting, their spirited fight earning admiration far beyond their borders.
For Morocco, however, this was another chapter in their growing dominance of the African Nations Championship, lifting their third title in style before FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF chief Patrice Motsepe in attendance.
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