Nairobi, Kenya In a thrilling showdown at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani on Saturday evening, Morocco clinched their third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) title by edging past debutants Madagascar with a 3-2 victory. This remarkable win added to their previous titles in 2018 and 2020, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in African football.
The final, characterized by a frenetic pace and tense moments, showcased the skill and determination of both teams. Star striker Oussama Lamlaoui once again proved to be the overwhelming force for the Atlas Lions, scoring two goals, including a stunning 40-yard strike that left spectators in awe. Lamlaoui finished the tournament as the top scorer, netting a total of six goals.
The match commenced energetically, with Morocco establishing dominance within the first 15 minutes. Lamlaoui opened the scoring with a well-placed poacher’s finish after Youssef Mehri expertly threaded a through ball past the Malagasy defense. However, Madagascar demonstrated remarkable resilience, quickly responding to Morocco’s early advantage. Toky Rakotondraibe brought the match level midway through the first half, taking advantage of a Moroccan defensive error and igniting excitement among Malagasy supporters.
Morocco’s experience came to the fore soon after, with Mehri once again the architect of their success. He set up Sabir Bougrine, who found the net with a powerful low shot, restoring Morocco’s lead just before half-time.
The second half delivered moments of high drama, highlighted by Lamlaoui’s sensational 40-yard goal. Sensing the goalkeeper out of position, he launched a precise strike from distance that flew into the net, a moment that encapsulated his brilliance throughout the tournament.
Despite this setback, Madagascar remained undeterred. With just 12 minutes left on the clock, Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, a vital contributor to Madagascar’s success, executed a clever finish to reduce the deficit, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale. In the closing moments, Madagascar pressed hard for an equalizer, forcing Morocco to withstand significant pressure, including a series of corners deep into stoppage time. Yet, Morocco’s defense stood strong, culminating in a historic victory.
The triumph not only earned Morocco a coveted gold medal but also a generous cash prize of $3.5 million. Meanwhile, Madagascar, who earned a silver medal and $1.2 million for their commendable performance, left the tournament with their heads held high, marking a significant milestone in their footballing journey. They became the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final and the 13th overall in CHAN history, a feat that showcased their growing prowess on the continental stage.
The final capped a month-long tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the first time CHAN has been staged across three nations. Packed stadiums, electric atmospheres, and competitive matches defined the tournament, engaging fans across Africa.
As fireworks illuminated the skies of Nairobi, Morocco celebrated their third CHAN title, a testament to their resilience, tactical organization, and the exceptional talent of players like Lamlaoui. For Madagascar, despite the heartbreak of falling short in the final, their inspiring journey resonated as a beacon of hope, signaling that African football continues to write unforgettable stories of triumph and potential.
As the dust settles on this distinguished tournament, the legacies of both Morocco and Madagascar linger, inspiring a new generation of footballers across the continent.
